Sequencing and Analysis of Chrysanthemum carinatum Schousb and Kalimeris indica. The Complete Chloroplast Genomes Reveal Two Inversions and rbcL as Barcoding of the Vegetable

Chrysanthemum carinatum Schousb and Kalimeris indica are widely distributed edible vegetables and the sources of the Chinese medicine Asteraceae. The complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Asteraceae usually occurs in the inversions of two regions. Hence, the cp genome sequences and structures of Asteraceae species are crucial for the cp genome genetic diversity and evolutionary studies. Hence, in this paper, we have sequenced and analyzed for the first time the cp genome size of C. carinatum Schousb and K. indica, which are 149,752 bp and 152,885 bp, with a pair of inverted repeats (IRs) (24,523 bp and 25,003) separated by a large single copy (LSC) region (82,290 bp and 84,610) and a small single copy (SSC) region (18,416 bp and 18,269), respectively. In total, 79 protein-coding genes, 30 distinct transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, four distinct rRNA genes and two pseudogenes were found not only in C. carinatum Schousb but also in the K. indica cp genome. Fifty-two (52) and fifty-nine (59) repeats, and seventy (70) and ninety (90) simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were found in the C. carinatum Schousb and K. indica cp genomes, respectively. Codon usage analysis showed that leucine, isoleucine, and serine are the most frequent amino acids and that the UAA stop codon was the significantly favorite stop codon in both cp genomes. The two inversions, the LSC region ranging from trnC-GCA to trnG-UCC and the whole SSC region were found in both of them. The complete cp genome comparison with other Asteraceae species showed that the coding area is more conservative than the non-coding area. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the rbcL gene is a good barcoding marker for identifying different vegetables. These results give an insight into the identification, the barcoding, and the understanding of the evolutionary model of the Asteraceae cp genome.

GC-MS Analysis of the Composition of the Essential Oil from Dendranthema indicum Var. Aromaticum Using Three Extraction Methods and Two Columns

Dendranthema indicum var. aromaticum, which is an aromatic plant with a strong and special fragrance throughout the whole plant, is used for the treatment of colds and headaches, and as a mosquito repellant in Shennongjia, Hubei province, China. To analyze the composition of the essential oil from this medicinal herb, we developed a gas chromatography-mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) method including microwave-assisted extraction, hydrodistillation and direct headspace analysis in two different stationary phase columns. In total, 115 volatile compounds were identified, of which 90 compounds were identified using Rxi-5MS and 78 using HP-INNOWAX. Our results revealed that the oil was mainly composed of five categories of compound: oxygenated monoterpenes (28.76–78.10%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (4.27–38.06%), sesquiterpenes (3.22–11.57%), fatty hydrocarbons (1.65–9.81%) and monoterpenes (0–3.32%). The major constituents are α-thujone, β-thujone, cis-sabinol, sabinyl acetate and (-)-neointermedeol.However, the essential oil composition in the published literature differs significantly. Therefore, a cluster analysis was carried out using the top ten compositions in the reported literature as well as this study, using Minitab software. To provide detailed information on plant origin, the ITS1-5.8s-ITS2 region was amplified and sequenced (Accession No. MF668250). Besides, in order to provide a macroscopic view of the chemical composition, the biosynthetic pathway of the main components was summarized according to the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database and the published literatures.

Analysis of Floral Volatile Components and Antioxidant Activity of Different Varieties of Chrysanthemum morifolium

This study investigated the volatile flavor compounds and antioxidant properties of the essential oil of chrysanthemums that was extracted from the fresh flowers of 10 taxa of Chrysanthemum morifolium from three species; namely Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Yellow, Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Red, Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Pink, Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) White, Pericallis hybrid Blue, Pericallis hybrid Pink, Pericallis hybrid Purple, Bellis perennis Pink, Bellis perennis Yellow, and Bellis perennis White. The antioxidant capacity of the essential oil was assayed by spectrophotometric analysis. The volatile flavor compounds from the fresh flowers were collected using dynamic headspace collection, analyzed using auto thermal desorber–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, and identified with quantification using the external standard method. The antioxidant activities of Chrysanthemum morifolium were evaluated by DPPH and FRAP assays, and the results showed that the antioxidant activity of each sample was not the same. The different varieties of fresh Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers were distinguished and classified by fingerprint similarity evaluation, principle component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis. The results showed that the floral volatile component profiles were significantly different among the different Chrysanthemum morifolium varieties. A total of 36 volatile flavor compounds were identified with eight functional groups: hydrocarbons, terpenoids, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ketones, ethers, aldehydes, and esters. Moreover, the variability among Chrysanthemum morifolium in basis to the data, and the first three principal components (PC1, PC2, and PC3) accounted for 96.509% of the total variance (55.802%, 30.599%, and 10.108%, respectively). PCA indicated that there were marked differences among Chrysanthemum morifolium varieties. The cluster analysis confirmed the results of the PCA analysis. In conclusion, the results of this study provide a basis for breeding Chrysanthemum cultivars with desirable floral scents, and they further support the view that some plants are promising sources of natural antioxidants.

