On Barbula munyensis R.S.Williams (Pottiaceae), an overlooked species from the tropical montane forest of South America

Abstract

Barbula munyensis R.S.Williams, a neglected moss species known only from the type material collected in central Peru in 1923, is newly reported for the moss floras of Argentina and Bolivia. The species is described, illustrated, mapped, and its habitat preferences are provided. Diagnostic characters and differentiation from some closely related South American taxa, with which it may be confused, are discussed. Barbula orizabensis Müll.Hal., a similar taxon, is excluded from the South American moss flora.     

A new species of Jonesiobryum (Bryopsida: Rhachitheciaceae) from Uganda

Abstract

Jonesiobryum dumboi is described as a new moss species from Uganda. It differs from its congeners by possessing more broadly obovate leaves and a costa that ends well below the apex. The species is only known from the type locality where it was collected on branches in the canopy.     

Plant parasitic nematodes associated with ornamental plant Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum in Aligarh district of western Uttar Pradesh

A survey was conducted to determine the nematodes associated with the soil, substratum and roots of the ornamental plant, Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum, grown in the Aligarh district of western Uttar Pradesh, India. Ten genera of plant parasitic nematodes, viz. Meloidogyne spp., Helicotylenchus sp., Hemicriconemoides sp., Hoplolaimus sp., Xiphinema sp., Pratylenchus sp., Trichodorus sp., Tylenchorhynchus sp., Aphelenchoides sp. and Rotylenchus sp., were isolated from 345 soil samples collected from 15 different localities. Our study indicates that among the 10 genera of the plant parasitic nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. was widely spread in all the examined localities of Aligarh district, except at Khair. It was observed that the population density and diversity of nematodes in all the soil samples was not uniform. Meloidogyne spp. showed the highest absolute frequency and relative frequency followed by Helicotylenchus sp., Hemicriconemoides sp., Xiphinema sp., Hoplolaimus sp., Pratylenchus sp., Trichodorus sp., Tylenchorhynchus sp., Aphelenchoides sp. and Rotylenchus sp. Since no records are available in the literature related to the association of root-knot nematode in P. atropurpureum, it is worthy to note that this study may be considered as a new hope towards further study of the interaction between the root-knot nematode and ornamental plant P. atropurpureum if any.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of the sequential elution technique,by use of electron microscopy methods

Abstract

In the present study, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS) was used in conjunction with the sequential elution technique (SET) to evaluate the efficacy of extraction of Zn from the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum (Hedw.) M. Fleisch. Moss samples were collected from two areas, a contaminated area (with high concentrations of Zn) in the surroundings of a steel works, and an uncontaminated area. Some samples from the uncontaminated area were used as controls, and others were incubated in a solution of ZnCl₂ for subsequent analysis of uptake and location of Zn. The concentrations of Zn in the different cell compartments of the moss were determined by use of the SET, and different points on the surface of the moss and in deposited particles were analysed by SEM–EDS. The results showed that the extracellular fraction obtained by SET includes the Zn bound to cation exchange sites in the moss and Zn bound to particles on the moss surface, which leads to overestimation of extracellular Zn. After extracellular extraction, Zn was not detected on the surface of the moss or in the particles. To avoid problems associated with the presence of particles on the moss surface, a washing procedure should be used to remove such particles before application of the SET. Another possibility is to use the intracellular concentration, as this is not affected by the metal load in the particles and better reflects those contaminants that affect the moss metabolism.     

Hellcotytencnus spp. (Nematoda: Tylenchida) from managed soils in New Zealand

Abstract

Helicotylenchus species collected from managed soils in New Zealand were identified. They were found at 159 sites. H. pseudorobustus was found at 82 of these sites, H. labiatus at 56, H. varicaudatus at 28, and H. canadensis at 4. Only 11 sites had more than one species present and most (7) of these sites had mixtures of H. pseudorobustus and H. labiatus. H. labiatus, reported only twice before, was the most common species found in cotula bowling greens. H. canadensis was restricted to sites south of 45°S. Measurements are given for 15 populations, and H. labiatus is illustrated. Characters separating the four species are given.     

Riccia rhenana Lorb. ex. K.Mill. in Britain

Abstract

A single, small moss leaf has been found among very small amounts of contents extracted from the Tyrolean Iceman's colon. It belongs to the species Neckera complanata Hedw., a woodland moss of low to moderate altitudes. The leaf was accidently ingested and not consumed as food.     

