Ziziphus Species Research Articles

Analysis of the Genetic Relationships in Chinese Ziziphus with SRAP Markers

The phylogenic and genetic relationships in germplasm resources of Chinese Ziziphus were studied at molecular levels, for providing new molecular evidences of classification, protection, and utilization of germplasm resources of Ziziphus. The sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) was assessed to analyse the genetic relationships among 14 species of Ziziphus, 11 cultivars of Z. jujuba Mill., and one outgroup. A total of 580 DNA bands were amplified by 19 selective primers, 570 of which (98.28%) were polymorphic. The average number of polymorphic DNA bands amplified by each primer was 30. The genetic similarities of 26 sample materials were between 0.22 and 0.99. UPGMA method cluster analysis showed that 26 sample materials were classified into six cluster groups with the genetic similarity of 0.28. The results showed that SRAP technique is efficient in studying genetic relationships among Ziziphus, Z. jujuba Mill. and Z. acidojujuba C. Y. Cheng et M. J. Liu which should be treated as one species, and further infraspecific classification of Z. jujuba Mill. should be classified into two subspecies; the scientific names of new taxa, Chinese jujube, and wild jujube were Ziziphus jujuba Mill. subsp. jujuba and Ziziphus jujuba Mill. subsp. spinosa (Bunge) J. Y. Peng, X. Y. Li et L. Li, respectively. Z. xiangchengensis Y. L. Chen et P. K. Chou, Z. montana W.W. Smith and Z. mairei Dode might be originated from same ancestry. Z. xiangchengensis Y. L. Chen et P. K. Chou and Z. montana W.W. Smith should be treated as one species. The infrasubspecific taxon of Z. jujuba Mill. was not suitable to set up varieties.

IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF ZIZIPHUS GERMPLASM FROM SOUTH OF IRAN

Ber (Ziziphus spp.) is the hardiest cultivated fruit tree grown in most of the hot drier parts of many countries for its fresh fruits. Its deep taproot system enables it to survive long periods without water, even when the surface soil completely dries out. Ber trees can grow under conditions of extreme stress from drought, salt and waterlogging and can therefore be grown on degraded or marginal lands. It produces a nutritious fruit, which is rich in the B group of vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin and niacin), vitamin C and β-carotene. Ber can provide sustained production irrespective of occurrence of drought. A number of products are produced for industry from the ber tree. There are different wild Ziziphus species and types distribute all over the southern parts of Iran, and they show a great adaptability to the dry climate conditions of the arid and semi-arid regions. The identification and evaluation of over 2500 ber trees in Khouzestan province was initiated in 2000. Twenty-nine trees have been identified as superior types. Wide variability in tree performance, yield, fruit fresh weight (2.4-19 g), fruit dry weight (0.85-4.7 g), fruit shape, fruit length (10-48 mm), fruit diameter (12-27.5 mm), fruit volume(2.2-20.2 cc), peel colour, presence or absence of seed and seed weight (0-1.3 g) were observed among the genotypes. The growth and maturity (early February-April) of fruits also showed variations among the genotypes.

Characterization of Triterpenic Acids in Fruits of Ziziphus Species by HPLC-ELSD-MS

The fruits of Ziziphus species have been utilized as food as well as crude drugs for their health benefits in China for thousands of years. This paper reported a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous characterization and quantitation of 11 triterpenic acids in chloroform extracts of jujube fruits by using an evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The results showed that the contents of triterpenic acids in the fruits of Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa were higher than those in the fruits of Z. jujuba, especially for the compound pomonic acid. Differences were also found among the different parts of Z. jujuba var. spinosa fruits with the sarcocarp having a higher amount of triterpenic acids than the seed and hard core.

