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Zhou C, Wei X, Liu S, Liu C, Tian K, Zhang D. Global Characterization of DNA Methylation during Rice Leaf Angle Development. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:19219-19231. [PMID: 39146245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c02650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
During plant development and growth, genomic DNA accumulates chemical markers that determine the levels of gene expression. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic marker involved in plant developmental events. However, the characterization of the role of DNA methylation in rice leaf angle development has lagged behind. Herein, we performed bisulfite sequencing to characterize DNA methylation sites and performed transcriptome and small RNA sequencing during leaf angle development. The results revealed a global reduction in CG methylation during leaf angle establishment. A reduction in gene body CG methylation appears to play a vital role in leaf angle development. The hypomethylated and weakly expressed genes were functionally enriched in the brassinosteroid and auxin signaling pathways. Additionally, the main DNA methyltransferases were inactive. The addition of exogenous DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine increased the leaf angle, which confirmed that DNA methylation is crucial for leaf angle development. This study revealed a gradual decrease in 24-nucleotide siRNA levels during leaf angle development, particularly in relation to the enrichment of 24-nucleotide siRNAs at different hypomethylated regions that induce leaf angle inclination. Our results indicate crucial roles for DNA methylation in the rice leaf angle developmental stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU)/Biotechnology Research Center, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Xinlin Wei
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU)/Biotechnology Research Center, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Shuangcheng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU)/Biotechnology Research Center, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU)/Biotechnology Research Center, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Kexin Tian
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU)/Biotechnology Research Center, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
| | - Dechun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Three Gorges Regional Plant Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement (CTGU)/Biotechnology Research Center, College of Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 443002, China
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Gong W, Linghu JH, Xu HM, Luo LL, Smagghe G, Liu TX, Gui SH. Neuropeptide natalisin regulates reproductive behaviors in Spodoptera frugiperda. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15122. [PMID: 38956289 PMCID: PMC11220091 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66031-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Natalisin (NTL) is a conserved neuropeptide, only present in insects, that has been reported to regulate their sexual activity. In this study, we investigated the involvement of NTL in the reproductive behaviors of a major invasive pest, Spodoptera frugiperda. We identified NTL precursor-encoded transcripts, and evaluated their transcript levels in different stages and tissues of S. frugiperda. The results showed that the NTL transcript level was expressed in both male and female pupae and both male and female adults in the later stage. It was highly expressed in male pupae, 3-day-old male and female adults, and 5-day-old male adults. In different tissues, the expression level is higher in the male and female adult brain and male testis. Immunohistochemical staining of the brain of S. frugiperda female and male adults revealed that three pairs of brain neurons of S. frugiperda adults of both sexes secreted and expressed NTL. To study the role of NTL in reproductive behaviors, NTL was silenced in S. frugiperda male and female adults by RNA interference (RNAi) technology, the results showed that silencing NTL could significantly affect the sexual activity behavior of the adults, reducing the calling rate of females, the courtship rate of males, and the mating rate. In summary, this study emphasizes the important role of NTL in regulating the mating behavior and sexual activity of S. frugiperda in both male and female adults, potentially laying a foundation to employ NTL as a new insect-specific target to control populations of pest insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gong
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Jun-Hong Linghu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Hui-Min Xu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Li-Lin Luo
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Institute of Biology, Guizhou Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, China
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Tong-Xian Liu
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shun-Hua Gui
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory for Agricultural Pest Management of the Mountainous Region, Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
- Institute of Plant Health and Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China.
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Liu Y, Tao YD, Zhang LB, Wang F, Xu J, Zhang JZ, Fu DY. Blue Light Exposure Caused Large-Scale Transcriptional Changes in the Abdomen and Reduced the Reproductive Fitness of the Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda. INSECTS 2023; 15:10. [PMID: 38249016 PMCID: PMC10816951 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
In the present study, we found that blue light stress negatively affected the development periods, body weight, survival and reproduction of Spodoptera frugiperda, and it showed a dose-dependent reaction, as longer irradiation caused severer effects. Further transcriptome analysis found blue light stress induced fast and large-scale transcriptional changes in the head, thorax and, particularly, the abdomen of female S. frugiperda adults. A functional enrichment analysis indicated that shorter durations of blue light irradiation induced the upregulation of more stress response- and defense-related genes or pathways, such as abiotic stimuli detection and response, oxidative stress, ion channels and protein-kinase-based signal pathways. In the abdomen, however, different durations of blue-light-exposure treatments all induced the downregulation of a large number genes and pathways related to cellular processes, metabolism, catalysis and reproduction, which may be a trade-off between antistress defense and other processes or a strategy to escape stressful conditions. These results indicate irradiation duration- and tissue-specific blue light stress responses and consequences, as well as suggest that the stress that results in transcriptional alterations is associated with the stress that causes a fitness reduction in S. frugiperda females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Ecological Services, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Yi-Dong Tao
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Li-Bao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Fen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
- Tianbao Customs Comprehensive Technical Center, Wenshan 663603, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Plateau Wetland Conservation, Restoration and Ecological Services, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Jun-Zhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
| | - Da-Ying Fu
- Key Laboratory of Forest Disaster Warning and Control in Yunnan Province, Faculty of Biodiversity Conservation, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China; (Y.L.); (Y.-D.T.); (F.W.)
