Silurian-Devonian miospores from the western and central Algeria

The age of Rock Units B1 and B2 of the Middle Silurian-Lower Devonian of Sahara (Algeria) is assessed and confirmed as late Homerian to ?earliest Lochkovian on the basis of moderately well preserved miospore assemblages. The data upon which this age assessment is provided by recent palynological studies in the Cantabrian Mountains (NW Spain), the type Wenlock area, Shropshire (England), south and south-west Wales, the Midland Valley of Scotland and the Ghadames Basin, Libya. Quantitative study shows that cryptospores decrease in number and variety upwards, laevigate miospores are prevalent and the representatives of the rugulate, crassitate genus Scylaspora are dominant. The occurrence and range of these species as well as other miospore taxa recorded during this study provide the basis for recognizing three miospore assemblage and one interval biozones, namely Scylaspora vetusta-Scylaspora kozlica, Chelinospora sanpetrensis-Cymbosporites triangulatus, Chelinospora hemiesferica and Scylaspopra radiata-Apiculiretusispora synoria. Of these biozones, two assemblage biozones are proposed as new. Core samples of Rock Unit B1 from borehole NGS-1 of the Triassic Province contain the oldest two miospore assemblage biozones. Rock Unit B2 from the boreholes GMD-2, ISS-1 (Tidikelt Plateau) and NGS-1 (Triassic Province) comprise the youngest two miospore biozones. The assemblage and interval biozones allow inter-regional correlation with latest Middle Silurian to probably earliest Devonian strata. The inadequacy of coverage of core samples result in the absence of critical palynological evidence, to determine the exact position of the base of the Ludlow, Pridoli and Lochkovian. Comparison with the zonal and sub-zonal divisions of Mid-Palaeozoic sequences from other parts of the world shows crucial differences in the distribution of the spore flora within Gondwanan and Euramerican regions during Pridoli and early Lochkovian. Six new miospore species namely Retusotriletes delicatus nov. sp., Scylaspora cymba nov. sp., S. distincta nov. sp., S. radiata nov. sp., S. undulata nov. sp. and Cymbosporites triangulatus nov. sp. are described. Three more possibly new miospore forms are described and illustrated but not specifically named.     

Aspects of late triassic palynology. 3. Palynology of latest triassic and earliest jurassic deposits of the northern limestone alps in Austria and southern Germany,with special reference to a palynological characterization of the Rhaetian stage in Europe

The present paper provides a palynological analysis of samples from the “Kössener Schichten”, “Schattwalder Schichten” and the ammonoid (Psiloceras planorbe)-bearing beds of the “Fleckenmergel/Fleckenkalk” found in the vicinity of Salzburg (Austria and adjacent part of Germany).It is shown that the compositional development of latest Triassic—earliest Jurassic palynological assemblages from Alpine sequences matches the situation in the Germanic realm. A characteristic phase in this development is interpreted in terms of the Rhaetipollis germanicus Assemblage Zone. It is considered that this zone could well be regarded as a palynological characterization of the Rhaetian Stage in Europe and North America.Although palynology does not support the Rhaetian concept based on the occurrence of the species Choristoceras marshi exclusively, the traditional ammonoid-based Triassic—Jurassic boundary can be palynologically recognized.     

根据孢粉资料确定伏尔加地区弗拉阶和法门阶界线

俄罗斯伏尔加格勒伏尔加地区上泥盆统弗拉阶和法门阶的界线以3种剖面类型为代表。第一种类型的界线剖面广泛分布于俄罗斯地台,但两阶之间有沉积间断。第二种类型剖面地层发育较完整,即Volgogradian层直覆于Livendian层之上。前者以Corbulispora viminea-Geminospora vasjamica孢子组合带为特征。第三种类型剖面存在于前里海(Pre-Caspian)凹陷的西侧,是最近根据孢粉资料确定的;地层剖面不完整,在中弗拉阶的Semilukian层有剥蚀面,上覆以不同时代的(弗拉期或法门期)盖层。     

Analysis of microsatellite loci variability in rare and endemic species <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium regelianum</Emphasis> A.K. Becker ex Iljin

SSR analysis of rare and endemic species Allium regelianum, which grows in the south of Russia, was performed for the first time. Variability analysis of 88 accessions of A. regelianum was carried out using four highly polymorphic microsatellite loci (PIC value ranged from 0.55 to 0.72). SSR-analysis made it possible to revealed polymorphism within and among the populations of A. regelianum from Volgograd region. Analysis of Wright’s F-statistics and the analysis of molecular variance showed that more than 90% of total genetic variation of the species was attributed to the differences within the populations and less than 10% of the differences were found among the populations. Cluster analysis of 46 accessions of A. regelianum from three populations of Volgograd region and principal coordinate analysis of all accessions did not reveal differentiation among the populations.     

