Molybdenum Cofactor-Containing Oxidoreductase Family in Plants

P. Sauer, I. Frébort

Biologia plantarum 46:481-490, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024814007027

Recent investigations on plant molybdenum-containing enzymes that include xanthine dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.204) and xanthine oxidase (EC 1.1.3.22), nitrate reductase (EC 1.7.1.1-3), aldehyde oxidase (EC 1.2.3.1), and sulfite oxidase (EC 1.8.3.1) are reviewed. The enzymes belong to closely related protein family and share common structural features. Special attention is being paid to the recently solved crystal structures their implications for the substrate binding and catalytic mechanism.

Polar Transport of Indole-3-Acetic Acid in Relation to Rooting in Carnation Cuttings: Influence of Cold Storage Duration and Cultivar

G. Garrido, M. B. Arnao, M. Acosta, J. Sánchez-Bravo

Biologia plantarum 46:481-485, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041050.41513.da

The influence of cold storage of cuttings on the transport and metabolism of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and the rooting were studied in two carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus L.) cultivars (Oriana and Elsy), which are known to exhibit very distinct rooting characteristics. The percentage of rooting at 11 d after planting increased with the storage period particularly in Oriana, but the values in Elsy were higher than in Oriana. Auxin transport was measured by applying ³H-IAA to stem sections. Irrespective of the section localization, the oldest node (node) or the basal internode (base), the transport increased as the storage period...

Glattstein, J.: Consider the Leaf. Foliage in Garden Design

J. Čatský

Biologia plantarum 46:486, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041117.07618.8b

The Horse Chestnut Lines Harboring the rol Genes

S. Zdravković-Korać, D. Ćalić, P.H. Druart, Lj. Radojević

Biologia plantarum 46:487-491, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041051.81210.9b

An Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated transformation system for Aesculus hippocastanum L. has been developed. Wounded androgenic embryos of A. hippocastanum were inoculated with bacteria containing the pRiA4 plasmid, with the uid A sequence as a reporter gene. The hairy roots emerging from the wounded sites of androgenic embryos were isolated and maintained in Murashige and Skoog's (MS) liquid hormone-free medium. Five hairy root lines have been maintained in vitro for 4 years with unchanged growth rate and might be a suitable source for secondary metabolite production. The transformation events have been confirmed...

Participation of Phytohormones in the Stomatal Regulation of Gas Exchange During Water Stress

J. Pospíšilová

Biologia plantarum 46:491-506, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024894923865

Almost all processes in the life of a plant are directly or indirectly affected by both stresses and phytohormones. Nevertheless, apart from abscisic acid, the role of phytohormones in plant response to water stress is far from being fully elucidated. This review tries to answer the question whether interactions between abscisic acid and some other phytohormones might be important in the regulation of stomatal opening during water stress and subsequent rehydration. Firstly, it describes the changes in the contents of individual endogenous phytohormones during water stress. Then, it deals with the effects of applied phytohormones on stomatal opening,...

Heaf, D., Wirz, J.: Genetic Engineering and the Intrinsic Value and Integrity of Animals and Plants.

J. Jeník

Biologia plantarum 46:492, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041118.37837.96

Regulation of the Activity of N-1-Naphthylphthalamic Acid Binding Protein by ATP and Phosphatase

Y.-H. Zhang, T. Xing, J.F. Hall, R.D.J. Barker, M.C. Elliott

Biologia plantarum 46:493-499, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041052.31348.a0

N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), an auxin transport inhibitor, was found to bind specifically to a crude membrane preparation from sugar beet seedling leaf cell suspension cultures. The dissociation constant (Kd) and binding protein concentration were found to be 1.71 μmol dm^-3 and 220 pmol g^-1(membrane protein), respectively. The amount of specific ³H-NPA binding was significantly increased by adding Mg²⁺ATP to the binding assay solution. Treatment of membrane preparations with acid phosphatase, prior to the NPA binding assay, resulted in lower specific binding. ATP activation and phosphatase inactivation...

Larcher, W.: Physiological Plant Ecology. Ecophysiology and Stress Physiology of Functional Groups. Fourth Edition

J. Pospíšilová

Biologia plantarum 46:500, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041119.93332.43

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Salt Responsive Gene from Kandelia candel

W. Huang, X.D. Fang, G.Y. Li, Q.F. Lin, W.M. Zhao

Biologia plantarum 46:501-507, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041053.39549.2a

Identification of gene expression patterns in mangroves grown under salinity will help to reveal the molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance. Here, 10 cDNAs of genes were isolated from Kandelia candel and identified by representational difference analysis of cDNA (cDNA RDA) under different NaCl concentrations. Of five genes expressed preferentially under salt condition, two were unknown, three were two kinds of low molecular mass heat-shock proteins (sHSPs) and ADP-ribosylation factor, respectively. The expressions of other five genes were repressed under NaCl stress, two encoded cyclophilins, three were tonoplast intrinsic protein, early light-induced...

Spatio-Temporal Variations in Starch Accumulation During Germination and Post-Germinative Growth of Zygotic and Somatic Embryos of Pinus pinaster

M.-N. Jordy, J.-M. Favre

Biologia plantarum 46:507-512, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024847007935

During germination and post-germinative growth of Pinus pinaster Ait. seeds, triglycerides are hydrolysed and concurrently the embryo accumulates starch. In this study, the spatio-temporal variation of starch accumulation was described in zygotic embryos associated (ZE⁺) or not (ZE^-) to their megagametophyte and in somatic embryos (SE). In germinating ZE⁺, starch was accumulated in the growing tissues, following closely the spatio-temporal pattern of triglycerides depletion. In contrast, in ZE^- and SE, starch was only found in cortical cells close to the culture medium. In germinating ZE⁺,...