CmWRKY15 Facilitates Alternaria tenuissima Infection of Chrysanthemum

Abscisic acid (ABA) has an important role in the responses of plants to pathogens due to its ability to induce stomatal closure and interact with salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA). WRKY transcription factors serve as antagonistic or synergistic regulators in the response of plants to a variety of pathogens. Here, we demonstrated that CmWRKY15, a group IIa WRKY family member, was not transcriptionally activated in yeast cells. Subcellular localization experiments in which onion epidermal cells were transiently transfected with CmWRKY15 indicated that CmWRKY15 localized to the nucleus in vivo. The expression of CmWRKY15 could be markedly induced by the presence of Alternaria tenuissima inoculum in chrysanthemum. Furthermore, the disease severity index (DSI) data of CmWRKY15-overexpressing plants indicated that CmWRKY15 overexpression enhanced the susceptibility of chrysanthemum to A. tenuissima infection compared to controls. To illustrate the mechanisms by which CmWRKY15 regulates the response to A. tenuissima inoculation, the expression levels of ABA-responsive and ABA signaling genes, such as ABF4, ABI4, ABI5, MYB2, RAB18, DREB1A, DREB2A, PYL2, PP2C, RCAR1, SnRK2.2, SnRK2.3, NCED3A, NCED3B, GTG1, AKT1, AKT2, KAT1, KAT2, and KC1were compared between transgenic plants and controls. In summary, our data suggest that CmWRKY15 might facilitate A. tenuissima infection by antagonistically regulating the expression of ABA-responsive genes and genes involved in ABA signaling, either directly or indirectly.

Identification of floral scent in chrysanthemum cultivars and wild relatives by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The objective of this study was to identify the major volatile compounds and their relative concentrations in flowers of different chrysanthemum cultivars and their wild relatives. The volatile organic components of fresh flowers were analyzed using a headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In total, 193 volatile organic components were detected; the major scent components were monoterpenoids and oxygenated monoterpenoids, which accounted for 68.59%–99.93% of the total volatiles in all tested materials except for Chrysanthemum indicum collected from Huangshan, in which they accounted for only 37.45% of total volatiles. The major volatile compounds were camphor, α-pinene, chrysanthenone, safranal, myrcene, eucalyptol, 2,4,5,6,7,7ab-hexahydro-1H-indene, verbenone, β-phellandrene and camphene. In a hierarchical cluster analysis, 39 accessions of Chrysanthemum and its relatives formed six clusters based on their floral volatile compounds. In a principal component analysis, only spider type flowers were located closely on the score plot. The results of this study provide a basis for breeding chrysanthemum cultivars which desirable floral scents.

Transcriptomic analyses reveal species-specific light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in chrysanthemum

BACKGROUND

The flower colour of agricultural products is very important for their commercial value, which is mainly attributed to the accumulation of anthocyanins. Light is one of the key environmental factors that affect the anthocyanin biosynthesis. However, the deep molecular mechanism remains elusive, and many problems regarding the phenotypic change and the corresponding gene regulation are still unclear. In the present study, Chrysanthemum × morifolium 'Purple Reagan', a light-responding pigmentation cultivar, was selected to investigate the mechanism of light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis using transcriptomic analyses.

