Salicylic acid and kaolin effects on pomological, physiological, and phytochemical characters of hazelnut (Corylus avellana) at warm summer condition.

Climate change and population increase are two challenges for crop production in the world. Hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) is considered an important nut regarding its nutritional and economic values. As a fact, the application of supporting materials as foliage sprays on plants will decrease biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, the effects of salicylic acid (0, 1 mM and 2.5 mM) and kaolin (0, 3% and 6%) sprays were investigated on morphological, physiological, pomological, and biochemical characteristics of hazelnut. The results showed that 1 mM salicylic acid and 6% kaolin had the best effects on nut and kernel weight compared to control. Biochemical parameters such as chlorophyll a, b, a + b, and carotenoid contents showed that salicylic acid and kaolin improved pigment concentration. Proline and antioxidant contents such as phenolic acids, SOD, APX, and CAT enzyme activities increased by these applications. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation, protein content, and H2O2 content were decreased. Based on the tolerance index result, Merveille de Bollwiller cultivar showed the highest tolerance while 'Fertile de Coutard' had the lowest value. Therefore, hazelnut performance may be improved through exogenous application of the signaling (salicylic acid) and particle film (Kaolin) compounds in warmer climates.

Secondary metabolites profile and physiological leaf traits in wild and cultivated Corylus avellana under different nutritional status.

Leaf secondary metabolites production and physiological leaf traits were analyzed in Corylus avellana wild type (WT) and cultivar (cv. 'Tonda Gentile Trilobata', TGT) under different nutrient supplies. Three treatments were applied: control treatment with no fertilizer supply (WTC and TGTC), low nutrient treatment (WTLN and TGTLN) and high nutrient treatment (WTHN and TGTHN). The analysis of leaf extracts showed a higher concentration of Quercitrin and Myricitrin, with the highest concentrations of both the compounds in WT than TGT. This result can be related to the ecological role of flavonoids, including also antimicrobial properties, which resulted more useful in the understory forest form which hazelnut wild type originates. Therefore, their lower concentration in TGT can be relate to the genetic background of TGT cultivar with a lesser intrinsic need to produce such compounds and justified by a usual growth under more controlled environmental conditions, including also pest and disease control.

Molecular cloning and expression analysis of hybrid hazelnut (Corylus heterophylla × Corylus avellana) ChaSRK1/2 genes and their homologs from other cultivars and species.

The self-incompatibility system of Corylus is a sporophytic type that is phenotypically similar to that of Brassica. While the molecular mechanism of sporophytic self-incompatibility (SSI) has been investigated extensively in Brassica (Brassicaceae), little is known about the corresponding mechanism in Corylus (Betulaceae). Here, we discuss the SSI mechanism with respect to S-locus receptor kinase (SRK) gene homologs. To obtain two SRK candidate unigenes, we compared all of the unigenes in a transcriptional protein database from our previous study with BnSRK-1 (AB270767) using BLASTX with a cutoff e-value of 10-5. We then cloned the full-length cDNA of ChaSRK1 and ChaSRK2 genes from Ping'ou hybrid hazelnut (Corylus heterophylla × Corylus avellana) using RACE techniques. Bioinformatics approaches were used to analyze the cDNA sequences, protein sequences, and domains of the encoded proteins. The full-length ChaSRK1 cDNA was 2883 base pairs (bp) with a coding sequence (CDS) of 2,547 bp encoding 849 amino acid residues. The full-length ChaSRK2 cDNA was 2,693 bp, with a CDS of 2,433 bp encoding 811 amino acids. The ChaSRK1/2 proteins contained an S-domain (extracellular domain), a transmembrane domain, a Ser/Thr protein kinase active site (kinase domain), and DUF3660 and/or DUF3403 domains. The lengths of 18 partial SRK homologs ranged from 1347 to 1451 bp, and they contained the same structural domains as ChaSRK1 and ChaSRK2. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all SRK homologs could be divided into two categories that were similar to the classification of SRKs in Brassica. The expression patterns of ChaSRK1 and ChaSRK2 differed: ChaSRK2 was predominantly expressed in mature stigmatic styles, while ChaSRK1 was expressed in other tissues with the highest in the root tips of Corylus. Using dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization, ChaSRK1/2 expression was found to be localized in papillar cells. Collectively, these results revealed that SRKs from Corylus had similar characteristics to SRKs from Brassica. We therefore speculated that the SSI mechanism in Corylus might be more similar to the Brassica mechanism than to other SSI types.