A Thorny Dilemma: Testing Alternative Intrageneric Classifications within <I>Ziziphus</I> (Rhamnaceae)

Ziziphus comprises approximately 170 species native to the tropics and subtropics. Two economically important species, Z. jujuba and Z. mauritiana, are cultivated for their fruit. Given the economic importance of these two species, we undertook a reexamination of the intrageneric phylogenetic relationships to identify their closest relatives and to test two alternative intrageneric classifications. These two classifications were tested by using a simultaneous analysis of morphological characters together with nuclear (ITS and 26S rDNA) and plastid (trnL-F) genes. The Old World and New World species of Ziziphus formed two separate well-supported clades. The Old World species of Ziziphus are more closely related to Paliurus than to the New World species, thereby rendering Ziziphus paraphyletic. Sarcomphalus is placed within the New World Ziziphus clade, which supports the transfer of Sarcomphalus to Ziziphus. The earlier placement of Condaliopsis in Ziziphus was supported for one species previously placed in Condaliopsis, Z. obtusifolia, but was contradicted for the other Condaliopsis-like species, Z. celata. Ziziphus celata is more closely related to Rhamneae than it is to Paliureae.

BER (ZIZIPHUS) FRUITS: APPLE OF ARID REGIONS OF INDIAN THAR DESERT

In Indian Thar desert, Ziziphus species (Z. nummularia, Z. rotundifolia, Z. mauritiana), besides their multi-purpose uses, constitutes an important source of low cost, nutritious fresh edible fruits. Some of the newly introduced cultivars (e.g., Seb, Gola), obtained by budding Z. mauritiana scions on drought hardy root-stocks of native Z. rotundifolia, produce big plum sized fruits which are much richer than apple in their mineral and vitamin C content. Depending on cultivar, fruits are harvested at mature-green and mature-golden yellow stages when they exhibit the best organoleptic qualities. Fully ripe fruits often become red or dark brown and loose their firm, crisp and juicy texture.[...]

Gas Exchange, Membrane Permeability, and Ion Uptake in Two Species of Indian Jujube Differing in Salt Tolerance

Effect of NaCl (electrical conductivity of 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m−1) on growth, gas exchange, and ion uptake in two Ziziphus species (Z. rotundifolia and Z. nummularia) differing in salt tolerance was studied. At 30 and 45 d after first leaf initiation, the dry mass of shoot and leaves, and rates of net photosynthesis (PN) and transpiration (E) decreased significantly with increasing NaCl concentration whereas membrane injury and accumulation of proline increased. The sodium content was highest in the roots of Z. rotundifolia and in the leaves of Z. nummularia. Potassium content did not differ much in the roots but it was significantly higher in the leaves of Z. rotundifolia at 30 and 45 d of observations. Thus both these species were tolerant to salinity but at high salinity Z. rotundifolia performed better owing to its higher PN and E, restricted translocation of sodium from root to leaves, and larger accumulation of potassium in the leaves.

Mucilages and polysaccharides in Ziziphus species (Rhamnaceae): localization, composition and physiological roles during drought‐stress

The drought-tolerant tree species Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk. and Z. rotundifolia Lamk. were shown to have similar high mucilage concentrations (7-10% dry weight) in their leaves, with large numbers of mucilage-containing cells in the upper epidermis and extracellular mucilage-containing cavities in the leaf veins and stem cortex. The main sugar constituents of the water-soluble mucilage extract were rhamnose, glucose and galactose. During drought-stress in two independent studies, foliar mucilage content was unaffected in both species, but glucose and starch contents declined significantly in crude mucilage extracts from droughted leaves. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the mucilage extract using alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase released glucose, indicating that a mucilage-associated water-soluble glucan, with alpha-1,4- and alpha-1,6-linkages, may exist which was extracted together with the mucilage. From the current data, it is not possible to localize the glucan to determine whether or not it is associated with mucilage-containing cells. Data from pressure-volume analyses of drought-stressed and control leaves showed that, in line with their similar mucilage contents, the relative leaf capacitance isotherm (change in relative water content per unit change in water potential) was similar in both species. During drought-stress, reduced relative capacitance resulted from osmotic adjustment and decreased wall elasticity. Data suggest that in Ziziphus leaves, intracellular mucilages play no part in buffering leaf water status during progressive drought. In Ziziphus species, growing in environments with erratic rainfall, the primary role of foliar mucilage and glucans, rather than as hydraulic capacitors, may be as sources for the remobilization of solutes for osmotic adjustment, thus enabling more effective water uptake and assimilate redistribution into roots and stems prior to defoliation as the drought-stress intensified.

