Wild food plants traditionally used in the province of Madrid, Central Spain

This paper reports an ethnobotanical investigation, performed between 1999 and 2002, to determine the wild food plants traditionally used in the province of Madrid (central Spain). One hundred and twenty-three vascular species belonging to 31 families were at one time used as vegetables, wild fruits, in the making of beverages, as seasonings, or as other preparations. Wild vegetables formed the largest group, withScolymus hispanicus, Silene vulgaris, andRumex pulcher the most frequently cooked vegetables, andRorippa nasturtium-aquaticum andMontia fontana the most commonly used in salads. Also common was the consumption of asparagus and several species of climbing plants such asBryonia dioica, Tamus communis, andHumulus lupulus. Ethnobotanical novelties includedSonchus crassifolius, the young sprouts of which were used in salads, and Inula salicina, used to make herbal tea. Some ecological and cultural aspects of the collection of wild plants for food are discussed, as well as the relationships between the food and medicinal uses of some species.     

Ethnopharmacological uses of Erythrina senegalensis: a comparison of three areas in Mali, and a link between traditional knowledge and modern biological science

Consumption of greens is a major source of vitamins and micro-nutrients for people using only vegetarian diets rich in carbohydrates. In remote rural settlements where vegetable cultivation is not practiced and market supplies are not organized, local inhabitants depend on indigenous vegetables, both cultivated in kitchen gardens and wild, for enriching the diversity of food. Knowledge of such foods is part of traditional knowledge which is largely transmitted through participation of individuals of households. A total of 123 households in six villages of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve buffer zone was surveyed using a schedule to assess the knowledge, availability and consumption pattern of wild leafy vegetables. Quantity estimations were done using regular visits with informants from 30 sample households of the six study villages during the collections. Monetization was used to see the value of wild leafy vegetables harvested during a year. The diversity of wild leafy vegetables being use by the local inhabitants is 21 species belonging to 14 genera and 11 families. This is far less than that being reported to be used by the communities from Western Ghats in India and some parts of Africa. Irrespective of social or economic status all households in the study villages had the knowledge and used wild leafy vegetables. The number of households reported to consume these wild leafy vegetables is greater than the number of households reporting to harvest them for all species except for Diplazium esculentum and Phytolacca acinosa. The availability and use period varied for the species are listed by the users. The study indicated that the knowledge is eroding due to changing social values and non participation of younger generation in collection and processing of such wild leafy vegetables.     

Wild vegetable resources and market survey in Xishuangbanna, Southwest China

The article presents results of a field and market survey on characteristics and use of wild vegetable consumption for local ethnic groups in Xishuangbanna, SW China. A total of 284 wild vascular plant species and varieties were identified as wild vegetables consumed by three distinct native ethnic groups. These wild vegetables account for 6.1% of total vascular plant species in this area. Wild vegetables play an important role in the ethnic groups’ diet and source of cash income. Based on a 10-month market survey, wild vegetables accounted for 20.6% (in weight) of total vegetable sales. The structure of income from total vegetable sales varied among ethnic groups, with high sales for those living close to dense forests. The use of wild-vegetable resources can increase income of local ethnic groups, thus contributing to the conservation of forest resources in the region.     

Contributions to the botany and nutritional value of some wild amaranthus species (Amaranthaceae) of Nuevo leon,Mexico

