Notes on the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Inocybe</Emphasis> of Japan: II

Three species of the genus Inocybe are reported as new species or a new record from Japan. Inocybe ovoidea sp. nov. and Inocybe furcata sp. nov. are described from Hokkaido. The distribution of caulocystidia in the former is noted. Inocybe oblectabilis is redescribed based on specimens collected in Honshu. This is the first record of I. oblectabilis for Japan.     

Notes on the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Inocybe</Emphasis> of Japan. IV. Species having metuloids collected from Hokkaido,Honshu, and Kyushu

This fourth paper in the series considers five species of Inocybe occurring in Hokkaido, Honshu, and Kyushu. (1) Inocybe furfurea (section Tardae) is recorded from Hokkaido as new to Japan. (2) Inocybe luteola sp. nov. (section Tardae) is described from eastern Honshu (Chiba). It has smooth basidiospores and thick-walled caulocystidia descending to the middle of the stipe. (3) Inocybe napiformis sp. nov. [section Inocybe (= Cortinatae)], known from Hokkaido, appears close to Inocybe napipes, but characters of the metuloids distinguish the two species. (4) Inocybe grammata (section Marginatae) is recorded from Hokkaido and Nagano as new to Japan. (5) Inocybe pyriformis sp. nov. (section Marginatae) is described from Kyushu (Miyazaki). It has nodulose basidiospores and caulocystidia wholly covering the stipe surface. However, I. pyriformis is not typical in the section, lacking a marginate bulbous base in its stipe.     

Systematic review of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bothrocara</Emphasis> Bean 1890 (Teleostei: Zoarcidae)

The systematics of the eelpout genus Bothrocara Bean 1890 is reviewed on the basis of 941 specimens. Eight mostly eurybathic, demersal species are recognized, distributed mainly along the continental slopes of the North and South Pacific oceans, with one species entering the South Atlantic. Distributions are: B. brunneum ranges from the Sea of Okhotsk to the Gulf of Panama at depths of 199–1,829 m; B. elongatum ranges from the Gulf of Panama to Chile at depths of 720–1,866 m; B. hollandi ranges from the Sea of Japan to the southeastern Bering Sea at depths of 150–1,980 m; B. molle ranges from the western Bering Sea to the South Atlantic at depths of 106–2,688 m; B. nyx is known only from the eastern Bering Sea at depths of 790–1,508 m; B. pusillum ranges from the northern Bering Sea to British Columbia, Canada, at depths of 55–642 m; B. tanakae is found along the northern coasts of Honshu and Hokkaido islands, Japan, at depths of 274–892 m; B. zestum ranges from the Izu Islands, Japan, and central Honshu, Japan, to the Gulf of Alaska at depths of 199–1,620 m (an unidentifiable specimen from off Taiwan may be B. zestum). The species are distinguished from one another mainly on the basis of head pore patterns, gill raker morphology, coloration and various meristic and morphometric values. A determination key to the species is provided.     

Ploidy, geographical distribution and morphological differentiation of Parasenecio auriculata (Senecioneae; Asteraceae) in Japan

Parasenecio auriculata is a woodland perennial herb widely distributed in Northeastern Asia, constituted by a poorly understood polyploidy with a diploid (2n=2x=60) and a tetraploid (2n=4x=120). In this study, for a better understanding of the polyploidal evolution, cytogeography and morphological variation were analyzed in Japanese P. auriculata, including two varieties; var. bulbifera endemic to central Hokkaido and var. kamtschatica widely distributed in northern Honshu and Hokkaido. The occurrence of two polyploidal levels was reconfirmed. While var. bulbifera is predominantly tetraploid, var. kamtschatica is comprised of diploid and tetraploid. Morphological variation among 22 quantitative characteristics is continuous and not distinctive among cytotypes or varieties, but plant size tended to be larger in the order, diploid of var. kamtschatica, var. bulbifera, and tetraploid of var. kamtschatica. The cytotype distribution showed a conspicuous geographical pattern. Besides var. bulbifera endemic to the central Hokkaido, the diploid of var. kamtschatica is mainly found in Southern Hokkaido, and the tetraploid has a disjunct distribution in eastern and northern Hokkaido and northern Honshu. Such a geographical pattern is possibly attributable to the differentiation of climatic preference among cytotypes and varieties, and may have been established in association with the climatic cline along the Japanese archipelago.     