Yoshida, T.: Portraits of Himalayan Flowers

J. Pospíšilová

Biologia plantarum 46:508, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041120.80626.8d

Biochemical and Physiological Aspects of Developmental Cycle of Colchicum autumnale L.

L. Franková, H. Komjáthyová, K. Bóka, O. Gašparíková, M. Pšenák

Biologia plantarum 46:509-516, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041054.71761.0b

This study was conducted to examine the individual developmental stages of Colchicum autumnale. We identified the sclerenchymatic tissue in the middle part of the protuberance. This tissue supports the function of protuberance as a kind of hollow diverticulum. On the boundary of the new corm and the shoot a meristematic layer was recognized. We assume that this abscission zone-like structure can initiate dying back of the above-ground part regularly at the end of annual life-cycle. The major part of starch is reutilized in the mother corm during the autumnal stage, supporting sprouting which takes place in the soil. Decline of starch content...

Secondary Somatic Embryogenesis in Abies numidica

B. Vooková, R. Matúšová, A. Kormuťák

Biologia plantarum 46:513-517, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024899124774

The induction of secondary somatic embryogenesis in Abies numidica De Lann. was achieved. Precotyledonary, cotyledonary, and desiccated cotyledonary embryos were used as explants. Cotyledonary embryos before desiccation were the most suitable. The most beneficial was induction medium Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) with 1 mg dm^-3 thidiazuron and 1000 mg dm^-3 myo-inositol. Initiation frequency was from 1 to 34 %. Maturation of somatic embryos was achieved on modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 40 g dm^-3 maltose, 100 g dm^-3 polyethylene glycol-4000 and 10 mg dm^-3 abscisic acid....

Implications of Reactive Oxygen Species in Heat Shock Induced Germination and Early Growth Impairment in Amaranthus lividus L.

S. Bhattacharjee, A.K. Mukherjee

Biologia plantarum 46:517-522, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041055.77873.db

An effort has been made to assess the role of reactive oxygen species in germination and subsequent growth of Amaranthus lividus under elevated temperature. Transfer of A. lividus seeds from 25 to 45 °C for 4, 8 and 12 h, during early imbibitional period reduced percentage of germination, relative germination performance, relative growth index and seedling length. Heat shock during early germination decreased also the activities of free radical scavenging enzymes like catalase, peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, increased the accumulation of superoxide, hydrogen peroxide and induced lipoxygenase mediated membrane lipid peroxidation....

Upadhyay, R.K. (ed.): Advances in Microbial Toxin Research and its Biotechnological Exploitation

L. Burketová

Biologia plantarum 46:518, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024851208844

Plant Regeneration from Decapitated Mature Embryo Axis and Agrobacterium Mediated Genetic Transformation of Pigeonpea

M.L. Mohan, K.V. Krishnamurthy

Biologia plantarum 46:519-527, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024803325682

A reliable method of plant regeneration has been achieved from decapitated mature embryo axes (DCMEA) explants. Shoots appear directly from explants of genotype T-15-15 when cultured on Maheswaran and Williams (EC₆) basal medium supplemented with N⁶-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at various combinations. The shoots elongated on half strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 3 μM gibberellic acid. Elongated shoots were rooted with 80 - 85 % efficiency on half strength MS medium with 0.5 μM indole-3-butyric acid. Survival of plants in the pots was 75 - 80 %. This protocol was used in Agrobacterium...

Singlet Oxygen and Other Reactive Oxygen Species are Involved in Regulation of Release of Iron-Binding Chelators from Scenedesmus cells

K.M. Benderliev, N.I. Ivanova, P.S. Pilarski

Biologia plantarum 46:523-526, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041056.07819.df

Freshly-added iron only slightly affected the growth of iron-sufficient cells of the green alga Scenedesmus incrassatulus Bohl, strain R-83, but induced accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in cells and excretion of MDA in the medium. These effects were stronger in response to Fe²⁺ as compared to Fe³⁺, but Fe³⁺ induced the release of more iron-binding chelators from these cells than Fe²⁺. Fe³⁺ added either in dark or in light induced release of equal concentrations of iron-complexing agents, part of which formed strong chelates with iron in the medium. Exogenously added hydrogen peroxide...

Activities of Antioxidant Systems During Germination of Chenopodium rubrum Seeds

T. Dučić, I. Lirić-Rajlić, A. Mitrović, K. Radotić

Biologia plantarum 46:527-533, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041057.11390.58

The activities of superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), and concentrations of glutathione and ascorbate have been studied during the first stages of germination in Chenopodium rubrum L. seeds. The highest CAT and SOD activity was found prior to radicle protrusion, while POD activity was maximal at the time of radicle protrusion and seedling development, new POD isozymes simultaneously appearing. The concentrations of total, reduced and oxidized glutathione showed similar changes during germination, the highest values being detected at the time of radicle protrusion. Ascorbic acid was present in the seeds in a detectable...

