Mimicry of lentil and the domestication of common vetch and grass pea

A hypothesis is proposed whereby weedy vetch (Vicia sativa L.) seed moved with seed of the cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) as a tolerated weed during the spread of the lentil from the Fertile Crescent in the Near East to its current distribution. As a result, selection occurred in vetch weeds for a reduction in dormancy/hard-seededness, increased competitive ability and biomass, and phenological adaptation to new environments⇆redisposing the weed for domestication. The cropping of common vetch for forage in pure culture followed. Archaeological evidence of admixtures of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in Neolithic finds of lentil, pea (Pisum sativum L.) and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia (L.) Wild.) suggests a similar process of selection in grass pea for a weedy habit from which domestication later occurred.     

History and traditional cultivation ofLathyrus sativus L. andLathyrus citera L. in the Iberian peninsula

Recent ethnographic research carried out in Spain has allowed the cultivation ofLathyrus sativus L. andL. cicera L. to be documented. Both species already appear in the Spanish archaeological record. Grown under traditional farming systems,L. sativus L. andL. cicera L. are still used for human consumption (onlyL. sativus L.) and both are used for fodder. Data on cultivation history, fanning practices, crop processing sequence and uses are here presented, which will enable a better understanding of their possible roles in prehistoric times.     

A new species of Lathyrus L. (section Cicercula; Fabaceae) from Turkey

A new species, Lathyrus egirdiricus H.Genc & A.Sahin (section Cicercula; Fabaceae), is described from Turkey, with illustrations and taxonomic comments. Characteristics of the species are compared with those of the related species Lathyrus hirsutus L., L. stenophyllus Boiss. & Heldr., L. sativus L., L. cassius Boiss. and L. gorgoni Parl., from which it differs mainly in the shape, length, width and venation of leaflets, length and width of the stipule, flower colour, legume and style length. © 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 158 , 301–305.     

A new species of Lathyrus L. (Fabaceae) from Central Apennine (Italy)

Abstract

Lathyrus apenninus, from beech woods margins and scrub in the Central Apennine (Italy), is described as a species new to science. The relationship of L. apenninus with L. linifolius, which it had been confused with, is briefly discussed.     

Polymorphism of lectin genes in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lathyrus</Emphasis> plants

The carbohydrate-binding sequences of the lectin genes from spring vetchling Lathyrus vernus (L.) Bernh., marsh vetchling L. palustris (L.), and Gmelin’s vetchling L. gmelinii (Fitsch) (Fabaceae) were determined. Computer-aided analysis revealed substantial differences between nucleotide and predicted amino acid sequences of the lectin gene regions examined in each of the three vetchling species tested. In the phylogenetic trees based on sequence similarity of carbohydrate-biding regions of legume lectins, the sequences examined formed a compact cluster with the lectin genes of the plants belonging to the tribe Fabeae. In each plant, L. vernus, L. palustris, and L. gmelinii, three different lectin-encoding genes were detected. Most of the substitutions were identified within the gene sequence responsible for coding the carbohydrate-binding protein regions. This finding may explain different affinity of these lectins to different carbohydrates, and as a consequence, can affect the plant host specificity upon development of symbiosis with rhizobium bacteria.     

Effects of solution pH and bicarbonate on the growth and nodulation of a range of grain legume species

Defining plant adaptation to soil conditions is critical for the successful introduction of grain legume species into farming systems. This nutrient solution study examined the effects of pH (4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) and bicarbonate (5 mM KHCO₃) on the growth and nodulation of 14 grain legume species supplied with N or reliant on N₂-fixation. Species includedPisum sativum L.,Cicer arietinum L.,Lens culinaris Med., and a range ofLupinus, Vicia andLathyrus species. Species differed greatly in response to solution pH. For both N-fertilized and N₂-fixing plants, shoot growth ofL. culinaris was very sensitive to low pH (pH < 7), whereas shoot growth ofLupinus angustifolius L. andLupinus albus L. was sensitive to higher pH (pH ≥ 6). Other species had a broader optimal pH range for growth when supplied with N, but were generally sensitive to low pH (pH < 7 forC. arietinum andVicia sativa L., pH < 6 forP. sativum, Vicia faba L.,Lathyrus sativus L. andLathyrus cicera L., and pH < 5 forVicia benghalensis L. andVicia narbonensis L.) when reliant on N₂-fixation. For these other species, symbiotic N₂-fixation appeared to be more sensitive than host plant growth to low pH. This finding was supported by lower nodule numbers and mass, and lower N concentrations in shoots of sensitive species at low pH relative to higher pH. ForL. culinaris, nodule numbers and mass were relatively unaffected by pH 5–8, N concentrations in shoots were high at low pH and plants developed symptoms relating to H⁺ toxicity at pH as high as 7. These results indicate that host plant growth ofL. culinaris is more sensitive to low pH than theRhizobium symbiosis. ForL. albus andL. angustifolius, both host plant growth and symbiotic N₂-fixation appeared to be equally sensitive to pH ≥ 6.Lupinus pilosus Murr. was more tolerant of high pH than the otherLupinus species. At pH 4, two genotypes ofC. arietinum had better early nodulation than other species.Vicia ervilia L. nodulated poorly at all levels of solution pH, indicating that the commercial Group E inoculum (Rhizobium leguminosurum bv.viceae SU303) may not be effective for this species in solution culture. Addition of bicarbonate decreased shoot growth, nodulation and N concentrations in shoots of most species. Early nodulation (nodule number) ofLathyrus ochrus (L.) DC was not affected by the bicarbonate treatment.     

