Petal Shape Research Articles

The First Comprehensive Phylogeny of Coptis (Ranunculaceae) and Its Implications for Character Evolution and Classification.

Coptis (Ranunculaceae) contains 15 species and is one of the pharmaceutically most important plant genera in eastern Asia. Understanding of the evolution of morphological characters and phylogenetic relationships within the genus is very limited. Here, we present the first comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the genus based on two plastid and one nuclear markers. The phylogeny was reconstructed using Bayesian inference, as well as maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The Swofford-Olsen-Waddell-Hillis and Bayesian tests were used to assess the strength of the conflicts between traditional taxonomic units and those suggested by the phylogenetic inferences. Evolution of morphological characters was inferred using Bayesian method to identify synapomorphies for the infrageneric lineages. Our data recognize two strongly supported clades within Coptis. The first clade contains subgenus Coptis and section Japonocoptis of subgenus Metacoptis, supported by morphological characters, such as traits of the central leaflet base, petal color, and petal shape. The second clade consists of section Japonocoptis of subgenus Metacoptis. Coptis morii is not united with C. quinquefolia, in contrast with the view that C. morii is a synonym of C. quinquefolia. Two varieties of C. chinensis do not cluster together. Coptis groenlandica and C. lutescens are reduced to C. trifolia and C. japonica, respectively. Central leaflet base, sepal shape, and petal blade carry a strong phylogenetic signal in Coptis, while leaf type, sepal and petal color, and petal shape exhibit relatively higher levels of evolutionary flexibility.

Perianth evolution in Ranunculaceae: are petals ancestral in the family?

Progress has been made recently towards the elucidation of phylogenetic relationships among subfamilies and tribes of the Ranunculaceae – the most recent hypothesis was published in 2016 by our team. Although relationships among the 10 tribes of the subfamily Ranunculoideae remain incompletely supported, this hypothesis provides an interesting framework to address the key issue of the ancestral vs. derived nature of a differentiated perianth within the family, and at the level of Ranunculales as a whole. Here, we present ancestral state reconstructions for several perianth characters, such as differentiation into sepals and petals, shape of petals, presence/absence of nectaries, and petaloid or sepaloid aspect of sepals. Characters were scored using the PROTEUS database and optimized on the most recent phylogeny of Ranunculaceae using parsimony and maximum likelihood methods. The results are discussed with regard to recent evo-devo studies focused on identifying genes involved in floral organs identity (the so-called ABC model) in Ranunculales.

Trait evolution in the slipper orchid Paphiopedilum (Orchidaceae) in China

ABSTRACTThe well-known orchid genus Paphiopedilum has attracted much attention from biologists because of its diverse floral traits. Although these traits have been thoroughly described, little is known about their evolutionary trajectory. In this study, we explored their evolutionary patterns and trajectory through phylogenetic analyses and close observations, and 10 characters in 21 Chinese species mapped onto an existing phylogenetic tree. Lip shape, staminode shape, petal shape, and petal width are relatively congruent with molecular phylogenies, thereby validating the existing traditional classification system. All four of those characters, along with flower number, are strongly conserved, and are significantly affected by phylogeny. By contrast, flower color (including that of the dorsal sepal, lip, and petal) is significantly convergent among those examined species and less affected by phylogeny. Therefore, this character is independent of evolution and mainly influenced by environmental factors. All of these characters are key, classical indicators when distinguishing among species within the subgenera Brachypetalum and Paphiopedilum.

Fluorescence: A New Trait for Flowers

Flowers are used on various occasions as gifts, and their presence in living spaces creates pleasurable and memorable experience. Ornamental flowers have various attractive traits such as petal color, color pattern, flower shape, petal shape, and fragrance. To add fluorescence to the list of attractive traits, we developed a flower exhibiting strong fluorescence. Fluorescence emitted from the flower can be observed at a glance without using any high-sensitivity imaging equipment.

