柏木根系分泌物对栾树细根形态及N、P含量的影响

为研究混交过程中柏木根系分泌物对栾树细根生长的影响,以一年生栾树盆栽幼苗为研究对象,通过施加1株、2株、4株、8株4个浓度柏木根系分泌物(分别记为G1、G2、G4、G8)于栾树盆栽中,探讨柏木根系分泌物对栾树幼苗1～5级细根形态及N、P含量的影响。结果表明:(1)栾树细根直径随根序的增加而增大,施加根系分泌物显著减小了1～2级细根的直径(P0.05);细根比根长、比表面积均随根序的增加而减小,施加根系分泌物显著增大了1～2级细根的比根长及比表面积(P0.05);随根系分泌物施加浓度的提高,栾树比根长及比表面积先增大,而直径先减小,然后均趋于平缓波动的态势。(2)栾树细根N、P含量均随根序的增加而减小,而N/P在根序间的变化不显著;施加柏木根系分泌物显著增大了栾树1～2级细根的N、P含量(P0.05),但减小了1～5级细根的N/P;随根系分泌物施加浓度的提高,栾树细根P含量增大,N/P减小,而N含量先增加后呈现平缓变化的趋势。(3)栾树细根N、P含量均与其比根长、比表面积和直径等形态特征之间呈显著的相关关系(P0.05)。研究发现,柏木根系分泌物可改善土壤养分的有效性,从而缓解栾树植株的缺P症状,细根通过调整其形态以提高养分利用效率;柏木根系分泌物主要影响栾树1～2级细根的形态及N、P含量;4株柏木根系分泌物的剂量更有利于栾树根系的生长。     

光照和水分对白藤幼苗生长特性的影响路径关系研究

该研究以2年生白藤实生苗为研究对象,通过控制试验,设置4个光强梯度——S0(对照,全光照)、S1(75%~80%全光照)、S2(45%~50%全光照)、S3(20%~25%全光照)和3个水分梯度——W0(对照,RSWC85%)、W1(中度干旱,RSWC55%)、W2(重度干旱,RSWC25%),定期测定幼苗生长特性(株高、地径、叶片数),叶片光合能力[净光合速率(Pn)、蒸腾速率(Tr)、胞间二氧化碳浓度(Ci)、气孔导度(Gs)]及吸收能力(根、茎、叶生物量),并利用结构方程模型进行路径分析,探讨光照和水分对白藤幼苗生长特性影响过程,为白藤育苗及资源恢复提供理论支撑。结果显示:(1)随着光照强度的降低,幼苗生长特性与吸收能力、光合能力表现出一致的变化趋势,即先增加后减少;在45%~50%光强条件下,幼苗株高、地径、叶片数,根、茎、叶和总生物量及叶片Pn、Gs、Tr和Ls均达最大值。(2)随着土壤含水量降低,幼苗株高、地径及茎和叶生物量均逐渐减少,而根、根冠比呈先增加后减少的趋势;光合能力方面的Pn、Ci、Tr比对照分别显著降低23.65%、20.61%和25.40%(P<0.05),Gs和WUE与对照差异不显著(P>0.05),Ls比对照显著升高170.00%(P<0.05)。(3)结构方程模型分析表明,光照主要通过影响幼苗叶片的光合能力,水分主要通过影响根系生物量来实现影响幼苗生长特性的作用。研究表明,SEM模型能有效对影响白藤幼苗生长的环境因子进行分析,定量解释环境因子影响的路径过程,光照和水分通过光合能力和吸收能力传递对生长特性的影响,且光照因子影响力大于水分因子,其路径系数分别为0.89和0.56;在白藤幼苗生长特性指标中,地径标准因子载荷为0.85,能够有效反映白藤幼苗生长特性;白藤幼苗培育在适度遮阴(45%~50%)和正常供水(RSWC85%)环境下生长最好。     

骆驼刺幼苗生长特性对不同地下水埋深的响应

在塔克拉玛干沙漠南缘策勒绿洲,对人工控制地下水埋深条件下的骆驼刺幼苗地上和地下部分的生长特性进行了一个生长季的调查。结果表明：1)幼苗的株高、分枝数、冠幅与不同地下水埋深之间存在较好的相关性,不同地下水埋深下幼苗叶片数的波动较大;2)生长在距地下水埋深为2.5和2.0 m及1.5和1.0 m条件下的骆驼刺幼苗的基径变化没有显著差异(P>0.05);3)地下水埋深对骆驼刺幼苗根系的垂直根长的影响显著(P<0.01）;4)不同土壤深度的根生物量、根质量密度、比根长、根表面积对地下水埋深变化的响应也有显著差异(P<0.05)。     

