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Gardenia jasminoides, a well-known traditional Chinese herb, has been extensively utilized for its being as stable pigment in food industry and as rich source of crocin in treatment of various cancers and cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, molecular data shortage of the organelle and nuclear genome vastly limits further biological research on G. jasminoides. In this study, complete chloroplast (cp) genome and large-scale nuclear genome sequences of G. jasminoides were initially generated by genome survey sequencing, and comprehensive genomic structure and comparison analyses were performed. The results showed that G. jasminoides cp genome displayed a typical quadripartite organization and was sized in 154,921 bp with 37.5% GC content. It contained 132 genes, 18 out of which were duplicated in the inverted repeat regions (IRs). Fifty long repeats (motif > 10 bp) and 27 simple sequence repeats were detected, and 30 usage-biased codons and 58 RNA-editing sites were predicted in G. jasminoides cp genome. The G. jasminoides cp genome was similar to those related species in Rubiaceae in terms of gene order and IR borders and a sister relationship of Gardenia and Coffea is strongly supported. Furthermore, the nuclear genome size of G. jasminoides was estimated to be 562.9 Mb, with heterozygosity rate being of 0.68%, repeat proportion of 51.6% and GC content of 36.44%. Overall, the data resources and findings generated in the present study will shed new light on the molecular and breeding studies on this important crocin-producing plant in the future.

Lithium-sulfur batteries are one of the most promising candidates for next-generation energy storage systems. The major challenge hindering their commercialization is the polysulfide shuttle effect, which causes a series of problems including the loss of active materials, corrosion of the lithium anode, low coulombic efficiency, and poor cycling performance. In this work, we develop a mesoporous silica-based cathode for efficient trapping of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs). This cathode material consists of mesoporous silica (HMS), highly dispersed NiO nanoparticles embedded in the silica structure, and a conductive polymer (polypyrrole-ppy) prepared by in situ polymerization. We employ the concept of both the physical and chemical entrapment of LiPSs, i.e., physically trapping LiPSs by spatial confinement of LiPSs in the silica porous structure and physical adsorption of LiPSs by the silica surface, and chemically binding LiPSs by highly dispersed NiO nanoparticles in the silica structure. The NiO/silica/ppy/S cathode exhibits good cycling stability and maintains over 700 mA h g-1 after 300 cycles. As far as we know, this is the first time that mesoporous silica has been directly employed as a sulfur host material, rather than an additive. The present study opens up a window for nanoporous silica to be employed as the sulfur host.

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) hold great potential as CO2 adsorbents; however, the long reaction time that is required for the preparation of MOFs by a hydrothermal or solvothermal method is a hu...

Manglietia conifera Dandy is a fast-growing tree species that has been introduced to China from Vietnam, which has great potential for commercial planting. However, plantation development is hindered by a lack of seed material, due to low natural seed-set in locally grown trees. Thus, we investigated the morphological characteristics of male and female flower organs, and conducted controlled pollination to understand the breeding systems of the species. The individual flower of M. conifera is bisexual, and the stamen group is polymerized at the base of the receptacle. Pollen is symmetrically distributed on both sides. Controlled pollination suggests that apomixis does not occur in M. conifera. Results from the flower structure, pollen&ndash, ovule ratio, outcrossing index, and controlled pollination indicated that the breeding system in M. conifera was outcrossing (partially self-compatible, pollinators required), and self-incompatibility occurred in a later stage of embryonic development. Moreover, the self-incompatibility phenomenon was revealed by the abnormal germination of pollen on the stigma. This paper provides a basis for controlled pollination programs of M. conifera.

International audience; Since the recovery of the first transgenic plant in the early 1980s, plant transformation technologies have enabled advances in many aspects of basic plant science, including nitrogen-fixing root endosymbioses. Using the biological vectors Agrobacterium tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes, gene constructs have been successfully introduced in the actinorhizal tree species Casuarina glauca, thereby paving the way for functional analysis of the key genes involved in the symbiotic process with the actinobacterium Frankia. In recent years, not only studies of gene promoters in transgenic Casuarinaceae, but also the use of RNA interference to down-regulate genes of interest, have provided new insights into the early stages of the interaction between the root system and the actinobacterium. Opportunities offered by recent developments in genome editing technologies based on the engineered nucleases ZFNs (zinc-finger nucleases), TALENs (transcription activator-like effector nucleases) and RNA-guided CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-associated protein/Cas) will be briefly presented.

