Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), which belongs to the Cyperaceae family within Poales, is a novel herbaceous oil crop producing high amounts of oil in underground tubers. Like other tuber and tuberous root crops, water accounts for approximately 85% of immature tubers, implying a crucial role of water balance for tuber development in tigernut. Plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs), which include two groups (i.e. PIP1 and PIP2) typically localized to the cell membrane, constitute a subfamily of aquaporin facilitating the passive transport of water. Based on one PIP identified in the proteomes of tigernut tubers, its coding gene CePIP1;1 was cloned using the RT-PCR technique, followed by analyzing the exon-intron structure, sequence features, evolutionary relationships, expression profiles, and protein subcellular localization. CePIP1;1 was shown to contain three introns with a coding sequence of 867 bp, putatively encoding 288 amino acids with the theoretical molecular weight of 30.76 kDa, the isoelectric point of 8.82, the instability index of 32.95, the grand average of hydropathicity of 0.384, and the aliphatic index of 95.28, implying that it is stable, basic, and hydrophobic. The protein was predicted to harbor one conserved MIP (major intrinsic protein) domain, including six transmembrane helices, two half helices, and dual NPA motifs located at the N-termini of two half helices. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that CePIP1;1 clustered with Oryza sativa PIP1s and possesses an extended N-terminus but a short C-terminus relative to Spinacia oleracea PIP2;1, supporting its classification. Transient over-expression in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves supported the plasma membrane localization of CePIP1;1, which is consistent with the bioinformatics prediction. Further expression analysis showed that CePIP1;1 was constitutively expressed in all tissues examined in this study. During tuber development, CePIP1;1 exhibited a typical bell-shaped expression pattern, which is consistent with that of the moisture content. These results lay a solid foundation for further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut.

Fujian is rich in mountains, special landforms and plant diversity. Many investigations of the plants in Fujian have been carried out, but the plant diversity status of the whole province has not been fully understood. Four angiosperm plants were newly found during the survey on native wild plants in Fujian, and were identified as Cyrtosia septentrionalis, Conchidium rhomboidale, Trichosanthes laceribractea, Viburnum betulifolium referring to specimen and literature. Cyrtosia is a new record genus. The morphological characteristics of the four species were described and the corresponding characteristic photos were provided, and the differences between the morphological characteristics of the four species and the original similar species in Fujian were analyzed. The discovery of the four new records of angiosperms has enriched the plant diversity of Fujian province, and would provide new data for the protection and utilization of plant diversity in Fujian. All the voucher specimens were preserved in the Herbarium of College of Forestry, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FJFC).

Oryza officinalis Wall. ex G. Watt has excellent characteristics such as disease and insect resistance, stress tolerance, high biological yield and high light efficiency, and contains many excellent genes. In this study, 199 representative resources collected from all Oryza officinalis distribution sites in Guangxi were used to analyze the genetic diversity and principal components for five important agronomic traits, including heading stage, anther length, grain width, grain length and grain weight. The results showed that O. officinalis from Guangxi had rich genetic diversity, with coefficients of variation of 9.12%, 11.90%, 3.39%, 4.64% and 6.24% for heading stage, anther length, grain width, grain length and grain weight, respectively, and diversity index was 1.4878, 2.0453, 1.7727, 1.1567 and 2.0379, respectively. Principal component analysis showed that the first and second principal components were mainly related to yield traits, with a cumulative contribution rate of 63.759%. The third and fourth principal components had a cumulative contribution rate 16.306% and 15.542%, respectively. The heading stage and anther length were the influential determinants, mainly reflecting the plant growth characteristics. According to the genetic diversity, the seven geographic populations are ranked as follows: Wuzhou (1.6731)>Yulin (1.5784)>Guigang (1.5070)>Nanning (1.3325)>Laibin (1.2131)>Hezhou (0.9629)>Qinzhou (0.3819), and Wuzhou had the highest diversity index, indicating that Wuzhou was the phenotypic diversity center of Oryza officinalis in Guangxi.

