Fecundity and feeding of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Galerucella calmariensis</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">G. pusilla</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lythrum salicaria</Emphasis>

Fecundity and feeding of two introduced sibling biological control species, Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on purple loosestrife, Lythrum salicaria L. (Lythraceae) were compared at constant temperatures of 12.5, 15, 20, 25, and 27.5 °C. Larval feeding was also carried out at 30 °C, but at this temperature, larvae developed only to the L2 stage and none pupated. Thus, data for this temperature were not used in the analysis. There were significant species × temperature interactions in fecundity. Of the two species, Galerucella pusilla laid more eggs. Although egg production of both species was lowest at 12.5 °C and increased to 20 °C, at higher temperatures, the two species reacted differently. From 25 to 27.5 °C, egg production decreased for G. pusilla, but G. calmariensis fecundity peaked at 27.5 °C. Significant temperature × species × life-stage interactions were also observed in feeding. For each species, the amount of feeding varied with temperature and stage of development. Galerucella pusilla adults consumed more foliage at 15, 20, and 27.5 °C. However, at 12.5 °C G. calmariensis adults fed more than G. pusilla. G. pusilla larvae consumed an average of 25% less foliage than G. calmariensis. The lower larval consumption of G. pusilla suggests that when food is limited, G. pusilla larvae may have a higher survival rate because of its ability to complete larval development with less food and produce more progeny due to its greater fecundity. When food is not limited neither species would have a competitive advantage and both species could coexist temporally and spatially. However, since G. calmariensis larvae consumed more leaf material, the larval stage of this species would have a greater impact on purple loosestrife than G. pusilla.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Funastrum rupicola</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Apocynaceae:</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">Asclepiadoideae</Emphasis>), a new species from Bolivia

Summary   Funastrum rupicola Goyder, a new species of Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae from Bolivia, is described and illustrated. The conservation status of this species is assessed.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Typhonium stigmatilobatum</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Araceae</Emphasis> tribe <Emphasis Type="Italic">Areae</Emphasis>), a new species from Vietnam

Summary   Typhonium stigmatilobatum V. D. Nguyen, a new species from Vietnam, is described and illustrated.     

The <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caenorhabditis</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">briggsae</Emphasis> genome contains active <Emphasis Type="Italic">CbmaT1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tcb1</Emphasis> transposons

The maT clade of transposons is a group of transposable elements intermediate in sequence and predicted protein structure to mariner and Tc transposons, with a distribution thus far limited to a few invertebrate species. We present evidence, based on searches of publicly available databases, that the nematode Caenorhabditis briggsae has several maT-like transposons, which we have designated as CbmaT elements, dispersed throughout its genome. We also describe two additional transposon sequences that probably share their evolutionary history with the CbmaT transposons. One resembles a fold back variant of a CbmaT element, with long (380-bp) inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) that show a high degree (71%) of identity to CbmaT1. The other, which shares only the 26-bp ITR sequences with one of the CbmaT variants, is present in eight nearly identical copies, but does not have a transposase gene and may therefore be cross mobilised by a CbmaT transposase. Using PCR-based mobility assays, we show that CbmaT1 transposons are capable of excising from the C. briggsae genome. CbmaT1 excised approximately 500 times less frequently than Tcb1 in the reference strain AF16, but both CbmaT1 and Tcb1 excised at extremely high frequencies in the HK105 strain. The HK105 strain also exhibited a high frequency of spontaneous induction of unc-22 mutants, suggesting that it may be a mutator strain of C. briggsae.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of a profilin gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">BnPFN</Emphasis> from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">nigra</Emphasis> that expressing in a pollen-specific manner

Brassica nigra is a newly found invasive species in Zhejiang Province, China. It distributes alongside the roads, in vegetable fields and on riversides. When it blooms, some natives there will suffer from allergic rhinitis. We designed gene-specific primer pairs according to reported profilin genes and successfully isolated their homolog from flower bud cDNA of B. nigra. The gene, designated BnPFN, was submitted to GenBank under accession number EU004073. BnPFN was 405 bp in length encoding 134 amino acids. Expression analysis of BnPFN gene was carried out by means of RT-PCR. The results showed that BnPFN express only in anthers and pollens, and there was no detection in roots, leaves, stems, sepals, petals and pistils. We suggest that BnPFN is a pollen-specific gene and may be responsible for pollen anaphylactic reactions in those invading areas when B. nigra blooms.     