Seeds and plants of Amaranthus have been a source of food for many cultures in the world. Some species can be found as weeds or growing wild under severe climatic and soil conditions, but their potential as food sources has not been studied. The objective of this work was to study the nutritional quality of four wild species ofAmaranthus,A. retroflexus (AR),A. viridis (A V),A. palmeri (AP) andA. blitoides (AB) as potential sources of vegetable greens. Histochemical studies showed higher levels of starch in leaves of AR and AB, moderate amounts of tannins in all leaves, high protein concentration in stems and leaves, and moderate amounts of alkaloids in all tissues of AV and AB. Antinutritional factors (nitrates, oxalates, cyanogenic glycosides, tannins and phytates) were quantified in plants at the preflowering stage, but only nitrates were found at levels (0.34-2% dw) above those generally considered as safe, but at similar levels found in spinach. No cyanogenic glycosides were detected in any species. Bromatologic analysis of whole or different plant parts at preflowering and maturity (mature seeds) showed that mature whole plants or individual sections can be recommended as animal feed since they contain high levels of protein (20.6-24.7% whole plant, 25.3-32.9% leaves) and soluble carbohydrate (>40%).Amaranthus plants could be best consumed as vegetables at the preflowering stage. At this stage, the highest protein concentrations were found in leaves (22.8-27.8%), while the remaining chemical composition was very similar to that found in other food vegetables. The four species showed similar chemical compositions, and had no detrimental chemicals which would deter their use as vegetable foods. Organoleptic taste preference studies would best indicate the stage at which the plant should be harvested for human consumption.     

Diversity,Geographical, and Consumption Patterns of Traditional Vegetables in Sociolinguistic Communities in Benin: Implications for Domestication and Utilization<Superscript>1</Superscript>

Diversity, Geographical, and Consumption Patterns of Traditional Vegetables in Sociolinguistic Communities in Benin: Implications for Domestication and Utilization. Traditional vegetables in many African rural areas are an important part of the daily diet and economy but have been poorly documented until recently. We undertook a survey in Benin on the diversity and patterns of use of traditional vegetables by 18 sociolinguistic groups in the three major phytogeographical regions. Major groups include the Yoruba–Nagot, Fon, Bariba, Adja, Cotafon, and Ditammari. Focus groups and field visits were conducted in 49 villages. Species richness at the country level and in phytogeographical regions was estimated using species accumulation curves. Our results indicated that 245 species belonging to 62 families are used as vegetable resources all over the country. The most frequently used families include Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Leguminoseae. About 80% of collected vegetables are wild resources; only 19% were clearly under cultivation. Herbs were the most widely consumed life form. The Guinean and the Sudanian regions exhibit similar species richness while in the Sudano–Guinean region vegetable richness is higher. The use of a species as a vegetable depends not only on socio–cultural attributes but also on geographical occurrence. Based on this inventory, we identified needs for further research and activities for both the conservation and promotion of traditional vegetables.     

Evidence from RAPD markers in the evolution ofEchinochloa millets (Poaceae)

Echinochloa (Poaceae) includes two domesticated species,Echinochloa utilis (Japanese barnyard millet) andE. frumentacea (Indian sawa millet) and 20–30 wild species. The two millets are morphologically very variable and overlap in spikelet and inflorescence characteristics. Both species are hexaploids based on x = 9. Cytogenetic studies point to the hexaploid wild speciesE. crusgalli andE. colona as possible progenitors ofE. utilis andE. frumentacea, respectively. The tetraploidE. oryzoides is considered as a possible genome donor to wild and domesticated barnyard millet. Markers from Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA method were used to assess the proposed phylogeny and examine the genetic diversity in both domesticated and wild species. The data were analyzed numerically.Echinochloa utilis andE. frumentacea appear very distinct, but grouped withE. crusgalli andE. colona, respectively. The tetraploidE. oryzoides show strong genetic affinity to theE. utilis—E. crusgalli group. The data are in general agreement with the cytogenetic information; however, some disagreements on the interpretation of some of the cytogenetic information is raised. The variability in DNA markers observed in the domesticated species, particularlyE. frumentacea, points to the feasibility of using RAPD markers in cultivar fingerprinting and breeding programs of these millets.     

