Rediscovery of Multifurca stenophylla (Berk.) T.Lebel, C.W.Dunk & T.W.May comb. nov. (Russulaceae) from Australia

The genus Multifurca is recorded for the first time from Australia. Multifurca stenophylla (Berk.) T.Lebel, C.W.Dunk & T.W.May comb. nov. is described and illustrated, and a lectotype and epitype designated. The species is characterized by the association with Nothofagus and Eucalyptus, the pale yellow, concentrically zoned pileus, abundant acrid white latex which becomes pale yellow then eventually greenish, and the small basidiospores.     

广西苦苣苔科稀有珍贵植物——弥勒苣苔

首次报道广西苦苣苔科植物一新记录属:弥勒苣苔属.该属接近金盏苣苔属,但不同在于弥勒苣苔属花冠上唇4浅裂,下唇不分裂,2对雄蕊分别着生于花冠中部及其上方,雌蕊具一个柱头.弥勒苣苔属为中国特有的单型属,仅弥勒苣苔一种,分布于云南东南部和广西西部.该种在广西首次记录,凭证标本存放于广西植物标本馆(IBK).     

Essential oil composition of Eryngium rosulatum P.W. Michael ined.: A new undescribed species from eastern Australia

The essential oil composition from the aerial parts of a new Eryngium species from Australia, Eryngium rosulatum P.W. Michael ined., has been analysed by GC and GC/MS. A total of 34 compounds have been identified representing around 80% of the total oil. The main constituents of the oil were found to be β-elemene (16.0%) and bicyclogermacrene (12.5%). Other representative compounds were identified as δ-elemene (7.0%) and (E)-caryophyllene (5.9%). The sesquiterpene fraction (75.0%) was predominant in the essential oil of this species, most of these were hydrocarbons (53.8%). This paper represents the first study on this new, undescribed Australian species and its chemical composition.     

Cladogenesis and reticulation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cuscuta</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Denticulatae</Emphasis> (Convolvulaceae)

As traditionally circumscribed, Cuscuta sect. Denticulatae is a group of three parasitic plant species native to the deserts of Western USA (Cuscuta denticulata, Cuscuta nevadensis) and the central region of Baja California, Mexico (Cuscuta veatchii). Molecular phylogenetic studies confirmed the monophyly of this group and suggested that the disjunct C. veatchii is a hybrid between the other two species. However, the limited sampling left the possibility of alternative biological and methodological explanations. We expanded our sampling to multiple individuals of all the species collected from across their entire geographical ranges. Sequence data from the nuclear and plastid regions were used to reconstruct the phylogeny and find out if the topological conflict was maintained. We obtained karyotype information from multiple individuals, investigated the morphological variation of the group thorough morphometric analyses, and compiled data on ecology, host range, and geographical distribution. Our results confirmed that C. veatchii is an allotetraploid. Furthermore, we found previously unknown autotetraploid population of C. denticulata, and we describe a new hybrid species, Cuscuta psorothamnensis. We suggest that this newly discovered natural hybrid is resulting from an independent (and probably more recent) hybridization event between the same diploid parental species as those of C. veatchii. All the polyploids showed host shift associated with hybridization and/or polyploidy and are found growing on hosts that are rarely or never frequented by their diploid progenitors. The great potential of this group as a model to study host shift in parasitic plants associated with recurrent allopolyploidy is discussed.     

Le genre Prodactylioceras (Ammonitina,Pliensbachien inférieur); Biostratigraphie,paléobiogéographie et modalités évolutives. Description d'une espèce nouvelle: Prodactylioceras aurigeriense nov. SP.

The biostratigraphy of the Prodactylioceras is describedhere. This exclusively North-western European group well represented by P. davoei (Sow.) in the superior Carixian at the base of the Figulinum sub zone, appears from the base of the Capricornus subzone with two original forms which present limited and well distinctive geographic distribution. The first one, P. rectiradiatum (Wingrave) caracterises the anglo-lusitanian region, the second one is a new species: P. aurigeriense essentially located in the aquitano-iberic region.     