Promotion of Efficient Molecular Breeding Using Chimeric Repressors in Ornamental Flowers

Useful novel floral traits have recently been generated in various ornamental crops by using Chimeric REpressor gene Silencing Technology (CRES-T). CRES-T is a plant-specific gene silencing method that targets transcription factors (TFs), causing a dominant loss-of-function phenotype. In our group project, we applied CRES-T to various ornamental crops and mainly elucidated the following points: 1) CRES-T was effective for the modification of floral traits, 2) it was useful in higher polyploidy crops, and 3) it enabled the creation of commercially valuable flowers. In CRES-T, the attachment of a short repression domain derived from a transcriptional repressor to the C-terminal region of target TFs converts transcriptional activators to dominant chimeric repressors. In the target flower species, some Arabidopsis chimeric repressors were effective for the production of new floral traits without cloning the TF genes of interest. Therefore, the use of Arabidopsis chimeric repressors could be widely effective for many ornamental crops, even when the genome and/or expressed sequence tag (EST) information of target crops is unavailable or lacking. In addition, the collective transformation of chimeric repressors into ornamental crops is effective in isolating useful and/or target floral traits, such as petal colors, petal shapes, and color patterns. This technology could help to accelerate the developmental period and reduce the cost of developing new floral traits.

Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Dendranthema morifolium (Asteraceae) using next-generation sequencing

Dendranthema morifolium (Asteraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to China. A long history of artificial crossings may have resulted in complex genetic background and decreased genetic diversity. To protect the genetic diversity of D. morifolium and enabling breeding of new D. morifolium cultivars, we developed a set of molecular markers. We used pyrosequencing of an enriched microsatellite library by Roche 454 FLX+ platform, to isolate D. morifolium simple sequence repeats (SSRs). A total of 32,863 raw reads containing 2251 SSRs were obtained. To test the effectiveness of these SSR markers, we designed primers by randomly selecting 100 novel SSRs, and amplified them across 60 cultivars representing five different petal shape groups. Sixteen SSRs were polymorphic with the number of alleles ranging from 6 to 19, and their expected and observed heterozygosities ranging from 0.477 to 0.848, and 0.250 to 0.804, respectively. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.459 to 0.854 and the inbreeding coefficient ranged from -0.119 to 0.759. An unweighted pair-group method arithmetic average analysis was performed to survey the phylogenetic relationships of these 60 cultivars and five clusters were identified. These markers can be used for investigating genetic relationships and identifying elite alleles through linkage and association analyses.

New taxa of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from Madagascar IX. Impatiens lutzii, a new species from Montagne d’Ambre National Park

Impatiens lutzii, a new species of Impatiens subg. Trimorphopetalum, is described from Montagne d’Ambre, Madagascar. It is morphologically similar to Impatiens luisae-echterae, I. callmanderi and I. silviana from Masoala, and to I. decaryana from central Madagascar, but differs from these species in the shape and ornamentation of the lower sepal, as well as the shape of the dorsal petal and the lateral united petals. A comparative table to distinguish I. lutzii from similar species of Impatiens is provided.

Habenaria pseudorostellifera, a New Orchid Species from China

Habenaria pseudorostellifera Kolan., Szlach. & Kras, a new orchid species from China is described and illustrated. It is distinguishable from the fairly similar H. rostellifera by details of gynostemium, shape of petals, different lateral sepals, and by presence of a dentate appendage at the petal base.

Splitting and accelerating Gaussian beam modulated by Mittag Leffler function

We propose and demonstrate the generation of a Mittag–Leffler Gaussian beam (MLG) throughout the modulation of a Gaussian beam with Mittag–Leffler (ML) complex function. This beam presents splitting and accelerating properties. The key element of our method is the use of a ML function of complex variable. The amplitude distribution of this Mittag–Leffler–Gaussian beam is symmetric and has multiple components with petal shape. Each of these petals has an elliptical Gaussian amplitude distribution and a curved trajectory.

A test of phenotypic selection on petal form in the wild carnation, Dianthus inoxianus.

Floral phenotypes are considered a product of pollinator-mediated selection, which also has the side effect of decreasing floral variation within species. Correlates of flower visibility and function were studied in a carnation species (Dianthus inoxianus), which has crepuscular anthesis and scent-based pollination by the hawkmoth Hyles livornica. We also assessed constancy of flower form in nature and in cultivation and, using fruit set as an estimate of plant relative fitness, tested whether the main pollinator exerted phenotypic selection on floral traits. Petal claw, which is roughly equivalent to the average depth at which an insect's proboscis must be inserted to reach nectar, was remarkably constant among wild plants (coefficient of variation 8%). In contrast, the area of the visible part of the petal, and the intensity of a coloured dot pattern on the petal was very variable (respectively CV = 34% and 102%). Cultivation in a common environment revealed significant variation among genotypes as regards petal area, degree of laciniation and extension of the dot pattern, but not petal claw length, which remained steady. Petal area, shape and colour did not affect relative fitness during the year of study, but plants with intermediate petal claws (i.e. floral tubes) set significantly more fruit. Results are compatible with low response of the main pollinator to variation in visual traits (petal area, laciniation, colour) and high responsiveness to variation in other aspects (tube length). Inconsistent phenotypic selection by pollinators may add to other causes of floral variation in the genus Dianthus, the causes of which are discussed.