Interactions of root and leaf herbivores on purple loosestrife (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lythrum salicaria</Emphasis>)

Interspecific interactions of herbivores sharing a host plant may be important in structuring herbivore communities. We investigated host plant-mediated interactions of root (Hylobius transversovittatus) and leaf herbivores (Galerucella calmariensis), released to control purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) in North America, in field and potted plant experiments. In the potted plant experiments, leaf herbivory by G. calmariensis reduced H. transversovittatus larval survival (but not larval development) but did not affect oviposition preference. Root herbivory by H. transversovittatus did not affect either G. calmariensis fitness or oviposition preference. In field cage experiments, we found no evidence of interspecific competition between root and leaf herbivores over a 4-year period. Our data suggest that large populations of leaf beetles can negatively affect root-feeding larvae when high intensity of leaf damage results in partial or complete death of belowground tissue. Such events may be rare occurrences (or affected by experimental venue) since field data differed from data obtained from potted plant experiments, particularly at high leaf beetle densities. Interspecific interactions between G. calmariensis and H. transversovittatus are possible and may negatively affect either species, but this is unlikely to occur unless heavy feeding damage results in partial or complete plant death.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phuphanochloa,</Emphasis> a new bamboo genus (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Poaceae</Emphasis>: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bambusoideae</Emphasis>) from Thailand

Summary  A new monotypic bamboo genus Phuphanochloa (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) from north-eastern Thailand is described, together with a new species, P. speciosa.     

A new <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dactylella</Emphasis> species from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Orbilia alba</Emphasis>

A new Dactylella species, Dactylella alba was isolated from the ascospores of Orbilia alba collected in Wenshan County, Yunnan Province, China. Conidiophores were either not branched or occasionally branched, bearing divergent sterigmata on the tip with single conidium on each. Conidia were elongated ellipsoids, 1–2 septate, mostly 1 septate. By combining the ITS sequence with morphological characteristics, a new anamorphic species is described and illustrated together with its teleomorph.     

Indonesian Kickxellales: two species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Coemansia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Linderina</Emphasis>

Four species belonging to Kickxellales (Kickxellomycotina) isolated from soil of Indonesia are described and illustrated. Two new species of Coemansia, C. asiatica and C. javaensis, were discovered in South Sulawesi and West Java, and two known species of Linderina, L. pennispora and L. macrospora, were discovered in East Kalimantan and South Sulawesi, respectively. These four species are newly added to the Indonesian mycobiota. A technique for inducing sporulation of C. javaensis and L. macrospora by adding substances derived from invertebrates such as aphids, nereids, or cladocerans to culture media is described.     

Quantitative study of interactions between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharomyces cerevisiae</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oenococcus </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">oeni</Emphasis> strains

This study examines the interactions that occur between Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oenococcus oeni strains during the process of winemaking. Various yeast/bacteria pairs were studied by applying a sequential fermentation strategy which simulated the natural winemaking process. First, four yeast strains were tested in the presence of one bacterial strain leading to the inhibition of the bacterial component. The extent of inhibition varied widely from one pair to another and closely depended on the specific yeast strain chosen. Inhibition was correlated to weak bacterial growth rather than a reduction in the bacterial malolactic activity. Three of the four yeast strains were then grown with another bacteria strain. Contrary to the first results, this led to the bacterial stimulation, thus highlighting the importance of the bacteria strain. The biochemical profile of the four yeast fermented media exhibited slight variations in ethanol, SO(2) and fatty acids produced as well as assimilable consumed nitrogen. These parameters were not the only factors responsible for the malolactic fermentation inhibition observed with the first bacteria strain. The stimulation of the second has not been reported before in such conditions and remains unexplained.     

Floral development and systematic position of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Arillastrum</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allosyncarpia</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stockwellia</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptopsis</Emphasis> (Myrtaceae)

We have investigated the floral ontogeny of Arillastrum, Allosyncarpia, Stockwellia and Eucalyptopsis (of the eucalypt group, Myrtaceae) using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Several critical characters for establishing relationships between these genera and to the eucalypts have been determined. The absence of compound petaline primordia in Arillastrum, Allosyncarpia, Stockwellia and Eucalyptopsis excludes these taxa from the eucalypt clade. Post-anthesis circumscissile abscission of the hypanthium above the ovary in Stockwellia, Eucalyptopsis and Allosyncarpia is evidence that these three taxa form a monophyletic group; undifferentiated perianth parts and elongated fusiform buds are characters that unite Stockwellia and Eucalyptopsis as sister taxa. No floral characters clearly associate Arillastrum with either the eucalypt clade or the clade of Stockwellia, Eucalyptopsis and Allosyncarpia.We gratefully acknowledge Clyde Dunlop and Bob Harwood (Northern Territory Herbarium) for collecting specimens of Allosyncarpia, and Bruce Gray (Atherton) for collecting specimens of Stockwellia. The Australian National Herbarium (CANB) kindly lent herbarium specimens of Eucalyptopsis for examination. This research was supported by a University of Melbourne Research Development Grant to Andrew Drinnan.     

Phylogenetic analyses of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Uromyces viciae-fabae</Emphasis> and its varieties on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lathyrus</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum</Emphasis> in Japan

A pea rust fungus, Uromyces viciae-fabae, has been classified into two varieties, var. viciae-fabae and var. orobi, based on differences in urediniospore wall thickness and putative host specificity in Japan. In principal component analyses, morphological features of urediniospores and teliospores of 94 rust specimens from Vicia, Lathyrus, and Pisum did not show definite host-specific morphological groups. In molecular analyses, 23 Uromyces specimens from Vicia, Lathyrus, and Pisum formed a single genetic clade based on D1/D2 and ITS regions. Four isolates of U. viciae-fabae from V. cracca and V. unijuga could infect and sporulate on P. sativum. These results suggest that U. viciae-fabae populations on different host plants are not biologically differentiated into groups that can be recognized as varieties.Contribution no. 184, Laboratory of Plant Parasitic Mycology, Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Tsukuba, Japan     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Caragana aliensis</Emphasis>, a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caragana</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leguminosae</Emphasis>) from Tibet,China

Summary   Caragana aliensis a new species from Tibet, China, is described and illustrated.     