What causes the differences in cavitation resistance of two shrubs? Wood anatomical explanations and reliability testing of vulnerability curves.

Relationships between xylem anatomical traits and cavitation resistance have always been a major content of plant hydraulics. To know how plants cope with drought, it is extremely important to acquire detailed knowledge about xylem anatomical traits and assess the cavitation resistance accurately. This study aims to increase our knowledge in the methods determining cavitation resistance and xylem anatomical traits. We selected a semi-ring-porous species, Hippophae rhamnoides L., and a diffuse-porous species, Corylus heterophylla F., to clarify the reasons for the difference in cavitation resistance based on detailed xylem anatomical traits and reliable vulnerability curves (VCs). Both Cavitron and bench dehydration (BD) were used to construct VCs. Xylem anatomical traits, including pit membrane ultrastructure of these two species, were determined. The VCs obtained by the two different techniques were of different types for H. rhamnoides, its Cavitron VCs might be unreliable because of open-vessel artifacts. On the basis of BD VCs, H. rhamnoides showed higher cavitation resistance than C. heterophylla, and this is attributed to its low vessel connectivity as well as non-porous and thicker pit membranes.

Plasticity and light sensitivity of leaf hydraulic conductance to fast changes in irradiance in common hazel (Corylus avellana L.).

Forest understory species have to acclimatize to highly heterogeneous light conditions inside forest canopies in order to utilize available resources efficiently. Light sensitivity and response speed of hydraulic conductance (KL) of common hazel (Corylus avellana L.) to fast changes in irradiance was studied in leaves from three different growth light conditions-sun-exposed, moderate shade, and deep shade. The KL of sun-exposed leaves was approximately 3-fold higher when compared to deep-shade leaves, indicating a strong dependence of leaf hydraulic capacity on light conditions. The KL of sun-exposed leaves increased by a factor of nearly four from minimal values recorded in darkness to maximal values in high light compared to deep-shade leaves. Reaction speed of KL to reach maximum values in response to light was nearly five times higher for sun-exposed vs deep-shade leaves. Plasticity indices of KL for sun-exposed and deep-shade leaves were 0.44 and 0.27, respectively. Higher light sensitivity enables a faster and more plastic response of KL to variable light conditions in sun leaves and enhances the ability of plants to maximize resource utilization under more beneficial environmental conditions.

Intra-specific variability of stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit in Corylus avellana L.: A candidate factor influencing different adaptability to different climates?

Stomatal conductance is regulated by many factors such as air vapour pressure deficit (D), which can be the pivotal one affecting leaf gas exchange in species particularly sensitive to D such as C. avellana. The aim of this work was to evaluate stomatal sensibility to D and to determine correlations with hydraulics characteristics of leaves in three genotypes of C. avellana selected over centuries under different climatic conditions in the Italian peninsula. Among the three varieties Tonda Gentile delle Langhe (TGL), which was the one coming from northern Italy suffered the largest stomatal limitation at increasing levels of D in comparison with the other two cultivars [Tonda Romana (TR) and Tonda di Giffoni (TG), selected in central and southern Italy, respectively]. In all genotypes, photosynthesis decreased at high D although the reduction was mostly due to the rising of the temperature as suggested by the high values of sub-stomatal concentration of CO2. Concerning the hydraulic characteristics of the leaves, TG had considerable higher bulk elasticity compared with other two cultivars. These results contribute to explain the higher adaptability to different environments of TG and TR compared with TGL. Either the lower sensitivity to D of TG and TR and higher schlerophylly of TG might allow these cultivars to suffer less gas exchange limitations in hot and dry environments usually conducive to high D. Genotypic sensitivity to D represent one of the key factors to be considered in phenotyping protocols for D-sensitive species such as hazelnut.