光照和氮交互作用对水曲柳幼苗生长、生物量和氮分配的影响

采用温室沙培方式,对水曲柳幼苗进行了不同光强（2个水平）和氮浓度（4个水平）处理,分析了其生长、生物量和氮分配对环境变化的响应.结果表明：与全光照处理相比,低光处理下水曲柳幼苗冠根比（S/R）和净氮吸收速率（NNUR）极显著提高（P<0.01）,但相对生长速率（RGR）和净同化速率（NAR）极显著下降（P<0.01）;低光处理下的幼苗根、茎、叶和整株生物量分别较全光照处理降低了36.8%（P<0.01）、1.7%、12.7%（P<0.05）和24.3%（P<0.01）;低光处理使幼苗分配到根系的氮比例明显下降,而叶片的分配比例增加.无论光强大小,氮对幼苗生长都具有十分明显的促进作用,而且幼苗S/R和叶片的氮分配比例都随氮供给浓度的增加而明显提高.光强和氮浓度对水曲柳幼苗的基径、S/R、RGR和生物量（根和叶）分配比例具有显著的交互作用（P<0.05）.     

氮添加对稀土尾砂地猴樟幼苗根系生长、生物量分配及非结构性碳水化合物的影响

为探究氮添加对稀土矿尾砂地猴樟(Cinnamomun bodinieri)幼苗生长及非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)含量的影响，以1年生猴樟扦插苗为研究对象，选用硝酸铵钙作为氮肥(含N 15%)，设置3种氮肥水平(CK(0)、N1(1.8 g·株^-1)、N2(3.6 g·株^-1))，分析不同氮添加水平下猴樟幼苗根系生长、生物量分配和NSC等指标的差异，探讨稀土尾砂地猴樟对氮添加的响应。结果发现：稀土尾砂地氮添加均增加了猴樟幼苗不同组织的生物量积累，其中N1处理下叶生物量、冠层生物量分别较N2处理下显著提升了44.75%、57.43%(P<0.05);N2处理下叶比重分别较CK、N1处理显著提升了123.53%、15.85%(P<0.05)。不论是粗根(直径>2 mm)，还是细根(直径≤2 mm)，氮添加均显著增加了植物的根长和根表面积(P<0.05)，其中N1处理的促进效果最显著(P<0.05);N2处理下的比根长、比表面积均高于CK与N1，且与CK显著差异(P<0.05)。对NSC来说，N1处理提升了叶、茎中...     

杉木幼苗非结构性碳水化合物对遮阴及恢复光照的响应

该研究以盆栽杉木(Cunninghamia lanceolata)幼苗为研究对象,采用遮光率为60%的遮光网进行遮阴处理,以正常光照为对照,遮阴处理30 d后部分杉木幼苗进行20 d的光照恢复处理,测定分析遮阴及恢复光照处理后不同组织/器官的非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)浓度及其分配、以及NSC库的变化,以探讨杉木幼苗在遮阴及恢复光照后的NSC调控机制。结果显示:(1)遮阴能够显著降低杉木幼苗各组织/器官可溶性糖浓度,各组织/器官下降幅度依次为细根(71%)>当年生叶(68%)>一年生叶(58%)>树皮(57%)>木质部(55%)>粗根(45%);遮阴使淀粉浓度的下降程度显著高于可溶性糖,在所有组织/器官中粗根的淀粉浓度下降幅度最低(50%),其次是木质部(72%)细根的淀粉浓度下降最大。(2)遮阴处理使杉木幼苗各组织/器官的NSC浓度下降量均超过50%,但杉木幼苗的存活率依然为100%;遮阴后杉木幼苗的生物量变化无明显差异,但NSC库变小,NSC相对分配改变;遮阴后不同组织/器官的NSC下降程度不一,其中粗根的NSC浓度显著高于细根。(3)恢复光照处理后杉木幼苗各组织/器官的NSC浓度均可恢复到对照水平。研究证明,遮阴环境下杉木幼苗能够主动调节其NSC在各组织/器官的分配使其维持在一定范围,从而提高杉木幼苗对遮阴环境的适应性,而不是以牺牲生长为代价。     