Four new species of Porphyra (Bangiales,Rhodophyta) from the New Zealand region described using traditional characters and 18S rDNA sequence data

Four new species of the genus Porphyra (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from the New Zealand region are described: P. cinnamomea W.A. Nelson, P. coleana W.A. Nelson, P. rakiura W.A. Nelson and P. virididentata W.A. Nelson. These species are monostromatic, monoecious, and grow in the intertidal zone, predominantly on rock substrata. They can be distinguished from each other by traditional characters including morphology (particularly the microscopic arrangement of cells along the thallus margin, thallus shape, size and colour), geographical, ecological and seasonal distribution patterns, and chromosome numbers (P. cinnamonea n = 3, P. coleana n = 4, P. rakiura n = 2, P. virididentata n = 3). These four species can be distinguished by a unique nucleotide sequence at the 18S rDNA locus: they can be separated on the basis of a subset of approximately 500 bp of 18S rDNA sequence data downstream of primer G06, corresponding to variable region V9. This constitutes an important taxonomic character. These four species are known currently solely from the New Zealand region.     

First genetic evidence for the presence of the rumen fluke Paramphistomum epiclitum in Pakistan

More than 70 species of the Superfamily Paramphistomoidea, have been identified in ruminants in different parts of the world. Most are pathogenic, causing amphistomosis. Adult flukes within this family have a predilection for the forestomach (rumen) or bile duct of the liver, where they may cause epithelial damage. Identification of adult Paramphistomum, Calicophoron, Gastrothylax and Fischoederius at the species level based on morphology requires specialised expertise, whereas molecular genetic marker analysis is more precise and transferable. In the present study, we performed molecular characterisation of twenty seven adult flukes collected from the forestomachs of buffalo, cattle and goats in the Punjab province of Pakistan. PCR and sequencing of the ITS-2 rDNA region revealed a single haplotype in all cases. Phylogenetic comparison of P. epiclitum ITS2-rDNA sequences with those from other Paramphistomum, Calicophoron, Gastrothylax and Fischoederius species was performed to assess within and between species variation and validate the use of ITS-2 rDNA as a robust species-specific marker for P. epiclitum identification. This work provides a validated species-specific marker of P. epiclitum and the first report of this parasite species from Pakistan. The results of this study also have implications for the diagnosis and control of rumen flukes in the region and the need for accurate species identification to understand parasite distribution and population genetics.     

Distribution and abundance of larvae of palaemonid prawns in the ria de Vigo, N.W. Spain

The distribution of the larval stages of the members of thePalaemonid family present in the ria dc Vigo in N.W. Spain isstudied. The highest abundance of larvae of all species occursin August, the most abundant being Palaemon adspersus and P.serratus. The larvae of these species are found mainly in thetop 0.5 m of water in straits or inlets of the ria.     

Turbidity and kelp holdfast amphipoda. I. Wales and S. W. England

Analyses are given of a collection of over 65,000 amphipods derived from kelp holdfasts surveyed around Wales and S.W. England. Faunal affinity is predominantly biased latitudinally, warmwater elements being confined to the extreme southwest. Total amphipod density is related to holdfast weight. There are no significant differences in amphipod density with differences in wave exposure or turbidity. Standardized density is, however, higher in west coast than in east coast holdfasts. Diversity is lower in turbid waters due to the increased dominance of a few species. The distribution, population structure, and fecundity of the previously implicated turbidity-susceptible species, Lembos websteri Bate and Corophium bonnellii Milne Edwards are examined in the light of new ethological information. Supporting and conflicting data are examined and mechanisms are suggested to show how suspended inorganic particles could be directly detrimental to both species. In addition, indirect effects involving climatic fluctuation and competitive interactions, particularly with C. sextonae Crawford emend. Hurley and Jassa falcata (Montagu) cannot be excluded.     

