The complete chloroplast genome of the Buddleja alternifolia (Buddleiaceae), an ornamental plant.

Buddleja alternifolia is China's specialty, and scattered in northwest China. Here, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of B. alternifolia using Illumina sequencing data for the first time. The complete cp genome was 154,280 bp in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeats of 25,440 bp, a large single-copy (LSC) region of 85,330 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,070 bp. The genome encoded 115 unique genes, including 80 protein-coding genes, 31 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16 complete cp genome sequences indicated that B. alternifolia is closely related to Buddleja colvilei.

The complete chloroplast genome of the Lonicera maackii (Caprifoliaceae), an ornamental plant.

Lonicera maackii, is scattered in west and northeast China as well as adjacent Korea, Japan and the Soviet union. Here, we assembled and characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. maackii using Illumina sequencing data for the first time. The complete cp genome was 155,337 bp in length, consisting of a pair of inverted repeats of 23,718 bp, a large single-copy region of 89,221 bp and a small single-copy region of 18,680 bp. The genome encoded 113 unique genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes and four rRNA genes. Phylogenetic analysis based on 25 complete cp genome sequences indicated that L. maackii is closely related to Lonicera sachalinensis and Lonicera insularis.

The complete chloroplast genome of Vitis heyneana Roem. et Schult., an economic plant to China.

The chloroplast (cp) genome sequence of Vitis heyneana has been characterized from Illumina pair-end sequencing. The complete cp genome was 160,830 bp in length, containing a large single-copy region (LSC) of 89,049 bp and a small single-copy region (SSC) of 19,071 bp, which were separated by a pair of 26,355 bp inverted repeat regions (IRs). The genome contained 131 genes, including 88 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. The overall GC content is 37.4%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 35.3, 31.7, and 43.0%, respectively. Further, the phylogenetic analysis suggested that V. heyneana was closely related to Vitis ficifolia.

Abnormal tapetum development in hermaphrodites of an androdioecious tree, Tapiscia sinensis.

Tapiscia sinensis Oliv. (Tapisciaceae) has been proven to be a functional androdioecious species with both male and hermaphroditic individuals, and the pollen viability of males is far higher than that of hermaphrodites. To better understand the causes of the low pollen viability in hermaphroditic flowers, different stages of anther development were observed. We found that hermaphroditic flowers exhibit abnormal tapetum development, resulting in low pollen viability. To clarify the underlying molecular mechanism of abnormal tapetum development in hermaphrodites, quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed. The results revealed that the expression levels of an important transcription factor for tapetum development and function, T. sinensis DYSFUNCTIONAL TAPETUM1 (TsDYT1), and its potential downstream regulatory genes T. sinensis DEFECTIVE in TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT and FUNCTION1 (TsTDF1), T. sinensis ABORTED MICROSPORE (TsAMS) and T. sinensis MALE STERILITY 1 (TsMS1) were all significantly downregulated in hermaphrodites compared with males at some key stages of anther development. The amino acid sequence similarity, expression pattern, gene structure and subcellular localization of these genes were analyzed, and the results indicated functional conservation between T. sinensis and homologues in Arabidopsis thaliana. Next, rapid amplification of cDNA end and thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR were employed to clone the full-length cDNA and promoter sequences of these genes, respectively. In addition, results of yeast two-hybrid analysis showed that TsDYT1 can form heterodimers with TsAMS, and yeast one-hybrid analysis demonstrated that TsDYT1 directly binds to the promoter regions of TsTDF1 and TsMS1. TsTDF1 can directly regulate expression of TsAMS, suggesting that a functionally conserved pathway exists between A. thaliana and T. sinensis to regulate tapetum development. In conclusion, the results suggest that abnormal expression of core transcription factors for tapetum development, including TsDYT1, TsTDF1, TsAMS and TsMS1, plays an important role in the abnormal development of the tapetum in T. sinensis hermaphrodites. Furthermore, a hermaphroditic tapetum with abnormal function causes the low pollen viability of hermaphroditic trees. Our results provide new insight into our understanding of the underlying mechanism of why pollen viability is much higher in males than hermaphrodites of the androdioecious tree T. sinensis.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lycium ruthenicum (Solanaceae), a traditional medicinal plant in China.

Lycium ruthenicum, Known as a traditional medicinal plant in China, is distributed in the arid and semiarid areas of northwest China. In this study, we assembled the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of L. ruthenicum using data from high-throughput Illumina sequencing. The L. ruthenicum cp genome is 154,979 bp in size and includes two inverted repeat regions of 25,395 bp each, which is separated by a large single copy region of 85,984 bp and a small single copy region of 18,205 bp. A total of 132 genes were predicted, including 37 tRNA, 8 rRNA, and 86 protein-coding genes. In addition, 9 PCG genes possess a single intron, 74 PCG genes no intron, and 3 other genes harbor two introns. 6 tRNA genes harbor a single intron. Phylogenetic analysis placed L. ruthenicum within the Solanaceae.

