Chinese Tree Research Articles

Co-ordinated performance of leaf hydraulics and economics in 10 Chinese temperate tree species.

Exploring relationships between leaf hydraulics and economic traits is important in understanding the carbon-water coupling and in extending the leaf economics spectrum. In this study, leaf hydraulics, photosynthesis, structural and nutrient traits and photosynthetic resource use efficiency were measured for 10 temperate tree species in the north-eastern China. Leaf hydraulic conductance was positively correlated with photosynthetic traits, specific leaf area, leaf nitrogen concentration, photosynthetic water and nitrogen use efficiencies, suggesting co-ordination between leaf hydraulics and economic traits. Principal component analysis revealed that significant correlations existed among leaf hydraulic, photosynthetic and resource use traits (axis 1), and axis 2 was strongly associated with leaf structural and nutrient traits. The 10 species were distributed along the diagonal line between axis 1 and axis 2. Species displaying the 'fast' strategy tended to have higher photosynthetic rates, leaf hydraulic conductance and photosynthetic water and nutrient use efficiencies; however, they also had lower carbon investment and faced a greater risk of embolism. These findings indicate that leaf hydraulics, economics and resource uses together play an important role in determining species ecological strategies, and provide supports for the 'fast-slow' leaf economics spectrum.

Isolation and characterisation of 20 microsatellite loci from the Chinese green tree viper Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri

The Chinese green tree viper (Trimeresurus stejnegeri stejnegeri), one of the most common snakes in Southeast Asia, can be a good model species for evolutionary and behavioral research. However, there is no high polymorphic co-dominant marker that can be used for individual-based genetic analyses available for this species. Therefore, we developed 20 polymorphic microsatellite loci for T. s. stejnegeri in Taiwan by screening a microsatellite-enriched DNA library. The allele numbers of these loci ranged from 3 to 22, and the observed heterozygosity were 0.042-1.000. The probability of false parent non-exclusion was 2 × 10−5 for those loci that conformed to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These highly polymorphic microsatellite markers are useful for both individual-based and population-level analysis. Furthermore, this is the first set of microsatellite markers developed for Trimeresurus, and could be applied to closely related species to address various research questions on evolution and animal behavior.

Pyrolysis of energy cane bagasse and invasive Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera L.) biomass in an inductively heated reactor

The growing demand for energy and the increasing opposition to fossil fuels has given rise to the need for alternative fuels. The pyrolysis process is one viable option that converts lignocellulosic biomass into liquid fuel. This study focuses, for the first time, on the use of an induction heating mechanism to pyrolyze biomass from energy cane (Saccharum complex) bagasse and invasive Chinese tallow trees (Triadica sebifera L.). Energy cane and tallow wood were pyrolyzed at 500, 550, 600, 650, and 700°C at atmospheric pressure in a laboratory scale batch process with an initial loading of 15g and 30g for energy cane bagasse and CTT respectively. The results indicate that the highest liquid yield was obtained at 500°C for both biomasses. The yields of char declined and the gas yields increased as the reaction temperature increased, as the biomass was more thoroughly decomposed at the higher reaction temperatures. GC–MS results show that the liquid product was rich in oxygenated compounds such as phenols, ketones and alcohols for biomasses at all temperatures. Bio-oil obtained from pyrolysis of Chinese tallow tree showed small concentration of fatty alcohols. Concentration of smaller compounds in the liquid product increased as the reaction temperature increased. Highest energy content and liquid yields (34MJ/kg and 35.4%) amongst the tested temperatures was obtained at 500°C for both energy cane and tallow wood pyrolysis. Higher heating values were obtained for bio-oil from energy cane compared to tallow tree biomass.

In-situ transesterification of seeds of invasive Chinese tallow trees (Triadica sebifera L.) in a microwave batch system (GREEN3) using hexane as co-solvent: Biodiesel production and process optimization

In-situ transesterification (simultaneous extraction and transesterification) of Chinese tallow tree seeds into methyl esters using a batch microwave system was investigated in this study. A high degree of oil extraction and efficient conversion of oil to biodiesel were found in the proposed range. The process was further optimized in terms of product yields and conversion rates using Doehlert optimization methodology. Based on the experimental results and statistical analysis, the optimal production yield conditions for this process were determined as: catalyst concentration of 1.74wt.%, solvent ratio about 3 (v/w), reaction time of 20min and temperature of 58.1°C. H+NMR was used to calculate reaction conversion. All methyl esters produced using this method met ASTM biodiesel quality specifications.