Hicks, B.W. (ed.): Green Fluorescent Protein - Application and Protocols

M. Ondřej

Biologia plantarum 46:528, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024855309753

Thidiazuron Induced Multiple Shoot Induction and Plant Regeneration from Cotyledonary Explants of Mulberry

T. Dennis Thomas

Biologia plantarum 46:529-533, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024807426591

A rapid micropropagation protocol through induced multiple shoots from the cotyledonary explant of mulberry (Morus alba L) is described. The highest number of shoots (20.3) was obtained when explants from 14-d-old embryos were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 7 μM thidiazuron for 45 d. Of the three cultivars used, cv. S-36 was the best followed by cv. K-2 and S-1. The shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with 5 μM 6-benzylaminopurine for elongation. The elongated shoots were rooted on half strength MS medium containing 1 - 7 μM indole 3-butyric acid or 1-naphthalene acetic acid. The rooted plants...

Sopory, S.K., Oelmüller, R., Maheshwari, S.C. (ed.): Signal Transduction in Plants. Current Advances

J. Martinec

Biologia plantarum 46:534, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024859410661

Becker, W.M., Kleinsmith, L.J., Hardin, J.: The World of the Cell. (Fifth Edition)

L. Skálová

Biologia plantarum 46:534, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041121.24582.6e

The Role of Abscisic Acid in Acclimation of Plants Cultivated in vitro to ex vitro Conditions

M. Hronková, H. Zahradníčková, M. Šimková, P. Šimek, A. Heydová

Biologia plantarum 46:535-541, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024811527499

The content of endogenous free abscisic acid (ABA) in the shoots of in vitro cultivated tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. White Burley) and its changes during ex vitro acclimation of these plants to the greenhouse or growth chamber were estimated. The content of free ABA significantly increased at the 1^st and/or 2^nd day after plant transfer from in vitro to ex vitro. The ABA content of plants covered with transparent foil to maintain higher relative humidity (RH), did not significantly differ from ABA content of plants cultivated under ambient RH. Transfer to fresh medium also transiently increased...

Physiological Effects of Plant Hormones in Cotton Under Drought

D.M. Pandey, C.L. Goswami, B. Kumar

Biologia plantarum 46:535-540, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041058.65442.41

Effects of plant hormones indole-3-yl-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), benzylaminopurine (BAP), abscisic acid (ABA) and ethrel (ETH) in 5 μM concentration on gas exchange, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBPCO, EC 4.1.1.39) activity, pigment content and yield in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L. cv. H-777) under drought were studied. At reproductive stage (55 - 60 d after sowing) these hormones were sprayed on shoots one day prior to stress imposition by withholding irrigation. The soil moisture of control plants was kept at field capacity. Net photosynthetic rate (P_N), stomatal conductance (g_s),...

Variation in Osmoregulation in Differentially Drought-Sensitive Wheat Genotypes Involves Calcium

H. Nayyar

Biologia plantarum 46:541-547, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041059.10703.11

Two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes differing in their sensitivity to water deficit (stress tolerant - C306 and stress susceptible - HD2329) were subjected to osmotic stress for 7 d using polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000; osmotic potential -1.0 MPa), at initial vegetative growth. The plants were either supplemented with 1 mM CaCl₂ (Ca²⁺) alone or along with verapamil (VP; calcium channel blocker) to investigate the involvement of calcium in governing osmoregulation. Relative elongation rate (RER), dry matter (DM) production, water potential (Ψ_w), electrolyte leakage (EL), contents of proline (Pro) and...

Chromosome Banding and DNA Methylation Patterns, Chromatin Organisation and Nuclear DNA Content in Zingeria biebersteiniana

R. Cremonini, M. Ruffini Castiglione, V.G. Grif, V.V. Kotseruba, E.O. Punina, A.V. Rodionov, O.V. Muravenko, K.V. Popov, T.E. Samatadze, A.V. Zelenin

Biologia plantarum 46:543-550, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024863511570

Chromosome structure and chromatin organisation of a two-chromosome model cereal Zingeria biebersteiniana (Claus) P. Smirnov were studied: nuclear DNA content was determined by microdensitometric analysis after Feulgen staining; Feulgen absorption at different thresholds of absorbance in interphase nuclei also provided evidence on the organisation of chromatin, allowing quantitative estimation of condensed chromatin within interphasic nucleus. The DNA methylation pattern of Z. biebersteiniana metaphase chromosomes was examined with a specific monoclonal antibody. 5-methyl-cytosine residues are present in several chromosome sites and differences...

Response of Barley Seedlings to UV-B Radiation as Affected by Proline and NaCl

I.S. Fedina, K. Georgieva, I. Grigorova

Biologia plantarum 46:549-554, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041060.03286.3f

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Alfa) seedlings were treated for 4 d before UV-B irradiation with 0.05 mM proline or 150 mM NaCl. UV-B exposure induced synthesis of yellow coloured compounds with maximum absorbance at 438 nm. The content of these compounds was increased in proline-treated and decreased in NaCl-treated plants. UV-B radiation reduced chlorophyll/carotenoids ratio, oxygen evolution rate and photochemical efficiency of PS 2 as estimated by chlorophyll fluorescence and increased proline accumulation, H₂O₂ generation and lipid peroxidation. Exogenous proline had no effect on the parameters studied and did not...

Regulation of OsRac1 mRNA Against Defense-Related Stimuli in Wild-Type Rice Seedlings

G.K. Agrawal, R. Rakwal, V.P. Agrawal

Biologia plantarum 46:551-556, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024815628408

A rice (Oryza sativa L.) homolog of mammalian Rac-GTPase, OsRac1, characterized only in transgenic rice, was proposed to involve in cell death/disease resistance. However, its role in wild-type rice remains uncharacterized and unclear. We examined expression of the OsRac1 mRNA in response to stress signalling components, jasmonic acid (JA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and two protein phosphatase inhibitors, cantharidin (CN) and endothall (EN), using rice (cv. Nipponbare) seedlings. The OsRac1 transcript, whose accumulation required certain de novo synthesized protein factor(s), increased in the...