Intraspecific Genetic Diversity of Undaria pinnatifida in Japan, based on the Mitochondrial cox3 Gene and the ITS1 of nrDNA

The intraspecific genetic diversity of the kelp Undaria pinnatifida (Harvey) Suringar (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) was investigated using DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 3 (cox3) gene and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) of nuclear ribosomal DNA in plants collected from 21 localities along the Japanese coast between 2001 and 2003. Morphological variation was also examined and compared with the genetic diversity. Cox3 analyses of 106 plants revealed 9 haplotypes (I–IX) that differed from each other by 1–7 bp (all synonymous substitutions). Haplotype I was distributed in Hokkaido and the northern Pacific coast of Honshu, while haplotype III was found along the Sea of Japan coast of Honshu. Other types were found along the central and southern coast of Honshu. ITS1 analyses of 42 plants revealed 0–1.7% nucleotide differences, but plants from the Sea of Japan coast and northern Japan had similar sequences. The lower genetic differentiation along the Sea of Japan and northern coasts might be due to the recent establishment (after the middle of the last glacial period) of the Sea of Japan flora. The cox3 haplotype of cultivated plants was found in natural populations occurring close to cultivation sites (Naruto, Tokushima Pref., and Hokutan, Hyogo Pref.). This suggests that cultivated plants possibly escaped and spread or crossed with plants of natural populations. Morphological analyses of variation in 10 characters were conducted using 66 plants. The results showed no significant local variation owing to the wide variation in each population and did not support any forma previously described. No correlations between the morphological characters and cox3 haplotypes were detected.     

Taxonomic review of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cottiusculus</Emphasis> (Cottoidei: Cottidae) with description of a new species from the Sea of Japan

A taxonomic review of the cottid genus Cottiusculus Jordan and Starks 1904 established three species, C. nihonkaiensis sp. nov., C. schmidti, and C. gonez. Cottiusculus nihonkaiensis sp. nov., which had been previously confused with C. schmidti, is described on the basis of 32 specimens (44.8–77.9 mm, SL) collected from the Sea of Japan. The new species is very similar to C. schmidti in having a curved barbless uppermost preopercular spine and the lateral line extending past the caudal fin base, but is distinguishable as follows: nasal spines simple or sometimes weakly bicuspid (vs. deeply bicuspid in C. schmidti); first dorsal fin not elongated in either males or females (vs. elongated in males); ventral lateral and lateral line cirri present (vs. absent). The former is known from the Sea of Japan coasts of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and the Korean Peninsula, and Volcano Bay, Hokkaido, and the latter from the Pacific coast of Tohoku District, Japan. Cottiusculus gonez, known from the Sea of Japan, Sea of Okhotsk and Pacific coast of Hokkaido, is characterized by having a simple nasal spine, the uppermost preopercular spine almost straight with two small cusps dorsally, posterior cusp barbed, and the lateral line almost reaching to the caudal fin base. A lectotype of C. gonez is designated here. Sequence differences in the cytochrome b gene among the above three species of Cottiusculus are also presented.     

Stand and self-thinning dynamics in natural <Emphasis Type="Italic">Abies</Emphasis> stands in northern Hokkaido,Japan

Stand dynamics and self-thinning were analyzed in relation to the dynamics of above-ground biomass in natural Abies sachalinensis stands growing on sand dunes in northern Hokkaido, Japan. This was done in order to examine wave-type regeneration in the stands. Fifty-two plots were established in almost pure Abies stands that ranged from saplings to the mature and collapsing growth stages. Above-ground biomass and tree height reached asymptotic levels prior to the collapsing phase, unlike wave-regeneration Abies stands in central Japan and North America. Stand density was high in the young growth stages, but the self-thinning rate, that is, the density decrease per biomass growth in the study stands was greater than in wave-regeneration stands in central Japan, as indicated by a large self-thinning exponent (–1.26 by reduced major axis regression). The range of tree height distribution was very narrow, and the stands vertical structure was typically single-layered. The slenderness ratio of trees was large, except in young stands. In mature and collapsing stands, advanced seedling density increased markedly. These stand and tree characteristics were considered to be correlated with the wave-type regeneration in the study stands, and it is assumed that prevailing winds affect tree mortality.     