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Ribeiro TP, Vasquez DDN, Macedo LLP, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Valença DC, Oliveira-Neto OB, Paes-de-Melo B, Rodrigues-Silva PL, Firmino AAP, Basso MF, Lins CBJ, Neves MR, Moura SM, Tripode BMD, Miranda JE, Silva MCM, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Stabilized Double-Stranded RNA Strategy Improves Cotton Resistance to CBW ( Anthonomus grandis). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13713. [PMID: 36430188 PMCID: PMC9691246 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cotton is the most important crop for fiber production worldwide. However, the cotton boll weevil (CBW) is an insect pest that causes significant economic losses in infested areas. Current control methods are costly, inefficient, and environmentally hazardous. Herein, we generated transgenic cotton lines expressing double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to trigger RNA interference-mediated gene silencing in CBW. Thus, we targeted three essential genes coding for chitin synthase 2, vitellogenin, and ecdysis-triggering hormone receptor. The stability of expressed dsRNAs was improved by designing a structured RNA based on a viroid genome architecture. We transformed cotton embryos by inserting a promoter-driven expression cassette that overexpressed the dsRNA into flower buds. The transgenic cotton plants were characterized, and positive PCR transformed events were detected with an average heritability of 80%. Expression of dsRNAs was confirmed in floral buds by RT-qPCR, and the T1 cotton plant generation was challenged with fertilized CBW females. After 30 days, data showed high mortality (around 70%) in oviposited yolks. In adult insects fed on transgenic lines, chitin synthase II and vitellogenin showed reduced expression in larvae and adults, respectively. Developmental delays and abnormalities were also observed in these individuals. Our data remark on the potential of transgenic cotton based on a viroid-structured dsRNA to control CBW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuanne P. Ribeiro
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Department, Federal University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia 70910-900, DF, Brazil
| | - Daniel D. N. Vasquez
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Genetic and Molecular Biology Department, Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB), Brasilia 71966-700, DF, Brazil
| | - Leonardo L. P. Macedo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Isabela T. Lourenço-Tessutti
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - David C. Valença
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Osmundo B. Oliveira-Neto
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Integrated Faculties of the Educational Union of Planalto Central, Brasilia 70675-760, DF, Brazil
| | - Bruno Paes-de-Melo
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre A. P. Firmino
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Max Planck Institute Molecular Plant Physiol, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Marcos F. Basso
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Camila B. J. Lins
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Maysa R. Neves
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Stefanie M. Moura
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria C. M. Silva
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
| | - Maria F. Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
- Genetic and Molecular Biology Department, Catholic University of Brasilia (UCB), Brasilia 71966-700, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology (INCT Plant Stress Biotech), Embrapa, Brasilia 70770-917, DF, Brazil
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Nwokeoji AO, Nwokeoji EA, Chou T, Togola A. A novel sustainable platform for scaled manufacturing of double-stranded RNA biopesticides. BIORESOUR BIOPROCESS 2022; 9:107. [PMID: 38647833 PMCID: PMC10992233 DOI: 10.1186/s40643-022-00596-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) represents one of the most conserved pathways evolved by eukaryotic cells for regulating gene expression. RNAi utilises non-translatable double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules to sequester or degrade mRNA molecules gene. In RNAi, specifically designed exogenous dsRNA delivered to the cell can silence a target gene, a phenomenon that has been exploited in many functional studies and explored in biopesticide applications. The search for safe and sustainable crop pest management options drives the need to offset the effect of inorganic pesticides on biodiversity. The prospect of replacing inorganic pesticides with dsRNA crop spray is gaining popularity, enhanced by its high-target specificity and low environmental impact. However, for dsRNA to reach the pesticide market, it must be produced cost-effectively and sustainably. In this paper, we develop a high-yield expression media that generates up to 15-fold dsRNA yield compared to existing expression media utilising 1 mM IPTG. We also optimise a low-cost purification method that generates high-quality and purified dsRNA. The developed method circumvents the need for hazardous chemical reagents often found in commercial kits or commercial nucleases to eliminate contaminating DNA or single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) species. We also demonstrate that the production platform is scalable, generating 6.29 mg dsRNA from 259 mg wet E. coli cell pellet. The results also provide structural insights into the heterogeneous dsRNA species within the microbial-derived dsRNA pool. Finally, we also show that the purified 'naked' dsRNA, without prior formulation, can induce insect toxicity under field conditions. This study provides a novel, complete, low-cost process dsRNA platform with potential for application in industrial dsRNA production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tachung Chou