Identification of genes regulating ovary differentiation after pollination in hazel by comparative transcriptome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hazel (Corylus spp.) exhibits ovary differentiation and development that is initiated from the ovary primordium after pollination, conferring the plant with a unique delayed fertilization. Failure of development of the ovary and ovule after pollination can lead to ovary abortion and blank fruit formation, respectively, with consequent yield loss. However, the genes involved in ovary and ovule differentiation and development are largely unknown. RESULTS: In unpollinated pistillate inflorescences (stage F), the stigma shows an extension growth pattern. After pollination, a rudimentary ovary begins to form (stage S), followed by ovule differentiation (stage T) and growth (stage FO). Total RNA was obtained from pistillate inflorescences or young ovaries at stage F, S, T and FO, and sequencing was carried out on a HiSeq 4000 system. De novo assembly of sequencing data yielded 62.58 Gb of nucleotides and 90,726 unigenes; 5524, 3468, and 8714 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in F-vs-S, S-vs-T, and T-vs-FO paired comparisons, respectively. An analysis of F-vs-S, S-vs-T, and T-vs-FO paired comparisons based on annotations in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed six pathways that were significantly enriched during ovary differentiation, including ko04075 (Plant hormone signal transduction). Auxin level increased after pollination, and an immunohistochemical analysis indicated that auxin was enriched at the growth center of pistillate inflorescences and young ovaries. These results indicate that genes related to auxin biosynthesis, transport, signaling, the floral quartet model, and flower development may regulate ovary and ovule differentiation and development in hazel. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of ovary differentiation and development after pollination in this economically valuable plant.

Within-Plant Distribution and Susceptibility of Hazelnut Cultivars to Mikomya coryli (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae).

The Mikomya coryli (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is widespread in Europe and the most important cecidomyiid pest of hazelnut. Within-plant distribution, susceptibility of 18 Turkish hazelnut cultivars ('Aci,' 'Allahverdi,' 'Çakildak,' 'Cavcava,' 'Fosa,' 'Incekara,' 'Kalinkara,' 'Kan,' 'Karafindik,' 'Kargalak,' 'Kus,' 'Mincane,' 'Palaz,' 'Sivri,' 'Tombul,' 'Uzunmusa,' 'Yassi Badem,' and 'Yuvarlak Badem'), and the phenology of larvae of this pest in hazelnut leaves and involucres were assessed in 2014 and 2015 in Giresun (Turkey). Mikomya coryli distribution differed significantly within different parts of the hazelnut plant. The highest gall numbers of M. coryli were found in the middle part (0.70-1.40 m) of the plant in both years. Total gall numbers varied between years: 1,779 and 2,588 galls were counted in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Susceptibility to M. coryli damage varied significantly among the cultivars. The highest leaf gall densities and total numbers of galls were found on leaves and involucres of Allahverdi, Yuvaklak Badem, and Yassi Badem cultivars in both years. Mikomya coryli larvae were detected between April and June in the leaf galls. The number of larvae in the involucres changed between April and mid-June. Results of the within-plant distribution, M. coryli larval phenology, and cultivar pest-susceptibility analyses are presented to enable effective control of the pest as a part of hazelnut integrated pest management.

Influence of Different Hazelnut Cultivars on Some Demographic Characteristics of the Filbert Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae).

The filbert aphid Myzocallis coryli (Goeze) is a serious pest of hazelnut in North America, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. To evaluate the resistance of hazelnut to this insect, aphids were reared on five major cultivars ('Tombul,' 'Palaz,' 'Çakildak,' 'Fosa,' and 'Mincane') under laboratory conditions. The developmental times of preadult and adult stages, total longevity, reproduction, and life table parameters were analyzed according to age-stage, two-sex life table theory, in which the stage differentiation and variable developmental rates among individuals could be described. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) and finite rate of increase (λ) varied among the cultivars. The highest values were found for aphids reared on Çakildak (r = 0.2019 d-1, λ = 1.2238 d-1), which did not differ significantly from Mincane (r = 0.1957 d-1, λ = 1.2161 d-1), whereas these parameters were lowest for Palaz (r = 0.1622 d-1, λ = 1.1761 d-1) and Fosa (r = 0.1677 d-1, λ = 1.1826 d-1). Based on longer preadult development time, shorter adult longevity, shorter reproductive period, together with the demographic parameters, Palaz and Fosa provide a relatively unfavorable environment for the filbert aphid. The results obtained from demographic data together with estimates of pest growth potential generated by computer projection based on age-stage, two-sex life table theory, demonstrate that both Palaz and Fosa are resistant cultivars for M. coryli and can be considered in hazelnut integrated pest management and hazelnut breeding programs.

The dynamics of the Corylus, Alnus, and Betula pollen seasons in the context of climate change (SW Poland).

