Reproductive biology of an endangered lithophytic shrub and implications for its conservation

BACKGROUND

Plants in cliff habitats may evolve specific reproductive strategies to cope with harsh environments, and unraveling these reproductive characteristics can improve our understanding of survival strategies and lithophyte evolution. This understanding is especially important for efforts to protect rare and endemic plants. Here, we investigated the reproductive biology of Lonicera oblata, an endangered lithophytic shrub that is scattered in highly fragmented and isolated cliff habitats of the Taihang and Yan mountains in North China.

RESULTS

Flowers of L. oblata are herkogamous and protandrous, characteristics that can prevent autogamy at the single-flower level, and insects are necessary for pollination. The outcrossing index, pollen/ovule ratio, and the results of hand pollination were measured and all revealed a mixed mating system for L. oblata, that combines cross-fertilization and partial self-fertilization. The floral traits of L. oblata of zygomorphic and brightly yellowish corolla, heavy fragrance, and rich nectar, suggest an entomophilous pollination system. Sweat bees were observed as the most effective pollinators but their visiting frequencies were not high. Pollen limitation may limit the reproductive success of L. oblata.

CONCLUSIONS

We determined the reproductive characteristics of L. oblata, a critically endangered species endemic to cliffs in North China, providing insight into its endangerment and suggesting conservation strategies. L. oblata has highly pollinator-dependent self-fertilization as part of a mixed mating system. Floral features such as low-flowering synchrony, asynchronous anthers dehiscence, and high duration of stigma receptivity, improve pollination efficiency in the case of low pollinator service. Our work provides reference information to understand the survival strategies and conservation of L. oblata and other lithophytes.

Integrated metabolic profiling and transcriptome analysis of pigment accumulation in Lonicera japonica flower petals during colour-transition

BACKGROUND

Plants have remarkable diversity in petal colour through the biosynthesis and accumulation of various pigments. To better understand the mechanisms regulating petal pigmentation in Lonicera japonica, we used multiple approaches to investigate the changes in carotenoids, anthocyanins, endogenous hormones and gene expression dynamics during petal colour transitions, i.e., green bud petals (GB_Pe), white flower petals (WF_Pe) and yellow flower petals (YF_Pe).

RESULTS

Metabolome analysis showed that YF_Pe contained a much higher content of carotenoids than GB_Pe and WF_Pe, with α-carotene, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin and γ-carotene identified as the major carotenoid compounds in YF_Pe. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, such as phytoene synthase, phytoene desaturase and ζ-carotene desaturase, were significantly upregulated in YF_Pe. The results indicated that upregulated carotenoid concentrations and carotenoid biosynthesis-related genes predominantly promote colour transition. Meanwhile, two anthocyanins (pelargonidin and cyanidin) were significantly increased in YF_Pe, and the expression level of an anthocyanidin synthase gene was significantly upregulated, suggesting that anthocyanins may contribute to vivid yellow colour in YF_Pe. Furthermore, analyses of changes in indoleacetic acid, zeatin riboside, gibberellic acid, brassinosteroid (BR), methyl jasmonate and abscisic acid (ABA) levels indicated that colour transitions are regulated by endogenous hormones. The DEGs involved in the auxin, cytokinin, gibberellin, BR, jasmonic acid and ABA signalling pathways were enriched and associated with petal colour transitions.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide global insight into the pigment accumulation and the regulatory mechanisms underlying petal colour transitions during the flower development process in L. japonica.

Cloning and expression of AGL19 gene in two Lonicera macranthoides varieties

AGLl9 is an important regulator for flowering in plants and critical in controlling the morphogenesis of flower organs. The fulllength cDNAs of AGL19in conventional Lonicera macranthoides (Lm-AGL19) and the mutant 'Xianglei' cultivar (Lm-XL-AGL19) were obtained using rapid amplification of cDNA ends and the expression vectors for Lm-XL-AGL19were constructed to investigate the roles of AGL19 in the 'Xianglei' cultivar. Lm-AGL19 (GenBank: MK419948) and Lm-XL-AGL19 (GenBank: MK419948) were isolated from the conventional variety and 'Xianglei' cultivar of L. macranthoides, respectively. Lm-AGL19 is 1274 bp in length, whereas Lm-XL-AGL19 is 1264-bp long, and both include a 654 bp open reading frame, encoding 217 amino acids, which has a highly conserved MADS_MEF2_like domain and a moderately conserved K-box domain, belonging to the type II MADS-box family of genes. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction indicated that the expression levels of these genes at different flowering stages were significantly different, and that the genes were also expressed in stems and leaves. Lm-XL-AGL19 is underexpressed at flowering period 5 that the key time node for corolla expansion and nonexpansion, while LM-AGL19 is overexpressed during this flowering period. AGL19 was speculated to be a functional gene causing different phenotypes in the two L. macranthoides varieties. The successfully constructed plant expression vector provides an experimental reference for further research on the function of this gene and the basis for the excellent phenotype of L. macranthoides 'Xianglei'.

Germination responses to winter warm spells and warming vary widely among woody plants in a temperate forest

Winter underpins key ecological processes, such as dormancy loss and seedling emergence. Enhanced warm spells, together with warming are occurring and will continue in the future. The consequences of these climate phenomena on germination were investigated among co-occurring woody plants, whose seeds are bird-dispersed in autumn and require cold stratification for spring emergence. Seeds from nine common southeastern USA plants were collected in autumn. We verified that seeds of the study species required cold stratification for dormancy loss. We then examined the following aspects in the laboratory or field: effect of warm spells during cold stratification on germination, effect of a warm spell during winter on seed survival and germination phenology, and effect of warming from autumn dispersal through winter dormancy loss on timing of germination. While no consistent effects of warm spells were found in the laboratory on quantity of germination, warm spells advanced spring field germination for several species. Some species germinated during cold stratification and during warm spells, especially extreme spells, in the laboratory. In the field, about half of Lonicera maackii seedlings that emerged with a warm spell died by late winter. With warming from autumn through spring, laboratory germination shifted from spring to predominately autumn for some species. With precocious germination during warm spells or germination phenology shifts, two scenarios are possible. Seedlings may die during winter, reducing the size of the soil seed bank and number of emergents, or they would survive in warmer winters, which would give them a competitive advantage over spring-emerging seedlings.

Comparative transcriptomics analysis revealing flower trichome development during flower development in two Lonicera japonica Thunb. cultivars using RNA-seq

BACKGROUND

Lonicera japonica Thunb. (L. japonica) has the functions of clearing away heat and detoxifying, broad-spectrum antibacterial and anti-virus, etc. More than 70% of anti-inflammatory and cold Chinese patent medicines contain L. japonica. Trichomes comprise specialized multicellular structures that have the capacity to synthesize and secrete secondary metabolites and protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. The extraction of trichome secretions has great commercial value. However, little is known about the trichome formation mechanism in L. japonica. Therefore, the study of trichome development between different varieties provides a basis for selecting suitable planting resources.

