Rachis Research Articles

N-terminally endogenous mKate2-tagged HIM-4 in Caenorhabditis elegans.

The gene him-4 encodes the C. elegans homolog of hemicentin, an evolutionarily conserved extracellular matrix protein. Despite being an extracellular matrix protein, mutations in him-4 result in pleiotropic defects during development and demonstrate tissue fragility. While previous studies in C. elegans have confirmed the localization of either transgenic HIM-4::GFP or endogenous C-terminally tagged HIM-4::mNeonGreen, only green or green/yellow fluorescent protein-tagged HIM-4 are available to the C. elegans community. Here, I used CRISPR/Cas9 technology to insert the far-red fluorescence protein mKate2 at the him-4 genomic locus, and established worms expressing mKate2::HIM-4. As expected, localization of mkate2::HIM-4 at the rachis was observed at the L4 stage. In contrast to the localization of type IV collagen or nidogen such as major components of the basement membrane, mkate2::HIM-4 was polarized at the anterior part of the pharyngeal basement membrane. A unique polarized localization pattern of pharyngeal basement membrane is maintained throughout the L1–L4 stages.

Grape rachis in composites manufacturing

Grape rachis in composites manufacturing

Pteroceras teres, a new record of Orchidaceae from China.

Pteroceras teres (Blume) Holttum (Orchidaceae), an epiphytic orchid from Yunnan is newly recorded for China. A detailed description of the species and photos are provided. This species is similar to P. compressum (Blume) Holttum, from which it clearly differs in having a terete rachis, spirally arranged yellow flowers and a spur with the bladdery apex laterally compressed, more or less twisted.

VERTICAL DISTRIBUTIONS OF FUSARIUM spp. INFECTIONS ON MATURE WHEAT EARS UNDER NATURAL FIELD CONDITIONS

Wheat spikes have a vertical architecture, presenting multiple spikelets on which Fusarium spp. infectious propagules can land, initiate grain infection and possibly spread into the rachis to infect neighboring kernels. However, it is not known whether fungal infections occur randomly along the ear nor if species naturally interact within the ear. Over 4 years, five wheat fields in Belgium were surveyed annually and Fusarium spp. were isolated from kernels sampled from three positions on the ears (top, middle and bottom). This study revealed a vertical gradient of infection by Fusarium spp., with more isolates recovered from the bottom than from the top of the ears. This observation could result from infections by an inoculum from the ground, a downward movement of propagules present on the ear surface carried by rain and/or a downward spread of the fungus within the rachis. Moreover, multiple infected kernels originating from the same spike were frequent but, in most cases, the same species could be isolated from those grains and almost no relationships were observed among species present on the same spikes. Therefore, Fusarium spp. infections on wheat ears occur preferentially at the bottom of the spike and independently of the other species present.

Estudio morfológico comparativo de las inflorescencias de dos especies de Araceae: Anthurium denudatum Engler y Philodendron radiatum Schott

The inflorescences and flowers of Anthurium denudatum and Philodendron radiatum are here interpreted as fleshy pseudo capitula which evolved from a primitive spike through internode reduction, thickening of the rachis, and loss of sterile appendages. In general, the inflorescence of P. radiatum showed more advanced characteristics than those of A. denudatum . The laminar stamen of P. radiatum is interpreted as a specialization in response to environmental adaptative pressures.

Expression levels of GSTA2 and APOD genes might be associated with carotenoid coloration in golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) plumage.

Carotenoids, which generate yellow, orange, and red colors, are crucial pigments in avian plumage. Investigations into genes associated with carotenoidbased coloration in avian species are important; however, such research is difficult because carotenoids cannot be synthetized in vertebrates as they are only derived from dietary sources. Here, the golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus) was used as a model in analysis of candidate gene expression profiles implicated in carotenoid binding and deposition. Using mass and Raman spectrometry to confirm the presence of carotenoids in golden pheasant feathers, we found C40H54O and C40H56O2 in feathers with yellow to red colors, and in the rachis of iridescent feathers. The global gene expression profiles in golden pheasant skins were analyzed by RNA-seq and all six carotenoid binding candidate genes sequenced were studied by realtime PCR. StAR4, GSTA2, Scarb1, and APOD in feather follicles showed different expressions in red breast and orange nape feathers compared with that of iridescent mantle feathers. Further comparison of golden pheasant yellow rump and Lady Amherst's pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstiae) white nape feathers suggested that GSTA2 and APOD played a potential role in carotenoid-based coloration in golden pheasant.

Metaxya lanosa, a Second Species in the Genus and Fern Family Metaxyaceae

We describe and illustrate Metaxya lanosa, the second known species in the genus and the fern family Metaxyaceae (Pteridophyta). It is currently known from four different watersheds in Amazonian Peru and Venezuela. It can be distinguished readily from M. rostrata by the noticeably woolly-hairy stipes and rachises (hairs red-brown or orange-brown and easily abraded), broader, more elliptic pinnae, cartilag- inous and whitish pinna margins, more distinct veins abaxially, and longer pinna stalks, especially on the distal pinnae. rbcL data from a very limited sampling are ambiguous but do not reject support for the recognition of at least two species within Metaxya.