Evaluating the potential of barley and wheat microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Elymus trachycaulus</Emphasis> complex species

The potential of barley and wheat microsatellite markers for genetic analysis of Elymus trachycaulus complex species was evaluated. A set of 25 barley and 3 wheat microsatellite markers were tested for their ability to cross-amplify DNA from four accessions of E. trachycaulus and two accessions Pseudoroegneria spicata. Thirteen barley (52%) and two (68%) wheat primer pairs successfully amplified consistent products from both E. trachycaulus and P. spicata species. Four of the 15 successful primer pairs produced visible polymorphisms among the accessions tested. A higher successful rate of cross-species amplification of barley and wheat microsatellite markers in E. trachycaulus and P. spicata was found in this study. These primer pairs are now available for use as markers in genetic analysis of E. trachycaulus complex species. Our results suggest that publicly available wheat and barley microsatellite markers are a valuable resource for the genetic characterization of wild Triticeae species.     

Glucose utilization and growth response to protein hydrolysates byFusobacterium species

Glucose uptake was measured in the supernatants of 18 strains ofFusobacterium species cultured in BM medium. Some species, such asF. nucleatum andF. necrophorum, used between 25% and 48% of the glucose in the medium, but the terminal pH remained near neutral. By contrast, strains ofF. mortiferum andF. necrogenes used on average over 90% of the available glucose in the medium and produced a predictably low acidic pH. Strains ofF. varium used between 86% and 91% of the glucose present but produced a near neutral pH of between 5.8 and 5.9. The metabolic fate of glucose inF. varium was, therefore, examined in more detail. Glucose stimulated the growth of this species, and [¹⁴C]glucose was incorporated into the metabolic end products and various cellular components. Protein hydrolysates, tested for their growth-promoting effects onFusobacterium species, produced two general growth response patterns. Most species grew prolifically on trypticase, proteose peptone, and yeast extract, but poorly in casamino acids and vitamin-free casamino acids. Growth in bactocasitone was poor, but for three species,F. necrophorum, F. varium, andF. nucleatum, there was an approximately linear growth response up to 0.5%. These results suggest a major role for nitrogen metabolism but do not preclude glucose as an energy source in at least some species ofFusobacterium.     

Ethnobotanical appraisal and cultural values of medicinally important wild edible vegetables of Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan

Background

The association among food and health is momentous as consumers now demand healthy, tasty and natural functional foods. Knowledge of such food is mainly transmitted through the contribution of individuals of households. Throughout the world the traditions of using wild edible plants as food and medicine are at risk of disappearing, hence present appraisal was conducted to explore ethnomedicinal and cultural importance of wild edible vegetables used by the populace of Lesser Himalayas-Pakistan.

Methods

Data was collected through informed consent semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, market survey and focus group conversation with key respondents of the study sites including 45 female, 30 children and 25 males. Cultural significance of each species was calculated based on use report.

Results

A total of 45 wild edible vegetables belonging to 38 genera and 24 families were used for the treatment of various diseases and consumed. Asteraceae and Papilionoideae were found dominating families with (6 spp. each), followed by Amaranthaceae and Polygonaceae. Vegetables were cooked in water (51%) followed by diluted milk (42%) and both in water and diluted milk (7%). Leaves were among highly utilized plant parts (70%) in medicines followed by seeds (10%), roots (6%), latex (4%), bark, bulb, flowers, tubers and rhizomes (2% each). Modes of preparation fall into seven categories like paste (29%), decoction (24%), powder (14%), eaten fresh (12%), extract (10%), cooked vegetable (8%) and juice (4%). Ficus carica was found most cited species with in top ten vegetables followed by Ficus palmata, Bauhinia variegata, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus viridis, Medicago polymorpha, Chenopodium album, Cichorium intybus, Amaranthus hybridus and Vicia faba.

Conclusions

Patterns of wild edible plant usage depend mainly on socio-economic factors compare to climatic conditions or wealth of flora but during past few decades have harshly eroded due to change in the life style of the inhabitants. Use reports verified common cultural heritage and cultural worth of quoted taxa is analogous. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant activities, pharmacological applications; skill training in farming and biotechnological techniques to improve the yield are important feature prospective regarding of wild edible vegetables.

