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In vitro screening to select for Al3 + tolerance in sugarcane
338
Abstracts
Lymphatic filariasis is a condition where the skin thickens and hardens after excessive swelling associated with lymphoedema. The condition is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used against lymphatic filariasis in the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa was conducted through the use of structured questionnaires. Information was gathered from 15 traditional healers, 7 herbalists and 12 elderly people. The respondents were asked questions regarding their use of medicinal plants to treat lymphatic filariasis. Information entailing plants used to treat lymphatic filariasis, plant parts used, mode of preparation and dosage was recorded. The information collected revealed 23 medicinal plants belonging to 19 families were used against lymphatic filariasis. Members of the Asparagaceae family were reported to be the most prominent, with 3 species each, followed by Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae with 2 species each. It was interesting to note that traditional healers from all three Provinces use similar plants to treat lymphatic filariasis. Bark, stems, roots, rhizomes, corms and bulbs were reported to be the most commonly used plant parts. The survey indicated that the most prominent method of herbal administration used is orally. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.128
In vitro screening to select for Al3 + tolerance in sugarcane M. Naidooa, S.J. Snymana,b, R.S. Rutherforda,b, M.P. Watta School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa b South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa
a
b
Sappi Shaw Research Centre Tweedie, PO Box 473, Howick 3290, South Africa c Institution for Commercial Forestry Research, PO Box 10028, Scottsville 3209, South Africa Eucalyptus nitens is an important commercial hardwood, frequently planted in high altitudes of South Africa. Commercial production, however, is hampered by low seed set. This study explores the reproductive biology and floral traits of E. nitens in order to identify possible mechanisms to improve seed production. Floral visitor observations, conducted at five high altitude seed orchards sites in KwaZulu-Natal, showed a diversity of insect visitors, including various bees, wasps, beetles and dung flies. Dung flies (Scathophagidae) were the most abundant visitors, but did not carry pollen suggesting that they contribute little to pollination. Other visitors carried pollen in varying amounts, with honeybees having the highest pollen loads. Insect visitors forage for small amounts of nectar located at the base of the capsule. Analysis of spectral reflectance across the UV–VIS range using an Ocean Optics reflectance spectrometer showed that flowers exhibit a dull green colour peaking between 500 and 600 nm with little UV reflectance. GC– MS analysis of floral volatiles identified 20 compounds, dominated by monoterpenes such as linalool and o-Cymene. These floral traits are typical of generalist flowers and suggest that flowers would be attractive to a diversity of insect visitors. In future studies we plan to use single visit experiments and supplemental hand pollinations to explore the effectiveness of different visitors and pollen limitation degree. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.130
Morphological and anatomical features as an aid in the identification of selected bulbs
Continuous land use for intensive crop rotation is causing soil degradation and reduced pH. At pH b 5 Al3 + solubility increases, inhibiting root growth and yield. Aluminium-tolerant sugarcane is therefore of interest to the industry. Present efforts are focused on induced mutagenesis, a proven approach to generate new traits in sugarcane. Towards this end, screening of Al3 + tolerance of three varieties (N19, N51, NCo376) was investigated with Al3 +-containing media at callus induction (CI), plantlet regeneration (PR) and rooting stages. Treatments included 0–5 mM Al3 +, pH 4 and pH 5.6 at CI and/or PR and/or 0–40 mM Al3 + at rooting. Six week old calli were placed on CI medium (CIM) (MS [no EDTA, 1 mM MgSO4], 10 g l- 1 sucrose, 0.5 g l- 1 casein hydrolysate, 16 g l- 1 Gelrite, 3 mg l- 1 2,4-D), for 2 weeks and on PR medium (CIM, no 2,4 D), for 8 weeks. Plantlets (±3–4 cm) were then rooted (CIM, no agar, no 2,4D) for 6 weeks. The roots were then trimmed to 1 mm and the percentage plants which re-grew roots (≥10 mm) were determined. The results were used to ascertain the LD50 and LD90 (the Al3 + concentrations that caused 50 and 90% inhibition) of callus necrosis, percentage calli with shoots, shoot number/callus and inhibition of re-rooting. For example, at callus induction they were 1.9 mM (LD50) and 3.8 mM (LD90) for N19, 2.7 mM (LD50) and 4.7 mM (LD90) for N51 and 2.3 mM (LD50) and 4.2 (LD90) for NCo376. Full details of the screening protocols will be presented.