Silica-supported amine adsorbents are extensively studied for CO2 capture. However, rational design of silica materials with specific pore structures as amine supports for large CO2 adsorption capacity, fast adsorption-desorption kinetics, easy regeneration, and good cyclic performance, still remains a challenge. Herein, we synthesize a series of ordered silicas with either bimodal or trimodal meso-macro porosities through a single- or double-templating route as supports for polyethylenimines (PEI) to make solid amine CO2 adsorbents. Bimodal silicas with textural mesopores and interconnected macropores are ideal supports at medium amine loading, illustrated by significantly high amine efficiencies, e.g., 50BPEI (800)/PS-80-00 achieves a CO2 uptake of 350 mg g−1 PEI at 75 °C, 1 bar, which is the one of the highest values among PEI/silica composites reported so far; however, further increase of amine loading leads to severe amine efficiency fading. In comparison, trimodal silicas with internal mesopores, textural mesopores, and interconnected macropores show outstanding performance at high amine loading, e.g., 70BPEI (800)/PS-80-187 exhibits a CO2 adsorption capacity of 215 mg g−1 adsorbent at 75 °C, 1 bar, which is one of the highest values among reported PEI/silica composites. Moreover, we also study the correlations of the CO2 adsorption capacity and kinetics, regeneration of adsorbent, and cyclic CO2 adsorption-desorption performance with the PEI type, PEI loading amount, and operation temperatures. This work brings insight into factors affecting the CO2 capture performance for amine-impregnated silica composites, providing an important guidance to design high-performance solid amine CO2 adsorbents in the near future.

Lithium-sulfur batteries with high energy density and low cost are widely recognized as one of the most promising next generation energy storage devices. However, their practical applications are hampered by the notorious polysulfide shuttle effect, which leads to a series of problems including the loss of active materials and poor cycling efficiency. We herein develop a Ni nanoparticles embedded in silica (Ni/SiO2) nanosheet spheres, which are mixed with graphene, and then coated on the separator as a highly effective lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) blocking layer. The Ni/SiO2/Graphene-modified separator is able to anchor LiPSs through affinity towards LiPSs by silica and Ni atoms, and enable rapid conversion between LiPSs and Li2S2/Li2S by abundant Ni catalytic sites. The mesoporous hollow structure of the Ni/SiO2 nanosheet spheres also facilitates Li+ diffusion. As a result, Li–S batteries with the Ni/SiO2/Graphene-modified separator achieve a stable cycling performance (specific capacity of 922 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, with the cyclic decay rate of 0.28%), coulombic efficiency of approximately 100%, and a high rate capability (782 mAh g−1 at 2 C). Our work provides an effective strategy to build a multifunctional separator for highly stable Li–S batteries.

An in vitro plant regeneration protocol via indirect organogenesis from morphogenetic callus was established for Casuarina cunninghamiana Miq. Effects of plant growth regulator NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid) and BAP (6-benzylaminopurine), sucrose and AgNO3 on callus induction, adventitious bud differentiation and shoot development were examined. Explants used were epicotyl fragments from 45-day-old seedlings. The largest callus (4.29 mm in diameter) was obtained after 1 month on a basic culture medium consisting of Murashige and Skoog ½ macro- and full strength micro- elements, Nitsch and Nitsch vitamins, supplemented with 0.54 μM NAA, 3.30 μM BAP, and 30 g L−1 sucrose. The calli were subcultured in the same medium above for 2 months. They were then cultured for another 2 months for adventitious bud differentiation and shoot development. The highest mean adventitious bud differentiation, number of shoots formed per callus and number of shoots ≥2 cm long per callus (47.50%, 27.38 and 4.75, respectively) were achieved on the above medium modified with NAA at 0.27 μM and supplemented with AgNO3 1 mg L−1. Shoots were successfully rooted without plant growth regulator and the rooted plantlets survived and grew normally. This protocol for in vitro plant regeneration provides a tool not only for vegetative propagation but also for plant genetic transformation and gene function studies of C. cunninghamiana.

Casuarina trees are planted along the coastal area of the South China as windbreaks, and in agroforestry systems and for wood and fuel wood production. At present, casuarina plantations cover about 300,000 hectares. Casuarina equisetifolia, C. cunninghamiana, C. glauca and C. junghuhniana are the most commonly planted species. A simple technique for the mass propagation of casuarina seedlings has been developed using cuttings rooted in water. A series of field trials have been carried with various Casuarina species, provenances and clones to screen for adaptability to biotic and abiotic stresses in different areas of China. Experiments conducted in the nursery, glasshouse and field showed that ectomycorrhizal (ECTM), arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or Frankia symbiotic associations play an important role in improved growth of managed casuarina plantations.

