Essential oils(EOs)derived from medicinal plants are gaining recognition as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the management of plant pathogens.This study investigates the chemical composition,chroma...Essential oils(EOs)derived from medicinal plants are gaining recognition as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the management of plant pathogens.This study investigates the chemical composition,chromatographic profile,and antifungal of Mentha rotundifolia essential oil against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.albedinis(Foa),the pathogen responsible for Bayoud disease in date palm.The oil was extracted through hydrodistillation and characterized using thin-layer chromatography(TLC)and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC-MS),revealing multiple fractions corresponding to terpenoid constituents and 23 chemical constituents,predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes(68.51%),with piperitenone oxide as the major component(62.53%).The antifungal efficacy was evaluated against ten(10)isolates of F.o.a across seven(07)concentrations different concentrations.(0;0.25;0.5;0.75;1;1.25;1.5μL/mL).The results obtained show a progressive decrease in the diameters of the colonies of F.o.a isolates by increasing the doses of EOMR.The percentage of inhibition varies from 7.82 to 83.41%;However,the dose of 1.75μL/mL showed 100%inhibition for all F.o.a isolates tested.These outcomes demonstrate the potential of M.rotundifolia essential oil as a natural,environmentally friendly antifungal agent,supporting its application in sustainable management strategies for Bayoud disease in date palm.展开更多
Bifidobacterium longum subsp.infantis is a commensal bacterium that predominates in the infant gut,playing a critical role in both preventing foreign infections and facilitating immune development.This study aimed to ...Bifidobacterium longum subsp.infantis is a commensal bacterium that predominates in the infant gut,playing a critical role in both preventing foreign infections and facilitating immune development.This study aimed to explore the effects of B.longum subsp.infantis supplementation on interferon-beta(IFN-β)secretion and intestinal barrier improvement in growing mice.Female and male mice were orally administered either saline or B.longum subsp.infantis CCFM1269 or I5TI(1×10^(9) CFU/mice per day,n=8)from 1-week-age until 3-,4-,and 5-week-age.RNA sequencing analysis revealed that CCFM1269 exhibited potential antiviral capacity through increasing 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase(OAS).Additionally,CCFM1269 supplementation significantly increased colonic IFN-β levels which combined with OAS in 3-week-old female and male mice by activating the TLR4-TRIF-dependent signaling pathway.However,this effect was not observed in 4-and 5-week-old mice.Furthermore,both CCFM1269 were found to modulate the gut microbiota composition and enhance the intestinal barrier function in 3-,4-,and 5-week-old mice.In summary,the results of this study suggested that B.longum subsp.infantis CCFM1269 promoting intestinal barrier and releasing IFN-β in growing mice was in a strain-specific and time-dependent manner.展开更多
The study describes a new species,Syndiamesa fanduangularis Fu,sp.nov.,representing the first record of the genus Syndiamesa from the Oriental Region.A detailed description of the new species is provided,including mor...The study describes a new species,Syndiamesa fanduangularis Fu,sp.nov.,representing the first record of the genus Syndiamesa from the Oriental Region.A detailed description of the new species is provided,including morphological data and illustrations.Molecular data(COI gene)were obtained and deposited in NCBI GenBank,providing a DNA barcode for species identification.The study also provides an updated key to adult males of the genus Syndiamesa globally.展开更多
Two indigenous microorganisms, Bacillus sp. SB02 and Mucor sp. SF06, capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were co-immobilized on vermiculite by physical adsorption and used to degrade benzo[a...Two indigenous microorganisms, Bacillus sp. SB02 and Mucor sp. SF06, capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were co-immobilized on vermiculite by physical adsorption and used to degrade benzo[a] pyrene (BaP). The characteristics of BaP degradation by both free and co-immobilized microorganism were then investigated and compared. The removal rate using the immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed consortium was higher than that of the freely mobile mixed consortium. 95.3% of BaP was degraded using the co-immobilized system within 42 d, which was remarkably higher than the removal rate of that by the free strains. The optimal amount of inoculated co-immobilized system for BaP degradation was 2%. The immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed consortium also showed better water stability than the free strains. Kinetics of BaP biodegradation by co-immobilized SF06 and SB02 were also studied. The results demonstrated that BaP degradation could be well described by a zero-order reaction rate equation when the initial BaP concentration was in the range of 10--200 mg/kg. The scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the co-immobilized microstructure was suitable for the growth of SF06 and SB02. The mass transmission process of co-immobilized system in soil is discussed. The results demonstrate the potential for employing the bacterial-fungal mixed consortium, co-immobilized on vermiculite, for in situ bioremediation of BaP.展开更多
The four effective antagonistic Bacillus strains, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of cucumber in a greenhouse, produced antifungal volatiles. These volatiles strongly inhibited the growth of the most tested pathoge...The four effective antagonistic Bacillus strains, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of cucumber in a greenhouse, produced antifungal volatiles. These volatiles strongly inhibited the growth of the most tested pathogenic fungi with wide host plants, induced the mycelial morphological abnormalities, and decreased the sclerotoid production of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in sealed plates. Spores of Botrytis cinerea exposed to these volatiles for 24-48 h in cavity slides cracked and the sporaceous inclusion became brown and effused to the suspension. An interesting phenomenon observed was that all the bacterial volatiles exhibited intense inhibitory activities against the pigment formation of tested pathogenic fungi, including Ascochyta citrullina, Alternaria solani, Alternaria brassicae, and so on. Interactions mediated by microbial volatiles could be widespread in soils, and volatiles may play an important role in reducing disease levels. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence placed the four bacteria in three species Paenibacillus polymyxa (BMP-11), Bacillus subtilis (BL02), and Bacillus pumilus (BSH-4 and ZB 13). Through headspace sampling and GC-MS analysis, a rich profile was found from B. subtilis and overlapping volatile patterns could be found among the different species. Studies are under the way to find the possible action mechanisms and to seek the effective application of bacterial volatiles in greenhouse.展开更多
