Storage protein mobilization and thiol protease up-regulation by solid matrix priming in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seed embryos

Experiments were conducted to investigate physiological mechanisms of solid matrix priming (SMP) on germination enhancement of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) seeds. During SMP, osmotic potential in the embryo decreased by 0.65 MPa, concentration of crystalloid proteins decreased to 62% and concentrations of buffer soluble proteins and free amino acids increased by 22% and by 166%, respectively. Observations under an electron microscope demonstrated protein bodies in the embryo were mobilized. Inhibitor analysis indicated thiol protease was the dominant enzyme among endopiptidases to degrade the reserved proteins. A fragment of thiol protease was cloned from the primed seed embryos and it has high identities to those thiol proteases responsive to water stress. RNA get blot analysis showed a 1.5 kb thiol protease gene was up-regulated by SMP. Treatment with E64, a thiol protease inhibitor, negated SMP effects on germination performance, water potentials and protein profiles. Based on the experimental results, reserve protein mobilization induced by SMP in the embryo before radicle emergence might be one of the mechanisms to enhance germination in loblolly pine seeds.

Seed viability and dormancy mechanisms of Leucopogon melaleucoides Cunn. ex DC. (Epacridaceae)

Leucopogon melaleucoides, a flowering shrub, is desired by floricultural markets but is difficult to propagate. Seed viability was tested and dormancy mechanisms were studied to develop a commercial propagation system. Although around 56% of seed were viable, germination was completely inhibited unless the endocarp was removed. After-ripened seed (8 months after collection) germinated faster than fresh seed (2 days after collection), but germination occurred over a prolonged period (155 days). Germination of after-ripened seed was promoted with GA(3) or a commercial smoke product containing unknown plant growth regulators. All viable seed treated with GA(3) at 1000 mg L-1 had germinated after 24 days. The results suggest that both a physical and physiological dormancy mechanism occur for this species, with removal of the endocarp and pretreatment with 1000 mg L-1 GA(3) promoting complete germination of viable seed.

Adventitious root formation in cuttings of Backhousia citriodora F. Muell: 1. Plant genotype, juvenility and characteristics of cuttings

Backhousia citriodora is a commercially valuable Australian woody species that has a reputation for being recalcitrant in forming adventitious roots from cuttings. A study was carried out to determine whether maturation and plant genotype influenced rooting. It also tried to establish whether genotypic differences in rooting ability were related to characteristics of the cutting material. The rooting of cuttings in B. citriodora declines after maturation and is strongly influenced by genotype. The cutting characteristics of actively growing axillary buds, wide stems and mature leaves are associated with rooting and survival but not related to genotype. Furthermore, the 8-24 weeks required by B. citriodora to form roots from cuttings makes it difficult to distinguish between the characteristics that increase rooting and those characteristics that enhance survival. A subsequent disbudding experiment demonstrated that axillary buds per se have an inhibitory effect on rooting. This suggests that the presence of actively growing axillary buds are an indication of overall growth and condition of the stock plant unrelated to the formation of adventitious rooting. The effects of other cutting characteristics on rooting are also discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A simple sustained release device for the ethylene binding inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene

The efficacy of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) gas to prevent the adverse effects of ethylene is limited by its short-term residual activity in some plants. Development of a simple 1-MCP sustained release device that prolongs 1-MCP exposure is reported herein. Sustained release devices comprised of polyvinylchloride tubes containing 0.1 g SmartFresh(TM) powder (a.i. 3.3% 1-MCP) and 1.25 ml deionised water were used to release 1-MCP into fibreboard cartons containing cut Geraldton waxflower (Chamelaucium uncinatum Schauer) cv. CWA Pink bunches during export shipment by air (107 h) from Australia to the UK. The devices protected flowers against abscission induced by subsequent test exposures to ethylene (1011,mul l(-1), 12 h, 20 degreesC) for 3-5 days after arrival. In contrast, pre-shipment treatments with either a single application of 790 nl l(-1) 1-MCP for 14 h at 2 degreesC or a 0.2 mM Ag+ (as silver thiosulphate; STS) pulse for 14 h at 2 degreesC protected flowers against exogenous ethylene for only 1-2 days of post-export life. However, pre-shipment 1-MCP fumigation was up to about three-fold more effective than either sustained 1-MCP release or pre-shipment STS treatments in reducing floral organ and leaf abscission from bunches during export. Thus, it is suggested that a combination of pre-shipment 1-MCP fumigation before export with sustained 1-MCP release during shipment should maximise efficacy against ethylene-induced waxflower flower abscission. (C) 2004 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.

Elicitors of induced disease resistance in postharvest horticultural crops: a brief review

Increasing loss of conventional fungicides due to pathogen resistance and general unacceptability in terms of public and environmental risk have favoured the introduction of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes. Induction of natural disease resistance (NDR) in harvested horticultural crops using physical, biological and/or chemical elicitors has received increasing attention over recent years, it being considered a preferred strategy for disease management. This article reviews the enhancement of constitutive and inducible antifungal compounds and suppression of postharvest diseases through using elicitors. The effect of timing of pre- and/or postharvest elicitor treatment and environment on the degree of elicitation and the potential for inducing local acquired resistance, systemic acquired resistance and/or induced systemic resistance to reduce postharvest disease is discussed. The review highlights that more applied and basic research is required to understand the role that induced NDR can play in achieving practical suppression of postharvest diseases as part of an IPM approach. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Sensitivity of Geraldton waxflower to ethylene-induced flower abscission is reduced at low temperature

Exposure to ethylene gas elicits flower abscission from cut stems of Geraldton waxflower (Chamelaucium uncinatum Schauer). Ethylene response rates in plants are mediated by temperature. At 20degreesC, flower abscission from waxflower 'Purple Pride' occurred upon 12 h exposure to I mu11(-1) ethylene. This ethylene treatment did not cause flower abscission at either 10 or 2degreesC. Moreover, flowers held at 2degreesC were insensitive to 48 h exposure to 1, 10 and 100 mu11(-1) ethylene. However, increasing the duration of treatment with I mu11(-1) ethylene at 10 and 2degreesC to 48 and 144 h, respectively, induced flower abscission. When flowers were held at 20degreesC in air without exogenous ethylene following continuous exposure to I mu11(-1) ethylene at 2degreesC, the duration required to elicit flower abscission was reduced from 144 to 72 It. Collectively, these responses show that maintaining harvested waxflower at low temperature (e.g. 2degreesC) is an effective means to minimise ethylene-mediated flower abscission.

Characteristics of banana fruit from nearby organic versus conventional plantations: A case study

This case study reports the post-harvest qualities of conventionally versus organically grown banana fruit from nearby plantations in the Dominican Republic. The comparison involved six repeated harvests over the transition from cooler to hotter seasons. Green mature Cavendish 'Grande Naine' banana fruit were shipped to the UK. They were triggered to ripen with ethylene gas and kept under simulated retail conditions. Fruit mass, colour, firmness and flavour parameters were measured every second day over 12 d of shelf life. Sensory comparisons were conducted on four of the six harvest times. Significant differences (P<0.05) in measured quality attributes between conventionally and organically grown fruit were few and marginal. Moreover, any differences were inconsistent across harvest-times and during shelf life. Thus, organically and conventionally grown product had almost identical qualities. Sensory comparison confirmed that there was no flavour difference. This case study provides data that challenge a general perception that organic bananas have better flavour than conventional bananas.

Effects of vase solution pH and abscisic acid on the longevity of cut 'Baccara' roses

Abscisic acid (ABA) supplied in the vase solution can induce stomatal closure in the leaves of cut flowers, including roses (Rosa hybrida L.). This effect may be beneficial in reducing water deficit stress. Extracellular pH can affect active ABA concentrations in the apoplast of guard cells, with sap alkalisation enhancing the physiological activity of ABA. Accordingly, it was hypothesized that vase solution pH may affect ABA-mediated stomatal closure of cut roses. Two experiments were conducted to study the interaction of vase solution pH and ABA. In the first, cut 'Baccara' roses were held in vase solutions with +/- 10(-5) M ABA at pH 6, pH 7 and pH 8. In the second experiment, roses were held with +/- 10(-5) M ABA at pH 6 and pH 8 in the presence and absence of 1 mg l(-1) AgNO3 as a bactericide. Supply of ABA increased vase life and reduced vase solution usage of flowers held in low pH 6 solutions, indicating induction of stomatal closure. Conversely, ABA supplied at pH 8 was associated with reduced vase life. This negative result was associated with enhanced development of vase solution microbes at high pH, which overrode any potential pH-mediated ABA efficacy effects.

Adventitious root formation in cuttings of Backhousia citriodora F. Muell 2. Seasonal influences of temperature, rainfall, flowering and auxins on the stock plant

A 2-year study was carried out on established trees at two sites in southeastern Queensland, Australia, to identify environmental factors that influenced rooting of Backhousia citriodora from cuttings. Complex interactions of rainfall events above 20 mm from the preceding month and mean maximum temperature on stock plants resulted in a correlation with rooting success of r = 0.81 and 0.74 for sites at The University Of Queensland, Gatton Campus, and Cedar Glen, respectively. A more detailed investigation under controlled environmental conditions showed that maintaining stock plants at temperatures between 10 and 30degreesC had no direct effect on rooting capacity. However, temperature was correlated with growth, which may have an indirect effect on root formation. In spring floral initiation was found to only delay rooting and had no effect on the final rooting percentage. A series of seasonal experiments demonstrated that application of the auxins indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-butyric acid and napthaleneacetic acid over a range of concentrations (1000-8000 mug/ml) did not significantly increase rooting compared to the control and there is no practical advantage in applying auxins. Seasonal results and the temperature experiment also suggest that under a glasshouse environment with higher temperatures in winter and an adequate supply of water, B. citriodora cuttings can be successfully rooted over the whole year. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.