Molecular circumscription and intraspecific variation in Porella canariensis (F.Weber) Underw. (Porellaceae,Marchantiophyta)

Abstract

Fissidens subpulchellus Norkett in Gangulee is critically revised, and reduced to the synonymy of F. pulchellus Mitt. A new species, Fissidens longtonianus Z.Iwats. &; Tad.Suzuki, is described from India. This moss was collected on a branch in Jdukki District, South India, and is separated from F. pulchellus Mitt. by its smooth laminal cells, shorter setae and larger, smooth spores.     

British Bryological Society Expedition to Mulanje Mountain,Malawi 3. Erpodiaceae (Musci)

Abstract

Four members of the moss family Erpodiaceae, Aulacopilum trichophyllum, Erpodium beccarii, E. coronatum and E. grossirete, collected during the 1991 British Bryological Society expedition to Mulanje Mountain, are recorded as new for Malawi.     

Rapid photosynthetic recovery of a snow-covered feather moss and Peltigera lichen during sub-Arctic midwinter warming

Background: Arctic lichens and mosses are covered by snow for more than half the year and are generally considered as being dormant for most of this period. However, enhanced frequency of winter warming events due to climate change can cause increased disturbance of their protective subnivean environment.

Aim: To further understand cryptogamic responses to midwinter warming we compared the ecophysiological performance of one lichen and one moss species during a simulated warming event.

Methods: We measured photosynthesis and dark respiration in samples of the moss Hylocomium splendens and the lichen Peltigera aphthosa removed from under snow, and on natural refreezing after the warming event, which was simulated by using infrared heaters suspended above the ground.

Results: The moss exposed to light at +5 °C immediately after removal from their subnivean environment and from warmed plots showed positive net gas exchange within 332 s; the lichen required 1238 s. Photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation rates were equal to that, or higher than, during the preceding growing season. Upon refreezing after the event, moss photosynthesis declined considerably.

Conclusions: The moss, and to a lesser extent the lichen, may contribute to subnivean midwinter ecosystem respiration, and both are opportunistic, and can take advantage of warmer winter phases for photosynthesis and growth. This ought to be taken into account in vegetation change projections of cryptogam-rich ecosystems.     

Effects of nitrogen supply and irradiance on growth and nitrogen status in the moss Dicranum majus from differently polluted areas

Abstract

A growth experiment was undertaken to study the effects of nitrogen supply and irradiance on growth and nitrogen status in the moss Dicranum majus Sm. from two areas receiving different amounts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Intact samples of D. majus carpets were taken from two Picea abies forests, one located in southern Norway (high-N site) and the other in central Norway (low-N site). The moss carpets were grown for 120 days at three irradiance levels (PPFD: 20,40 or 80 μmol m^?2 s^?l) and sprayed daily with equal amounts of a nutrient solution containing 30, 180 or 330 μM nitrogen as NO₃ - and NH₄ +. Concentrations and total amounts of nitrogen, soluble proteins and chlorophyll were highest in moss plants from the high-N site, both at the start and the end of the experiment. The elongation growth was highest at the lowest irradiance level. As total biomass production did not differ between nitrogen and light treatments, moss growth was presumably limited by other factors, even at the lowest supply rates. Concentrations and total amounts of nitrogen increased with increasing nitrogen supply in moss plants from both sites. Accumulated nitrogen was partly stored as protein and chlorophyll. Recycling of nitrogen from old to young tissues is discussed as a possible explanation for the rather low nitrogen demand in D. majus and the persistently higher nitrogen contents in moss plants from the high-N site.     

Macromitrium maolanense Zeyou Zhang,D.D.Li,Jing Yu & S.L.Guo,a new species from China based on molecular and morphological evidence

Introduction. During a field excursion in Guizhou Province, China, we collected some interesting moss specimens with branch leaves subulate in the upper part, partially and variably bistratose laminae, and a Macromitrium-like epiphytic growth habit on tree trunks. We present morphological and phylogenetic arguments for recognising these plants as a new moss species in the genus Macromitrium Brid. (Orthotrichaceae).

Methods. We compared the morphology of the potential new species with closely related species of Macromitrium, and constructed a phylogenetic tree based on ITS2, trnL and trnG including sampling from 14 other morphologically similar species of Macromitrium.

Key results. The proposed new species belongs to the genus Macromitrium (Orthotrichaceae, Musci). It is closely related to M. gymnostomum Sull. & Lesq. in the phylogenetic tree and according to gametophytic morphological features, represents a hitherto undescribed species.