Puccinia striiformis Westend.f.sp.tritici Erikss.(Pst)infects wheat and causes stripe rust.The rust is heteroecious with wheat as the primary uredinial and telial host and barberry(Berberis spp.)as the alternate pycni...Puccinia striiformis Westend.f.sp.tritici Erikss.(Pst)infects wheat and causes stripe rust.The rust is heteroecious with wheat as the primary uredinial and telial host and barberry(Berberis spp.)as the alternate pycnial and aecial host.More than 40 Berberis species have been identified as alternate hosts for Pst,and most of these are Chinese Berberis species.However,little is known about Berberis species or their geographic distributions in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau in southwestern China.The Yunnan-Guizhou plateau is considered to be an important and relatively independent region for the evolution of the wheat stripe rust pathogen in China because the entire disease cycle can be completed within the region.In this study,we conducted a survey of barberry plants in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and identified the eight Pst-susceptible Berberis species under controlled conditions,including B.julianae,B.tsienii,B.veitchii,B.wilsonae,B.wilsonae var.guhtzunica,B.franchetiana,B.lepidifolia and B.pruinosa.These species are reported here for the first time to serve as alternate hosts for the wheat stripe rust pathogen under controlled conditions.展开更多
Based on ASP.NET,a orange fruit tree fertilizer expert system software was developed.The system could simulate and decide an annual fertilization plan for young and mature trees in terms of geographical position and c...Based on ASP.NET,a orange fruit tree fertilizer expert system software was developed.The system could simulate and decide an annual fertilization plan for young and mature trees in terms of geographical position and climate.This paper introduced the design conditions,framework,production,and deployment of the system.It exhibited characters of orange specialty and was a typical online agriculture expert system.The use of the system for orange fruit management could decrease production cost,guarantee orange quality and improve economical benefit at the same time.Farmer using the system saved N input by 41-238 g/plant,P2O5 input 3-24 g/plant,and K2O input 1-36 g/plant,and got higher yield by 6-17 kg/plant.展开更多
It was helpful for the wheat improvement to evaluate the genetic resources of Triticum turgidum L. ssp. turgidum landraces. In this study, 68 turgidum landraces accessions, belonging to four geographic populations in ...It was helpful for the wheat improvement to evaluate the genetic resources of Triticum turgidum L. ssp. turgidum landraces. In this study, 68 turgidum landraces accessions, belonging to four geographic populations in China, were investigated by using EST-SSR markers. A total of 63 alleles were detected on 22 EST-SSR loci, and the number of alleles on each locus ranged from 1 to 5, with an average of 2.9. The results of the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 92.5% of the total variations was attributed to the genetic variations within population, whereas only 7.5% variations among populations. Although the four populations had similar genetic diversity parameters, Sichuan population was yet distinguished from other populations when comparing the population samples in pairs. Significant correlations were detected by the statistic analysis among six genetic diversity parameters among each other. The selection difference between heterozygosty and homozygosty was also observed among different EST-SSR locus. The genetic similarity (GS) ranged from 0.18 to 0.98, with the mean of 0.72, and all accessions could be clustered into 7 groups. The dendrogram suggested that the genetic relationships among turgidum accessions evaluated by EST-SSR markers were unrelated to their geographic distributions. These results implied that turgidum landraces from China had the unique characters of genetic diversity.展开更多
Rhizosphere colonization is a key requirement for the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)as a bioferilizer.Signaling molecules are often exchanged between PGPR and plants,and genes in plants may ...Rhizosphere colonization is a key requirement for the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)as a bioferilizer.Signaling molecules are often exchanged between PGPR and plants,and genes in plants may respond to the action of PGPR.Here,the luciferase luxAB gene was electrotransformed into Pseudomonas sp.strain TK35,a PGPR with an afinity for tobacco,and the labelled TK35(TK35-L)was used to monitor colonization dynamics in the tobacco rhizosphere and evaluate the effects of colonization on tobacco growth and root development.The transcript levels of the hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein HRGPnt3 gene,a lateral root induction indicator,in tobacco roots were examined by qPCR.The results showed that TK35-L could survive for long periods in the tobacco rhizosphere and colonize new spaces in the tobacco rhizosphere following tobacco root extension,exhibiting significant increases in root development,seedling growth and potassium accumulation in tobacco plants.The upregulation of HRGPnt3 transcription in the inoculated tobacco suggested that TK35-L can promote tobacco root development by upregulating the transcript levels of the HRGPnt3 gene,which promotes tobacco seedling growth.These findings lay a foundation for future studies on the molecular mechanism underlying the plant growth-promoting activities of PGPR.Futhermore,this work provided an ideal potential strain for biofertilizer production.展开更多
Barley powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of barley in the winter barley region of China. The evaluation and assessment of the virulence and...Barley powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of barley in the winter barley region of China. The evaluation and assessment of the virulence and diversity of Bgh populations help to determine effective sources of resistance to the pathogen. 515 isolates were collected from seven populations of Bgh on cultivated barley in seven geographically distant locations in 2006. Their virulence was determined by inoculation onto 26 differential host lines. All of the isolates belonged to 58 pathotypes and 13 of which included 81% of these isolates. The most abundant pathotype was pathotype 0047 (18.3%), the second most abundant was pathotype 0045 (11.8%) and the third most abundant was pathotype 0057 (7.8%). Most of virulent genes investigated in this study showed similar frequencies in the seven different areas. These indicate that the seven locations may be in a uniform epidemiological region and barley cultivars in these areas may have similar genetic background. Diversities within these populations and distances between these populations measured by KOIND package were different. Correlations were not found between the genetic distance and the geographical distances between different locations. This suggested that long distance spread and local epidemics existed in the major winter barley growing regions in China.展开更多
