Genista valsecchiae (Leguminosae), a new species from Sardinia

Genista valsecchiae from SW Sardinia is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is very similar toG. ephedroides and can be distinguished by morphological differences of habit and inflorescence. It typically occurs in the garigue or maquis and is widespread in SW Sardinia.     

Volatile constituents as complementary tools to characterize seven sardinian Genista species

The aroma fingerprints of seven endemic Sardinian populations of Genista species (Genista bocchierii, Genista arbusensis, Genista cadasonensis, Genista corsica, Genista morisii, Genista pichisermolliana, Genista sulcitana) were defined for the first time in order to investigate the relationship between their chemotaxonomic classification and discriminating volatiles. It is the first time that the inter-species compositional variations of non-terpenoidic constituents and target volatiles such as linalool, limonene, 2,6-nonadienal, 2-pentylfuran, (E)-2-(2-pentenyl)-furan, ß-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide were related by Principal Components Analysis to the actual chemotaxonomic classification of the selected Sardinian Genista species. Although they are not considered marketable aromatic plants, these original results have shown the potential role of volatiles not only as new further important chemotaxonomic markers of Genista species, but also as potential ecological factors in the chemodiversity of some endemic Mediterranean Genista or, more in general, in vegetation changes and reforestation processes.     

A new alpinumisoflavone derivative from Genista pichisermolliana

The aerial parts of Genista pichisermolliana Valsecchi (Fabaceae), an endemic plant of Sardinia, were extracted in Soxhlet apparatus and purified by several chromatographic methods. The new compound alpinumisoflavone 4′-O-glucopyranoside (6) was isolated together with nineteen flavonoids, p-coumaric methylester and d-pinitol, while no alkaloids were detected. All the chemical structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis. Since flavonoids represent the main constituents of this plant, the total flavonoid content was determined according to the Italian Pharmacopoeia IX Ed. method.     

Improvement of micropropagation of Genista monosperma Lam. by abscisic acid treatment

Genista monosperma Lam. (Leguminosae) is an ornamental shrub cultivated for the production of its attractive flowered branches. In order to overcome the low rate of in vivo propagation, micropropagation protocols and somatic embryogenesis procedures were established. In this work, the effect of ABA treatments on somatic embryo development has been taken into consideration with the aim of improving the conversion of G. monosperma somatic embryos into plants. A statistically significant higher number of regulary torpedo-shaped somatic embryos occurred on modified Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1 μM ABA. When subcultured in light, the embryos induced in the presence of ABA, elongated and converted in a significantly higher percentage than those formed in absence of ABA. Sixty percent of the plantlets were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse. A sample of the somatic embryo-derived plants were grown in the field, flowered during the third year and were phenotipically normal. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Analytical Profiling of Phenolic Compounds in Extracts of Three Cistus Species from Sardinia and Their Potential Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity

The Cistaceae family is well represented in Sardinia, and the Cistus genus is widely used in traditional medicine. Nowadays only few studies have been performed on this genus vegetating in Sardinia in spite of its ethnobotanical importance. Moreover, in the past there have been conflicting opinions among botanists for the exact assignment of the species growing in Sardinia. We started several years ago to carried out studies on this genus and in the present study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of several samples of Cistus salvifolius L., Cistus monspeliensis L., and Cistus albidus L. collected in Sardinia as antimicrobial agents against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and four Candida species and their antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Furthermore, the phenolic content and composition of the extracts were first evaluated. Using statistical multivariate analysis on the complete metabolomics profile of all Cistus species growing wild in Sardinia, we confirmed the botanical classification, and we observed an interesting correlation between metabolomics profile and antioxidant activity.     