Evaluation of phylogenetic relationships in the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mus</Emphasis> using <Emphasis Type="Italic">t</Emphasis>-specific microsatellite DNA markers

The t-complex includes a complex system of genes localized in the proximal region of chromosome 17 of house mouse Mus musculus. The results of microsatellite analysis of laboratory stocks of house mice carrying t ¹², t ^w5, t ^w12, and t ^w73 haplotypes and wild mice from natural populations of Russia (Volgograd, Rostov, Saratov oblasts, and Kalmykia), Armenia, Bulgaria, Iran, and Mongolia performed by the PCR method with the use of eight pairs of D17Mit primers (16, 21, 23, 28, 32, 57, 63, 78) are presented. These pairs of primers amplify microsatellite DNA sequences on mouse chromosome 17 in the region from 7.6 to 18.8 cM that correspond to inversions (In (17) 3.4). Each pair of primers recognized three to six variants of nucleotide sequences ranging in size from 90–120 bp (D17Mit 16) to 300–330 bp (D17Mit 57). In most cases, two variants of nucleotide sequences were detected in each individual, i. e., most individuals were heterozygous for the microsatellite loci under study. The highest similarity of the spectra of microsatellite DNA fragments was revealed in laboratory stocks of house mice carrying the t ^w5 and t ^w73 haplotypes. The spectra of animals from the Rostov and Volgograd oblasts appeard to be most similar to them. The microsatellite spectra of individuals from Iran closely resemble the spectrum of an individual from Armenia. It was demonstrated that amplified microsatellite fragments localized in the region of the t-complex can be used to identify representatives of the Mus genus from wild populations.     

Record of the Carnian Pluvial Episode in the Polish microflora

The dry climate that prevailed during the Triassic period in the eastern part of the Central European Basin was interrupted by several humid episodes of varying durations. One of them was the Carnian Pluvial Episode (CPE), which took place in the late Julian (early Carnian age) and is confined to Camerosporites secatus and Aulisporites astigmosus palynological zones. CPE is marked by a significant change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of spore-pollen assemblages from mostly xerophytic species preserved in the upper part of the Grabfeld Formation (“Lower Gipskeuper”) to hygrophytic forms, which dominate in the Stuttgart Formation (“Schilfsandstein”). Changes in climate towards more humid conditions have been documented palynologically and sedimentologically, and analyzed utilizing quantitative spore-pollen analysis and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of miospores occurring in core material from Poland. In all the studied boreholes, a shift from dry to wet climate is observed at the boundary between the Grabfeld Formation and the Stuttgart Formation, which matches the data from other European regions.     

Re-Establishment of the Genus Ania Lindl. (Orchidaceae)

Ania Lindl. is a small genus of the tribe Collabieae subtribe Collabiinae (Orchidaceae). For the last 150 years, it has generally been treated as a synonym of Tainia Blume. In this study, we critically re-examined morphological characters that have been used to distinguish Ania from Tainia, and assessed the phylogeny of Tainia using morphological and palynological characters. Sequences of the nuclear ribosomal ITS, chloroplast trnL intron and combined DNA data sets were analysed to clarify the delimitation and the phylogeny of these groups. The morphological and palynological survey revealed a number of useful diagnostic characters which permit a clear definition of Ania, after the exclusion of a single taxonomically questionable species. Results confirmed that Ania is distinct from Tainia. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on molecular data provided the greatest resolution and produced a morphologically well differentiated clade of Ania. In addition to morphological and suggested palynological characters, the phylogenies were also supported by karyological evidence. Our results support the independent generic status of Ania. The genus name Ania is revived and re-established.     

Two Eocene fossil fruits from the Changchang Basin of Hainan Island,China

Two types of fossil fruit, one belonging to Palaeocarya sp. (Juglandaceae) and the other to Acer cf. A. miofranchetii Hu et Chaney (Aceraceae), are found in the Eocene coal-bearing series from the Changchang Basin of Hainan Island, China. This is the first fossil record of Palaeocarya and Acer in a tropical area of China. These fossils provide evidence for an investigation of the phytogeographic history of these two genera. Since their extant relative genera are distributed mostly in northern temperate or tropical–subtropical mountainous regions, I propose that the Changchang Basin of Hainan Island was close to a mountainous region in the Eocene; the plants bearing these fruits were growing at a mid-high altitude with a relatively cool climate, and the fruits were not preserved in situ but transported to the fossil site. The characters of other associated fossil plants and palynological data also support this hypothesis.     