Activities of Glycolytic Enzymes in Leaves and Roots of Contrasting Cultivars of Sorghum During Flooding

N.K. Singla, V. Jain, S. Jain, S.K. Sawhney

Biologia plantarum 46:555-560, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041061.40923.76

Activities of phosphofructokinase (PFK), fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBP aldolase) and pyruvate kinase (PK) increased progressively in the roots of flood-tolerant SSG-59-3 cultivar during flooding. In contrast, only a slight change in activities of PFK and FBP aldolase was discerned in the roots of flood-sensitive S-308 cultivar during initial stages of flooding followed by a decline in the activities of these enzymes. Although the activity of hexokinase (HK) was transiently elevated in roots of both the cultivars during flooding, the magnitude of increase was much more in SSG-59-3 than in the S-308. In leaves of SSG-59-3, HK activity increased...

Leaf Photosynthesis in Eight Almond Tree Cultivars

F. De Herralde, C. Biel, R. Savé

Biologia plantarum 46:557-561, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024867612478

Response of gas exchange traits to irradiance were studied in eight almond tree (Prunus amygdalus) cultivars: Desmayo Largueta, Falsa Barese, Garrigues, Lauranne, Marcona, Masbovera, Nonpareil and Ramillete, grafted on a hybrid rootstock almond × peach GF-677. From these responses cultivars can be classified from the best to the worst photosynthetic performance as follows: Falsa Barese, Masbovera, Marcona, Nonpareil, Ramillete, Desmayo Largueta, Lauranne and Garrigues. The highest net photosynthetic rate was 20.3 μmol m^-2 s^-1 in Falsa Barese. In the absence of water stress, photosynthetic rate was not limited by stomatal...

Structural Changes in Radish Seedlings Exposed to Cadmium

A.P. Vitória, A.P.M. Rodriguez, M. Cunha, P.J. Lea, R.A. Azevedo

Biologia plantarum 46:561-568, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041062.00539.7a

Radish (Raphanus sativus L. cv. Redondo Vermelho) seedlings were analysed by light and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the structural changes caused by the exposure to 0.5 or 1.0 mM cadmium chloride for 24, 48 and 72 h. The analyses showed changes in the anatomical and morphological characteristics of roots, stems and leaves of two-week-old seedlings. In all tissues, pressure potential was decreased. Premature death with the disintegration of the epidermis and an increase in the number of root hairs was observed in roots exposed to Cd. The stem of seedlings exposed to Cd exhibited more cells layers in the cambial region. The main...

Influence of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza and Phosphorus Supply on Polyamine Content, Growth and Photosynthesis of Plantago lanceolata

I. Parádi, Z. Bratek, F. Láng

Biologia plantarum 46:563-569, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024819729317

A greenhouse pot experiment with different phosphorus supply was conducted to study growth, photosynthesis and free polyamine (PA) content in Plantago lanceolata L. plants in relation to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) colonization. Inoculum of Glomus fasciculatum (BEG 53) was used. Inoculated plants had high colonization intensities which were related to the P supply. Non-mycorrhizal (NM) plants showed a typical yield response curve for P availability. Dry masses of mycorrhizal (M) plants were higher at the lowest soil P content than those of NM plants, but the opposite was found at the highest P supply. P contents in M plants were always...

Selecting Bacterial Strains for Use in the Biocontrol of Diseases Caused by Phytophthora capsici and Alternaria alternata in Sweet Pepper Plants

A. Sid, M. Ezziyyani, C. Egea-Gilabert, M.E. Candela

Biologia plantarum 46:569-574, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041063.38176.4a

More than 500 isolates of bacteria were obtained from the aerial part and rhizosphere of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants harvested from different places in the Region of Murcia (Spain). The isolates were purified and assayed in vitro against Phytophthora capsici and Alternaria alternata. Sixty isolates (12 %) produced an inhibition zone against at least one of the pathogens, while ten had a strongly inhibitory effect on both pathogens assayed. Microscopic observation of interactions zone showed cell vacuolisation, hyphae lysis and spilling of cytoplasm content of the pathogens in the culture media. These ten isolates...

Delay of Senescence of Detached Cucumber Cotyledons by Triadimefon

Z.Z. Feng, A.H. Guo, Z.W. Feng

Biologia plantarum 46:571-575, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024871713387

Changes in contents of reactive oxygen species (O₂ ^- and H₂O₂) and non-enzymatic antioxidants, activities of antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation were investigated during senescence of detached cucumber cotyledons dipped in water (control) and 20 mg dm^-3 triadimefon (TDM). O₂ ^- and H₂O₂ accumulation and lipid peroxidation were observed during senescence of cucumber cotyledons, which coincided with a drop in the contents of carotenoids (Car) and ascorbic acid (AsA), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase...

Herbicide Induced Oxidative Stress in Lettuce, Beans, Pea Seeds and Leaves

D. Štajner, M. Popović, M. Štajner

Biologia plantarum 46:575-579, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041064.04385.c7

The effects of different paraquat, alachlor and metolachlor concentrations on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities and pigment contents in lettuce, bean and pea seeds and leaves were studied. Under paraquat (1.0 and 2.0 μM) treatment declined SOD and CAT activities were observed in seeds and undetectable ativity of GPX. Germination of all investigated seeds was completely inhibited. All used concentrations of alachlor and metolachlor inhibited antioxidant enzyme activities in seeds but did not prevent germination and growth. In leaves, lower concentrations of these herbicides increased activities of antioxidant...