PCR-based molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis and secondary structure of the 28S rDNA of Thaparocleidus wallagonius (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) �C the most primitive species of this genus from India

Species of the monogenean genus Thaparocleidus are specific to freshwater siluriform fish. The infection caused by these gill parasites are a major health problem to fish. But, to focus the control strategies of these parasites, first it is important to establish an accurate discrimination by molecular methods. In the present study, phylogenetic and structural analysis of 28S region of ribosomal DNA of T. wallagonius species collected from fish Wallago attu from Meerut (U.P.), India, was carried out. In the first step, we amplified, sequenced 28S region of ribosomal DNA of T. wallagonius to establish the phylogenetic relationship with other species of this genus. T. wallagonius found on gill filaments of fish W. attu, is the most primitive parasite of this genus from India, was unequivocally discriminate from other species of the same genus in this study. A secondary-structure model of the large subunit rDNA was also predicted using a combined comparative and thermodynamic approach. Molecular morphometric and phylogenetic relationship of T. wallagonius are discussed in detailed that based on molecular analysis using bioinformatic tools.     

Genetic marking of sex using a W chromosome-linked transgene

Many species belonging to the order Lepidoptera are major pests in agriculture and arboriculture. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is an eco-friendly and highly efficient genetically targeted pest management approach. In many cases, it is preferable to release only sterile males in an SIT program, and efficient sexing strategies are crucial to the successful large-scale implementation of SIT. In the present study, we established 160 transgenic silkworm (Bombyx mori) lines to test the possibility of genetic sexing using a W chromosome-linked transgene, which is thought to be the best sexing strategy for lepidopteran species. One transgenic line with a female-specific expression pattern of reporter gene was obtained. The expression level of the W-linked transgene was comparable with autosomal insertions and was stable for 17 continuous generations. Molecular characterization showed this line contained a single copy of the reporter gene on the W chromosome, and the integration site was TTAG in contig W-BAC-522N19-C9. The feasibility of using a W chromosome-linked transgene demonstrated here and the possible improvements discussed will provide valuable information for other lepidopteran pests. The novel W chromosome-linked transgenic line established in this study will serve as an important resource for fundamental research with the silkworm B. mori.     

A mathematical model on the effect of M. denticulata weed on different winter crops

Many weeds interfere with the productivity of wheat and other winter annual crops; however, one common weed Medicago denticulata, appears to have a beneficial effect. An experiment was conducted at Agricultural Experimental Farm of the Indian Statistical Institute, Giridih, Jharkhand to observe the effect of M. denticulata (a legume) on different crops yield of barley (Hordeum vulgare Sensu lato), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.), Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The commensalisms interaction was studied, in which one species benefits, while the other is unaffected, between the crops, M. denticulata and other weeds, to observe the role of medicago as biological control agent of other weeds for enhancement of crop productivity. Further, a statistical test was performed to establish the effect of M. denticulata and weed infestations based on one-step Markov structure of the covariance matrix of the biomass. This permitted development of a mathematical model of a crop–M. denticulata–other weeds system and their interactions through direct and indirect competition for resources. Crops yield decreased considerably due to the presence of other weeds, while it increased due to introduction of medicago and hence medicago acted as a controlling agent in a crop–M. denticulata–other weeds system. Our mathematical analysis supported the experimental findings. The model parameters are estimated through a nonlinear least square and stochastic differential equations. Moreover, some thresholds for the growth of medicago population came out from our analysis that may be used as a biological control threshold for the enhancement of crop productivity.     