A new record of the tobacco thrips <Emphasis Type="Italic">Frankliniella fusca</Emphasis> (Hinds) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) from Japan

The tobacco thrips, Frankliniella fusca, which is known as a vector of TSWV and Pantoea ananatis causing center rot of onion, and a serious pest of tobacco, cotton and groundnuts in North America, is newly recorded from the bulbs of Narcissus pseudonarcissus in Honshu, mainland Japan. Two strains were found in Shimane Prefecture. One strain was collected from a bulb produced in Niigata Prefecture in the winter of 2002, and the other was collected from bulbs produced in Fukushima Prefecture in the autumn of 2002. F. fusca can be easily distinguished from other members of this genus in Japan.     

Taxonomic review of East Asian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pleuronichthys</Emphasis> (Pleuronectiformes: Pleuronectidae), with description of a new species

A review of East Asian frog flounders, genus Pleuronichthys (family Pleuronectidae), recognized Pleuronichthys japonicus sp. nov. and P. cornutus (Temminck and Schlegel 1846). Pleuronichthys japonicus sp. nov. is characterized by small, dark, rounded spots or marbled markings on the ocular side of the body, rounded cycloid scales somewhat irregularly arranged, usually 12 abdominal vertebrae, 67–80 (modally 75) dorsal-fin rays, 48–59 (modally 55) anal-fin rays, and a short branch of the supratemporal lateral line usually present on both sides. Pleuronichthys cornutus is characterized by densely distributed small, dark, irregular spots on the ocular side of the body, elongate cycloid scales somewhat regularly arranged, usually 13 abdominal vertebrae, 72–88 (modally 77) dorsal-fin rays, 52–65 (modally 58) anal-fin rays, and a branch of the supratemporal lateral line usually absent on both sides. Whereas P. cornutus is distributed from Miyagi Prefecture (Tohoku District) southward along the Pacific coast of Japan to the Bungo Channel, from Akita Prefecture (Tohoku District) southward along the Sea of Japan coast through the Tsushima Strait to the East China Sea, Yellow and Bohai Seas, the Taiwan Strait, and northern Chinese coast of the South China Sea, P. japonicus is distributed from southern Hokkaido southward along the Sea of Japan and Pacific coasts of Japan to the southern East China Sea. Geographic variations were found in caudal vertebrae and anal-fin ray counts, and caudal-peduncle depth in P. cornutus, and in ocular side body coloration, body depth, and head length in P. japonicus. Pleuronichthys lighti Wu 1929 was regarded as a junior synonym of P. cornutus.     

The historical differentiation process inHemerocallis middendorfii (Liliaceae) of Japan based on restriction site variations of chlorplast DNA

Chloroplast DNA restriction site variation inHemerocallis middendorfii Trautv. & Meyer was investigated to deduce the historical differentiation process that had taken place in populations among three districts Hokkaido, Honshu and the Island of Tobishima in Japan as distinct from the morphological data. The populations selected were eight in total, consisting of two populations from Honshu, one each from the Islands of Sado and Tobishima and four from Hokkaido. Twelve endonuclease restriction enzymes were used. Six restriction site mutations were found among the populations investigated. A single, most parsimonious phylogenetic tree is generated, and revealed that the four populations of Hokkaido and two populations of the Islands of Sado and Tobishima are monophyly, respectively.     

First report of Mycopappus alni in Japan: species identification of the pathogenic fungus of a frosty mildew disease in Crataegus chlorosarca

A leaf disease similar to frosty mildew disease caused by Mycopappus species was detected on the leaves of Crataegus chlorosarca in Tomakomai, Hokkaido Prefecture. From morphological observations and gene analyses of rDNA-ITS, the fungus was identified as M. alni, which causes leaf blight disease on Alnus spp., Betula spp., and a Pyrus sp. in North America and Turkey. This is the first report of M. alni in Japan and Crataegus as its new host genus.     

The first record of the non-indigenous signal crayfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pasifastacus leniusculus</Emphasis> in Norway

The non-indigenous signal crayfish Pasifastacus leniusculus was registered for the first time in Norway in October 2006. The location represents an isolated pond about 100 km in air line from the nearest known signal crayfish population in the neighbouring country Sweden without any connecting watercourses. The occurrence is therefore undoubtedly caused by human introduction. Molecular analyses confirmed that tested individuals from the signal crayfish population were carriers of the crayfish plague agent Aphanomyces astaci. Disease carrying signal crayfish represents a severe threat to the indigenous and endangered noble crayfish Astacus astacus. Norwegian authorities are currently considering actions for the eradication of the signal crayfish population.     