Mucilages and polysaccharides in Ziziphus species (Rhamnaceae): localization, composition and physiological roles during drought‐stress

Mucilages and polysaccharides in Ziziphus species (Rhamnaceae): localization, composition and physiological roles during drought‐stress

A New Species of Ziziphus Mill. (Rhamnaceae) from Oman

Four native species of Ziziphus (Rhamnaceae) have hitherto been recorded from the Arabian Peninsula (e.g. Al-Hubaishi & Miuller-Hohenstein 1984, Collenette 1984, Miller & Morris 1988, Mandaville 1990, Ghazanfar 1992, Wood 1997; also specimens in K). Of the two species which are trees, Z. spina-christi (L.) Desf. is the most widespread within this region, occurring from sea level to c. 2500 m (a collection from Oman at K, Insall s.n., Dec. 1978, Hail al Kabir, identified as Z. mauritiana Lam., is most probably the cultivated form of Z. spina-christi), while Z. mucronata Willd. occurs only in the mountains of western Saudi Arabia between c. 1000 1500 m. Of the two shrubby species, Z. nummularia (Burm. f.) Wight & Arn. occurs in the eastern part of the region, including the northern edge of the Wahiba Sands in Oman, and Z. leucodermis (Baker) O. Schwartz is restricted to south eastern Yemen and, in Oman, to the adjacent drier regions of the southern province of Dhofar and to the southern part of the central limestone plateau, the Jiddat al Harasis. Here we describe a new taxon, locally called qusum (qasam in Mandaville 1978), from the Hajar Mountains of northern Oman.

A New Species of Ziziphus (Rhamnaceae) from Kenya

The account of Rhamnaceae in the Flora of Tropical East Africa (Johnston 1972) includes six species of Ziziphus. Mrs. Ann Robertson from Malindi, Kenya, first collected specimens of the taxon under discussion in 1983. In the flora they key out as Z. pubescens but are clearly distinct, as the leaves are quite glabrous and the bark is also much smoother than in that species. It has been cited by Beentje (1994) as Z. robertsoniana, but still lacks a formal description.

Changes in Isozyme patterns of Peroxidase and Polyphenol Oxidase by VAM fungi in Roots of Ziziphus species

Summary Changes in isozyme patterns of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase by VA mycorrhizal fungi was investigated under glass-house conditions in three Ziziphus species. The VA mycorrhizal plants had two extra peroxidase isozyme bands and one extra polyphenol oxidase band as compared with the uninoculated plants of all three Ziziphus species. The activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were higher in roots of VA mycorrhizal plants of all three Ziziphus species than non-mycorrhizal plants. Details about the isozyme patterns are also discussed.

Dodecaacetylprodelphinidin B3 from the dried leaves of Ziziphus spina-christi

The ethanolic extract (10% of the dried leaves) of Ziziphus spina-christi was acetylated leading to the isolation of a crystalline dodecaacetylprodelphinidin B3, which has not been described in the literature. Its structure was determined on the basis of its 1H and 13C NMR spectra. The main components of the extract are glucose (4.4%), sucrose (21%), dimers, oligomers and polymers of prodelphinidins (16%), betulinic acid (1.7%), sitosterol β- d-glucoside (2%), (+)-gallocatechin (1.7%) and (−)-epigallocatechin (0.9%). The structures of the crystalline peracetates were proven by comparison with the physical properties described in the literature. Proanthocyanidins and betulinic acid seem to be chemotaxonomically characteristic of Ziziphus species.

