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Xylem
Kinds of Xylem Terms modified by Xylem Selected AbstractsSecondary Cell Wall Deposition in Developing Secondary Xylem of PoplarJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Minako Kaneda Although poplar is widely used for genomic and biotechnological manipulations of wood, the cellular basis of wood development in poplar has not been accurately documented at an ultrastructural level. Developing secondary xylem cells from hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides x P. trichocarpa), which were actively making secondary cell walls, were preserved with high pressure freezing/freeze substitution for light and electron microscopy. The distribution of xylans and mannans in the different cell types of developing secondary xylem were detected with immunofluorescence and immuno-gold labeling. While xylans, detected with the monoclonal antibody LM10, had a general distribution across the secondary xylem, mannans were enriched in the S2 secondary cell wall layer of fibers. To observe the cellular structures associated with secondary wall production, cryofixed fibers were examined with transmission electron microscopy during differentiation. There were abundant cortical microtubules and endomembrane activity in cells during the intense phase of secondary cell wall synthesis. Microtubule-associated small membrane compartments were commonly observed, as well as Golgi and secretory vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane. [source] Between Xylem and Phloem: The Genetic Control of Cambial Activity in PlantsPLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Y. Helariutta Abstract: Post-embryonic development is controlled by two types of meristems: apical and lateral. There has been considerable progress recently in understanding the function of root and shoot apical meristems at the molecular level. Knowledge of analogous processes in the lateral, or secondary, meristems, i.e. the vascular cambium or cork cambium, is, however, rudimentary. This is despite the fact that much of the diversity in the plant kingdom is based on the differential functions of these meristems, emphasizing the importance of lateral meristems in the development of different plant forms. The vascular cambium is particularly important for woody plants, but it also plays an important role during the development of various herbaceous species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana. In this review, we focus on the two basic functions of cambial activity: cell proliferation and pattern formation. [source] Uptake and translocation of p,p,-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene supplied in hydroponics solution to CucurbitaENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2007Martin P. N. Gent Abstract Field studies show shoots of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) accumulate various hydrophobic contaminants from soil, although many other plants do not, including cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). To investigate the mechanism for this uptake, we presented p,p,-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) to these two species in hydroponics solution. A mixture of DDE bound to TenaxÔ beads stirred with a solution of water passing through a reservoir provided a flowing solution containing DDE at approximately 2 ,g/L for many weeks duration. Approximately 90% of the DDE supplied in solution was adsorbed on the roots of both cucumber and zucchini. Less than 10% of the sorbed DDE was released subsequently when clean solution flowed past these contaminated roots for 9 d. The shoots of both species accumulated DDE, but the fraction that moved from the roots to the shoot in zucchini, ranging from 6 to 27% in various trials, was 10-fold greater than that in cucumber, 0.7 to 2%. The gradient in DDE concentration in zucchini tissues was in the order root > stem > petiole > leaf blade, indicating the movement was through the xylem in the transpiration stream. Some DDE in leaf blades might have been absorbed from the air, because the concentration in this tissue varied less with time, position in trough, or species, than did DDE in stems and petioles. The remarkable ability of zucchini to translocate DDE could not be attributed to differences in tissue composition, growth rate, distribution of weight among plant parts, or in the leaf area and rate of transpiration of water from leaves. Some other factor enables efficient translocation of hydrophobic organic contaminants in the xylem of zucchini. [source] Rhodotorula pinicola sp. nov., a basidiomycetous yeast species isolated from xylem of pine twigsFEMS YEAST RESEARCH, Issue 2 2002Jian-Hua Zhao Abstract Three pink-colored yeast strains 3-1-3, 10-3-3 and 19-3-3 were isolated from xylem of surface-sterilized twigs of Pinus tabulaeformis collected from Dongling Mountain, Beijing, in different seasons. These strains were identified as Rhodotorula minuta (Saito) F.C. Harrison by conventional taxonomic characterization. However, molecular phylogenetic analysis based on internal transcribed spacer region (including 5.8S rDNA) and large-subunit rDNA D1/D2 domain sequences indicated that they represent a novel basidiomycetous yeast species, for which Rhodotorula pinicola is proposed (type strain: AS 2.2193T=CBS 9130T). The new species was most closely related to Rhodotorula laryngis Reiersöl in the R. minuta complex. [source] Resistance of Pinus contorta to the European race of Gremmeniella abietinaFOREST PATHOLOGY, Issue 2 2006G. Laflamme Summary Pinus contorta seedlings, together with Pinus resinosa and Pinus banksiana seedlings, were planted adjacent to 25-year-old red pine trees infected by the European (EU) race of Gremmeniella abietina. Resistance to this race was assessed over 5 years. All P. resinosa seedlings were dead after that period while 65% of P. contorta and 86% of P. banksiana seedlings appeared resistant to the disease. The tip blight that occurred