     

The evaluation of the microbial safety of fresh ready‐to‐eat vegetables produced by different technologies in Italy

Aims: The study was performed to evaluate the safety of whole and RTE vegetables and to investigate the effectiveness of different preventive strategies for the quality assurance of RTE vegetables collected from three Italian production systems. Producer 1, applied a strict system in compliance with GAP‐ GMP – HACCP, Producer 2 used chlorine disinfection at a second washing step, and Producer 3 using a physical microbial stabilization. Methods: During the period 2005–2007, a total of 964 samples including whole vegetables and RTE salads, collected from three different producers in central Italy, were analysed to quantify the aerobic mesophilic count (AMC) and Escherichia coli, and for the presence of Salmonella spp, Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, hepatitis A virus and Norovirus (NoV). Results: None of the whole vegetable samples were positive for L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, HAV and NoV; however, a low prevalence of Salmonella was found. No pathogens were detected with cultural methods in any of the RTE vegetables analysed, only two RTE samples were positive for L. monocytogenes with PCR, but were not confirmed by the cultural method. The median values of AMC in RTE vegetables measured 24 h after packaging were statistically different among the 3 producers (5·4 × 10⁶, 1·5 × 10⁷ and 3·7 × 10⁷ CFU g^?1, respectively; P = 0·011). The lowest level was detected in Producer 1. Conclusion: The products that were processed applying rigorously GAP, GMP and HACCP showed a better microbiological quality than those processed with chemical or physical stabilization. Study Significance and Impact: The results of the study evidenced the efficacy of GAP, GMP and HACCP in improving microbiological quality of whole and RTE vegetables.     

Use of the lateral line and tactile senses in feeding in four antarctic nototheniid fishes

Synopsis Fishes of the family Nototheniidae (Pisces: Perciformes) dominate antarctic fish communities and have radiated to fill diverse niches. The most southern species must operate under an extended austral night and under thick sea ice, yet have eyes more typical of shallow coastal fishes. In winter, the eyes are probably useless, except for detecting bioluminescence. I compared the responses of four species to hydromechanical and tactile signals: two benthivores,Trematomus bernacchii andT. pennellii, a benthic planktivore,T. nicolai, andPagothenia borchgrevinki, which feeds near the ice undersurface and within ice cracks. The planktivores have dorsal mouths, with eyes oriented dorsally or laterally (Pagothenia); their lateral line canals and receptor organs are larger dorsally. The benthivores have more ventrally oriented mouths and eyes. All species responded to hydromechanical cues to the head, but only the two benthivores responded to trunk hydromechanical stimuli or tactile stimuli to the ventral trunk or pelvic fins. Possibly responses to plankton along the trunk are of little use if a reorientation washes pelagic prey away. In responding to trunk stimuli,T. bernacchii reorients its head to the target in two stages by slowly pivoting on its pelvic fins. In contrast,T. pennellii reorients in a single quick flip. It is argued that, becauseT. bernacchii has wider canals thanT. pennellii, it must move more slowly to reduce self-generated noise. It is likely that further studies of winter diet and prey behavior may reveal the relative advantages of the two repositioning styles.     

Revealing potential bridge vectors for BTV and SBV: a study on Culicoides blood feeding preferences in natural ecosystems in Spain

Several species of Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of pathogens, such as the bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg (SBV) viruses, which cause important diseases in domestic and wild ruminants. As wild ruminants can contribute to overwintering and epizootics of both diseases, knowledge of the host‐feeding behaviour of Culicoides in natural ecosystems is important to better understand their epidemiology. Blood‐engorged Culicoides females trapped in natural areas inhabited by different wild ruminant species were genetically analysed to identify host species. The origin of bloodmeals was identified in 114 females of 14 species of Culicoides. A total of 104 (91.1%) Culicoides fed on mammals and 10 (8.9%) on birds. The most abundant host identified was red deer (66.7%), followed by humans (13%) and fallow deer (6.1%). Eleven of the 14 species of Culicoides fed exclusively on mammalian hosts. Among them, five are mammalophilic species considered to be important BTV and/or SBV vectors. The results of the present study confirm that Culicoides imicola, Culicoides obsoletus, Culicoides scoticus, Culicoides pulicaris and Culicoides punctatus fed on wild ruminants, and therefore support the hypothesis that these species can act as bridge vectors by facilitating the circulation of pathogens between wild and domestic ruminant communities.     

