Type designation of the oaks Quercus ballota and Q. rotundifolia (Fagaceae)

The names Quercus ballota and Q. rotundifolia (Fagaceae), referring to taxa sometimes considered conspecific with the widely distributed Q. ilex, are discussed and typified. A specimen preserved at MPU is designated as the lectotype of Desfontaines's name Q. ballota. Lamarck's name Q. rotundifolia is neotypified using a specimen preserved at VAL, with several duplicates in other European herbaria.     

Polyphenol deposition in leaf hairs of Olea europaea (Oleaceae) and Quercus ilex (Fagaceae)

The subcellular localization (cytoplasm, vacuoles, cell walls) of polyphenol compounds during the development of the multicellular nonglandular leaf hairs of Olea europaea (scales) and Quercus ilex (stellates), was investigated. Hairs of all developmental stages were treated with specific inducers of polyphenol fluorescence, and the bright yellow-green fluorescence of individual hairs was monitored with epifluorescence microscopy. During the early ontogenetic stages, bright fluorescence was emitted from the cytoplasm of the cells composing the multicellular shield of the scales of O. europaea. Transmission electron micrographs of the same stages showed that these cells possessed poor vacuolation and thin cell walls. The nucleus of these cells may be protected against ultraviolet-B radiation damage. The progressive vacuolation that occurred during maturation was followed by a shifting of the bright green-yellow fluorescence from the perinuclear region and the cytoplasm to the cell walls. The same trends were observed during the development of the nonglandular stellate hairs of Quercus ilex, in which maturation was also accompanied by a considerable secondary thickening of the cell walls. Despite the differences in morphology, high concentrations of polyphenol compounds are initially located mainly in the cytoplasm of the developing nonglandular hairs, and their deposition on the cell walls takes place during the secondary cell wall thickening. These structural changes during the development of the leaf hairs make them a very effective barrier against abiotic (uv-B radiation) and probably biotic (pathogenic) stresses.     

Comparative leaf surface morphology and molecular data of five oaks of the subgenus Quercus Oerst (Fagaceae)

Abstract

Comparisons between different data sets are important in taxonomic studies, particularly for complex taxa such as the genus Quercus. However, there is scarce literature on comparative morphological and molecular analyses in oaks. Here we describe an experimental approach based on the correlation between micromorphological features and molecular data in order to characterize and discriminate among five closely related species: Q. robur, Q. petraea, Q. frainetto, Q. pubescens and Q. virgiliana.     

The serrate leaf margined Juniperus (Section Sabina) of the western hemisphere: systematics and evolution based on leaf essential oils and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs)

The volatile leaf essential compositions of all 17 serrate leaf margin species of Juniperus (sect. Sabina) of the western hemisphere are reported and compared: J. angosturana, J. ashei, J. californica, J. coahuilensis, J. comitana, J. deppeana, J. durangensis, J. flaccida, J. gamboana, J. jaliscana, J. monosperma, J. monticola, J. osteosperma, J. occidentalis, J. pinchotii, J. saltillensis, and J. standleyi. A number of previously unidentified compounds of the leaf essential oils have now been identified. In addition, DNA data (RAPDs) of all these species were analyzed. Both the leaf essential oils and DNA show these species to be quite distinct with few apparent subgroups, such that the species groupings were not strong in either data set. These data support the hypothesis that this group of junipers originated in Mexico as part of the Madro-Tertiary flora by rapid radiation into new arid land habitats, leaving few extant intermediate taxa.     

Geometric morphometric analyses of leaf variation in four oak species of the subgenus Quercus (Fagaceae)

Abstract

This paper defines a protocol for the study of leaf morphology and morphometric relationships among Quercus frainetto, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea and Quercus pubescens. Leaf shapes were investigated in an attempt to characterize and discriminate among these four species. Landmark and outline data were compared in order to ascertain their relative efficacy for describing variation in leaf morphology. MANOVA was performed to assess intra‐specific differentiation and to compare the distribution of variance in individuals, populations and species. A strong correlation was found between landmark and outline datasets of the four species: both methods proved capable of discriminating among the four species. Finally, a Two‐Block Partial Least‐Squares analysis was performed for each species in order to assess the correlation between intra‐specific shape variation and environmental factors.     