RESULTS

Here, we present a genome-wide comparative transcriptome analysis between two L. japonica cultivars, toward the identification of biological processes and functional gene activities that occur during flowering stage trichome development. In this study, the density and average lengths of flower trichomes were at their highest during three-green periods (S2). Using the Illumina RNA-Seq method, we obtained 134,304 unigenes, 33,733 of which were differentially expressed. In an analysis of 40 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs) involved in trichome development, 29 of these were transcription factors. The DEGs analysis of plant hormone signal transduction indicated that plant growth and development may be independent of gibberellin (GA) and cytokinine (CTK) signaling pathways, and plant stress may be independent of jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) signaling pathways. We screened several genes involved in the floral biosynthesis of odors, tastes, colors, and plant hormones, and proposed biosynthetic pathways for sesquiterpenoid, triterpenoid, monoterpenoid, flavonoid, and plant hormones. Furthermore, 82 DEGs were assigned to cell cycles and 2616 were predicted as plant resistance genes (PRGs).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the expression profiles of flower development during the seven developmental stages of L. japonica, thereby offering valuable insights into the molecular networks that underly flower development in L. japonica.

Transcriptional regulation of Lonicera japonica Thunb. during flower development as revealed by comprehensive analysis of transcription factors

BACKGROUND

Lonicera japonica Thunb. flower has been used for the treatment of various diseases for a long time and attracted many studies on its potential effects. Transcription factors (TFs) regulate extensive biological processes during plant development. As the restricted reports of L. japonica on TFs, our work was carried out to better understand the TFs' regulatory roles under different developmental stages in L. japonica.

RESULTS

In this study, 1316 TFs belonging to 52 families were identified from the transcriptomic data, and corresponding expression profiles during the L. japonica flower development were comprehensively analyzed. 917 (69.68%) TFs were differentially expressed. TFs in bHLH, ERF, MYB, bZIP, and NAC families exhibited obviously altered expression during flower growth. Based on the analysis of differentially expressed TFs (DETFs), TFs in MYB, WRKY, NAC and LSD families that involved in phenylpropanoids biosynthesis, senescence processes and antioxidant activity were detected. The expression of MYB114 exhibited a positive correlation with the contents of luteoloside; Positive correlation was observed among the expression of MYC12, chalcone synthase (CHS) and flavonol synthase (FLS), while negative correlation was observed between the expression of MYB44 and the synthases; The expression of LSD1 was highly correlated with the expression of SOD and the total antioxidant capacity, while the expression of LOL1 and LOL2 exhibited a negative correlation with them; Many TFs in NAC and WRKY families may be potentially involved in the senescence process regulated by hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression of NAC19, NAC29, and NAC53 exhibited a positive correlation with the contents of ABA and H₂O₂, while the expression of WRKY53, WRKY54, and WRKY70 exhibited a negative correlation with the contents of JA, SA and ABA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provided a comprehensive characterization of the expression profiles of TFs during the developmental stages of L. japonica. In addition, we detected the key TFs that may play significant roles in controlling active components biosynthesis, antioxidant activity and flower senescence in L. japonica, thereby providing valuable insights into the molecular networks underlying L. japonica flower development.

Discovery and mechanism study of a novel chromium-accumulating plant, Lonicera japonica Thunb

Finding chromium-accumulating plants is of great interest for phytoremediation of soil contaminated by chromium (Cr). Inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, we examined the Cr-resistance and Cr-accumulation of Lonicera japonica Thunb. After a two-phase study using both soil and water culture, we found that L. japonica could be a novel Cr-accumulating plant, which contains an average Cr(III) content of 1297.14 mg^.kg^-1 in its leaves. The Cr enrichment factor and the Cr transport coefficient of Lonicera japonica was 5.19 and 1.79, respectively. Lonicera japonica is the fifth Cr-accumulating plant discovered worldwide, and the first Cr-accumulating woody plant ever discovered. The results support the conclusions drawn from studies of Cr-accumulating Leersia hexandra that oxalic acid production can increase Cr tolerance whereas citric acid or malic acid has no effect, suggesting that oxalic acid might be a common reason for Cr tolerance in all Cr-accumulating plants. Moreover, this study revealed that the production of anthocyanin and carotene can also increase Cr(III) tolerance, suggesting that anthocyanin and carotene might also account for Cr tolerance in Cr-accumulating plants. We believe that the discovery of Lonicera japonica as a Cr-accumulating plant will offer great opportunities in phytoremediation, and the success should be a strong sign that Traditional Chinese Medicine harbors more secrets to be uncovered with modern science.

Molecular cloning and spatiotemporal expression of APETALA1-like gene in Lonicera macranthoides

APETALA1 (AP1), a floral meristem identity gene controls the flowering time and floral transition, and plays an important role in inflorescence and floral organ development. The full-length cDNA for AP1 was obtained by rapid amplification ofthe cDNA ends (RACE) so that the roles of AP1 in Lonicera macranthoides (Lm-AP1) could be better understood. AP1 (accession number in GenBank: MF418642) consisted of a 729-bp open reading frame encoding a protein that contained 242 amino acids, had a deduced molecular mass of 27.9919 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.75. No signal peptide or transmembranedomains were detected in the sequences located in the nucleus, but it contained conserved sequences for MADS and the K-box. In the secondary structure, the alpha helix accounts for 60.74%, the beta turn 3.72%. The real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that AP1 was more highly expressed in flowers, especially at the fourth flowering stage, which implied that it may play a role in flower development. Other L. macranthoides organs, such as stems and leaves, also expressed AP1. This research provided the basis for further analysis of the AP1 functional mechanism during L. macranthoides development.

Blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea subsp. edulis (Turcz. ex Herder) Hultén.) berries and changes in their ingredients across different locations

BACKGROUND

Interest in organic blue honeysuckle berries has increased in recent years. They are rich in various health-promoting compounds which are sensitive to different environmental factors and are modified during the growing season.

RESULTS

Honeysuckle berries from different locations differed significantly in their contents of primary and secondary metabolites. The location Ogulin, with the highest altitude and consequently high UV radiation, had the highest phenolic content (259.85 mg per 100 g). Additionally, Vukovski Vrh, with the lowest temperature, had the highest ascorbic acid content (36.83 mg per 100 g), while Šmartno pri Litiji and Višnja Gora, with the highest precipitation, had the highest organic acid contents (885.85 and 850.01 mg per 100 g respectively). A combination of stressful environmental conditions of temperature, water source and light intensity led to the highest saponin content in Višnja Gora (695 mg per 100 g), the highest tannin content in Dolnje Impolje (134 mg per 100 g) and the highest sugar content (2585.45 mg per 100 g) in Vučetinac.