RESULTS

Only cyanidin derivatives were identified based on the analyses of the pigmentation in ray florets. Shading experiments revealed that the capitulum was the key organ and that its bud stage was the key phase responding to light. These results were used to design five libraries for transcriptomic analyses, including three capitulum developmental stages and two light conditions. RNA sequences were de novo assembled into 103,517 unigenes, of which 60,712 were annotated against four public protein databases. As many as 2,135 unigenes were differentially expressed between the light and dark libraries with 923 up-regulated and 1,212 down-regulated unigenes in response to shading. Next, interactive pathway analysis showed that the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway was the only complete metabolic pathway both modulated in response to light and related to capitulum development. Following the shading treatment, nearly all structural genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway were down-regulated. Moreover, three CmMYB genes and one CmbHLH gene were identified as key transcription factors that might participate in the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis under light conditions based on clustering analysis and validation by RT-qPCR. Finally, a light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in chrysanthemums was inferred.

CONCLUSION

The pigmentation of the ray florets of chrysanthemum cultivar 'Purple Reagan' is dependent on light. During the light-induced pigmentation process, the expression of seven structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway (regulated by at least four transcription factors in response to light) are the main contributors to the pigmentation of chrysanthemums. This information will further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing light-induced anthocyanin biosynthesis in ornamental plants.

[The analyses and identification of Flos rhododendri mollis and Flos chrysanthemi indici via infrared spectroscopy]

In this study, major chemical components of Flos rhododendri mollis and Flos chrysanthemi indici were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). For Flos rhododendri mollis, the bands at 1,648 and 1,543 cm(-1) were attributed to amide I and amide II , respectively, indicating that it contained proteins probably resulting in immunization. In case of Flos chrysanthemi indici, stretching vibration of C==O function group was responsible for the bands at 1,734 and 1,515 cm(-1), as a result of essential oils, lipids, etc. Since FTIR spectra of Flos rhododendri mollis and Flos chrysanthemi indici are almost identical and it is difficult to discriminate them, two-step identification was investigated via secondary derivative of the FTIR spectra. The bands at 1,656 and 1,515 cm(-1) corresponds to flavonoides in Flos rhododendri mollis and Flos chrysanthemi indici. In the secondary derivative of the FTIR spectrum of Flos chrysanthemi indici, characteristic bands of inulin were present at 1,163, 1,077, 1,026, 986 and 869 cm(-1), and therefore Flos chrysanthemi indici contained inulin as well. Tri-step identification was carried out for Flos rhododendri mollis and Flos chrysanthemi indici by means of comparing their 2D-IR correlation spectra in different wave number range. In the characteristic range of flavonoides (1,700-1,400 cm(-1)), Flos rhododendri mollis exhibited 3 obvious autopeaks, while 10 autopeaks were visualized in the 2D-IR correlation spectrum of Flos chrysanthemi indici Moreover, in the characteristic range of glucoside (1,250-900 cm(-1)), 10 and 9 autopeaks were present in the 2D-IR correlation spectra of Flos rhododendri mollis and Flos chrysanthemi indici, respectively. Therefore, the tri-step identification of FTIR is a time-saving; accurate, cost-saving and convenient method to effectively distinguish traditional Chinese medicines.

Application of genomic SSR locus polymorphisms on the identification and classification of chrysanthemum cultivars in China

The Chinese traditional chrysanthemum is a notable group of chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum×morifolium Ramat.) in which the phenotypic characteristics richly vary. At present, there is a serious controversy regarding homonyms and synonyms within this group. Moreover, the current international chrysanthemum classification systems are not comprehensive enough to be used on Chinese traditional chrysanthemums. Thus, we first identified a broad collection of 480 Chinese traditional chrysanthemum cultivars using the unique DNA fingerprints and molecular identities that were established by 20 simple sequence repeat markers. Five loci, which distinguished all of the selected cultivars, were identified as the core loci to establish unique fingerprints and molecular identities with 19 denary digits for each cultivar. A cluster analysis based on Nei's genetic distance indicated that the selected cultivars were clustered according to their horticultural classification. Population structure analysis was subsequently performed with K values ranging from 2 to 14, and the most likely estimate for the population structure was ten subpopulations, which was nearly consistent with the clustering result. Principal component analysis was further performed to verify the classification results. On the basis of the Q-matrices of K = 10, a total of 19 traits were found to be associated with 42 markers. Taken together, these results can serve as starting points for the identification and classification of chrysanthemums based on the polymorphism of microsatellite markers, which is beneficial to promote the marker-assisted breeding and international communication of this marvelous crop.

[Study on inflorescences microscopic characteristics of five wild medicinal plants from Chrysanthemum genus in Anhui]

OBJECTIVE

To probe into the disparities in the microscopic characteristics of each part of inflorescences of five wild medicinal plants from Chrysanthemum genus in Anhui Province, and explore the correlation between the distribution of plants and ecological environment.

