Showing papers in "Acta Botanica Yunnanica in 2008"

A Statistical and Comparative Analysis of Genetic Diversity Detected by Different Molecular Markers

Abstract: This paper presented a statistical and comparative analysis of common parameters of plant genetic diversity by using relevant data of 314 wild plant species from 235 published articles.The results indicated that the parameters of genetic diversity revealed by RAPD and AFLP are comparable,but all parameters of genetic variation detected by ISSR,allozyme and SSR are incomparable,which are not comparative with those by RAPD and AFLP.The genetic differentiation value Gst based on Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is obviously lower than the value Φst based on AMOVA analysis,which showed that these two parameters are incomparable as well.Furthermore,the statistical and comparative results of genetic diversity of 179 plant species by RAPD and AFLP indicated that at population level:1) the genetic diversity of gymnosperm is higher than those of both dicotyledon and monocotyledon of angiosperm,but lower genetic differentiation;2) the genetic diversity of tree is higher than those of shrub and herb,but lower genetic differentiation;3) the clonal plant has higher genetic diversity than those reproduce sexnally,and 4) the cross-breeding plant has higher genetic diversity than self-breeding plant;5) the widespread plant species has higher genetic diversity than the rare,endangered or endemic species.

Evolutionary Relationships of Araliaceae in the Malesian Region:a Preliminary Analysis

Abstract: We employ the nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences to assess the evolutionary relationships of Araliaceae in the Malesian region. Malesian Araliaceae consist of 14 genera and about 500 species. Our analysis suggests a diffuse origin of Araliaceae taxa, with many genera belong to the Asian palmate clade or the tribe Hedereae. The Malesian endemic Harmsiopanax is morphologically unique and its phylogenetic position is not well resolved at present. Several morphologically diverse species of Brassaiopsis perhaps have a relatively recent origin in the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, as suggested by their monophyly as well as their low ITS sequence divergence. Wardenia is not supported as W.simplex (=B.simplex) is nested within Brassaiopsis. The Malayan region is important for the development of Schefflera, and available evidence suggests that Schefflera in the region forms a clade with the Heptapleurum group. Dendropanax lancifolius does not form a clade with the core group of Dendropanax, and its status needs to be further analyzed. Macropanax maingayi was considered to be a highly distinct member comprising the monotypic genus Hederopsis. Our analysis clearly places it in Macropanax. Aralia merrillii was once considered to be the sole member of the genus Acanthophora because of its unusual climbing habit. The ITS data support its placement in Aralia. Our expanded sampling of Arthrophyllum continues to support its monophyly. Osmoxylon has a primary distribution in the Malesian region and it is a hylogenetically isolated member of Araliaceae.

Karyotype Asymmetry of Aspidistra(Convallarieae,Ruscaceae)

Abstract: Two species of Aspidistra from Yunnan,China,were cytologically studied.The chromosome number of A.hekouensis,2n=38,is reported for the first time.The chromosome number of A.sichuanensis,also 2n=38,was consistent with earlier reports,but the karyotype differs from the previous report.Furthermore,we used two numerical parameters,A1(intrachromosomal asymmetry index)and A2(interchromosomal asymmetry index),to estimate the karyotype asymmetry in 34 species of.The results showed that there is no predominant trend towards an increasing of asymmetry of the karyotype in Aspidistra.

Medical Ethnobotany of the Run Dialect People of Li Minority in Hainan

Abstract: Li Minority in Hainan has a long tradition of using medicinal plants.One branch of Li Minority——Run Dialect People,who live in mountainous areas,are highly dependent on natural resources,especially for medicine purpose.An investigation aiming to document medicinal plant uses was carried out for the first time.Key informant interviews and participatory observation were adopted to obtain information.Ten well-known herbalists from different villages were selected as Key informants.In total,282 species in 89 families and 222 genera that have indigenous uses were collected and identified.Plant species that most frequently reported were used for rheumatoid arthritis(27.7%),intestinal tract disease(16.0%),gore(15.6%) and traumatic bleeding(13.5%).Oral administration and external use were primary remedies.Leaves were part of plants most used(48.7% of the species),followed by roots(18.1%),whole plant(15.2%),bark(11.8%),stem(4.1%) and fruits(2.2%).Of these 282 species,42 species(14.9%) were not previously reported as having medicinal properties.The uses of 131 species(46.5%) were similar while 109 species(38.7%) were different,compared with that reported in the literatures of Chinese Traditional Medicine.However,it was found that medicinal ethnobotanical knowledge had lost a lot in villages where traditional life manners and custom had changed rapidly.Therefore further research is necessary.