CONCLUSION

The contents of bioactive substances were influenced by various environmental factors such as temperature, UV radiation, altitude, light intensity and fruit ripening stage. Different compounds respond distinctly to different environmental factors. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Large-Scale Removal of Invasive Honeysuckle Decreases Mosquito and Avian Host Abundance

Invasive species rank second only to habitat destruction as a threat to native biodiversity. One consequence of biological invasions is altered risk of exposure to infectious diseases in human and animal populations. The distribution and prevalence of mosquito-borne diseases depend on the complex interactions between the vector, the pathogen, and the human or wildlife reservoir host. These interactions are highly susceptible to disturbance by invasive species, including terrestrial plants. We conducted a 2-year field experiment using a Before-After/Control-Impact design to examine how removal of invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) in a forest fragment embedded within a residential neighborhood affects the abundance of mosquitoes, including two of the most important vectors of West Nile virus, Culex pipiens and Cx. restuans. We also assessed any potential changes in avian communities and local microclimate associated with Amur honeysuckle removal. We found that (1) removal of Amur honeysuckle reduces the abundance of both vector and non-vector mosquito species that commonly feed on human hosts, (2) the abundance and composition of avian hosts is altered by honeysuckle removal, and (3) areas invaded with honeysuckle support local microclimates that are favorable to mosquito survival. Collectively, our investigations demonstrate the role of a highly invasive understory shrub in determining the abundance and distribution of mosquitoes and suggest potential mechanisms underlying this pattern. Our results also give rise to additional questions regarding the general impact of invasive plants on vector-borne diseases and the spatial scale at which removal of invasive plants may be utilized to effect disease control.

Rainfall variability counteracts N addition by promoting invasive Lonicera maackii and extending phenology in prairie

Although encroaching woody plants have reduced the global extent of grasslands, continuing increases in soil nitrogen availability could slow this trend by favoring resident herbaceous species. At the same time, projected increases in rainfall variability could promote woody encroachment by aligning spatiotemporal patterns of soil moisture availability with the needs of woody species. We evaluated the responses of two deciduous woody species to these simulated environmental changes by planting seedlings of Quercus palustris and Lonicera maackii into tallgrass prairie communities grown under a factorial combination of increased rainfall variability and nitrogen addition. Lonicera maackii growth was reduced 20% by nitrogen addition, and increased rainfall variability led to 33% larger seedlings, despite greater competition for light and soil resources. In contrast, Q. palustris growth showed little response to either treatment. Increased rainfall variability allowed both species to retain their leaves for an additional 6.5 d in autumn, potentially in response to wetter end-of-season shallow soils. Our findings suggest increases in rainfall variability will counteract the inhibitory effect of nitrogen deposition on growth of L. maackii, extend autumn phenology, and promote the encroachment of some woody species into grasslands.

Degradation Dynamics and Dietary Risk Assessments of Two Neonicotinoid Insecticides during Lonicera japonica Planting, Drying, and Tea Brewing Processes

The degradation dynamics and dietary risk assessments of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid during Lonicera japonica planting, drying, and tea brewing processes were systematically investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. The half-lives of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were 1.0-4.1 d in the honeysuckle flowers and leaves, with degradation rate constants k ranging from -0.169 to -0.696. The safety interval time was 7 d. The sun- and oven-drying (70 °C) percent digestions were 59.4-81.0% for the residues, which were higher than the shade- and oven-drying percentages at lower temperatures (30, 40, 50, and 60 °C, which ranged from 37.7% to 57.0%). The percent transfers of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid were 0-48.4% and 0-25.2%, respectively, for the different tea brewing conditions. On the basis of the results of this study, abiding by the safety interval time is important, and using reasonable drying methods and tea brewing conditions can reduce the transfer of thiamethoxam and thiacloprid to humans.

A comparative study of the dynamic accumulation of polyphenol components and the changes in their antioxidant activities in diploid and tetraploid Lonicera japonica

Polyploidization is an effective method to achieve a higher yield of secondary metabolism active ingredients in medicinal plants. Polyphenols are the main active substances that contribute to the antioxidant activity of Lonicera japonica. For studying on the effect of chromosome doubling and harvest time on the dynamic accumulation of the main active substances and antioxidant capabilities of L. japonica, the polyphenol composition contents (7 phenolic acids and 3 flavonoids) and the antioxidant capacity in buds and flowers of diploid and tetraploid L. japonica at six different growth stages were determined by HPLC-DAD and three common antioxidant assays (FRAP, OH RSC and DPPH ARP), and the correlation between the dynamic accumulation of the polyphenol components and antioxidant capacity was also analyzed in current research. The results indicated that the content of the most determined phenolic acids and flavonoids and the antioxidant capacity in most of the growth stages from tetraploid plants were significantly higher than those in the diploid plants. Furthermore, the changes in the antioxidant activity presented a significant positive correlation with the variations in the chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperoside, luteoloside in the two ploidy levels of L. japonica plants. The higher yields of chlorogenic acid (158.97, 164.00, 199.85 mg), luteoloside (5.44, 4.03, 6.31 mg), hyperoside (1.15, 1.06, 1.30 mg) and total flavonoids (9.87, 8.67, 11.10 mg) from 100 buds or flowers in tetraploid plants occurred during the S3-S5 stages, and these stages also exhibited higher antioxidant activities. Therefore, the stages of S3-S5 are recommended as the best time for harvesting high-yield, high-quality tetraploid Flos Lonicerae Japonicae.

Can arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi reduce Cd uptake and alleviate Cd toxicity of Lonicera japonica grown in Cd-added soils?

A greenhouse pot experiment was conducted to study the impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi--Glomus versiforme (Gv) and Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) on the growth, Cd uptake, antioxidant indices [glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate (ASA), glutathione (GSH) and malonaldehyde (MDA)] and phytochelatins (PCs) production of Lonicera japonica in Cd-amended soils. Gv and Ri significantly increased P acquisition, biomass of shoots and roots at all Cd treatments. Gv significantly decreased Cd concentrations in shoots and roots, and Ri also obviously reduced Cd concentrations in shoots but increased Cd concentrations in roots. Meanwhile, activities of CAT, APX and GR, and contents of ASA and PCs were remarkably higher in Gv/Ri-inoculated plants than those of uninoculated plants, but lower MDA and GSH contents in Gv/Ri-inoculated plants were found. In conclusion, Gv and Ri symbiosis alleviated Cd toxicity of L. japonica through the decline of shoot Cd concentrations and the improvement of P nutrition, PCs content and activities of GR, CAT, APX in inoculated plants, and then improved plant growth. The decrease of shoot Cd concentrations in L. japonica inoculated with Gv/Ri would provide a clue for safe production of this plant from Cd-contaminated soils.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Mechanism Underlying the Production of a High Quantity of Chlorogenic Acid in Young Leaves of Lonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz

Lonicera macranthoides Hand.-Mazz (L. macranthoides) is a medicinal herb that is widely distributed in southern China. The biosynthetic and metabolic pathways for a core secondary metabolite in L. macranthoides, chlorogenic acid (CGA), have been elucidated in many species. However, the mechanisms of CGA biosynthesis and the related gene regulatory network in L. macranthoides are still not well understood. In this study, CGA content was quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and CGA levels differed significantly among three tissues; specifically, the CGA content in young leaves (YL) was greater than that in young stems (YS), which was greater than that in mature flowers (MF). Transcriptome analysis of L. macranthoides yielded a total of 53,533,014 clean reads (average length 90 bp) and 76,453 unigenes (average length 703 bp). A total of 3,767 unigenes were involved in biosynthesis pathways of secondary metabolites. Of these unigenes, 80 were possibly related to CGA biosynthesis. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened in different tissues including YL, MF and YS. In these tissues, 24 DEGs were found to be associated with CGA biosynthesis, including six phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) genes, six 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase (4CL) genes, four cinnamate 4-Hydroxylase (C4H) genes, seven hydroxycinnamoyl transferase/hydroxycinnamoyl-CoA quinate transferase HCT/HQT genes and one coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H) gene.These results further the understanding of CGA biosynthesis and the related regulatory network in L. macranthoides.

