New species of Dicliptera (Acanthaceae) from the Guianas

Two new species,Dicliptera knappii from Guyana andD. granvillei from French Guiana, are described, illustrated, and compared with their closest relatives.     

Two new species of Paramachaerium (Leguminosae) and a brief résumé of the genus

Paramachaerium Ducke, a genus of neotropical trees, has been known hitherto from three species,P. schomburgkii (Guyana and Brazil),P. ormosioides (French Guiana and Brazil), andP. gruberi (Panamá). Two new species are herein described,P. krukovii (western Brazil) andP. schunkei (Peru).     

Penstemon miniatus (Scrophulariaceae): New combinations

Penstemon apateticus Straw is found to be synonymous withP. miniatus Lindl.Penstemon miniatus subsp.apateticus andP. miniatus subsp.townsendianus are presented as new combinations. *** DIRECT SUPPORT *** A01CT127 00005     

New taxa of western plants-in tribute

This paper is presented in tribute to Rupert C. Barneby on the occasion of his seventieth year. Described as new areArtemisia norvegica var.picetorum Welsh & Goodrich,Astragalus lentiginosus var.higginsii Welsh & Thorne,Cirsium barnebyi Welsh & Neese,Cymopterus beckii Welsh & Goodrich,Machaeranthera kingii var.barnebyana Welsh & Goodrich,Thelypodiopsis barnebyi Welsh & Atwood,Xanthocephalum petradoria Welsh & Goodrich, andXylorhiza cronquistii Welsh & Atwood.     

The identity and synonymy of Acacia guilandinae,Mimosa obovata,M. pseudo-obovata,and M. laticifera (Mimosaceae)

Acacia guilandinae DC. is recognized asMimosa guilandinae (DC.) Barneby, endemic to French Guiana and adjoining Amapá, Brazil;M. pseudo-obovata is subordinated as a Brazilian var.pseudo-obovata (Taub.) Barneby to CaribbeanM. ceratonia L.; andM. laticifera is found synonymous withM. obovata Benth. Diagnostic morphological characters of each taxon are presented in key form.     

A new genus from Mexico: Dendrosida (Malvaceae)

Dendrosida, here described as new, comprises three taxa:D. batesii Fryxell,D. sharpiana (Miranda) Fryxell ssp.sharpiana, andD. sharpiana ssp.occidentalis Fryxell. The genus is interpreted as a primitive representative of the tribe Malveae, and its relationship to other genera of theAbutilon alliance is discussed. An analysis of mericarp morphology in relation to seed dissemination mechanisms indicates that theAbutilon alliance may be divided into an Abutiloid and a Sidoid group.Dendrosida is included in the latter.     

Biomolecules from HCN

The mechanism of the condensation of dilute aqueous solutions of HCN and the products formed by these reactions have been investigated. The initial HCN condensation reactions yield3, a compound which is readily oxidized to4. A similar oxidation of5 to6 was also observed. Urea is formed on hydrolysis of4. The oxidation-reduction products formed from HCN may be in part a consequence of the oxidation of3. It has been established by combination GC/MS that the amino acids glycine, diaminosuccinic acid, α-amino-isobutyric acid, aspartic acid, alanine and isoleucine are released on acid hydrolysis of the ‘HCN polymer’. Hydantoin (7), 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (8) and 5-carboxymethyldenehydantoin (10) are also released on acid hydrolysis of the HCN condensation products. The direct conversion of the dicarbonyl derivative, of diaminosuccinic acid to orotic acid via10 at pH 8 has been observed. This conversion suggests a direct route to pyrimidines from HCN.     

The subdivisions of Magnistipula Engl. (Chrysobalanaceae)

A conspectus of the subgenera and sections ofMagnistipula is provided. Of the two subgenera occurring on the African mainland, subgenusMagnistipula is divided into the sectionsMagnistipula,Animalculum andPeregrinator, whereas subgen.Pellegriniella is monotypic. A Malagasy subgenus,Tolmiella, is new; its two species,M. cerebriformis andM. tamenaka, are transferred fromHirtella.     

New taxa and combinations in Siphonoglossa (Acanthaceae)

As presently known, the genusSiphonoglossa can be divided into two “subgenera,” one of which is here divided into two sections,Pentaloba andSiphonoglossa. Two new species are described from a locality in Durango, Mexico :S. durangensis in sect.Siphonoglossa andS. linearifolia in sect.Pentaloba. Three other species are transferred intoSiphonoglossa:S. canbyi from northeastern Mexico;S. buchii from Haiti and the Dominican Republic andS. incerta from southern Baja California, Mexico.     

A new series and three new species of Passiflora subgenus Astrophea from the Guianas

A new series,Passiflora ser.Carneae, and three new species are described inPassiflora subg.Astrophea:P. ascidia from Guyana and Venezuelan Guayana;P. balbis from Guyana, Venzuelan Guayana, and Amazonian Brazil; andP. saulensis from central French Guiana. A key to the 19 Guiana species ofPassiflora subg.Astrophea is provided.     