Evaluation of analgesic,antiamnesic and antidiarrheal potentials of Medicago denticulata extract using animal model

The analgesic, antidiarrheal, and neuro-pharmacological potentials of Medicago denticulata leaves extract were screened in animal models. Potential analgesic response was noted (*P < 0.05, ^**P < 0.01, ^***P < 0.001) in formalin, acetic acid and heat-induced pain models in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum activity by means of writhing inhibition was documented for Medicago denticulata at 300 mg/kg that was found to be 71.79% (17.43 ± 1.31). In first phase, the Medicago denticulata at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed analgesic activity and reduced the pain by 54.18% (18.39 ± 1.67) and 62.90% (14.89 ± 1.56), respectively. In second phase, the Medicago denticulata at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed analgesic activity and reduced the pain by 69.48% (19.78 ± 1.44) and 70.89% (18.86 ± 1.58), respectively. In hot plate method, the Medicago denticulata at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg showed the maximum response of 61.16% (8.47 ± 1.23) and 67.39% (10.09 ± 1.04), respectively at 60 min. Scopolamine significantly reduces spontaneous alteration in Y-maze model for antiamnesic activity. Medicago denticulata significantly increased the discrimination index in a dose-dependent manner using novel object recognition test (NORT) model. Exploration time in sec for the novel object was increased significantly (P < 0.001) by donepezil decreased for familiar one with a discrimination index (DI) of 62.18%. Medicago denticulata significantly increased the discrimination index by 60.86% and 57.24% at 300 and 150 mg/kg b.w, respectively. The lowest DI of 53.80% at 75 mg/kg was observed in comparison to the amnesic group. The Medicago denticulata significant decreased the elevated levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and malondialdehyde (MDA and enhancing level of acetylcholine (ACh), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) acting as an antioxidant agent. Medicago denticulata reduced the total number of diarrheal feces to lesser extent at dose-dependent manner. From the study results, it is suggested that the Medicago denticulata extract possess good analgesic and antiamnesic activity however the antidiarrheal effects of plant were negligible. In the current study, the traditional use of the plant as a source of medicine has been validated.     

Insights into the Witheringia solanacea (Solanaceae) Complex in Costa Rica. II. Insect Visitors and Pollination Biology of W. asterotricha and W. meiantha1

Isolating mechanisms are important in maintaining the taxonomic integrity of closely related sympatric taxa. A previous study found strong post‐zygotic isolating barriers between two species, Witheringia asterotricha and W. meiantha, of the W. solanacea (Solanaceae) species complex in Costa Rica. This study examines the presence of pre‐zygotic barriers between the two species at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. Both species offer pollen and nectar as floral rewards and are visited primarily by solitary or semi‐social bees, some of which sonicate (“buzz”) the anthers to discharge pollen. No evidence was found for phenological differences in flowering time between W. asterotricha and W meiantha, but pre‐zygotic factors, such as ethological isolation and possibly fine‐scale ecological or geographic barriers, may be responsible for restricting gene flow between the two species.     

Comparative Mitogenomics of the Assassin Bug Genus Peirates (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Peiratinae) Reveal Conserved Mitochondrial Genome Organization of P. atromaculatus,P. fulvescens and P. turpis

In this study, we sequenced four new mitochondrial genomes and presented comparative mitogenomic analyses of five species in the genus Peirates (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). Mitochondrial genomes of these five assassin bugs had a typical set of 37 genes and retained the ancestral gene arrangement of insects. The A+T content, AT- and GC-skews were similar to the common base composition biases of insect mtDNA. Genomic size ranges from 15,702 bp to 16,314 bp and most of the size variation was due to length and copy number of the repeat unit in the putative control region. All of the control region sequences included large tandem repeats present in two or more copies. Our result revealed similarity in mitochondrial genomes of P. atromaculatus, P. fulvescens and P. turpis, as well as the highly conserved genomic-level characteristics of these three species, e.g., the same start and stop codons of protein-coding genes, conserved secondary structure of tRNAs, identical location and length of non-coding and overlapping regions, and conservation of structural elements and tandem repeat unit in control region. Phylogenetic analyses also supported a close relationship between P. atromaculatus, P. fulvescens and P. turpis, which might be recently diverged species. The present study indicates that mitochondrial genome has important implications on phylogenetics, population genetics and speciation in the genus Peirates.     