Endophytic fungi associated with Ziziphus species and new records from mountainous area of Oman

El-Nagerabi SAF, Elshafie AE, AlKhanjari SS. 2013. Endophytic fungi associated with Ziziphus species from mountainous area of Oman and new records. Biodiversitas 14: 10-16. Ziziphus species of the family Rhamnaceae grow extensively in arid and semi-arid regions. It is possible that the endophytic fungi associated with this plant might enhance the host resistance to the environmental impacts. The endophytic fungal population inhabiting the healthy leaves of Z. spina-christi and Z. hajanensis plants were determined from April 2008 to October 2011. The endophytic fungal communities varied between the two species, and 45 fungal species, 18 sterile mycelia and 12 yeasts were isolated from Z. spina-christi, whereas 35 fungi, 11 sterile mycelia and 5 yeasts were recovered from Z. hajanensis indicating tissue and species-specificity and without any seasonal variation among the endophytes. These endophytes are new to Ziziphus plants and 45 species are new to the mycoflora of Oman, whereas 27 species are new to Arabian Peninsula. The genus Alternaria was the most prevalent (19-81%) followed by Aspergillus (19-78%), Rhizopus stolonifer (78%), Mycelia sterilia (69%), yeasts (47%), Cladosporium (11-56%), Drechslera (14-53%), Curvularia (8-50%), Fusarium (6-33%), Ulocladium (41-31%), Penicillium (3-22%), Alysidium resinae (11%), Trichocladium (6-11%), Anguillospora longissima, Bactrodesmium rahmii, Catenularia (8%), Helminthosporium sorghi (7%), Dendryphiella infuscans (6%), Hansfordia biophila (3-6%), Arthrinium, Dissophora, and Phoma sorghina (3%). The recovery of many fungal isolates, morphologically various sterile mycelia and yeasts suggests the high biodiversity of the endophytes invading these plants with strong evidence for future isolation of numerous fungal species through adopting more advanced molecular and DNA identification methods.

Taxonomic study of the genus <i>Ziziphus</i> Mill. (Rhamnaceae) of Bangladesh

A taxonomic account of six species of Ziziphus Mill., viz. Z. funiculosa Buch.-Ham. ex Lowson, Z. glabrata Heyne ex Roth, Z. mauritiana Lam., Z. oenoplia (L.) Mill., Z. rugosa Lam., and Z. xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. occurring in the flora of Bangladesh has been given. A dichotomous key to the species has been furnished. An updated nomenclature including important synonyms, selected references, description of the taxa along with illustrations, ecological notes, specimens examined and geographical distribution have been provided. Bangla and English names, flowering and fruiting periods, chromosome number and economic importance have also been presented where available.Keywords: Ziziphus; Taxonomy; BangladeshDOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v15i1.917Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 15(1): 47-61, 2008 (June)

THE SPECIES OF ZIZIPHUS INDIGENOUS TO UNITED STATES AND MEXICO

Johnston, Marshall C. (U. Texas, Austin.) The species o Ziziphus indigenous to United States and Mexico. Amer. Jour. Bot. 50(10): 1020–1027. Illus. 1963.—Taxonomic treatment is presented for the 7 species of Ziziphus P. Mill. (Rhamnaceae: Dicotyledoneae) recognized in United States and Mexico, with key, synonymies, descriptions, and distribution maps. The taxon Condaliopsis is restored to Ziziphus after having been treated as a subgenus of Condalia Cav. for more than 60 years on the basis of superficial vegetative characters. The name Z. sonorensis S. Wats. for the widespread Mexican species is replaced by the prior Z. amole (Sessé & Moçiño) comb. nov. The genus Sarcomphalus P. Br. is referred to Ziziphus, the type species becoming Z. sarcomphalus (L.) comb. nov. Some fossil remains attributed to this genus are mentioned, but phyletic speculations arc advisedly postponed until the whole genus and related genera can be reviewed.