Botany

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/1807/67553

Published since 1929, this monthly journal features comprehensive research articles and notes in all segments of plant sciences.

Below is a collection of manuscripts accepted for publication in CJB. These manuscripts have not undergone copy editing or page composition.

By using TSpace for its journal article repository, CSP grants University of Toronto Libraries a universal non-exclusive license to distribute and preserve all content that CSP deposits in the repository. Copyright of all articles in CSP journals remains with the authors, or the authors' organization, unless specified otherwise, TSpace users must follow the usage rights set out on CSP's web site. Refer to CSP's License to Publish Forms for information on current licensing.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 452

4-Aminobutyrate (GABA): a metabolite and signal with practical significance
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2017-09-25) Shelp, Barry J.; Bown, Alan W; Zarei, Adel
We discuss the origin of 4-aminobutyrate (GABA) from glutamate and polyamines, and its subsequent catabolism to succinic semialdehyde and either succinate or 4-hydroxybutyrate. Promiscuous activities of GABA transaminase, glyoxylate/succinic semialdehyde reductases, and aldehyde dehydrogenase 10As appear to be important determinants of cross-talk among metabolic pathways during stress. Imposition of abiotic stress, as well as genetic or chemical disruption of glutamate decarboxylase, GABA transaminase and tricarboxylic acid cycle reactions, results in non-cyclic carbon flux in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, demonstrating that stress-induced GABA metabolism is strongly linked with respiration. Metabolic generation of 4-hydroxybutyrate is probably linked to the stimulation of succinic semialdehyde reductase activity by an increasing NADPH/NADP+ ratio. We discuss the potential signaling role of GABA in various processes, including pollen tube guidance, interaction with fungal, bacterial and invertebrate pests, and stomatal functioning, and argue that further research on short-term responses to stress is required to determine whether or not GABA functions by binding to or regulating activity of GABA receptor molecules. Finally, we describe how emerging information about the metabolic and signaling roles of GABA is being used to improve plant defense against biotic and abiotic stresses, and benefit human health.
A complex regulatory network underlies de novo root regeneration in red maple (Acer rubrum)
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-03-27) Li, Mengyi; Cheng, Yunhe; Li, Yanlin; Gan, Dexin; Yu, Xiaoying
Red maple (Acer rubrum L.) is ornamentally and medicinally valuable. However, its wide application is restricted by the difficulty of rooting in cuttings. We analyzed paraffin sections of roots regenerating using RNA-Seq to decipher the mechanisms underlying de novo root regeneration (DNRR) in red maple cuttings. This work contributes to improving the rooting rate and shortening the rooting time. We identified four stages during DNRR: 0 day after induction (DAI), no new cell formation; 30 DAI, root meristem organization; 36 DAI, root primordium formation; and 45 DAI, root elongation growth. We identified 37,959 unigenes by de novo assembly, with 25,477(67.12%) functionally annotated. Furthermore, we identified 1,285 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between adjacent stages. From GO and KEGG enrichment networks, we found evidence that plant hormones are significant in DNRR of red maple cuttings. Specifically, 149 DEGs functioned in hormone signal transduction pathways, particularly those involving ethylene, auxin, and jasmonic acid (JA). We propose a complex regulatory network model of DNRR in red maple, where wounding induces root regeneration through pathways of JA and auxin signaling. The transcription factors ERF109 and ERF115 integrate JA signal and participate in DNRR directly by regulating SCR activation and indirectly, by promoting auxin biosynthesis.
