THE ANATOMY OF PACHYDERMIA LAEVIS (ARCHAEOGASTROPODA: 'PELTOSPIRIDAE')

The anatomy of Pachydermia laevis Warén & Bouchet,1989 is investigated. It is a deep-sea gastropod and restrictedto hydrothermal vents of the East Pacific Rise. Its anatomyresembles that of Melanodrymia aurantiaca Hickman, 1984 (Melanodrymiidae)in most respects, except that its gonopericardial duct opensinto the renopericardial duct, not into the peri-cardial chamber,and that it lacks a copulatory organ. Examination of M. aurantiacamain confirms earlier work. The two species have a cerebralbuccal connective fused with the cerebral ganglion (not freefrom it), a synapomorphy that has not been described for anyother archaeogastropod. The investigation suggests that Melanodrymiaand Pachydermia are closely related and together with Cyathermiidaeand Neomphalidae form a monophyletic group within the Neomphalina.No evidence was found to support earlier speculations aboutclose relations of Neomphalina to Viviparoidea. (Received 10 January 1996; accepted 3 April 1997)     

Musa aurantiaca (Musaceae) and its intraspecific taxa in India

Musa aurantiaca Baker (Musaceae) is distributed from northeast India, Tibet to northern Myanmar. In the present study its intraspecific taxa are thoroughly investigated. Two new varieties are described and illustrated based on live plants in the field: M. aurantiaca Baker var. homenborgohainiana Gogoi and M. aurantiaca Baker var. jengingensis Gogoi. A key to the varieties of Musa aurantiaca Baker and closely related taxa is also provided.     

A New Archaeogastropod (Rhipidoglossa, Trochacea) from Hydrothermal Vents on the East Pacific Rise

Melanodrymia aurantiaca gen. et sp.n., a conispiral archaeogastropod of trochacean affinities, occurs on chimneys and stacks of polymetallic sulphide deposits at hydrothermal vents on the abyssal ocean floor at 21°N Latitude off Baja California, Mexico. The shell is unique in its combination of reflexed growth lines, strongly prosocline aperture, discordant sculpture, discoidal geometry and pattern of apertural angulations. The similarity in form with Paleozoic euomphalaceans and pleurotomariceans is considered superficial and the unusual shell form and simplification of shell microstructure are interpreted as evolutionary correlates of small size. The radula is unusual, but it shares many features with the rhipidoglossan radulae of four undescribed limpet-shaped species from hydrothermal vents on the East Pacific Rise. It is hypothesized that the adaptive radiation occurred in situ , late in the Tertiary or Quaternary, and from a coiled ancestor.     

Anatomy and affinities of cocculinid limpets (Mollusca, Archaeogastropoda)

The anatomy of seven cocculinid species, representing four genera, is described. Two new genera are erected, Paracocculina and Coccocrater, and a comparative account of all cocculinid species so far anatomically investigated is given. Definitions of six genera, mainly based on anatomical data, are presented. Variation at the species level is also discussed. The closest relatives of the Cocculinidae are found in the Bathysciadiidae, sharing a distinct gill type and similar coelomic conditions. Therefore, both families are united as the Cocculinoidea. The Lepetelloidea (Lepetellidae, Pseudococculinidae, Osteopeltidae, Bathyphytophilidae (?), Cocculinellidae, Addisoniidae and Choristellidae) are more distantly related and are classified, together with the Cocculinoidea, within the suborder Cocculiniformia. The Cocculiniformia are regarded as one of the earliest offshoots at the archaeogastropod level of organization, being secondarily modified in several respects.     

Studies in African Cyperaceae 37: Scleria aurantiaca sp. nov. from Gabon

Scleria aurantiaca Lye is described from eastern Gabon. It is superficially similar to S. nyassensis, but probably more closely related to S. adpresso‐hirta, which has a more similar nutlet and hypogynium. The scientific name is derived from the bright orange ring of the hypogynium. The fruit of S. aurantiaca has both micro‐ and nano‐papillae, which are described here for the first time. Also discussed is the water transport through surface hairs to the embryo in the fruit. Due to the restricted range of this species, it must be considered as ‘Endangered’ (EN).     

