Association genetics of traits controlling lignin and cellulose biosynthesis in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa, Salicaceae) secondary xylem

AbstractBenzenoids (C6–C1 aromatic compounds) play important roles in plant defense and are often produced upon herbivory. Black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) produces a variety of volatile and nonvolatile benzenoids involved in various defense responses. However, their biosynthesis in poplar is mainly unresolved. We showed feeding of the poplar leaf beetle (Chrysomela populi) on P. trichocarpa leaves led to increased emission of the benzenoid volatiles benzaldehyde, benzylalcohol, and benzyl benzoate. The accumulation of salicinoids, a group of nonvolatile phenolic defense glycosides composed in part of benzenoid units, was hardly affected by beetle herbivory. In planta labeling experiments revealed that volatile and nonvolatile poplar benzenoids are produced from cinnamic acid (C6–C3). The biosynthesis of C6–C1 aromatic compounds from cinnamic acid has been described in petunia (Petunia hybrida) flowers where the pathway includes a peroxisomal-localized chain shortening sequence, involving cinnamate-CoA ligase (CNL), cinnamoyl-CoA hydratase/dehydrogenase (CHD), and 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase (KAT). Sequence and phylogenetic analysis enabled the identification of small CNL, CHD, and KAT gene families in P. trichocarpa. Heterologous expression of the candidate genes in Escherichia coli and characterization of purified proteins in vitro revealed enzymatic activities similar to those described in petunia flowers. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of the CNL subfamily in gray poplar (Populus x canescens) resulted in decreased emission of C6–C1 aromatic volatiles upon herbivory, while constitutively accumulating salicinoids were not affected. This indicates the peroxisomal β-oxidative pathway participates in the formation of volatile benzenoids. The chain shortening steps for salicinoids, however, likely employ an alternative pathway.

Download Full-text

Functional Characterisation of the Poplar Atypical Aspartic Protease Gene PtAP66 in Wood Secondary Cell Wall Deposition

Forests ◽

10.3390/f12081002 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (8) ◽

pp. 1002

Author(s):

Shenquan Cao ◽

Cong Wang ◽

Huanhuan Ji ◽

Mengjie Guo ◽

Jiyao Cheng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Wall ◽

Secondary Cell Wall ◽

Fluorescent Protein ◽

Secondary Xylem ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Wood Formation ◽

Protease Gene ◽

Cellulose Content ◽

Transcription Analysis ◽

Functional Characterisation

Secondary cell wall (SCW) deposition is an important process during wood formation. Although aspartic proteases (APs) have been reported to have regulatory roles in herbaceous plants, the involvement of atypical APs in SCW deposition in trees has not been reported. In this study, we characterised the Populus trichocarpa atypical AP gene PtAP66, which is involved in wood SCW deposition. Transcriptome data from the AspWood resource showed that in the secondary xylem of P. trichocarpa, PtAP66 transcripts increased from the vascular cambium to the xylem cell expansion region and maintained high levels in the SCW formation region. Fluorescent signals from transgenic Arabidopsis plant roots and transiently transformed P. trichocarpa leaf protoplasts strongly suggested that the PtAP66-fused fluorescent protein (PtAP66-GFP or PtAP66-YFP) localised in the plasma membrane. Compared with the wild-type plants, the Cas9/gRNA-induced PtAP66 mutants exhibited reduced SCW thickness of secondary xylem fibres, as suggested by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data. In addition, wood composition assays revealed that the cellulose content in the mutants decreased by 4.90–5.57%. Transcription analysis further showed that a loss of PtAP66 downregulated the expression of several SCW synthesis-related genes, including cellulose and hemicellulose synthesis enzyme-encoding genes. Altogether, these findings indicate that atypical PtAP66 plays an important role in SCW deposition during wood formation.

Download Full-text

Organ culture with black cottonwood: morphogenetic response of female catkin primordia

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b72-200 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 50 (7) ◽

pp. 1627-1631 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

K. S. Bawa ◽

R. F. Stettler

Keyword(s):

Organ Culture ◽

Vegetative Growth ◽

Callus Formation ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

General Tendency ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

Axillary Shoots ◽

Female Sex ◽

Female Catkin

Female catkin primordia of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa T. & G. ex Hook.) were cultured for 70 days on a modified Murashige and Skoog's (1962) medium in vitro. Explants 2–3 mm long, and with bud scales removed, gave the best results, many of them developing floral structures characteristic of the female sex. There was a general tendency to callus formation with increasing age of the culture, occasionally followed by a reversal to vegetative growth. Catkin primordia raised on Wolter's medium without auxin or kinetin, but with 6-benzylaminopurine, and at 250 ft-c for a 16-h photoperiod, proliferated axillary shoots in loco of pistils.