De novo assembly and characterization of transcriptome using Illumina sequencing and development of twenty five microsatellite markers for an endemic tree Juglans hopeiensis Hu in China

The Chinese walnut (Juglans hopeiensis Hu) is an endemic temperate tree species and narrowly distributed in China. However, there are still few specific molecular markers for understanding genetic diversity of this walnut. In this study, more than 44 million sequencing reads were generated using Illumina sequencing technology. De novo assembly yielded 93,822 unigenes with an average length of 731 bp. Based on sequence similarity search with known proteins, a total of 39,708 (42.3%) genes were identified. Searching against the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway database (KEGG) indicated that 15,903 (17.0%) unigenes. To contribute to its conservation and management, twenty five microsatellite markers were identified in J. hopeiensis were screened for polymorphism across 27 Chinese walnut tree individuals from two locations. The number of alleles ranged from two to nine, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.016 to 0.933 (mean 0.468), and expected heterozygosity from 0.022 to 0.823 (mean 0.462). The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.012 to 0.831 (mean 0.437). The development of these new microsatellite markers will be useful for studying population genetic structure, evolutionary ecology, conservation, and genetic breeding of this endemic walnut tree or other Juglans species.

Rat-to-Chinese tree shrew heart transplantation is a novel small animal model to study non-Gal-mediated discordant xenograft humoral rejection.

Since α-1,3-galactosyltransferase knockout (GalT-KO) pigs became available, there has been an increasing interest in non-Gal natural antibody (nAb)-mediated xenograft rejection. To better understand mechanisms of non-Gal nAb-mediated rejection, a simple small animal model without gene manipulation would be extremely valuable. Here, we tested whether the Chinese tree shrew (CTS), which is a small-sized mammal that is phylogenetically close to primates, could serve as a model for discordant xenograft rejection. Study 1: Expression of α-Gal antigens in hearts and kidneys of CTSs and rats was assessed by IB4 lectin binding. Presence of anti-Gal and anti-non-Gal IgM and IgG nAb in CTS sera was tested by FACS using Gal+ and GalTKO PBMC as well as BSA-ELISA. Study 2: Rat hearts were transplanted into CTS recipients (group 1, n = 7), and CTS hearts were transplanted in rats [n = 10; seven received no immunosuppression (group 2) and three received FK506 + leflunomide (group 3)]. Study 1: Both CTSs and rats had α-Gal expression in hearts and kidneys. ELISA showed CTSs do not have anti-Gal nAb, and flow cytometry indicated CTSs have anti-non-Gal IgM and IgG nAb in serum. Study 2: Rat hearts in CTSs were uniformly rejected within 35 mins, while CTS hearts in rats continued beating until day 5 without immunosuppression, and up to day 8 with immunosuppression. Rat-to-CTS heart transplantation is a discordant xenotransplant model, CTS-to-Rat heart transplantation is a concordant xenotransplant model. CTSs are valuable small animals to study mechanisms and strategies to avoid non-Gal nAb-mediated xenograft rejection.

Identification and Characterization of Liver MicroRNAs of the Chinese Tree Shrew via Deep Sequencing.

Background:Chinese tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis) is a small animal that possess many features, which are valuable in biomedical research, as experimental models. Currently, there are numerous attempts to utilize tree shrews as models for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.Objectives:This study aimed to construct a liver microRNA (miRNA) data of the tree shrew.Materials and Methods:Three second filial generation tree shrews were used in this study. Total RNA was extracted from each liver of the tree shrew and equal quality mixed, then reverse-transcribed to complementary DNA (cDNA). The cDNAs were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subjected to high-throughput sequencing.Results:A total of 2060 conserved miRNAs were identified through alignment with the mature miRNAs in miRBase 20.0 database. The gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analyses of the target genes of the miRNAs revealed several candidate miRNAs, genes and pathways that may involve in the process of HCV infection. The abundance of miR-122 and Let-7 families and their other characteristics provided us more evidences for the utilization of this animal, as a potential model for HCV infection and other related biomedical research. Moreover, 80 novel microRNAs were predicted using the software Mireap. The top 3 abundant miRNAs were validated in other tree samples, based on stem-loop quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.Conclusions:According to the liver microRNA data of Chinese tree shrew, characteristics of the miR-122 and Let-7 families further highlight the suitability of tree shrew as the animal model in HCV research.