on P. contorta was slightly longer than that observed on P. banksiana. In microscopy, one, two, or even more suberized boundaries were seen to be initiated near the surface of the shoot at the base of healthy needles where they extended downward in the direction of the vascular cambium. Suberized boundaries occasionally crossed the xylem and joined together in the pith region to form continuous barriers around necrotic tissues. However, in most cases, these suberized barriers were not continuous across the shoot and compartmentalization was then completed by other barriers mainly constituted of parenchyma cells and xylem tracheids that accumulated phenolic compounds. Meristematic-like cells were observed adjacent to the necrophylactic periderm. Tissue regeneration, restoration of cambial activities and formation of traumatic resin canals also seemed to be associated with the defence system of P. contorta against the EU race of G. abietina. Résumé Des semis de Pinus contorta, de P. resinosa et de P. banksiana ont été plantés près de pins rouges âgés de 25 ans et infectés par la race européenne (EU) de Gremmeniella abietina. La résistance à cette race a étéévaluée sur une période de 5 ans. Tous les semis de P. resinosa sont morts après cette période alors que 65% des semis de P. contorta et 86% des semis de P. banksiana semblaient résister à la maladie. La brûlure à l'extrémité des pousses sur le P. contortaétait un peu plus longue que celle observée sur le P. banksiana. En microscopie, une, deux et même plusieurs couches de cellules subérisées se sont différenciées près de la surface des pousses à la base d'aiguilles saines et continuaient à progresser basipétalement en direction du cambium. Ces couches subérisées traversaient occasionnellement le xylème avant de fusionner près de la moelle pour former des barrières continues autour des tissus nécrosés. Toutefois, dans la plupart des cas, les barrières subérisées présentes dans les pousses étaient discontinues et le compartimentage était alors complété par d'autres barrières constituées de cellules de parenchyme et de trachéides ayant accumulé des composés phénoliques. Des cellules semblables à celles présentes dans les zones méristématiques furent observées près du périderme nécrophylactique. La présence de nouveaux tissus, le rétablissement de l'activité cambiale et la formation de canaux résinifères traumatiques semblaient aussi contribuer au système de défense de P. contorta contre la souche EU de G. abietina. Zusammenfassung In der Nachbarschaft von 25jährigen Pinus resinosa, die mit der europäischen Rasse von Gremmeniella abietina infiziert waren, wurden Sämlinge von Pinus contorta zusammen mit Sämlingen von Pinus resinosa und Pinus banksiana ausgepflanzt. Während fünf Jahren wurde die Resistenz gegenüber dieser Erregerrasse beobachtet. Am Ende des Beobachtungszeitraums waren alle P. resinosa -Sämlinge tot, während 65% der P. contorta und 86% der P. banksiana -Sämlinge überlebten. Die Nekrosen an der Triebspitze waren auf P. contorta etwas länger als bei P. banksiana. Mikroskopisch waren ein, zwei oder sogar mehr suberinisierte Abwehrzonen erkennbar, deren Bildung nahe der Trieboberfläche an der Basis gesunder Nadeln begann und die sich nach unten in Richtung auf das Kambium ausdehnten. Gelegentlich entstanden diese suberinisierten Zonen auch im Xylem und vereinigten sich im Mark miteinander, so dass eine geschlossene Barriere gegen die nekrotischen Gewebe entstand. In den meisten Fällen dehnten sich die suberinisierten Zonen aber nicht durch den ganzen Trieb aus und die Kompartimentierung wurde durch andere Barrieren ergänzt, die vorwiegend aus parenchymatischen Zellen und Tracheiden bestanden, in denen phenolische Stoffe akkumuliert wurden. Neben dem nekrophylaktischen Periderm wurden Zellen mit meristematischer Aktivität beobachtet. Daneben waren die Neubildung von Geweben, die Wiederherstellung der Kambiumaktivität und die Bildung traumatischer Harzkanäle offensichtlich bei der Abwehr von P. contorta gegen die EU-Rasse von G. abietina wirksam. [source] Desert shrub water relations with respect to soil characteristics and plant functional typeFUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2002J. S. Sperry Summary 1.,Soil characteristics influence plant communities in part through water relations. Hypothetically, finer textured soils in arid climates should be associated with more negative plant and soil water potentials during drought, greater resistance of xylem to cavitation, and shallower root systems than coarse soils. 2.,These hypotheses were tested by comparing the water relations of Great Basin shrubs growing in sand versus loam soils. The eight study species (Chrysothamnus nauseosus, Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus, Chrysothamnus parryi, Tetradymia glabrata, Atriplex canescens, Atriplex confertifolia, Grayia spinosa and Sarcobatus vermiculatus) varied in typical rooting depth and vegetative phenology. 3.,Xylem pressures for a species were, on average, 1·1 MPa more negative in the loam versus the sand site, despite greater precipitation at the loam site. Root xylem at the loam site was, on average, 0·9 MPa more resistant to cavitation than at the sand site for the same species. There was a strong trend for shallower rooting depths at the loam versus the sand site. Within a species, roots were consistently more vulnerable to cavitation than stems, and experienced more cavitation during the growing season. 4.,Over most of the summer there was much more cavitation at the loam site than at the sand site. More than 80% loss of xylem conductivity (PLC) was estimated in shallow roots of three species at the loam site by the end of July, with two of the three showing extensive leaf drop and branch mortality. Transpiration rate was negatively correlated with PLC, with a tendency for lower gas-exchange rates in loam versus sand. 5.,At the sand site, cavitation resistance was negatively correlated with estimated rooting depth. Drought-deciduous species had the shallowest root systems and greatest resistance to cavitation. In contrast, two species with phreatophytic tendencies were summer-active and were the most vulnerable to cavitation. 