Pranceacanthus coccineus (Acanthaceae), a new genus and species from Amazonian brazil

The new genusPranceacanthus, apparently most closely related to the bitypic genusJuruasia, is described and illustrated. Its sole species,P. coccineus, has been collected on “terra firma” in lowland Amazonian Brazil in the states of Amazonas and Mato Grosso and in the territory of Rondônia.     

Isolation and characterization of rat intestinal bacteria involved in biotransformation of (−)-epigallocatechin

Two intestinal bacterial strains MT4s-5 and MT42 involved in the degradation of (?)-epigallocatechin (EGC) were isolated from rat feces. Strain MT4s-5 was tentatively identified as Adlercreutzia equolifaciens. This strain converted EGC into not only 1-(3, 4, 5-trihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2, 4, 6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-2-ol (1), but also 1-(3, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-(2, 4, 6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-2-ol (2), and 4′-dehydroxylated EGC (7). Type strain (JCM 9979) of Eggerthella lenta was also found to convert EGC into 1. Strain MT42 was identified as Flavonifractor plautii and converted 1 into 4-hydroxy-5-(3, 4, 5-trihydroxyphenyl)valeric acid (3) and 5-(3, 4, 5-trihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (4) simultaneously. Strain MT42 also converted 2 into 4-hydroxy-5-(3, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)valeric acid (5), and 5-(3, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-γ-valerolactone (6). Furthermore, F. plautii strains ATCC 29863 and ATCC 49531 were found to catalyze the same reactions as strain MT42. Interestingly, formation of 2 from EGC by strain MT4s-5 occurred rapidly in the presence of hydrogen supplied by syntrophic bacteria. Strain JCM 9979 also formed 2 in the presence of the hydrogen or formate. Strain MT4s-5 converted 1, 3, and 4 to 2, 5, and 6, respectively, and the conversion was stimulated by hydrogen, whereas strain JCM 9979 could catalyze the conversion only in the presence of hydrogen or formate. On the basis of the above results together with previous reports, the principal metabolic pathway of EGC and EGCg by catechin-degrading bacteria in gut tract is proposed.     

Combined use of bulked segregant analysis and microarrays reveals SNP markers pinpointing a major QTL for resistance to Phytophthora capsici in pepper

Key message

Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) using Affymetrix GeneChips revealed candidate genes underlying the major QTL for Phytophthora capsici resistance in Capsicum . Using the candidate genes, reliable markers for Phytophthora resistance were developed and validated.

Abstract

Phytophthora capsici L. is one of the most destructive pathogens of pepper (Capsicum spp.). Resistance of pepper against P. capsici is controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTL), including a major QTL on chromosome 5 that is the predominant contributor to resistance. Here, to maximize the effect of this QTL and study its underlying genes, an F₂ population and recombinant inbred lines were inoculated with P. capsici strain JHAI1-7 zoospores at a low concentration (3 × 10³/mL). Resistance phenotype segregation ratios for the populations fit a 3:1 and 1:1 (resistant:susceptible) segregation model, respectively, consistent with a single dominant gene model. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) using Affymetrix GeneChips revealed a single position polymorphism (SPP) marker mapping to the major QTL. When this SPP marker (Phyto5SAR) together with other SNP markers located on chromosome 5 was used to confirm the position of the major QTL, Phyto5SAR showed the highest LOD value at the QTL. A scaffold sequence (scaffold194) containing Phyto5SAR was identified from the C. annuum genome database. The scaffold contained two putative NBS-LRR genes and one SAR 8.2A gene as candidates for contributing to P. capsici resistance. Markers linked to these genes were developed and validated by testing 100 F₁ commercial cultivars. Among the markers, Phyto5NBS1 showed about 90 % accuracy in predicting resistance phenotypes to a low-virulence P. capsici isolate. These results suggest that Phyto5NBS1 is a reliable marker for P. capsici resistance and can be used for identification of a gene(s) underlying the major QTL on chromosome 5.     

Development of SCAR marker for sex identification in dioecious Garcinia gummi-gutta

Key message

We have developed sex-specific SCAR marker for the identification of dioecious Garcinia gummi - gutta (L.), which is useful for the selection of G. gummi - gutta at seedling stage and for plantation programmes.

Abstract

Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Robs. is a dioecious fruit yielding tree, which is naturally distributed as well as cultivated in the orchards in Western Ghat regions of India. A sex-linked DNA fragment was identified in Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Robs. by screening 150 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA primers and only one of them (OPBD20) showed different amplification band pattern associated with sex type. This sex-linked fragment was converted into male-specific sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker, CAM-566. The primers deigned in this study (OPBD20F and OPBD20R) correctly differentiated 12 male and 12 female plants at high annealing temperatures. Thus, a 556-bp band was amplified in male samples but not in female ones. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the fragments from both sexes were amplified at relatively low annealing temperatures. Additionally, the developed SCAR marker successfully identified the sexes of ten sex-unknown samples. Therefore, it can be used as an effective, convenient and reliable tool for sex determination in such dioecious species.     