Genetic diversity and relationships detected by isozyme and RAPD analysis of crop and wild species of Amaranthus

 Genetic diversity and relationships of 23 cultivated and wild Amaranthus species were examined using both isozyme and RAPD markers. A total of 30 loci encoding 15 enzymes were resolved, and all were polymorphic at the interspecific level. High levels of inter-accessional genetic diversity were found within species, but genetic uniformity was observed within most accessions. In the cultivated grain amaranths (A. caudatus, A. cruentus, and A. hypochondriacus), the mean value of H_T was 0.094, H_S was 0.003, and G_ST was 0.977 at the species level. The corresponding values in their putative wild progenitors (A. hybridus, A. powellii, and A. quitensis) were 0.135, 0.004, and 0.963, respectively. More than 600 RAPD fragments were generated with 27 arbitrary 10-base primers. On average, 39.9% of the RAPD fragments were polymorphic among accessions within each crop species; a similar level of polymorphism (42.8%) was present in the putative progenitors, but much higher levels of polymorphism were found in vegetable (51%) and other wild species (69.5%). The evolutionary relationships between grain amaranths and their putative ancestors were investigated, and both the RAPD and isozyme data sets supported a monophyletic origin of grain amaranths, with A. hybridus as the common ancestor. A complementary approach using information from both isozymes and RAPDs was shown to generate more accurate estimates of genetic diversity, and of relationships within and among crop species and their wild relatives, than either data set alone. Received: 13 March 1997/Accepted: 6 May 1997     

Genetic relationships among perennial and annual<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Cicer</Emphasis> species growing in Turkey assessed by AFLP fingerprinting

AFLP markers were used to assess genetic relationships among Cicer species with distribution in Turkey. Genetic distances were computed among 47 Cicer accessions representing four perennial and six annual species including chickpea, using 306 positions on AFLP gels. AFLP-based grouping of species revealed two clusters, one of which includes three perennial species, Cicer montbretii, Cicer isauricum and Cicer anatolicum, while the other cluster consists of two subclusters, one including one perennial, Cicer incisum, along with three annuals from the second crossability group (Cicer pinnatifidum, Cicer judaicum and Cicer bijugum) and the other one comprising three annuals from the first crossability group (Cicer echinospermum, Cicer reticulatum and Cicer arietinum). Consistent with previous relationship studies in the same accession set using allozyme and RAPD markers, in AFLP-based relationships, C. incisum was the closest perennial to nearly all annuals, and C. reticulatum was the closest wild species to C. arietinum. Cluster analysis revealed the grouping of all accessions into their distinct species-clusters except for C. reticulatum accessions, ILWC247, ILWC242 and TR54961; the former was found to be closer to the C. arietinum accessions while the latter two clustered with the C. echinospermum group. Small genetic distance values were detected among C. reticulatum accessions (0.282) and between C. reticulatum and C. arietinum (0.301) indicating a close genetic similarity between these two species. Overall, the AFLP-based genetic relationships among accessions and species were congruous with our previous study of genetic relationships using allozymes. The computed level of AFLP variation and its distribution into within and between Cicer species paralleled the previous report based on RAPD analyses. AFLP analysis also confirmed the presence of the closest wild relatives and previous projections of the origin of chickpea in southern Turkey. Results presented in this report indicate that AFLP analysis is an efficient and reliable marker technology in determination of genetic variation and relationships in the genus Cicer. Obviously, the use of AFLP fingerprinting in constructing a detailed genetic map of chickpea and cloning, and characterizing economically important traits would be promising as well.Communicated by P. Langridge     

Effects of surrounding pastureland on Jilmoe Moor vegetation in Mt. Odae National Park, Korea