T-RESVERATROL ACCUMULATION AND POLYGALACTURONASE INHIBITION DURING INFECTION OF GRAPE BERRIES BY BOTRYTIS CINEREA

SUMMARY The resistance of immature grape berries to Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex Fr. results from a combination of factors, among which the accumulation of the stilbene phytoalexin t-resveratrol. Stilbene accumulation is thought to be induced by oligogalacturonides (OGs) which are released from the plant cell wall during tissue maceration catalysed by polygalacturonases (PGs) produced by necrotrophic fungal pathogens. Inhibitors of PG activity, the polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs), have the capability to slow the hydrolytic activity of PGs and favour the accumulation of active OGs. In the present work we have observed that artificial inoculation of grape inflorescences and immature berries at bloom and post bloom, leads to severe infection of the rachis, while lesions on young berries did not result in the development of the disease, but in the development of necrotic spots and rings. PG was detectable in berry tissues, but its secretion was significantly lower than in infected leaves. Tissues of immature berries reacted to B. cinerea inoculation by a marked accumulation of t-resveratrol. PG produced during spore germination of B. cinerea elicited t-resveratrol accumulation. Apoplastic fluids (AFs) from immature berries and leaves were found to inhibit total PG activity produced by B. cinerea, indicating the involvement of a proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous PG inhibitor, or both, as intercellular defence mechanisms. Taken together, our results suggest that the inhibition of PG produced by B. cinerea mediated by a putative PG inhibitor during the early stages of infection of immature grape berries plays a central role in promoting accumulation of t-resveratrol and, consequently, the restriction of pathogen spread.

EARLY NEOLITHIC DOMESTICATED AND WILD BARLEY FROM THE NETIV HAGDUD REGION IN THE JORDAN VALLEY

Rachis fragments of cultivated (Hordeum distichon L.) along with brittle (H. spontaneum C. Koch) barley from the early eighth or late ninth millennium B.C. were found at Netiv Hagdud, Israel, proving that the domestication of this cereal was already in progress at the beginning of the aceramic Neolithic period. The large quantity of kernels and rachis segments and, especially, the numerous segments with irregular fracture provide clear evidence for domesticated barley.

TRITICUM PARVICOCCUM SP. NOV., THE OLDEST NAKED WHEAT

A new wheat species, Triticum parvicoccum, hitherto found only in archaeological excavations, is described. Rachis fragments and grains have been found in sites in the Near East and the Balkans. Triticum parvicoccum differs from tetraploid wheats by its dense ear and short (<5 mm) grain, and from hexaploid species by its Mediterranean and Near Eastern distribution and its early origins. An attempt to reconstruct the morphology of the plants has been made, and the phylogenetic relationships with the main wheat species are discussed.

The novelties in diagnostic of redlist plants from the genus Hedysarum

Plant of the genus Hedysarum L (Fabaceae) are the source of valuable medicinal substances. Effective diagnostic of wild species promising as a source of medicinal substances has a key value.The anatomy (histological features) of the rachis of compound leaves of redlist species Hedysarum razoumovianum DC. and H. grandiflorum Pall. collected Kinelskiy near Samara region (Cretaceous Kinelskoye spring) in June 2009 have been investigated. These investigations on petiolar anatomy confirm, clarify and support the data on anatomical and histological structure of studied species. Comparative analysis revealed structural features that may be serve further as diagnostic.

Anatomical structure of Polystichum Roth ferns rachises

The morpho-anatomical characteristics of rachis cross sections of five Polystichum species is presented. The main and auxiliary anatomical features which help to distinguish investigated species are revealed.

A preliminary molecular historical biogeography of Caragana (Leguminosae) based on ITS and trnL-F DNA sequence data

The nrDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and cpDNA trnL-F internal spacer (IGS) sequence data of Caragana eight species and one outgroup Halimodendron halodendron, was employed to reconstruct a phylogenetic tree, then the area relationship was analyzed by means of component analysis (CA), Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA), and dispersal-vicariance analysis (DIVA), six areas were selected from two divided distributions of East Asia and Tethys in Caragana. The phylogenetic tree indicated that there were three distinctive groups, which were attributed to some morphological characters, first with pinnate foliage and deciduous rachis, second with palmate foliage and persistent sclerotic stick rachis, and third with pinnate foliage and persistent sclerotic stick rachis. The results of CA and BPA illustrated general area relationships. An explicit area relationship should be Altai-Sayan, Far East NE China and North China (Hengduan Mountains). DIVA recognized several explanatory vicariance and dispersal events. As the scenario of Caragana distribution pattern, it looks like the vicariance versus dispersal plays more important role. In vicaraince, there are not only the isolated far-distance vicariance, but also the adjacent vicariance especially a vicariance between Hengduan Mountains and North China.