Conclusions. A new moss species, Macromitrium maolanense Zeyou Zhang, D.D.Li, Jing Yu & S.L.Guo, is described and illustrated. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following features of the branch leaves: (1) oblong-lanceolate, lanceolate to linear-lanceolate, gradually narrowed to an easily broken subula; (2) rather obscure upper and medial cells, often with blackish stains among cells, densely pluripapillose; (3) variably and partially bistratose laminae in the upper 1/3 portion; (4) basal cells clear, hyaline and smooth, those near costae forming a ‘cancellina region’; and (5) with numerous brownish, clavate gemmae on upper portion. We also discuss the principal distinctive characters separating the new species from its nearest congeners.     

The use of mosses in modern pollen studies at Morton Lochs,Fife

Summary

Samples of moss were collected each month between April 1980 and April 1983 from three sites within a small woodland glade at Morton Lochs National Nature Reserve, Tayport, Fife. Variations occured in the amount and range of modern pollen and spores in the moss samples from month to month and from year to year. In particular, lower numbers and a more restricted range of taxa were found in samples collected during winter months. This casts doubt on the assumptions that moss samples contain several years' accumulation of pollen and spores and that winter is the best time of year for collecting moss samples for modern pollen sudies.     

Chromosome studies on some British and Irish mosses. I

Abstract

An electron microscope study of experimental and environmental lead poisoning of leaf cells from the moss Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus (Hedw.) Warnst. is described. Plants treated with lead acetate and lead chloride solutions, or collected from roadsides exposed to lead pollution from motor exhaust gases have been used. The results are compared with other studies of experimental lead poisoning in both plants and animals, with particular regard to uptake mechanisms and to lead accumulating at different sites in the cell. We have shown that lead may be bound within the cell wall, and that it may also enter the cytoplasm. Pinocytosis was observed in leaf cells from moss plants treated with lead salt solutions. Via pinocytotic vesicles within the cytoplasm the particles containing lead could then be discharged into the vacuole. In the leaf cells of mosses exposed to environmental pollution the protoplasmic lead was found to be bound within the nucleus, and was easily identified as electron-dense, nuclear inclusions.     

potamolejeunea Holtii (Spruce) nov.comb.

Abstract

Bryophytes usually have anti-feeding properties to defend against microbial and herbivore attack; however, the consumption of Haplocladium microphyllum (Hedw.) Broth. capsules by Agrotis sp. larvae is rather common in Shanghai in the spring. To test whether H. microphyllum is the only moss eaten, and why the gametophytes of H. microphyllum are not eaten, a series of quantitative experiments were carried out to understand the feeding habits of Agrotis larvae on the given moss materials at three growth stages of larval life. The results show that the larvae can feed on the capsules of six moss species to different degrees: Funaria hygrometrica Hedw., H. microphyllum, Physcomitrium sphaericum (C.F.Ludw. ex Schkuhr) Brid., Trematodon longicollis Michx., Ditrichum pallidum (Hedw.) Hampe, and Pogonatum inflexum (Lindb.) Sande Lac. The capsules of the first four species were grazed heavily by the larvae, compared with limited consumption of the latter two (D. pallidum and P. inflexum), which even induced a high mortality rate among the larvae. With the growth of the larval instar, the daily demand for moss capsules by the larvae increases gradually. The lipid content of the capsules may play an important role when the larva selects its feeding target.     

A new microfungal isolate, Embellisia sp., associated with the Antarctic moss Bryum argenteum

A microfungal isolate of Embellisia sp. (Simmons), assigned Embellisia sp2, not previously described from the Antarctic, has been identified by morphological means and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing. Embellisia sp2 was shown to be associated with the bryophyte Bryum argenteum, collected from Marble Point in Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica, and grew only in samples plated from crushed moss tissue and surface-sterilized leafy stems. Two other types of microfungi, Penicillium sp. and Trichoderma sp., were cultivated from a surface rinse of the moss. Accepted: 6 May 2000     

New Vice-County Records

Abstract

Bryophytes and vascular plants used in traditional home-made nativity sets were studied in an area of the Asturian Region, northern Spain. The results revealed a surprising plant diversity, with 66 bryophytes, three ferns and 37 flowering plants utilized. Most species, collected among more attractive mosses, were used only occasionally or accidentally, whereas only four large pleurocarpous mosses, Thuidium tamariscinum, Eurhynchium striatum, Hypnum cupressiforme and Pseudoscleropodium purum, were widely used, providing the moss base of all the sets. Additionally, eleven mosses and four native flowering plants were frequently selected. The diversity of the bryophytes used in nativity sets of different sizes is analysed, and the deliberate selection of moss species during the collecting is discussed. Finally, it is verified that the collection of certain showy mosses from forests and peat bogs could affect local populations of these mosses and entails the accidental removal of rare or endangered species.     