Cladistic Analysis of the Genus Salix (Salicaceae)

Abstract: The genus Salix comprises about 500 species, many of which grow in temperate zone of the North Hemisphere. Their variability in morphology, life form and habitats has led to many arguments and different suggestions in terms of taxonomical treatments at both species and genus levels. To understand morphological variation and phylogenetics of Salix , 29 Salix species and Chosenia arbutifolia , including most representative species in the genus Salix , and their 61 morphological characters were used for cladistic analysis. Populus plants were selected as outgroups. In this study, we got 21 equally most parsimonious cladograms of Salix and a strict consensus tree, which shows Chosenia is sister group of Salix and those two taxa form a strongly supported monophyletic clade. The results indicate that the division of Chosenia and Toisusu from Salix as independent genera and any other division on the generic level are not supported, which accords with the evidences from both palynology and molecular systematics. Three subgenera, Subgen. Salix , Subgen. Chamaetia and Subgen. Vetrix form two monophyletic clades respectively. Based on our findings, we proposed to divide Salix into three subgenera, namely Chosenia, Salix, Vetrix . Considered there exist the lower Consistency Index, Retention Index and bootstrap value in the phylogenetic tree, more research for better understanding the infrageneric system of Salix should be fully necessary.

A Comparative Floristic Study on the Seed Plants of the East Side and the West Side of the Northern Gaoligong Mts.in Northwestern Yunnan,China

Abstract: The differences in rainfall and temperature between the east and west sides of the northern Gaoligong Mts.leads to distinct differences in the plant diversity and floristic characteristics between the two sides.Recorded taxa on the east side include 1 475 native species and 192 varieties(or subspecies) belonging to 580 genera in 152 families and for the west side include 1 804 native species and 186 varieties(or subspecies) belonging to 659 genera in 162 families.Based on the statistics and analysis of families,genera,and species,a comparative floristic study on the seed plants for the east side and the west side of the northern Gaoligong Mts.was carried out.The results are as follows:1) The present flora on the east and west sides of the northern Gaoligong Mts.have the same floristic origins,but the relative contribution from these different sources has changed through time.The result is that the floristic similarity of families,genera,and species between the east side and the west side has decreased through time;2) The floristic characteristic of seed plants for the west side has become more greatly influenced by tropical floristic elements than has that of the east side,and the influence by the temperate floristic elements has become less influenced on the west side but greater on the east side;3) The flora of the west side is more closely linked with that of the eastern Himalayans than is the flora of the east side,and the flora of the east side is more closely linked with the other floras farther to the east.Owing to the obstruct of the Gaoligong Mts.ridge itself,it is seemingly difficult for the species interchange between the two sides of the northern Gaoligong Mts.;4) The ecological-geographical environment has made it more conducive to species conservation and the speciation on the west side than on the east side,so the west side is not only a refuge for some ancient floristic elements but also as a cradle of some new species.

Three Steroidal Glycosides from the Fresh Fruits of Solanum spirale(Solanaceae)

Abstract: One new steroidal glycoside,26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-3β,22ξ,26-triol-5-ene-3-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-[3-O-(3-O-acetyl)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(1) were isolated from the fresh fruits of the edible plant Solanum spirale Roxb.,together with two known ones,26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-22ξ-methoxyl-3β,26-diol-5-ene-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-β-D-glucopyranoside(2) and 26-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(25R)-furost-3β,22ξ,26-triol-5-ene-3-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-4)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(protodioscin)(3).Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods,especially 2D NMR.The known compounds 2-3 were isolated from the title plant for the first time.

New Taxa of Ranunculaceae from Yunnan

Abstract: In this paper,one variety and four species of Ranunculaceae,Anemone yulongshanica W.T.Wang var.glabrescens W.T.Wang,Clematis tengchongensis W.T.Wang,C.lushuiensis W.T.Wang,Ranunculus pianmaensis W.T.Wang and R.tengchongensis W.T.Wang,are described as new on the basis of the plant specimens collected from Gaoligong Shan,western Yunnan Province,China in recent years.