Pyrigemmula, a novel hyphomycete genus on grapevine and tree bark

The anamorphic taxon Pyrigemmula aurantiaca gen. et sp. nov. is described and illustrated from specimens that were collected from the inner bark of living woody hosts (Vitis vinifera, Pyrus communis, Mespilus germanica, Platanus hybrida, Elaeagnus angustifolia) and plant debris in Hungary. The fungus is generically distinct in the nature of the pyriform, golden conidiogenous cell with a solitary terminal pore and the ellipsoidal, distoseptate, phragmoconidia that germinate from each end and that have a rarely noted internal hilum quite unlike the hilum of the conidiogenous cell. The new fungus is compared with the type species of a number of allied genera of hyphomycetes. Free spores of the fungus were trapped in air, honeydew sap and rainwater samples. Aerobiological studies showed that the spores are infrequent in the air, whereas their concentration increased with higher atmospheric pressure. Pyrigemmula aurantiaca lives in bark fissures and rarely becomes airborne and the spores are mainly dispersed by rain splash.     

Pollen morphology of Alcantarea giant bromeliads (Bromeliaceae,Tillandsioideae)

Here we describe the pollen morphology of 19 species of Alcantarea, none of them fully described before, to contribute to the infra-generic delimitation of the genus. Pollen grains are heteropolar, amb ellipsoidal (although spheroidal pollen occurs in Alcantarea aurantiaca, A. burle-marxii, A. glaziouana, A. nahoumii, A. roberto-kauskyi and A. trepida), monosulcate, sulcus with margin, reticulate ornamentation of the exine on the central area of pollen grain (except in A. imperialis, which display foveolate ornamentation) and apex of equatorial axe with different ornamentation from the central area of pollen grain (microreticulate calota or psilate-perforate calota). The genus is considered stenopalynous due to the similarity in the pollen morphology. The new pollen characters obtained here are useful in understanding the infra-generic palynotaxonomy of the genus confirming the relationship between species that have been grouped together based on vegetative evidence and/or relationships suggested by analyses based on DNA sequences or microsatellite evidence, e.g. between A. aurantiaca, A. burle-marxii and A. nahoumii; between A. burle-marxii, A. glaziouana and A. trepida; between A. hatschbachii and A. duarteana, between A. roberto-kautsky and A. trepida. Our results improve the morphological characterisation of the genus and may contribute to phylogenetic analyses as well as the biosystematics approach to solve species complexes.     

The anatomy of Addisonia (Mollusca,Gastropoda)

Summary The organization of Addisonia lateralis (Requien, 1848) and A. brophyi McLean, 1985 is described. Addisonia species have a thin, asymmetrical, cup-like shell and a very simple shell muscle. Eyes, oral lappets and epipodial tentacles are absent and the right cephalic tentacle is also used as a copulatory organ. Most characteristic is the enormously developed gill which is enlarged into the right subpallial cavity. It is composed of about 30 leaflets with skeletal rods and its epithelia are uniquely arranged. The heart is large and the single auricle is situated anteriorly left. There are two kidneys: the left is small, while the right forms large coelomic cavities and has no connection with the pericardium or the hermaphroditic genital system. Testis and ovary are separate: both have a simple duct proper (vas deferens, oviduct). They are connected to the copulatory organ by an open seminal groove; a small receptaculum is present. The mouth opening is typically triangular, with no jaws or subradular sense organs. Addisonia possesses tuft-like salivary glands, a radula diverticulum and distinct, tubular oesophageal glands. The oesophagus itself is simple. The radula and the posterior alimentary tract are unique; the stomach is completely reduced and the intestine forms a pseudostomach. The streptoneurous, hyoathroid nervous system has pedal cords with three commissures. The visceral loop is also cord-like. A single (left) osphradium is present and the small statocysts have several statocones.The peculiarities and unique combination of primitive and advanced characters in Addisonia reflect a highly enigmatic organization among the Archaeogastropoda. Possible relationships to other archaeogastropod groups are discussed.     