METHODS

The transverse sections of peduncles of the five Chrysanthemum species were observed; The surface piles of the involucre, ray flower, and tubular flower were compared; The ultra-morphology of pollen was observed.

RESULTS

There were evident differences, which were associated with ecological environment, among the structures of peduncles of the five species. The morphology of non-glandular hairs on the external involucre presented significant differences, but the morphology of non-glandular hairs tended to be similar gradually from the external to the internal layer of the involucre, and the morphology of surface piles of each part of the inflorescences also tended to converge from the external to the internal. The disparities of glandular hairs among different species were their sizes; As for each species, the size of glandular hairs grew bigger from the involucre to ray flower, and to tubular flower, the density of glandular hairs decreased from the external to the internal layer of the involucre, while it increased on ray flower and tubular flower. The ultra-morphology of pollen of C. zawadskii was distinctly different from that of other species, and disparities of pollen morphology also existed between C. nankingense and C. indicum.

CONCLUSION

The structure of peduncles and the disparities in morphology of non-glandular hairs on the surface of external involucre can serve as significant basis for differentiating the inflorescences of Chrysanthemum plants. The categorizing of designating C. nankingense as an separate species is supported.

[Rapid identification system for seedlings of medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium]

OBJECTIVE

To achieve the rapid identification for seedlings of medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium, the discriminant equation was established and the software for rapid identification was designed.

METHOD

Leaf structure of medicinal Chrysanthemum of 12 cultivars was analyzed to establish the discriminant equation based on variance analysis and discriminant analysis. On this basis, the identification program and software (based on the python language) were designed.

RESULT

Through the analysis of variance and multiple comparisons for the 11 leaf parameter index data of 12 different cultivars, it was found that that the leaf parameters were significant different from each other and reached significant levels. The discriminant equation and the rapid identification software were set up based on the analysis of various indicators.

CONCLUSION

The rapid identification system of seedlings of medicinal Chrysanthemum could be achieved through the establishment of discriminant equation combined with computer technology.

[Study on hydroxyproline tolerance of different cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate hydroxyproline tolerance of Chrysanthemum morifolium plantlets included " Boju", "Huaiju", "Chuju", "Gongju" and "Hangju",and provide references basis for excellent cultivar and breeding of Ch. morifolium.

METHOD

Plantlets in vitro from five kinds of Ch. morifolium were inoculated on medium added with different concentrations of hydroxyproline. Free proline in leaves from plantlets was determined, then the damage index and survival rate were compared.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The results showed that hydroxyproline tolerance of " Boju" and "Huaiju" were superior, the survival rates and free proline of them were higher, but the damage index was inferior. The hydroxyproline tolerance of "Hangju" was the worst, and the survival rate was minimum. The survival rate of "Chuju" and "Gongju" was between "Boju" and " Hangju", and the hydroxyproline tolerance of them was also medium.

[Comparative analysis on the configuration of vegetative organs of medicinal Chrysanthemum from different original locations and species]

OBJECTIVE

Compared the difference of the configuration of vegetative organs of medicinal Chrysanthemum in the same habitats but from various original locations and species, in order to provide scientific basis for the study of introduction, differentiation within the species, breeding and genetic diversity.

METHODS

The experimental plot were divided into some groups randomly in design and the configuration of vegetative organs were observed, measureed and analysed.

RESULTS

The differences of the type and shape of the leaves were obvious. All the Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Gongju' had deep notch long-leaves; Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Boju', Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Chuju', Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Hang bai ju' and Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Hang huang ju' had deep notch correctitude-leaves; Chrysanthemum nakingense and Chrysanthemum indicum had long-leaves; Chrysanthemum indicum had clump-leaves. All the 12 medicinal Dendranthema material had auricle except Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Boju' and Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Chuju'. The young leaves of Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Gongju', Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Gongju' and Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. 'Hang bai ju' did not split and the rest were all splitting.

CONCLUSION

The differences of the configuration of vegetative organs were obvious and the Key of Vegetative organs was built.