6.,The cavitation resistance of roots determines the minimum water potential permitting hydraulic contact with soil. Differences in cavitation resistance of roots between desert species may contribute to differences in sensitivity of gas exchange to soil drought, ability to perform hydraulic lift, and response to late summer rain pulses. [source] The evolution of water transport in plants: an integrated approachGEOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010J. PITTERMANN This review examines the evolution of the plant vascular system from its beginnings in the green algae to modern arborescent plants, highlighting the recent advances in developmental, organismal, geochemical and climatological research that have contributed to our understanding of the evolution of xylem. Hydraulic trade-offs in vascular structure,function are discussed in the context of canopy support and drought and freeze,thaw stress resistance. This qualitative and quantitative neontological approach to palaeobotany may be useful for interpreting the water-transport efficiencies and hydraulic limits in fossil plants. Large variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are recorded in leaf stomatal densities, and may have had profound impacts on the water conservation strategies of ancient plants. A hypothesis that links vascular function with stomatal density is presented and examined in the context of the evolution of wood and/or vessels. A discussion of the broader impacts of plant transport on hydrology and climate concludes this review. [source] Feeding studies on gynoparae, males and apterous virginoparae of Myzus persicae on potato by electrical penetration graphJOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 8 2004J. T. Margaritopoulos Abstract:, Feeding behaviour of parthenogenetic apterae, post-teneral gynoparae and males of a holocyclic parthenogenetic lineage of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hem., Aphididae) was studied on potato plants, Solanum tuberosum L. (Solanaceae) by DC-electrical penetration graph recording. Differences were observed between morphs during the 7-h recordings, specifically in the first phase of subcuticular probing and in xylem and phloem-related activities. The time required for the first penetration and first cell puncture of the non-vascular tissues was shorter in apterae than in gynoparae and males. Apterae more often showed phloem activities and sustained sap ingestion (100%) than winged morphs (ca. 25%). In addition, phloem ingestion was much longer in apterae than in winged morphs, 3458 s and 25,70 s respectively. In contrast, winged morphs spent 14,21% of the available time ingesting sap from xylem while in apterae xylem sap uptake was only for 2% of the time. Furthermore, the data showed that males perform in general all the feeding behaviours that other conspecific morphs exhibit. The differences in feeding behaviour among morphs of M. persicae are discussed in relation to host specialization and to their possible involvement in non-persistent transmission of viruses. [source] Secondary Cell Wall Deposition in Developing Secondary Xylem of PoplarJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Minako Kaneda Although poplar is widely used for genomic and biotechnological manipulations of wood, the cellular basis of wood development in poplar has not been accurately documented at an ultrastructural level. Developing secondary xylem cells from hybrid poplar (Populus deltoides x P. trichocarpa), which were actively making secondary cell walls, were preserved with high pressure freezing/freeze substitution for light and electron microscopy. The distribution of xylans and mannans in the different cell types of developing secondary xylem were detected with immunofluorescence and immuno-gold labeling. While xylans, detected with the monoclonal antibody LM10, had a general distribution across the secondary xylem, mannans were enriched in the S2 secondary cell wall layer of fibers. To observe the cellular structures associated with secondary wall production, cryofixed fibers were examined with transmission electron microscopy during differentiation. There were abundant cortical microtubules and endomembrane activity in cells during the intense phase of secondary cell wall synthesis. Microtubule-associated small membrane compartments were commonly observed, as well as Golgi and secretory vesicles fusing with the plasma membrane. [source] Location of Caspase 3-like Protease in the Development of Sieve Element and Tracheary Element of Stem in Cucurbita moschataJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2008Xia Hao Abstract The casepase is considered to regulate the process of programmed cell death in the development of organisms. In this study, caspase 3-like protease was detected by immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy during the development of sieve element and tracheary element of stem in Cucurbita moschata Duch. Antibody with brown color (under light microscopy) and gold particles (under transmission electron microscopy) for detecting caspase 3-like protease was mainly displayed in inner phloem, external phloem and xylem in the region close to procambium. From the results it was considered that caspase 3-like protease did exist in vascular elements and played different roles during the development of sieve and tracheary elements, and different types of programmed cell death might be carried out. The caspase 3-like protease mainly participated in making cytoplasmic streaming cease and in degrading P-protein bodies; however, it rarely participated in the function for signal transferring in the developmental sieve element. However, it might induce calcium accumulation for rupturing the tonoplast in the signal of PCD in the developmental tracheary element. [source] Cell-wall Invertases from Rice are Differentially Expressed in Caryopsis during the Grain Filling StageJOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008Yong-Qin Wang Abstract Cell-wall invertase plays an important role in sucrose partitioning between source and sink organs in higher plants. To investigate the role of cell-wall invertases for seed development in rice (Oryza sativa L.), cDNAs of three putative cell-wall invertase genes OsCIN1, OsCIN2 and OsCIN3 were isolated. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed different expression patterns of the three genes in various rice tissues/organs. In developing caryopses, they exhibited similar temporal expression patterns, expressed highly at the early and middle grain filling stages and gradually declined to low levels afterward. However, the spatial expression patterns of them were very different, with OsCIN1 primarily expressed in the caryopsis coat, OsCIN2 in embryo and endosperm, and OsCIN3 in embryo. Further RNA in situ hybridization analysis revealed that a strong signal of OsCIN2 mRNA was detected in the vascular parenchyma surrounding the xylem of the chalazal vein and the aleurone layer, whereas OsCIN3 transcript was strongly detected in the vascular parenchyma surrounding the phloem of the chalazal vein, cross-cells, the aleurone layer and the nucellar tissue. These data indicate that the three cell-wall invertase genes play complementary/synergetic roles in assimilate unloading during the grain filling stage. In addition, the cell type-specific expression patterns of OsCIN3 in source leaf blades and anthers were also investigated, and its corresponding physiological roles were discussed. [source] Impact of Elevated PCO2 on Mass Flow of Reduced Nitrogen in Trees,JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE PLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 12 2006Xi-Ping Liu Abstract To analyze the effects of elevated carbon dioxide concentration (PCO2) on the mass flow of reduced nitrogen (N) in the phloem and xylem of trees, juvenile beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) were grown in phytotrons and exposed to ambient and elevated PCO2 (plus 687.5 mg/m3 CO2) for three growing seasons. Elevated PCO2 significantly decreased the mass flow of N from the shoot to roots of beech by significantly reducing the concentration of soluble amino compounds in the phloem, even if the area of conductive phloem of cross-sectional bark tissue was significantly increased, because of less callus deposition in the sieve elements. In spruce, the downward mass flow of reduced N also tended to be decreased, similar to that in beech. Resembling findings in the phloem, N mass flow from roots to shoot in both tree species was significantly diminished owing to significantly reduced concentrations of amino compounds in the xylem and a lower transpiration rate. Therefore, the mass flow of reduced N between shoots and roots of trees was mainly governed by the concentrations of soluble amino compounds in the phloem and xylem in relation to the loading of reduced N in both long-distance transport pathways. (Managing editor: Ya-Qin Han) [source] Immunolocalization and Histocytopathological Effects of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni on Naturally Infected Leaf and Fruit Tissues of Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch)JOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2008J. Aarrouf Abstract Immunofluorescence and cytohistochemical studies have been performed to understand the host,parasite relationships in the pathosystem: peach,Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap). Using a commercial immunodetection kit, Xap cells were specifically identified in tissues from infected leaves and fruits. Sections from infected leaves showed that the pathogen penetrates the mesophyll via stomata and develops in the intercellular spaces where it degrades the cell wall components. This leads to cell collapse and consequently to the formation of necrotic lesions. The same events have been noted in sections from infected fruits. However, the contaminated zones of mesocarp parenchyma exhibited cell dedifferentiation and generated somatic embryo-like structures. Sections from midrib samples collected at different distances from infected lamina revealed the presence of Xap cells in the sieve tubes and xylem suggesting a systemic trafficking of the pathogen. The results are discussed in terms of cytological effects and epidemiology of Xap. [source] Localized and Systemic Increase of Phenols in Tomato Roots Induced by Glomus versiforme Inhibits Ralstonia solanacearumJOURNAL OF PHYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 10 2004H. H. Zhu Abstract Ralstonia solanacearum is an important plant pathogen in tropical and subtropical countries. Here, we describe the inhibition of R. solanacearum as a result of increased phenols induced locally or systemically by an arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus. In pot cultures, R. solanacearum populations in the rhizosphere, on root surfaces and in the xylem were decreased by 26.7, 79.3 and 81.7%, respectively, following inoculation of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) with Glomus versiforme Berch. Colonization of the plants by both R. solanacearum and G. versiforme increased the contents of soluble phenols and cell-wall bound phenols in root tissue, but with different patterns. Whereas R. solanacearum preferably promoted the cell-wall bound phenol content, G. versiforme preferably enhanced the soluble phenol content. Split root experiments revealed that R. Solanacearum was inhibited by G. versiforme, and that G. versiforme also increased the phenol content systemically, but to a lesser extent than locally. [source] Differences in growth and yield in response to cadmium toxicity in cotton genotypesJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 1 2004Feibo Wu Abstract A greenhouse hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the effects of cadmium (Cd; 0, 0.1, 1.0, 10 ,M in nutrient solution) on yield and yield components as well as Cd concentration and accumulation in three cotton genotypes (Simian 3, Zhongmian 16, Zhongmian 16,2). The results showed that Cd concentration in different organs increased with increasing Cd levels in the nutrient solution in the following order: root > petiole > xylem > fruiting branch, leaf > phloem in vegetative organs and seed coat, seed nut > boll shell > fiber in reproductive organs. There were significant genotypic differences in functional leaf and petiole Cd concentrations at 1 and 10 ,M Cd treatments, with the cultivar Simian 3 showing higher Cd concentrations and greater reductions in lint yield than the other two genotypes. [source] Lipopolysaccharide mobility in leaf tissue of Arabidopsis thalianaMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 6 2010DANA ZEIDLER SUMMARY Bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are triggers of defence responses in plants, and induce local as well as systemic acquired resistance. Arabidopsis thaliana plants pretreated with LPS show an increased resistance to the virulent bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. To investigate the mobilization and transport of LPS in Arabidopsis leaves, fluorescently labelled LPS (Alexa Fluor® 488 conjugate) from Salmonella minnesota was used. Leaves were pressure infiltrated with fluorescein-labelled LPS and fluorescence microscopy was used to follow the movement and localization of LPS as a function of time. The observation of leaves 1 h after supplementation with fluorescein-labelled LPS revealed a fluorescent signal in the intercellular space. Capillary zone electrophoresis was used for the detection and analysis of the labelled LPS in directly treated leaves and systemic leaves. In addition, gel electrophoresis was used to confirm LPS mobilization. The results indicated that LPS mobilization/translocation occurs through the xylem from local, treated leaves to systemic, untreated leaves. Consequently, care should be taken when ascribing the observed biochemical responses and induced resistance from LPS perception as being uniquely local or systemic, as these responses might overlap because of the mobility of LPS in the plant vascular system. [source] Pathogen-induced resistance and alarm signals in the phloemMOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2004AART J. E. VAN BEL SUMMARY Despite a long-standing notion of long-distance signals triggering systemic acquired resistance (SAR), the translocation pathway and the identity of the signals involved have not been determined with any degree of certainty. A critical assessment indicates that, in parallel to signalling via the phloem, alternative modes for SAR induction such as signalling via the xylem or air-borne signalling by volatile substances may occur. This review further evaluates several classes of compounds as being functional in systemic resistance signalling. Evidence in favour of SAR involvement of phloem-mobile substances such as salicylic acid, lipid-derived molecules, reactive oxygen species and components of the antioxidant machinery is contradictory, circumstantial or inconclusive, at best. Nitric oxide bound to proteins or thiols seems a good candidate for signalling, but has not been found in phloem sap thus far. No convincing support of the involvement in SAR of phloem-mobile substances such as calcium, oligosaccharides, peptides or RNA species, which function in other systemic signalling cascades, has yet been produced. Nevertheless, phloem-mobile macromolecules are considered as potential tools for SAR given their pivotal role in remote gene expression under stress conditions. In this framework, the existence of several cascades for signal generation along the phloem pathway is envisaged. Finally, recent methods for detection of molecular signals in phloem sap and their expression in companion cells are presented. [source] Seasonal water relations of Lyginia barbata (Southern rush) in relation to root xylem development and summer dormancy of root apicesNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 4 2010Michael W. Shane Summary ,Periods of dormancy in shallow roots allow perennial monocotyledons to establish deep root systems, but we know little about patterns of xylem maturation, water-transport capacities and associated economies in water use of growing and dormant roots. ,Xylem development, anatomy, conductance and in situ cellular [K] and [Cl] were investigated in roots of field-grown Lyginia barbata (Restionaceae) in Mediterranean southwestern Australia. Parallel studies of gas exchange, culm relative water loss and soil water content were conducted. ,Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis decreased during summer drought as soil profiles dried, but rates recovered when dormant roots became active with the onset of wetter conditions. Anatomical studies identified sites of close juxtaposition of phloem and xylem in dormant and growing roots. Ion data and dye tracing showed mature late metaxylem of growing roots was located , 100 mm from the tip, but at only , 10 mm for dormant roots. Dormant roots remained hydrated in dry soils (0.001,0.005 g g,1). ,Effective regulation of growth and water-conserving/obtaining properties permits the survival of shallow roots of L. barbata during summer drought and may represent important strategies for establishing deeper perennial root systems in other monocotyledonous plants adapted to seasonally dry habitats. [source] Overexpression of EgROP1, a Eucalyptus vascular-expressed Rac-like small GTPase, affects secondary xylem formation in Arabidopsis thalianaNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 4 2009Camille Foucart Summary ,,To better understand the genetic control of secondary xylem formation in trees we analysed genes expressed during Eucalyptus xylem development. ,Using eucalyptus xylem cDNA libraries, we identified EgROP1, a