橙花瑞香的繁殖特性研究

瑞香属植物具有重要的药用和观赏价值,在中国资源丰富,但自然条件下低坐果率限制了该属植物的进一步开发和利用。该研究以橙花瑞香为对象,通过对其有性繁殖及传粉特性的研究,探索其自然坐果率低的原因,内容包括花部特征的测量分析,MTT染色法测定花粉活性,联苯胺-过氧化氢法测定柱头可授性,扫描电镜观察柱头、花粉的形态,传粉者观察,通过花粉胚珠比(P/O)和人工授粉实验推测橙花瑞香的繁育系统类型。结果表明:橙花瑞香的花部结构特殊,管状小花,花药两轮,雌雄蕊分离。花开后的花粉具有活性,柱头具有可授性,扫描电镜下,柱头和花粉的结构没有发育异常,且柱头上有花粉落置。橙花瑞香的传粉者主要是夜间访花的蛾类,访花频率低。P/O及人工授粉实验表明橙花瑞香的繁育系统为专性异交。橙花瑞香的坐果率非常低,自然坐果率为1.4%,人工异花授粉为23.3%,低坐果率可能是受其开花量大、异花花粉限制、资源限制以及花部结构等因素的影响。     

A new zoarcid,lycenchelys aurantiaca, from the pacific coast off northern japan (teleostei: Perciformes)

A new zoarcid fish,Lycenchelys aurantiaca, is described on the basis of 10 specimens (86.3–135.8 mm SL) from depths of 500–700 m along the Pacific coast of northern Honshu, Japan. Although this species resemblesLycenchelys alta andL. squamosa in having a smaller number of vertebrae (85–88) and a rather short body, it is distinguished from them by the following characters: pectoral fin rays 13–16; preoperculomandibular pores 7 (4 mandibular pores+3 preopercular pores); reddish yellow body.     

A physical and genetic map of the Stigmatella aurantiaca DW4/3.1 chromosome

A physical map of the myxobacterium Stigmatella aurantiaca DW4/3.1 chromosome was constructed by pulsed-field gel (PFG) long-range mapping. One-and two-dimensional pulsed-field gel analyses were used together with reciprocal double-restriction, cross-hybridization and hybridization fingerprint analysis. These PFG results were confirmed by Smith-Birnstiel analysis, by Southern hybridization using linking clones and clones of a λ genomic library for the determination of adjacent restriction fragments and by transposon insertion mapping using defined genomic sequences for hybridization. It was thus possible to construct a circular restriction map of the single 9.35 Mbp chromosome of S. aurantiaca based on the endonucleases Asel and Spel. Genetic loci as well as the replication origin were located on the physical map by Southern hybridization using heterologous (derived from Myxococcus xanthus, Escherichia coli and Streptomyces lividans) and homologous probes that are mainly involved in development and ceil motility.     

Effect of alkylhydroxybenzenes,microbial anabiosis inducers,on the structural organization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas aurantiaca</Emphasis> DNA and on the induction of phenotypic dissociation

We revealed a relationship between alkylhydroxybenzene (AHB)-induced changes in the structural organization of supramolecular complexes (SC) of the DNA of Pseudomonas aurantiaca and the phenotypic dissociation of this bacterium. The addition of 0.1–0.3 mM hexylresorcinol (C₆-AHB), a chemical analogue of microbial anabiosis autoinducers, caused the formation of cystlike refractile cells (CRC) in these gram-negative, nonsporulating bacteria. Inoculating pseudomonad CRC on solid nutrient media resulted in phenotypic dissociation of the microbial population that yielded several variants with different colony structure and morphology. This manifested itself in the conversion of the original S-colony-forming phenotype into the R form and in the formation of less pigmented colonies. These transitions were possibly linked to AHB-induced structural changes in the DNA. In vitro studies revealed that AHB could interact with DNA SC, resulting in their structural modification that manifested itself in changes in their viscoelasticity. DNA supramolecular complexes isolated from proliferating, stationary-phase, and anabiotic P. aurantiaca cells differed in their viscoelasticity and capacity to interact with AHB homologues with different hydrophobicity, such as hexylresorcinol and methylresorcinol (C₁-AHB). The DNA SC from actively proliferating cells were characterized by smaller viscoelasticity compared with those from stationary-phase and anabiotic cells, due to the difference in the DNA superspiralization degree and the physiological age of the bacteria involved. C₆-AHB produced a pronounced relaxing effect on the DNA SC from exponential-phase P. aurantiaca cells. The less hydrophobic C₁-AHB produced a similar relaxing effect on the DNA SC from stationary-phase cells. The curve of the dose-effect dependence of C₆-AHB had a breaking point within the submillimolar (10^–4 M) concentration range. These concentrations induce the formation of cystlike anabiotic pseudomonad cells that are characterized by an unstable phenotype and dissociate into distinct variants upon inoculation on solid media.__________Translated from Mikrobiologiya, Vol. 74, No. 2, 2005, pp. 157–165.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Mulyukin, Vakhrushev, Strazhevskaya, Shmyrina, Zhdanov, Suzina, Duda, Kozlova, El-Registan.     

New records,species, genera,and a new family of gastropods from hydrothermal vents and hydrocarbon seeps*

More than 100 species of gastropods from vent and seep localities around the world are reviewed, based on literature information and new material. The following new taxa are described (localities with parentheses, systematic position within brackets): Cantrainea macleani sp.n. (Louisiana Slope) [Turbinidae]; Fucaria striata gen. et sp.n. (Juan de Fuca Ridge area), Vetuloniaphalcata sp.n. (North Fiji Basin) [both Trochidae]; Protolira valvatoides gen. et sp.n. (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) [Skeneidae]; Ventsia tricarinata gen. et sp.n. (Lau Basin), Bruceiella globulus gen. et sp.n. (Lau Basin) [both tentatively in Skeneidae]; Melanodrymia brightae sp.n. (Juan de Fuca Ridge area), Pachydermia sculpta sp.n. (Lau Basin), Planorbidella gen.n., P. depressa sp.n. (Lau Basin), Ctenopelta porifera gen. et sp.n. (EPR 13°N)[Peltospiridae]; Helicrenion reticulatum gen. et sp.n. (Lau Basin), Lepfogyra inflata sp.n. (Lau Basin) [families unknown]; Desbruyeresia spinosa gen. et sp.n. (Lau Basin), D. cancellata sp.n.(Lau Basin), D. melanioides sp.n. (Lau Basin), Provanna buccinoides sp.n. (Lau Basin) [Provannidae]; Hyalogyra vitrinelloides sp.n. (Lau Basin), Hyalogyrina grasslei s p a (Guaymas Basin)[Hyalogyrinidae fam. n.], Xylodiscula major sp.n. (North Fiji Basin) [Xylodisculidae]. The external morphology of the soft parts [for Ifremeria and Alviniconcha (Provannidae) also the anatomy] is described for most of the taxa involved. Some features in the biology and distribution of the gastropod fauna are discussed. About half the fauna consists of species belonging to families or superfamilies endemic to this environment. One-fifth of the remaining species belong to taxa normally associated with biogenic substrates in the deep sea. Alviniconcha hessleri has previously been shown to harbour chemosynthetic bacteria in the gill; Ifremeria nautilei is here confirmed to do the same. Ctenopelta porifera, and Hirtopelta hirta are suspected to have such bacteria because of reduction of the alimentary system.     

New species in the fern genus Dryopteris (Dryopteridaceae) from the islands in the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)

Three new species of Dryopteris, D. cicatricata J.P. Roux and D. caperata J.P. Roux from São Tomé and D. aurantiaca J.P. Roux from Annobón are described. All three taxa appear to be local endemics. A key to the Dryopteris species occurring on the islands in the Gulf of Guinea is provided.     

Developmental cell cohesion in Stigmatella aurantiaca

Cells of the myxobacterium Stigmatella aurantiaca increased in cohesiveness during the aggregation stage of fruiting body formation. Cell cohesion was genus specific, as determined by suspending S. aurantiaca cells with other bacteria and measuring their inclusion in the cell clumps. Cohesion between aggregating cells became resistant to moderate shear stresses (vortex mixing) approximately at the aggregate stage. Cells harvested prior to the appearance of aggregates formed shear sensitive followed by shear resistant cohesions in cell suspension.     

Factors Contributing to Variation in Seed Production among Remnant Populations of the Endangered Daisy Gerbera aurantiaca1

The species‐rich mist‐belt grasslands of southern Africa have been severely reduced in extent as a result of commercial afforestation, thus confining many endemic plants and animals to small populations in habitat fragments. We investigated the influence of various environmental factors on seed production and seedling recruitment in remnant populations of the endangered grassland herb Gerbera aurantiaca (Asteraceae). Experiments with color traps showed that Eriesthis beetles, which appear to be the primary pollinators of G. aurantiaca, were most abundant in the two largest y extant populations. Seeds are produced in a very small proportion (typically <10%) of the ca 80 female florets in a capitulum. The mean number of seeds produced in undamaged capitula was found to be significantly lower in small than in large populations. Pollen limitation was evident from a significant overall increase in seed set after supplementalpollination in three populations over two seasons. The proportion of capitula containing seed predators did not differ markedly among populations or years, but lepidopteran larvae, which destroy all of the seeds in a capitulum, weremost abundant in the two largest populations in 2003. The presence of juvenile plants varied markedly amongpopulations, but this could not be linked firmly to estimates of seed production. Clonal growth is likely to contribute to the persistence of small isolated populations of G. aurantiaca, even when seed production is severely compromised by pollen limitation and predation.     