The Tinkerbell (Tink) Mutation Identifies the Dual-Specificity MAPK Phosphatase INDOLE-3-BUTYRIC ACID-RESPONSE5 (IBR5) as a Novel Regulator of Organ Size in Arabidopsis

Mitogen-activated dual-specificity MAPK phosphatases are important negative regulators in the MAPK signalling pathways responsible for many essential processes in plants. In a screen for mutants with reduced organ size we have identified a mutation in the active site of the dual-specificity MAPK phosphatase INDOLE-3-BUTYRIC ACID-RESPONSE5 (IBR5) that we named tinkerbell (tink) due to its small size. Analysis of the tink mutant indicates that IBR5 acts as a novel regulator of organ size that changes the rate of growth in petals and leaves. Organ size and shape regulation by IBR5 acts independently of the KLU growth-regulatory pathway. Microarray analysis of tink/ibr5-6 mutants identified a likely role for this phosphatase in male gametophyte development. We show that IBR5 may influence the size and shape of petals through auxin and TCP growth regulatory pathways.

The efficacy of petal shape sclera forming hydroxyapatite(HA) orbital implantation

Objective To investigate the efficacy of petal shape sclera forming hydroxyapatite (HA) orbital implantation. Methods Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients received petal shape sclera forming HA orbital implantation. The follow-up time was 6 to 24 months.The operative effects were observed. Results Thin bulbar conjunctiva occurred in 1 case of 28 cases and the scleral suture exposed. The fascia and conjunctiva were sutured again 1 month later. Conjunctival sac was narrow slightly in one case. No orbital implant exposure, extrusion, infection or other complication was found. Conclusion The petal shape sclera forming HA orbital implantation has good effects and less complication. Key words: Implantat, orbital; Hydroxyapatite; Implantation

Study on Microstructure and Property of High Boron Alloyed Stainless Steel Composite Plate Containing Titanium

A certain amount of Ti was added into high boron alloyed stainless steel with content 2.25%B, and then high boron alloyed stainless steel composite casting slab with three layers was fabricated , in which central layer is high boron alloyed stainless steel containing Ti and cladding is plain 304 stainless steel without Ti. The microstructure of core and interface and the mechanical property of the composite plate were studied after hot forged, hot rolled and solution treated process respectively. The results show that the boride in as-cast microstructure of core are (Fe,Cr)2B phase with long strip and TiB2 phase with petal shape, moreover the formation of TiB2 phase decreases the amount of (Fe,Cr)2B phase. Two kinds of boride are fully broken after hot rolling and distributed in the form of block uniformly in matrix, and TiB2 phase is more fine uniform. The mechanical property especially plastic performance of high boron alloyed stainless steel composite plate containing Ti after solution treatment is improved significantly, it has reached and surpassed the United States ASTM A887-89 delivery standards.

Monitoring of pulsed proton beams using free-air ionization chambers with petal shape electrodes

It has been theoretically and experimentally shown that, using stepwise rotation of a multielectrode free-air ionization chamber to measure the parameters of a pulsed proton beam, it is possible to substantially increase the accuracy in determining both the centroid position of the beam cross section, as well as the transverse distribution of the dose produced by the beam. The linear operation modes of the chambers are identified and the system characteristics are investigated. The inaccuracy in determining the centroid position of the beam cross section is <2% (∼0.4 mm), which confirms the applicability of the method for beam monitoring.

Petal Shape Optimization of a Capsule Robot with Multiple Wedge Effects

Petal Shape Optimization of a Capsule Robot with Multiple Wedge Effects

Preparation and Photocatalytic Property of Cubic WO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;

The cubic WO3powder was prepared by sol-gel method with WCl6as the soure of tungsten and P123as the structure-directing agent. The crystalline phase and microstructure of the powder were characterized through TG-DSC, XRD and SEM techniques, respectively. It was found the powder annealed at 250°C for 4h mainly was cubic WO3with a little monoclinic phase. The SEM micrographs revealed the powder has a petal shape with about 200 nm mean particle diameter. The photocatalytic activity of the powder was evaluated by methyl orange as mode compound to photocatalytic degradation under UV light irradiation. The results show the cubic WO3powder has much higher photocatalytic activity than the monoclinic phase.