Phylogeny of nodulation genes and symbiotic properties of Genista tinctoria bradyrhizobia

Pairwise comparisons of Genista tinctoria (dyer’s weed) rhizobium nodA, nodC, and nodZ gene sequences to those available in databanks revealed their highest sequence identities to nodulation loci of Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus) strains and rhizobia from other genistoid legumes. On phylogenetic trees, genistoid microsymbionts were grouped together in monophyletic clusters, which suggested that their nodulation genes evolved from a common ancestor. G. tinctoria nodulators formed symbioses not only with the native host, but also with other plants of Genisteae tribe such as: Lupinus luteus, Sarothamnus scoparius, and Chamaecytisus ratisbonensis, and they were classified as the genistoid cross-inoculation group. The dyer’s weed root nodules were designated as indeterminate with apical meristem consisting of infected and uninfected cells.The GenBank accession numbers for the sequences reported in this paper are as follows: nodC, DQ139776–DQ139781; nodA, DQ135897, Q135898; nodZ, DQ135899–DQ135903.     

Effects of habitat fragmentation and soil quality on reproduction in two heathland Genista species

Habitat fragmentation decreases plant population size and increases population isolation, as well as altering patterns of plant–animal interactions, all of which may reduce plant fitness. Here, we studied effects of habitat fragmentation (in terms of population size and isolation) and soil quality on the reproduction of two rare legume species, Genista anglica (13 populations) and Genista pilosa (14 populations), confined to remnants of acidic and nutrient‐poor Calluna heathlands. Single individuals of the Genista plants are impossible to distinguish; population size was therefore estimated according to the area occupied (referred to as population size hereafter). We collected soil samples in all heathland sites to determine content of soil water, C, N, P, Ca, K and Mg. In both species values of soil pH and C/N ratio, as well as content of soil P and base cations, reflected the highly acidic and nutrient‐poor environment of the heathlands. Population sizes were unrelated to soil quality. Although the two Genista species are similar in morphology and ecology, effects of explanatory variables on reproduction were largely inconsistent across species. In G. anglica, population size had a positive impact on all reproductive variables except germination rate, which, in contrast, was the only variable affected positively by population size in G. pilosa. In both species, mean total reproductive output, calculated as the product of total seed mass per shoot and total germination, increased with increasing water content and decreased with increasing P. In G. anglica, we found positive effects of the C/N ratio on all reproductive variables except mean single and total seed mass per shoot. In summary, in both species reproductive success per shoot decreased with increasing soil nutrient availability in the heathland sites. The infestation of two large populations of G. pilosa with the pre‐dispersal, seed‐predating weevil Apion compactum had no significant effect on reproduction of the populations.     

Anomalie In Plante Di Nicotiana Tabacum L. Derivate Da Semi Trattati Con Neutroni Termici

Abstract

The endemic species in the peninsula of Capo Caccia (N. W. Sardinia). — The author signals the presence of some endemic species in the Peninsula of Capo Caccia (N. W. Sardinia)     

Graptodytes exsanguis (Bedel, 1925) n. stat., a newly recognised species of diving beetle from North Africa,Corsica and Sardinia,with notes on other taxa of the varius/ignotus complex (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

Summary

A species of the genus Graptodytes Seidlitz, 1887 (varius/ignotus complex) is newly recognised and described based on recently sampled specimens from Corsica and Sardinia, and material in various collections from Algeria, Tunisia, Corsica and Sardinia. The name exsanguis, created by Bedel in 1925 for a variety of what he then called Hydroporus varius Aubé, 1838, is shown to be available for the newly recognised species, therefore named Graptodytes exsanguis (Bedel, 1925) n. stat. (type locality: Algeria, La Calle – nowadays El Kala). This species is similar in size and colour pattern to G. fractus (Sharp, 1882), from which it can be distinguished by strong differentiation of the male protarsal claws, features of the habitus and elytral punctation, and shape of the median lobe of aedeagus. Morphological features of G. exsanguis and G. fractus are illustrated, and pictures showing for each species the variability of habitus and median lobe are provided. For comparison, the habitus and median lobes of other species of the varius/ignotus complex are also illustrated. Habitat preferences of G. exsanguis are described based on field observations in Corsica and Sardinia, and a distribution map of validated records is presented. Analysis of a partial CO1 alignment yielded a basal and divergent position within the varius/ignotus complex for the sequenced G. exsanguis haplotypes from Corsica and Sardinia. Lectotypes are designated for Hydroporus varius var. exsanguis Bedel, 1925, Hydroporus fractus Sharp, 1882 and Graptodytes ignotus var. fallaciosus Guignot, 1932, and the latter is established as a junior synonym of G. fractus.     