[Study on standard of safe application of thiamethoxam on GAP of Lonicera japonica]

The paper is aimed to establish a method of residue analysis for thiamethoxam and to study its degradation dynamic and final residue and its standard of safe application of thiamethoxam on Lonicera japonica. Samples extracted with methanol by ultrasonication were purified with dichloromethane by liquid-liquid extraction and SPE column and analysed by HPLC-UV. The results showed that average rate was 84.91%-94.44% and RSD 1.74%-4.96% with addition of thiamethoxam in respectively diverse concentration, which meets inspection requirement of pesticide residue. Two kinds of dosages of thiamethoxam were treated- varying from recommended dosage (90 g x hm(-2)) to high dosage (135 g x hm(-2)), Results of two years test showed that thiamethoxam was degraded more than 90% seven days after application and the half - life period of thiamethoxam was 1.54-1.66 d. The digestion rate of thiamethoxam was fast in the L. japonica. The recommended MRL of thiamethoxam in the L. japonica is 0.1 mg x kg(-1), the dosage of 25% thiamethoxam WDG from 90-135 g x hm(-2) is sprayed less than three times a year on L. japonica and 14 days is proposed for the safety interval of the last pesticide application's and harvest's date.

[Preliminary Study of Lonicera hypoglauca on Germination Conditions of Sand Culture Seeds and Sterilization Method of Sand Culture Seedling Sterilization]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the germination conditions of Lonicera hypoglauca sand culture seeds and the effects of sand culture seedlings sterilization.

METHODS

0.1% HgCl2 with different sterilization time, different illumination time and temperature culture condition were adopted to study the germination conditions of sand culture seeds. Different sterilization treatments and different hardening-seedling days were used to test the sterilization effect of sand culture seedlings.

RESULTS

The sterilization effect of the combination of 75% ethanol 30 s + 0.1% HgCl2 5 min on Lonicera hypoglauca seeds was the optimum,with the average pollution rate of 15.56%, and the average germination rate reached 51.11%. The combination of varied temperature-room temperature under light for 12 h/d was the best, with the average germination rate peaked at 75.49%, and the average germination potential reached 68.36%. The treatment of detergent liquor scrub-tap water wash on the part above the hypocotyl, which was sand cultured under the opening condition and had no root, showed the best sterilization effect, with the average pollution rate was zero, and the average survival rate peaked at 100.00%. The sterilization effect of sand culture seedlings, which was disinfected after cleaning by detergent liquor scrub-tap water wash after hardening-seeding for 30 days, was the best, with the average pollution rate of 50.00%, and the average survival rate of 100.00%.

CONCLUSION

The best sterilization effect is the combination of 75% ethanol 30 s + 0.1% HgCl2 5 min; Lighting for 12 h/d of varied temperature-room temperature is regarded as the optimum culture condition. The treatment of detergent liquor scrub-tap water wash treatment on the part above the hypocotyl,which is sand cultured under the opening condition and had no root, shows the best sterilization effect. For the sand culture seedlings, before inoculated in subculture medium, should be hardening-seedling for some days and sterilized after detergent liquor scrub-tap water wash.

[Study on characteristics of non-glandular hairs of cultivated Lonicera japonica]

We collected 22 cultivated population of Lonicera japonica from 17 areas. The characteristics of non-glandular hairs were observed and measured by the scanning electron microscopy. The principal components analysis and correlation analysis were conduct based on length and density of L. japonica. The results showed a significant negative correlation between length and density of non-glandular hairs, and the characteristics of non-glandular was not corrrelated significantly with latitude. The correlation results indicated that the density was a key to separate "Damaohua" and "Jizhuahua". The contribution of climate and soil was important to the cultivated population. This reminded that the characteristics of non-glandular hairs were affected by environmental and genetic interaction.

[Study on optimal harvest period of Lonicera Flos (Lonicera macranthoides)]

To ascertain the optimal harvest period of Lonicera Flos (Lonicera macranthoides) the configuration yield and quality of L. macranthiodes bloom verity and bud verity flower at different develop periods were Observed. The quality of L. macranthiodes which harvested at different times of the day was Compared. The configuration was significant difference between different develop period of L. macranthiodes flower. As bud growth, yield increased. Bloom verity of L. macranthoides chlorogenic acid content was significantly lower after opening (silver flower stage, golden flower stage), before opening (young bud stage, green-white stage) have no significant difference of the quality. Bud verity of L. macranthoides macranthoidin B is significant lower at yellow-white stage, young bud stage and green-white stage have no significant difference of the quality. The chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A content is significant difference between L. macranthoides harvested at different time of the day. The optimal harvest period of bloom verity is the white stage, picking time for 10:00 before and after 18:00. The optimal harvest period is the green-white stage, picking time is 8:00 before and after 18:00.

[Influence of different processing methods on Lonicerae Japonicae Flos from Donghai cultivation base in Jiangsu province]

To study the impact of five different origin processing methods, namely natural drying, drying in baking shop, drying by microwave heating, drying in drum and drying with sulphur fumigation, on the quality of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos from Donghai cultivation base in Jiangsu Province, with the contents of chlorogenic acid and galuteolin and the similarity in HPLC fingerprints as the evaluation indicators. The results showed that different origin processing methods had significant impact on the content of chlorogenic acid and the similarity in HPLC fingerprints, but with no significant difference on the content of galuteolin. By means of drying by microwave heating and drying in drum, the samples showed higher contents of chlorogenic acid, respectively 3.67% and 3.39%. The similarities of HPLC fingerprints were 0.815 and 0.793, respectively. By means of the drying in baking shop and the drying with sulphur fumigation, the contents of chlorogenic acid in the samples were 2. 87% and 2. 53% , respectively. The similarities of HPLC fingerprints were 0.964 and 0.765, respectively. The lowest content of chlorogenic acid in naturally dried samples was 1.92%. The similarity of HPLC fingerprints was 0.940. According to the findings as well as the internal control standards for Lonicerae Japonicae Flos herbs of Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co. , Ltd. , the optimum processing method for Lonicerae Japonicae Flos from Donghai cultivation base was the drying in baking shop. This study provided a theoretical basis for determining the processing method for Lonicerae Japonicae Flos from Donghai cultivation base of Jiangsu Province.