Amomum tsao-ko (AT) is a medicinal and food homologous crop rich in polyphenols and flavonoids. The germplasm of AT is relatively mixed, and it is urgent to carry out research on AT germplasm resources and screening of high-quality AT seed sources. This study aimed to screen and evaluate the content of polyphenols and flavonoids and antioxidant activities of laxative active components of AT resources, and to explore the possible factors of component accumulation. In this study, a total of 57 samples were collected in Laos, Myanmar, Sichuan, Guangxi and Yunnan in China, and the polyphenol content and flavonoid content of AT aqueous extract were determined by forinphenol method and NaNO₂-Al (NO₃)₃-NaOH colorimetric method, and the DPPH radical scavenging ability of AT aqueous extract was detected. The correlation between polyphenol and flavonoid content, DPPH radical scavenging capacity and geographic factors was analyzed. The results showed that the content of polyphenols and flavonoids in spindle-shaped AT resources was higher than that of oval fruit and round fruit, and the content of flavonoids in AT resources abroad and Nujiang was higher than that in other regions (outside the province, western Yunnan, southwest Yunnan, Wenshan and Honghe). The content of AT polyphenols and flavonoids was significantly positively correlated with DPPH radical scavenging capacity and altitude (P<0.05), and negatively correlated with longitude (P<0.05) and latitude (P>0.05), so it was speculated that the accumulation of AT polyphenols and flavonoids may be related to temperature, light, ultraviolet rays and soil moisture. Finally, according to polyphenols, flavonoids, the classification standards were formulated, and the AT resources were divided into three grades, which would provide an analysis method for the establishment of the AT quality grade evaluation system. The excellent AT resources were screened by this method as Nujiang samples GS-3 and GS-10 and foreign samples MDL-1 and MGK-2. This study would provide a scientific basis for the investigation and collection of AT, as well as the study of origin and evolution, and also lay a solid foundation for the utilization of AT resources and the development of industry in the future.

Curcuma alsimatifolia is a perennial bulbous herb of the genus Curcuma in the Gingeraceae.family The inflorescence of C. alismatifolia resembles tulips and enjoys the reputation of “tropical tulips”. C. alsimatifolia was introduced into China from Thailand and it is acclaimed by an ever-increasing number of consumers. The varieties of C. alismatifolia are relying on import in China today. The lack of new varieties with proprietary intellectual property rights limits the development of C. alismatifolia industry in China. Three different cross combinations of 327 hybrid offspring were constructed using the Siam TM Sitrone variety of C. alismatifolia as the female parent to breed new varieties of C. alismatifolia with independent intellectual property rights and increase the variety diversity. Eleven pairs of SSR primers were selected to analyze the hybrid F₁ generation of the three cross combinations and the parents, and five pairs of specific SSR primers were selected for each cross combination to identify the authenticity of the hybrid F₁ generation. The genetic segregation pattern and genetic diversity and genetic relationship of the parental and hybrid F₁ generation populations were also analyzed. The results showed that the eleven pairs of SSR markers had high resolution and good amplification polymorphism for the three parental materials, and each parent had its specific SSR markers, which could effectively identify the genetic authenticity of the hybrid offspring. True hybridization rates of 91.8%, 90.8% and 93.4% were identified in 327 F₁ individuals The SSR molecular marker primers had high polymorphism and could be directly used for C. alismatifolia genetic diversity analysis, hybrid identification and other related studies, providing efficient and reliable SSR marker selection for future identification of hybrid progeny, while the identified true C. alismatifolia progeny population could provide germplasm for genetic studies of superior traits. The identification of authentic C. alismatifolia progeny could provide germplasm materials for genetic research on superior traits and provide scientific basis for the selection of new varieties.