A differential capacity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal colonization under well-watered conditions and its relationship with drought stress mitigation in unimproved vs improved soybean genotypes
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2017-11-14) Salloum, Maria Soraya; Menduni, Maria Florencia; Luna, Celina Mercedes
Modern breeding programs may cause a reductionin plant responsiveness to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that a higher arbuscule formation and mycorrhizal dependency (MD) response in unimproved soybean genotypes than improved is related to drought stress tolerance caused by enhanced growth parameters andoxidative stress regulation. Firstly, 4 unimproved and 4 improved soybean genotypes were compared under well-watered conditions. After 20 days, all unimproved soybean genotypes showed a higher increase in arbuscule formation, as well as a positive and higher MD index in foliar mineral nutrient and growth parameters than 4 improved. Secondly, tolerance to drought stress was evaluated in two improved soybean genotypes and two unimproved, selected for the most contrasting response to arbuscule formation, under well-watered conditions. After 20 days of 30% of field capacity, arbuscule formation was higher in unimproved than improved genotypes. Mycorrhizal dependency evaluated as leaf area, shoot and root dry mass were highest in AM unimproved genotypes. Moreover, malondiadehide was lower and proline was higher in unimproved than improved genotypes. The potential capacity of arbuscule formation is discussed as a selection criterion to identify improved soybean genotypes with increased efficiency under well-watered conditions and an enhanced capacity to relieve drought stress.
A molecular investigation of Canadian Scytosiphonaceae (Phaeophyceae) including descriptions of Planosiphon gen. nov. and Scytosiphon promiscuus sp. nov.
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2017-04-04) McDevit, Daniel C.; Saunders, Gary W.
Identification of macroalgae has been greatly facilitated by the use of molecular tools. Using the DNA barcode (COI-5P = 5â end of cytochrome c oxidase 1), we have uncovered considerable genetic variation in Scytosiphon. Whereas only four species were recognized in North America (S. canaliculatus (Setchell N.L.Gardner) Kogame, S. complanatus (Rosenvinge) Doty, S. dotyi M.J.Wynne, and S. lomentaria (Lyngbye) Link), mitochondrial COI-5P data resolved eleven genetic groups while nuclear ITS data, in combination with morphological observations, supported recognition of seven species. These seven groups were assigned to: Scytosiphon Atlantic complex, S. sp._J, S. canaliculatus, S. complanatus, S. dotyi, S. lomentaria and S. promiscuus sp. nov. One of the two species of Scytosiphon most commonly reported in North America, S. dotyi was absent in Canada. Overlooked variation was also uncovered among Canadian collections of Colpomenia and Petalonia indicating cryptic diversity in these scytosiphonacean genera as well. Multigene phylogenetic analyses supported the transfer of Petalonia zosterifolia (Reinke) Kuntz, Scytosiphon gracilis Kogame and S. complanatus to Planosiphon gen. nov. Further, the included species of Chnoospora and Colpomenia failed to form monophyletic groups indicating that substantial taxonomic work remains for this brown algal family.
A new species of penzigioid Xylaria (Xylariaceae) from the cloud forest in eastern Mexico revealed through morphological and phylogenetic analyses
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2019-04-06) Chacón, Santiago; González, Dolores
Xylaria subtropicalis, a species new to science, was collected from a montane cloud forest in eastern Mexico. It is described and illustrated, based on detailed macro- and microscopic morphological characteristics, habitat, and DNA sequence data. The distinctive morphological differences between X. subtropicalis and other Xylaria species include: the stromata being significantly erumpent, the size of the ascospores being 23–28 × 13–15 µm, and a straight germ slit as long as the spore. To determine if this was a novel species, ITS sequences were generated and compared with 2478 sequences available for the genus from GenBank using the software USEARCH. Additionally, a phylogenetic reconstruction was performed with Parsimony Ratchet, Maximum Likelihood, and Bayesian Inference, using 122 concatenated ITS sequences, and segments from the 28S rDNA and RPB2. Sequences of this novel species form a strongly supported lineage, clearly separated from other species of Xylaria. Phylogenetic relationships indicate that there have been numerous morphological transformations within the genus.