After a serial of UV, EMS and NTG mutagenesis, a mutant named MM of the red marine yeast strain Rhodotorula sp. hidai was obtained. The mutant MM could produce 603.93 μg g-1 of carotenoid within 5 days in the medium ...After a serial of UV, EMS and NTG mutagenesis, a mutant named MM of the red marine yeast strain Rhodotorula sp. hidai was obtained. The mutant MM could produce 603.93 μg g-1 of carotenoid within 5 days in the medium containing 4.0 g sucrose, 1.5 g yeast extract, 0.1 g MgSO4, and 100 mL of sea water, with pH 6.0 and at 30 ℃, while only 213.18 μg g-1 of carotenoid was pro-duced by the wild type under the same conditions.展开更多
Glucosinolates (GSs) are a group of plant secondary metabolites containing abundant nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) mainly in Brassica and have the beneficial effects on human health including anti-carcinogenic, cho...Glucosinolates (GSs) are a group of plant secondary metabolites containing abundant nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) mainly in Brassica and have the beneficial effects on human health including anti-carcinogenic, cholesterol-reducing and other pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of N (5, 10, and 20 mmol L-a, denoted by N5, N10 and N20) and S (0,5, 1, and 2 mmol L^-1, denoted by S0.5, S1 and S2) on the yield and GSs in pakchoi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. communis) in hydroponics. Results showed that N10 and N20 significantly enhanced the yield compared with N5, however, N20 had a negative effect relative to N10. Only with N10 and N20 low S supply (S0.5) reduced the yield. The concentrations of aliphatic GSs, aromatic GS and total GSs were enhanced by N5 and indolyl GSs were enhanced by N20. S2 enhanced the concentration of individual GS and total GSs. The concentrations of indolyl GSs were maximized in N20S2 treatment, whereas the highest concentrations of aliphatic GSs, aromatic GS and total GSs were found in N5S2 treatment. Effects of N and S on aliphatic GSs were higher than on indolyl GSs. The results suggest that the accumulation of aliphatic GSs and aromatic GS could be enhanced by low N and high S and restricted by high N while that of indolyl GSs could be enhanced by high N and high S.展开更多
Fungus Aspergillus sp., which was isolated from soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum, was cultured in the GPY medium containing glucose 10 g/L, peptone 5 g/L, yeast extract 2 g/L, sea water 1 L, at pH=7.5. Four com pounds...Fungus Aspergillus sp., which was isolated from soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum, was cultured in the GPY medium containing glucose 10 g/L, peptone 5 g/L, yeast extract 2 g/L, sea water 1 L, at pH=7.5. Four com pounds, 3,6-diisobutyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone(1), 3-isobutyl-6-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-2(1H)-pyrazinone(2), 3-methoxy-4-methyl-2,4-dien-pentanoic acid(3) and penicillic acid(4) were obtained from the AcOEt extract of the culture broth. Their structures were elucidated mainly based on the NMR, HR-EI-MS and X-ray single crystal diffraction experimental data. Compound 3 is a new compound. Compound 1 was previously proposed to be the tautomer of flavacol(3,6-diisobutylpyrazin-2-ol, 5). However, the evaluation of the NMR and X-ray single crystal diffraction experimental data permitted us to propose that compound 1 existed as amide form instead oftautomers. Compound 1 is stable both in solution and crystal due to strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Incidentally supplying anthracenone to the GPY medium with a dose of 100 mg/L, the yield of penicillic acid(4) in the culture broth of the strain Aspergillus sp. was increased dramatically from 6 mg/L to 57 mg/L.展开更多
Seventy-nine strains of bioflocculant-producing bacteria were isolated from 3 activated sludge samples. Among them, strain MYC was found to have the highest and stable flocculating rate for both kaolin clay suspension...Seventy-nine strains of bioflocculant-producing bacteria were isolated from 3 activated sludge samples. Among them, strain MYC was found to have the highest and stable flocculating rate for both kaolin clay suspension and oil-field produced water. The bacterial strain was identified as Klebsiella sp. MYC according to its morphological and biochemical characteristics and 16SrDNA sequence. The optimal medium for bioflocculant production by this bacterial strain was composed of cane sugar 20 g L^-1, KH2PO4 2 g L^-1, K2HPO4 5 g L^- 1, ( NH4)2SO4 0.2 g L^-1, urea 0.5 g L^- 1 and yeast extract 0.5 g L^- 1, the initial pH being 5.5. When the suspension of kaolin clay was treated with0.5% of Klebsiella sp. MYC culture broth, the flocculating rate reached more than 90.0% in the presence of 500mg L^-1 CaCI2, while the flocculating rate for oil-field produced water was near 80.0% in a pH range of 7.0 - 9.0 with the separation of oil and suspended particles from the oil-field produced water under similar conditions. The environment-friendly nature of the bioflocculant and high flocculating rate of the strain make the bioflocculant produced by Klebsiella sp. MYC an attractive bioflocculant in oil-field produced water treatment.展开更多
Volatile compounds from the ripened crabapple fruit of six varieties (Red Splendor, Strawberry Parfait, Pink Spire, Radiant, Sparkler, and Flame) were analyzed by the use of the SPME/GC/MS method. The changes in the...Volatile compounds from the ripened crabapple fruit of six varieties (Red Splendor, Strawberry Parfait, Pink Spire, Radiant, Sparkler, and Flame) were analyzed by the use of the SPME/GC/MS method. The changes in the volatiles between the ripened and upon full maturity fruit states were studied in Red Splendor and Strawberry Parfait. An effort was made to summarize an effective method for searching and identifying new idioplasms containing a particular fruit aroma within Malus. A total of 37 compounds were identified from the sample. The main aroma volatiles of the six varieties of fruit were comprised of 2-hexenal, 3-hexenal, hexanal, 2,4-hexadienal, benzaldehyde, diethyl phtbalate. The main volatile compound of the crabapple fruit was 2-hexenal, but the relative content percentages were different (45.37, 21.98, 33.56, 32.21, 38.60, and 45.88%). The aroma components accumulated differently as the fruits ripened. The relative content of aldehydes and esters decreased as alcohols increased after the Red Splendor and Strawberry Parfait fruit ripened. For Red Splendor, the main volatile was still 2-hexenal, but the relative content decreased to 42.89%, and the relative content of alcohols increased by 13.86% as aldehydes and esters declined by 12.16 and 7.18%, respectively. For Strawberry Parfait, the main volatile was changed to cyclohexanol, and the relative content increased to 46.43%, while the relative content of alcohols increased by 49.03% as aldehydes and esters declined by 23.74 and 9.34%, respectively.展开更多
Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici(Pgt), is a potentially devastating fungal disease of wheat worldwide. The present study was to evaluate the resistance of 42 wheat monogenic lines with known...Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici(Pgt), is a potentially devastating fungal disease of wheat worldwide. The present study was to evaluate the resistance of 42 wheat monogenic lines with known stem rust resistance(Sr) genes and 69 wheat cultivars to three new Pgt races(34C0MRGQM, 34C3MKGQM, and 34C6MTGSM)identified from aeciospores at the seedling and adult-plant stages. The phenotyping results revealed that monogenic lines harboring resistance genes Sr9e, Sr17, Sr21, Sr22, Sr26, Sr30, Sr31, Sr33, Sr35, Sr36, Sr37, Sr38, Sr47, SrTmp,and SrTt3 were effectively resistant to all three Pgt races at the seedling and adult-plant stages. In contrast, monogenic lines containing Sr5, Sr6, Sr7b, Sr9a, Sr9d, Sr9f, Sr9g, Sr9b, Sr16, Sr24, Sr28, and Sr39 were highly susceptible to these races at both seedling and adult-plant stages. The other lines with Sr8a, Sr10, Sr11, Sr13, Sr14, Sr15, Sr18, Sr20,Sr19, Sr23, Sr25, Sr27, Sr29, Sr32, and Sr34, displayed variable levels of resistance to one or two of the tested races.Seedling infection types(ITs) and adult-plant infection responses(IRs) indicated that 41(59.4%) of the wheat cultivars showed high resistance to all the three races. Molecular marker analysis showed that four wheat culitvars likely carried Sr2, 20 wheat culitvars likely carried Sr31, 9 wheat culitvars likely carried Sr38, and none of the cultivars carried Sr24,Sr25, and Sr26. Our results provide a scientific basis for rational utilization of the tested Sr genes and wheat cultivars against these novel Pgt races.展开更多
Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxyporum f. sp. cubense(Foc), is the most serious disease affecting banana production.To clarify the distribution of the Foc races in Fujian Province of China, 79 soil samples were co...Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxyporum f. sp. cubense(Foc), is the most serious disease affecting banana production.To clarify the distribution of the Foc races in Fujian Province of China, 79 soil samples were collected from four regions of Zhangzhou City, the primary banana production area in Fujian. We isolated and identified 12 Foc strains based on internal transcribed spacer(ITS) sequence analysis, PCR amplification by using Foc-specific primers and pathogenicity assays.Our analysis indicated that 11 isolates belong to Foc race 1, and 1 isolate belongs to the Foc tropical species race 4(TR4).Although TR4 has previously been reported to occur in primary banana-producing provinces, such as Hainan, Guangxi,and Guangdong of China, this is the first report of TR4 isolated from the soil in Fujian Province. Monitoring the presence of Foc, in particular, the TR4 strains in the soil, is the basic strategy to prevent and control Fusarium wilt.展开更多
Carbohydrases secreted by marine Vibrio sp. YKW-34 with strong Laminaria cell wall degrading ability were screened, and among them alginate lyase was found to be dominant. The effects of medium composition and culturi...Carbohydrases secreted by marine Vibrio sp. YKW-34 with strong Laminaria cell wall degrading ability were screened, and among them alginate lyase was found to be dominant. The effects of medium composition and culturing condition on the produc- tion of alginate lyase by marine Vibrio sp. YKW-34 in flask were investigated in this study. In the culture medium of marine broth, no alginate lyase was produced. The activity of the alginate lyase, after being induced, reached 5 UmL–1. The best inoculum volume and inoculum age were 10% and 12 h, respectively. The optimal temperature for alginate lyase production was 25℃. The fermentation medium was composed of 0.5% of Laminaria powder and 0.2% of KNO3 with an initial acidity of pH 8.0. Alginate could induce alginate lyase production but not as efficiently as Laminaria powder did. The addition of fucoidan, cellulose and glucose had nega- tive effect on the alginate lyase production. Other kinds of nitrogen sources, such as yeast extract, beef extract and peptone, had posi- tive effect on the growth of the microorganism and negative effect on alginate lyase production. In addition, the time course of algi- nate lyase production under the optimized condition was described. The optimal harvest time was 48 h.展开更多
To assess the effects of N fertilizer ammonium sulphate nitrate [(NH4)2SO4 plus NH4NO3;ASN] with the new nitrification inhibitor (NI) 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)(ASN+DMPP) on yield, nitrate accumulation, an...To assess the effects of N fertilizer ammonium sulphate nitrate [(NH4)2SO4 plus NH4NO3;ASN] with the new nitrification inhibitor (NI) 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)(ASN+DMPP) on yield, nitrate accumulation, and quality of cabbage (Brassica campastrisL. ssp. pekinesis), two field trials were carried out under various soil-climaticconditions in Jinhua City and Xinchang County, Zhejiang Province of China in 2002.Results showed that DMPP could increase the mean yield by+2.0tha-1 in Jinhua, +5.5tha-1 inXinchang, decrease NO3--N content by -9.4% in Jinhua, -7.3% in Xinchang and improvenutritional quality by increasing vitamin C (VC), soluble sugar, K, Fe, Zn contentssignificantly.展开更多
Floral buds of Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis were observed under dissecting and optical microscope to characterize floral organs development and to study relationships between anther development and microsporogen...Floral buds of Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis were observed under dissecting and optical microscope to characterize floral organs development and to study relationships between anther development and microsporogenesis. Floral organs differentiation was comprised of 6 distinct stages including nought differentiation, inflorescence bud differentiation, floret primordia differentiation, tepal primordia differentiation, stamen primordia differentiation, and pistil primordia differentiation. Six tepals differentiated almost simultaneously which cross arranged in space and appeared in hexagonal distribution pattern. Six stamens were differentiated inside the tepals at the same time. Finally, 3 carpel primordia differentiated and formed syncarpous pistil. The whole process of floral bud differentiation took approximately 40 d with the first 3 stages developing more slowly than the later 3 stages. Morphology and color of the anther underwent obvious changes during the period between stamen primordia differentiation and anther maturation. Microspores also underwent significant development during this same interval. The relationship between the process of microsporogenesis and anther development has already been made clear by the sauash techniaue.展开更多