[Study on physiological trait changes in growth process of different varieties of Lonicera japonica]

OBJECTIVE

To study the physiological trait changes in the growth process of different varieties of Lonicera japonica, and to explore the growth regularity.

METHODS

Length, color, flowering rate and drying rate in the growth and development process of different varieties of Lonicera japonica were observed. Nonlinear regression analysis was used to conclude the growth simulation curve equation.

RESULTS

Among different varieties and different sections of the same branch, the growth showed a similar law, the drying rates of the 'sanqing' period got the maximum value in all of the three varieties, the weight of the flower in 'erbai' period was the highest, and no differences between varieties. The R2 of the two curve equations was 0.996 and 0.995, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both of two curve equations can reply the growth regularity of Lonicera japonica flower very well. Study on the growth process systematically can guide the agricultural production very well.

[Index components contents in honeysuckle change trend at different time in a day and different stubbles in a year]

The index components contents of different time and different stubbles in honeysuckle were measured by HPLC, and were analysis by using the method of SPSS. Results showed that the content of index ingredients of different time had differences, and firstly decreased, then increased with time. The content of index ingredients of different stubbles had significantly differences, and firstly decreased, then increased with time. The chlorogenic acid contents were 2.059%-3.593%. The luteolosid contents were 0.110%-0.171%. Results indicated that the best picking buds time is before seven o'clock in the morning and evening at before and after seven o'clock, the index component content is higher. Picking buds in spring and at autumn index component content is higher; Picking buds in summer index component content is low. The experiment provides theoretical support for quality control in the whole process of the honeysuckle harvested and comprehensive utilization of honeysuckle.

[Numerical taxonomy of agronomic trait in cultivated Lonicera japonica]

Sixty-three morphological traits from 743 specimens of the 41 taxa within the cultivated Lonicera japonica were observed and measured, such as the height of plants, the length of leaf, the width of leaf, the length of anther, the alabastrum's number of one branch, the color of alabastrum and so on. A numerical taxonomy is presented by using the cluster analysis, principal components analysis (PCA) and factor analysis. Sixteen of 63 characters were screened by means of PCA and used for cluster analysis of 41 taxa with the method of Ward linkage and average euclidean distance. The cluster analysis showed that the 41 taxa could be divided into 5 groups when the Euclidean distance coefficient was 11.84. The factor analysis indicated that the shape of leaf, color of alabastrum, the pilosity and color of twiggery were of significance for the cultivated L. japonica classification. The results of this study will be a base for the core collection and breeding of L. japonica.

[Establishment of transformation system of Lonicera macranthoides mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens]

OBJECTIVE

Based on the system of regeneration,the genetic transformation system of Lonicera macranthoides was established.

METHODS

Tissue culture method of seedlings, Agrobacterium tumefaciens mediated transformation method of explants, report gene was detected by gus staining and PCR.

RESULTS

The efficient transformation time was 8 minutes of infection. The good transformation rate was gained with the kanamycin 35 mg/L and cefotaxime 600 mg/L. The concentration of kanamycin had a leading effect on bud differentiation between two antibiotics, and bud induction rate reached extremely significant difference. Results of gus staining and PCR proved that the gus gene was integrated into Lonicera macranthoides genome.

CONCLUSION

The genetic transformation system of Lonicera macranthoides leaves mediated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHAlO5 was established for the first time.

Environmental influences on growth and defence responses of the invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii, to simulated and real herbivory in the juvenile stage

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Tolerance and defence against herbivory are among the many mechanisms attributed to the success of invasive plants in their novel ranges. Because tolerance and defence against herbivory differ with the ontogeny of a plant, the effects of herbivore damage on plant fitness vary with ontogenetic stage and are compounded throughout a plant's lifetime. Environmental stresses such as light and nutrient limitations can further influence the response of the plant. Much is known about the response of plants in the seedling and reproductive adult stages, but less attention has been given to the pre-reproductive juvenile stage.

METHODS

Juvenile plants of the North American invasive Lonicera maackii were exposed to simulated herbivory under high and low light and nitrogen availability and growth, allocation patterns and foliar defensive chemistry were measured. In a second experiment, complete nutrient availability and damage type (generalist caterpillar or simulated) were manipulated.

KEY RESULTS

Juvenile plants receiving 50 % defoliation had lower total biomass and a higher root^:^shoot ratio than controls for all treatment combinations except low nitrogen/low light. Low light and defoliation increased root^:^shoot ratio. Light, fertilization and defoliation had little impact on foliar defensive chemistry. In the second experiment, there was a reduction in total biomass when caterpillar damage was applied. The root^:^shoot ratio increased under low soil fertility and was not affected by defoliation. Stem-diameter growth rates and specific leaf area did not vary by damage type or fertilization. Foliar protein increased through time, and more strongly in defoliated plants than in controls, while peroxidase activity and total flavonoids decreased with time. Overall, resource limitations were more influential than damage in the growth of juvenile L. maackii plants.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings illustrate that even when resources are limited, the tolerance and defence against herbivory of a woody invasive plant in the juvenile stage may contribute to the establishment and persistence of some species in a variety of habitats.

Hormesis phenomena under Cd stress in a hyperaccumulator--Lonicera japonica Thunb

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to investigate possible hormetic response induced by cadmium (Cd) in a potential hyperaccumulator-Lonicera japonica Thunb. The results showed that Cd at low concentrations induced a significant increase in plant growth, leaf water content and content of photosynthetic pigments in L. japonica, but decreased them at high concentrations, displayed inverted U-shaped dose response curves, confirming a typical biphasic hormetic response. The U-shaped dose response curves were displayed in malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage in leaves at low doses of Cd, indicating reduce oxidative stress and toxic effect. The increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities was observed along with the increased Cd concentration, indicative of increase in anti-oxidative capacity that ensures redox homeostasis is maintained. After 28 days exposure to 10 mg L(-1) Cd, stem and leaf Cd concentrations reached 502.96 ± 28.90 and 103.22 ± 5.62 mg kg(-1) DW, respectively and the plant had high bioaccumulation coefficient (BC) and translocation factor (TF'). Moreover, the maximum TF value was found at 2.5 mg L(-1) Cd treatment, implying that low Cd treatment improved the ability to transfer Cd from medium via roots to aerial structures. Taking together, L. japonica could be considered as a new plant to investigate the underlying mechanisms of hormesis and Cd tolerance. Our results suggest that hormetic effects should be taken into consideration in phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated soil.