三峡库区马尾松根系生物量的空间分布

以三峡库区主要植被马尾松人工林为研究对象,用内径为10 cm的根钻,分别在马尾松中龄林、近熟林和成熟林内,据树干0.5、1.0、1.5 m和2.0 m处设置取样点,各样点按0-10、10-20、20-30、30-40、40-60 cm将土壤分为5个垂直层次,对马尾松根系的空间分布格局进行调查。结果表明:(1)三峡库区马尾松总根系生物量(0-10 mm)为中龄林(4.72 t/hm²)显著高于成熟林(2.94 t/hm²)和近熟林(2.40 t/hm²)(P<0.05)。细根(0-2 mm)生物量随年龄增加而递减,差异不显著(P>0.05);(2)马尾松3个林龄中根系生物量表现出一定的水平分布特征,但具体趋势表现各异,细根生物量最大值均出现在距离样木1.0 m处;(3)细根主要分布在土壤上层,其中47.53%-71.73%的活细根集中在0-20 cm土壤深度内,且随土层的加深,其生物量明显减少。粗根(2-10 mm)则主要分布于20-60 cm土层范围内;(4)根系直径越小,受环境变化越明显。马尾松细根生物量分布主要受土壤深度的影响,树龄和不同水平距离对细根分布格局影响不显著(P>0.05),各因素对粗根生物量的影响均未达到显著水平(P>0.05)。     

不同遮光处理对猫须草生长及光合特性的影响

本文探讨全光照、遮光50%、遮光75%、遮光90%等4种处理对猫须草植株生长及光合特性的影响。结果表明,与全光照相比,3种遮光处理植株叶片净光合速率、蒸腾速率减少,叶片厚度及栅栏组织变薄,比叶鲜质量下降,植株分枝数减少,节间距、株高显著增加,植株根、茎、叶的生长量明显下降。从而表明,猫须草植株生长最适宜的光照条件为全光照。     

亚硒酸盐对油菜幼苗硒吸收、根系形态及生理指标的影响

以甘蓝型油菜(湘农油571)为试验材料,通过溶液培养研究了外源四价硒条件下,油菜幼苗硒吸收分配、生理特性及根系形态的变化.结果表明： 油菜幼苗的硒富集能力随施硒量增加显著降低,而硒分配系数一直稳定在0.9左右,不受硒浓度影响.10 μmol·L^-1硒可以通过显著改善油菜幼苗根系生理指标和根系形态来促进油菜幼苗的生长,其对生理指标的影响主要表现为：显著降低油菜幼苗根系超氧阴离子自由基(O₂^-_·)产生速率,并显著提高超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)、过氧化物酶(POD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性,从而显著降低根系的膜脂过氧化物质(MDA)含量,降幅达26.0%,进〖JP2〗而显著提高根系活力,增幅达17.4%;其对构型指标促进程度依次为：根体积>总表面积>分根数>总根长>根尖数>平均直径,但这些正效应均与1 μmol·L^-1硒处理无显著差异,表明少量硒(≤10 μmol·L^-1)可以通过提高油菜幼苗根系抗氧化酶活性和降低膜脂过氧化物含量,来提高根系活力和改善根系构型,最终促进油菜幼苗生长.     

遮光对连香树幼苗光合特性及其叶片解剖结构的影响

以2年生连香树实生苗为材料,在田间通过黑色遮阳网设置全光照(L₀)及透光率55%(L₁)、25%(L₂)和10%(L₃)4种光环境,研究遮光对连香树幼苗光合作用及叶片解剖结构的影响。结果表明：(1)连香树幼苗叶片P_n在全光和L₁处理下呈非典型的“乁”形变化,未出现“午休”现象,中午14:00出现极值,而在L₂和L₃处理下变化相对缓和,极值出现在中午12:00;叶片G_s呈现与P_n类似的变化趋势,而C_i则呈基本一致的凹形变化。(2)各处理P_n、G_s和T_r的日均值均表现为L₀＞L₁＞L₂＞L₃,而C_i的日均值则呈相反的顺序;P_n与G_s、T_r、气温和光合有效辐射均呈极显著正相关关系(P＜0.01)。(3)全光照连香树幼苗的光补偿点(LCP)、光饱和点(LSP)、暗呼吸速率(R_d)均显著高于遮光处理,并维持较高的P_n而未出现明显的光抑制;遮光导致幼苗的LCP、LSP、R_d显著降低,有利于充分利用弱光,以满足低光环境下植株的正常生长。(4)与全光照相比,遮光下连香树叶片气孔密度显著变小,但气孔器长度、气孔器宽度、单个气孔器面积显著增加,气孔器面积百分比减少,影响幼苗细胞内外的水分和气体传递。(5)遮光条件下,连香树叶片明显变薄,表皮细胞厚度减小,栅栏组织(PT)厚度降低,排列变得疏松,海绵组织(ST)厚度增加,PT/ST相应减小。(6)与全光照相比,强度遮光下(L₂和L₃)连香树幼苗生长受阻,苗高(H)和基径(D)明显减小,生物量模型D²H下降;而轻度遮光(L₁)下幼苗H和D、H/D和D₂H均未出现显著变化。研究发现,连香树具有一定的光忍耐性和喜光性,对光照条件的生态幅较宽,轻度遮光影响较小,但强度遮光对连香树幼苗气体交换参数和光合响应特征产生了显著影响,同时影响了叶片的解剖结构和气孔分布特征,从而影响连香树幼苗的生长形态。在育苗生产中,适度遮光有利于降低气温、减小蒸腾,但遮光后田间有效辐射强度应保持在自然光强的55%以上。     