Phylogeography of <I>Davidia involucrata</I> (Davidiaceae) Inferred from cpDNA Haplotypes and nSSR Data

Abstract Davidia involucrata Baill. (Davidiaceae), commonly known as “Chinese dove tree”, is a rare and endangered species endemic to China. Little is known about the genetic structure and population history of D. involucrata. Both cpDNA and nSSR markers showed high genetic diversity among D. involucrata populations (HS = 0.717; hT = 0.893; pT = 3.14 × 10-3). The genetic divergence of all D. involucrata populations was significantly higher in the cpDNA (FST = 0.765) than in the nuclear DNA (FST = 0.239), possibly reflecting a more important role of pollen dispersal than the seed in the formation of the genetic structure of Davidia. Phylogeographic analyses suggested that the populations of D. involucrata were divided into the eastern and western lineages with the Sichuan Basin as the boundary, separating the Sino-Himalayan and Sino-Japanese Forest subkingdoms. Divergence of the two lineages was estimated to have occurred around 4.81 Mya during the Late Miocene/Early Pliocene. Mismatch distribution and neu...

Seedbank Potential of Chinese Tallow Tree (Triadica sebifera) in a Texas Bottomland Hardwood Forest

ABSTRACT: Chinese tallow tree (Triadica sebifera) is arguably one of the most deleterious exotic invasive plants in the southern United States, where it alters ecosystem structure and function, especially near the Gulf Coast. Chinese tallow continues to expand into riparian floodplain forests, which likely facilitate regional invasion by dispersing seeds during seasonal flooding and providing corridors of favorable habitat. We attempted to estimate existing Chinese tallow soil seedbank presence and density in a bottomland hardwood forest located at Old Sabine Bottom Wildlife Management Area (OSBWMA) in northeastern Texas, where heavy infestation has not occurred to date, though mature seed-bearing trees are present regionally. No Chinese tallow seeds were detected across the study area, despite the occurrence of mature, seed-bearing plants on adjacent properties. Based on this lack of detected seeds, combined with the lack of observed Chinese tallow plants at OSBWMA, it appears the species continues to oc...

Identification and molecular characterization of a novel monopartite geminivirus associated with mulberry mosaic dwarf disease

High-throughput sequencing of small RNAs allowed the identification of a novel DNA virus in a Chinese mulberry tree affected by a disease showing mosaic and dwarfing symptoms. Rolling-circle amplification and PCR with specific primers, followed by sequencing of eleven independent full-length clones, showed that this virus has a monopartite circular DNA genome (∼ 2.95 kb) containing ORFs in both polarity strands, as reported previously for geminiviruses. A field survey showed the close association of the virus with diseased mulberries, so we tentatively named the virus mulberry mosaic dwarf-associated virus (MMDaV). The MMDaV genome codes for five and two putative proteins in the virion-sense and in the complementary-sense strands, respectively. Although three MMDaV virion-sense putative proteins did not share sequence homology with any protein in the databases, functional domains [coiled-coil and transmembrane (TM) domains] were identified in two of them. In addition, the protein containing a TM domain was encoded by an ORF located in a similar genomic position in MMDaV and in several other geminiviruses. As reported for members of the genera Mastrevirus and Becurtovirus, MMDaV replication-associated proteins are expressed through the alternative splicing of an intron, which was shown to be functional in vivo. A similar intron was found in the genome of citrus chlorotic dwarf-associated virus (CCDaV), a divergent geminivirus found recently in citrus. On the basis of pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analyses, CCDaV and MMDaV appear to be closely related to each other, thus supporting their inclusion in a putative novel genus in the family Geminiviridae.

Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Chinese tallow tree leaves

In the present study, the chemical compositions, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of fractions of extracts of Chinese tallow tree (CTT, Sapium sebiferum L.) leaves were evaluated. The ethanol extract of CTT leaves was fractionated, then obtained ethyl acetate fraction (EAF), n-butyl alcohol fraction (nBF) and water residue fraction (WF). UPLC-PDA method was adopted for chemical composition analysis; Four chemical methods, including DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging, reducing power and ORAC assays were adopted for the determination of antioxidant activities; MIC method was employed to test inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus growth. Eight phenolic compounds were identified, including gallic acid, rutin, ellagic acid, hyperin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, quercetin and keampferol. EAF contained higher contents of all identified components except rutin. Meantime, WF contained more un-retained, high polar compounds. All fractions exhibited antioxidant activities. EAF exhibited strongest antioxidant activity, nBF taken second place, while antioxidant of WF was weakest. The anti-bacterial activity was also found in order of EAF>nBF>WF. Results of bioactivity tests were in accordance to the relative content of most identified phenolic compounds, which indicate that identified compounds may be responsible for the bioactivity of CTT leaves. This study provided evidence for the selection of EAF of CTT leaves as a bioactivity resource, which might improve the development and application of CTT leaves.

Sequence diversity of the MHC Ⅱ DRB gene in Chinese tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis)

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a cluster of genes involved in vertebrate immune response regulation. MHC class I and II cell surface proteins are crucial for discrimination of self versus non-self by the adaptive immune system. Due to their special phylogenetic position within the Euarchontoglires and as a relative of primates, tree shrews have been proposed as an alternative experimental animal model for biomedical studies. However, information about the genetic structure of the tree shrew populations is largely unknown. In this study, we characterized diversity in exon 2 of the MHC II DRB gene isolated from Chinese tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinensis). We identified 12 different DRB exon 2 alleles from 15 Chinese tree shrews, 1 to 4 alleles were observed per individual with high levels of sequence divergence between alleles. There were more non-synonymous than synonymous substitutions in the functionally important antigen-binding site (dN/dS = 2.7952, P < 0.01), indicating that the DRB exon 2 in Chinese tree shrews has been influenced by positive selection.

Changes of Endogenous Hormone Levels during Ovary Growth and Development after Self-and Cross-pollination of Chestnut (&lt;em&gt;Castanea&lt;/em&gt;) Cultivar \'Yanshanzaofeng\'

Chinese chestnut trees spread all over the world produce nut and chestnuts that have considerable economical value. Ovary development is an important step in nut production. Normal ovary development probably requires the coordinated action of plant hormones. Endogenous hormone status of chestnut tree, particularly IAA, IBA, GA3 and ZT, influences chestnut ovary development as well as nut yield. Changes in endogenous hormones during ovary development in chestnut cultivar ‘Yanshanzaofeng’ have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, cultivar ‘Yanshanzaofeng’ and ‘Dabanhong’ were used as materials. About 50~100 pollinated female inflorescences were picked every five days (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 days, respectively) to determine the IAA, ABA, GA3 and ZT levels by HPLC. The results showed that there were differences between self-and cross- pollination endogenous hormone change rules during the development of ovary. The IAA and GA3 contents in ovary of self-pollination were significantly higher than cross-pollination during pollination and fertilization period, which suggested that lower IAA and GA3 acts as a positive regulator of fertilization. In the first 40 DAP, ZT level in ovaries of self-and cross-pollination almost have the same change rule, but changed dramatically in the last 10 DAP, which suggested that ZT serves as a positive regulator for young fruit. ABA level in ovary of self-pollination was significantly higher than cross-pollination in the first 30 DAP. It seems that high ABA level was probably related with self-incompatibility in chestnut. The findings of this study could lay the scientific basis for spraying GA3, IAA and ZT during ovary development and may have the potential to improve nut yield.