A nitrogen fixing bacteria strain named BWLY3X-6 was isolated from the rhizosphere soil of wild banana (Musa nana Lour. sp) in Hainan, China using Ashby nitrogen free medium, and .its morphological characteristics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, 16S rRNA and gyrB sequence analysis, nitrogen fixation characteristics and growth promoting ability to different banana varieties were studied. The strain was identified as an azotobacter Klebsiella variicola, and its extracellular ammonia nitrogen content was (17.98±1.88)μg/mL, nitrogenase activity was (220.51±8.21) ng/L. The results of the growth promoting test of the strain on different banana varieties showed that, compared with the blank control and 0.5% urea treatment, after inoculation with BWLY3X-6, under the inoculation concentration of 10⁶ CFU/mL and 10⁸ CFU/mL, there were significant changes in various biomass of M. acuminata AAA Cavendish cv. Nantianhuang and M. acuminata AAA Cavendish cv. Baxi (P<0.05), with more significant changes in root length, with the increase ratio of 43.5% and 54.6% respectively. In this study, nitrogen fixing bacteria with good nitrogen fixing ability were screened, and this strain had a good promoting effect on banana growth, wihich would provide a theoretical basis for its subsequent practical application in agricultural production.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macro-element for crop growth and is involved in critical physiological and biochemical processes in plants. Pitaya is an important economic crop in tropical and subtropical regions. High fruit P concentration and huge yield require high P demand for pitaya growth. However, the P absorption characteristics of pitaya and the relationship of root morpho-physiological processes and P uptake are still unclear. In this study, pitaya variety Soft Dahong, which is the most popular cultivar in China, was used. Five P gradients of 0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mmol/L were set by hydroponic experiment to explore the changes of root morphology and physiological process of pitaya under different P application rates. At the same time, the content of phosphorus and other nutrient elements in the aboveground part were analyzed to clarify the mechanism of root morphological and physiological traits for efficient P use and the effect of P supply on other nutrients uptake in pitaya. The results showed that compared with no P, P fertilizer application did not affect the accumulation of aboveground biomass. P uptake and P concentration of shoot increased with the P application rates. The total root length and the number of fine roots with diameter≤0.05 mm in low P treatment (0.1 mmol/L) were significantly higher than those of other treatments. High P supply inhibited root growth, showing that the total root length was the shortest, and the number of coarse roots with diameter≥2 mm was higher than that of other treatments. Low P (0.01 mmol/L) treatment had the highest total organic acid content and higher root CEC content. Compared with no P, the organic acid secretion rate and root CEC content decreased under high P supply (1.0 mmol/L). In terms of the absorption of other nutrient elements, the absorption concentration of iron in the mother branch and the primary branch decreased gradually with the increase of P rate. The contents of nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc in the second order branches decreased gradually with the increase of P rate, showing a significant negative correlation. This study showed that low P and moderate P supply (0.01 mmol/L or 0.1 mmol/L) could promote root growth, root organic acid secretion and ion absorption capacity of pitaya, while excessive P supply (1.0 mmol/L) significantly inhibited root growth and significantly reduced the absorption of trace elements accumulation in shoots. Therefore, rational application of P fertilizer is of great significance for pitaya to maximize its root biological potential and improve the P use efficiency, and also plays a key role in the balance of trace elements uptake in plants.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important food crop, and the normal germination of rice seeds is related to the growth and yield of the plant in the later period. The germination begins with water absorption by dry seeds and ends with cotyl elongation. Water transport within and between cells is highly selectively regulated by aquaporins (AQPs). The seeds of cereal are rich in starch. And the endogenous gibberellin can induce the synthesis of hydrolase such as α-amylase in the embryo and secrete them into the starchy endosperm to degrade starch into small molecules for seed germination. Studies have shown that only α-amylase can complete the degradation of starch in rice seeds. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule that forms a variety of active nitrogen substances. It also participated in the signaling process of seed dormancy removal. NO donor plays a role in seed germination by enhancing amylase activity. NO donor can promote seed germination by improving the activity of amylase. Rice hybrid seeds of ‘BoⅡ you 767’ were used as experimental materials to investigate the effects of aquaporins (AQPs) and nitric oxide (NO) on the germination of rice seeds. In this study, NO synthesis inhibitors N-(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and sodium tungstate (ST), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), an exogenous donor of NO, and mercury chloride (HgCl₂), an activity inhibitor of AQPs, were used to treat rice seeds. The changes of water absorption capacity, amylase activity and starch degradation rate during germination of rice seeds were determined in virtue of apparent analysis and index detection. The results showed that the water absorption capacity, amylase activity and germination rate decreased in the rice seeds treated with 90 mg/L HgCl₂, while the starch content remained high, and the growth of radicle and germ was inhibited. However, NO exogenous donor SNP could reverse the effect of HgCl₂. And the effect of NO synthesis inhibitors L-NAME (15 mmol/L) and ST (80 µmol/L) on the germination of rice seeds was similar to that of HgCl₂. The results indicated that AQPs could induce water uptake, stimulate amylase, accelerate starch degradation and promote seed germination in the early germinating stage of rice seeds through NO. The study would lay a theoretical foundation for improving rice yield.