Download Full-text

Ecotypic mode of regional differentiation caused by restricted gene migration: a case in black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) along the Pacific Northwest coast

Canadian Journal of Forest Research ◽

10.1139/x08-190 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 519-525 ◽

Cited By ~ 34

Author(s):

Chang-Yi Xie ◽

Cheng C. Ying ◽

Alvin D. Yanchuk ◽

Diane L. Holowachuk

Keyword(s):

Genetic Differentiation ◽

Pacific Northwest ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Common Garden ◽

Northern Region ◽

Regional Differentiation ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

Gene Migration ◽

Geographic Patterns ◽

Leaf Flushing

Genetic differentiation of black cottonwood ( Populus balsamifera subsp. trichocarpa (Torr. & A. Gray ex Hook) Brayshaw) across a “no-cottonwood” belt on the coast of central British Columbia (BC), Canada, was examined using data on 3 year height, severity of infection by Valsa sordida Nitschke and Melampsora occidentalis H. Jacks., and abnormality of leaf flushing. The data were collected in a common-garden test consisting of 180 provenances of 36 drainages ranging from northern BC to Oregon, USA. The results demonstrated an ecotypic mode, north–south regional differentiation. Valsa sordida and M. occidentalis infected 41% and 89%, respectively, of the trees from the northern region, while 66% showed flushing abnormality. In contrast, only 1% and 27% of their southern counterparts were infected by the same diseases, and 1% had abnormal flushing. Trees from the northern region averaged 87% shorter than those from the south. Regional differentiation accounted for the highest amount of variation observed in all traits, with 60% in 3 year height, 34% in V. sordida, 76% in M. occidentalis, and 50% in abnormal leaf flushing. Regression analysis revealed geographic patterns that essentially reflected regional differentiation along the no-cottonwood belt. The species’ distribution biography, ecological characteristics, and life history suggest that restricted gene migration was the main factor responsible for the observed geographic patterns of genetic differentiation.

Download Full-text

Preemergence Control of Black Cottonwood in Nursery Containers

Journal of Environmental Horticulture ◽

10.24266/0738-2898-27.1.51 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 51-55

Author(s):

James E. Altland

Keyword(s):

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Effective Control ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

Cottonwood Trees ◽

Preemergence Herbicides

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate preemergence herbicides for control of black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) in nursery containers. In 2006, granular preemergence herbicides were applied to recently filled, weed-free containers in May just prior to seed release from mature cottonwood trees. Flumioxazin provided the most effective cottonwood control, although control with isoxaben + trifluralin, oxyfluorfen + oryzalin, and pendimethalin was also effective. In 2007, containers were filled February 15, and herbicides were applied to separate groups of containers on February 22, March 14, April 16, and May 15. Containers were over-seeded with cottonwood for a 2-week period starting on May 16. Control with most herbicides improved as the date of application neared the date of seeding. Flumioxazin provided the most effective control throughout the experiment, but control from it also improved as the date of application neared the time of seeding.

Download Full-text

Simulating Succession of Riparian Spruce Forests and White-Tailed Deer Carrying Capacity in Northwestern Montana

Western Journal of Applied Forestry ◽

10.1093/wjaf/2.3.80 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 2 (3) ◽

pp. 80-83 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kurt J. Jenkins ◽

R. Gerald Wright

Keyword(s):

Carrying Capacity ◽

River Flow ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Timber Harvesting ◽

Resource Monitoring ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

Winter Range ◽

Erosion Rates ◽

The North ◽

North Fork

Abstract Rates of succession were determined during the period 1945-80 in six floodplain plant communities along the North Fork of the Flathead River, Montana. A succession model was developed to forecast the long-range effects of land-use change on the carrying capacity of white-tailed deer winter range. The areas occupied by mature spruce (Picea englemannii x glauca hybrid) and spruce-black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa) forests on the floodplain were relatively constant between 1945-1980. Early seral types were more variable due to short-term variations in river flow. Successional modelling demonstrated the effects of two timber harvesting strategies on white-tailed deer populations. Simulated populations declined following two timber harvesting schedules, but recovered after cessation of harvest. An additional application of the model showed the potential effects of increased erosion rates on deer populations and demonstrated the versatility of land succession models for resource monitoring. West. J. Appl. For. 2(3):80-83, July 1987

Download Full-text

Genetic variation and productivity of Populus trichocarpa and its hybrids. X. Trait correlations in young black cottonwood from four river valleys in Washington

Trees ◽

10.1007/pl00009735 ◽

1998 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 28-39 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

J. M. Dunlap ◽

R. F. Stettler

Keyword(s):

Genetic Variation ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

River Valleys ◽

Trait Correlations

Download Full-text

STUDIES IN FOREST PATHOLOGY: XI. DECAY IN BLACK COTTONWOOD IN THE MIDDLE FRASER REGION, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b53-049 ◽