Structural heterozygosity in Scilla hyacinthoides L. and Scilla amoena L. (Liliaceae). Karyological analysis

Abstract

A karyological analysis carried out in Scilla hyacinthoides L. and Scilla amoena L. on material collected in the Botanical Garden of Cagliari (Sardinia), has shown the presence of heterozygous karyotypes in the two species. The chromosome number of S. hyacinthoides was found to be 2n = 20, while the chromosome number of S. amoena was 2n = 12, in accordance with the data found in the literature. Both the observed karyotypes show clear structural alterations, especially evident in one pair of clearly heteromorphic chromosomes. The analysis of the karyotypes seem to exclude a hybrid origin of the material examined and it is probable that such karyotypes may be the result of various structural re-arrangements, still evolving and aiming at a cytogenetic stabilization of the genus Scilla.     

Relationships of Bradyrhizobium strains nodulating three Algerian Genista species

The Mediterranean world is the cradle for the diversification of a large number of plant species, including legumes belonging to the Tribe Genisteae. Nodule bacteria from three species of Genista legumes indigenous to northwestern Africa (G. ferox, G. numidica, G. tricuspidata) were sampled across a 150 km region of Algeria in order to investigate symbiotic relationships. Partial 23S rRNA sequences from 107 isolates indicated that Bradyrhizobium was the predominant symbiont genus (96% of isolates), with the remainder belonging to Rhizobium or Mesorhizobium. A multilocus sequence analysis on 46 Bradyrhizobium strains using seven housekeeping (HK) genes showed that strains were differentiated into multiple clades with affinities to seven species: B. canariense (17 isolates), B. japonicum (2), B. ottawaense (2), B. cytisi/B. rifense (9), ‘B. valentinum’ (5), and B. algeriense (11). Extensive discordance between the HK gene phylogeny and a tree for four loci in the symbiosis island (SI) region implied that horizontal transfer of SI loci has been common. Cases of close symbiont relationship across pairs of legumes hosts were evident, with 33% of isolates having as their closest relative a strain sampled from a different Genista species. Nevertheless, tree permutation tests also showed that there was substantial host-related phylogenetic clustering. Thus, each of the three Genista hosts utilized a measurably different array of bacterial lineages.     

Quinolizidine alkaloids from Genista ephedroides

Alkaloids retamine, anagyrine, lupanine, 17-oxoretamine, 12-alpha-hydroxylupanine were detected, along with four others unidentified compounds in the aerial parts of Genista ephedroides D.C.     

Genista sessilifolia DC. extracts induce apoptosis across a range of cancer cell lines

Objectives

Restorative properties of medicinal plants such as Genista sessilifolia DC. have often been suggested to occur, in epidemiological studies. However, full characterization of effective principles responsible for this action has never previously been performed. Here, we have characterized G. sessilifolia's anti‐cancer effects and identified the chemical components involved in this anti‐tumour action.

Materials and methods

Cell cycle, apoptosis, necrosis, differentiation analyses, high‐performance liquid chromatography, western blotting, RNA extraction, real‐time PCR and primers have all been observed/used in the study.

Results

We report that G. sessilifolia methanol extract has anti‐cancer activity on solid and haematological cancer cells. G. sessilifolia extract's anti‐proliferative action is closely bound to induction of apoptosis, whereas differentiation is only weakly modulated. Analysis of G. sessilifolia extract, by high‐performance liquid chromatography, identifies fraction 18–22 as the pertinent component for induction of apoptosis, whereas fractions 11–13 and 27–30 both seem to contribute to differentiation. G. sessilifolia extract induces apoptosis mediated by caspase activation and p21, Rb, p53, Bcl2‐associated agonist of cell death (BAD), tumour necrosis factor receptor super‐family, member 10 (TRAIL) overexpression and death receptor 5 (DR5). Accordingly, fraction 18–22 inducing apoptosis was able to induce TRAIL.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that G. sessilifolia extract and its fraction 18–22 containing genistin and isoprunetin, were able to induce anti‐cancer effects supporting the hypothesis of a pro‐apoptotic intrinsic content of this natural medicinal plant.

