Aeropalynologic analysis of La Plata City (Argentina) during a 3-year period

A continuous aeropalynologic survey of the atmosphere of La Plata was carried out between July 1998 and June 2001 in order to study flowering development from winter to summer using a Lanzoni volumetric spore trap. The total pollen spectrum was represented by 79 pollen types. Between 10 and 12 pollen types showed a relative concentration of more than 1% of the annual total. Airborne pollen was mainly represented by Platanus, Fraxinus, Cupressaceae, Poaceae, Urticaceae, Cyperaceae, Myrtaceae, Celtis, Casuarina and Morus during the 3-year period. Acer and Ambrosia pollen types were only dominant in the first 2 years. Maximum absolute concentrations were recorded in the the July 1998–June 1999 period, and the minimum concentrations were recorded in the July 2000–June 2001 period. The contribution of the arboreal pollen grains was higher than 68% relative to the annual total for each year. Two periods of maximum pollen emissions were found for each year: pollen from aboreal taxa predominated from July to October, and pollen from herbaceous taxa predominated from November to March. There was very little pollen in the atmosphere between April and June. The maximum arboreal and herbaceous pollen emissions were recorded during hours of daylight: at 10:00 and 14:00 hours.     

Distribution of Castanea pollen in Galician honeys (NW Spain)

With the aim to know the importance of theCastanea pollen in the Galician honey(N. W. Spain), the interannual oscillations withinthe areas of production and the most activephenological period for bees, we have madethe melissopalynological analysis of: 599samples of honey collected during the period1990–1999 in Galicia, the production of 40beehives during three consecutive years(1990, 1991, 1992), the partial production during1990 of two beehives situated at distant pointsin our geography.     

Culicidae (Diptera) selection of humans,chickens and rabbits in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina

Studies were conducted to determine the selection of humans, chickens and rabbits by Culicidae in three different environments in the province of Chaco, Argentina. Mosquitoes were collected fortnightly using cylindrical metal traps containing animal bait (chickens and rabbits). The mosquitoes were collected between June 2001-May 2002. During the same period and with the same frequency, mosquitoes biting the human operators of the traps were collected during the first 15 min of exposure within different time intervals: from 09:00 am-11:00 am, 01:00 pm-03:00 pm, 05:00 pm-07:00 pm and 09:00 pm-10:00 pm. A total of 19,430 mosquitoes of 49 species belonging to 10 genera were collected. Culex species mainly selected chicken bait and Wyeomyia species selected rabbit bait. Ochlerotatus and Psorophora species were more abundant in rabbit-baited traps. Anopheles triannulatus, Coquillettidia nigricans, Ochlerotatus scapularis, Mansonia titillans and Psorophora albigenu showed a strong attraction for human bait. The Anopheles, Coquillettidia, Culex and Mansonia species were more active between 05:00 pm-09:00 pm, while Ochlerotatus, Psorophora, Haemagogus and Wyeomyia were most active from 09:00 am-07:00 pm. This study provides additional information about the biology and ecology of arbovirus vectors in Chaco.     

Floral resources foraged by Geotrigona argentina (Apidae,Meliponini) in the Argentine Dry Chaco forest

This study is the first contribution to knowledge of the relationships between Geotrigona argentina and the plants of the Argentine Dry Chaco forest. A total of 1260 g of honey (corresponding to 146 pots) and 763 g of pollen (63 pots) stored in four underground nests was studied. The honey pots from each nest were homogenised and the four honey samples were analysed by melissopalynological methods, whereas the pollen pots were studied individually. Both classical counts and counts affected by the volume of the pollen types were carried out. Pollen data were statistically analysed. Additional data on both protein and lipid content is also provided. A total of 39 pollen taxa were identified. Pollen collection was focused on a few pollen taxa: Prosopis, Castela coccinea, Maytenus and Capparis; these taxa, together with Ziziphus mistol and Pisonia zapallo, were also important nectar sources. The preliminary results show that pollen collection varied seasonally, being most diverse in the summer when G. argentina incorporates herbaceous plants into its diet. The pollen collection spectrum of G. argentina is similar to that of other Trigonina bees in that the main plant species collected are a few large shrubs or trees, whose flowering consists of small and clustered flowers. Pots with large amounts of monofloral loads with pollen from only a few species suggests an organised foraging behaviour that includes the recruitment of foragers, such as that observed in other eusocial bees.     