The changes in the main features of early spring tree or shrub pollen seasons are important due to the significant impact on the occurrence of pollen-related allergy symptoms. This study shows the results of pollen monitoring for a period of eleven years (2003-2013) using a Burkard volumetric spore trap. The main characteristics of the hazel, alder, and birch pollination season were studied in Wroclaw (SW Poland). The statistical analyses do not show a significant trend of annual total pollen count or shift in timing of the pollen season in the period of analysis. The research confirms a great impact (at the statistically significant level of 0.05) of the heat resources on pollination season (the value of the correlation coefficient ranges from -0.63 up to -0.87). Meteorological variables (e.g. sum of temperature for selected period) were compiled to 5-year running means to examine trends. Changes in the pollination period features due to climate change including both timing and intensity of pollen productivity, would have important consequences for allergy sufferers.

Temporal changes of bacterial communities in the Tuber melanosporum ectomycorrhizosphere during ascocarp development.

Ectomycorrhizae create a multitrophic ecosystem formed by the association between tree roots, mycelium of the ectomycorrhizal fungus, and a complex microbiome. Despite their importance in the host tree's physiology and in the functioning of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, detailed studies on ectomycorrhiza-associated bacterial community composition and their temporal dynamics are rare. Our objective was to investigate the composition and dynamics of Tuber melanosporum ectomycorrhiza-associated bacterial communities from summer to winter seasons in a Corylus avellana tree plantation. We used 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-based pyrosequencing to compare the bacterial community structure and the richness in T. melanosporum's ectomycorrhizae with those of the bulk soil. The T. melanosporum ectomycorrhizae harbored distinct bacterial communities from those of the bulk soil, with an enrichment in Alpha- and Gamma-proteobacteria. In contrast to the bacterial communities of truffle ascocarps that vastly varies in composition and richness during the maturation of the fruiting body and to those from the bulk soil, T. melanosporum ectomycorrhiza-associated bacterial community composition stayed rather stable from September to January. Our results fit with a recent finding from the same experimental site at the same period that a continuous supply of carbohydrates and nitrogen occurs from ectomycorrhizae to the fruiting bodies during the maturation of the ascocarps. We propose that this creates a stable niche in the ectomycorrhizosphere although the phenology of the tree changes.

Archaeobotanical evidence for climate as a driver of ecological community change across the anthropocene boundary.

The biodiversity response to climate change is a major focus in conservation research and policy. Predictive models that are used to project the impact of climate change scenarios - such as bioclimatic envelope models - are widely applied and have come under severe scrutiny. Criticisms of such models have focussed on at least two problems. First, there is an assumption that climate is the primary driver of observed species distributions ('climatic equilibrium'), when other biogeographical controls are often reliably established. Second, a species' sensitivity to macroclimate may become less relevant when impacts are down-scaled to a local level, incorporating a modifying effect of species interactions structuring communities. This article examines the role of different drivers (climate, pollution and landscape habitat structure) in explaining spatial community variation for a widely applied bioindicator group: lichen epiphytes. To provide an analysis free of 'legacy effects' (e.g. formerly higher pollution loads), the study focused on hazel stems as a relatively short-lived and recently colonized substratum. For communities during the present day, climate is shown to interact with stem size/age as the most likely explanation of community composition, thus coupling a macroclimatic and community-scale effect. The position of present-day communities was projected into ordination space for eight sites in England and compared to the position of historical epiphyte communities from the same sites, reconstructed using preserved hazel wattles dating mainly to the 16th Century. This comparison of community structure for the late- to post-Mediaeval period, with the post-Industrial period, demonstrated a consistent shift among independent sites towards warmer and drier conditions, concurrent with the end of the Little Ice Age. Long-term temporal sensitivity of epiphyte communities to climate variation thus complements spatial community patterns. If more widely applied, preserved lichen epiphytes have potential to generate new baseline conditions of environment and biodiversity for preindustrial lowland Europe.

[Effects of saline-alkali stress on electrical impedance spectroscopy parameters and ion contents in shoots of Ping'ou hybrid hazelnut].

To study the adaptability to salt-alkaline stress of Ping'ou hybrid hazelnut, 'Liaozhen 3' shoots which were treated with three types of stress neutral NaCl, alkaline Na2CO3, and mixed salt-alkali, and the changes in electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) parameters and mineral ion contents were subsequently determined. The correlations between the EIS parameters and mineral ion contents were analyzed. The results showed that with the increasing level of NaCl, specific high- frequency resistance (r), specific low-frequency resistance ( r(l)), specific intracellular resistance (r(i)) and specific extracellular resistance (r(e)) of shoots decreased firstly, then increased, and finally decreased again. However, these parameters increased gradually with the increasing level of Na2CO3, while r(l) and r(e) decreased slowly in the mixed salt-alkali treatments. The Na+ contents of shoots increased significantly under the three salt-alkali stresses with the order of NaCl stress > mixed salt-alkali stress > Na2CO3 stress. Furthermore, Na2CO3 stress resulted in the decreases in the contents of three elements Zn, B and Ca. The significant negative correlation was found between the sum of five cations and four EIS parameters r(l), r(e), relaxation time (τ) , and distribution coefficient of relaxation time (ψ). The shoots of 'Liaozhen 3' might be tolerant of Na2CO3 stress of 200 mmol · L(-1), while they could be resistant to NaCl stress of 100-150 mmol · L(-1).