Direct Organogenesis and Plant Regeneration in Preconditioned Tissue Cultures of Lathyrus cicera L., L. ochrus (L.)DC. and L. sativus L.

This study demonstrates the importance of preconditioning ofsource tissue in regeneration of multiple shoot buds from severalspecies of Lathyrus. Preconditioned multiple shoots of Lathyruscicera L., L. ochrus (L.) DC. and L. sativus L. were obtainedby germinating seeds on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing50 µM N⁵-benzylaminopurine (BAP) for 2 to 3 weeks. Multipleshoot bud formation occurred when epicotyl explants of preconditionedshoots were cultured on MS medium containing 5–50 µMBAP. No shoot regeneration was observed from epicotyl explantswhich were obtained from non-preconditioned shoots. Shoot budswere formed directly on explants without an intervening callusphase after 2 to 3 weeks of culture. Regenerated shoot budsformed healthy shoots which developed prolific and strong rootswhen transferred to MS medium supplemented with 2.5 µMnaphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). Lathyrus cicera L., L. ochrus (L.) DC., Ochrus Vetch, L. sativus L., Lathyrus pea, de novo differentiation, epicotyl, preconditioning with BAP     

Genetic diversity and phylogeny of root nodule bacteria entering into symbiosis with bitter peavine <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lathyrus vernus</Emphasis> (L.) Bernh.

The genetic diversity and phylogeny of root nodule bacteria entering into symbiosis with bitter peavine Lathyrus vernus (L.) Bernh. (Fabaceae) growing in various regions of the Republic of Bashkortostan were studied. RAPD analysis revealed a high degree of polymorphism of the DNA of the isolated strains giving evidence of the heterogeneity of the microorganisms in question. The study of the phylogeny of microsymbionts based on comparative analysis of the nucleotide sequences of 16S rRNA genes showed that the bacteria isolated from the plant nodules of L. vernus growing on the territory of Ufa and Beloretsk raions belonged to the species Rhizobium leguminosarum, whereas the microsymbionts of L. vernus growing on the territory of Tatyshly raion belonged to the species Rhizobium tropici,@ except for several strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum     

Coastal sand dune stabilization in the Pacific Northwest

Coastal dunes are stabilized in three stages: (1) The initial stage uses sand-stilling grasses established vegetatively. For this purpose, European beachgrass,Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link., is most used, followed by American beachgrass,A. breviligulata Fern., or American dunegrass,Elymus mollis Trin. Large solid plantings must be made with the spacing and number of plants per hill adjusted to the site conditions. Plantings, using Nitrogen fertilizer, are made during the dormant season. (2) Secondary permanent grasses and legumes are seeded 2 years later when sand movement slows and the initial grasses begin to lose their vigor. Most used are seaside lupine,Lupinus littoralis Dougl., purple beachpea,Lathyrus japonicus Willd., seashore bluegrass,Poa macrantha Vasey., and native red fescue,Festuca rubra L. (3) Final control is with woody plants that are well adapted to rough areas. Scotch broom,Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. Hooker willow,Salix hookeriana Barratt, Nootka rose,Rosa nutkana Prese., and shore pine Pinus contorta Dougl., have been extensively used.Presented at the Seventh International Biometeorological Congress, 17–23 August 1975, College Park, Maryland, U.S.A.     

Germintion,nodulation and early growth response of a hard-seeded legume,Lathyrus sylvestris L. (flatpea)

Summary Flatpea (Lathyrus sylvestris L.) requires seed scarification for rapid germination and specificRhizobium leguminosarum strain for nodulation. Methods of inoculation were investigated to determine which would be effective for at least two weeks after seeding. Application of powdered peat to wet seeds was inadequate. Lime pelleting and granular soil implants were effective inoculants, but there appears to be a different advantage to seedling for earch metod. Granular soil implant caused nodulation to a greater depth on the tap root, and lime pelleting caused plants to exhibit higher acetylene reduction activity.     