Preliminary Comparison on Traditional Knowledge of Medicinal Plants Used by Dai Xishuangbanna China and Khmer Cambodia

Abstract: Xishuangbanna of China and Cambodia are both located in the same rive basin of Lanchang/Mekong River,the former is in the upper stream where belongs to the climate of northern tropics,and the latter is in the lower stream,where belongs to the climate of the tropics with a distance of some 1 000 km from north to south.Dai and Khmer are the major nationalities of each state or region,they have used some 1 000 species of medicinal plants and accumulated plenty of traditional medical knowledge in the long historical developing process.The paper compares the similarities and differences of medicinal plants used by the two nationalities and their traditional medical knowledge in accordance of existing literture and the author's field investigations.The results show that the similar index of common use medicinal plants between the two area is quite low which is 0.15.Most of them are herbal and shrubby plants;the knowledge of medicinal plants accumulated by the two nationalities on the using parts,using styles and the main diseases treated are quite different,and each has his own strong points,which have closing relationship with the eco-environment,historical development,their ways of agricultural practise and lifestyle,and the effect of exotic cultures.

Investigation on Spore Germination of Sphenomeris chinensis(Lindsaeaceae)

Abstract: Effects of culture temperature,storage temperature,GA treatment and illumination intensity on spore germination of Sphenomeris chinensis were studied using randomized blocks experiments and analysis of varianceCompared with room temperature(20-25℃),the germination velocity was higher at the culture temperature of 28℃,although their maximal germination percentage was the sameStorage temperature(A) significantly(P001) affected spore germination,and germination of spores was reduced when stored at-20℃GA(B) did not affect germinationIllumination intensity(C) significantly(P001) affected germinationThere were no significant difference between full and weak illumination,but the dark reduced germination percentageA×B,A×C,B×C and A×B×C had no significant interaction effect

Ethnobotany of Wild Edible Plant Resources in Periodic Markets in Jinping Autonomous County of Miao,Yao,and Dai

Abstract: Collection and utilization of non-timber forest products(NTFPs)relate not only to living standards of local people,but also to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in concerned areas.Key informant interview and participatory observation have been used to conduct ethnobotanical field investigations on wild edible plants in the periodic markets in Jinping Autonomous County of Miao,Yao,and Dai in this paper.The results show that diverse wild edible plants were traded at the local main markets,involving 35 species from 27 families.These plants were composed of wild vegetable(82.85%),wild fruit(14.29%),and wild edible pigment(2.86%).Caesalpiniaceae and Moraceae are two important families which account for 8.57% of total species respectively.The wild vegetables are mainly from young shoots of trees(34.29%)and aerial parts of grasses(25.71%).There are high similarities of the wild edible species between the study area and neighbor regions.The plant parts used and their usages show a significant difference between dry season and rain season.The amounts and prices of wild edible plants in the markets are very low so that the local people's cash income from the trade of wild edible plants is limited.Women are playing an important role in collecting and trading of wild edible plants in the local community.The geographic location of markets influences the trade of edible plants in the local communities.Based on the market investigation,we conclude that 1)the rich ethonbotanical knowledge remains in the local communities;2)collection and trade of edible plants does not influence the sustainable utilization of biodiversity resources in this area.

The Effects of Aspergillus on the Post-fermentative Process of Pu-Er Tea

Abstract: In order to explain the effects of microorganism on the post-fermentative process of Pu-Er tea,the temperature and humidity tests,inoculation tests with several Aspergillus species,which were previously purified and identified as the preponderant microbe from the fermentative stacks of Pu-Er tea,as well as the post-fermentation tests with specially prepared microbial reagents with these Aspergillus species are carried out.The results showed that the special characteristic sense of Pu-Er tea was coming from the effects of these Aspergillus species.The specially prepared microbial reagents can not only control the post-fermentative process,but also change the characteristic sense,as well as influence to the contents of polyphenols,catechins,gallic acid,theanin and caffeine in Pu-Er tea.In addition,it could improve the riping speeds,the successful rate,as well as the quality stability of Pu-Er tea.With the specially prepared microbial reagents,a standardized industrial production of Pu-Er tea becomes possible.