[Effects of relative abundance of Quercus mongolica acorns on five tree species seed dispersal in Xiaoxing' an Mountains, Northeast China].

An investigation was conducted in a forest farm in the Xiaoxing' an Mountains in autumn, 2009 and 2010 to study the effects of Quercus mongolica acorn quantity and rodent density on the seed dispersal of five tree species (Juglans mandshurica, Pinus koraiensis, Corylus mandshurica, Corylus heterophylla, and Q. mongolica). In the farm, there was an annual change in rodent density. The total capture rate of small rodents in 2009 (31.0%) was significantly higher than that in 2010 (16.7%). The acorn quantity and relative seed abundance (per capita rodent) of Quercus mongolica in 2009 (6.2 +/- 2.1 acorns x m(-2) and 20.0, respectively) were significantly lower than those in 2010 (26.7 +/- 10.2 acorns x m(-2) and 160.0, respectively). In 2009, all the seeds of the five tree species except J. mandshurica were dispersed or eaten in situ, among which, the acorns of Q. mongolica were scatter-hoarded most, and their average dispersal distance was the furthest. In 2010, the seeds of J. mandshurica were scatter-hoarded most, and their average dispersal distance was the furthest. The relative seed abundance of Q. mongolica could be the key factor determining the seed dispersal of the other tree species in the study area.

Evidence for xylem embolism as a primary factor in dehydration-induced declines in leaf hydraulic conductance.

Hydraulic conductance of leaves (K(leaf)) typically decreases with increasing water stress and recent studies have proposed different mechanisms responsible for decreasing K(leaf) . We measured K(leaf) concurrently with ultrasonic acoustic emissions (UAEs) in dehydrating leaves of several species to determine whether declining K(leaf) was associated with xylem embolism. In addition, we performed experiments in which the surface tension of water in the leaf xylem was reduced by using a surfactant solution. Finally, we compared the hydraulic vulnerability of entire leaves with the leaf lamina in three species. Leaf hydraulic vulnerability based on rehydration kinetics and UAE was very similar, except in Quercus garryana. However, water potentials corresponding to the initial decline in K(leaf) and the onset of UAE in Q. garryana were similar. In all species tested, reducing the surface tension of water caused K(leaf) to decline at less negative water potentials compared with leaves supplied with water. Microscopy revealed that as the fraction of embolized xylem increased, K(leaf) declined sharply in Q. garryana. Measurements on leaf discs revealed that reductions in lamina hydraulic conductance with dehydration were not as great as those observed in intact leaves, suggesting that embolism was the primary mechanism for reductions in K(leaf) during dehydration.

[Effects of high temperature stress on photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of Xinjiang hybrid hazels].

With five temperature gradient treatments, this paper studied the effects of high temperature stress on the photosynthetic parameters and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of four Xinjiang hybrid hazels. When the temperature gradually raised from 25 degrees C to 45 degrees C, the net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, water use efficiency and light use efficiency of the hybrid hazels decreased gradually, and the decrement was the largest at 35 degrees C - 45 degrees C. The actual photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, electron transport rate, and photochemical quenching coefficient increased slowly with increasing temperature, but decreased sharply when the temperature was raised to >35 degrees C. The water consumption for transpiration and the heat dissipation also increased with increasing temperature. Among the four hybrid hazels, Xinzhen No. 3 had higher tolerance against high temperature in photosynthesis, belonging to heat-resistant cultivar.

[Studies on cold resistance of hazel determined and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry].