Foraging behaviour of the stingless bee Melipona orbignyi (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) in a dry forest assessed by multivariate analysis from palynological data

Pollen analysis was applied to study the botanical composition of honey and pollen stored by Melipona orbignyi in its southernmost distributional range. Many studies have revealed that robust buzzing bees of this genus are associated with diverse plant families, some of which are different to those exploited by the remaining genera of Meliponini. Cluster analysis was performed to assess similarity in botanical composition between pot-pollen and pot-honey provisions from different colonies. The results indicated that each colony was capable to access to different plant species for obtaining nectar and pollen, a fact observed when discarding the contaminated honey samples. As honey samples were not clustered together with other ones but with pollen samples indicating a similar botanical composition, it could be assumed that a same plant species provided nectar and pollen to bees. Resource partitioning was not clearly observed among a subset of late spring colonies, as two families of high richness of species and abundant in this dry forest (the mimosoid clade in Fabaceae and Capparaceae) were foraged. A higher number of synchronously sampled colonies would be necessary to detect this ecological aspect. The botanical composition of samples of M. orbignyi was governed by both random factors such as local and temporary flower availability plus preferences for particular plant species such as those from Solanaceae and Ximeniaceae. The Capparaceae and Ximeniaceae are here reported for the first time as intensively foraged pollen resources by the genus Melipona.     

A histological study of microsporogenesis in Tarenna gracilipes (Rubiaceae)

We studied the microsporogenesis in Tarenna gracilipes (Hayata) Ohwi, with special attention to the mode of exine deposition and tapetum development. We based this research on light (LM), scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observations of developing anthers of T. gracilipes, from the microspore mother cell stage towards anther dehiscence. Evidence is supplied that the microsporogenesis in T. gracilipes can be considered as simultaneous. Columellae, foot layer and tectum develop in a fibrillar matrix. Similar with earlier studies in Rubiaceae species, a single white line formed near the plasmalemma in the extra‐apertural region. The developing endexine dilated into several white line centered lamellae at the apertures. An annulus is formed around the inner surface of each pore. In the mature intine two strata can be distinguished. At the apertures thick onci are formed protruding through the apertures thereby forming papillae, a common feature in Rubiaceae. In Rubiaceae species amoeboid as well as secretory tapeta are reported. In T. gracilipes it is shown that the tapetum cells possess in all developmental stages characteristics of the secretory type. During microsporogenesis the tapetum cytoplasm undergoes considerable changes which may indicate cycles of hyperactivity. Sporopollenin deposition on the pre‐orbicules is mediated by white lines showing correlations with endexine, annulus and columellae ontogeny. These findings corroborate the idea that orbicule wall development can represent a model to study sporopollenin deposition. At anther dehiscence Ca‐oxalate crystals are released out of the ruptured septum cells into the locule, providing a possible visual signal for pollinators.     

四川被子植物区系特征的初步研究

四川地区被子植物区系188科1493属8711种及1252变种,全球50％以上的科都有代表,与毗邻地区及世界植物区系有着广泛而密切的联系。区系古老而原始,珍稀孑遗类群丰富;单型或少种的科属众多,含100种以上的大科和大属也十分繁荣;含5种以下的属占76.89%,但占总属数约22.64%的多种属和大属是区系的主体,包含区系总种数的63.28%。科的分布类型有明显热带性质,属、种的分布类型反映出典型的亚热带属性。优势现象明显,特有类群和表征类群丰富。该地区被子植物区系对中国乃至东亚都有代表性。     

A study of a black howling monkey (Alouatta caraya) population in northern Argentina

A population of Alouatta caraya in northern Argentina had an ecological density of 130 animals per km². Mean troop size varied from 7.2 to 8.9 individuals, and the ratio of adult males to adult females from 0.58 to 0.51. Infants comprised from 6% to 14% of the population, juveniles from 16% to 21%. These percentages probably vary seasonally in response to a birth peak at the beginning of the dry season. Males were age-graded in multi-male troops. Sexual dimorphism was extreme in this species. Males were all black and averaged 6.7 kg; females were yellow-brown and averaged 4.4 kg. Juvenile males retained the pelage color of the female until approximately 4.5 yr of age and 5 kg in weight. No genital mimicry or exaggeration occurred in this species. Vocalizations of A. caraya were similar to those of A. seniculus, both of which tend to be lower pitched than those of A. palliata.     