1953 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 675-692 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

G. P. Thomas ◽

D. G. Podmore

Keyword(s):

Early Stage ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Significant Loss ◽

Tree Age ◽

Relative Importance ◽

Average Volume ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

Infected Tree ◽

High Incidence ◽

Low Probability

A study of decay of black cotton wood, Populus trichocarpa Torr. and Gray, revealed that, although 70 species of fungi caused decay, only six caused significant loss in living trees and that two of these, Polyporus delectans Peck and Pholiota destruens (Brand.) Quél., caused 92% of this loss. The sporophores and associated decays of certain of the fungi are described and their relative importance is indicated. Data on the relation of decay to tree age showed that, despite a high incidence of infection, the average volume of decay per infected tree was low. In general, decay proved important only to the recovery of specialty products such as plywood. A significant reduction of strength was found to occur in wood containing an early stage of decay caused by P. destruens. The practicability of segregating trees having a high or low probability of being decayed was demonstrated through the use of decay indicators.

Download Full-text

THE RELATION OF BARK MOISTURE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANKER DISEASES CAUSED BY NATIVE, FACULTATIVE PARASITES: 2. FUSARIUM CANKER ON BLACK COTTONWOOD

Canadian Journal of Botany ◽

10.1139/b59-063 ◽

1959 ◽

Vol 37 (5) ◽

pp. 781-788 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

John E. Bier

Keyword(s):

Moisture Content ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Close Correlation ◽

Black Cottonwood ◽

Experimental Conditions ◽

Growing Period ◽

Average Temperature ◽

Fusarium Lateritium ◽

Dormant Season ◽

Canker Development

A close correlation was found to exist between the development of a bark canker in nursery-grown Populus trichocarpa Torrey and Gray, caused by Fusarium lateritium Nees., and the moisture content of the living bark. When bark moisture was expressed as a percentage of the amount of water required to saturate the sample under experimental conditions, relative turgidities of 80% or more inhibited canker development which, however, occurred normally at lower percentages. Studies of the epidemiology of Fusarium canker in the nursery afforded evidence in support of the limiting effect of bark moisture on canker development. Thus during the dormant season of 1957–58, the monthly average temperature was higher than the minimum temperature for the growth of F. lateritium on potato dextrose agar, and the relative turgidity did not reach the inhibiting value of 80%. Cankers continued to develop throughout this period. During the growing season while temperatures were still more favorable for fungus development, no extension of cankers occurred in the nursery trees, apparently because, during the growing period, the relative turgidity was in excess of 80%. Canker development was prevented during the winter by placing dormant cuttings in water, which likewise increased the moisture content of the bark above the 80% level.During the dormant season the bark of field-grown black cottonwoods maintained relative turgidity values of approximately 80% or higher and the disease could not be found on these trees.

Download Full-text

Clone and Analysis of Secondary Xylem Cellulose Synthase Gene Fragment from Populus ussuriensis

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.113-116.1908 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 113-116 ◽

pp. 1908-1913

Author(s):

Jiang Tao Shi ◽

Jian Li ◽

Yi Xing Liu ◽

Lei Xu

Keyword(s):

Populus Tremuloides ◽

Gene Sequence ◽

Secondary Xylem ◽

Sequence Similarity ◽

Populus Trichocarpa ◽

Wood Formation ◽

Cellulose Synthase ◽

Cellulose Synthase Gene ◽

Populus Ussuriensis ◽

Close Genetic Relationship

wood is the most abundant renewable resource and environmentally friendly energy source on the earth, it not only provides industrial raw materials for economic and social sustainable development, meanwhile, the biological process of wood formation which is mainly to sink the excessive carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can also play an active role in reducing “greenhouse effect”, so it is the contributor of green environment and human heath. Therefore, it is of great importance to explore the biosynthesis process and the wood formation mechanism of woods cellulose. This study adopted RT-PCR to clone gene fragments from the total RNA of populus ussuriensis secondary xylem, through sequence analysis, we found that its size was 487bp, which was named as PusC1，by means of blast comparative analysis, we found that the gene sequence similarity of this fragment and Populus trichocarpa cellulose synthase (XM 002305024.1) reached 94%, and its gene sequence similarity with Populus tremuloides PtrCesA1 and Populus tremula × Populus tremuloides xylem specificity cellulose synthase genes (AY573574.1) sequence could also reach 92%. Therefore, it is inferred to be populus ussuriensis xylem specificity cellulose synthase gene fragment. Through sequence similarity, we can also infer that populus ussuriensis has a close genetic relationship with Populus trichocarpa and belongs to cathay poplar species; while Populus tremuloides belongs to white poplar species and has a close genetic relationship with populus ussuriensis.

Download Full-text