文摘Essential oils(EOs)derived from medicinal plants are gaining recognition as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fungicides in the management of plant pathogens.This study investigates the chemical composition,chromatographic profile,and antifungal of Mentha rotundifolia essential oil against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.albedinis(Foa),the pathogen responsible for Bayoud disease in date palm.The oil was extracted through hydrodistillation and characterized using thin-layer chromatography(TLC)and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry(GC-MS),revealing multiple fractions corresponding to terpenoid constituents and 23 chemical constituents,predominantly oxygenated monoterpenes(68.51%),with piperitenone oxide as the major component(62.53%).The antifungal efficacy was evaluated against ten(10)isolates of F.o.a across seven(07)concentrations different concentrations.(0;0.25;0.5;0.75;1;1.25;1.5μL/mL).The results obtained show a progressive decrease in the diameters of the colonies of F.o.a isolates by increasing the doses of EOMR.The percentage of inhibition varies from 7.82 to 83.41%;However,the dose of 1.75μL/mL showed 100%inhibition for all F.o.a isolates tested.These outcomes demonstrate the potential of M.rotundifolia essential oil as a natural,environmentally friendly antifungal agent,supporting its application in sustainable management strategies for Bayoud disease in date palm.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFD2100700)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32021005)+1 种基金111 project(BP0719028)Collaborative Innovation Center of Food Safety and Quality Control in Jiangsu Province。
文摘Bifidobacterium longum subsp.infantis is a commensal bacterium that predominates in the infant gut,playing a critical role in both preventing foreign infections and facilitating immune development.This study aimed to explore the effects of B.longum subsp.infantis supplementation on interferon-beta(IFN-β)secretion and intestinal barrier improvement in growing mice.Female and male mice were orally administered either saline or B.longum subsp.infantis CCFM1269 or I5TI(1×10^(9) CFU/mice per day,n=8)from 1-week-age until 3-,4-,and 5-week-age.RNA sequencing analysis revealed that CCFM1269 exhibited potential antiviral capacity through increasing 2'-5'oligoadenylate synthetase(OAS).Additionally,CCFM1269 supplementation significantly increased colonic IFN-β levels which combined with OAS in 3-week-old female and male mice by activating the TLR4-TRIF-dependent signaling pathway.However,this effect was not observed in 4-and 5-week-old mice.Furthermore,both CCFM1269 were found to modulate the gut microbiota composition and enhance the intestinal barrier function in 3-,4-,and 5-week-old mice.In summary,the results of this study suggested that B.longum subsp.infantis CCFM1269 promoting intestinal barrier and releasing IFN-β in growing mice was in a strain-specific and time-dependent manner.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(32070483)the National Science and Technology Fundamental Resources Investigation Program of China(2019FY101800)。
文摘The study describes a new species,Syndiamesa fanduangularis Fu,sp.nov.,representing the first record of the genus Syndiamesa from the Oriental Region.A detailed description of the new species is provided,including morphological data and illustrations.Molecular data(COI gene)were obtained and deposited in NCBI GenBank,providing a DNA barcode for species identification.The study also provides an updated key to adult males of the genus Syndiamesa globally.
基金The National Basic Research Program (973) of China (No. 2004CB418506)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.20337010) the Hi-Tech Research and Development Program (863) of China (No. 2004AA649060)
文摘Two indigenous microorganisms, Bacillus sp. SB02 and Mucor sp. SF06, capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were co-immobilized on vermiculite by physical adsorption and used to degrade benzo[a] pyrene (BaP). The characteristics of BaP degradation by both free and co-immobilized microorganism were then investigated and compared. The removal rate using the immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed consortium was higher than that of the freely mobile mixed consortium. 95.3% of BaP was degraded using the co-immobilized system within 42 d, which was remarkably higher than the removal rate of that by the free strains. The optimal amount of inoculated co-immobilized system for BaP degradation was 2%. The immobilized bacterial-fungal mixed consortium also showed better water stability than the free strains. Kinetics of BaP biodegradation by co-immobilized SF06 and SB02 were also studied. The results demonstrated that BaP degradation could be well described by a zero-order reaction rate equation when the initial BaP concentration was in the range of 10--200 mg/kg. The scanning electronic microscope (SEM) analysis showed that the co-immobilized microstructure was suitable for the growth of SF06 and SB02. The mass transmission process of co-immobilized system in soil is discussed. The results demonstrate the potential for employing the bacterial-fungal mixed consortium, co-immobilized on vermiculite, for in situ bioremediation of BaP.
基金the National Key Technology R&D Program of China (2006BAD08A03)the Shandong Agricultural University Postdoctoral Foundation (200603065)
文摘The four effective antagonistic Bacillus strains, isolated from the rhizosphere soil of cucumber in a greenhouse, produced antifungal volatiles. These volatiles strongly inhibited the growth of the most tested pathogenic fungi with wide host plants, induced the mycelial morphological abnormalities, and decreased the sclerotoid production of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in sealed plates. Spores of Botrytis cinerea exposed to these volatiles for 24-48 h in cavity slides cracked and the sporaceous inclusion became brown and effused to the suspension. An interesting phenomenon observed was that all the bacterial volatiles exhibited intense inhibitory activities against the pigment formation of tested pathogenic fungi, including Ascochyta citrullina, Alternaria solani, Alternaria brassicae, and so on. Interactions mediated by microbial volatiles could be widespread in soils, and volatiles may play an important role in reducing disease levels. A phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequence placed the four bacteria in three species Paenibacillus polymyxa (BMP-11), Bacillus subtilis (BL02), and Bacillus pumilus (BSH-4 and ZB 13). Through headspace sampling and GC-MS analysis, a rich profile was found from B. subtilis and overlapping volatile patterns could be found among the different species. Studies are under the way to find the possible action mechanisms and to seek the effective application of bacterial volatiles in greenhouse.