Sex ratio and reproductive effort in the dioecious Juniperus communis subsp. alpina (Suter) Celak. (Cupressaceae) along an altitudinal gradient

The hypothesis that reproductive cost differs between sexes was tested in Juniperus communis subsp. alpina along an altitudinal gradient. Sex ratio (male : female) increased significantly with elevation, and above 2,600 m it was significantly male-biased. The reproductive effort was markedly greater for females than for males at all elevations. However, over 3 years of study, the growth of the females, measured as elongation of the main axes, was similar to that of the males. In both sexes, growth decreased with increasing elevation. Neither size of the ripe seed cones, nor the number of developed seeds per cone varied with elevation. The percentage of filled seeds was significantly greater at higher elevations indicating more favourable conditions for wind pollination in these stands. However, cone production decreased with elevation and so, reproductive success of J. communis subsp. alpina in Sierra Nevada decreases towards both upper and lower altitudinal distribution limits. The results do not support the hypothesis of differential reproductive cost between sexes; thus, alternative arguments to explain the altitudinal variation of sex ratio are discussed.     

Genetic Variation in Fragmented Forest Stands of the Andean Oak Quercus humboldtii Bonpl. (Fagaceae)1

Quercus humboldtii is a montane forest dominant species in Colombia, which has experienced significant habitat loss. Using three microsatellite loci, we compared the genetic diversity of adults and seedlings in fragments of small and large size. Results show high genetic diversity, comparable to other temperate oak species (H_o= 0.813, H_e= 0.780, and f=?0.044). However, allelic richness reduction in seedlings of the most fragmented part of the landscape, suggested restricted gene flow and risk of future genetic bottlenecks, if larger tracts of forest disappear.     

A comparative study of ×Cupressocyparis leylandii clones (Cupressaceae) by gas chromatographic analysis of their leaf oils*

The essential oils isolated from foliage of various clones of x Cupressocyparis leylandzi were analyzed by gas chromatography to determine whether the oils could be used as aids in clonal identification. Several botanical gardens supplied foliage which was submitted to hydrodistillation. The oils were isolated under standardized conditions and then analyzed. Comparison of the oil components (mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons) revealed that it is possible to identify, on the basis of the composition of the monoterpene hydrocarbon mixture, clones 1–6 as a group and clones 10 and 11 individually. The composition of the oils from foliage of the widely propagated clones 1,2, 10 and 11 is given in more detail.     

The effects of seed size, cotyledon reserves, and herbivory on seedling survival and growth in Quercus rugosa and Q. laurina (Fagaceae)

In a greenhouse experiment, seedling survival of two oak species (Quercus rugosa and Q. laurina) was greatly affected by the excision of cotyledons 1 mo after germination, with a greater impact on Q. laurina. The effect of seed size was also significant for both species, with a positive correlation between seed mass and survival and growth. The effect of cotyledon excision on seedling growth persisted throughout the first growing season in Q. rugosa and was not analyzed for Q. laurina due to the low number of seedlings that survived cotyledon excision. Seed size significantly affected seedling height, diameter, leaf area, and biomass at 6 mo. Seed size and cotyledon retention affected the ability of Q. rugosa to recover from herbivory, as both factors had a significant effect on relative growth rates after aerial biomass removal. The results show that seedlings originating from large seeds can better endure loss of cotyledons and aerial biomass and thus are better equipped to confront stress early in their lives.     

Anatomical and developmental study of petrified Quercus (Fagaceae) fruits from the Middle Miocene, Yakima Canyon, Washington, USA

The first reported petrified acorns to show internal anatomical structure are here described from Middle Miocene (～15.6 million years old) chert of the Columbia River Basalt Group in Yakima Canyon, Washington. Quercus hiholensis Borgardt et Pigg sp. nov. is described from anatomical and morphological fruit features, as well as a little recognized anatomical feature, the umbilical complex. Acorns, each comprising a nut and its cupule, are up to 15.3 mm long and 18.8 mm wide with helically arranged, imbricate, tuberculate cupule scales. They show basal aborted ovules, short styles, broad stigmas, and lack grooves in their cotyledons. These characters and the developmental pattern seen in these fossil acorns demonstrate that Q. hiholensis conforms to genus Quercus (Fagaceae), subgenus Quercus, section Quercus (the white oaks). The correspondence of Q. hiholensis to the modern section Quercus reveals that the derived floral and fruit characters that distinguish section Quercus within the genus had evolved by the Middle Miocene.     