[Hormesis effect of cadmium on Lonicera japonica]

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to study the growth characteristics of Lonicera japonica under the stress of different concentrations (0, 0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, and 25 mg L-1 ) cadmium (Cd), aimed to explore the hormesis effect of low concentrations Cd on L. japonica. At < or =5 mg L-1 of Cd, the maximum root length, plant dry biomass, and the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid of L. japonica increased significantly, with the increment being 13. 6%, 11.7%, 14. 0% ,10. 8%, and 54. 5%, respectively, as compared with the control. <5 mg L-1 of Cd also had a definite positive effect on the leaf water content. At> or = 10 mg L-1 of Cd, the growth of L. japonica was inhibited significantly. When exposed to 25 mg L-1 of Cd, the shoot Cd concentration of L. japonica reached 622. 93 mg kg-1 , suggesting that L. japonica had a strong capacity of Cd-hyperaccumulation. The dose range of the hormesis effect of Cd on L. japonica was 0.5-5 mg L-1 of Cd.

[Simultaneous determination of six organic acids in Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos in different habitats by HPLC]

OBJECTIVE

To establish an HPLC method for simultaneous determination of six organic acids in Lonicerae japonicae Flos and Lonicerae Flos in different habitats.

METHODS

The chromatographic separation was carried out on a Waters C18 column (4. 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.1% phosphoric acid at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The detection wave-length was 326 nm.

RESULTS

The contents of neochlorogenic acid and cryptochlorogenic acid in Lonicerae japonicae Flos in different habitats were very low. The contents of chlorogenic acid in Lonicerae japonicae Flos in Pingyi, Fei County, Fengqiu and Jvlu were significantly higher than that in Shangluo, but the contents of other organic acids were similar. The contents of six kinds of organic acids in Lonicerae Flos in different origins were obviously higher than those in Lonicerae japonicae Flos.

CONCLUSION

A simple, accurate and credible method is developed and validated for quality control of six organic acids from Lonicerae japonicae Flos and Lonicerae Flos.

[Different pruning to yield and quality of Lonicerea Japonicae Flos]

OBJECTIVE

To find out the influence of differences pruning on Lonicerea Japonicae Flos on it's yield and quality, and provide reference for reasonable pruning.

METHOD

Using different pruning treatments, the growth and yield and chlorogenic acid and galuteolin contents of Lonicerea Japonicae Flos were measured and compared. And the source and sink theory were used to interpret the rationality of the best way.

RESULT

There existed significant differences in the growth and branching and yield at differences pruning methods, but not including chlorogenic acid and galuteolin contents of Lonicerea Japonicae Flos.

CONCLUSION

The best pruning treatments is in shearing.

[Comparative study on morphological character of leaves of various farm cultivars of Lonicera japonica]

OBJECTIVE

To provide theoretical evidence for dividing and breeding cultivars of Lonicera japonica, the botanical character of laminas leaves observed and compared.

METHOD

Using the morphological method, the main character of leaves of 11 farm cultivars of L. japonica were systematically observed and the data were comparatively studied with statistical means. It included the length, width and the ratio of the length to the width of blade, density, length and thickness of the nonglandular hair in the epidermis.

RESULT

The results showed that there were obvious differences in length, width and the ratio of the length to the width of blade, density and length of the nonglandular hair in the epidermis.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of the differences of morphological character of leaves, the various farm cultivars could be identified.

Effects of cadmium hyperaccumulation on the concentrations of four trace elements in Lonicera japonica Thunb

Hyperaccumulators are important in the phytoremediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. In this study, Cd accumulation and the interactions between Cd and four other trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) in Lonicera japonica Thunb. were investigated. As a result of exposure to soil containing 50 mg kg(-1) Cd, stem and shoot Cd concentrations reached 344.49 ± 0.71 and 286.12 ± 9.38 μg g(-1) DW respectively, without showing symptoms of visible damage to the plants. This suggests that L. japonica has a strong tolerance to Cd. It is proposed that trace metal elements are involved in the Cd-detoxification mechanisms shown by hyperaccumulators. There is a synergistic interaction in accumulation and translocation between Cd and Fe and a significantly negative correlation between Cd and Cu or Zn concentrations in L. japonica plant tissues. The imbalanced trace element concentrations influences detoxification processes to Cd, therefore, L. japonica could be considered as a new Cd-hyperaccumulator model to investigate the metal tolerance strategies of plants.

[Nutrient change in Lonicera macranthoides during cutting propagation process]

OBJECTIVE

To study the dynamic change of nutrient in the cuttings of Lonicera macranthoides.

METHOD

In the process of growing, soluble sugar, starch, soluble protein, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the leaves and basal of cuttings were determined.

RESULT

The relationship between nutrient dynamic change and rooting was as follows: the content of the soluble sugar and starch in leaves and basal of cuttings was firstly decreased then increased. The soluble protein in leaves was also firstly decreased then increased, and in basal of cuttings, it showed a downtrend, it decreased slowly at the later stage. The total nitrogen content in leaves and basal showed a downtrend and decreased slowly later. The C/N ratio in leaves and basal of cuttings was firstly decreased then increased. The trend of total phosphorus in leaves was firstly decreases and then increases, and in basal of cuttings, it decreased gradually.

CONCLUSION

There exists close relationship between the adventitious root formation nutrients level, and main nutrients play an important role in regulating formation of adventitious root.

[Anatomical study on rooting of Lonicera macranthoides cutting]

An anatomical study on rooting of Lonicera macranthoides cutting was carried out by the paraffin section method. The observation result showed that there was no root primordium in stem, and the adventitious root primordium of L. macranthoides cutting belonged to the type of the induced root primordium. The adventitious root primordium originated from the cross region of vascular cambium and pith rays. There was no root primordium in the wound calls, between them it existed no direct relationship.

Accumulation and tolerance characteristics of cadmium in a potential hyperaccumulator--Lonicera japonica Thunb

Phytoremediation using hyperaccumulators is a promising technique of removing soil pollutants. In the study, growth responses, cadmium (Cd) accumulation capability and physiological mechanisms of Lonicera japonica Thunb. under Cd stress were investigated. Exposed to 5 and 10 mg L(-1) Cd, the plants did not show any visual symptoms, furthermore, the height, dry biomass of leaves, roots and total and the chlorophyll (CHL) content were obtained different grade increase. When the concentration of Cd was up to 50 mg L(-1), the height, dry biomass of leaves and roots had not significant differences compared with the control. The indexes of tolerance (IT) were all above 0.8. The maintenance of high superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities was observed along with the increased Cd concentration, suggesting strong internal detoxification mechanisms inside plant cells. After 21 days exposure to 25 mg L(-1) Cd, stem and shoot Cd concentrations reached 344.49+/-0.71 and 286.12+/-9.38 microg g(-1) DW, respectively and the plant had higher bioaccumulation coefficient (BC) and translocation factor (TF). According to these results, it was shown L. japonica had strong tolerance and accumulation capability to Cd, therefore it is a potential Cd-hyperaccumulator.

[Comparative study on yield and quality of flower buds of Lonicera japonica within several flowering stages]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the quality and quantity changes of Flos Lonicerace during flowering stages in Hanzhong GAP base in order for properly harvesting and quality control.

METHOD

The yield index of Flos lonicerace in four flowering stages was determined, and the contents of chlorogenic acid and the total flavonoid in the samples were determined by HPLC and the colorimetry, respectively. The volatile oils were extracted by the SFE-CO2 and the constituents were analyzed by GC-MS.