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFD0200500)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31960524,31071641 and 32072358)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2452019046)the Natural Science Basic Research Plan in Shaanxi Province of China(2020JZ-15,2017JM3006)。
文摘Puccinia striiformis Westend.f.sp.tritici Erikss.(Pst)infects wheat and causes stripe rust.The rust is heteroecious with wheat as the primary uredinial and telial host and barberry(Berberis spp.)as the alternate pycnial and aecial host.More than 40 Berberis species have been identified as alternate hosts for Pst,and most of these are Chinese Berberis species.However,little is known about Berberis species or their geographic distributions in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau in southwestern China.The Yunnan-Guizhou plateau is considered to be an important and relatively independent region for the evolution of the wheat stripe rust pathogen in China because the entire disease cycle can be completed within the region.In this study,we conducted a survey of barberry plants in the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau and identified the eight Pst-susceptible Berberis species under controlled conditions,including B.julianae,B.tsienii,B.veitchii,B.wilsonae,B.wilsonae var.guhtzunica,B.franchetiana,B.lepidifolia and B.pruinosa.These species are reported here for the first time to serve as alternate hosts for the wheat stripe rust pathogen under controlled conditions.
基金fund by the Major Science and Technology Program (2009ZX07102-004),Chinathe IPNI (International Plant Nutrition Institute) Program,Canada (2009ZX07102-004)
文摘Based on ASP.NET,a orange fruit tree fertilizer expert system software was developed.The system could simulate and decide an annual fertilization plan for young and mature trees in terms of geographical position and climate.This paper introduced the design conditions,framework,production,and deployment of the system.It exhibited characters of orange specialty and was a typical online agriculture expert system.The use of the system for orange fruit management could decrease production cost,guarantee orange quality and improve economical benefit at the same time.Farmer using the system saved N input by 41-238 g/plant,P2O5 input 3-24 g/plant,and K2O input 1-36 g/plant,and got higher yield by 6-17 kg/plant.
基金the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program,2006AA10Z179 and 2006AA10Z1F8)the National Excellent Doctoral Dissertation of China (200357 and 200458)the Key Technologies R&D Program of China (2006BAD01A02-23 and 2006BAD13B02)
文摘It was helpful for the wheat improvement to evaluate the genetic resources of Triticum turgidum L. ssp. turgidum landraces. In this study, 68 turgidum landraces accessions, belonging to four geographic populations in China, were investigated by using EST-SSR markers. A total of 63 alleles were detected on 22 EST-SSR loci, and the number of alleles on each locus ranged from 1 to 5, with an average of 2.9. The results of the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that 92.5% of the total variations was attributed to the genetic variations within population, whereas only 7.5% variations among populations. Although the four populations had similar genetic diversity parameters, Sichuan population was yet distinguished from other populations when comparing the population samples in pairs. Significant correlations were detected by the statistic analysis among six genetic diversity parameters among each other. The selection difference between heterozygosty and homozygosty was also observed among different EST-SSR locus. The genetic similarity (GS) ranged from 0.18 to 0.98, with the mean of 0.72, and all accessions could be clustered into 7 groups. The dendrogram suggested that the genetic relationships among turgidum accessions evaluated by EST-SSR markers were unrelated to their geographic distributions. These results implied that turgidum landraces from China had the unique characters of genetic diversity.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41401269)the Key Project of the University Natural Science Research Project of Anhui Province,China(KJ2019A0183)+1 种基金the Open Fund of Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Farmland Ecological Conservation and Pollution Prevention(FECPP201902)the Key Research Project of China National Tobacco Corporation Hubei Company(027Y2020-011).
文摘Rhizosphere colonization is a key requirement for the application of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria(PGPR)as a bioferilizer.Signaling molecules are often exchanged between PGPR and plants,and genes in plants may respond to the action of PGPR.Here,the luciferase luxAB gene was electrotransformed into Pseudomonas sp.strain TK35,a PGPR with an afinity for tobacco,and the labelled TK35(TK35-L)was used to monitor colonization dynamics in the tobacco rhizosphere and evaluate the effects of colonization on tobacco growth and root development.The transcript levels of the hydroxyproline rich glycoprotein HRGPnt3 gene,a lateral root induction indicator,in tobacco roots were examined by qPCR.The results showed that TK35-L could survive for long periods in the tobacco rhizosphere and colonize new spaces in the tobacco rhizosphere following tobacco root extension,exhibiting significant increases in root development,seedling growth and potassium accumulation in tobacco plants.The upregulation of HRGPnt3 transcription in the inoculated tobacco suggested that TK35-L can promote tobacco root development by upregulating the transcript levels of the HRGPnt3 gene,which promotes tobacco seedling growth.These findings lay a foundation for future studies on the molecular mechanism underlying the plant growth-promoting activities of PGPR.Futhermore,this work provided an ideal potential strain for biofertilizer production.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30671289)the National Key Tech-nologies R&D Program (2006B BAD0 2B 04)+1 种基金the Nationnal Special Fund for Agro-Scientific Research inthe Public Interest (nyhyzx017-001-barley)the Ear-marked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System,China
文摘Barley powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. hordei (Bgh) is one of the most destructive foliar diseases of barley in the winter barley region of China. The evaluation and assessment of the virulence and diversity of Bgh populations help to determine effective sources of resistance to the pathogen. 515 isolates were collected from seven populations of Bgh on cultivated barley in seven geographically distant locations in 2006. Their virulence was determined by inoculation onto 26 differential host lines. All of the isolates belonged to 58 pathotypes and 13 of which included 81% of these isolates. The most abundant pathotype was pathotype 0047 (18.3%), the second most abundant was pathotype 0045 (11.8%) and the third most abundant was pathotype 0057 (7.8%). Most of virulent genes investigated in this study showed similar frequencies in the seven different areas. These indicate that the seven locations may be in a uniform epidemiological region and barley cultivars in these areas may have similar genetic background. Diversities within these populations and distances between these populations measured by KOIND package were different. Correlations were not found between the genetic distance and the geographical distances between different locations. This suggested that long distance spread and local epidemics existed in the major winter barley growing regions in China.