A phenetic study of the taxonomic delimitation of Quercus acutifolia and Q. conspersa (Fagaceae)

A phenetic study ofQuercus acutifolia andQ. conspersa (Fagaceae) is carried out. The study was based on morphological characters, and included cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The results revealed that the characters employed so far to separateQuercus acutifolia andQ. conspersa seem to be quite unreliable. Nevertheless, both species can still be recognized as taxonomically different entities, although mostly based on characters of leaf margins. We propose that the individuals that have leaves with dentate-aristate margins correspond toQ. acutifolia, whereas those that have leaves with entire and not dentate-aristate margins belong toQ. conspersa.     

典型城区与郊区环境大叶黄杨气体交换及叶绿素荧光特性比较

采用Li-6400便携式光合作用测定系统对夏秋季典型城区与郊区环境下大叶黄杨的气体交换和叶绿素荧光特性进行了现场实验比较研究.研究显示,叶片净光合速率的大小由总光合速率(光合能力)和呼吸速率共同决定,城区环境温度较高、相对湿度较低、大气CO2浓度较高, 不同月份城区和郊区样点大叶黄杨的净光合速率差异显著性存在不同.城区环境下大叶黄杨的胞间CO2浓度、叶面水气压亏缺、蒸腾速率高于郊区环境.城区环境中温度、大气CO2浓度等的变化会影响叶片呼吸作用,造成呼吸速率升高或是降低,城区环境中污染物浓度变化也会损伤叶片光合结构从而导致总光合能力降低,这两者都会引起净光合速率的变化.通过大叶黄杨叶片叶绿素荧光指标的进一步对比分析发现,城区大叶黄杨叶片叶绿素总量、叶绿素a/b、Fv/Fm、Fv/Fo、qP、ΦPSⅡ、ETR降低,但qN升高.表明叶片叶绿体PSⅡ的功能受到负面影响.城区大叶黄杨叶片荧光参数的变化,从微观机制上表明城区环境中污染物浓度的上升导致叶绿素及叶绿体光合结构受损的确是叶片光合能力下降的主要原因之一.     

Reduction of molecular gas diffusion through gaskets in leaf gas exchange cuvettes by leaf‐mediated pores

There is an ongoing debate on how to correct leaf gas exchange measurements for the unavoidable diffusion leakage that occurs when measurements are done in non‐ambient CO₂ concentrations. In this study, we present a theory on how the CO₂ diffusion gradient over the gasket is affected by leaf‐mediated pores (LMP) and how LMP reduce diffusive exchange across the gaskets. Recent discussions have so far neglected the processes in the quasi‐laminar boundary layer around the gasket. Counter intuitively, LMP reduce the leakage through gaskets, which can be explained by assuming that the boundary layer at the exterior of the cuvette is enriched with air from the inside of the cuvette. The effect can thus be reduced by reducing the boundary layer thickness. The theory clarifies conflicting results from earlier studies. We developed leaf adaptor frames that eliminate LMP during measurements on delicate plant material such as grass leaves with circular cross section, and the effectiveness is shown with respiration measurements on a harp of Deschampsia flexuosa leaves. We conclude that the best solution for measurements with portable photosynthesis systems is to avoid LMP rather than trying to correct for the effects.     

Effects of elevated CO2 on leaf gas exchange in beech and oak at two levels of nutrient supply: consequences for sensitivity to drought in beech

Beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) were grown from seed for two whole seasons at two CO₂ concentrations (ambient and ambient + 250 μmol mol^?1) with two levels of soil nutrient supply. Measurements of net leaf photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (g_s) of well-watered plants were taken over both seasons; a drought treatment was applied in the middle of the second growing season to a separate sample of beech drawn from the same population. The net leaf photosynthetic rate of well-watered plants was stimulated in elevated CO₂ by an average of 75% in beech and 33% in oak; the effect continued through both growing seasons at both nutrient levels. There were no interactive effects of CO₂ concentration and nutrient level on A or g_s in beech or oak. Stomatal conductance was reduced in elevated CO₂ by an average of 34% in oak, but in beech there were no significant reductions in g_s except under cloudy conditions (–22% in elevated CO₂). During drought, there was no effect of CO₂ concentration on g_s in beech grown with high nutrients, but for beech grown with low nutrients, g_s was significantly higher in elevated CO₂, causing more rapid soil drying. With high nutrient supply, soil drying was more rapid at elevated CO₂ due to increased leaf area. It appears that beech may substantially increase whole-plant water consumption in elevated CO₂, especially under conditions of high temperature and irradiance when damage due to high evaporative demand is most likely to occur, thereby putting itself at risk during periods of drought.     