Studies on Fungi and Bryophytes from Yunnan in the Last one Hundred Years——Review and Prospect

Abstract: A general introduction to the mycological and bryological researches in Yunnan during the last about 100 years was made.Although several contributors such as Lan Mao(1397-1476)and Li Shi-zhen(1518-1593)paid their attention to fungi and bryophytes for medical purposes in as early as the Ming Dynasty,much of scientific researches were done in the last one hundred years.Western missionaries and biological explorers,and domestic experts,such as F.L.Tai,T.N.Liou,S.T.Teng,W.F.Chiu.D.F.Yu and J.C.Chou,traveled and collected from different localities of Yunnan and its adjacent areas.Collections of fungi and bryophytes were then studied by mycologists and bryologists from both home and abroad.Many new species of fungi and bryophytes from Yunnan have been discovered and described.The bryophytes in Yunnan are now relatively well-known.However,much mycological work should be done in the future before the diversity of fungi in the region can be recognized and understood.

An Effective Protocol for the Isolation of RNA from Cycad Leaves

Abstract: Conventional RNA extraction methods have been shown to produce poor-quality RNA when applied to Cycas revoluta because of abundant secondary metabolites included.With modification of the standard cetyltrimethylammonium bromide(CTAB)method by adding borax(disodium tetraborate decahydrate)and β-mercaptoethanol to eliminate the interference of polyphenol and polysaccharides,an effective protocol was developed.This modified protocol could extract high quantities of RNA from cycad leaves at about 930 μg per gram of fresh weight.Both A260/230 and A260/280 ratios were around 2,indicating that RNA is of high quality.The RNA quality was confirmed by Northern blotting analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).The modified protocol could be successfully extended to other plants containing secondary metabolites.

The Influencing Factors on Gastrodin Content in the Herbal Materials of Gastrodia elata (Orchidaceae)

Abstract: The influencing factors on gastrodin content in the crude materials of Gastrodia elata were investigated by HPLC analysis. The results indicated that the preparing method of post harvest is a more important factor for the gastrodin content, comparing to those brought about by the growing areas and herbal varieties. Among the different processing methods, steaming produced the most impact effect on the increment of gastrodin in the herbal material. The possible mechanism of gastrodin formation during the crude process was also discussed.

Diversity of Epiphytic Lichens on Tea Trees in Yunnan,China

Abstract: Twenty five genera and 51 species of lichens were found during a taxonomic survey of lichens on tea trees in Yunnan.45 of the species were found for the first time on tea trees.Lepraria lobificans and Protoblastenia amagiensis are new to China and 20 other species are new to Yunnan.Lichens were found to affect the growth of trees and the quality of tea in the following ways:1.Acidic substances formed during the growth of the lichens can damage vascular tissues of the trunk and cause premature aging of the tea tree;2.Lichens near the tips of stems can disturb shoot growth,and consequently,reduce the quality and quantity of tea leaf production.

The Effects of Methyl Jasmonate on the Flavonoids Synthesis in Cell Suspension Culture of Glycyrrhiza inflata(Leguminosae)

Abstract: The effects of different concentration of methyl jasmonate on the cell biomass and flavonoids production in cell suspension cultures of Glycyrrhiza inflata were studied.The results showed that the flavonoids production increased when the methyl jasmonate was added into the medium with the appropriate concentration of 10-200 μmol/L,while the cell growth was inhibited to some extent.In addition,the content of H2O2,the activity of phenylalanine ammona lyase,catalase,peroxidase and malondialdehyde content all increased with the addition of methyl jasmonate in the medium,which suggested that the addition of appropriate concentration of methyl jasmonate can result in the defense response,an increase of the expression of the antioxidant system such as catalases and peroxidases,and the increased flavonoids accumulation with 3.39 times of the control.

Advances on the Research of Microbes during the Post-fermentative Process of Pu-Er Tea

Abstract: The microbes found in Pu-Er tea,microbes in relation to the post fermentative processing,microbes in relation to Pu-Er tea quality and the growth traits of main microbes were reviewed.It was pointed out that fundamental studies on the post fermentative microbes of Pu-Er tea should be strengthened;a bank of the post fermentative microbes of Pu-Er tea should be established;and a systematic study on those microbes with identified impacts on Pu-Er tea quality should be given high priority.