Phylogeography of the European rock roseHelianthemum nummularium(Cistaceae): incongruent patterns of differentiation in plastid DNA and morphology

Helianthemum nummularium is a morphologically variable species that has been subdivided into several subspecies based on indumentum characters. We investigated four of these subspecies for variation in plastid DNA and leaf and petal shape in Europe. Three size-variable mononucleotide repeat regions were amplified by means of species-specific primers and 18 combined haplotypes were identified. The highest haplotype diversity was found in the Alps and the surrounding lowland areas, whereas marginal areas such as northern Europe and the south-eastern Balkans had a lower diversity. Most of the common haplotypes were shared between subspecies and showed a geographical structuring across the range of the species, whereas geographically restricted haplotypes were found elsewhere (e.g. in the Baltic area). Leaf and petal shape descriptors could not differentiate between subspecies. The role of hybridization and introgression between post-glacial migration lineages is discussed. As an alternative hypothesis to introgression between ancient taxa, we suggest that the poor correspondence between plastid haplotype distribution and subspecies circumscription could be a result of multiple origins of similar morphs (grouped into taxonomic subspecies) in different parts of the distribution range of the complex. (c) 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 176, 311-331. (Less)

Simulation Research for Petal Color

The petal color was represented by parametric equation and the parameters were in connection with parametric equation of petal shape. The initial petal shape was represented by a rectangle parametric equation. Combining the petal shape feature, we changed the rectangle equation into petal parametric equation. According to the parameters in petal equation, we may get the model of flower garland and flower costal to control hue, intensity and saturation (HIS). These color models may be combined to form complex flower color. The model can be realized quickly and two kinds of flower simulation result show that the method is effective.

Exploitation of Diversity for Morphological Traits in &lt;i&gt;Lilium tsingtauense&lt;/i&gt; under Different Habitats

In this study naturally growing morphological variation of Lilium tsingtauense (Korean wheel lily), from southern Chung San Island to northern Mount Seorak, was investigated in 16 habitats around the country. Morphological analysis revealed that this species had its own unique characteristics in different habitats. Flowers with luster are in actinomorphic form, with shades of orange, each plant having an average of 2.4 flowers that blossom upward. The shape of flower petals was from oval to oblong. The width of the petals, which determines the shape of the flower, significantly varied among regions. Flower petals showed purple spots and its occurrence greatly varied among plants from almost none to 300 spots per flower. In addition, when the number of spots increased, the flower color was more vivid. Leaves were typically one-tiered verticillate and most of the leaves were long, oval and some were lanceolate. Young leaves showed definitive patterns that faded during growth. Starting from the verticillate leaves, stems below the leaves were smooth, although 81% of all stems, above the verticillate leaves, showed rough micro-protrusions. Bulb shapes were long and vertically elliptical. The ramentum was light yellow in color and the base was darker, with the color fading toward the upper region of the plant. The shape of the ramentum was long, with a pointy end, and its adhesiveness was weak. This study offers basic fundamental information for the effective exploitation and recognition of L. tsingtauense resources as a potential cut flower and potting plant in floral trade worldwide.

Exploitation of Diversity for Morphological Traits in &lt;i&gt;Lilium tsingtauense&lt;/i&gt; under Different Habitats

In this study naturally growing morphological variation of Lilium tsingtauense (Korean wheel lily), from southern Chung San Island to northern Mount Seorak, was investigated in 16 habitats around the country. Morphological analysis revealed that this species had its own unique characteristics in different habitats. Flowers with luster are in actinomorphic form, with shades of orange, each plant having an average of 2.4 flowers that blossom upward. The shape of flower petals was from oval to oblong. The width of the petals, which determines the shape of the flower, significantly varied among regions. Flower petals showed purple spots and its occurrence greatly varied among plants from almost none to 300 spots per flower. In addition, when the number of spots increased, the flower color was more vivid. Leaves were typically one-tiered verticillate and most of the leaves were long, oval and some were lanceolate. Young leaves showed definitive patterns that faded during growth. Starting from the verticillate leaves, stems below the leaves were smooth, although 81% of all stems, above the verticillate leaves, showed rough micro-protrusions. Bulb shapes were long and vertically elliptical. The ramentum was light yellow in color and the base was darker, with the color fading toward the upper region of the plant. The shape of the ramentum was long, with a pointy end, and its adhesiveness was weak. This study offers basic fundamental information for the effective exploitation and recognition of L. tsingtauense resources as a potential cut flower and potting plant in floral trade worldwide.