The complete chloroplast genome of Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl., a unique economic plant to China.

Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae) Presl. is a unique economic plant to China. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome was sequenced and assembled by using Illumina paired-end reads data. The circular cp genome is 152,729 bp in size, including a pair of inverted repeat (IRs) regions of 20,074 bp, a large single copy (LSC) region of 93,688 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,893 bp. The genome contains 127 unique genes, including 83 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 36 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and 8 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). Besides, 19 genes possess a single intron, while another three genes (ycf3, rps12, and clpP) have a couple of introns. The GC content of entire C. camphora cp genome, LSC, SSC, and IR regions are 39.2, 38.0, 33.9, and 44.4%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated coding sequences of cp PCGs showed that C. camphora and Cinnamomum verum are closely related with each other within the genus of cinnamomum.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Leguminosae), a traditional Chinese medicine.

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is a tradational Chinese medicine of Leguminosae, which contains many chemicals, such as glycyrrhizin, liquiritin glycyrol, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine), glycyrrhizol A, glycyrrhizol B and four known isoflavonoids (5-O-methylglycryol, isoglycyrol, 6,8-diisoprenyl-5,7,4'-trihydroxy isoflavone, gancaonin). Illumina paired-end reads data was used to assemble the complete chloroplast (cp) genome. About 15,445,866 raw Paired-End Reads and the length distribution in 127,702 bp (GC content accounts for 34.3%). Eight PCG genes and six tRNA genes possess a single intron, while ycf3 has a couple of introns. Based on the concatenated coding sequences of cp PCGs, the phylogenetic analysis showed that Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza inflata (MH321931) are closely related to each other within the family Leguminosae.

De novo transcriptomic analysis to identify differentially expressed genes during the process of aerenchyma formation in Typha angustifolia leaves.

Lysigenous aerenchyma is formed through programmed cell death (PCD) in Typha angustifolia leaves. However, the genome and transcriptome data for this species are unknown. To further elucidate the molecular basis of PCD during aerenchyma formation in T. angustifolia leaves, transcriptomic analysis of T. angustifolia leaves was performed using Illumina sequencing technology, revealing 73,821 unigenes that were produced by assembly of the reads in T1, T2 and T3 samples. The important pathways, such as programmed cell death (PCD), aerenchyma formation, and ethylene responsiveness were regulated by these unigenes. 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase (ACO) were highly up-regulated as key enzymes for ethylene synthesis, along with respiratory burst oxidase homolog (RBOH), metallothionein, calmodulin-like protein (CML), and polygalacturonase (PG), may collectively explain the PCD involved in T. angustifolia aerenchyma formation. We hypothesize that fermentation, metabolism and glycolysis generate ATP for PCD. We searched the 73,821 unigenes against protein databases, and 24,712 were annotated. Based on sequence homology, 16,012 of the 73,821 annotated unigenes were assigned to one or more Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Meanwhile, a total of 9537 unigenes were assigned to 126 pathways in the KEGG database. In summary, this investigation provides important guidelines for exploring the molecular mechanisms of aerenchyma formation in aquatic plants.

Calcium oxalate degradation is involved in aerenchyma formation in Typha angustifolia leaves.

Typha angustifolia L. (Typhaceae) is an emergent aquatic plant, and aerenchyma is formed through cell lysis in its leaves. The developing aerenchyma of T. angustifolia contains many CaOx crystals (raphides). Oxalate oxidase (OXO) (oxalate:oxygen oxidoreductase, EC1.2.3.4) can degrades calcium oxalate to carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). High level of H2O2 acts as a key inducer for different types of developmentally and environmentally programmed cell death (PCD) and can promote the formation of aerenchyma. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the relationship between aerenchyma formation and the degradation of CaOx crystals. Light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that CaOx crystals occurred between PCD-susceptible cells in the early phase of aerenchyma formation, and those cells and CaOx crystals were degraded at aerenchyma maturation. Cytochemical localisation was used to detect H2O2, and H2O2 was found in crystal idioblasts. In addition, the oxalate content, H2O2 content and OXO activity were determined. The results showed that the concentration of oxalate was the highest in the third cavity formation stage and the H2O2 concentration was also highest at this stage. Meanwhile, the activity of OXO was also high in the third cavity formation stage. TpOXO was highly expressed during the CaOx crystal degradation period by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. These results show that the degradation of CaOx crystals is involved in the regulation of the PCD process of aerenchyma. This study will contribute to understanding the changes in CaOx crystals during the formation of aerenchyma in T. angustifolia.

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Lycium barbarum (Solanales: Solanaceae), a unique economic plant to China.