The Effect of Seasonal Drought to Plant Hydraulics and Photosynthesis of Three Dominant Evergreen Tree Species in Seasonal Tropical Rainforest of Xishuangbanna Limestone Area

Abstract: To investigate the adaptive mechanisms of evergreen species to seasonal drought,we studied seasonal changes of plant hydraulics,photosynthesis and leaf osmotic related traits in three dominant evergreen species(Celtis wightii,Cleistanthus sumatranus and Lasiococca comberi var.pseudoverticillata)of a limestone mountain area of Xishuangbanna,SW China.Compared to the wet season,the predawn leaf water potential in the dry season is significantly lower in all the three species,indicating a relatively strong soil drought stress.During the dry season,sapwood specific hydraulic conductivity(Ks)was significantly lower compared to that of the wet season in Cleistanthus sumatranus and Lasiococca comberi var.pseudoverticillata,but there was no significant change in Celtis wightii.There was no significant change in leaf area specific hydraulic conductivity(Kl)between the two seasons in all the three species,which may caused by the adjustment in hydraulic architecture through partial loss of leaves during the dry season.In the dry season,maximum carbon assimilate rate(Amax)was significantly lower than that of the wet season in all the three species.There were strong correlations between Amax and both of the two hydraulic traits(i.e.Ks and Kl),especially during the wet season,indicating a relatively strong independence of photosynthesis to water transport in stems.Leaf turgor loss point osmotic potential and saturation osmotic potential during the dry season were both significantly lower in all the three species,indicating a strong osmotic adjustment in adaptive to seasonal drought.Compared to the two co-occurring deciduous species,the ability to tolerate drought-induced cavitation in stem xylems were substantially higher in the three evergreen species.These results indicated that the adaptation of these three evergreen species to seasonal drought mainly involves an adjustment in hydraulic architecture and a strong osmotic regulation in leaves.

Plant Water Use Strategies in a Limestone Tropical Seasonal Moist Rainforest in Xishuangbanna,SW China

Abstract: Soil water potential was determined during April 2006 and May 2007 at a limestone tropical seasonal moist rainforest site in Xishuangbanna,Southwest China.The results indicated that soil is drier in dry season(from November to April)than in rainy season(from May to October),especially in March and April,with soil moisture content reaching the minimum value of-0.055 MPa at 75 cm depth.While in rainy season,soil humidity situation is much better than dry season,and soil water potential can reach to 0.010 MPa.Hourly observation of soil volumetric water content on three days in November 2006,January 2007 and March 2007 showed that the difference between diurnal values and nocturnal values is not significant(P0.05),suggesting there is no obvious soil volumetric water content fluctuation in deferent soil depths.In other words,there is no hydraulic redistribution in limestone tropical seasonal moist rainforest.Intercepted fog drip and throughfall by canopy,rainwater,soil water,groundwater and stem xylem water were collected during November 2005 and February 2007 for stable isotopic analysis.The stable hydrogen(δD)and oxygen isotope composition(δ18O)of fog drip,throughfall,rainwater,soil water,groundwater and stem xylem water were determined from an isotope ratio mass spectrometer.The results indicated that the rainfall is the main source of soil water and groundwater in rainy season.Through the canopy,throughfall is enriched than rainwater,because of evaporated fractionation.The fog drip was thought to contain water that has been evaporated and recycled terrestrial meteoric water(evaporation of nearby surface waters and canopy interception),so the fog drip was more enriched than rain during both the dry season and rainy season.What's more,although fog is heavy,plants mainly use groundwater and deep soil water in dry season in this region,hardly making use of fog drip.This result is related to the natural environment,limestone tropical seasonal moist rainforest is very vulnerable,sothat,protect this pattern forest is necessary,further research will be able to provide a basis for this purpose.

Two New Species of Orchidaceae from China

Abstract: 对中国兰科两新种--麻栗坡卷瓣兰(Bulbophyllum malipoense) 和赵氏蜘蛛兰(Arachnis zhaoi)作了描述和绘图.前者与直立卷瓣兰(B.unciniferum)相近,区别点在于新种的假鳞茎聚生,卵球形;叶较小,长2～3.5cm;侧萼片较短,长1.4～1.7 cm,仅中部合生;后者与窄唇蜘蛛兰(A.labrosa)有亲缘关系,但新种花淡黄绿色,无红棕色斑,花瓣稍宽于萼片,易于区别.