member of the plant ROP family of Rho-like GTPases. These signalling proteins are central regulators of many important processes in plants, but information on their role in xylogenesis is scarce. ,,Quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) confirmed that EgROP1 was preferentially expressed in the cambial zone and differentiating xylem in eucalyptus. Genetic mapping performed in a eucalyptus breeding population established a link between EgROP1 sequence polymorphisms and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to lignin profiles and fibre morphology. Overexpression of various forms of EgROP1 in Arabidopsis thaliana altered anisotropic cell growth in transgenic leaves, but most importantly affected vessel element and fibre growth in secondary xylem. Patches of fibre-like cells in the secondary xylem of transgenic plants showed changes in secondary cell wall thickness, lignin and xylan composition. ,,These results suggest a role for EgROP1 in fibre cell morphology and secondary cell wall formation making it a good candidate gene for marker-based selection of eucalyptus trees. [source] Comparative community physiology: nonconvergence in water relations among three semi-arid shrub communitiesNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 1 2008Anna L. Jacobsen Summary ,,Plant adaptations to the environment are limited, and therefore plants in similar environments may display similar functional and physiological traits, a pattern termed functional convergence. Evidence was examined for functional convergence among 28 evergreen woody shrubs from three plant communities of the semi-arid winter rainfall region of southern California. ,,Both leaf and water relations traits were examined, including seasonal stomatal conductance (gs), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf specific conductivity (Kl), seasonal water potential (,w), stem cavitation resistance (,50), and xylem density. ,,Species display community-specific suites of xylem and leaf traits consistent with different patterns of water use among communities, with coastal sage scrub species utilizing shallow pulses of water, Mojave Desert scrub species relying on deeper water reserves, and chaparral species utilizing both shallow and deep moisture reserves. Communities displayed similar degrees of water stress, with a community-level minimum ,w (,wmin) of c. ,4.6 Mpa, similar to other arid communities. Pooled across sites, there was a strong correlation between ,wmin and xylem density, suggesting that these traits are broadly related and predictive of one another. ,This comparative community physiology approach may be useful in testing hypotheses of functional convergence across structurally similar semi-arid communities. [source] A novel form of resistance in rice to the angiosperm parasite Striga hermonthicaNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 1 2006A. L. Gurney Summary ,,The root hemiparasitic weed Striga hermonthica is a serious constraint to grain production of economically important cereals in sub-Saharan Africa. Breeding for parasite resistance in cereals is widely recognized as the most sustainable form of long-term control; however, advances have been limited owing to a lack of cereal germplasm demonstrating postattachment resistance to Striga. ,,Here, we identify a cultivar of rice (Nipponbare) that exhibits strong postattachment resistance to S. hermonthica; the parasite penetrates the host root cortex but does not form parasite,host xylem,xylem connections. ,,In order to identify the genomic regions contributing to this resistance, a mapping population of backcross inbred lines between the resistant (Nipponbare) and susceptible (Kasalath) parents were evaluated for resistance to S. hermonthica. ,,Composite interval mapping located seven putative quantitative trait loci (QTL) explaining 31% of the overall phenotypic variance; a second, independent, screen confirmed four of these QTL. Relative to the parental lines, allelic substitutions at these QTL altered the phenotype by at least 0.5 of a phenotypic standard deviation. Thus, they should be regarded as major genes and are likely to be useful in breeding programmes to enhance host resistance. [source] The role of herbivory by wood-boring insects in mangrove ecosystems in BelizeOIKOS, Issue 2 2002Ilka C. Feller The roles wood-boring insects play in modifying mangrove ecosystems were examined on small, offshore mangrove islands in Belize. Several species of xylem- and phloem-feeding woodborers consume the wood of living mangrove trees. By girdling, pruning, and hollowing, woodborers killed over 50% of the Rhizophora mangle canopy in experimental plots arrayed across a tidal-elevation gradient. In contrast, leaf-feeding herbivores removed less than 6% of the canopy. In the plots, stem girdlers killed over three branches per tree. The patterns of herbivory by three functional feeding groups were heterogeneous and did not vary consistently with tidal elevation. Because R. mangle lacks viable axillary buds or the ability to produce epicormic shoots to replace pruned branches, the canopy architecture was significantly modified by this damage. The branches that were pruned by stem girdlers created numerous small holes or gaps in the mangrove canopy. Shoot growth and flowering increased in R. mangle trees with 50% of their branches experimentally girdled. Because branches and twigs attacked by woodborers lost their leaves prematurely as greenfall, the quantity and quality of leaf litter were altered when a leaf-bearing branch was girdled or hollowed. These changes suggest that wood-boring insects also significantly affect internal and external nutrient cycling processes in mangrove ecosystems. [source] The Late Triassic Schilderia Adamanica and Woodworthia Arizonica Trees of the Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, UsaPALAEONTOLOGY, Issue 1 2004G. T. Creber Two fossil tree species, both with unusual characteristics, occur in the Upper Triassic of the Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona, USA and adjacent areas. The first, Schilderia adamanica, has a highly idiosyncratic secondary xylem structure which contains normal uniseriate and broad complex multiseriate ,herring-bone' rays. The trunk cross-section of the secondary xylem may be either of a normal pycnoxylic type with a central pith and rays radiating from that or it may consist of appressed ,xylem masses' with rays curving towards one another at their extremities. The second, Woodworthia arizonica, has narrow, horizontal vascular traces traversing the entire radial width of the secondary xylem. By analogy with extant tree species, these traces would have terminated on preventitious buds deeply embedded in the bark which, in the case of these fossil trunks, have failed to be silicified. Such buds have the capacity to develop into epicormic shoots when the crown foliage of the tree is damaged. A further specimen of W. arizonica is recorded for the first time from the Permian of southern Brazil. Reconstruction drawings of both trees are produced. [source] Systemic action of novel neonicotinoid insecticide IPP-10 and its effect on the feeding behaviour of Rhopalosiphum padi on wheatPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2010Li Cui Abstract BACKGROUND: IPP-10 is a novel neonicotinoid insecticide recently developed in China and has good activity against sucking insects. Studies were carried out to investigate the activity of IPP-10 against Rhopalosiphum padi L. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that IPP-10 had both contact and systemic activity, including acropetal and basipetal translocation in wheat vascular bundles. Starved R. padi were allowed to stay on wheat treated with a sublethal dose of IPP-10. The results of studying their feeding behaviour from an electrical penetration graph (EPG) revealed a decrease in total time and bout duration of xylem and phloem ingestion, but the total time and bout duration of phloem salivation were significantly prolonged. The frequency (7.03 ± 0.49 Hz) of the xylem ingestion waveform produced by aphids on wheat treated with IPP-10 was significantly lower than that of blank control aphids (8.20 ± 0.30 Hz). Consequently, aphids born on wheat treated with IPP-10 were obviously lighter and less fecund than the control aphids. CONCLUSION: These tests indicated that IPP-10 had both contact and systemic activity, with sublethal effects resulting in reduction in R. padi feeding behaviour, growth rate and fecundity. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Suboptimal temperature favors reserve formation in biennial carrot (Daucus carota) plantsPHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 1 2009María V. González In response to suboptimal temperatures, temperate annual plants often increase root:shoot ratios, build-up carbohydrates and display typical morphological and anatomical changes. We know less about the responses of biennials such as carrot. As a model plant, carrot has the additional feature of two functionally and morphologically distinct root parts: the taproot, which stores carbohydrate and other compounds, and the fibrous root system involved in acquisition of water and nutrients. Here, we analyze the effects of temperature (12 vs 25°C) on growth, carbohydrate accumulation and whole-plant morphology in two carrot cultivars. Our working hypothesis is that suboptimal temperature favors active formation of reserve structures, rather than passive accumulation of storage carbohydrates. In comparison with plants grown at 25°C, plants grown at 12°C had: (1) higher fibrous root:shoot ratio (13%) , (2) thicker (10,15%) and smaller (up to two- to three-fold) leaves, (3) lower leaf cuticular permeance (two- to four-fold), (4) higher taproot:shoot ratio (two-fold), (5) higher phloem:xylem ratios in taproot (two- to six-fold), (6) unchanged percentage dry matter content (%DMC) in leaves, petioles or fibrous roots and (7) higher %DMC in taproot (20%). However, %DMC of individual taproot tissues (phloem and xylem) was unaffected by temperatures and was consistently higher in the phloem (up to 30%). Therefore, the higher %DMC of whole taproots at 12°C was attributed solely to the increased development of phloem tissue. Carrot, therefore, shares many of the most conspicuous elements of temperate plant responses to low temperatures. Consistently with our hypothesis, however, carrots grown at suboptimal temperature promoted reserve structures, rather than the increase in carbohydrate concentration typical of most temperate annual species and woody perennials. [source] Mobility of boron,polyol complexes in the hemiparasitic association between Rhinanthus minor and Hordeum vulgare: the effects of nitrogen nutritionPHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 1 2008Fan Jiang Boron (B) is an essential nutrient required for plant growth and physiological processes. Long-distance B transport is facilitated by the formation of B,polyol complexes. We investigated B uptake and distribution in response to differing levels of exogenous nitrogen supply in the hemiparasitic association between Rhinanthus minor and Hordeum vulgare (barley) and in unparasitised barley and single Rhinanthus plants. In this system, the polyol mannitol is the major assimilate in Rhinanthus, whereas polyols are not detectable in barley. Furthermore, previous studies have shown that the accumulation of polyols within Rhinanthus is negatively affected by the application of exogenous nitrogen. Within the association, the strongest accumulation of B was detected in lateral buds and inflorescences of Rhinanthus, consistent with the greatest B demand in strong sink organs supplied through the phloem that contain high concentrations of mannitol. In the host, the strongest B accumulation was found in xylem-supported leaf lamellae. Roots and sheaths did not accumulate substantial amounts of B, while re-circulation of B through the phloem vessels accounted for only 