International audience; Using epicotyl fragments of the actinorhizal tree Casuarina cunninghamiana and the disarmed strain ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens C58C1 (pGV2260) containing the pBIN19-35S-GUSINT binary vector, a method for the genetic transformation of C. cunninghamiana was established. Transformed cells were initially selected for 2 weeks on nutrient medium supplemented with kanamycin 20 mg L-1 during callus induction, and then subcultured with 50 mg L-1 until adventitious bud and shootdifferentiation. Different factors involved in the earlystages of the T-DNA transfer process were studied. Agrobacterium-mediated DNA delivery was most successfulwhen epicotyl fragments excised from 45-day-old seedlings were co-cultivated with an exponentially growingculture of A. tumefaciens at an OD600nm of 0.3, for 5 daysin the presence of 50 lM of acetosyringone. Kanamycinresistant calli were observed on 88.89 % of the explantsand transgenic rooted C. cunninghamiana plants wereobtained in 6 months. Evidence of genetic transformationwas demonstrated by ß-glucuronidase histochemical assaysand polymerase chain reaction analyses. The possibility toobtain transgenic nitrogen-fixing nodules after inoculationby the soil actinomycete Frankia was established.

L’initiative de la Grande Muraille Verte (GMV), projet transcontinental, est une réponse de l’Afrique à la désertification, à la pauvreté et au changement climatique. Elle repose sur une approche concertée, multisectorielle, mettant en synergie des actions de lutte contre ces trois fléaux majeurs pour le continent africain. La particularité de la GMV est, tout en créant et consolidant une ligne de défense par des activités de reboisement et d’aménagement, de contribuer efficacement au développement intégré des zones rurales et d’aider à la lutte contre la pauvreté dans le cadre d’un développement durable. Il s’agit de l’installation et de la mise en valeur intégrée d’espèces végétales à valeur économique adaptées aux terres arides et aux particularités locales, de bassins de rétention, de systèmes de production agricoles et autres activités génératrices de revenus. La GMV intègre ainsi plusieurs systèmes des plantations artificielles anciennes ou nouvelles, des unités agro-sylvo-pastorales. Des zones de parcours villageoises ou intercommunautaires, des parcs animaliers, des réserves communautaires et des couloirs de migration de faune. Cet édifice transcontinental est une référence de modèle d’intégration sous-régional mettant en exergue une initiative originale initiée par des pays fortement assujettis aux phénomènes de désertification et de changement climatique Il constitue un Modèle Multisectoriel de Développement Intégré des Zones Andes (MDI/ZA). Dédié à la lutte contre tes effets et l’avancée de la désertification, à la restauration et la mise en valeur des zones dégradées et au mécanisme de développement propre dû à sa forte capacité de séquestration de carbone. L’ouvrage vise un large public, notamment les scientifiques, enseignants, décideurs, techniciens charges de la mise en œuvre de la GMV et permet d’apprécier l’originalité du projet dans son approche concertée et multisectorielle et ses résultats dans le développement intégré des zones arides a semi-arides.

Casuarina tree species belong to the Casuarinaceae family, which includes 4 genera and 96 species. Casuarina trees are native from Australia, Southeast Asia and Pacific archipelagoes. Casuarinas develop symbiotic associations with Frankia, ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal fungi. They have been introduced into tropical and subtropical zones in the world. Casuarinas are economically and ecologically important. They are multipurpose tree species providing a wide range of goods and services, such as windbreaks, sand stabilization, agroforestry and general rehabilitation for difficult sites. Casuarinas can be planted as pioneer species in hot-dry river valley, dry sandy soil, rock mountain and around desert. The wood is a main source of fuelwood and charcoal, for general construction, fiber-wood, and other wood-based industries.In this presentation, the potential of Casuarina species for the GGW will be described, together with sylvicultural techniques and Casuarina uses. A simple propagation technique that has been developed in China to produce a large number of the best Casuarina seedlings will be presented. Following field experiments, we will show that ectomycorrhizal (ECTM) or arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or Frankia-tree genotype symbiotic associations play an important role in improved management of Casuarina forest plantations.

Understanding the reproductive biology of plant species is essential for successful domestication and genetic improvement programs. Casuarina equisetifolia L. is an important plantation species in China and India but information on reproductive biology is limited. To address this issue, grafted ramets of C. equisetifolia were used to study floral biology, breeding system and progeny performance. The female floral longevity of C. equisetifolia reached 28.4 days under non-pollination conditions, which was significantly longer than that of supplementary pollination (5.5 days) and open pollination (12.2 days), implying successful pollination would accelerate senescence of female flowers. Higher fruit set (88.8%) and seed set (35.7%) under supplementary pollination were obtained, compared with 75.9% and 21.7%, respectively, under open pollination, although there were no fruit set and seed set under non-pollination conditions. Pollen limitation was evident based on pollen limitation index (0.39) in seedling plantations of C. equisetifolia. Selfed seedlings had low height and diameter growth in both nursery and field trials and markedly lower survival in field trial, indicating inbreeding depression. Microsatellite-based estimates of selfing rate of open pollinated, monoecious individuals was 42%, suggesting that monoecious C. equisetifolia individuals are self-compatible, and that the breeding system should be classified as facultative xenogamy.