A new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macroptilium</Emphasis> (Benth.) Urb. (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Leguminosae</Emphasis>: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Papilionoideae</Emphasis>: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolinae</Emphasis>) from North-Eastern Brazil

Summary  A new species of Macroptilium sect. Microcochle (Benth.) J. A. Lackey is herein described from the states of Piauí and Bahia, Brazil. Macroptilium cochleatum is characterized by few-flowered inflorescences, calyx teeth longer than the tube, a tightly four-coiled keel, and linear, patent fruits. The discovery of this unique Macroptilium species, with its distally coiled keel, expands the diagnostic features of the genus. A key to the Brazilian species of sect. Microcochle is provided.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis> transposons of the urochordata <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ciona intestinalis</Emphasis>

P transposons belong to the eukaryotic DNA transposons, which are transposed by a cut and paste mechanism using a P-element-coded transposase. They have been detected in Drosophila, and reside as single copies and stable homologous sequences in many vertebrate species. We present the P elements Pcin1, Pcin2 and Pcin3 from Ciona intestinalis, a species of the most primitive chordates, and compare them with those from Ciona savignyi. They showed typical DNA transposon structures, namely terminal inverted repeats and target site duplications. The coding region of Pcin1 consisted of 13 small exons that could be translated into a P-transposon-homologous protein. C. intestinalis and C. savignyi displayed nearly the same phenotype. However, their P elements were highly divergent and the assumed P transposase from C. intestinalis was more closely related to the transposase from Drosophila melanogaster than to the transposase of C. savignyi. The present study showed that P elements with typical features of transposable DNA elements may be found already at the base of the chordate lineage. Electronic supplementary material  The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

In planta transformation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Notocactus scopa</Emphasis> cv. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Soonjung</Emphasis> by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">tumefaciens</Emphasis>

Notocactus scopa cv. Soonjung was subjected to in planta Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation with vacuum infiltration, pin-pricking, and a combination of the two methods. The pin-pricking combined with vacuum infiltration (20-30 cmHg for 15 min) resulted in a transformation efficiency of 67-100%, and the expression of the uidA and nptII genes was detected in transformed cactus. The established in planta transformation technique generated a transgenic cactus with higher transformation efficiency, shortened selection process, and stable gene expression via asexual reproduction. All of the results showed that the in planta transformation method utilized in the current study provided an efficient and time-saving procedure for the delivery of genes into the cactus genome, and that this technique can be applied to other asexually reproducing succulent plant species.     

New species in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Barleria</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stellatohirta</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthaceae</Emphasis>) from Africa

Summary  Three new species are described in Barleria L. sect. Stellatohirta M. Balkwill from tropical Africa: B. aristata from south-central Tanzania, B. aenea from south-western Tanzania and northeast Zambia, and B. purpureotincta from south-western Zambia. Their affinities and conservation status are discussed.     

Competition between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus victrix</Emphasis> seedlings and grass species

Competition in a natural system may be interspecific or intraspecific. In semiarid ecosystems, competition for resources between established neighboring grass species and newly recruited seedlings is very high. To examine the effects of grass species density, growing space and time of establishment on Eucalyptus victrix seedlings (interspecific competition), and the effect of density and growing space within E.victrix (intraspecific competition) we conducted an experiment under controlled conditions. We tested four hypotheses (i) E.victrix seedling growth is not affected by grass density; (ii) there is no difference in E.victrix survival and growth between early and later grass establishment; (iii) interspecific competition is not more intense than intraspecific competition in E.victrix; and (iv) growth of E.victrix seedlings is not dependent on available growing space. In a monoculture of E.victrix, seedling mortality was higher (10%) in large pots. In mixed culture pots, where E.victrix seedlings and grass seedlings were planted on the same day, E.victrix seedlings survived for up to 4weeks, but started to die after week five in the smallest pots. However, mortalities occurred in pots of all sizes when grass was established before E.victrix seedlings. Results also indicated that the resources necessary for the growth of individual E.victrix seedlings were more limiting under conditions of increased density of neighboring grass species rather than intraspecific competition. In particular, photosynthetic area of E.victrix seedlings was drastically reduced in mixed cultures. Although density, pot size and time of planting had impacts on E.victrix seedlings, the patterns of these impacts were variable.     

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Erythroxylum</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhabdophyllum</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Erythroxylaceae</Emphasis>) from north-eastern Brazil

Summary   Erythroxylum longisetulosum I. Loiola & M. F. Sales and E. timothei I. Loiola & M. F. Sales (sect. Rhabdophyllum) from north-eastern Brazil are described and illustrated, and their taxonomic and ecological relationships are discussed.