文摘After a serial of UV, EMS and NTG mutagenesis, a mutant named MM of the red marine yeast strain Rhodotorula sp. hidai was obtained. The mutant MM could produce 603.93 μg g-1 of carotenoid within 5 days in the medium containing 4.0 g sucrose, 1.5 g yeast extract, 0.1 g MgSO4, and 100 mL of sea water, with pH 6.0 and at 30 ℃, while only 213.18 μg g-1 of carotenoid was pro-duced by the wild type under the same conditions.
文摘Glucosinolates (GSs) are a group of plant secondary metabolites containing abundant nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) mainly in Brassica and have the beneficial effects on human health including anti-carcinogenic, cholesterol-reducing and other pharmacological effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different concentrations of N (5, 10, and 20 mmol L-a, denoted by N5, N10 and N20) and S (0,5, 1, and 2 mmol L^-1, denoted by S0.5, S1 and S2) on the yield and GSs in pakchoi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. chinensis var. communis) in hydroponics. Results showed that N10 and N20 significantly enhanced the yield compared with N5, however, N20 had a negative effect relative to N10. Only with N10 and N20 low S supply (S0.5) reduced the yield. The concentrations of aliphatic GSs, aromatic GS and total GSs were enhanced by N5 and indolyl GSs were enhanced by N20. S2 enhanced the concentration of individual GS and total GSs. The concentrations of indolyl GSs were maximized in N20S2 treatment, whereas the highest concentrations of aliphatic GSs, aromatic GS and total GSs were found in N5S2 treatment. Effects of N and S on aliphatic GSs were higher than on indolyl GSs. The results suggest that the accumulation of aliphatic GSs and aromatic GS could be enhanced by low N and high S and restricted by high N while that of indolyl GSs could be enhanced by high N and high S.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.20502036 and 20602044)the Natural Science Founda-tion of Guangdong Province(No.05300667) the Fund for Innovative Chemical Experiment and Research of School of Chemi-stry and Chemical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, China
文摘Fungus Aspergillus sp., which was isolated from soft coral Sarcophyton tortuosum, was cultured in the GPY medium containing glucose 10 g/L, peptone 5 g/L, yeast extract 2 g/L, sea water 1 L, at pH=7.5. Four com pounds, 3,6-diisobutyl-2(1H)-pyrazinone(1), 3-isobutyl-6-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)-2(1H)-pyrazinone(2), 3-methoxy-4-methyl-2,4-dien-pentanoic acid(3) and penicillic acid(4) were obtained from the AcOEt extract of the culture broth. Their structures were elucidated mainly based on the NMR, HR-EI-MS and X-ray single crystal diffraction experimental data. Compound 3 is a new compound. Compound 1 was previously proposed to be the tautomer of flavacol(3,6-diisobutylpyrazin-2-ol, 5). However, the evaluation of the NMR and X-ray single crystal diffraction experimental data permitted us to propose that compound 1 existed as amide form instead oftautomers. Compound 1 is stable both in solution and crystal due to strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Incidentally supplying anthracenone to the GPY medium with a dose of 100 mg/L, the yield of penicillic acid(4) in the culture broth of the strain Aspergillus sp. was increased dramatically from 6 mg/L to 57 mg/L.
文摘Seventy-nine strains of bioflocculant-producing bacteria were isolated from 3 activated sludge samples. Among them, strain MYC was found to have the highest and stable flocculating rate for both kaolin clay suspension and oil-field produced water. The bacterial strain was identified as Klebsiella sp. MYC according to its morphological and biochemical characteristics and 16SrDNA sequence. The optimal medium for bioflocculant production by this bacterial strain was composed of cane sugar 20 g L^-1, KH2PO4 2 g L^-1, K2HPO4 5 g L^- 1, ( NH4)2SO4 0.2 g L^-1, urea 0.5 g L^- 1 and yeast extract 0.5 g L^- 1, the initial pH being 5.5. When the suspension of kaolin clay was treated with0.5% of Klebsiella sp. MYC culture broth, the flocculating rate reached more than 90.0% in the presence of 500mg L^-1 CaCI2, while the flocculating rate for oil-field produced water was near 80.0% in a pH range of 7.0 - 9.0 with the separation of oil and suspended particles from the oil-field produced water under similar conditions. The environment-friendly nature of the bioflocculant and high flocculating rate of the strain make the bioflocculant produced by Klebsiella sp. MYC an attractive bioflocculant in oil-field produced water treatment.
基金the program of Technology Development Program of Shandong Province, China(2007GG20009013)
文摘Volatile compounds from the ripened crabapple fruit of six varieties (Red Splendor, Strawberry Parfait, Pink Spire, Radiant, Sparkler, and Flame) were analyzed by the use of the SPME/GC/MS method. The changes in the volatiles between the ripened and upon full maturity fruit states were studied in Red Splendor and Strawberry Parfait. An effort was made to summarize an effective method for searching and identifying new idioplasms containing a particular fruit aroma within Malus. A total of 37 compounds were identified from the sample. The main aroma volatiles of the six varieties of fruit were comprised of 2-hexenal, 3-hexenal, hexanal, 2,4-hexadienal, benzaldehyde, diethyl phtbalate. The main volatile compound of the crabapple fruit was 2-hexenal, but the relative content percentages were different (45.37, 21.98, 33.56, 32.21, 38.60, and 45.88%). The aroma components accumulated differently as the fruits ripened. The relative content of aldehydes and esters decreased as alcohols increased after the Red Splendor and Strawberry Parfait fruit ripened. For Red Splendor, the main volatile was still 2-hexenal, but the relative content decreased to 42.89%, and the relative content of alcohols increased by 13.86% as aldehydes and esters declined by 12.16 and 7.18%, respectively. For Strawberry Parfait, the main volatile was changed to cyclohexanol, and the relative content increased to 46.43%, while the relative content of alcohols increased by 49.03% as aldehydes and esters declined by 23.74 and 9.34%, respectively.