A novel ageing-repair bacterium, Pseudomonas geniculata isolated from rescuegrass (Bromus cartharticus Vahl) promotes germination and seedling growth of the aged seeds
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2018-11-16) Liu, Xv; Chen, Zhao; Gao, Yani; Liu, Qian; Zhou, Wennan; Zhao, Tian; Jiang, Wenbo; Cui, Xuewen; Cui, Jian; Wang, Quanzhen
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are documented to relieve various biotic and abiotic stresses, but little information is available regarding their influence on germination and seedling growth of aged seeds. We isolated the promising PGPR from rescuegrass (Bromus cartharticus Vahl) roots and investigated the effect of PGPR biopriming combined with another seed priming treatment on aged rescuegrass seeds using an orthogonal matrix design with four factors. A potential ageing-repair bacterium, BCR5 (Pseudomonas geniculata), was selected from the screening trials and was identified. The reintroduction of strain BCR5 into the aged seeds pre-primed with different approaches had positive effects on the germination and seedling growth. Results indicated that the bacterial cell density was the most effective factor for seed germination and vigour. Four factors were optimized for this study including artificial ageing duration of 54.21 h, bacterial cell density of 527.50 Ă 106 CFU/mL, H2O2 priming for 14.50 h after the analyses of range, variance and binary quadratic regressions. Furthermore, the treatment also affected the malondialdehyde content and superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities. The PGPR bio-priming with another seed priming approach might be exploited as a promising technique to repair aged seeds. Moreover, it was unexpectedly found that the appropriate artificial ageing treatment could release seed dormancy.
A novel approach for tracing mycophagous small mammals and documenting their fungal diets
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2019-05-18) Cloutier, Véronique B.; Piché, Yves; Fortin, J.-André; Bérubé, Jean; Glémet, Hélène; Desrochers, André
We developed a method combining passive baiting (animals which are not trapped) with DNA metabarcoding of the feces acquired, to study fungi in the diet of small mammals. Mammal and fungal species were identified using genomic DNA of 596 fecal samples collected in five regions of eastern Canadian boreal forest. For identification of the small mammal species, the cytochrome b region was used. A total of eight species of small mammals displayed hypogeous fungi consumption, with northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and red-backed voles (Myodes gapperi) as top consumers. For identification of their fungal diets, the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was used. We recovered 722 Ascomycota, 429 Basidiomycota, 81 Zygomycota, 4 Chytridiomycota, 1 Glomeromycota, and 44 unidentified fungal taxa. Of these, 28 were hypogeous sequestrate fungi (underground fructification) which presumably are dug out by small mammals for consumption. Otherwise, for the remaining fungi, epigeous (above ground fructification) or microscopic fungal species, it is unclear which ones are selected by the animal as a dietary source or result from incidental contamination. Our paper presents a promising approach for tracing mycophagy in small mammals and our results suggest that fungi diversity is important for the diet of some small mammals.
A preliminary investigation of the lichen biota associated with recently deglaciated terrain in southeastern Alaska
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-06-28) Fryday, Alan M.; Dillman, Karen
Glaciers worldwide are currently retreating at unprecedented rates, revealing large tracts of newly exposed rock and till. We present the results of a preliminary, qualitative investigation of the lichen diversity of transient habitats near three glaciers in southeastern Alaska: Muir Glacier within Glacier Bay National Park and Baird and Patterson Glaciers in the Tongass National Forest. This work is noteworthy as it; 1) documents previously undescribed lichen species and communities within rapidly changing glacier habitats, 2) illustrates the importance of cryptogams (lichens, bryophytes, algae and cyanobacteria) in the primary colonization of recently deglaciated terrain, 3) sets apart the lichen biota of recently deglaciated terrain in southeastern Alaska from that of other glacial regions worldwide (e.g., the European Alps, Svalbard, and southern South America) and even other parts of Alaska (e.g., Brooks Range) and, 4) emphasizes the importance of more lichen studies that focus on this rapidly changing habitat. The lichen biotas found at different successional stages near these glaciers are described and compared. The role of lichens and other cryptogams in post-glacial vegetation initiation, the threats to the lichen biota, and suggestions for the possible origins of the lichen propagules that colonize these newly exposed surfaces are also discussed.