Review on Two Decades Development of Ethnobotany in China

Abstract: This paper presents and discusses on two decades development history of ethnobotany in China.Ethnobotany appeared as a scientific research subject in 1896 in USA,ethnobotany as discipline to study with in China was begun in 1982;and in 1987 the first ethnobotany research department was established at the Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences.After twenty years development,ethnobotany in China has been developed from basic,or desecriptive research into applied phase,immense progress has been made in sustainable plant resource use,biodiversity conservation and rural regional-coordination development.However,ethnobotany as discipline in China is remarkable in establishement of theoretic framework;identification of research areas;methodological development and set-up appropriate approaches for basic and applied ethnobotany.This paper presents and discusses development history of ethnobotany in China;advances in research and field-site development;discipline development and training of young scientists;theoretical innovation and development,and promotion of ethnobotanical research and training in China,which are largely based on the works that have been done and development facts presented at the Kunming Institute of Botany,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Meanwhile suggestions for further development of Chinese ethnobotany in three aspects are proposed in the paper.

Physiological and Molecular Mechanisms of Mn Uptake by Hyperaccumulting Plant Polygonum hydropiper (Polygonaceae)

Abstract: Polygonum hydropiper was a new hyper-accumulated Mn plant.The experiments were carried out in order to find out subcellular distribution characteristics and chemical pattern of Mn in cell and the physiological and biochemical mechanisms of Polygonum hydropiper responding to Mn stress.The results indicated that the accumulation of Mn in the cell wall(accumulation rate as high as 36.34%)and the vacuole of the leaves(accumulation rate as high as 65.64%)might be one of the mechanisms of tolerance and hyperaccumulation of Polygonum hydropiper to Mn.Most Mn in leaves were the speciation of H2O-solubility organic salts or manganese oxalates.The content of chlorophyll a did not change under different Mn concentration treatments except that its content decreased remarkably when Mn concentration was 8 000 μmol/L in solutions.The membranes were not harmed by Mn when its concentration was less than 5 000 μmol/L in solutions;Under different Mn concentrations of Mn,the content of their soluble proteins of leaves had changed at some stage.The activity of SOD and POD were gradually improved with the increasing of Mn concentration,which could eliminate activated oxygen free radical,This might be the other physiological mechanism of tolerance and hyperaccumulation of Polygonum hydropiper responding to Mn.

Phallogaster saccatus(Basidiomycetes,Fungi),First Record from East Asia

Abstract: Phallogaster saccatus is reported,described and illustrated from East Asia for the first time.It is characterized by its sac-like,single-layered peridium with irregularly shaped thin depressed areas which becomes perforated,the columella that deliquesces and entirely disappears by maturity,the olivaceous spore mass(adhering to the inner surface of the otherwise hollow basidioma) that breaks irregularly when mature,the absence of a volva and the bacilliform to cylindric,smooth basidiospores with a nearly truncate base and a short sterigmal appendage.The genus Phallogaster is currently viewed as monotypic.

Characters of Leaf Epidermis of Begonia(Begoniaceae) from China and Their Taxonomic Significance

Abstract: Leaf epidermis of 52 species and two varieties representing seven sections of Begonia(Begoniaceae) from China were examined under light microscopy.The results showed that leaf epidermal characters of the genus revealed a remarkable consistency:the leaf epidermal cells were usually polygonal and subpolygonal bearing with straight or arched anticlinal walls;and the stomatal apparatus was mainly anisocytic type and presented in abaxial epidermis of all studied species.However,the multiple leaf epidermal characters,including the shape of epidermal cells,the pattern of epidermal hairs,the shape of stomatal apparatus,the type of crystals in epidermal cells and some distinct characters varies obviously with species,in particular among species allies.

Involucropyrenium(Verrucariaceae),a Lichen Genus New to China

Abstract: The genus Involucropyrenium is reported from China for the first time.It is characterized by a minutely squamulose thallus,perithecia situated between the squamules,an involucrellum enveloping the whole ascomata,and comparatively large ascospores.

Genetic Modifications on Industrial Characteristics of Seed Oils

Abstract: Seed oils of non-traditional oil crop plants contain special fatty acids with conjugated double bond systems, acetylenic (triple) bonds, or have additional functional moieties, such as hydroxyl or epoxy groups, which have potential uses as industrial raw materials. The expression of the genes which are related to the biosynthesis of these special fatty acids in traditional oilseed crops could modify the seed oils to serve as renewable alternatives to traditional petrochemicals, including cosmetic, detergents, surfactants, lubricants, nylon, coatings, inks, sealants, emulsifiers, encapsulants, plastic films, wax and biodiesel. The progress on the genetic modification of seed oils which aimed to produce industrial raw materials is reviewed in the present paper.