Lycium barbarum (Solanaceae) is a unique economic plant to China. The complete chloroplast (cp)genome was sequenced and assembled by using Illumina paired-end reads data. The circular cp genome is 155,656 bp in size, including a pair of inverted repeat (IR) regions of 25,451 bp, a large single copy (LSC) region of 86,554 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,200 bp. Besides, 15 genes possess a single intron, while another three genes (clpP, rps12 and ycf3) have a couple of introns. The GC content of entire L. barbarum cp genome, LSC, SSC and IR regions are 37.8%, 35.9%, 32.3%, and 43.2%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on the concatenated coding sequences of cp PCGs showed that L. barbarum and Atropa belladonna are closely related with each other within the family Solanaceae.

[Research on Breeding of Dioscorea opposita cv. Tiegun].

OBJECTIVE: To breeding the new varieties Dioscorea opposita cv. Tiegun with the best comprehensive properties. METHODS: Seven new Dioscorea opposita. cv. Tiegun cultivars were screened by space mutation breeding of Dioscorea opposita cv. Tiegun bulbils. Yield,allantoin content,water soluble extractive and the resistance of these seven cultivars were compared with the main cultivar Dioscorea opposita cv. Tiegun( CK). Meanwhile, the nutrition quality of new cultivars No. 6 and No. 10 were compared with the main cultivar. RESULTS: (1) The fresh weight per plant ranked in the order as follows: No. 6 > No. 10 > No. 4 > No. 9 > No. 1 > CK > No. 2 > No. 8. The drying rate ranked in the order as follows: No. 2 > No. 10 > No. 9 > No. 6 > No. 8 > CK > No. 1 > No. 4. Dry weight per plant ranked in the order as follows: No. 10 > No. 9 > No. 6 > No. 2 > No. 1 > CK > No. 4 > No. 8. The fresh weight per plant, drying rate and dry weight per plant of No. 6 and No. 10 were higher than the main cultivar. (2) The allantoin content ranked in the order as follows: No. 6 > No. 4 > No. 10 > CK > No. 9 > No. 8 > No. 2 > No. 1. (3) The water soluble extractive contents ranked in the order as follows: No. 6 > No. 2 > No. 4 > No. 10 > No. 1 > CK > No. 9 > No. 8. The water soluble extractive content of No. 6 was higher than No. 10 and the main cultivar. (4) No. 10 had the best taste of dry, soft, sweet and fragrant, No. 6 had the taste of dry, floury and hard, and No. 9 had the taste of dry and crisp. (5) No. 6 had the strongest resistance to Gloeosporium pestis and Cykindrosporium dioscoreae; No. 10 had a middle resistance to Gloeosporium pestis and a strong resistance to Cykindrosporium dioscoreae; and the main cultivar had a middle degree of being prone to Gloeosporium pestis and a middle resistance to Cykindrosporium dioscoreae. (6) The content of starch, reducing sugar, protein and ash in No. 6 and No. 10 were higher than that of the main cultivar,while the content of water in No. 6 and No. 10 were lower,which indicated that the nutrition quality of No. 6 and No. 10 is better than the main cultivar. CONCLUSION: The new cultivar No. 10 is suitable for popularizing as a new variety of edible Dioscorea opposita cv. Tiegun. The new cultivar No. 6 is suitable for popularizing as a new variety of medicinal Dioscorea opposita cv. Tiegun.

[Index components contents in honeysuckle change trend at different time in a day and different stubbles in a year].

The index components contents of different time and different stubbles in honeysuckle were measured by HPLC, and were analysis by using the method of SPSS. Results showed that the content of index ingredients of different time had differences, and firstly decreased, then increased with time. The content of index ingredients of different stubbles had significantly differences, and firstly decreased, then increased with time. The chlorogenic acid contents were 2.059%-3.593%. The luteolosid contents were 0.110%-0.171%. Results indicated that the best picking buds time is before seven o'clock in the morning and evening at before and after seven o'clock, the index component content is higher. Picking buds in spring and at autumn index component content is higher; Picking buds in summer index component content is low. The experiment provides theoretical support for quality control in the whole process of the honeysuckle harvested and comprehensive utilization of honeysuckle.

[Comparison of leaf morphological characters among different major varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa].

OBJECTIVE: To provide theoretical evidences for the identification and selective breeding of different major varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa by comparing their leaf characters such as the shapes, non-glandular hairs and the size and density of stomata. METHOD: The length, width and the ratio of the length to the width of leaves were measured, and the density and length of the non-glandular hair, the density, size and density of the stomata in the epidermis were measured by scanning electron microscope. RESULT: The results showed that there were obvious differences in length, width and the ratio of the length to the width of leaves, the density and length of the non-glandular hair, the density and size of the stomata in the epidermis. CONCLUSION: The morphological characters of the leaves mentioned above may serve as the identification standards of major varieties of R. glutinosa.