CATECHINS SPECTROPHOTOMETRICAL DETERMINATION FROM HYDROLYSABLE TANNINS, IN SOME RED GRAPE VARIETIES

Among polyphenols compounds, in grapes and wine are found mostly flavanols, catechins and tannins. They are found in greater quantity in red grapes, compared with the whites. Due to their antioxidant activity, up to 25-100 times more than that of vitamins C and E, was studied their anticancer properties, or cardio and immunoprotecto r effect.[1] Polyphenols is gathered in the solid parts of grapes (rachis, peels and seeds) and go in must and wine through the process of macerationfermentation. [2] Catechins content of grape varies with: variety, so il composition, climate, geographic origin, and cultivation practices. This is why we took in study four grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Burgund mare and Muscat Hamburg. The grapes were harvested at complete maturity, from two viticultural areas: West Carpathian Area (Reca � -Timi� ) and South Carpathian Area (Merei-Dealu Mare). The fresh grapes were separated in different parts: rachis, grape skins, seeds and must. The solid parts: rachis, peels and seeds were dried at 65°C, made powder and stocked at 25°C. The must was filtrated and preserved in refrigerator at -20° C. The polyphenolic constituents were extracted fro m the plant material by a series of successive extrac tion. The extracts obtained were analyzed spectrophotometrically at 510 nm. The method consists of tannins precipitation with bovine serum albumin, followed by centrifuge separation and supe rnatant treatment with FeCl 3 solution. The intensity of color produced is proportional to the amount of total catechins (catechins, epicatechins, gallocatechins and epigalocatechins) and is measure d at 510 nm spectrophotometrical. From the samples of seeds, peels and rachis analyzed, were w eighing 0.5 g to add a volume of 10 ml of methyl alcohol with 50% 1% HCl conc. Precipitation of samples was made using ultrasonication over 2 hours. The samples of must or wine were processed in the s ame way. Seeds are rich in catechins than rachis in general 2,5-3:1 report. In samples of peels and wine, catechins content is very low, about 80-100 times s maller than the seeds and present lower interest to catechins. In consequence, to get rich catechins pr eparations are recommended rachis and seeds mixtures. Besides seeds, rachis can be a good sourc e of catechins, representing a proper raw material for the extracts with antioxidant effect. Comparing the values obtained from Merlot in the two winegrowing centers it was established that, in Merei-D ealu Mare gathered the higher content of catechins, both in solids parts as well as in wine.

Three new species of Mitrephora (Annonaceae) from Sabah, Malaysia

Three new species of Mitrephora (Blume) Hook. f. & Thomson, M. clemensiorum,M. vittata and M. woodii, are described from Sabah, Malaysia. Mitrephora clemensiorum is related toM. korthalsiana Miqbut is distinguished by having long inflorescences, long flowering and fruiting pedicels, and fruits with sessile monocarps. Mitrephora vittata is related to M. reflexa Merrbut has lanceolate, subcoriaceous leaves, and densely pubescent inflorescence rachides, flowering pedicels and bracts. Mitrephora woodii is similar to M. heyneana (Hook. f. & Thomson) Thwaites, but has smaller flowers and fruits with sessile monocarps.

Melanographium palmicolum sp. nov. from Hong Kong, and a key to the genus

Melanographium palmicolum sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on a specimen collected on a decaying rachis of Archontophoenix alexandrae in Hong Kong. It differs from other previously described species of Melanographium by its moderately dense and widely divergent conidiophore fascicles, and the shape and size of its conidia. A key to the eight species currently accepted in the genus is provided, based on the literature.

Inheritance of another small maize rachis characteristic

Inheritance of another small maize rachis characteristic

The branched common wheat

The ear branched common wheat strain Triticum aestivum L. ssp. vulgare (Vill.) Mac Kay, constant from a hereditary point of view, is a newness in our country. By the form achieved by us due to the ramification of the main ear axis up to the point of the second order ramification and with the insertion of many spiklets at the node of the rachis, the number of the flowers from a spike increases up to 160. The obtained wheat strain presents a scientifical and practical interest in wheat breeding processes.

Cotribuição ao estudo das domácias na ordem Rubiales

In this paper domatia of 53 species of the families Caprifoliaceae, Valerianaceae, Dispsaceae and Adoxaceae, all of the Order Rubiales, were studied. In fifteen species belonging to five genera the author found domatia. They were of two types, in the touffe de poils and em pochette, in accordance with the CHEVALIER e CHESNAIS Domatia Classification (1941). Only two species had domatia of the type em pochette and the other thirteen had domatia in touffe de poils or variations of this type. The author found in this paper, by the first time, domatia in the insertion of the pinna with the rachis in Valeriana scandens L. var. genuina e Valerianopsis sp., and in the place between leaf lets and petiole in Valeriana acutifolia and Valeriana sp.

Evolution by Leaps

WITH reference to an article entitled “Evolution by Leaps,” in your “Biological Notes” (NATURE, vol. xvi. p. 208), I would call attention to a fact which is not unknown to horticulturists, that a hybrid sometimes proclaims its origin by producing—even on the same rachis—flowers and fruits, some of which resemble one parent and some the other.