Responses of Quercus ilex from Different Provenances to Experimentally Imposed Water Stress

P. Pesoli, L. Gratani, W. Larcher

Biologia plantarum 46:577-581, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024823830225

Responses of Quercus ilex L. seedlings from three different localities in Italy to experimentally imposed drought stress were analysed. Predawn (Ψ_pd) and midday (Ψ_m) leaf water potential of stressed seedlings decreased on an average until -4.0 and -4.2 MPa, respectively, in the severe water stress. At the end of the severe water stress the relative water content (RWC) was 72.5 - 83.6 % and the photosynthetic rates (P_N) near zero. The critical threshold value of Ψ_pd for complete stomatal closure was from -4.0 to -4.5 MPa. The leaf damage after the severe water stress was significantly greater...

Lipid Composition of in vitro Developing Seeds of Brassica campestris L.

N. Sharma, A. Phutela, S.P. Malhotra, R. Singh

Biologia plantarum 46:581-584, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041065.85978.6d

A liquid culture technique has been developed to study lipid metabolism in seeds of Brassica campestris L. grown in vitro from terminal inflorescences detached 4 to 46 days after anthesis. Seeds developed under these conditions exhibited pattern of growth, deposition of storage products and lipid composition similar to those from intact plant.

Growth and Gas Exchange of Three Sorghum Cultivars Under Drought Stress

W. Tsuji, M.E.K. Ali, S. Inanaga, Y. Sugimoto

Biologia plantarum 46:583-587, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024875814296

A field study was conducted to evaluate the drought tolerance of three sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] cultivars, Gadambalia, Arous elRimal and Tabat, and quantify the physiological bases for differences in their drought tolerance. Water stress reduced shoot dry mass of Gadambalia, Arous elRimal and Tabat by 43, 46 and 58 %, respectively. The respective reduction in leaf area of the three cultivars was 28, 54 and 63 %. The reduction in net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate due to water stress was lowest in Gadambalia and highest in Tabat. The leaf water potentials and relative water contents of Gadambalia...

Multiple Shoot Induction from Cotyledonary Node Explants of Terminalia chebula

B. Shyamkumar, C. Anjaneyulu, C.C. Giri

Biologia plantarum 46:585-588, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041066.78766.34

A protocol for multiple shoot induction from cotyledonary node explants of Terminalia chebula Retz. has been developed. Germination frequency of embryos (up to 100 %) was obtained on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with 0.5 mg dm^-3 gibberellic acid (GA₃). Maximum number of shoots (6.4 shoots per cotyledonary node) was obtained on half-strength MS + 0.3 mg dm^-3 GA₃+ 1.0 mg dm^-3 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) + 10.0 mg dm^-3 benzylaminopurine (BAP) after 4 weeks of culture. When the cotyledonary nodes along with the axillary shoot buds were allowed to grow in the same medium...

Alleviation of NaCl Stress by Pretreatment with Phytohormones in Vigna radiata

N. Chakrabarti, S. Mukherji

Biologia plantarum 46:589-594, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024827931134

Efficiency of pretreatment as foliar spray of indole-3-acetic acid, gibberellic acid and kinetin, each ranging from 0.1 to 10.0 μM concentration, in restoring the metabolic alterations imposed by NaCl salinity was investigated in Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek. Glycolate oxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase activities increased under stress in leaves and roots also. Malondialdehyde content and total peroxide content also increased under stress. All the three hormones used were able to overcome to variable extents the adverse effects of stress imposed by NaCl to these parameters.

Rapid Axillary Bud Proliferation and ex vitro Rooting of Eupatorium triplinerve

K.P. Martin

Biologia plantarum 46:589-591, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041067.23890.58

Effective protocol was established for micropropagation of the medicinal plant Eupatorium triplinerve Vahl through rapid axillary bud proliferation and ex vitro rooting. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium fortified with 8.87 μM benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2.46 μM indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) was the best for axillary bud proliferation and developed a mean of 8.1 shoots per node. Excision and culture of the node segments of the in vitro shoots on medium supplemented with the same concentration of growth regulators developed more than 30 shoots within 40 d. Shoot multiplication did not exhibit decrease in the number of shoots even...

Thidiazuron-Induced High-Frequency Shoot Regeneration from Root Region of Robinia pseudoacacia L. Seedlings

M. Hosseini-Nasr, A. Rashid

Biologia plantarum 46:593-596, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041068.19770.95

High-frequency regeneration of shoots was achieved at root region of seedlings of Robinia pseudoacacia L. cultured from seeds on medium supplemented with thidiazuron (TDZ, 1.0 μM). The roots of intact seedlings proliferated and formed a compact callus followed by differentiation of numerous shoots. Corresponding cultures on benzylaminopurine-containing medium exhibited much weaker response. Hypocotyl segments also formed shoots at a lower concentration of TDZ (0.1 μM). The shoots formed on TDZ-containing medium were well-developed and readily rooted on hormone-free medium. The obtained plants after acclimation in culture room survived...

Image Analysis - Tool for Quantification of Histochemical Detections of Phenolic Compounds, Lignin and Peroxidases in Needles of Norway Spruce

J. Soukupová, J. Albrechtová

Biologia plantarum 46:595-601, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024880015204

Image analysis has become a powerful tool for the quantification of histochemical detections mainly in animal and medical sciences. There is not, however, much information about the accuracy of image analysis quantification of histochemical products and their comparison to biochemical analyses. Our study focused on the quantification of histochemically detected amounts of phenolic compounds, lignin and activity of peroxidases in the two youngest age classes of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) needles with the use of image analysis and its comparison with biochemical assays. The image analysis-determined amount of lignin and peroxidase...