Jilmoe Moor, a montane peatland found in Mt. Odae National Park, Korea, has been influenced by a surrounding pasture-land for more than 30 years. Here, we used multivariate analyses to study the vegetation structure at that Moor. Four distinct communities were consistently separated (82.2% of the total variance): two wetland communities --Sphagnum palustre (SP) andPersicaria nepalensis-Persicaria thunbergii (PNPT). In addition, we recorded two invaded upland communities:Phleum pratense (PP) andFestuca ovina-Artemisia feddei (FOAF). Of those pasture species, timothy (Phleum pratense) was most dominant in all wetland communities except SP. Our data demonstrate that the pasture has affected the settlement and expansion of two pasture communities on the moor by acting as a propagule source and also through the input of nutrients in the form of fertilizer and waste from cattle. Moreover, this enrichment of the moor habitat may have facilitated replacement of the original wetland community. That is, its unusually high levels of phosphorus and potassium may have resulted in the dominance ofPersicaria nepalensis, andP. thunbergii, which often occur on nutrient-rich sites. Therefore, proper policies should be enacted to restore Jilmoe Moor as a montane peatland by eliminating the effect of the surrounding pasture.     

Identification of house-dust mites

The term house-dust mite usually refers to those species of the mite family Pyroglyphidae, that are known to commonly occur, although sometimes regionally, in the dust of human dwellings. These species belong to five genera:Dermatophagoides, Euroglyphus, Hirstia, andMalayoglyphus. Related species ofDermatophagoides have the most world-wide occurrence, the commonest being:D. farinae, D. microceras, andD. pteronyssinus. A correct taxonomic identification of house-dust mites is very important, not only from a biological stand point, but also regarding the consequences of their respective allergenical properties. Several immuno-chemical studies revealed differences between the products of two hard to distinguish sibling species. A preliminary practical taxonomic key for the most common and important house-dust mites is presented.     

High molecular weight glutenin subunit variation in wild and cultivated einkorn wheats (Triticum spp.,Poaceae)

Variation in high molecular weight (HMW) glutenin subunit composition among wild and cultivated einkorn wheats (2n = 2x = 14, AA) was investigated using one- (SDS-PAGE and urea/SDS-PAGE) and two-dimensional (IEF × SDS-PAGE) electrophoretic analyses. The material comprised 150 accessions ofTriticum urartu, 160 accessions ofT. boeoticum, 24 accessions ofT. boeoticum subsp.thaoudar and 74 accessions of primitive domesticatedT. monococcum from many different germplasm collections. The biochemical characteristics of HMW-glutenin subunits ofT. boeoticum andT. monococcum were highly similar to one another but distinctly different from those ofT. urartu. All the species analysed were characterised by large intraspecific variation and only three HMW-glutenin subunit patterns were identical betweenT. boeoticum andT. monococcum. Consistent with the distinct nature ofT. urartu, all its HMW-glutenin patterns were different from those found inT. boeoticum andT. monococcum. The differences detected between these species might reflect their reproductive isolation and are consistent with recent nomenclatural and biosystematic treatments that recogniseT. urartu as separate species fromT. boeoticum andT. monococcum. The presence of three distinct glutenin components in some accessions of the species studied seems to be evidence for the existence of at least three active genes controlling the synthesis of the HMW-glutenin subunits in the A genome of wild and primitive domesticated diploid wheats. Results indicate also that HMW-glutenin subunits could represent useful markers for the evaluation of genetic variability present in different wild diploid wheat collections and subsequently for their conservation and future utilisation.     