Sexual Phase of Three Species of Pteris (Pteridaceae)

This work describes and compares morphogenesis of the gametophyte, or sexual phase, of three ferns, Pteris deflexa, P. denticulata and P. tristicula, through a palynological analysis of live spores. This study was conducted under laboratory conditions; observations and pictures were made using light and scanning electron microscopy. The pattern of spore germination corresponds to the Vittaria type and gametophytic development corresponds to the Ceratopteris type. We observed that the polymorphous spores of P. denticulata and P. tristicula are viable. Ultrastructural details of the gametophytes revealed that P. denticulata and P. tristicula form antheridia different from those of the remaining Pteris species; the archegonia have necks formed by 4 rows of 4 cells each. The type of reproduction is sexual and sporophytes arise 90 days after sowing.     

Repetitive sequences associated with differentiation of W chromosome in Semaprochilodus taeniurus

The possible origins and differentiation of a ZZ/ZW sex chromosome system in Semaprochilodus taeniurus, the only species of the family Prochilodontidae known to possess heteromorphic sex chromosomes, were examined by conventional (C-banding) and molecular (cross-species hybridization of W-specific WCP, Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with telomere (TTAGGG)n, and Rex1 probes) cytogenetic protocols. Several segments obtained by W-specific probe were cloned, and the sequences localized on the W chromosome were identified by DNA sequencing and search of nucleotide collections of the NCBI and GIRI using BLAST and CENSOR, respectively. Blocks of constitutive heterochromatin in chromosomes of S. taeniurus were observed in the centromere of all autosomal chromosomes and in the terminal, interstitial, and pericentromeric regions of the W chromosome, which did not demonstrate interstitial telomeric sites with FISH of the telomere probe. The Rex1 probe displayed a compartmentalized distribution pattern in some chromosomes and showed signs of invasion of the pericentromeric region in the W chromosome. Chromosomal painting with the W-specific WCP of S. taeniurus onto its own chromosomes showed complete staining of the W chromosome, centromeric sites, and the ends of the Z chromosome, as well as other autosomes. However, cross-species painting using this WCP on chromosomes of S. insignis, Prochilodus lineatus, and P. nigricans did not reveal a proto-W element, but instead demonstrated scattered positive signals of repetitive DNAs. Identification of the W-specific repetitive sequences showed high similarity to microsatellites and transposable elements. Classes of repetitive DNA identified in the W chromosome suggested that the genetic degeneration of this chromosome in S. taeniurus occurred through accumulation of these repetitive DNAs.     

Morphological and molecular identification of helminths of the greater bulldog bat Noctilio leporinus (Quiroptera: Noctilionidae) from Campeche,Mexico

Surveys on parasites of bats from the Americas have been conducted, but information on helminths is still scarce, especially in the Neotropical region. In Mexico, there are species of bats that lack of a record for helminth species, such as members of the family Noctilionidae. The present study describes for the first time the helminths of Noctilio leporinus in Campeche, Mexico. In 2017, six specimens of N. leporinus were studied for helminths. The species identification of helminths was based on morphological studies and molecular analysis of fragments of the 28S rDNA. All bat specimens were infected for at least one helminth species. Three helminth taxa were identified: the trematode Pygidiopsis macrostomum, and the nematodes Tricholeiperia cf. proencai, and Heligmonellidae gen. sp. The morphological identification of P. macrostomum was confirmed by sequence analysis of 28S rDNA gene. The phylogeny of P. macrostomum grouped our sequence with other sequences of the same species collected in Brazil. The phylogenetic tree of Heligmonellidae gen. sp. indicated that the helminth belongs to clade formed by the species Odilia bainae, Nippostrongylus magnus and Nippostrongylus brasiliensis of the family Heligmonellidae. The phylogenetic analysis of the 28S sequences of T. cf. proencai did not show any similarity or close affinity with nematodes from which that gene has been sequenced to date. The findings of the present study increase the number of helminth species parasitizing bats in Mexico.