A quantitative study of cotyledon positioning in conifer development
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2016-04-08) Holloway, David M; Brook, Byron; Kang, JooHyun; Wong, Cameron; Wu, Michael
The number of cotyledons in angiosperm monocots and dicots is tightly constrained. But in the gymnosperm Pinaceae, including conifers, cotyledon number (nc) can vary widely, commonly between 2 to 12. Conifer cotyledons form in whorled rings, on a domed embryo geometry. We measured embryo diameters and counted cotyledons to determine the radial positioning of the whorl and the circumferential spacing between cotyledons. Results were similar between Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga), Sitka spruce (Picea) and larch (Larix), indicating a common mechanism for cotyledon positioning in conifers. Disrupting transport of the growth regulator auxin (with NPA) led to cup-shaped embryos, indicating that whorl (ring) formation is separable from cotyledon patterning within the ring. NPA inhibits cotyledon outgrowth, but not the spacing (distance) between cotyledons. The NPA effect is direct; it does not operate indirectly on embryo size. These results support a hierarchical model for cotyledon positioning in conifers, in which a first stage (not requiring auxin transport) sets the whorl position, constraining the second stage (which requires auxin transport) to form cotyledons within this whorl. Similarly, recent studies in Arabidopsis have shown that different components of complex developmental patterns can have different transport properties; this aspect of patterning may be shared across plants.
A rapid method for sex identification in Cannabis sativa using High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis.
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-10-26) Gilchrist, Erin Jacqueline; Hegebarth, Daniela; Wang, Shumin; Quilichini, Teagen D.; Sawler, Jason; Toh, Shir Yi; Foley, Cody; Page, Jonathan E.
We report the identification of two SNPs in Cannabis sativa that are associated with female and male plant sex phenotypes, and are located on the top arm of the X chromosome. High Resolution Melt analysis was used to develop and validate a novel, rapid method for sex identification in medical/recreational cannabis as well as in hemp. This method can distinguish between dioecious male (XY) and dioecious female (XX) cannabis plants with 100% accuracy, and can also be used to differentiate between male and female Humulus lupulus (hop) plants.
A review of Ethnobotany and Ethnopharmacology of traditional medicines used by Q’eqchi' Maya healers of Xna'ajeb' aj Ralch'o'och', Belize.
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-05-29) Arnason, John Thor; Cal, Victor; Pesek, Todd; Awad, Rosalie; Bourbonnais-Spear, Natalie; Collins, Sean; Otrola-Rojas, Marco; Walshe-Roussel, Brendan; Audet, Patrick; Ta, Chieu Anh; Balick, Michael J; Ferrier, Jonathan
This review describes an Indigenous led project by Q’eqchi’ Maya healers of Belize to strengthen and improve traditional botanical healing. Goals of the project were to conserve medicinal plant knowledge, leading to ethnobotanical studies, and to conserve the plants themselves, by creating a community ethnobotanical garden. A total of 169 medicinal species were collected in the ethnobotanical survey, which provided unique knowledge on many rainforest species of the wet lowland forest of Southern Belize, not found in neighbouring Indigenous cultures. Consensus on plant uses by the healers was high indicating a well conserved codified oral history. After horticultural experimentation by the healers, the Indigenous botanical garden provided a habitat for and conservation of 102 medicinal species including many epiphytes that were rescued from forested areas. Ethnopharmacological studies by the university partners showed a pharmacological basis for, and active principles of plants used for epilepsy and anxiety, for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, for dermatological mycoses, and for type 2 diabetes complications. Overall, the project has provided a model for Indigenous empowerment and First Nation’s science, as well as establishing this traditional medicine as an important, unified healing practice, that can safely and effectively provide primary healthcare in its cultural context.
A sexual hybrid and autopolyploids detected in seed from crosses between Neslia paniculata and Camelina sativa (Brassicaceae)
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2020-03-09) Martin, Sara L.; LaFlamme, Michelle L.; James, Tracey; Sauder, Connie A.