Inhibitory Effect of Brassinosteroids on the Flowering of the Short-Day Plant Pharbitis nil

J. Kęsy, A. Trzaskalska, E. Galoch, J. Kopcewicz

Biologia plantarum 46:597-600, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041069.27805.89

The effect of exogenous brassinosteroids (BR) on the flowering induction of Pharbitis nil was examined. Generally plants treated with brassinolide and castasterone form less number of flowers than control plants, but degree of flowering inhibition was depended on the concentration and the method of BR application as well as the length of the inductive dark period. In plants regenerated from sub-induced apices treated with brassinolide at concentration of 1 and 10 μM the flower formation was inhibited completely.

Phase- and Age-Related Differences in Protein Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Sequoia sempervirens

L.-C. Huang, S.-Y. Pu, T. Murashige, S.-F. Fu, T.-T. Kuo, D.-D. Huang, H.-J. Huang

Biologia plantarum 46:601-603, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041070.08300.63

Apical and basal halves of 3 cm long apical segments of in vitro cultured juvenile, adult and rejuvenated Sequoia sempervirens shoots were analyzed for total and tyrosine phosphorylated proteins. The latter was detected by a phosphotyrosine specific antibody. Younger tissues, or the apical halves of shoot terminals, showed larger amounts of 36, 44, 46 kDa proteins and lesser amounts of 29 kDa proteins. These are proposed as age-related changes. Phase-related proteins were also evident. Adult tissues contained more of the 34 and 36 kDa proteins than juvenile and rejuvenated shoots. Western blotting with a phosphotyrosine specific antibody...

Effects of Low Temperature on Winter Wheat and Cabbage Leaves

Ö. Atici, Y. Demir, İ. Kocaçalişkan

Biologia plantarum 46:603-606, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024832132042

Contents of soluble proteins, proline and chlorophyll in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Doğu-88) and cabbage leaves (Brassica oleracea convar. acephala) during acclimation to low temperature were investigated. When both of the plants species were cold acclimated, soluble proteins, proline and chlorophyll contents were higher than in the controls (non-acclimated). Also protein patterns differed between the plants at control and cold conditions.

Effect of Soil Moisture on the Gas Exchange of Changium smyrnioides and Anthriscus sylvestris

Y. Ge, J. Chang, W.-C. Li, H.-Y. Sheng, C.-L. Yue, G.Y.S. Chan

Biologia plantarum 46:605-608, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041071.58437.e6

The effect of soil moisture on gas exchange and growth of an endangered species, Changium smyrnioides, was compared with a non-endangered species, Anthriscus sylvestris. The two species belong to the same family Umbellaceae. With the decrease of soil moisture, the net photosynthetic rate (P_N) and transpiration rate (E) decreased, while water use efficiency (WUE) increased, P_N and WUE of C. smyrnioides were lower than those of A. sylvestris, whereas E was higher than that of A. sylvestris. The biomass, leaf mass ratio (LMR) and leaf area ratio (LAR) of C. smyrnioides were lower than...

Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) Microevolution: An Experimental Transmission of HLVd "thermomutants" to Solanaceous Species

J. Matoušek

Biologia plantarum 46:607-610, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024884116113

The possibility was examined whether the pool of sequence variants of HLVd which accumulated as progeny of "thermomutants" induced upon heat-treatment of hop could initiate infection of non-host solanaceous plants. It was found that HLVd microevolution led to the appearance of HLVd population in tomato. This viroid population was maintained at levels detectable by molecular hybridisation, showing the highest concentration in apical leaves. HLVd was further transferred from tomato to Nicotiana benthamiana, where distinct HLVd sequence variants appeared and were stably maintained at low levels. Our results show that replication of HLVd under heat...

Influence of Ethephon and 2,5-Norbornadiene on Antioxidative Enzymes and Proline Content in Salt-Stressed Spinach Leaves

Y. Demir, L. Oztürk

Biologia plantarum 46:609-612, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041072.83780.0d

The effects of ethephon, an ethylene generating compound, and 2,5-norbornadiene (NBD), an inhibitor of ethylene action, on peroxidase (POD; EC 1.11.1.7), catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6), polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.14.18.1) activities and proline content in salt-stressed spinach leaves were investigated. POD and PPO activities were increased by NaCl + ethephon + NBD combination and reduced by NBD. Also, ethephon increased the CAT activity while ethephon + NBD reduced CAT activity. NaCl + ethephon increased proline content. The antagonistic effect of ethephon and NBD was seen on POD and PPO activity and proline accumulation, but was not on CAT activity.

Differences in Protein Patterns in Suspension Cultures of Taxus cuspidata Induced by Cerium

J.J. Qiao, Y.J. Yuan, H. Zhao, J.C. Wu

Biologia plantarum 46:611-615, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024836200183

The changes in soluble proteins induced by Ce⁴⁺ were analyzed in suspension cultures of Taxus cuspidata using two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The ultrastructure of cells obviously changed at day 4 after addition of Ce⁴⁺. Large amount of nuclear DNA fragments of about 200 bp were observed. Thirteen protein spots were different between the cultures grown with and without Ce⁴⁺ at day 4 as well as at day 6 after addition of Ce⁴⁺.