Physicochemical characterization of lignin recovered from microwave‐assisted delignified lignocellulosic biomass for use in biobased materials

ABSTRACTLignocellulosic biomass (Moso Bamboo, Chinese tallow tree wood, switchgrass, and pine wood) was subjected to a novel delignification process using microwave energy in a binary glycerol/methanol solvent. The physicochemical properties of the recovered lignin were analyzed prior to its application in the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA)–lignin composites. The results showed that the samples had a high Klason lignin content (&gt;75%) and retained their natural structure. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the recovered lignin exhibited a different thermal decomposition pattern from that of commercial lignins. All the recovered lignins had good solubility in common organic solvents (acetone, 1,4‐dioxane, THF, DMSO, and ethanol/water) and 1 mol/L NaOH solution. The addition of lignin into the PLA matrix resulted in the improvement in tensile properties of PLA–lignin composites. PLA films with low lignin content had good UV light‐resistant properties, indicating that the recovered lignin has potential in packaging of light‐sensitive products. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42635.

Season-specific changes in telomere length and telomerase activity in Chinese pine (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.)

Telomeres have lately received considerable attention in the development of deciduous tree species. In order to determine season-specific changes in telomere length and telomerase activity in evergreen tree species, Chinese pine trees (Pinus tabulaeformis Carr.) were used as experimental materials. In this study, we examined the correlation among telomere length, telomerase activity, and temperature in P. tabulaeformis during the course of an annual developmental cycle. A statistical analysis showed that the lengths of telomeres were significantly different between new and old leaves in each month. During the annual developmental cycle, the telomere lengths in Chinese pine tree leaves increased from May to June 2012, remained stable or increased slightly from June to August 2012, decreased sharply from August 2012 to January 2013, and then increased from January to April 2013. Telomerase activities could be detected in both new and old leaves from May 2012 to April 2013 and the telomerase activities in new leaves are higher than in the old each month. Additionally, there were similar trends between the changes in telomere length and mean monthly temperature from May 2012 to April 2013, and opposite trends were shown between the changes in telomerase activity and mean monthly temperature. Therefore, telomere length and telomerase activity varied with the season. Telomere length was positively correlated with temperature and telomerase activity was negatively correlated with temperature during the annual developmental cycle.

A Method for Building Naxi Language Dependency Treebank Based on Chinese-Naxi Language Relationship Alignment

Relative to Chinese, as to Naxi Language, its corpus is very rare, its annotation is also difficult, and these factors make its Syntactic Analysis much too difficult. Aiming to the problem, in the paper, it is proposed a method for building Naxi Language Dependency Treebank based on Chinese-Naxi Language relationship alignment. Firstly, the corresponding words of Chinese-Naxi sentence pairs are aligned; then, the dependency grammar on Chinese sentences; Finally, some characteristics and rules of Naxi Language in itself being considered, the generated Chinese Dependency Tree is mapped to Naxi Sentence by using Chinese-Naxi Languages relationship alignment, as a result, Naxi Dependency Parsing Tree is generated. Experimental results show that: This approach can simplify the process of manual collection and annotation of Naxi Treebank, and save manpower and time to build the dependency treebank of Naxi Language.

Characterization of a MAVS ortholog from the Chinese tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinensis)

Human mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (hMAVS, also known as IPS-1, VISA, or Cardif) is essential for antiviral innate immunity. The Chinese tree shrew (Tupaia belangeri chinenses), a close relative of primates, is emerging as a potential animal model for investigating viral infection. However, there is a lack of biological knowledge about the antiviral innate immunity of the tree shrew. In this study, we identified and characterized the function of the Chinese tree shrew MAVS gene (tMAVS). The cDNA of tMAVS was 2771 bp in length and encoded a polypeptide of 501 amino acids. Phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences revealed a closer affinity of tMAVS with those of primates. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that tMAVS mRNA was constitutively expressed in all seven tissues analyzed in this study. The tMAVS mRNA expression was rapidly and significantly increased after RNA virus infections. Ectopic-expression of tMAVS significantly potentiated the virus-triggered activation of IRF3, NF-κB and interferon-β (IFN-β), whereas knockdown of tMAVS displayed the opposite effect. Furthermore, tMAVS mutants lacking the caspase activation and recruitment (CARD) domains or the transmembrane (TM) domain were unable to induce IFN-β. Similar with hMAVS, mitochondrial localization of tMAVS was dependent on its domain. Collectively, this study revealed evolutionary conservation of the MAVS antiviral signaling pathway in the Chinese tree shrew.