It is important to understand the probability of hybridization and potential for introgression of transgenic crop alleles into wild populations as part of pre-release risk assessment. Here we completed bidirectional crosses between the emerging crop, camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] and its weedy relative, ball mustard [Neslia paniculata (L.) Desv.]. Ball mustard is a self-compatible annual that produces hard ball-like seeds similar to canola or mustard seed in size and shape. A total of 1593 crosses were completed and collected with camelina as the maternal parent, while 3253 crosses were successfully collected in the reverse direction. Putatively hybrid seedlings were screened with flow cytometry and species-specific nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) markers. Three plants had DNA contents close to expectations for hybrids, but only one of these, formed on camelina, had the expected ITS markers. This hybrid exhibited low fertility, and neither self-pollination nor backcrossing produced viable progeny. The other two plants, formed on ball mustard, had high pollen and seed fertility and were identified as ball mustard neoautotetraploids. Therefore, the hybridization rate between camelina and ball mustard is relatively low at one in 20 000 ovules pollinated when camelina is the maternal parent. However, autotetraploids may form frequently in ball mustard, and tetraploid populations may exist in nature.
A synopsis of Chaenotheca in North America: including a new species from southern Ontario, C. selvae, supported by morphometric analyses
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2018-04-14) McMullin, Richard Troy; Maloles, Jose R.; Selva , Steven B.; Newmaster, Steven G.
We describe and illustrate a new species of calicioid lichen from southern Ontario, Chaenotheca selvae. We place it in Chaenotheca because of its lichenized thallus with a Stichococcus photobiont, a brown mazaedium, and ascospores that are brown, globose, and single-celled (3.0-3.6 Îźm in diam.). It differs from other species of Chaenotheca by its photobiont, non-ornamented ascospores, straight stalks, and producing orange-brown pruina on the mazaedium, excipulum, and upper portion of the stalk when mature. Using a detrended correspondence analysis we identified 25 taxa, including the sp. novum, analyzing 22 morphological characters. Our results provide evidence of chemical and morphometric variation among species of Chaenotheca. We also provide a key for the identification of the 25 Chaenotheca species in North America.
A tale of two mistletoes: phenology and fauna associated with two sympatric species
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-05-25) Pincheira, Javiera; Villarroel, Javiera; Orellana, José Ignacio; Fonturbel, Francisco E
Mistletoes are parasitic plants that largely rely on animals for pollination and seed dispersal but establish complex interactions with their host plants. Mistletoes are considered keystone species in forest ecosystems as they facilitate several interactions. We studied the fauna associated with two sympatric mistletoe species (Tristerix corymbosus and Desmaria mutabilis) from the temperate rainforests of southern Chile. We set 40 camera traps from November 2021 to May 2022 to monitor the main pollinator (the hummingbird Sephanoides sephaniodes), the main seed disperser (the arboreal marsupial Dromiciops bozinovici), and other animals (birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects). We compared fauna associated with T. corymbosus between spring and summer-fall periods and between T. corymbosus and D. mutabilis during summer-fall. Species composition associated with T. corymbosus showed a significant temporal variation, mainly explained by S. sephaniodes and D. bozinovici, which are more abundant in the summer-fall period. We found that animal species composition differences between mistletoe species were mainly explained by S. sephaniodes, D. bozinovici, and insects. While T. corymbosus was mainly pollinated by hummingbirds, insects frequently visited D. mutabilis flowers. Although both mistletoes have many similarities, they also have some phenology differences that affect their associations with animals, potentially influencing ecological processes.
A versatile protoplast system and its application in Cannabis sativa L.