Molecular Cloning of ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase Large Subunit cDNA from Oncidium

C.R. Li, X.B. Zhang, C.S. Hew

Biologia plantarum 46:613-615, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041073.13794.0c

A full-length cDNA for ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase large subunit (AGPL) was isolated from tropical epiphytic orchid Oncidium hybrid Goldiana. The cDNA was 1754 bp in length with an open reading frame of 1551 bp encoding 517 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 73 % identity with those of potato isoform 3 (AGPL3) and Arabidopsis thaliana isoform 1 (AGPL1), 71 % identity with that of barley isoform BLPL. RT-PCR analysis showed that AGPL was expressed in mature leaf, immature leaf, developing inflorescence and flower of Oncidium. No expression was detected in roots.

The Protective Effect of Free Radical Scavengers and Metal Chelators on Polyethylene Glycol-Treated Rice Leaves

S.Y. Hsu, C.H. Kao

Biologia plantarum 46:617-619, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024888217021

Effect of free radical scavengers and metal chelators on polyethylene glycol (PEG, osmotic potential -1.5 MPa) induced oxidative damage in detached rice leaves was investigated. PEG treatment resulted in a decrease in relative water content and an increase in proline content, and lipid peroxidation. PEG treatment also decreased chlorophyll and protein contents. Free radical scavengers (ascorbate, sodium benzoate, reduced glutathione, and thiourea) retarded and metal chelators [2,2'-bipyridine (BP), 8-hydroxyquinoline, and 1,10-phenanthroline] prevented PEG-induced oxidative damage. Furthermore, the protective effect of BP was reversed by adding Fe²⁺...

Direct Regeneration of Shoots from Hairy Root Cultures of Centaurium erythraea Inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes

A. Subotić, S. Budimir, D. Grubišić, I. Momčilović

Biologia plantarum 46:617-619, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041074.81033.3a

Stable transformation and expression of transgenes was achieved in Centaurium erythraea Gillib. using Agrobacterium rhizogenes-mediated system. Five hairy root clones exhibited the transformed phenotype. Shoot regeneration, with green organized structures, was apparent in 4 clones, after the first subculture on Murashige and Skoog (MS) half strength medium. The integration of Ri-plasmid T-DNA was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses.

Effects of Chromosome Substitutions on Copper Toxicity Tolerance in Wheat Seedlings

G. Ganeva, S. Landjeva, M. Merakchijska

Biologia plantarum 46:621-623, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041075.87242.eb

Substitution of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) chromosomes 7A, 1D, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A and 4D of cultivar Cappelle Desprez by their homologues of cultivar Bezostaya-1 increased the seedling tolerance to high concentrations of copper (1 μM CuSO_4⋅ 5 H₂O). Substitution of chromosome 1A had negative effects on seedling tolerance.

Alleviation of Ultraviolet-B Radiation-Induced Growth Inhibition of Green Gram by Triadimefon

K. Rajendiran, M.P. Ramanujam

Biologia plantarum 46:621-624, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024840301092

Supplementary UV-B (12.2 kJ m^-2 d^-1 UV-B_BE) provided to Vigna radiata for 2 h d^-1 suppressed the length of root, shoot and whole plants, number of leaves, total leaf area, leaf area index, specific leaf mass, fresh and dry mass of leaves and shoot, relative growth rate and net productivity. In unstressed green gram plants (10 kJ m^-2 d^-1 UV-B_BE), triadimefon (TRIAD) (20 mg dm^-3) enhanced growth in all parameters over control. The growth promoting effect of TRIAD enabled the UV-B impacted plants to overcome the growth inhibitions to varying degrees indicating...

The Effects of Electric Current on Flowering of Grafted Scions of Non-Vernalized Winter Rape

M. Filek, J. Biesaga-Koścelniak, I. Marcińska, J. Krekule, I. Macháčková, F. Dubert

Biologia plantarum 46:625-628, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024892317930

Non-vernalized scions were grafted onto vernalized stocks in winter rape (Brassica napus L. var. oleifera, cv. Górczański). The grafted plants were subjected to electric current (30 V for 30 s or 6 V for 24 h) and the percentage of flowering scions was recorded. The negative polarity with cathode (-) attached to the scion and anode (+) left close to the roots inhibited greatly the percentage of flowering. The reverse polarity enhanced flowering markedly under short days and only slightly promoted flowering under long days. Attachment of electrodes without passing a current had no effect on flowering.

Effects of Enhanced UV-B Radiation and Tropospheric Ozone on Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Field Grown Wheat

N.K. Ambasht, M. Agrawal

Biologia plantarum 46:625-628, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041076.95209.c3

Experiments were conducted under field conditions to assess the growth, physiological and biochemical responses of wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) to supplemental UV-B radiation (7.1 kJ m^-2) and enhanced ozone (0.07 μmol mol^-1) separately and in combination. Enhanced UV-B radiation and O₃ reduced biomass, yield, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll, carotenoid and ascorbic acid contents and catalase activity, whereas increased total phenol content and peroxidase activity. Contents of flavonoids increased due to UV-B treatment. The interactive effects were, however, less than additive.

Salt-Induced Changes in Two Canola Cultivars Differing in Salt Tolerance

M. Qasim, M. Ashraf, M.Y. Ashraf, S.-U. Rehman, E.S. Rha

Biologia plantarum 46:629-632, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024844402000

Responses of 20 d-old plants of two Brassica napus L. cultivars Dunkeld and Cyclon to NaCl salinized soil [electrical conductivity 2.4 (control), 4.0, 8.0 or 12.0 dS m^-1] were examined. The salt tolerant line Dunkeld had significantly higher fresh and dry masses of shoots, and seed yield than salt sensitive line Cyclon in all salinities. The effect of salt stress on reduction in total leaf soluble sugars was markedly greater in Dunkeld as compared to that in Cyclon. No effect of salt stress was observed on leaf soluble proteins but there was a slight increase in total free amino acids of both cultivars. Leaf proline content increased...