Environmental factors regulating the radial oxygen loss from roots of Myriophyllum spicatum and Potamogeton crispus

Myriophyllum spicatum and Potamogeton crispus are common species of shallow eutrophic lakes in north-eastern Germany, where a slow recovery of the submersed aquatic vegetation was observed. Thus, the characterisation of the root oxygen release (ROL) as well as its implication for geochemical processes in the sediment are of particular interest. A combination of microelectrode measurements, methylene blue agar and a titanium(III) redox buffer was used to investigate the influence of the oxygen content in the water column on ROL, diel ROL dynamics as well as the impact of sediment milieu. Oxygen gradients around the roots revealed a maximum oxygen diffusion zone of up to 250 μm. During a sequence with a light/dark cycle as well as alternating aeration of the water column, maximum ROL with up to 35% oxygen saturation at the root surface occurred under light/O₂-saturated conditions. A decrease to about 30% was observed under dark/O₂-saturated conditions, no ROL was detected at dark/O₂-depleted conditions and only a weak ROL with 5–10% oxygen saturation at the root surface was measured under light but O₂-depleted water column. These results indicate, that during darkness, ROL is supplied by oxygen from the water column and even during illumination and active photosynthesis production, ROL is modified by the oxygen content in the water column. Visualisation of ROL patterns revealed an enhanced ROL for plants which were grown in sulfidic littoral sediment in comparison to plants grown in pure quartz sand. For both plant species grown in sulfidic littoral sediment, a ROL rate of 3–4 μmol O₂ h⁻¹ plant⁻¹ was determined with the Ti(III) redox buffer. For plants grown in pure quartz sand, the ROL rate decreased to 1–2 μmol O₂ h⁻¹ plant⁻¹. Hence, aside from the oxygen content in the water column, the redox conditions and microbial oxygen demand in the sediment has to be considered as a further major determinant of ROL.     

Effect of the interaction between light and touch stimuli on inducing curling seminal roots in rice seedlings