热带雨林恢复演替中优势树种黄桐气体交换对环境的响应

用Li-6400便携式光合测定系统(Li-CorInc.,USA)对海南岛热带山地雨林恢复演替先锋建群种黄桐(EndospermumchinenseBenth.)叶片的气体交换特征及其对环境的响应进行了测定。结果表明:(1)净光合速率(Pn)、气孔导度(Gs)、蒸腾速率(E)日变化均为双峰型曲线。出现"午睡"原因是光合有效辐射(PPFD)不足和Gs的关闭,不是强光抑制和水分胁迫。(2)叶片Pn大小与Gs、E、PPFD、气温(Ta)和叶面温度(Tl)等为密切的正比关系,与胞间CO2浓度(Ci)、大气CO2浓度(Ca)和大气相对湿度(RH)等相关度极低甚至是负相关,光饱和点(LSP)较高,表现出阳性树种特性。(3)短期高Ca作用会引起Gs、E的降低和Pn增高。Ca倍增,则Pn提高了70%,E降低4.43%,水分利用效率(WUE)提高78%。(4)叶片Pn日平均值和日最大值分别达6.40±0.17、11.60μmolCO2/(m2·s),表现出速生性。     

Leaf gas exchange,physiological growth,yield and biochemical properties of groundnut as influenced by boron in soilless culture

Crops specific proper concentration of micronutrient application is necessary to improve the yield and quality of crops. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to identify the optimum dose of boron for groundnut plant. Six level of boron (B) application, B₀ (0?ppm), B₁ (0.5?ppm), B₂ (1?ppm), B₃ (2?ppm), B₄ (4?ppm) and B₅ (8?ppm) were evaluated. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration and stomatal conductance were increased for boron application but leaf vapor pressure deficit decreased. Physiological growth parameters, yield and yield contributing character, and shelling percentage was highest for B₃. The values of biochemical traits including protein, oil and vitamin E content were higher for B₄. Thus, leaf gas exchange showed that boron can be used to culture groundnut as it provides high yield and biochemical properties.     

Water relations and gas exchange in Fagus sylvatica L. and Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl. in a mixed stand at their southern limit of distribution in Europe

Water status and gas exchange of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and sessile oak [Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Liebl.] were studied in a mixed stand in the Montejo de la Sierra forest (central Iberian Peninsula), one of the southernmost locations of both species in Europe. Gas exchange and water potential were measured in leaves at different canopy levels over several days in two growing seasons. The daily variation pattern was established with the measurements of three selected dates per year, representative of the soil moisture content situations in early, mid- and late summer. A similar daily time course of leaf water potential was found for the two species. Nevertheless, beech showed a most noticeable decrease of water potential at midmorning and maintained lower leaf water potential than oak in the early afternoon. In 1994 the sessile oak saplings showed higher values of predawn water potential (Ψ_pd) than beech at the end of summer, when soil moisture content was lowest (20 cm depth). Beech showed a significantly lower net assimilation rate (A) than sessile oak for leaves under the same PPFD. Maximum net photosynthesis values (A _max) for beech and sessile oak on sunny leaves were 10.1±0.4 μmol m^–2 s^–1 and 17.8±1.7 μmol m^–2 s^–1 respectively, and those for water vapour stomatal conductance (g _wv) were 265±31 mmol m^–2 s^–1 and 438±74 mmol m^–2 s^–1. Differences in A and g _wv between the two species were maintained throughout the day on all measurement dates. No clear relationship was found between water status of saplings and stomata performance; there was only a negative correlation between Ψ_pd and g _wvmid in beech. Nevertheless, a significant response to the air vapour pressure gradient between leaf and air was translated into stomata closure on an hourly basis, more intensively in beech. Received: 4 March 1999 / Accepted: 21 December 1999