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-12-04) Zhu, Panpan; Zhao, Yuqing; You, Xiner; Zhang, Yiping Jason; Vasseur, Liette; Haughn, George; Liu, Yuanyuan
Cannabis sativa L. (cannabis) is one of the earliest domesticated crops cultivated for medicinal, food, industrial, and recreational use throughout the world. A growing number of jurisdictions have lifted the prohibition on medical and recreational cannabis with legislation that allows researchers to conduct important and urgently needed research, such as understanding the molecular basis of agronomically important traits. However, a dearth of suitable molecular genetic techniques for the analysis of cannabis species has hampered the elucidation of gene function. Here, we developed a robust protoplast transient transformation system by optimizing conditions of protoplast isolation and PEG-mediated transformation using cannabis cotyledons. A protoplast isolation yield of up to 1.15× 107 cells per gram of fresh material and 98.5% viability and a transformation efficiency of 75.4% was achieved. This optimized protocol for protoplast isolation and transformation was successfully applied to eight representative cannabis varieties, which highlight the versatility and robustness of this technique. Using this protocol, the nuclear localization of a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (CsMYC2) was visualized, and the transcriptional activity of CsMYC2 was assessed. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of our cannabis protoplast isolation and transient transformation method that should serve as a powerful molecular research tool in a wide range of molecular studies.
Adaptation of restoration target with climate change: the case of a coastal peatland
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2020-04-16) Guêné-Nanchen, Mélina; D'Amour, Noémie; Rochefort, Line
As a rise in sea level is expected with climate change, peat-extracted peatlands located in coastal zones are more vulnerable to saltwater intrusion. Seawater contamination may prevent revegetation of typical bog species (e.g., Sphagnum, ericaceous shrubs) generally intolerant to saline conditions. Spontaneous revegetation was studied in a 27-year post-extracted bog that has been contaminated with seawater in New Brunswick (Eastern Canada). This study aimed (i) to evaluate spontaneous plant regeneration on saline but still acidic, organic soil; and (ii) to relate the recolonized vegetation patterns to the main environmental conditions. Of the seven plant communities found in the sea-contaminated bog, none were typical of bogs, and Sphagnum mosses were poorly represented. Plants communities and chemical properties were rather representative of salt marsh ecosystems (i.e., Carex paleacea, Sporobolus michauxianus, Empetrum nigrum, Myrica gale; neutral pH and nutrient-rich, namely P, Mg, and NH4+). Areas with low levels of spontaneous revegetation were associated with harsh chemical conditions (i.e., acid pH, high electrical conductivity, and nutrient-poor). Considering the aggravating factors that will persist with climate change, restoration of coastal bogs contaminated with seawater should aim to re-establish salt marsh ecosystems, given that spontaneous revegetation patterns and chemical conditions clearly do not allow the establishment of bog plant communities.
Adaptive drought tolerance during germination of Salsola drummondii seeds from saline and non-saline habitats of the Arid Arabian Deserts
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2018-11-16) Elnaggar, Attiat; El-Keblawy, Ali; Mosa, Kareem; Navarro, Teresa
The effects of temperature, light, salinity, and drought on germination of halophytes have been extensively studied. However, few studies have focused on the germination of plants that grow well in both saline and non-saline habitats (i.e., habitat-indifferent halophytes). Here, we assess the impacts of population origin, temperature, and light on drought tolerance, as simulated by polyethylene glycol (PEG), during germination of Salsola drummondii, a habitat-indifferent halophyte from the arid Arabian deserts. Seeds were collected from both saline and non-saline habitats and germinated at six PEG levels at three temperatures and two light regimes. An increase in PEG concentration resulted in a significant reduction in seed germination, especially at higher temperatures. Seeds from the non-saline habitat attained significantly greater germination efficiency at PEG levels up to -1.2 MPa, but there was no difference in germination of seeds between the two habitats at -1.5 MPa PEG concentrations. Saline habitat seeds germinated significantly faster at higher PEG levels. Germination was significantly higher in dark than in light at -1.5 MPa at lower temperatures, but the opposite was true at higher temperatures. Seeds from saline habitats had higher dormancy and faster germination at higher concentrations of PEG due to adaptation to low osmotic potentials.