Lectotypification of the Bertoloni's names in the genus Senecio L. (Asteraceae)

Original material of the four Senecio taxa described by A. Bertoloni has been examined, and the typification of their names is discussed. A specimen from the Monti Herbarium (kept in BOLO) and iconographies from Bonanni and Bertoloni are designated as lectotypes, whereas another specimen from the Monti Herbarium is selected as neotype. The nomenclature of the names Senecio erucifolius L., Senecio tenuifolius Jacq., Senecio delphinifolius Vahl and Senecio rupestris Waldst. & Kit. is also analysed. The names S. crinitus Bertol. and S. laciniatus Bertol. belong to S. delphinifolius [now Jacobaea delphinifolia (Vahl) Pelser & Veldkamp] and S. rupestris [now Senecio squalidus subsp. rupestris (Waldst. & Kit.) Greuter], respectively, whereas S. erraticus Bertol. and S. praealtus Bertol. are accepted as separate taxa as Jacobaea erratica (Bertol.) Fourr. and Jacobaea erucifolia subsp. praealta (Bertol.) Greuter & B.Nord., respectively.     

Molecular characterization of Lathyrus species using chloroplast DNA trnH-psbA

Lathyrus L. is an important genus contributing in human food, animal feed and fodder. The genetic variation is studied among and within six species sampled over a large geographical area: Lathyrus cicera, Lathyrus sativus, Lathyrus sylvestris, Lathyrus tuberosus, Lathyrus ochrus and Lathyrus aphaca. The phylogenetic relationship among these species was assessed using sequences of chloroplast DNA trnH-psbA (intergenic spacer). The highly polymorphic spacer' length was 330 bp. The phylogenetic analyses using Maximum Parsimony and Genetic Distances, agreed with the universal taxonomy of Kupicha. L. sativus and L. cicera could be considered as sister species, sharing a common ancestor.     

Evidence for the hybrid origin of Lathyrus plitmannii (Leguminosae)

ABSTRACT

The hypothesis that Lathyrus plitmannii may be of hybrid origin was tested on a morphological data set, derived from measurements of 50 herbarium specimens, by employing the computer program HYWIN. Results showed that all the specimens of L. plitmannii were putative hybrids and that the highest ranked pair of specimens that best matches the morphologies of its parents was L. gorgonei and L. pseudocicera. Examination of the distribution patterns of the three species shows that L. plitmannii is confined to regions common to both putative parents and that hybrids could be formed, assuming that genetic barriers were overcome. Additional supporting evidence includes overlaps in the edaphic requirements and the habitats of the three species. Lathyrus plitmannii is recognised as a distinct species that should be regarded as derivative of hybridisation between L. gorgonei and L. pseudocicera.     

The Mechanism of Action of Vernalization in Lathyrus odoratus L.

In the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) genes Dn^l andDr^h controlthe production of a graft-transmissible substance which delaysflowering and promotes outgrowth of basal laterals. Seed vernalizationpromotes flowering and reduces lateral outgrowth in intact plantsand grafted scions of genotype DnⁱDn^l, suggesting that vernalizationreduces output of the Dnⁱ system, possibly by disrupting therelationship between chronological and plastochronic age. Whenlateral outgrowth and floral abortion are used as indicatorsof inhibitor levels, it can be shown that vernalized Dnⁱ plantspossess more inhibitor but initiate flower buds at a lower nodethan unvernalized dn plants. This supports the suggestion thatin regard to floral initiation vernalization also alters thesensitivity of the shoot apex to the flowering hormone(s). InLathyrus odoratus an hormonally based vernalization responseof considerable magnitude can be shown for day-neutral (dndn)lines, supporting the suggestion that vernalization also influencesthe level of a flower promotor. Lathyrus odoratus L., sweet pea, vernalization, flowering, branching, genotype, grafting     

A Comparison of the Flowering and Branching Control Systems in Lathyrus odoratus L. and Pisum sativum L.

In the sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus L.) the difference in floweringbehaviourbetween photoperiodic (long-day) and day-neutral cultivars appearsto be due to a difference in their ability to produce a graft-transmissiblefloral inhibitor. The flowering control systems in the sweetpea and the garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) appear to be verysimilar on the basis of inter-generic graft results. It is suggestedthat the major flowering genes Dn* in L. odoratus and Sn andDne in P. sativum control steps in a biochemical pathway commonto these two species (which are related at the tribal level)and that the product of this pathway inhibits flowering andpromotes outgrowth of basal laterals in both species.     