Bulbous plants have self-contained and highly developed modified food-storage leave bases, also known as scales. Scales generally do not support leaves but contain food reserves to enable the plant to survive adverse weather conditions. The base is formed by a modified stem, and plant growth occurs from the basal plate. Roots emerge from the underside of the base and new stems and leaves from the upper side. Bulbs are annuals with aerial parts shed during harsh weather conditions, thus difficult to identify on the basis of morphological features alone. Because bulbs have extensive medicinal uses, the study aimed to observe whether anatomical features add value in distinguishing bulbs especially when aerial parts are shed. Six bulbous plants were collected depending on their availability in winter. Scales where sectioned and the following features were observed: Crystal types between scales and inside cells, cell wall features, and the presence of starch in the protoplasm, latex and fibres. Results show that anatomical features can supplement morphological features towards accurate identification of bulbs. Future studies will focus at forming a data base on a selected family.
doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.129
doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.131
Pollination biology of Eucalyptus nitens, a commercially important species of temperate gum
Factors affecting the propagation, re-growth and re-establishment of Burkea africana (Wild syringa) seedlings to reach reproductive stage
S. Ndlovua, W.R. Jonesb, T.L. Swainc, S.D. Johnsona, R.A.W. Gardnerc, A. Shuttlewortha a School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
L.E. Nemadodzi, G. Prinsloo Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
M.A. Nedzingahe, L.I. Ramovha Department of Botany, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa
Abstracts
Lymphatic filariasis is a condition where the skin thickens and hardens after excessive swelling associated with lymphoedema. The condition is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes. An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used against lymphatic filariasis in the Eastern Cape, Free State and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces of South Africa was conducted through the use of structured questionnaires. Information was gathered from 15 traditional healers, 7 herbalists and 12 elderly people. The respondents were asked questions regarding their use of medicinal plants to treat lymphatic filariasis. Information entailing plants used to treat lymphatic filariasis, plant parts used, mode of preparation and dosage was recorded. The information collected revealed 23 medicinal plants belonging to 19 families were used against lymphatic filariasis. Members of the Asparagaceae family were reported to be the most prominent, with 3 species each, followed by Euphorbiaceae and Solanaceae with 2 species each. It was interesting to note that traditional healers from all three Provinces use similar plants to treat lymphatic filariasis. Bark, stems, roots, rhizomes, corms and bulbs were reported to be the most commonly used plant parts. The survey indicated that the most prominent method of herbal administration used is orally. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.128
In vitro screening to select for Al3 + tolerance in sugarcane M. Naidooa, S.J. Snymana,b, R.S. Rutherforda,b, M.P. Watta School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Private Bag X54001, Durban 4000, South Africa b South African Sugarcane Research Institute, Private Bag X02, Mount Edgecombe 4300, South Africa
a
b
Sappi Shaw Research Centre Tweedie, PO Box 473, Howick 3290, South Africa c Institution for Commercial Forestry Research, PO Box 10028, Scottsville 3209, South Africa Eucalyptus nitens is an important commercial hardwood, frequently planted in high altitudes of South Africa. Commercial production, however, is hampered by low seed set. This study explores the reproductive biology and floral traits of E. nitens in order to identify possible mechanisms to improve seed production. Floral visitor observations, conducted at five high altitude seed orchards sites in KwaZulu-Natal, showed a diversity of insect visitors, including various bees, wasps, beetles and dung flies. Dung flies (Scathophagidae) were the most abundant visitors, but did not carry pollen suggesting that they contribute