Root development is sensitive to environmental stimuli. We have recently reported that the light signal could promote the helical growth of seminal roots and drive the wavy root morphology in rice (Oryza sativa L.) young seedlings. The light-stimulated wavy roots were mostly performed in indica-type rice varieties (e.g., Taichung Native 1; TCN1) but not in japonica rice (e.g., Tainung 67; TNG67). Here, we demonstrated that the light-driven circumutation trajectory of TCN1 seminal roots could be changed if the seedling roots were grown in the medium containing high concentration of Phytagel. The data showed the root morphology would be modulated from wavy to curling when the Phytagel concentration was increased to 2%. However, the touch-stimulated curling root phenotype could not be performed in dark. In addition, the touch-induced curling roots were not appeared in the TNG67 rice cultivar. Although touch stimuli could not induce wavy/curling root phenotype in dark, it could modify the light-promoted helical growth to conduct curling roots in TCN1 rice seedlings. Thus, it was suggested that there is a crosstalk mechanism between touching-induced root curling and light-stimulated root waving.Key words: curling root, light stimuli, Oryza sativa, seminal root, touch stimuli, wavy rootRoot development and architecture could be changed to adapt the environmental conditions. Although root is usually grown in soil, it still exposes to light penetrated through soil particles. Some studies also indicated light can be conducted from shoots to roots through vascular bundle tissues.^1,2 Recently, we have reported that the light-exposed seminal roots of indica-type rice, i.e., Taichung Native 1 (TCN1), presented the wavy morphology.³ The light-induced wavy root was not performed in japonica rice such as Tainung 67 (TNG67). Moreover, the circumutation of TCN1 seminal root tip were observed with time-lapse photography during root growth. According to the investigations among various rice varieties, it has been found that the root morphology was determined by helix period and circumnutation trajectory of root tip moving behavior.³ For example, the root tip movement of light-exposed TCN1 seedlings was a regular circumntation; therefore, the roots performed a regular wavy phenotype. In the other rice variety (i.e., Taichung Sen 17) with the curling root morphology, the circumnutation trajectory of seminal roots was significantly irregular compared with that was observed in TCN1. In the previous report, we showed that the auxin and oxylipins (i.e., ketol) played important roles to trigger the light-induced wavy roots.³The wavy root phenotype has also been observed in Arabidopsis when it was cultured on an agar-plate that was inclined at an angle of less than 90°.⁴ Based on the studies in Arabidopsis mutants, the performance of obstacle-touching induced wavy phenotype in seedlings roots was related to the functions of auxin efflux/influx carriers and some proteins involved in cell expansion.^4–6 Moreover, ethylene also played a role to modulate the wavy root morphology.⁷In our previous experiments for studying the light-induced wavy roots, rice seedlings were cultured in water. In order to reveal the effect of interaction between light signal pathway and touch stimuli on rice seminal root growth, the sterilized rice seeds of TCN1 and TNG67 cultivars were germinated at 30°C in dark for 2 d and moved to continuous white light conditions (90 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹) to grow in vertically oriented square dishes containing 1.5% and 2% (w/v) Phytagel (Sigma, St. Louis, MO), respectively. The Phytagel percentage of the medium that we used here were higher than that was used for plant tissue culture in usual. After 3 d culture, the seminal roots of seedlings on 1.5% Phytagel performed wavy phenotype that was similar to the wavy roots observed in water-cultured seedlings under light conditions. Furthermore, the seminal roots in 2% Phytagel was grown to be a curling type (Fig. 1). On the other hand, no wavy or curling root morphology was presented in dark conditions either in 1.5% or 2% Phytagel-containing medium (Fig. 1). These results showed that root-Phytagel interaction could not directly induce the significant wavy or curling root morphology under dark growth conditions, but it could modify the light-stimulated helical growth and conduct the curling root morphology.Open in a separate windowFigure 1Effect of the interaction between light signals and touch stimuli on seminal root growth in rice seedlings. The TCN1 rice seeds were germinated in dark for 2 d and then germinated seeds were transferred to 1.5% and 2% Phytagel-containing plates for continuously growing. The root morphology was investigated after 3 d of Phytagelculture under light and dark conditions.Photomorphology of the seminal roots was diverse among rice varieties. Our previous data showed light-induced wavy roots could not be conducted in TNG67 rice cultivar.³ Here, we also observed the root growth of TNG67 rice seedlings on Phytagel-containing plates, and the results showed the straight root morphology in both light and dark conditions (data not shown). These results indicated that the phenomena of touch-stimulated curling roots were also rice variety-dependent.Based on above mentioned results, it was suggested that mechanisms of root-gel interaction for conducting curling phenotype was highly correlated with the transduction pathway of light signal to induce root waving. This hypothesis was supported by the observation on physiological mechanisms of light-induced wavy roots in rice plants and the obstacle-touching stimulated wavy roots in Arabidopsis. Our previous observation in rice plants suggested that auxin polar transport was essential for light-induced root waving and fatty acid oxygenation was involved to the mechanism of root waving in light.³ In Arabidopsis, auxin polar transport was also indicated to play a role in obstacle-touching stimulated root waving.^8,9 In addition, wavy roots of Arabidopsis could be induced by several products of fatty acid oxygenation, i.e., ketols, ketones and hydroxides.¹⁰In conclusion, both light signal and touch stimuli were the important environmental cues to guide root growth and determine root morphology. Touch stimuli were able to modify the trajectory of light-induced root waving. Phenomena of both light-induced wavy roots and touch-stimulated curling roots were rice variety-dependent. Furthermore, it was suggested that touch-induced signaling may be associated with the light-induced signal pathway to conduct curling phenotype in seminal roots of rice seedlings.     

Light Quality Regulates Lateral Root Development in Tobacco Seedlings by Shifting Auxin Distributions

Light is an important environmental regulator of diverse growth and developmental processes in plants. However, the mechanisms by which light quality regulates root growth are poorly understood. We analyzed lateral root (LR) growth of tobacco seedlings in response to three kinds of light qualities (red, white, and blue). Primary (1°) LR number and secondary (2°) LR density were elevated under red light (on days 9 and 12 of treatment) in comparison with white and blue lights. Higher IAA concentrations measured in roots and lower in leaves of plants treated with red light suggest that red light accelerated auxin transport from the leaves to roots (in comparison with other light qualities). Corroborative evidence for this suggestion was provided by elevated DR5::GUS expression levels at the shoot/root junction and in the 2° LR region. Applications of N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to red light-treated seedlings reduced both 1° LR number and 2° LR density to levels similar to those measured under white light; DR5::GUS expression levels were also similar between these light qualities after NPA application. Results were similar following exogenous auxin (NAA) application to blue light-treated seedlings. Direct [³H]IAA transport measurement indicated that the polar auxin transport from shoot to root was increased by red light. Red light promoted PIN3 expression levels and blue light reduced PIN1, 3–4 expression levels in the shoot/root junction and in the root, indicating that these genes play key roles in auxin transport regulation by red and blue lights. Overall, our findings suggest that three kinds of light qualities regulate LR formation in tobacco seedlings through modification of auxin polar transport.     

The role of carbohydrates in seed germination and seedling establishment of Himatanthus sucuuba, an Amazonian tree with populations adapted to flooded and non-flooded conditions

Background and Aims

In the Amazonian floodplains plants withstand annual periods of flooding which can last 7 months. Under these conditions seedlings remain submerged in the dark for long periods since light penetration in the water is limited. Himatanthus sucuuba is a tree species found in the ‘várzea’ (VZ) floodplains and adjacent non-flooded ‘terra-firme’ (TF) forests. Biochemical traits which enhance flood tolerance and colonization success of H. sucuuba in periodically flooded environments were investigated.

Methods

Storage carbohydrates of seeds of VZ and TF populations were extracted and analysed by HPAEC/PAD. Starch was analysed by enzyme (glucoamylase) degradation followed by quantification of glucose oxidase. Carbohydrate composition of roots of VZ and TF seedlings was studied after experimental exposure to a 15-d period of submersion in light versus darkness.

Key Results

The endosperm contains a large proportion of the seed reserves, raffinose being the main non-structural carbohydrate. Around 93 % of the cell wall storage polysaccharides (percentage dry weight basis) in the endosperm of VZ seeds was composed of mannose, while soluble sugars accounted for 2·5%. In contrast, 74 % of the endosperm in TF seeds was composed of galactomannans, while 22 % of the endosperm was soluble sugars. This suggested a larger carbohydrate allocation to germination in TF populations whereas VZ populations allocate comparatively more to carbohydrates mobilized during seedling development. The concentration of root non-structural carbohydrates in non-flooded seedlings strongly decreased after a 15-d period of darkness, whereas flooded seedlings were less affected. These effects were more pronounced in TF seedlings, which showed significantly lower root non-structural carbohydrate concentrations.

Conclusions

There seem to be metabolic adjustments in VZ but not TF seedlings that lead to adaptation to the combined stresses of darkness and flooding. This seems to be important for the survival of the species in these contrasting environments, leading these populations to different directions during evolution.     

Similarities and differences between phytochrome-mediated growth inhibition of coleoptiles and seminal roots in rice seedlings

In rice, light is known to inhibit the growth of coleoptiles and seminal roots of seedlings through phytochrome. Here we investigated the light-induced growth inhibition of seminal roots and compared the results with those recently determined for coleoptiles. Although three rice phytochromes, phyA, phyB and phyC functioned in a similar manner in coleoptile and seminal root, the Bunsen-Roscoe law of reciprocity was not observed in the growth inhibition of seminal root. We also found coiling of the seminal root at the root tip which appeared to be associated with the photoinhibition of seminal root growth. This could be a new light-induced phenomenon in certain cultivars of rice.Key words: growth, hypocotyl, Oryza sativa, phytochrome, seminal rootPhytochrome-mediated growth inhibition was reported for both coleoptiles and seminal roots of rice seedlings in the same year by two research groups in Nagoya and Tohoku University in Japan, respectively.^1,2 Forty years after the findings, a detailed photobiological study was carried out for the coleoptile growth inhibition.³ In this study, we examined photoinhibition of seminal root growth, and found similarities and differences between light-induced growth inhibition of the two organs in rice seedlings. Although coleoptile growth was inhibited by pulses of light, growth inhibition of seminal roots required light irradiation longer than 6 h. The Bunsen-Roscoe law of reciprocity was not observed in the growth inhibition of seminal root. Action spectra were determined for the growth inhibition of coleoptiles, and the mode of inhibition was found to depend on the age of the coleoptiles. At the early stage of development [40 h after inducing germination (AIG)], photoinhibition was predominantly due to the phyB-mediated low-fluence response (LFR), but at the late developmental stage (80 h AIG), it consisted of the phyA-mediated very low-fluence response (VLFR) as well as the phyB-mediated LFR.^3,4 In the case of root growth, the sensitivity of photoinhibition also depended on age, and was most sensitive in the period of 48–96 h AIG when seedlings were irradiated for 24 h. Using rice phytochrome mutants,⁵ we found that far-red light for root growth inhibition was perceived exclusively by phyA, that red light was perceived by both phyA and phyB, and that phyC had little or no role in growth inhibition. Furthermore, the fluence rate required for phyB-mediated inhibition was more than 10,000-fold greater than that required for phyA-mediated inhibition. These characteristics of photoinhibition in seminal roots are similar to those found in coleoptiles at the late stage of development.³ In seminal roots, photoinhibition appeared to be mediated by photoreceptors in the root itself.Interestingly, coiling of the root tips always occurred when root growth was inhibited under the light condition (Fig. 1B). Under continuous light irradiation, rice seeds germinated ∼30 h AIG. Seminal roots formed a coil at the root tips during the 48–96 h period AIG, and stopped growing. When they were irradiated for only 24 h on the 3rd day AIG, coils started to form just after the end of irradiation. The roots continued to coil for ∼28 h and then began growing straight again (Fig. 1C). The coils were larger and looser than those formed under continuous light condition (Fig. 1, Open in a separate windowFigure 1Light irradiation induces coiling of root tips in rice seedlings (Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare). A rice seedling was grown in the dark (A), or in continuous white light (55 µole m⁻² s⁻¹) (B) for 7 d at 28°C. In (C), it was irradiated by white light for 24 h during the 48–72 h period after inducing germination, and kept in the dark again until the 7th day. Arrows and arrowheads indicate the seminal and crown roots, respectively. Seedlings were grown in glass tubes of 3-cm diameter.

Table 1

The size of coil of root tips formed after white light irradiation

Photoperiod and light quality effects on rate of dark respiration and on photosynthetic capacity in developing seedlings of Chenopodium rubrum

Development and acclimation of energy transduction were studied in seedlings of Chenopodium rubrum L. ecotype selection 184 (50° 10' N; 105° 35' W) in response to photomorphogenic and photoperiodic treatments. Dark respiration and photosynthetic capacity [nmol O₂ (pair of cotyledons)⁻¹ h⁻¹] were measured with an oxygen electrode. Changes in chloroplast ultrastructure were analyzed concomitantly. After germination, seedlings were grown at constant temperature either in darkness or in continuous light (white, red, far-red and blue) or were subjected to diurnal cycles of light/dark or changes in light quality. Dark respiration was low in far-red light treated seedlings. In red light treated seedlings dark respiration was high and the mean value did not depend on fluence rate or photoperiod. Blue light stimulated transitorily and modulated dark respiration in photoperiodic cycles. Photosynthetic capacity was reduced by far-red light and increased by red light. In response to blue light photosynthetic capacity increased, with indications of a requirement for continuous energy input. Phytochrome and a separate blue light receptor seemed to be involved. In continuous red light a clear cut circadian rhythm of dark respiration was observed. Blue light had a specific effect on chloroplast structure.     

Differential survival of juvenile sockeye and coho salmon exposed to low dissolved oxygen during winter

Juvenile sockeye salmon (43–78 mm) survived 100% for 24 h in cages in ice–covered Black Lake, Alaska at oxygen saturations >65% (9 mg l^–1), but only 45% at 24% saturation (3·0–3·3 mg l^–1) and none at <17% saturation (2·3 mg l^–1). All juvenile coho (50–120 mm) survived 100% for 24 h down to 21% oxygen saturation (3·1 mg l^–1), and all 50 coho survived 4–5 days at 23–24% saturation (3·2–3·3 mg l^–1).     