In vitro Propagation and Isozyme Polymorphism of the Medicinal Plant Hypericum brasiliense

I.N. Abreu, M.T.A. Azevedo, V.M. Solferini, P. Mazzafera

Biologia plantarum 46:629-632, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041077.66020.c8

A study of the genetic variability of a population of Hypericum brasiliense was made using several isozyme systems as well as an investigation of the morphogenic potential of apical buds from plants at different development stages (juvenile and adult) using in vitro culture. The results from nine isozymes systems showed low polymorphism in the alleles. Apical buds from juvenile plants originated plantlets with apical dominance and fast growth while those from adults led to the development of flower buds.

Chlorophyllase Activity and Chlorophyll Content in Wild Type and eti 5 Mutant of Arabidopsis thaliana Subjected to Low and High Temperatures

D.T. Todorov, E.N. Karanov, A.R. Smith, M.A. Hall

Biologia plantarum 46:633-636, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024896418839

Chlorophyll a (Chl a) content and chlorophyllase (Chlase) activity from leaves of wild type (WT) and the ethylene-insensitive mutant (eti 5) of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh during temperature stress and plant recovery have been studied. The plants were subjected to temperatures of 4 °C (LT) and 38 °C (HT) for 24 h. Chl a gradually decreased somewhat during stress and in the first day of recovery, especially in HT-treated plants. At the end of the experimental period (1 d stress and 10 d recovery) Chl a content was lower in eti 5 plants than in WT ones. The Chlase in WT was more affected than in eti...

Effects of Irradiance on Photosynthesis and Activity of Protease Inhibitors in Amaranthus hypochondriacus

Y. Nagamatsu-López, A. Blanco-Labra, J. Délano-Frier, E. Pimienta-Barrios

Biologia plantarum 46:633-634, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041078.99055.93

Amaranthus hypochondriacus plants were grown under three photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD). Mature plants grown at full sunlight (38.8 mol m^-2 d^-1) had higher maximum net photosynthetic rate (P_N) and significantly higher leaf trypsin inhibitor activity than plants that developed under lower PPFD (19.4 and 12.8 mol m^-2 d^-1). In contrast, seeds collected from plants fully exposed to sunlight showed the lowest activity of trypsin inhibitor, higher rate of germination and susceptibility to infection by Aspergillus niger.

Molecular Cloning of a Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase cDNA from Tropical Epiphytic CAM Orchid

C.R. Li, X.B. Zhang, C.S. Hew

Biologia plantarum 46:635-636, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041079.47888.ed

A full-length cDNA encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) was isolated from tropical epiphytic CAM orchid Mokara Yellow. The cDNA designated as Mpepc1 is 3 450 bp in length with an open reading frame of 2 862 bp encoding 954 amino acids. The deduced amino acid sequence of Mpepc1 shows 83 % identity with pepc2 of sorghum, 82 % with pepc1 and pepc2 of maize and 81 % with pepc of Arabidopsis thaliana. RT-PCR analysis showed that Mpepc1 was expressed in mature leaves, immature leaves, and aerial roots of M. Yellow. No expression was detected in the flower.

Photosynthetic and Transpiration Rates of Olea europaea subsp. sylvestris and Rhamnus lycioides as Affected by Water Deficit and Mycorrhiza

F. Caravaca, E. Díaz, J.M. Barea, C. Azcón-Aguilar, A. Roldán

Biologia plantarum 46:637-639, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/A:1024880121096

This study examined the effect of mycorrhizal colonization with Glomus intraradices on physiological parameters and foliar nutrient concentrations in Olea europaea L. subsp. sylvestris and Rhamnus lycioides L. seedlings subjected to well-watered or drought-stressed conditions. Under drought stress, mycorrhizal O. europaea seedlings showed significantly higher photosynthetic and transpiration rates, stomatal conductance and foliar P concentration than its similarly-sized non-mycorrhizal counterpart. The intrinsic water use efficiency (photosynthetic rate to stomatal conductance ratio) was not change in O. europaea...

Effects of Di-n-Butyl Phthalate on Mycorrhizal and Non-Mycorrhizal Cowpea Plants

S.-G. Wang, X.-G. Lin, R. Yin, Y.-L. Hou

Biologia plantarum 46:637-639, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041080.85525.bc

Cowpea (Vigna sinensis L.) plants were inoculated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Acaulospora laevis) to investigate the effects of different concentrations of di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP; 0, 10, and 100 mg kg^-1) added to soil on their growth. Mycorrhizal plants were less affected by high concentration of DBP (100 mg kg^-1) than non-mycorrhizal ones. Also the uptake and transformation of DBP by mycorrhizal plants differed from that of non-mycorrhizal plants.

Miroslav Kamínek - septuagenarian

M. Elliot, A. Gaudinová, R. Vaňková

Biologia plantarum 46:I-II, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041116.48964.13

Erratum: Vila, S.K., Gonzales, A.M., Rey, H.Y., Mroginski, L.A.: In vitro plant regeneration of Melia azedarach L.: shoot organogenesis from leaf explants. - Biologia Plantarum 47 (1): 13-19, 2003/4

Biologia plantarum 46:604, 2003 | DOI: 10.1023/B:BIOP.0000041122.21424.66