Using annual branch of hazel as the experimental materials, the K(+)-leakage and relative electric conductivity of three hazel species (six hazel clones) which had been treated with different low temperature were determined by electro-conductivity gauge and atomic absorption spectrometry. Regression models were established for low temperature to the K(+)-leakage or the relative electric conductivity of six hazel clones. The results showed that there was the same result of cold resistance for all clones using the two methods of comprehensive evaluation, and the indicator of K(+)-leakage rate determined by atomic absorption spectrometry can be used as a means of early identification of cold resistance of hazel clones. There were obvious differences among the clones in the ability of cold resistance. The order of the ability of cold resistance for the six hazel clones was C7R7 > Z-9-40 > C6R1 > CS2R1 > Z-9-22 > Z-9-30, and the order of the ability of cold resistance for the three hazel species was C. heterophylla > C. heterophyllax X (C. heterophylla X C. avellana) > C. heterophylla X C. avellana. The median lethal temperature of tissue for all clones is -26(-)-40 degrees "C.

Changes in the pollen seasons of the early flowering trees Alnus spp. and Corylus spp. in Worcester, United Kingdom, 1996-2005.

Previous work on Betula spp. (birch) in the UK and at five sites in Europe has shown that pollen seasons for this taxon have tended to become earlier by about 5-10 days per decade in most regions investigated over the last 30 years. This pattern has been linked to the trend to warmer winters and springs in recent years. However, little work has been done to investigate the changes in the pollen seasons for the early flowering trees. Several of these, such as Alnus spp. and Corylus spp., have allergens, which cross-react with those of Betula spp., and so have a priming effect on allergic people. This paper investigates pollen seasons for Alnus spp. and Corylus spp. for the years 1996-2005 at Worcester, in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. Pollen data for daily average counts were collected using a Burkard volumetric trap sited on the exposed roof of a three-story building. The climate is western maritime. Meteorological data for daily temperatures (maximum and minimum) and rainfall were obtained from the local monitoring sites. The local area up to approximately 10 km surrounding the site is mostly level terrain with some undulating hills and valleys. The local vegetation is mixed farmland and deciduous woodland. The pollen seasons for the two taxa investigated are typically late December or early January to late March. Various ways of defining the start and end of the pollen seasons were considered for these taxa, but the most useful was the 1% method whereby the season is deemed to have started when 1% of the total catch is achieved and to have ended when 99% is reached. The cumulative catches (in grains/m(3)) for Alnus spp. varied from 698 (2001) to 3,467 (2004). For Corylus spp., they varied from 65 (2001) to 4,933 (2004). The start dates for Alnus spp. showed 39 days difference in the 10 years (earliest 2000 day 21, latest 1996 day 60). The end dates differed by 26 days and the length of season differed by 15 days. The last 4 years in the set had notably higher cumulative counts than the first 2, but there was no trend towards earlier starts. For Corylus spp. start days also differed by 39 days (earliest 1999 day 5, latest 1996 day 44). The end date differed by 35 days and length of season by 26 days. Cumulative counts and lengths of season showed a distinct pattern of alternative high (long) and low (short) years. There is some evidence of a synchronous pattern for Alnus spp.. These patterns show some significant correlations with temperature and rainfall through the autumn, winter and early spring, and some relationships with growth degree 4s and chill units, but the series is too short to discern trends. The analysis has provided insight to the variation in the seasons for these early flowering trees and will form a basis for future work on building predictive models for these taxa.

Phytic acid mobilization is an early response to chilling of the embryonic axes from dormant oilseed of hazel (Corylus avellana).

Dormancy of hazel (Corylus avellana L.) seeds is alleviated by a chilling treatment during which cytological, hormonal, and biochemical changes occur. Phytic acid and phosphate mobilization have been examined during this treatment. Phytic acid accounted for 0.7% and up to 3.2% of dry weight in axiferous and cotyledonary tissue, respectively. Phytic acid levels in embryonic axes were reduced by 60% within the first 3 weeks of chilling, with little subsequent change, in contrast to warm-imbibed tissue where levels did not change significantly. In cotyledons, phytic acid was mobilized to a lesser extent. Phosphate levels expressed on a fresh weight basis remained almost unaltered suggesting either the operation of a homeostatic mechanism for intracellular concentration or rapid utilization due to active metabolism. Phytase activity increased during stratification in both axiferous and cotyledonary tissue. The initial rise observed was associated with dormancy alleviation, since it occurred before the realization of full germination potential by the seeds and not in warm-imbibed tissue. Protein bodies were isolated from hazel seeds by non-aqueous density gradients. Phytase activity was closely associated with the purified organelles, where phytic acid was located by light microscopy. Overall, these findings suggest that phytic acid mobilization by phytase and previously described processes associated with protein bodies, such as considerable proteolysis, are early participants in the plethora of events leading to seed dormancy relief and germination in hazel.