Strigolactone regulation of shoot branching in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum)

Previous studies of highly branched mutants in pea (rms1-rms5), Arabidopsis thaliana (max1-max4), petunia (dad1-dad3), and rice (d3, d10, htd1/d17, d14, d27) identified strigolactones or their derivates (SLs), as shoot branching inhibitors. This recent discovery offers the possibility of using SLs to regulate branching commercially, for example, in chrysanthemum, an important cut flower crop. To investigate this option, SL physiology and molecular biology were studied in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum), focusing on the CCD8/MAX4/DAD1/RMS1/D10 gene. Our results suggest that, as has been proposed for Arabidopsis, the ability of SLs to inhibit bud activity depends on the presence of a competing auxin source. The chrysanthemum SL biosynthesis gene, CCD8 was cloned, and found to be regulated in a similar, but not identical way to known CCD8s. Expression analyses revealed that DgCCD8 is predominantly expressed in roots and stems, and is up-regulated by exogenous auxin. Exogenous SL can down-regulate DgCCD8 expression, but this effect can be overridden by apical auxin application. This study provides evidence that SLs are promising candidates to alter the shoot branching habit of chrysanthemum.

[Comparative study on botanical morphologic character of different cultivated types medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium]

OBJECTIVE

Botanical character of different cultivated types medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium were observed and compared, which can offer reference for its genetic diversity research and breeding.

METHOD

Based on the random blocks field experiments design, the main character of leaf and capitulum of medicinal C. morifolium were observed, it was studied on that the botanical character of different cultivated types medicinal C. mortfolium in China were comparatively study with statistical means.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

There are some different of botanical character among different cultivated types medicinal C. morifolium in China, which can be divided into 7 colonies according as its diversity of the botanical and morphological character. The sawtooth number of lamina, leafstalk length and leaf division number are the important laminae morphologic character of different types medicinal C. morifolium, which are relative independent characters.

[Study on quality of flavone in various cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium for medicine]

OBJECTIVE

To study on dynamic accumulation of various flavone in Chrysanthemum morifolium, in order to appraise the quality of flavone.

METHOD

The extract was hydrolyzed and the flavonoid components were determined by RP-HPLC.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

In the samples from Tongxiang, Tezhongboju showed the highest flavonoids content with the total flavone 9.81%, quercetin 4.17 per thousand and apigenin 17.02 per thousand. In the samples from Sheyang, Hongxinju showed the highest content of luteolin with 6.84 per thousand. In the samples from Jiangning, Tezhongboju showed the highest content of total flavone with 7.59%, Yizhongdabaiju showed the highest content of quercetin with 2.78 per thousand, Sheyangxiaobaiju showed the highest content of luteolin with 4.27 per thousand, Sheyanghongxinju showed the highest content of apigenin with 11.20 per thousand. There were differences in the content of flavonoids among the different cultivars, and the same cultivars showed also different when planted in different areas.

[Characterization of chemical components of essential oil from cupitulum of Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivated in Tongxiang city]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the chemical components of the essential oil extracted from five cultivars' Hangjuhua (Zaoxiaoyangju, Chixiaoyangju, Dayangju, Yizhongdabaiju and Xiaotangju), which were breed came from the Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat, and provide scientific basis for quality control.

METHOD

The essential oil of five cultivars' Hangjuhua were extracted by water-steam distillation and separated by GC capillary column chromatography. The components were quantitatively determined with normalization method, and identified by GC-MS.

RESULT

From the Zaoxiaoyangju, Chixiaoyangju, Dayangju, Yizhongdabaiju and Xiaotangju, 179, 167, 209, 211 and 270 chromatographic peaks were detected, among them 54, 56, 60, 55 and 65 components were identified, which were composed of 73.40%, 64.14%, 65.19%, 53.55% and 62.89% of the total essential oil, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The common chemical constituents were juniper camphor, 1, 3, 3-trimethylcyclohex-1-ene-4-carboxaldehyde, borneol, alpha-curcumene, alpha-bisabolol, cis-caryophyllene, benzyl benzoate, methyl beta, beta-dimethylbenzenepropanoic acid ester, 2, 4-decadienal and heneicosane in the essential oil of the five cultivars' Hangjuhua. Among them, juniper camphor is most which were composed of 11.96%, 10.51%, 10.95%, 13.28% and 10.77% of the total essential oil, and methyl beta, beta-dimethylbenzenepropanoic acid ester is second, which were composed of 1.51%, 1.86%, 2.52%, 4.89% and 2.51% of the total essential oil, respectively. There are marked differences in the compounds contained in the five samples. The juniper camphor is a characteristic constituent in the essential oil of Hangjuhua. The resultant data provided the evidences to establish Hangjuhua' cultivars and scientific basis for quality control of Hangjuhua.