Larval parasitoids of the apple ermine moth, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yponomeuta malinellus</Emphasis>in Korea,Japan, and China

Larval parasitoids of Yponomeuta malinellus Zell. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), the apple ermine moth (AEM), were sought in northeast Asia with the goal of identifying potential biological controls of the moth, which appeared to threaten the apple industry in Washington State, USA during the 1980s. Ten primary and four secondary parasitoids were found. Dolichogenidea delecta (Haliday) (Braconidae), Ageniaspis fuscicollis (Dalman) (Encyrtidae), Herpestomus brunnicornis Grav. (Icheumonidae), Bessa paralella (Meigen), and Zenillia dolosa (Meigen) (Tachinidae) were the most important parasitoids. The composition of parasitoid species was more diverse in Korea and Japan than in China; two species were found in China, compared to nine in Korea and seven in Japan. A. fuscicollis caused a greater mortality in all investigated countries; 22.7, 11.0, and 9.3% in China, Korea, and Japan, respectively. There was a high similarity in the composition of the parasitoid complex between Korean and Honshu populations but the rates of parasitization were different. The polyphagous B paralella caused significantly higher parasitism in Honshu (18.2%) than in Korea (0.5%). In contrast, H. brunnicornis caused significantly higher parasitism in Korea (8.7%) than in Japan (2.4%). A. fuscicollis and H. brunnicornis, judged to be the most appropriate parasitoids for biological control of AEM moth in the USA, were collected and sent to the USA for release. A. fuscicollis established and is contributing to the control of AEM.     

New records of two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tulostoma</Emphasis> species from Japan

As new records from Japan, Tulostoma adhaerens and T. fulvellum (Tulostomataceae, Agaricales) were described and illustrated based on the specimens collected in Shizuoka Prefecture and Shiga Prefecture, respectively. New Japanese names were proposed as Abata-Keshibouzu-take and Tanemi-Keshibouzu-take for T. adhaerens and T. fulvellum, respectively, based on their morphological features.     

Life history characteristics ofPolystichum tripteron with special reference to its leaf venation

An intra-species comparison of the life history of various populations ofPolystichum tripteron was undertaken in Hokkaido and Honshu in Japan with respect to some leaf-size characters and fertility during sporophyte development. The developmental process of sporophytes was quantitatively estimated by counting the number of venation (NV: number of midrib branches of the leaf). The mean NV of the fertile leaves decreased slightly with increasing altitude on Mt. Teine near Sapporo and with increasing latitudes from Honshu to Hokkaido. The blade length was longer at any NV in Hokkaido populations than in those of southern Honshu. Longer blade (BL) and pinna length (PL) and lesser number of pinnules of the lowest pinna (NPLP) versus NV were observed in leaf populations from Hokkaido than in those from southern Honshu. The maximum values of lowest pinna length (LPL), NV, number of costa branches (NVLP) and number of pinnule (NPLP) were larger in southern Honshu than in Hokkaido. In the course of leaf-shape formation represented by the ratio of PL to BL versus NV, the Kyoto population seemed to be more differentiated into long-lanceolate fronds than did the Hokkaido population. Initiation of fertility in the sporophyte development and the maximum NV seemed to decrease with increasing altitudes and latitudes in Japan. Contribution No. 2885 from the Institute of Low Temperature Science, Hokkaido University.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Synnemapestaloides rhododendri</Emphasis>, a new genus and new species of synnematous hyphomycete,causing synnemapestaloides twig blight disease of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhododendron brachycarpum</Emphasis> in Japan

A hyphomycete with black synnema and appendaged phragmoconidia was collected on Rhododendron brachycarpum showing twig blight symptom in Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The twig blight is macroscopically similar to the disease symptoms caused by Pycnostysanus azaleae. The fungus, however, has determinate synnemata, (1–)3-level verticillately branched conidiophores, and Pestalotia-like conidia. It cannot be accommodated by any existing genus of anamorphic fungi. A new genus Synnemapestaloides is established to accommodate the fungus, which is named S. rhododendri. The pathogenicity of the fungus on Rhododendron leaves and shoots is confirmed by inoculation. Synnemapestaloides twig blight is proposed for the disease of R. brachycarpum caused by the fungus.