Phototolerance of lichens, mosses and higher plants in an alpine environment: analysis of photoreactions

 Adaptation to excessive light is one of the requirements of survival in an alpine environment particularly for poikilohydric organisms which in contrast to the leaves of higher plants tolerate full dehydration. Changes in modulated chlorophyll fluorescence and 820-nm absorption were investigated in the lichens Xanthoria elegans (Link) Th. Fr. and Rhizocarpon geographicum (L.) DC, in the moss Grimmia alpestris Limpr. and the higher plants Geum montanum L., Gentiana lutea L. and Pisum sativum L., all collected at altitudes higher than 2000 m above sea level. In the dehydrated state, chlorophyll fluorescence was very low in the lichens and the moss, but high in the higher plants. It increased on rehydration in the lichens and the moss, but decreased in the higher plants. Light-induced charge separation in photosystem II was indicated by pulse-induced fluorescence increases only in dried leaves, not in the dry moss and dry lichens. Strong illumination caused photodamage in the dried leaves, but not in the dry moss and dry lichens. Light-dependent increases in 820-nm absorption revealed formation of potential quenchers of chlorophyll fluorescence in all dehydrated plants, but energy transfer to quenchers decreased chlorophyll fluorescence only in the moss and the lichens, not in the higher plants. In hydrated systems, coupled cyclic electron transport is suggested to occur concurrently with linear electron transport under strong actinic illumination particularly in the lichens because far more electrons became available after actinic illumination for the reduction of photo-oxidized P700 than were available in the pool of electron carriers between photosystems II and I. In the moss Grimmia, but not in the lichens or in leaves, light-dependent quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence was extensive even under nitrogen, indicating anaerobic thylakoid acidification by persistent cyclic electron transport. In the absence of actinic illumination, acidification by ca. 8% CO₂ in air quenched the initial chlorophyll fluorescence yield F_o only in the hydrated moss and the lichens, not in leaves of the higher plants. Under the same conditions, 8% CO₂ reduced the maximal fluorescence yield F_m strongly in the poikilohydric organisms, but only weakly or not at all in leaves. The data indicate the existence of deactivation pathways which enable poikilohydric organisms to avoid photodamage not only in the hydrated but also in the dehydrated state. In the hydrated state, strong nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence indicated highly sensitive responses to excess light which facilitated the harmless dissipation of absorbed excitation energy into heat. Protonation-dependent fluorescence quenching by cyclic electron transport, P700 oxidation and, possibly, excitation transfer between the photosystems were effectively combined to produce phototolerance. Received: 10 December 1999 / Accepted: 13 April 2000     

Notes on some British Barbulas

Abstract

The moss Hypnum cupressiforme var. heseleri is reported new to the British Isles and its status is discussed. Line drawings and a photographic illustration are provided. It was found growing on an apple tree on the Royal Estate, at Flitcham in West Norfolk. It differs from other species of Hypnum in its distinctive rounded-concave leaf form and julaceous branches. The habitat and ecology are broadly similar to those in the other European sites from which this moss has been reported.     

Mineral relationships and ecological distribution of Fissidens cristatus Wils.

Abstract

Studies carried out in the laboratory indicate that Fissidens cristatus Wils., a moss of chalk and limestone grassland, requires the following conditions for optimum growth: pH, 8.0; calcium, 10 mg/1; potassium, 10 mg/1; magnesium, 50–80 mg/1; iron, less than 0.1 mg/1; It has also been demonstrated that calcium inhibits the short-term uptake of potassium from the culture solution.

Within the shoots of specimens collected from the natural habitat, the potassium content was always higher in the current growth segments, whereas that of calcium was always lower. Seasonal variations in the total content of calcium, potassium and magnesium were observed.

The need to wash material collected in the field prior to chemical analysis has been established and the results are discussed in relation to the distribution and local environmental contamination of F. cristatus.     

Recent Bryological Literature, 62

Abstract

Fissidens gymnogynus Besch., F. mangarevensis Mont. and F. obscurirete Broth. et Par. are reported new to the Philippine moss flora. Their discoveries greatly strengthen the continental Asiatic affinity of the local moss flora.