Patterns of photoassimilate translocation between shoots in Chinese chestnut trees during flowering and fruit growth

SummaryThis study was undertaken to elucidate the carbon partitioning from different current shoots and its influence on flowering and fruit growth in neighbouring shoot complexes during the flowering period and during rapid fruit growth, and to interpret the source–sink relationship of the natural cupule loads in Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Bl.). 13C labelling of single shoots was used to assess carbon relationships in branches. Results showed that fruit-bearing shoots preferentially use carbon resources and draw the current photosynthate from proximal shoots.13C was assimilated into staminate and vegetative shoots lacking pistillate flowers and cupules. It was then transferred as part of the photosynthetic product to neighbouring fruit-bearing shoots. When a fruit-bearing shoot is near a vegetative shoot or a staminate shoot, little 13C moved outside the shoot. This shows that vegetative shoots are important sources of carbon and that the pattern of resource allocation is affected by the location of a strong carbon sink. In general, the proportion of 13C was greatest in shoots with mixed inflorescences and cupules, intermediate in stems and least in fruiting shoots. Ripening flowers and cupules, which are strong carbon sinks, may draw large quantities of photosynthate from their own branch. The pattern of translocation of photoassimilates to proximal fruit-bearing shoots depends on the type of shoot. Carbon partitioning in different branch combinations showed that the movement of photosynthates into the sink organ was determined by the sink strength of the fruit.

Continuous microwave drying of the seeds of the invasive Chinese tallow tree

AbstractThe Chinese tallow tree (CTT) (Triadica sebifera) is an invasive species in the Southeastern portion of the USA. With lipid content between 40% and 55%, the tree's non‐edible seeds are a valuable source for biofuel production. In situ transesterification is a proposed method for optimizing the transesterification process since it does not require prior oil extraction; however, for yields greater than 98%, the moisture content of the seeds should be less than 2%. In this paper we highlight an innovative microwave assisted drying method, used for the first time for these seeds, as a solution which drastically reduces the drying time and energy consumption compared to other drying methods. To optimize the microwave‐assisted drying of CTT seeds, temperatures of 25 and 55 °C were tested with microwave powers of 0, 200, and 600 W using a continuous microwave drying system. The decrease in moisture content is greatest at 600 W of microwave power, with ambient temperature having little effect on the heat generation. The drying rate to power consumption ratio is greatest with a combination of 600 W at 25 °C ambient temperature. The microwave assisted drying reduced the drying time to about 300 seconds compared to the 4 h required for conventional oven drying. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd

Flower bud transcriptome analysis of Sapium sebiferum (Linn.) Roxb. and primary investigation of drought induced flowering: pathway construction and G-quadruplex prediction based on transcriptome.

Sapium sebiferum (Linn.) Roxb. (Chinese Tallow Tree) is a perennial woody tree and its seeds are rich in oil which hold great potential for biodiesel production. Despite a traditional woody oil plant, our understanding on S. sebiferum genetics and molecular biology remains scant. In this study, the first comprehensive transcriptome of S. sebiferum flower has been generated by sequencing and de novo assembly. A total of 149,342 unigenes were generated from raw reads, of which 24,289 unigenes were successfully matched to public database. A total of 61 MADS box genes and putative pathways involved in S. sebiferum flower development have been identified. Abiotic stress response network was also constructed in this work, where 2,686 unigenes are involved in the pathway. As for lipid biosynthesis, 161 unigenes have been identified in fatty acid (FA) and triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis. Besides, the G-Quadruplexes in RNA of S. sebiferum also have been predicted. An interesting finding is that the stress-induced flowering was observed in S. sebiferum for the first time. According to the results of semi-quantitative PCR, expression tendencies of flowering-related genes, GA1, AP2 and CRY2, accorded with stress-related genes, such as GRX50435 and PRXⅡ39562. This transcriptome provides functional genomic information for further research of S. sebiferum, especially for the genetic engineering to shorten the juvenile period and improve yield by regulating flower development. It also offers a useful database for the research of other Euphorbiaceae family plants.