[Identification of sulphur residue in chrysanthemum by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy]

Qi and Huai chrysanthemum samples processed in different ways were discriminated by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was shown that different processing methods may result in the variation of relative content of effective components in chrysanthemum. The variation of chemical structure may also occur. And the variations can be reflected differently on the transform infrared spectra. The dry chrysanthemum smoked with sulphur had different characters in the vibration frequency and shape of IR from other samples at 1 600 and 1 060 cm(-1), and showed static characteristic absorptions at 922, 818 and 777 cm(-1), which were stronger than others. The chrysanthemum processed in different ways showed differences in the Fourier transform infrared spectra. The sulphur residue in chrysanthemum can be identified by FTIR without separation and abstraction. This method is not only quick and precise but also convenient and direct. Different sorts of chrysanthemum can be identified in this way.

[Comparative study on inner quality of various Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivated in Tongxiang city]

OBJECTIVE

To study the quality and the chemical components of Chrysanthemum morifolium from Tongxiang city.

METHOD

Chemical constituents of nine cultivars were compared in three types of index: chlorogenic acid, flavonoid and volatile oil.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The content varied significantly. The content of chlorogenic acid in Jinjuerhao was 6.66%, the highest among the samples. Yizhongdabaiju showed the highest flavonoid and volatile oil with 9.49% and 3.30 mL x kg(-1) respectively.

Development of NaCl-tolerant line in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. through shoot organogenesis of selected callus line

Plants were regenerated successfully through shoot organogenesis of a NaCl-selected callus line of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. cv. Maghi Yellow (a salt sensitive cultivar), developed through stepwise increase in NaCl concentration (0-100mM) in the MS medium. The stepwise increase in NaCl concentration from a relatively low level to cytotoxic level was found to be a better way to isolate NaCl-tolerant callus line, since direct transfer of callus to high saline medium was detrimental to callus survival and growth. The selected callus line exhibited significant increase in superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1), ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) and glutathione reductase (EC 1.6.4.2) activities compared to control callus (grown in medium devoid of NaCl). Stability of salt tolerance character of the selected callus line was checked by growing the calli in NaCl-free medium for 3 consecutive months followed by re-exposure to higher salinity stress (120mM NaCl). Among different growth regulator treatments, a combination of 5mgl(-1) TDZ (Thidiazuron) along with 0.25mgl(-1) NAA and 0.5mgl(-1) GA(3) was found to be the most effective for shoot organogenesis in selected callus line. The regeneration potential of the NaCl-tolerant callus ranged from 20.8% to 0% against 62.4% to 0% in control callus line. Under elevated stress condition (medium supplemented with 250mM NaCl), selected calli derived regenerants (S1 plants) exhibited significantly higher SOD and APX activities over both PC (positive control: control callus derived plants grown on MS medium devoid of NaCl) and NC (negative control: control callus derived plants subjected to 250mM NaCl stress) plants. In addition, the NC plants showed stunted growth, delayed root initiation, and had lesser number of roots as compared to S1 plants. Based on growth performance and antioxidant capacity, the S1 plants could be considered as NaCl-tolerant line showing all positive adaptive features towards the salinity stress. Further study on agronomic performance of these S1 plants under saline soil condition need to be undertaken to check the genetic stability of the induced salt-tolerance.

Chemical control of plant habitus in summer-to-autumn flowering chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflora)

Summer-to-autumn flowering chrysanthemums (Dendranthema grandiflora Tzvelev. cv.) are grown outdoors in containers and are characterised by a uniform ball-shaped growth habit. Development of new cultivars expanded the production of marketable plants from end of July until end of October. During the first weeks of the production cycle plants were pinched regular to increase branching but also to prevent development of precocious initiated flowers. This pinching treatment however increases Labour costs and is therefore more and more abandoned. The effectiveness of ethephon for terminal bud destruction was evaluated for three cultivars 'Draga', 'Tardero' and 'Veria Dark'. PLants were sprayed with 0-240-480-1200-2400 mg a.i./l. Ethephon spraying resulted in growth arrest and apical bud necrosis and higher doses resulted in more pronounced reactions. The highest dose (2400 mg a.i./l) resulted in phytotoxicity one week after application; phytotoxicity was more severe in 'Veria Dark' than 'Draga' and 'Tardero'. Ethephon treatments significantly delayed flowering and have potential to be used in commercial production schemes of summer-to-autumn flowering chrysanthemum in outdoor conditions.