     

Alcune specie e varietà nuove per la flora della Sardegna

Abstract

New species for Flora of Sardinia. — The Author remarks the presence of new species for Sardinia with some observations on the distribution and habitat.     

Triterpene saponins of Genista ulicina Spach

From the n-BuOH extract of the aerial parts of Genista ulicina, six triterpene saponins, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-ene-3β,27,28,30-tetraol, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-ene-3β,27,28,29-tetraol, 3,29-di-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-ene-3β,27,28,29-tetraol, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-ene-3β,28,29-triol-27-oic acid, 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-olean-12-ene-3β,27,28-triol-29-oic acid, and 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-14-H-27-nor-olean-12-ene-3β,28,29-triol, were isolated together with eight known triterpene saponins and six flavonoids. Their structures were established mainly by means of spectroscopic methods (1D and 2D-NMR as well as HR-ESI-MS). The n-BuOH extract, investigated for its antitumor growth inhibition of human colon cancer HT-29 cells, presented no significant activity (IC₅₀ > 100 μg).     

Karyological and taxonomic notes on Genista L. (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Karyological information about Iberian Genista species is limited because of their wide geographical distribution. It is a major factor in the understanding of a genus whose genetic evolution is mostly related to aneuploidy and euploidy. The chromosome numbers of the following taxa have been counted: G. carpetana subsp. carpetana (n = 20), G. cinerascens (n = 12), G. micrantha (n = 18), G. mugronensis subsp. rigidissima (n = 18), G. ramosissima (2n = 48) and G. tinctoria (n = 24). The previously-assumed uniformity of chromosome number (n = 24) for all the subspecies of G. cinerea is supported here by data from subspp. murcica and speciosa. In G. florida, a new chromosome number, n = 23, has been found for both subspecies (florida and polygaliphylla). A discussion of the discrepancies between these data and previous ones is included. A new level of ploidy has been found in G. tuurnefortii subsp. tournefortii (n = 32). The data stress the necessity of obtaining chromosomal information from a number of plants of a taxon before its characteristic number is clear, and indicate that more chromosomal data will help the understanding of the cytological diversity within taxa in Genista.     

A palm fossil closely related to Chamaerops humilis L. from the Lower Miocene of Sardinia

Abstract

This paper deals with the anatomical and histological study of a silicified specimen of a palm consisting of a part of the trunk surrounded by roots. The sample comes from the Lower Miocene of North West Sardinia. The comparison with fossil species and exsting species leads to the conclusion that the specimen belongs to a new fossil species closely related to Chamaerops humilis L., widespread throughout the Mediterranean area. Paleo-environmental considerations confirm the presence in Sardinia, in the epoch in question, of formations of Mediterranean forest corresponding in part to forest existing in North Africa today.     

Spartina Juncea Willd. nuova specie per la Sardegna

Abstract

SPARTINA JUNCEA WILLD.: A NEW SPECIES FOR SARDINIA. — The Author remarks the presence of a new species for Sardinia: Spartina juncea Willd at the month of Calich pool (Alghero) and on the neighbouring littoral, in a place reflecting its known edaphic necessities « sea dump sands and saltish marshes ».     

Monte Linas nuovo anello di congiunzione nell'areale della Scilla obtusifolia Poir

Abstract

MONTE LINAS, A NEW BRIGDE STATION IN THE SARDINIAN DISTRIBUTION OF SCILLA OBTUSIFOLIA POIR. — Two new phytocenosis of Scilla obtusifolia Poir. in Sardinia on Monte Linas have been described; their particular interest is that they connect the so far stations of this species in Sardinia. Monte Linas acts as a bridge between the southern sardinian stations and the northern ones, which have been already described by DESOLE (1959).