文摘Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici(Pgt), is a potentially devastating fungal disease of wheat worldwide. The present study was to evaluate the resistance of 42 wheat monogenic lines with known stem rust resistance(Sr) genes and 69 wheat cultivars to three new Pgt races(34C0MRGQM, 34C3MKGQM, and 34C6MTGSM)identified from aeciospores at the seedling and adult-plant stages. The phenotyping results revealed that monogenic lines harboring resistance genes Sr9e, Sr17, Sr21, Sr22, Sr26, Sr30, Sr31, Sr33, Sr35, Sr36, Sr37, Sr38, Sr47, SrTmp,and SrTt3 were effectively resistant to all three Pgt races at the seedling and adult-plant stages. In contrast, monogenic lines containing Sr5, Sr6, Sr7b, Sr9a, Sr9d, Sr9f, Sr9g, Sr9b, Sr16, Sr24, Sr28, and Sr39 were highly susceptible to these races at both seedling and adult-plant stages. The other lines with Sr8a, Sr10, Sr11, Sr13, Sr14, Sr15, Sr18, Sr20,Sr19, Sr23, Sr25, Sr27, Sr29, Sr32, and Sr34, displayed variable levels of resistance to one or two of the tested races.Seedling infection types(ITs) and adult-plant infection responses(IRs) indicated that 41(59.4%) of the wheat cultivars showed high resistance to all the three races. Molecular marker analysis showed that four wheat culitvars likely carried Sr2, 20 wheat culitvars likely carried Sr31, 9 wheat culitvars likely carried Sr38, and none of the cultivars carried Sr24,Sr25, and Sr26. Our results provide a scientific basis for rational utilization of the tested Sr genes and wheat cultivars against these novel Pgt races.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31601583)the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, China (2016J01113)+1 种基金the Young Teacher Education Research Project of Fujian Province, China (JAT160178)the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University Outstanding Youth Scientific Research Project, China (xjq201625)
文摘Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxyporum f. sp. cubense(Foc), is the most serious disease affecting banana production.To clarify the distribution of the Foc races in Fujian Province of China, 79 soil samples were collected from four regions of Zhangzhou City, the primary banana production area in Fujian. We isolated and identified 12 Foc strains based on internal transcribed spacer(ITS) sequence analysis, PCR amplification by using Foc-specific primers and pathogenicity assays.Our analysis indicated that 11 isolates belong to Foc race 1, and 1 isolate belongs to the Foc tropical species race 4(TR4).Although TR4 has previously been reported to occur in primary banana-producing provinces, such as Hainan, Guangxi,and Guangdong of China, this is the first report of TR4 isolated from the soil in Fujian Province. Monitoring the presence of Foc, in particular, the TR4 strains in the soil, is the basic strategy to prevent and control Fusarium wilt.
文摘Carbohydrases secreted by marine Vibrio sp. YKW-34 with strong Laminaria cell wall degrading ability were screened, and among them alginate lyase was found to be dominant. The effects of medium composition and culturing condition on the produc- tion of alginate lyase by marine Vibrio sp. YKW-34 in flask were investigated in this study. In the culture medium of marine broth, no alginate lyase was produced. The activity of the alginate lyase, after being induced, reached 5 UmL–1. The best inoculum volume and inoculum age were 10% and 12 h, respectively. The optimal temperature for alginate lyase production was 25℃. The fermentation medium was composed of 0.5% of Laminaria powder and 0.2% of KNO3 with an initial acidity of pH 8.0. Alginate could induce alginate lyase production but not as efficiently as Laminaria powder did. The addition of fucoidan, cellulose and glucose had nega- tive effect on the alginate lyase production. Other kinds of nitrogen sources, such as yeast extract, beef extract and peptone, had posi- tive effect on the growth of the microorganism and negative effect on alginate lyase production. In addition, the time course of algi- nate lyase production under the optimized condition was described. The optimal harvest time was 48 h.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30370838)Science and Technology Committee of Zhejiang Province,China(021102084)BASF Company of Germany.
文摘To assess the effects of N fertilizer ammonium sulphate nitrate [(NH4)2SO4 plus NH4NO3;ASN] with the new nitrification inhibitor (NI) 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP)(ASN+DMPP) on yield, nitrate accumulation, and quality of cabbage (Brassica campastrisL. ssp. pekinesis), two field trials were carried out under various soil-climaticconditions in Jinhua City and Xinchang County, Zhejiang Province of China in 2002.Results showed that DMPP could increase the mean yield by+2.0tha-1 in Jinhua, +5.5tha-1 inXinchang, decrease NO3--N content by -9.4% in Jinhua, -7.3% in Xinchang and improvenutritional quality by increasing vitamin C (VC), soluble sugar, K, Fe, Zn contentssignificantly.
基金supports from the Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China (200802250010)the National Natural ScienceFoundation of China (30571475)the Key Project of the Shanghai Agricultural Committee (2010-6-2, 2006-4-9)
文摘Floral buds of Agapanthus praecox ssp. orientalis were observed under dissecting and optical microscope to characterize floral organs development and to study relationships between anther development and microsporogenesis. Floral organs differentiation was comprised of 6 distinct stages including nought differentiation, inflorescence bud differentiation, floret primordia differentiation, tepal primordia differentiation, stamen primordia differentiation, and pistil primordia differentiation. Six tepals differentiated almost simultaneously which cross arranged in space and appeared in hexagonal distribution pattern. Six stamens were differentiated inside the tepals at the same time. Finally, 3 carpel primordia differentiated and formed syncarpous pistil. The whole process of floral bud differentiation took approximately 40 d with the first 3 stages developing more slowly than the later 3 stages. Morphology and color of the anther underwent obvious changes during the period between stamen primordia differentiation and anther maturation. Microspores also underwent significant development during this same interval. The relationship between the process of microsporogenesis and anther development has already been made clear by the sauash techniaue.