Two new taxa of Sedum section Gormania (Crassulaceae) endemic to the Trinity Mountains in California

Two taxa, narrowly endemic to the Trinity Mountains in northwestern California, are described.Sedum laxum subsp.flavidum is a tetraploid (n = 30) and is found on metabasaltic outcroppings, andSedum obtusatum subsp.paradisum is a diploid (n = 15) and occurs on granite outcroppings.     

Nickel/zinc-catalyzed decarbonylative addition of anhydrides to alkynes: A DFT study

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the nickel- or nickel(0)/zinc- catalyzed decarbonylative addition of phthalic anhydrides to alkynes. All intermediates and transition states were optimized completely at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level. Calculated results indicated that the decarbonylative addition of phthalic anhydrides to alkynes was exergonic, and the total free energy released was ?87.6 kJ mol^?1. In the five-coordinated complexes M4a and M4b, the insertion reaction of alkynes into the Ni-C bond occurred prior to that into the Ni-O bond. The nickel(0)/zinc-catalyzed decarbonylative addition was much more dominant than the nickel-catalyzed one in whole catalytic decarbonylative addition. The reaction channel CA→M1'→T1'→M2'→T2'→M3a'→M4a'→T3a1'→M5a1' →T4a1'→M6a'→P was the most favorable among all reaction pathways of the nickel- or nickel(0)/zinc- catalyzed decarbonylative addition of phthalic anhydrides to alkynes. And the alkyne insertion reaction was the rate-determining step for this channel. The additive ZnCl₂ had a significant effect, and it might change greatly the electron and geometry structures of those intermediates and transition states. On the whole, the solvent effect decreased the free energy barriers.

New taxa in Pectis (Compositae: Pectidinae) from Mexico and the southwestern United States

Pectis minutiflora,P. papposa var.grandis, andP. purpurea var.sonorae are described as new. A new combination,P. purpurea var.lancifolia also is included. Chromosome counts (n = 12) are reported forP. papposa var.grandis andP. purpurea var.sonorae.     

New genera and species of Chrysobalanaceae from Malesia and Oceania

Two new genera of Chrysobalanaceae are described.Hunga distributed in New Caledonia, the Loyalty Islands and Papua and New Guinea, contains eight species, three new, and five formerly placed in the generaAngelesia, Licania andParinari.Kostermanthus is described to accommodate two species with united filaments formerly placed inParinari andAcioa. Both new genera are quite as distinct as others of the family and have been overlooked by undue emphasis placed on the single character of a bilocular ovary.Licania palawanensis Prance is also described; it is the second species of its genus from Malesia.     

New combinations for Panicum subgenus Panicum and subgenus Dichanthelium (Poaceae) of the Southeastern United States

Twenty-two new varietal combinations are made for the treatment of the genusPanicum of the Southeastern United States. The following 3 new combinations are made in the subgenusPanicum:Panicum rigidulum var.elongatum, P. rigidulum var.pubescens, P. rigidulum var.combsii. The following 19 new combinations are made in the subgenusDichanthelium:P. strigosum var.glabrescens P. strigosum var.leucoblepharis, P. dichotomum var.roanokense, P. dichotomum var.lucidum, P. dichotomum var.ramulosum, p. dichotomum var.mattamuskeetense, P. dichotomum var.yadkinense, P. ensifolium var.curtifolium, P. chamaelonche var.breve, P. portoricense var.nashianum, P. acuminatum var.fasciculatum, P. acuminatum var.unciphyllum, P. acuminatum var.columbianum, P. acuminatum var.lindheimeri, P. acuminatum var.densiflorum, P. acuminatum varlongiligulatum, P. acuminatum var.leucothrix, P. ovale var.pseudopubescens, andP. ovale var.villosum.     

Revision of Plerandra (Araliaceae). I. A synopsis of the genus with an expanded circumscription and a new infrageneric classification

Phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that Schefflera, the largest genus of Araliaceae, is grossly polyphyletic, comprising five distinct clades within the family. In an effort to establish monophyletic genera among the elements that currently comprise Schefflera, the genus Plerandra is expanded to encompass all of the members of one of these clades. In this synoptical revision, a new infrageneric classification is presented (along with a key) in which six subgenera are recognized. Four of these subgenera are newly described (Plerandra subgenera Canacoschefflera, Costatae, Gabriellarum, and Veilloniorum) and a fifth represents a new combination (Plerandra subg. Dizygotheca). A total of 33 species (one with two subspecies) are accepted, one of which is newly described (P. veilloniorum), and 22 new combinations are made (P. actinostigma, P. baillonii, P. cabalionii, P. costata, P. crassipes, P. elegantissima, P. elongata, P. emiliana, P. gabriellae, P. leptophylla, P. nono, P. osyana, P. osyana subsp. toto, P. pachyphylla, P. pancheri, P. plerandroides, P. polydactylis, P. reginae, P. seemanniana, P. tannae, P. vanuatua, P. veitchii). Neotypes are provided for six accepted names and one heterotypic synonym, and lectotypes are designated for 13 accepted names and 16 heterotypic synonyms. For each accepted species, full synonymy is provided along with geographic range and notes.