β-N-Oxalyl-L-α,β-Diaminopropionic Acid Protects the Activity of Glycolate Oxidase in Lathyrus sativus Seedlings under High Light

The content of -N-oxalyl-L-,-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) and the activity of glycolate oxidase (GO) were positively correlated in the leaves of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) seedlings. The activity of GO was kept at a steady level under the high light after treatment with ODAP. Although Na₂S can activate GO, it cannot maintain the activity of GO under the high light. The content of ODAP increased and the activity of GO decreased with increasing oxalate concentration used for seedling treatment. The GO activity was high enough to keep photosynthesis at a steady level under high light. These findings suggested that Lathyrus sativus, using oxalate as a precursor to produce ODAP, protected the GO activity at high irradiance by scavenging the hydroxyl radicals.     

Determination of 4-chloroindoleacetic acid methyl ester in Vicieae species by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

The natural chlorinated auxin, 4-chloroindoleacetic acid methyl ester, was identified in immature seeds of Lathyrus sativus L., Lathyrus maritimus (L.) Bigel and Lathyrus odoratus L. by thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In immature seeds of Vicia sativa L. and Lens culinaris Medik. the hormone was identified by selected ion monitoring. The hormone was determined quantitatively using pentadeuterated 4-chloroindoleacetic acid methyl ester as internal standard. Contents varied from 1 mg/kg fresh weight in Lathyrus sativus to 0.02 mg/kg in Lens culinaris. Lathyrus maritimus also contained indoleacetic acid methyl ester (0.3 mg/kg) besides the chlorinated analogue.     

Floristic notes from the mountains of Northern Greece Materials for the Mountain Flora of Greece, 7

The authors present an annotated list of rare or otherwise interesting vascular plants collected in the mountains of northern Greece by themselves in 1979 and by Strid and Georgiadou in 1977. The following are apparently new to Greece: Thesium linophyllon L. ssp. montanum (Ehrh. ex. Hoffm.) Čelak., Moehringia pendulo (Waldst. & Kit.) Fenzl, Gypsophila glomerata Pallas ex. Bieb., Dianthus peiraeus Waldst. & Kit. ssp. noeanus (Boiss.) Tutin, Dianthus superbus L., Ranunculus fon–tanus C. Presl, Thlaspi arvense L., Potentilla apennina Ten. ssp. stoianovii Urum. & Jav., Trifolium badium Schreber, Rhamnus pumila Turra, Viola palustris L., Athamanta albanica Alston & Sandwith, Peucedanum oligophyllum ssp. aequiradium (Vandas) Tutin, Vaccinium gaultherioides Bigelow, Galeopsis speciosa Miller, G. bifida Boenn., Melampyrum sylvaticum L., Odontites lutea (L.) Clairv., Sambucus racemosa L., Symphyandra wanneri (Rochel) Heuffel, Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Achillea distans Waldst. & Kit. ex Willd., Centaurea grbavacensis (Rohlena) Stoj. & Acht., C. indurata Janka, Lactuca aurea (Schultz Bip. ex PanČić) Stebbins, Festuca gigantea (L.) Vill., F. pirinica Horvat ex Markgr.–Dannenb., Sparganium minimum (Hartm.) Fries, and Rhynchospora alba (L.) Vahl.     

633. LATHYRUS LATIFOLIUS

Summary Lathyrus latifolius L., the broad ‐leaved everlasting pea, is described and illustrated.     

High-frequency plant regeneration by <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis> shoot proliferation in cotyledonary node explants of grasspea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lathyrus sativus</Emphasis> L.)

Summary Multiple shoots were induced from cotyledonary nodes of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) derived from 7-d-old in vitro seedlings on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing N⁶-benzyladenine (BA), kinetin, or thidiazuron, BA being the most effective. Among the five genotypes tested, shoot proliferation frequency was the highest (93.3%) for IC-120487, giving the maximum number of shoots (11.3 shoots per explant) on MS medium augmented with 2.0 mgl⁻¹ (8.87 μM) BA. Shoot cultures were established by repeatedly subculturing the original cotyledonary nodes on fresh medium after each harvest of the newly formed shoots. Thus 30–40 shoots were obtained in 2 mo. from a single cotyledonary node. Up to 81.8% of the shoots developed roots following transfer to half-strength MS medium containing 0.5 mgl⁻¹ (2.85 μM) indole-3-acetic acid. Plantlets were successfully acclimatized and established in soil.