Rhizobium infection and nodule development in soybean are affected by exposure of the cotyledons to light

The initiation of Rhizobium infections and the development of nodules on the primary root of soybean Glycine max L. Merr cv Williams seedlings are strongly affected by exposure of the cotyledons/hypocotyls to light. Seedlings in plastic growth pouches were inoculated with R. japonicum in dim light and the position of the root tip of each seedling was marked on the face of the pouch. The pouches were covered and kept in the dark for various times before exposing the upper portions of the plants (cotyledons and hypocotyls) to light. Maximum nodulation occurred if the plants were kept in the dark until 1 day after inoculation. The exposure of plants to light 2 days before inoculation reduced the number of nodules by 50% while the number of nodules was reduced by 70% if the plants were kept in the dark until 7 days after inoculation. Anatomical studies revealed that exposure to light prior to inoculation reduced both the number of infection centers with visible infection threads and the number of infections which developed nodule meristems. Plants kept in the dark for 7 days after inoculation formed a normal number of infection threads above the root tip mark, but very few of these infections developed a nodule meristem. It appears that light stimulates soybean to produce substances which can both inhibit the formation of infection threads and enhance the development of nodules from established infection threads. The effects of light on nodulation appear to be expressed independently of the Rhizobium-induced suppression of nodule formation in younger regions of the root.     

Oxygen and Heterotrophy Affect Calcification of the Scleractinian Coral Galaxea fascicularis

Heterotrophy is known to stimulate calcification of scleractinian corals, possibly through enhanced organic matrix synthesis and photosynthesis, and increased supply of metabolic DIC. In contrast to the positive long-term effects of heterotrophy, inhibition of calcification has been observed during feeding, which may be explained by a temporal oxygen limitation in coral tissue. To test this hypothesis, we measured the short-term effects of zooplankton feeding on light and dark calcification rates of the scleractinian coral Galaxea fascicularis (n = 4) at oxygen saturation levels ranging from 13 to 280%. Significant main and interactive effects of oxygen, heterotrophy and light on calcification rates were found (three-way factorial repeated measures ANOVA, p<0.05). Light and dark calcification rates of unfed corals were severely affected by hypoxia and hyperoxia, with optimal rates at 110% saturation. Light calcification rates of fed corals exhibited a similar trend, with highest rates at 150% saturation. In contrast, dark calcification rates of fed corals were close to zero under all oxygen saturations. We conclude that oxygen exerts a strong control over light and dark calcification rates of corals, and propose that in situ calcification rates are highly dynamic. Nevertheless, the inhibitory effect of heterotrophy on dark calcification appears to be oxygen-independent. We hypothesize that dark calcification is impaired during zooplankton feeding by a temporal decrease of the pH and aragonite saturation state of the calcifying medium, caused by increased respiration rates. This may invoke a transient reallocation of metabolic energy to soft tissue growth and organic matrix synthesis. These insights enhance our understanding of how oxygen and heterotrophy affect coral calcification, both in situ as well as in aquaculture.     

Factors influencing seedling emergence and survival in<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cercidiphyllum japonicum</Emphasis>

Cercidiphyllum japonicum Sieb. etZucc. is found in riparian forests in Japan, but the seedlings rarely regenerate more than coexisting tree species. We investigatedC. japonicum emergence and seedling survival in a nursery for 21 months. Bare soil, soil-with-litter, and gravel treatments and 3.0%, 10.9%, 22.7%, 60.1%, and 100% relative photosynthetic photon flux density (RPPFD) light conditions were tested. Seedling emergence depended on soil type and light conditions. Owing toC. japonicum’s small seed size, germinated seedlings could not penetrate the litter layer and became desiccated in gravel, but most seedlings emerged and survived in bare soil. These surviving seedlings needed quite bright light to germinate but not extreme light conditions. Initial mortality was high, but most of the seedlings that survived the first three months survived for the duration of the study, even under quite dark 10% RPPFD conditions. Current-year seedlings grew poorly under bright light conditions and rarely survived under the brightest light condition, when survival was probably negatively affected by desiccation. After one year, seedlings were able to use the higher light conditions more efficiently for growth. Such seedlings probably have a high chance of survival. Under low light conditions, both current- and second-year seedlings grew poorly. However, even small seedlings are likely to survive under low light conditions in a nursery, because the seedbed is level and nursery seedlings do not face all of the threats that are present in an actual forest.