Addition of methyl jasmonate and rutin hydrate at harvest time elicits lipid production in Scenedesmus
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2020-10-21) Kaushik, Nutan; Dhup, Saumya; Jamsheer K, Muhammed
Microalgae are a sustainable source of lipids for industrial applications. In this study, we tested the effect of three chemical elicitors [chitosan, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and flavonoids] on lipid accumulation in the microalga Scenedesmus. We analyzed the effect of different concentrations of these elicitors at different time points on growth rate and lipid production. We found that these elicitors did not have an adverse effect on the growth rate of Scenedesmus at different time points, by comparison with their respective controls. Among the three elicitors, MeJA at a low concentration (25 μL/L) was found to be effective at enhancing the lipid production in Scenedesmus when added at the time of harvest and allowed to react for 12 h, whereas flavonoid treatment, specifically at 0.5 mg/L, enhanced lipid production after 24 h. Fatty acid methyl ester analysis by GC–MS revealed no difference in lipid profile before or after chemical induction. Taken together, this comparative analysis highlights the potential of MeJA at a low concentrations to be effective at improving lipid productivity without altering the growth rate in Scenedesmus.
African elements in Saramaccan Maroon plant names in Suriname
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2021-06-14) Van't Klooster, Charlotte I.E.A.; Haabo, Vinije; van den Berg, Margot C.; Stoffelen, Piet; Van Andel, Tinde
The ancestors of the Saramaccan Maroons, who were brought as enslaved Africans to Suriname, used their ethnobotanical knowledge and native languages to name the flora in their new environment. Little is known about the influence of African languages on Saramaccan plant naming. We hypothesized that Saramaccan plant names were more influenced by Central African languages than found so far based on ethnobotanical research, because data of the Central African region was scarce. We compiled a new database on Saramaccan plant names and compared these names with an unpublished plant name database from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the earlier published NATRAPLAND database on Afro-Surinamese plant names to find comparable plant names for botanically related species in Africa. We further analyzed form, meaning, function, and categories of Saramaccan plant name components by means of dictionaries and grammars. In total, 39% of the Saramaccan plant names had an African origin, of which 44% were African retentions, 54% were innovations and 2% were misidentifications with botanical links to Africa via other plant species. Most retentions were of Central African origin (62%). The Bantu language that contributed most to Saramaccan plant names was Kikongo, followed by West African Kwa languages. Plant names reveal important information on the African origin of the Saramaccans, and deserve more scientific attention.
Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of THC-containing Cannabis sativa L. yields a high frequency of transgenic calli expressing bialaphos resistance and non-expressor of PR1 (NPR1) genes
(Canadian Science Publishing, 2023-07-11) Holmes, Janesse E.; Punja, Zamir K.
We established transformation technologies using Agrobacterium tumefaciens to insert foreign genes into high THC-containing cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). The Arabidopsis non-expressor of pathogenesis-related protein 1 (AtNPR1) gene was selected as a potentially useful agronomic gene which was linked to the bar gene from Streptomyces that encodes herbicide resistance. We investigated how Agrobacterium strains (EHA105 and GV3101), glufosinate concentrations, explant source, and light intensity, affected transformation frequency (TF). Transformation was confirmed by RT-PCR with primers for the NPR1 or bar genes. Glufosinate at 0.5-1 mg/L inhibited growth of non-transformed calli within 8 weeks following A. tumefaciens infection. Strain EHA105 yielded a higher TF compared to strain GV3101. Whole leaflets yielded a higher TF compared to sectioned leaf explants with strain GV3101. However, this effect was not seen with EHA105. Petiole segments showed a higher TF than leaf sections with strain EHA105. Placing explants under light or dark conditions did not affect TF, which ranged from 5 % to 95 % in different experiments. This is the first report of successful transformation of two high THC-containing C. sativa genotypes with two foreign genes simultaneously - AtNPR1 and bar. The recovery of plantlets from transgenic calli was not attempted and awaits further research.

Browse

Browsing Botany by Title