- School of Biosciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
- All First Technologies Co. Ltd, No.208, Longnan Rd, Pingzhen Dist, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Abou Togola
- International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Kano Station, PMB 3112, Sabo Bakin Zuwo road, Kano, Kano State, Nigeria
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Verdonckt TW, Vanden Broeck J. Methods for the Cost-Effective Production of Bacteria-Derived Double-Stranded RNA for in vitro Knockdown Studies. Front Physiol 2022; 13:836106. [PMID: 35492592 PMCID: PMC9043282 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.836106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a highly conserved pathway for the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. It has become a crucial tool in life science research, with promising potential for pest-management applications. To induce an RNAi response, long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) sequences specific to the target gene must be delivered to the cells. This dsRNA substrate is then processed to small RNA (sRNA) fragments that direct the silencing response. A major obstacle to applying this technique is the need to produce sufficiently large amounts of dsRNA in a very cost-effective manner. To overcome this issue, much attention has been given to the development and optimization of biological production systems. One such system is the E. coli HT115 strain transformed with the L4440 vector. While its effectiveness at inducing knockdowns in animals through feeding of the bacteria has been demonstrated, there is only limited knowledge on the applicability of bacteria-derived dsRNA for in vitro experiments. In this paper, we describe and compare methods for the economical (43.2 €/mg) and large-scale (mg range) production of high-quality dsRNA from the HT115 bacterial system. We transformed the bacteria with constructs targeting the Helicoverpa-specific gene Dicer2 and, as a non-endogenous control, the Green Fluorescent Protein gene (GFP). First, we compared the total RNA extraction yields of four cell-lysis treatments: heating, lysozyme digestion, sonication, and a control protocol. Second, we assessed the quality and purity of these extracted dsRNAs. Third, we compared methods for the further purification of dsRNAs from crude RNA extracts. Finally, we demonstrated the efficiency of the produced dsRNAs at inducing knockdowns in a lepidopteran cell line. The insights and results from this paper will empower researchers to conduct otherwise prohibitively expensive knockdown studies, and greatly reduce the production times of routinely or large-scale utilized dsRNA substrates.
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Wan XS, Shi MR, Xu J, Liu JH, Ye H. Interference Efficiency and Effects of Bacterium-mediated RNAi in the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6377270. [PMID: 34581410 PMCID: PMC8477382 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
RNAi is an effective tool for gene function analysis and a promising strategy to provide environmentally friendly control approaches for pathogens and pests. Recent studies support the utility of bacterium-mediated RNAi as a cost-effective method for gene function study and a suitable externally applied delivery mechanism for pest control. Here, we developed a bacterium-mediated RNAi system in Spodoptera frugiperda based on four target genes, specifically, Chitinase (Sf-CHI), Chitin synthase B (Sf-CHSB), Sugar transporter SWEET1 (Sf-ST), and Hemolin (Sf-HEM). RNAi conducted by feeding larvae with bacteria expressing dsRNAs of target genes or injecting pupae and adults with bacterially synthesized dsRNA induced silencing of target genes and resulted in significant negative effects on growth and survival of S. frugiperda. However, RNAi efficiency and effects were variable among different target genes and dsRNA delivery methods. Injection of pupae with dsCHI and dsCHSB induced a significant increase in wing malformation in adults, suggesting that precise regulation of chitin digestion and synthesis is crucial during wing formation. Injection of female moths with dsHEM resulted in lower mating, fecundity, and egg hatching, signifying a critical role of Sf-HEM in the process of egg production and/or embryo development. Our collective results demonstrate that bacterium-mediated RNAi presents an alternative technique for gene function study in S. frugiperda and a potentially effective strategy for control of this pest, and that Sf-CHI, Sf-CHSB, Sf-ST, and Sf-HEM encoding genes can be potent targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Shuang Wan
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Min-Rui Shi
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
- Key Laboratory for Forest Resources Conservation and Utilization in the Southwest Mountains of China, Ministry of Education, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
- Corresponding authors, e-mail: ;
| | - Jian-Hong Liu
- Yunnan Academy of Biodiversity, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, China
- Corresponding authors, e-mail: ;
| | - Hui Ye
- School of Ecology and Environment, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China
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