Sexual size dimorphism, sex ratio and the relationship between seasonality and water quality in four species of Gordiida (Nematomorpha) from Catamarca, Argentina

A total of 687 adult nematomorphs of four species of Gordiida: Chordodes brasiliensis (393 specimens), Noteochorododes cymatium (47 specimens), N. talensis (162 specimens) and Pseudochordodes dugesi (85 specimens) were collected during a period of 1 year from El Simbolar stream, Argentina. Free-living worms were abundant during autumn and spring, but their number decreased during winter and summer. Males were shorter and significantly more abundant than females. The presence of N. cymatium, N. talensis and P. dugesi was correlated with water temperature and these species were most abundant in winter and spring. The presence of C. brasiliensis was correlated with flow rate and pH; this species was more abundant in autumn and winter. These four species are sympatric.     

A palynological study and molecular analysis of the Desmodium procumbens group (Leguminosae-Papilionoideae) in Mexico

Desmodium diversity has been mainly classified using fruit characters, and because of variability in these and other characters, the taxonomy has sometimes been problematic and thus, there is a need for clarification and taxonomic reassessments. This is the case for the Desmodium procumbens group, where several infraspecific taxa have been named. The phylogenetic relationships among taxa referred to this group is unknown, and the taxonomic status has been recently revised only for some of the taxa. In this study, pollen morphology and ultrastructure of D. neomexicanum, D. procumbens var. procumbens, D. procumbens var. exiguum, D. procumbens var. longipes and D. procumbens var. transversum, belonging to the Mexican Desmodium procumbens group, were examined using light, phase-contrast, scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy, in order to establish palynological characters that might contribute to a better taxonomic resolution. Pollen grains are tricolporate, radiosymmetric, oblate spheroidal to prolate spheroidal shape, with lalongate endoapertures and rugulate exine with foveolae between rugulae. The exine is tectate with a columellate and/or granulate structure. The absence of a fastigium, features of exine sculpture, a colpus membrane and infrastructure mainly dominated by granules differentiate the pollen grains of the varieties exiguum and transversum from the other taxa studied. Pollen traits and sequence data provide evidence for separating D. neomexicanum from species D. procumbens. In general, the result from the pollen analysis is congruent with results obtained from a preliminary molecular analysis of this group.     

Natural hybrids in Senecio (Asteraceae): new records from Argentina

Abstract

Hybridisation is very common within Senecio. It is considered a fundamental mechanism of speciation and also a major feature causing systematic complexity. Morphological features are the preliminary characteristics used to identify hybrids; however this approach is usually not sufficient when this is the case chromosome studies represent a valuable tool for reinforcing the observations. Two natural homoploid interspecific hybrids are reported here: Senecio × lulioi M. G. López et Xifreda (S. brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less. × S. grisebachii Baker) and Senecio × piepaloensis M. G. López et Xifreda (S. ragonesei Cabrera × S. sectilis Griseb.). Classic cytogenetic analysis and pollen stainability were performed to evaluate hybrid origins and to designate the putative parents. S. × lulioi presented a low frequency of quadrivalents and heteromorphic bivalents, both strong evidences of hybridisation between closely related species. S. × piepaloensis exhibited a high frequency of meiotic irregularities, and reduced pollen stainability, certain characteristics of hybrids. This analysis is discussed in relation to the role of hybridisation in the evolution of the genus, and its systematic significance.     

A cytotaxonomic study of some species of Pleione D. Don (Orchidaceae)

For taxonomic purposes in the genus Pleione D. Don (Orchidaceae) breeding studies, chromosome numbers, karyotypes and analyses of pollen mother cells have been investigated. In addition to confirming many previous chromosome numbers, new tetraploid, hexaploid and triploid counts establish the existence of a tetraploid taxon (P. speciosa) , a hexaploid (P. bulbocodioides) and a triploid hybrid (P.humilis 'Frank Kingdon-Ward'). The karyotypes of the diploid species P. bulbocodioides, P.yunnanensis, P. humilis, P.forrestii and P. hookeriana are distinct, whereas those of P.formosana and P. limprichtii have similar morphology to that of P. bulbocodioides , which was also represented in the polyploid taxa. Karyotype morphology provides evidence to trace the putative parents of P. x confusa and P. humilis 'Frank Kingdon-Ward'. Results from pollen mother cells and karyotype analyses suggest that P.formosana and P. limprichtii are not cytologically differentiated from P. bulbocodiodes , and the taxa P. speciosa, P. limprichtii (tetraploid form) and P. bulbocodioides (6x) are of autopolyploid origin, being derived from the P. bulbocodioides genome. The species limits are discussed.     