Pre-release assessment ofNanaia sp. [Lepidoptera: Phycitidae] fromOpuntia pascoensis for biological control ofOpuntia aurantiaca [Cactaceae]

Nanaia sp. was collected onOpuntia pascoensis Britton & Rose in Peru and introduced into South Africa for biological control ofOpuntia aurantiaca Lindley. Since this is a new insect-plant association the chances of successful biological control could theoretically be enhanced. However, pre-release insectary studies showed that apart from the adverse affects of insectary rearing, larval development was slower, less larvae survived, smaller adults emerged and reproduction was suppressed onO. aurantiaca compareded toO. pascoensis. The new association ofNanaia sp. onO. aurantiaca will probably not succeed and, although field trials should be conducted to confirm this, an extensive mass-rearing and release programme would be a waste of time, finances and effort.      

Oviposition site selection in Cactoblastis cactorum (Lepidoptera): constraints and compromises

Summary Oviposition by Cactoblastis cactorum on Opuntia ficus-indica and O. aurantiaca was assessed from the positioning of egg sticks on plants in the field. The number of egg sticks laid on O. ficus-indica plants was affected by: (1) plant size; (2) moth emergence near the plant; (3) cladode condition; and (4) plant conspicuousness. These factors contributed towards the clumping of egg sticks on plants. There was no apparent oviposition preference for one of the two host plant species despite the fact that egg predation was higher and fecundity lower on O. aurantiaca. The selection of a site for oviposition on the host plants was influenced by: (1) cladode condition; (2) height above ground; and (3) shelter from wind during oviposition. Succulent cladodes were the favoured sites for oviposition. The evidence suggests that in C. cactorum, oviposition site selection is largely the net result of a compromise between oviposition behaviour selected for increasing the probability of juvenile survival and oviposition behaviour selected for increasing the probability of laying the full complement of eggs. In addition, environmental and physiological factors such as wind and wing-loading, are thought to place constraints on the range of sites available for oviposition.     

Distribution of iron, cobalt, zinc and selenium in macrofungi

Samples of wild growing ectomycorrhizal and terrestrial saprobic macrofungi (mushrooms) were collected from unpolluted areas and analyzed for their iron, cobalt, zinc and selenium content. Trace elements were determined using long-term instrumental neutron activation analysis. In total, 217 samples, including 87 species of ectomycorrhizal fungi and 43 species of terrestrial saprobes, were examined. Distribution of trace element contents in ectomycorrhizal and saprobic macrofungi was investigated; results are thoroughly compared with previously published data. Doubtful literature data and ability of macrofungi to accumulate/concentrate investigated elements are discussed. Hygrophoropsis aurantiaca was found to concentrate Fe and Russula atropurpurea was confirmed as an effective Zn-accumulating species. Distribution of Se in ectomycorrhizal species was obviously different from that in saprobic species; selenium contents were higher in saprobic species (mostly above 2 ppm).     

Evaluation of Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SR1 for growth promotion of soybean and for control of Macrophomina phaseolina

Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SR1 was evaluated for control of Macrophomina phaseolina in vitro and in soybean plants, for growth promotion of soybean plants and for production of antifungal compounds. Strain SR1 caused a significant inhibition of M. phaseolina in vitro and reduced damping-off in the in vivo assays. In addition, strain SR1 significantly increased shoot and root length and shoot and root dry weight of soybean plants in M. phaseolina infested soil, as compared to control plants in infested soil. Fragments for the phenazine-1-carboxylic acid, pyrrolnitrin and hydrogen cyanide encoding genes were amplified from the DNA of strain SR1 after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays with specific primers. Thus, this study establishes that P. chlororaphis subsp. aurantiaca SR1 provides control of M. phaseolina in vivo and suggests that strain SR1 might be applied as an effective biocontrol agent to protect soybean plants from this phytopathogen.