[The application of infrared spectra and clustering analysis in the discrimination of geographical origin of Flos Chrysanthemi]

OBJECTIVE

To identify the origin of Flos Chrysanthemi.

METHODS

FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and SIMCA (sofe independent modeling of class analogy).

RESULTS

The correctness of every classification was higher than 60%.

CONCLUSION

This approach was proved to be a reliable and practicable method for the discrimination of geographical origin of Chrysanthemum.

[RAPD analysis for genetic diversity of Chrysanthemum morifolium]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the genetic diversity of Chrysanthemum morifolium at the level of molecular biology.

METHOD

The total genomic DNA was extracted from medicinal chrysanthemums by 2% CTAB method. And the genetic diversity of 22 C. morifolium accessions was tested by RAPD marks. The NTSYS software was used to analyze the marks.

RESULT

26 10-mer arbitrary primers were found to acquire polymophic results. A total of 233 bands were amplified, of which 89.7% bands were found to be polymophic. 8.04 polymophic bands were amplified by each primer on the average. The results of cluster analysis by using UPGMA method showed that all the tested accessions could be differentiated by RAPD marks.

CONCLUSION

There actually existed much genetic diversity at the molecular level among the germplasm resources of C. morifolium. RAPD marks could be effective tools to construct DNA fingerprintings of C. morifolium. The differences between the tested chrysanthemums are related to the environments. However, it was affected by genetic facters more significantly.

[Comparative study on internal quality of various Chrysanthemum morifolium]

OBJECTIVE

To study the quality and genetic diversity of Chrysanthemun morifolium, the chemical constituents of 20 medicinal chrysanthemum cultivars in China were compared.

METHOD

Chemical constituents of the 20 cultivars were compared in three types of index: chlorogenic acid, flavonoid and volatile oil.

RESULT

There are visible differences on the contents of chlorogenic acid, flavonoid and volatile oil between the cultivars.

CONCLUSION

Each cultivar has its own internal quality, and it is affected by many factors. The chemical constituents of the cultivars showed the genetic diversity in medicinal chrysanthemums of China.

Application of the electronic nose to the classification of resistance to Western flower thrips in chrysanthemums

A metal oxide sensor-based electronic nose was tested for its ability to discriminate among chrysanthemum cultivars with varying degrees of resistance to western flower thrips (WFT), based on volatile chemicals released from cut leaves. Cultivars that were susceptible, intermediate, or resistant to WFT [based on mean cultivar rank (MCR)] were used as standards, and were correctly classified (> 90%) by using discriminant function analysis. Several cultivars with unknown resistance were classified based on the standards, and were used as standards in a subsequent trial to classify other unknowns. The results of this study demonstrate some agreement between the WFT resistance categories as designated by the electronic nose and results of feeding bioassays (MCR), suggesting that this technique may serve as a useful screening tool for WFT resistance.

[Analysis of volatile components from the flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium by GC-MS with solid-phase microextraction]

OBJECTIVE

To study a method for extraction and analysis of volatile components from Chrysanthemum morifolium 'gonghuangjv' cv. nov (CM GHJ) and C. morifolium 'gongbaijv' cv. nov (CM GBJ) by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

METHOD

The volatile components were extracted in different temperature, different balance period and different extraction fiber using head space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME), and were identified by CGC-MS. The variety in integral area of each component was observed in different conditions and its relative content was determined by normalization of area.

RESULT

The better condition of SPME for C. morifolium was that the sample was extracted using 100 microm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) extraction fiber after it had been balanced for 6 hours at 75 degrees C. 53 components from CM GHJ and CM GBJ were identified, and there were 35 same components in CM GHJ and CM GBJ.

CONCLUSION

HS-SPME-GC-MS is convenient, rapid and reliable for analysis of volatile components in C. morifolium.