Miofloral succession and interpretation of the base of the permian system in the Eastern Shelf of North Central Texas,U.S.A.

The study includes palynological investigation of the Pennsylvanian (Upper Carboniferous) and lowermost Permian (Wolfcampian) strata of Texas, with special emphasis on the Pennsylvanian and Permian systemic boundary in the Eastern Shelf of north central Texas. The following palynozones have been recognized: (1) Grumososporites-Simozonotriletes Zone (Atokan); (2) Torispora-Thymospora Zone (Demoinesian); (3) Cristatisporites—Cadiospora arcuata Zone (Missourian); (4) Crucisaccites americanus Zone (Early Virgilian); (5) Guptaesporites honakerensis Zone (Late Virgilian); and (6) Nuskoisporites crenulatus-Hamiapollenites saccatus Zone (Early Wolfcampian). The base of the Permian Wolfcampian Stage has been placed at the base of Nuskoisporites crenulatus-Hamiapollenites saccatus Zone, which approximately coincides with the base of the Coleman Junction Limestone Member of the Putnam Formation of the Wichita Group. This conclusion may appear to be contradictory to fusulinid evidence because it places the base of the Permian System 182.88 m above the so-called fusulinid boundary. It also disagrees with the paleobotanical boundary. The discussion concludes that fusulinid and paleobotanical evidence is inconclusive.     

Bafouoside C,a new triterpenoid saponin from the roots of Cussonia bancoensis Aubrev. & Pellegr.

A new triterpenoid saponin named bafouoside C 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-[β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)]-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid 28-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl ester; (1), together with five known compounds 3-O-β-d-galactopyranosyl-(1 → 2)-β-d-glucuronopyranosyloleanolic acid (2), 23-hydroxyursolic acid (3), 28-O-α-l-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1 → 6)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyursolic acid (4), 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl-23-hydroxyursolic acid (5), and 3-O-α-l-arabinopyranosyl-23-hydroxyursolic acid (6), were isolated from the roots of Cussonia bancoensis Aubrev. & Pellegr. Their structures were established on the basis of 1D- and 2D NMR data, mass spectrometry and chemical methods. The NMR data of the known compounds, as far as we know, are herein reported for the first time in CD₃OD. Compound 3 exhibited a weak cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB 231 human breast adenocarcinoma, A375 human malignant melanoma, and HCT116 human colon carcinoma cell lines.     

Les palynomorphes du Bajocien supérieur : un premier PALYNO-DATA pour les Monts de Rhar Roubane (Algérie nord occidentale)

Apart from the few works carried out in the North Tethyan basins, the palynological study of Mesozoic outcrops is still rare. Thus, the present study devoted to the Zahra Marls Formation (upper Bajocian) of the Rhar Roubane Mountains (northwestern Algeria), allowed us for the first time to inventory 44 different taxa. The palynological assemblages studied are strongly dominated by trilete spores (17 genera and 26 species), the most abundant of which are Concavissimisporites variverrucatus, Cyathidites australis and Cyathidites minor. Pollen grains are relatively frequent (10 genera and 16 species), while acritarchs and algae are represented by only two taxa (Micrhystridium sp. and Botryococcus sp.). In addition, the sporopollinic spectra dominated by the terrestrial elements are represented mainly by the spores of Pteridophyta and Bryophyta and gymnosperm pollen.     

Holocene space-time succession of the Middle Atrato wetlands, Chocó biogeographic region, Colombia

Successional sequences from forested wetlands in the Middle Atrato River Basin were reconstructed using characterisation of present vegetation communities and palynological analysis. A 4.8 km transect, drawn across a river meander, and two 6 and 8 m deep sediment cores (San Martín and Villanueva) were collected in the floodplain within two different vegetation assemblages. Based on the floristic and environmental characteristics of the local vegetation communities, ecological changes spanning the last 4 ka (cal years BP) were analysed in San Martín and Villanueva cores. Present vegetation is dominated by four communities determined by flood tolerance and drainage conditions. We found Euterpe oleraceae, Mauritiella macroclada-Campnosperma panamensis and Oenocarpus bataua forests, and mixed forest and open vegetation in a gradient from poor to improved drainage conditions. Vegetation changes in the palynological record suggest that sedimentation and erosion processes on flood basins are due to changes in drainage conditions and to variable flooding levels.A wet period in the 4 to 2.7 ka interval is postulated, which might be related to sea level rise or local subsidence. Lower flooding levels and improved drainage conditions dominated the 2.7 to ∼ 1.6 ka interval, whereas a flooding event (and a hiatus) occurred between 1.5 and 0.5 ka. This flooding event might be synchronous with analogous events as recorded in the Colombian Amazonia between 1.6 and 1.45 ka. Forest disturbance, probably of anthropogenic origin, is recorded in both sites since 0.5 ka.     

Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous palynology of the CSDP-2 Borehole in the southern Yellow Sea,China

Late Devonian–Early Carboniferous spores recovered from the depths of 2140 m to 2031.3 m in the CSDP-2 Borehole in the southern Yellow Sea are systematically documented to characterize palynological associations for the stratigraphic correlation. The taxonomic study identifies 96 species belonging to 48 genera, including a re-examination of 33 previously described and indeterminate species. Three palynological associations are established for the Wutong Formation in the CSDP-2 Borehole. In ascending order, these are the late Famennian Aneurospora asthenolabrata–Geminospora lemurata (AL) Association from the proposed Guanshan Member, the latest Famennian Cymbosporites circinatus–Asperispora acuta (CA) Association from the lower part of the proposed Leigutai Member, and the Tournaisian Auroraspora macra–Lophozonotriletes involutus (MI) Association of the upper part of the latter member. The AL and CA associations are correlated with the palynological assemblages in the Guanshan Member, and those in the lower to middle parts of the Leigutai Member of the Wutong Formation that outcrops in the suburbs of Nanjing and southern Jiangsu. The MI Association is similar to those derived from the uppermost beds of the subsurface Wutong Formation and is dated as early Tournaisian.     

Fine mapping of the tomato yellow leaf curl virus resistance gene Ty-2 on chromosome 11 of tomato

Resistances to begomoviruses, including bipartite tomato mottle virus and monopartite tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), have been introgressed to cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) from wild tomato accessions. A major gene, Ty-2 from S. habrochaites f. glabratum accession “B6013,” that confers resistance to TYLCV was previously mapped to a 19-cM region on the long arm of chromosome 11. In the present study, approximately 11,000 plants were screened and nearly 157 recombination events were identified between the flanking markers C2_At1g07960 (82.5 cM, physical distance 51.387 Mb) and T0302 (89 cM, 51.878 Mb). Molecular marker analysis of recombinants and TYLCV evaluation of progeny from these recombinants localized Ty-2 to an approximately 300,000-bp interval between markers UP8 (51.344 Mb) and M1 (51.645 Mb). No recombinants were identified between TG36 and C2_At3g52090, a region of at least 115 kb, indicating severe recombination suppression in this region. Due to the small interval, fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis failed to clarify whether recombination suppression is caused by chromosomal rearrangements. Candidate genes predicted based on tomato genome annotation were analyzed by RT-PCR and virus-induced gene silencing. Results indicate that the NBS gene family present in the Ty-2 region is likely not responsible for the Ty-2-conferred resistance and that two candidate genes might play a role in the Ty-2-conferred resistance. Several markers very tightly linked to the Ty-2 locus are presented and useful for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs to introgress Ty-2 for begomovirus resistance.     

Characterization of the Bellevalia sarmatica (Georgi) Woronov populations from Volgograd oblast using molecular genetic identification

DNA samples obtained from the populations of the Red Data Book species Bellevalia sarmatica (Georgi) Worovow from Volgograd oblast were examined using RAPD and AFLP analyses. DNA marking revealed considerable differences in the levels of interpopulation and intraspecific polymorphisms the Bellevalia. Furthermore, RAPD analysis, despite of lower levels of interpopulation polymorphism identified, made it possible to obtain clearer data on population subdivision upon statistical treatment of the results. The results of this study can be used in developing conservation strategies for maintenance of the species abundance and genetic diversity, as well as in elaborating the criteria for construction genetic collections.     

Age determination of the Arcillas de Morella Formation (Maestrazgo Basin,Spain)

New palynological analysis of the Arcillas de Morella Formation provides data for determinations of age of the Lower Cretaceous strata in the Ermita Sant Antoni de la Vespa section located in the district of Els Ports in the Morella sub-basin of Castellón province, north-eastern Spain. Controversy still exists over the age of this formation, which is imprecisely dated as either Barremian or Aptian in age. Detailed reconnaissance of palynological content (dinocyst, pollen and spore assemblages) together with ammonoid data permits a more accurate biostratigraphic assessment of this deposit. The presence of Subtilisphaera terrula, Florentinia mantelli and Oligosphaeridium abaculum indicates a Barremian age at the base of the formation. The presence of Stellatopollis at the top of this formation possibly indicates that the deposit may be as old as latest Barremian. Furthermore, a recent study of ammonoids situated the Barremian-Aptian boundary within the overlying Cap de Vinyet Member of the Forcall Formation in the Morella sub-basin. This study together with the palynological assemblage from the Arcillas de Morella Formation indicates a Barremian age for this deposit.