little to pollination. Other visitors carried pollen in varying amounts, with honeybees having the highest pollen loads. Insect visitors forage for small amounts of nectar located at the base of the capsule. Analysis of spectral reflectance across the UV–VIS range using an Ocean Optics reflectance spectrometer showed that flowers exhibit a dull green colour peaking between 500 and 600 nm with little UV reflectance. GC– MS analysis of floral volatiles identified 20 compounds, dominated by monoterpenes such as linalool and o-Cymene. These floral traits are typical of generalist flowers and suggest that flowers would be attractive to a diversity of insect visitors. In future studies we plan to use single visit experiments and supplemental hand pollinations to explore the effectiveness of different visitors and pollen limitation degree. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.130
Morphological and anatomical features as an aid in the identification of selected bulbs
Continuous land use for intensive crop rotation is causing soil degradation and reduced pH. At pH b 5 Al3 + solubility increases, inhibiting root growth and yield. Aluminium-tolerant sugarcane is therefore of interest to the industry. Present efforts are focused on induced mutagenesis, a proven approach to generate new traits in sugarcane. Towards this end, screening of Al3 + tolerance of three varieties (N19, N51, NCo376) was investigated with Al3 +-containing media at callus induction (CI), plantlet regeneration (PR) and rooting stages. Treatments included 0–5 mM Al3 +, pH 4 and pH 5.6 at CI and/or PR and/or 0–40 mM Al3 + at rooting. Six week old calli were placed on CI medium (CIM) (MS [no EDTA, 1 mM MgSO4], 10 g l- 1 sucrose, 0.5 g l- 1 casein hydrolysate, 16 g l- 1 Gelrite, 3 mg l- 1 2,4-D), for 2 weeks and on PR medium (CIM, no 2,4 D), for 8 weeks. Plantlets (±3–4 cm) were then rooted (CIM, no agar, no 2,4D) for 6 weeks. The roots were then trimmed to 1 mm and the percentage plants which re-grew roots (≥10 mm) were determined. The results were used to ascertain the LD50 and LD90 (the Al3 + concentrations that caused 50 and 90% inhibition) of callus necrosis, percentage calli with shoots, shoot number/callus and inhibition of re-rooting. For example, at callus induction they were 1.9 mM (LD50) and 3.8 mM (LD90) for N19, 2.7 mM (LD50) and 4.7 mM (LD90) for N51 and 2.3 mM (LD50) and 4.2 (LD90) for NCo376. Full details of the screening protocols will be presented.
Bulbous plants have self-contained and highly developed modified food-storage leave bases, also known as scales. Scales generally do not support leaves but contain food reserves to enable the plant to survive adverse weather conditions. The base is formed by a modified stem, and plant growth occurs from the basal plate. Roots emerge from the underside of the base and new stems and leaves from the upper side. Bulbs are annuals with aerial parts shed during harsh weather conditions, thus difficult to identify on the basis of morphological features alone. Because bulbs have extensive medicinal uses, the study aimed to observe whether anatomical features add value in distinguishing bulbs especially when aerial parts are shed. Six bulbous plants were collected depending on their availability in winter. Scales where sectioned and the following features were observed: Crystal types between scales and inside cells, cell wall features, and the presence of starch in the protoplasm, latex and fibres. Results show that anatomical features can supplement morphological features towards accurate identification of bulbs. Future studies will focus at forming a data base on a selected family.
doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.129
doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2016.02.131
Pollination biology of Eucalyptus nitens, a commercially important species of temperate gum
Factors affecting the propagation, re-growth and re-establishment of Burkea africana (Wild syringa) seedlings to reach reproductive stage
S. Ndlovua, W.R. Jonesb, T.L. Swainc, S.D. Johnsona, R.A.W. Gardnerc, A. Shuttlewortha a School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa
L.E. Nemadodzi, G. Prinsloo Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, University of South Africa, Private Bag X6, Florida 1710, South Africa
M.A. Nedzingahe, L.I. Ramovha Department of Botany, School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa