<Emphasis Type="Italic">Strobilanthes pothigaiensis</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthaceae</Emphasis>) — a new species from southern Western Ghats,India

Summary   Strobilanthes pothigaiensis, a new species of Strobilanthes (Acanthaceae) allied to S. foliosus T. Anderson from southern Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated.     

Identification of Diploid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Stylosanthes seabrana</Emphasis> Accessions from Existing Germplasm of <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. scabra</Emphasis> Utilizing Genome-Specific STS Markers and Flow Cytometry,and Their Molecular Characterization

Stylosanthes seabrana (Maass and ‘t Mannetje) (2n = 2x = 20), commonly known as Caatinga stylo, is an important tropical perennial forage legume. In nature, it largely co-exist with S. scabra, an allotetraploid (2n = 4x = 40) species, sharing a very high similarity for morphological traits like growth habit, perenniality, fruit shape and presence of small appendage at the base of the pod or loment. This makes the two species difficult to distinguish morphologically, leading to chances of contamination in respective germplasm collections. In present study, 10 S. seabrana accessions were discovered from the existing global germplasm stock of S. scabra represented by 48 diverse collections, utilizing sequence-tagged-sites (STS) genome-specific markers. All the newly identified S. seabrana accessions displayed STS phenotypes of typical diploid species. Earlier reports have conclusively indicated S. seabrana and S. viscosa as two diploid progenitors of allotetraploid S. scabra. With primer pairs SHST3F3/R3, all putative S. seabrana yielded single band of ~550 bp and S. viscosa of ~870 bp whereas both of these bands were observed in allotetraploid S. scabra. Since SHST3F3/R3 primer pairs are known to amplify single or no band with diploid and two bands with tetraploid species, the amplification patterns corroborated that all newly identified S. seabrana lines were diploid in nature. Flow cytometric measurement of DNA content of the species, along with distinguishing morphological traits such as flowering time and seedling vigour, which significantly differ from S. scabra, confirmed all identified lines as S. seabrana. These newly identified lines exhibited high level of similarity among themselves as revealed by RAPD and STS markers (>92% and 80% respectively). Along with the enrichment in genetic resources of Stylosanthes, these newly identified and characterized accessions of S. seabrana can be better exploited in breeding programs targeted to quality.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Kazachstania wufongensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., an ascosporogenous yeast isolated from soil in Taiwan

A new yeast species, Kazachstania wufongensis, is proposed in this paper based on six strains isolated from soil in Taiwan. The species may produce one to four ellipsoidal ascospores in each ascus, directly transformed from diploid cells. Genus assignment and distinction of the species from other recognized species of Kazachstania is based on morphological and physiological characteristics, and on phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the LSU rRNA gene reveals that K. wufongensis is a member of the Kazachstania exigua complex, and its phylogenetically closest relatives are K. exigua, K. barnettii, K. bulderi, and K. turicensis. The species can be further differentiated from the other phylogenetically related species based on internal transcribed spacer sequence and electrophoretic karyotype. Therefore, the new species Kazachstania wufongensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of this new species, which was isolated from forest soil in Wufong, Hsinchu, Taiwan, is FN21S03^T (=CBS 10886^T = BCRC 23138^T).     

A revision of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heterospathe elegans</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arecaceae</Emphasis>) complex in New Guinea

Summary  Three closely affiliated species of Heterospathe Scheff. (H. elegans (Becc.) Becc., H. humilis Becc. and H. versteegiana Becc.) from New Guinea are revised. They are reduced to a single species which is divided into two subspecies, and the new combination H. elegans subsp. humilis (Becc.) M. S. Trudgen & W. J. Baker is made. The subspecies can be readily distinguished by their growth habit. Epitypes are designated for the three previously published names, as informative material on the habit is not included in the existing type specimens. A new, potentially related species is described as H. pullenii M. S. Trudgen & W. J. Baker.     

Taxonomic novelties in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhynchospora</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyperaceae</Emphasis>) from South America

Summary  Two new species of Rhynchospora, R. acanthoma and R. rupestris, are described and illustrated. Their geographical distributions are discussed. The status of R. exilis and its synonymy is clarified.     

Light reduction predicts widespread patterns of dominance between asters and goldenrods

Here we investigate the long-cited pattern that throughout the eastern United States, Solidago species (goldenrods), and in particular S. canadensis displace Aster species and dominate old-field communities. Theory predicts that such a ubiquitous pattern of repeated dominance should be linked to competitive ability for a limiting resource. However, no one has investigated this possibility in old-fields, representing a potentially significant gap in our understanding of a common human-altered environment. We tested the hypothesis that S. canadensis is the superior competitor for light compared to other common co-occurring goldenrod species, and that the goldenrods in general are the superior competitors for light compared to coexisting aster species, which are typically less abundant. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the light attenuation abilities of four goldenrod species, S. canadensis, S. rugosa, S. gigantea, and Euthamia graminifolia, and three aster species, Aster novae-angliae, A. pilosus, and A. prenanthoides. Consistent with our hypothesis, S. canadensis had a greater ability to attenuate light than any of the other goldenrods at higher densities, and the goldenrods overall had a greater ability to attenuate light than the asters. By conducting a census in our study area, we verified that S. canadensis is locally the most abundant goldenrod and that goldenrods are more locally abundant than asters. Furthermore, by conducting a literature survey we found evidence that S. canadensis replaces A. pilosus through time. Thus we found a close correspondence between relative abundance in the field and light attenuation ability in field experiments. These results are consistent with theory predicting that competition for limiting resources, in this case light, explains patterns of dominance and relative abundance in old-field plant communities.     

Salt marsh colonization by a rocky shore invader: Balanus glandula Darwin (1854) spreads along the Patagonian coast

Balanus glandula, an east Pacific acorn barnacle from rocky shores, was introduced to Mar del Plata, Argentina more than 40 years ago and has spread over 17 latitudinal degrees southward. Here we report the first record of this species living in a soft-bottom environment colonizing the salt marsh plant species Limonium brasiliense, Spartina densiflora, S. alterniflora and Sarcocornia perennis. In addition, we describe the size frequency distribution, density and spatial distribution of the barnacles colonizing the different plant species. The size frequency distribution of Balanus showed a bimodal pattern in all plants. Barnacles were mostly large in S. densiflora, but small in S. alterniflora, with more balanced distributions of small and large barnacles on S. perennis and L. brasiliense. The highest density of barnacles was observed on S. perennis (x = 35.8 ind/cm², SD = 40.5) and S. alterniflora (x = 33.8 ind/cm², SD = 23), while the lowest on L. brasiliense (x = 1.5 ind/cm², SD = 1.18) and S. densiflora (x = 0.17 ind/cm², SD = 0.09). More than 90% of the barnacles on any given plant were found living. While barnacles colonized only the first few centimeters above the soil surface level in S. alterniflora and L. brasiliense, they reached their highest point on S. perennis. The finding of a rocky shore species successfully colonizing soft-bottom marshes within an invaded region brings new perspectives to discussions in biological invasion ecology, and raises additional considerations for coastal environmental management.     

Characterization of biocontrol traits in the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis georgiana (Kesha strain), and phylogenetic analysis of the nematode’s symbiotic bacteria

Our objective was to estimate the biocontrol potential of the recently discovered entomopathogenic nematode species Heterorhabditis georgiana (Kesha strain). Additionally, we conducted a phylogenetic characterization of the nematode’s symbiotic bacterium. In laboratory experiments, we compared H. georgiana to other entomopathogenic nematodes for virulence, environmental tolerance (to heat, desiccation, and cold), and host seeking ability. Virulence assays targeted Acheta domesticus, Agrotis ipsilon, Diaprepes abbreviatus, Musca domestica, Plodia interpunctella, Solenopsis invicta, and Tenebrio molitor. Each assay included H. georgiana and five or six of the following species: Heterorhabditis floridensis, Heterorhabditis indica, Heterorhabditis mexicana, Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema rarum, and Steinernema riobrave. Environmental tolerance assays included Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. georgiana, H. indica, S. carpocapsae, S. feltiae, and S. riobrave (except cold tolerance did not include S. carpocapsae or S. riobrave). Host seeking ability was assessed in H. bacteriophora, H. georgiana, S. carpocapsae, and Steinernema glaseri, all of which showed positive orientation to the host with S. glaseri having greater movement toward the host than S. carpocapsae (and the heterorhabditids being intermediate). Temperature range data (tested at 10, 13, 17, 25, 30 and 35 °C) indicated that H. georgiana can infect Galleria mellonella between 13 and 35 °C (with higher infection at 17–30 °C), and could reproduce between 17 and 30 °C (with higher nematode yields at 25 °C). Compared with other nematode species, H. georgiana expressed low or intermediate capabilities in all virulence and environmental tolerance assays indicating a relatively low biocontrol potential. Some novel observations resulted from comparisons among other species tested. In virulence assays, H. indica caused the highest mortality in P. interpunctella followed by S. riobrave; S. carpocapsae caused the highest mortality in A. domesticus followed by H. indica; and S. riobrave was the most virulent nematode to S. invicta. In cold tolerance, S. feltiae exhibited superior ability to cause mortality in G. mellonella (100%) at 10 °C, yet H. bacteriophora and H. georgiana exhibited the ability to produce attenuated infections at 10 °C, i.e., the infections resumed and produced mortality at 25 °C. In contrast, H. indica did not show an ability to cause attenuated infections. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the bacterium associated with H. georgiana was identified as Photorhabdus luminescens akhurstii.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecomtedoxa plumosa</Emphasis> (Sapotaceae), a new tree species from Korup National Park,Cameroon

Summary   Lecomtedoxa plumosa Burgt (Sapotaceae), a new tree species from the southern part of Korup National Park in Cameroon, is described and illustrated. The flowers show the characteristics of the genus Lecomtedoxa: for example the staminodes are free and placed alternately to the stamens and corolla lobes. The leaves of the new species are clearly different from other Lecomtedoxa spp., but they look similar to the leaves of Gluema ivorensis, especially to those of the collections from Cameroon. In total 26 trees ≥ 10 cm dbh were found. The largest trees found were 36 m high and 74 cm dbh. The trees grow in primary rain forest, in clusters of up to 10 trees on 2 ha, mixed with many other tree species. The seed dispersal is ballistic. The conservation status of the species is assessed as Endangered, EN D.     

New species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eugenia</Emphasis> sect. <Emphasis Type="Italic">Racemosae</Emphasis> (Myrtaceae) from Brazilian Amazon Rainforest

Summary  The new species Eugenia pallidopunctata, E. caducibracteata, E. tenuiflora and E. breviracemosa from the Brazilian Amazon, all belonging to Eugenia sect. Racemosae (Myrtaceae), are described, illustrated and compared with their putative close relatives. Data on the geographic distribution and habitat are given for the new taxa, as well as illustrations.     

Plant–pollinator interactions: comparison between an invasive and a native congeneric species

Plant–pollinator interactions determine reproductive success for animal-pollinated species and, in the case of invasive plants, they are supposed to play an important role in invasive success. We compared the invasive Senecio inaequidens to its native congener S. jacobaea in terms of interactions with pollinators. Visitor guild, visitation rate, and seed set were compared over 3 years in three sites in Belgium. Floral display (capitula number and arrangement) and phenology were quantified, and visiting insects were individually censused, i.e. number of visited capitula and time per visited capitulum. As expected from capitula resemblance, visitor guilds of both species were very similar (proportional similarity = 0.94). Senecio inaequidens was visited by 33 species, versus 36 for S. jacobaea. For both species, main visitors were Diptera, especially Syrphidae, and Hymenoptera. Visitation rate averaged 0.13 visitor per capitulum per 10 min for S. inaequidens against 0.08 for S. jacobaea. However, insects visited more capitula per plant on S. jacobaea, due to high capitula density (886 m⁻² versus 206 m⁻² for S. inaequidens), which is likely to increase self-pollen deposition considerably. Seed set of S. jacobaea was lower than that of S. inaequidens. We suggest that floral display is the major factor explaining the differences in insect visitation and seed set between the two Senecio species.     

The use and limits of AFLP data in the taxonomy of polyploid wild potato species in Solanum series Conicibaccata

Solanum sect. Petota (tuber-bearing wild and cultivated potatoes) are a group of approximately 190 wild species distributed throughout the Americas from the southwestern United States south to Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Solanum series Conicibaccata are a group of approximately 40 species within sect. Petota, distributed from central Mexico to central Bolivia, composed of diploids (2n = 2x = 24), tetraploids (2n = 4x = 48) and hexaploids (2n = 6x = 64); the polyploids are thought to be polysomic polyploids. This study initially was designed to address species boundaries of the four Mexican and Central American species of series Conicibaccata with AFLP data with the addition of first germplasm collections of one of these four species, Solanum woodsonii, as a follow-up to prior morphological, chloroplast DNA, and RAPD studies; and additional species of series Conicibaccata from South America. AFLP data from 12 primer combinations (1722 polymorphic bands) are unable to distinguish polyploid species long thought to be distinct. The data suggest a complex reticulate history of the tetraploids or the need for a broad downward reevaluation of the number of species in series Conicibaccata, a trend seen in other series of sect. Petota. Separately, through flow cytometry, we report the first ploidy level of S. woodsonii, as tetraploid (2n = 48). The U.S. Government’s right to retain a non-exclusive, royalty-free license in and to any copyright is acknowledged.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriocaulon epedunculatum</Emphasis>, a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriocaulaceae</Emphasis> from the Western Ghats,India

Summary  A new species of Eriocaulon, E. epedunculatum (Eriocaulaceae) is described and illustrated from the Western Ghats, India.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saturnispora serradocipensis</Emphasis> sp. nov. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saturnispora gosingensis</Emphasis> sp. nov., two ascomycetous yeasts from ephemeral habitats

Two novel ascomycetous yeast species, Saturnispora serradocipensis and Saturnispora gosingensis, were isolated from leaf detritus in a tropical stream of Southeastern Brazil and a mushroom collected in Taiwan, respectively. Analysis of the D1/D2 domains of the large-subunit of the rRNA gene of these strains showed that these species are related to Saturnispora hagleri, their closest relative. Saturnispora serradocipensis and S. gosingensis differed from S. hagleri, respectively, by seven nucleotide substitutions and two indels and three nucleotide substitutions and three indels in D1/D2 rRNA sequences. The two new species differ from each another by four nucleotide substitutions and one indel in D1/D2 rRNA sequences. However, the ITS sequences of S. serradocipensis, S. gosingensis and S. hagleri were quite divergent, showing that they are genetically separate species. The type strain of S. serradocipensis is UFMG-DC-198^T (=CBS 11756^T = NRRL Y-48717^T), and of S. gosingensis GA4M05^T is (CBS 11755^T = NRRL Y-48718^T).     

A new genus of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monimiaceae</Emphasis> from the Atlantic Coastal Forest in South-Eastern Brazil

Summary  A new monotypic genus and a new species of Monimiaceae, Grazielanthus arkeocarpus from the Brazilian Atlantic coastal forest are described, illustrated and compared with morphologically related taxa. The new taxon occurs in the State of Rio de Janeiro in the central coastal plain and was collected in the Po?o das Antas Biological Reserve, municipality of Silva Jardim (22°30′– 22°33′S; 42°14′– 42°19′W). The new taxon is represented by dioecious climbing shrubs of the sub-canopy that have urceolate, four-lobed flowers and a fleshy hypanthium that is closed until the fruit ripens. When ripe, the hypanthium ruptures irregularly and the fruitlets are exposed. The relationships between the new genus and other neotropical (Hennecartia J. Poiss. and Macrotorus Perkins) and paleotropical (Palmeria F. Muell.) genera are discussed.     

The genus Pseudo-nitzschia (Bacillariophyceae) in continental shelf waters of Argentina (Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, 38–55°S)

The distribution pattern of Pseudo-nitzschia species, associated phytoplankton flora and its relationships with main environmental factors were studied for the first time in continental shelf surface waters of the Argentine Sea (Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, 38–55°S). Both qualitative and quantitative samples, collected during summer and fall 2003, were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that the genus Pseudo-nitzschia has a wide distribution along the studied area. It was present at low densities, with infrequent peak abundances and appeared most frequently as a minor component of the diatom populations that typically develop on the continental shelf of the Argentine Sea. Moreover, phytoplankton communities were numerically dominated by unidentified phytoflagellates (≤5 μm) throughout almost all samples analyzed. Eight Pseudo-nitzschia species were identified in our study: P. australis, P. fraudulenta, P. heimii, P. lineola, P. pungens, P. cf. subcurvata, P. turgidula and P. turgiduloides. Of these, P. heimii, P. lineola and P. turgiduloides are new records for the Argentine Sea. Their presence in the area is attributable to the influence of southerly cold water masses. Spatial and temporal variations of the environmental parameters recorded in the study area generally determined the distribution of Pseudo-nitzschia species. P. pungens and P. australis were widely distributed and reached high densities, especially in waters with elevated temperatures and salinities (around 15 °C, 33.8 psu) and low nutrients concentrations. On the other hand, P. heimii, P. lineola, P. turgidula and P. turgiduloides showed a more restricted distribution, with lower densities in relatively cold, less saline (8 °C, 32.45 psu) and nutrient-rich waters. From the Pseudo-nitzschia species found throughout this survey, P. australis, P. fraudulenta, P. pungens and P. turgidula are known as domoic acid (DA) producers around the world, but there is little information on the potential toxicity of these species in Argentina.     

Two new species of Serjania (Sapindaceae) from southeastern Brazil

One new species ofSerjania (S. erythrocaulis) belonging to theS. paradoxa group ofSerjania sect.Eurycoccus is described and illustrated bringing the total number of species in this group to eight. A second new species,Serjania divaricocca, belonging to sect.Serjania is also described and illustrated.

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Resumen  Una especie neuva deSerjania (S. erythrocaulis) perteneciente al grupoS. paradoxa de la secciónEurycoccus es descrita e ilustrada. Con esta especie, el numero total de especies conocidas para este grupo aumenta a ocho. Una segunda nueva especie,Serjania divaricocca, perteneciente a la secciónSerjania es también descrita e ilustrada.

     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cambessedesia tiradentensis</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Melastomataceae</Emphasis>), a new species from Brazil

Summary  A new and probably endemic species of Cambessedesia DC. is described from campo rupestre vegetation, as part of a floristic survey of Melastomataceae from the S?o José mountain range, Tiradentes District, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Miscellaneous  Accepted for publication April 2008.