Chrysanthemum: advances in tissue culture, cryopreservation, postharvest technology, genetics and transgenic biotechnology

Members of the Chrysanthemum-complex include important floricultural (cut-flower) and ornamental (pot and garden) crops, as well as plants of culinary, medicinal and (ethno)pharmacological interest. The last 35 years have seen a tremendous emphasis on their in vitro tissue culture and micropropagation, while the latter 10-15 years has seen a surge in transformation experiments, all aimed at ameliorating aesthetic and growth characteristics of the plants. This review highlights all available literature that exists on ornamental Chrysanthemum in vitro cell, tissue and organ culture, micropropagation and transformation.

Matching shapes with self-intersections: application to leaf classification

We address the problem of two-dimensional (2-D) shape representation and matching in presence of self-intersection for large image databases. This may occur when part of an object is hidden behind another part and results in a darker section in the gray level image of the object. The boundary contour of the object must include the boundary of this part which is entirely inside the outline of the object. The Curvature Scale Space (CSS) image of a shape is a multiscale organization of its inflection points as it is smoothed. The CSS-based shape representation method has been selected for MPEG-7 standardization. We study the effects of contour self-intersection on the Curvature Scale Space image. When there is no self-intersection, the CSS image contains several arch shape contours, each related to a concavity or a convexity of the shape. Self intersections create contours with minima as well as maxima in the CSS image. An efficient shape representation method has been introduced in this paper which describes a shape using the maxima as well as the minima of its CSS contours. This is a natural generalization of the conventional method which only includes the maxima of the CSS image contours. The conventional matching algorithm has also been modified to accommodate the new information about the minima. The method has been successfully used in a real world application to find, for an unknown leaf, similar classes from a database of classified leaf images representing different varieties of chrysanthemum. For many classes of leaves, self-intersection is inevitable during the scanning of the image. Therefore the original contributions of this paper is the generalization of the Curvature Scale Space representation to the class of 2-D contours with self-intersection, and its application to the classification of Chrysanthemum leaves.

[Salt-tolerance evaluation of seedlings of medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium cultivar]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate salt tolerance of seedlings of 4 medicinal C. morifolium cultivars to be transplanted, and to expand the planting area.

METHOD

Seedlings were cultivated in hoagland nutrient solution containing various concentrations of NaCl for 30 days. The height, dry weight and chlorophyll content were investigated. Identification index mainly in relative growth rate, the evaluation of NaCl effects on the growth, K+, Na+ and Cl- distribution in seedlings were surveyed.

RESULT AND CONCLUSION

The salt tolerance was difference among four cultivars of C. morifolium. The salt tolerance of "Dabaiju" and "Changbanju" was weak, while "Hongxinju" and "Xiaobaiju" was strong. "Hongxinju" and "Xiaobaiju" may be planted in salinte soil area.

[Study on cross-section morphorlogy of Flos Chrysanthemi from Zhejiang Province and comparison with other kinds of Flos Chrysanthemi]

OBJECTIVE

To identify all kinds of commodity Flos Chrysanthemi.

METHOD

The cross-section morphorlogy of each part of Hangbaiju was studied and compared with other 4 kinds of Flos Chrysanthemi.

RESULT

The characters of cross-section morphorlogy of each part of Hanghaiju were obtained. And it was found that cross-section morphology of the commodity Flos Chrysanthemi was different.

CONCLUSION

It provided evidences for the identification of Hangbaiju with other 4 kinds of Flos Chrysanthemi.

[The characters of various commodity of chrysanthemums]

OBJECTIVE

To provide basis for making the quality standard of medicinal chrysanthemums [Dendranthema morifolium (Ramat.) Tzvel.].

METHOD

The character of pharmacognosy.

RESULT

The characters of many of chrysanthemums as well as the differences between them have been clarified.

[Comparing identification of 3 kinds of flos chrysanthemi on surface morphology]

OBJECTIVE

To identify 3 kinds of commodities of famous traditional Chinese medicine flos chrysanthemi (FD) from different habitats.

METHOD

The surface morphology of each part of Hangbaiju produced in Zhejiang province was studied and compared with other 2 kinds of FD.

RESULT

The intricate morphology characters of each part of Hanbaiju were found. There are differences in very few characters though Hangbaiju, Gongju and Ganju are very similar in the surface morphology.

CONCLUSION

The result would be useful to identify flos chrysanthemi.

[Studies of volatile oils from the flowers of Chrysanthemum nankingense and Chrysanthemum indicum]

Chemical constituents of volatile oils from the flowers of Chrysanthemum nankingense and C. indicum were studied by GC-MS. 59, 30 components were identified respectively.