10% (unparasitised) and 8% (parasitised) of the xylem sap-imported B in the mannitol-free barley hosts. In contrast, 53% (attached) and 39% (in the absence of a host) of the xylem sap-imported B was re-circulated in the phloem in the mannitol-rich Rhinanthus. We therefore present the first quantitative uptake and flow models of long-distance B transport in polyol-rich and polyol-free plants. Our findings are consistent with a close relationship between B re-translocation and mannitol concentrations in phloem vessels. [source] Vessel differentiation in the pedicel of apple and the effects of auxin transport inhibitionPHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM, Issue 1 2004Lazar Dra The growth dynamics of vessel formation and the effect of auxin transport inhibition on vessel differentiation were investigated in the pedicel of developing apple (Malus domestica Borkh.). Quantitative microscopic analysis showed that a majority of vessels were differentiated pre-bloom with the commencement of pedicel extension but that the full conducting capacity of the xylem was attained shortly after bloom. The effect of a post-bloom application of N -(1-Napthyl)phthalamic acid showed that an auxin-like signal emanating from the young fruit not only stimulated vessel differentiation in the pedicel but also controlled fruit abscission and the development of the seed and fruit. [source] The role of abscisic acid and auxin in the response of poplar to abiotic stressPLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 2 2010J. Popko Abstract The plant hormones auxin and abscisic acid may at first sight appear to be a conflicting pair of plant regulators. Abscisic acid content increases during stress and protects plant water status. The content of free auxin in the developing xylem of poplar declines during stress, while auxin conjugates increase. This indicates that specific down-regulation of a signal transduction chain is important in plant adaptation to stress. Diminished auxin content may be a factor that adapts growth and wood development of poplar during adverse environmental conditions. To allow integration of environmental signals, abscisic acid and auxin must interact. Data are accumulating that abscisic acid,auxin cross-talk exists in plants. However, knowledge of the role of plant hormones in the response of trees to stress is scarce. Our data show that differences in the localisation of ABA synthesis exist between the annual, herbaceous plant Arabidopsis and the perennial woody species, poplar. [source] Gene Expression during Formation of Earlywood and Latewood in Loblolly Pine: Expression Profiles of 350 GenesPLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 6 2004U. Egertsdotter Abstract: The natural variability of wood formation in trees affords opportunities to correlate transcript profiles with the resulting wood properties. We have used cDNA microarrays to study transcript abundance in developing secondary xylem of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) over a growing season. The cDNAs were selected from a collection of 75 000 ESTs that have been sequenced and annotated (http:web.ahc.umn.edubiodatansfpine). Cell wall thickness and climatic data were related to earlywood and latewood formation at different time points during the growing season. Seventy-one ESTs showed preferential expression in earlywood or latewood, including 23 genes with no significant similarity to genes in GenBank. Seven genes involved in lignin synthesis were preferentially expressed in latewood. The studies have provided initial insights into the variation of expression patterns of some of the genes related to the wood formation process. [source] Whole Plant Regulation of Sulfur Nutrition of Deciduous Trees-Influences of the EnvironmentPLANT BIOLOGY, Issue 3 2003C. Herschbach Abstract: The current view of sulfur nutrition is based on the source-to-sink relationship of carbohydrates. SO42- reduction is thought to occur mainly in leaves. Surplus reduced sulfur must be transported out of the leaves, loaded into the phloem and transported to other tissues, in particular tissues assumed to be sink organs. However, it has not been proved that tissues which are sinks for carbohydrates are also sink organs for reduced sulfur. It is evident that sinks must communicate with sources, and vice versa, to signal demand and to transport the surplus of reduced sulfur that is produced. The demand-driven control model of sulfur nutrition proposes that the tripeptide glutathione is the signal which regulates S nutrition of the whole plant at the level of SO42- uptake. Acclimatization to environmental changes has been shown to result in several changes in S nutrition of deciduous trees: (i) Drought stress diminished SO42- transport into the xylem, although the GSH content in lateral roots remained unaffected, possibly due to an overall reduction in water status. (ii) Flooding decreased APS reductase activity in the anoxic roots. This may be due to enhanced GSH transport to the roots, but it is more likely to be the result of a change in metabolism leading to diminished energy gain in the roots. (iii) Mycorrhization enhanced the GSH content in the phloem, while SO42- uptake was not affected. This clearly goes against the demand-driven control model. (iv) Under both short- and long-term exposure to elevated pCO2, the APS reductase activity in leaves and lateral roots did not correlate with the GSH contents therein. Therefore, it must be assumed that, under these conditions, regulation of S nutrition goes beyond the demand-driven control model, and occurs within the network of other nutrient metabolism. (v) Atmospheric S in the form of H2S enhanced the reduced sulfur content of the phloem and lateral roots. Under these conditions, the SO42- loaded into the xylem decreased. It would appear that the demand-driven control model of sulfur nutrition is not always valid in the case of deciduous trees. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||