Productivity and management of Phytelephas aequatorialis (Arecaceae) in Ecuador

Phytelephas aequatorialis is endemic to western Ecuador. Vegetable ivory (tagua, the hard endosperm) and leaves for thatch (cade) are harvested from the palm and commercialised. Export of vegetable ivory from Ecuador reached a value of 14 million US$ in 2011, making it the second most important product from native palms in the country. Vegetable ivory and leaves are harvested mainly from the wild, although the palm is occasionally cultivated. Most seeds harvested for vegetable ivory are collected from the ground. In times of high demand, however, some harvesters collect immature infructescences; these young seeds are of inferior quality and unsuitable for the fabrication of tagua discs for export. Premature harvest reduces the amount of fully mature, high‐quality seed leading to resource limitation for the processing industry that already is unable to satisfy international demand. Fruit production in lowland agroforestry systems strongly correlates to the level of exposure to light. The development of infructescences takes 3 years in the lowlands (≤93 m a.s.l.) and over 4 years on the Andean slopes at around 1400 m a.s.l. Data from 365 tagged individuals show that male palms produce significantly more leaves than female palms and palms growing in the shade produce fewer, but longer and higher quality leaves for thatch. Leaf harvest has little impact on leaf production, but substantially reduces fruit production. Natural regeneration of Phytelephas populations in pastures is negatively affected, rendering the survival of these populations problematic. Sustainable use and commercialization of the two partially exclusive and locally competing products tagua (vegetable ivory) and cade (leaves for thatch) must be carefully designed. Application of unsustainable practices in the harvest of seeds and leaves, population decline in pastures, and resource limitation in the processing industry represent the main challenges in the sustainable use of this valuable palm species in the future.     

High variability and disomic segregation of microsatellites in the octoploid Fragaria virginiana Mill. (Rosaceae)

The objectives of the present study were to develop microsatellite markers for the wild strawberry, Fragaria virginiana, to evaluate segregation patterns of microsatellite alleles in this octoploid species, and assess genetic variability at microsatellite loci in a wild population. A genomic library was screened for microsatellite repeats and several PCR primers were designed and tested. We also tested the use of heterologous primers and found that F. virginiana primers amplified products in cultivated strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa Duch. and Fragaria chiloensis. Similarly, microsatellite loci developed from cultivated strawberry also successfully amplified F. virginiana loci. We investigated four microsatellite loci in detail, three developed from F. virginiana and one from cultivated strawberry. A survey of 100 individuals from a population of F. virginiana in Pennsylvania demonstrated high heterozygosities (H_e or gene diversity ranged from 0.80 to 0.88 per locus) and allelic diversity (12–17 alleles per locus), but individual plants had no more than two alleles per locus. Segregation patterns in parents and progeny of two controlled crosses at these four loci were consistent with disomic Mendelian inheritance. Together these findings suggest that the genome of F. virginiana is "highly diploidized" and at least a subset of microsatellite loci can be treated as codominant, diploid markers. Significant heterozygote deficiencies were found at three of the four loci for hermaphroditic individuals but for only one locus among females in this gynodioecious species.Communicated by J. Dvorak     

Plant knowledge of the Shuhi in the Hengduan Mountains, Southwest China

The Shuhi are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group of around 1,500 people living exclusively in the Shuiluo Valley, southwest China. We documented their plant knowledge concerning wild collected species, and analyzed food, medicine, and ritual uses. Overall, uses, collection sites, and use frequencies of 136 plant species were documented. The plants were divided in fodder (46 spp.), food (43 spp.), medicine (27 spp.), ritual plants (20 spp.), fuelwood (17 spp.), plants used for construction (8 spp.), ornamentals (2 spp.), and "others" (34 spp.). Food plants mainly consist of fruits and leafy vegetables, and the uses are comparable with those of other ethnic groups in the area. Knowledge about medicinal plants is relatively limited, since traditional Shuhi healers use ritual and other healing methods instead of medicinal plants. Ritual plants play an important role relative to human well-being. Villagers and ritualists use them to keep the environment clean of malevolent spirits and to maintain a good relationship with the deities. All habitats, from the dry shrub vegetation at the valley bottom up to the alpine shrub, are used for plant collection, but 87% of all species are collected in the near vicinity of the villages around the fields and in the dry shrub vegetation. Finally, we postulate two main factors influencing wild plant use among the Shuhi: cultural values and accessibility.