RESULT

The yield in the first two flowering times was attributed to about more than 80% of total yield, and the number of flower buds for each plant in the first time was almost the same as the sum of the other three times. The drying rate of the three-site green flowers kept the highest during the first flowering time, and the drying rate of the two-site white flowers kept the highest during the second flowering time. The contents of chlorogenic acid and the total flavonoid in the first flowering time were higher than those in the second, and among them, the two-site white flowers kept the highest, about 3.5% and 13.2%, respectively. For the sample flowers in in the second flowering time, the three-site green flowers kept the highest level of chlorogenic acid and the total flavonoid, about 2.7% and 11.6%, respectively. From the volatile oil samples in the five periods of Flos lonicerace in the first flowering time, 19 components were identified by GC-MS. They were composed by three types of compounds, n-diolefines, fatty acids and steroids. Nonacosane and hentriacontane had the relatively higher amount with more than 40% and 20%, respectively. The relative contents of vitamine E were higher too, about 8.15% - 10.43%. And, gamma-5-sitostene-3-ol, stigmasta-5,2-diene-3-ol and campesterol were also detected. Among these steroids, the relative contents of the first two were 4.90% - 6.9%, 1.06%- 4.10%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The flowering samples in the first two times were attributed to the most to the total yield. The samples of the two-site white flower and the whole-white flower had the higher comprehensive quality. The components of vitamine E and the steroids in the volatile oil need to be paid more attention.

[Genetic diversity of medicinal plant Lonicera confusa populations revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the genetic diversity and differentiation degree of five Lonicera confusa populations.

METHODS

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were perfomed to amplify the discernible loci.

RESULTS

A total of 100 loci were obtained for all populations using ten primers, 87.00% of which were polymorphic (PPL = 87.00%). Analyzed by POPGENE, the average percentage of polymorphic loci was 58.86%. Nei's genetic diversity (H = 0.2647) and Shannon's information index (I = 0.4022) indicated that Lonicera confusa had a higher level of genetic diversity. The high value of differentiation( G(st) = 0.3839) showed that geographic isolation strongly influenced genetic differentiation among populations and there was a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance (r = 0.8504, P = 96.80%). The clustering analysis was performed using softwares POPGENE and NTSYS-pc. Five populations were divided into 2 clusters, named cluster 1 (LFS, XX and NN) and cluster 2 (XW and HK).

CONCLUSION

Management strategies were proposed for species conservation and resource utilization of Lonicera confusa, including the protection from human disturbance to facilitate natural regeneration, construction of germplasm resources and cultivation of plants collected from different populations, in order to select elite lines for good agricultural practice (GAP) of medicinal materials.

[Effects of cadmium stress on the growth and physiological characteristics of Lonicera japonica]

By using hydroponics, the growth and physiological characteristics of Lonicera japonica at different concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, and 50 mg x L(-1)) of cadmium (Cd) were studied. The results showed that compared with the control, Cd stress had lesser effects on the growth of L. japonica. Within the range of test Cd concentrations, L. japonica biomass had less difference (P > 0.05) with the control, and at low concentration of Cd (5 mg x L(-1)), the total biomass and the biomasses of leaf and root were increased by 1.25%, 2.88 and 2.33%, respectively, illustrating that L. japonica had stronger resistance against Cd. Under low concentration Cd stress, the water content and soluble protein content in plant organs had some decrease, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in root and leaf increased by 51.90% and 23.07%, respectively, leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid contents increased by 15.87% and 24.89%, respectively, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly. With increasing Cd concentration, the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents and SOD activity decreased to some extent.

[Study on fingerprint spectrum of Lonicera macranthoides by HPLC]

OBJECT

To establish the fingerprint spectrum of Lonicera macranthoides by HPLC.

METHODS

The column of Hypersil gold C18 (4. 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was used. The mobile phase consisted of Acetonitril-0.05% phosphoric acid with gradient elution. The column temperature was 30 degrees C, the detective wavelength was 240 nm, and the flow rate was 0.5 ml/min.

RESULTS

Fingerprint spectrum of Lonicera macranthoides was established, and 11 samples of different origin Lonicera macranthoides were detected. Ten peaks in the chromatogram were common by Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprints of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Version 2004 A). There was a high similarity and each chromatographic peak was obtained with good separation and correlation according to the technical requirements of fingerprint of Chinese traditional medicine.

CONCLUSION

This method is accurate, reliable and provides a scientific basis for controlling the quality of Lonicera macranthoides.

[Effects of period of cuttage on growth of seedling for Lonicera japonica]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of cuttage time on growth of Lonicera japonica.

METHOD

Randomized block of single variable and determination of the selected samples.

RESULT

The growth of seeding influenced significantly by the cottage time. The experimental results in two years showed that the survival rate, the number of root, the root weight and root cap ratio that cuttaged on March 2 were better than those cuttaged at other time point.

CONCLUSION

The first ten days of March is the best period for cuttaging L. japonica.

[Determination of chlorogenic acid and total caffeoylquinic acid in 6 Folium Lonicerae]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the contents of chlorogenic acid and total caffeoylquinic acid in 6 Folium Lonicerae in Sichuan province and Chongqing city for evaluating the quality of them.

METHODS

The HPLC analysis and spectrophotometry analysis were used.

RESULTS

The contents of chlorogenic acid and total caffeoylquinic acid in 6 Folium Lonicerae had been determined.

CONCLUSION

The method is accurate, simple and has a good reproducibility. The results can be used as a reference for the reasonable medication, quality control and further study of Folium Lonicerae.

[Chemical pattern recognition for HPLC fingerprint analysis of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae in different collecting time]

OBJECTIVE

To compare HPLC fingerprint of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae in different collecting time for determining harvest.

METHODS

The data from RP-HPLC were analyzed by similarity evaluation, principle component analysis and system cluster analysis.

RESULTS

The content of chemical composition of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae were vaiance on collecting time. The best harvesting time was the erbai period.

CONCLUSION

The study offers the basis of controlling the quality of Flos Lonicerae Japonicae and the realization of good agricultural practice.

[Comparative study on quality of Flos Lonicerae between geo-authentic and non-authentic producing areas]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the quality of Flos Lonicerae between different producing areas.

METHOD

ICP-AES, UV and HPLC were used to determine the contents of trace elements, chlorogenic acid, total flavonoids, five iridoid glucosides, hederagenin, and oleanolic acid. SAS software system was used to perform data and cluster analyses.

RESULT

The results showed that the geo-authentic crude drug was lower in the contents of Cr and Pb but higher in the contents of chlorogenic acid, total flavonoids, five iridoid glucosides, hederagenin, and oleanolic acid than the non-authentic crude drug.

CONCLUSION

The geo-authentic crude drug of Flos Lonicerae is better in quality than the non-authentic crude drug based on the modern chemical analyses, which confirms the validity of traditional geo-based classification.

[Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle]

OBJECTIVE

Effects of water stress on the growth of Lonicera japonica and quality of honeysuckle were studied.

METHODS

Different extent water stress treatment imposed to potted plants before the first florescence of honeysuckle, and the growth and related physiological indexes of Lonicera japonica were determined.

RESULTS

Shoot grow slowly as well as the increases of specific weight of leaf and the decrease of the yield of honeysuckle under water stress. The contents of chlorophyl in the leaves treated water stress all increased, and the content of soluble suger had a rising stream. The content of soluble protein in leaves of plant imposed by minor stress treatment was obviously higher than that of CK and severe stress treatment. As the stress was hard, the content of proline in leaves increased significantly. With water stress severing, the content of chlorogenic acid in the flower bud decreased very significantly than CK.

CONCLUSION

Water condition was a important factor affected the growth and development of shoots, leaves and flower buds as well as the quality of honeysuckle. In the cultivation of Loniccra japonica, irrigation timing and certain irrigation condition was necessary.

[Impact of soil cadmium contamination on chlorophyll fluorescence characters and biomass accumulation of four broad-leaved tree species seedlings]

In a greenhouse pot experiment,a gradient of soil Cd concentration was established by adding 0,50,100 and 200 mg CdCl2 x kg(-1) air-dried soil, and the seedlings of one-year-old Rosa davurica, Philadelphus schrenkii, Acer mandshurica and Lonicera maackii were transplanted. The measurement of the seedlings' chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and biomass accumulation after 70 days of transplanting showed that with increasing soil Cd content, all the test tree species had a decrease of Fv/Fm, phi(PSII), qP and biomass, but an increase of qN. A. mandshurica had the greatest responses, followed by P. schrenkii and L. maackii, and R. davurica. The tolerance of these tree species to soil Cd contamination followed the order of R. davurica > P. schrenkii and L. maackii > A. mandshurica.

[Effects of irrigation volume on growth and quality of Lonicera japonica]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of irrigation volume on the growth and quality of Lonicera japonica.

METHOD

Different volume of irrigation water was applied to the potted L. japonica before the first florescence of honeysuckle in order to keep the relative moisture content of the soil as 100%, 80%, 50%, 30%, and observe the growth and development of shoot and leaves, yield and quality of honeysuckle.

RESULT

As the of irrigation volume was reduced, the internodal elongation of shoot and the increase of the knot were restrained, and the yield of honeysuckle dropped. But the content of chlorogen acid in the buds treated by 80% irrigation volume was not affected, while that of the other treatment all decreased. The moisture contents of the leaves treated by 30% irrigation volume was significantly lower than that of the CK, while the specific leaf weight (SLW) increased significantly comparing to the CK. The content of chlorophyl in the leaves of 50% and 30% increased, while the ratio of chlorophyl A and B fell significantly. The content of dissoluble suger in the leaves of 80% and 50% irrigation volume was much higher than that in the CK. The results also showed that, the content of dissoluble protein in the leaves of 30% irrigation volume increased comparing with that in 50%, and the content of proline in leaveas of 30% irrigation volume increased significantly.

CONCLUSION

Using less irrigation volume (keeping 80% of relative moisture content of the soil) does not affect the quality of honeysuckle, but decreased dry weight of honeysuckle. It is necessary to take irrigation management during cultivation of honeysuckle.

[Effects of different recover and restoration measures on soil quality in Karst Rocky Desertification Region]

The soil quality of karst rocky desertification region were taken as case studies with four different recover and restoration measures for 13 years long-term fixed site harnessing in Guizhou Province, and plant diversity and soil fertility over different measures were investigated. The results showed that the plant diversity was the lowest, soil feritilities and ecosystem environment were the poorest in the control land with no restoration measure. The plant diversity rised evidently and the soil quality restorated to some degree in the measure of changing into a Zanthorylum bungeamum woods (Measure A) and the measure of changing into multispecies woods (Measure B). The diversity of auxiliary community were resumed to the best degree and soil quality were resumed to the best degree in measure of closed forest (Measure C). The plant diversity was higher and soil quality was best in measure of secondary forest (Measure D). Therefore, the proper biological measures and the essential engineering measures are effective to recover the serious degradation ecosystem in Karst mountain of Guizhou Province.

The invasive shrub, Lonicera maackii , reduces growth and fecundity of perennial forest herbs

Effects of invasive plant species on native plant species are frequently assumed or inferred from comparisons, but rarely quantified experimentally. Such quantification is important to assessing risks and impacts of invasives. We quantified the effects of Lonicera maackii, an exotic shrub invasive in many eastern North American forests, on survival, growth, and reproduction of three perennial herbs: Allium burdickii, Thalictrum thalictroides , and Viola pubescens. We predicted that the spring ephemeral, A. burdickii , would be most impacted, due to early leaf expansion of L. maackii. Field experiments were carried out in two deciduous forest stands, one (Gregg's Woodlot, GW) disturbed and the other (Western Woods, WW) relatively undisturbed. In each stand, individual herbs were transplanted into a blocked design of 60 plots where L. maackii was present, absent, or removed, and monitored for 5 growing seasons. Lonicera maackii did not affect survival of transplants, but reduced growth and final size of individuals of all three species. For two of the species, A. burdickii and V. pubescens, L. maackii reduced the proportion of live plants flowering in both stands, and reduced the seed or fruit number per flowering individual in GW. For T. thalictroides the proportion flowering was not affected, but seed number per flowering plant was reduced by L. maackii in both stands. For all three species, cumulative seed production over the course of the study was reduced by L. maackii. Overall, effects on the spring ephemeral, A. burdickii, were similar to effects on the other herbs. Because mortality of these established individuals was not affected, short-term studies might conclude forest herbs are unaffected by invasive shrubs. However, the growth and reproduction impacts documented here suggest that populations are impacted in the long-term.

[The relationship between growth habit of Lonicera japonica and quality of Flos Lonicerae]

The relation of growing and flowering rhythm of Lonicera japonica to the quality of Flos Lonicerae was studied. The result showed that the yield and quality of Flos Lonicerae were different in different plant age and collecting time,the best collecting time was in the completely white flower bud stage, the first and the second batch flower buds had the highest yield and the best quality.

[Analysis on the geologic background and physicochemical properties of cultivated soil of Flos Lonicerae in the geo-authentic and non-authentic producing areas]

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between the Geo-authentic and Geologic Background System (GBS) and physicochemical properties of cultivated soil in the Flos Lonicerae.

METHOD

The analysis on the physicochemical properties of cultivated soil, the geologic background system in 5 producing areas of Flos Lonicerae was compared.

RESULT

The distribution of genuine Flos Lonicerae was restricted by GBS, which was mainly restricted in the temperate continental monsoon semi-arid climate zone between north latitude 34-36 degrees and east longitude 113-118 degrees.

CONCLUSION

The most suitable soil for the genuine Flos Lonicerae is the neutral or weak alkali sandy loamy soil with higher ion exchanging capacity, and the soils from those producing areas are determined by soil-forming parent materials.