Pterocarpus santalinus is one of the most famous rosewood (Hongmu) species in the world. Its large-scale development is restricted due to limited seed production in China. A grafted clone seed orchard was established recently using suprior tree materials by Experiment Station of Research Institute of Tropical Forestry, Chinese Academy of Forestry in Jianfengling, Hainan Island, and most trees in the orchard have flowered and fruited. The differences in seed quality among superior trees in the introduction garden and the grafted clones need to be studied. Here the morphological traits were measured, and germination tests were conducted for the seeds of P. santalinus collected from six superior trees in the introduction garden and the grafted clones in the seed orchard at the experiment station. The coefficients of variance for the seed morphological traits were much lower than those for seedling growth traits among superior trees or the grafted clones, and the coefficients of variance was the lowest for the weight of 1000-grain seeds, indicating that the variations of seedling growth were more abundant than those of seed morphorlogy Seed length was significantly different at 0.05 level among the superior trees with No. 7 performing the best, and seed length, width and thickness differed remarkably among the grafted clones, in which No. 9^# performed the best in seed length and width, and No. 7^# did the best in seed thickness. The germination rate and potential differed significantly among superior trees (No. 3 and No. 9 performed the best, respectively) or the clones (No. 5^# did the best), and significant difference occurred in the length of epicotyl, hypocotyl, radicle and total seedling among the superior trees (No. 3 did the best), and in the length of radicle and total seedling among the grafted clones (No. 7^# did the best), demonstrating that abundant variation in seed germination and seedling growth existed among superior trees and among the grafted clones. Significance of difference between each superior tree and its clone varied with gene type, and clones performed as a whole, better than relevant superior trees in seed length and width, seed germination and seedling growth. It was indicated from relationship analysis that seed weight was significantly correlated with germination rate at 0.01 level, the germination rate of the plumper seeds was higher. In conclusion, seeds from the grafted clone seed orchard performed better in the seed morphorlogy and germination than those from the superior trees in the introduction garden, and significant difference was absent in seed weight among the superior trees or the grafted clones, and between each superior tree and its clone (P≥0.05), the seeds developed fully in the seed orchard with 1000-grain weight near 100 g, more than that for scattered individuals early grafted (92.9 g). The findings would provide scientific evidences for elite variety selection, seed orchard establishment and robust seedling cultivation.

Cordyceps chanhua is an important Chinese traditional medicine and food, that has important application value in the development of green functional food and new resource drugs. Taking one wild fungi Chanhua collected from Qujing of Yunnan province as the experimental material, the biological characteristics and artificial cultivation conditions were studied for the purpose of domestication and cultivation. Based on the morphological anatomy and molecular phylogenetic analysis, a wild ascomycetes was identified as C. chanhua. The biological characteristics and domestication of C. chanhua strain were studied by single factor experiments and orthogonal tests. The result showed that the branch stalk of C. chanhua was orange yellow or yellow white, (8.0-28.0) mm×(1.5-3.0) mm, and the conidia was oblong, (4.0-8.5)µm×(1.5-3.5)µm. The optimum temperature for the mycelial growth was 24 ℃, the optimum pH value was 6, the carbon source, nitrogen source and mineral salt was sucrose, yeast powder and magnesium sulfate respectively. The results of orthogonal test based on three factors under the optimum pH value and temperature showed that carbon source had the greatest impact on the mycelial growth, followed by nitrogen source and mineral salt, with range 1.21, 0.39 and 0.13 respectively. Therefore, the optimal combination of factors for the mycelial growth of C. chanhua was sucrose 20 g/L, yeast powder 2 g/L and magnesium sulfate 2 g/L. The artificial cultivation of C. chanhua utilized the 1∶1 mixed medium of wheat and rice, and the harvest cycle of fruiting body was about 40-45 days, and the average dry weight of each cultivated Chanhua was about 9.56 g. The external morphological characteristics of artificially harvested C. chanhua were significantly different from those of wild fruiting body. The fruiting body was yellowish to light yellow, with few branches, 1.5-5.0 cm in length, 0.3-0.8 cm in width and 0.1-0.2 cm in depth. The sporangium bundles were covered with dirty white flocculent or powdery conidia. The screening of excellent strains and optimal culture conditions of C. chanhua would provide a theoretical basis for its study on the diversity of germplasm resources, protection and utilization.