Exploring biodiversity in a metropolitan area in the Mediterranean region: The urban and suburban flora of Rome (Italy)

This work provides an overview of plant diversity in the municipality of Rome (Italy) through an assessment of the flora in urban and suburban sectors of the city. It is aimed at providing the knowledge required to support proactive action for plant conservation. On the basis of a literature-derived catalogue and of an extensive survey campaign, the flora was investigated in terms of conservation interest; habitat types and locations that require protection measures were identified according to the occurrence of valuable native plants. Valuable species exclusive of the urban sector are threatened by the compaction trend affecting the urban fabric. Such species occur mainly in ruderal environments and fallows of archaeological sites and urban parks, near river courses and in remnants of natural forests. Valuable species exclusive of the suburban sector are threatened by urban sprawl. They occur prevalently in wet environments of the subcoastal strip and in coastal sands, Mediterranean maquis, tuffaceous gorges, sulphur springs and archaeological sites. The results highlight the need to preserve the complexity of the land mosaic, especially within the urban matrix, and to strengthen the existing environmental protection tools in the suburban area against foreseeable land cover changes.     

Comparison between phenological and aerobiological patterns of some arboreal species of Mar del Plata (Argentina)

An atmospheric pollen survey and a periodical quantitative check of the flowering phases of trees were performed during 1993. Most of specific flowering seasons lasted from 4 to 8 weeks. October is the month with the highest number of species in bloom. Anemophylous species flower mainly in coincidence with the relatively low temperatures of late winter and early spring, while the enthomophylous ones correlate with the high temperatures of late spring and summer. The anemophylous ‘community’ follow a sigmoid pattern with respect to both the flowering development and the cumulative pollen concentration. Agreement between floral phenophases and pollen counts were evaluated for 14 genera (27 species). Pollen data of anemophylous species coincide fairly well with the phenological behaviour. Particular features must be taken into account to interpret this relationship.     

Melissopalynological analysis of stingless bee (Tetragonula pagdeni) honey in Eastern Thailand

Melissopalynological analysis of 72 Tetragonula pagdeni honey samples, collected from various locations in Chanthaburi (A) and Trat (B) provinces, Eastern Thailand during March 2015, was performed. Overall, 45 pollen types species belonging to 22 plant families were identified. The predominant pollen type was from Nephelium lappaceum and comprised 48.5% of the pollen in honey from location A2 (Pathavee district) and 45.3% in location B1 (AoYai district). The secondary pollen types, Wodyetia bifurcata and Mimosa pudica, accounted for 20.1% and 17.0%, respectively, in location B3 (Nhongsamed district), while Cocos nucifera accounted for 17.2% in location A2. In addition, pollen types of C. nucifera, M. pudica, N. lappaceum, Asystasia gangetica, Amaranthus lividus, Areca catechu, Chromolaena odorata and Durio zibethinus were found in T. pagdeni honey from all sampled locations. Furthermore, in the dearth period, T. pagdeni foraged food (as in pollen was present) from Musa sp., Acacia mangium and various weed species, such as A. gangetica, A. lividus, Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, C. odorata, Melampodium divaricatum, Mikania cordata, Merremia umbellata, M. pudica, Pennisetum pedicellarum and Thysanoleana maxima, from within a 500?m radius around the hive to maintain their colonies.     

A histochemical study of pollen digestion in the alimentary canal of honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Histochemical staining of embedded sections of the alimentary canal of honeybees indicated that carboxylated polysaccharides could be efficiently digested and absorbed, except when sequestered within unswollen and unbroken pollen grains that appeared to be impervious to enzymes of the gut. Hemicelluloses and pectic acids of the pollen wall structure underwent partial digestion, but pollen wall cellulose and sporopollenin were not digested. A separation of pollen walls from colloidal semisolids of the pollenkitt and disgorged protoplasm was apparent. The layers of slurry created by this separation remained into the rectum, and consisted primarily of saturated organic compounds which do not stain with weakly basophilic or acidophilic dyes.     

Comparison of intradiurnal variation of airborne pollen in Mar del Plata (Argentina). Part I. Non-arboreal pollen

Intradiurnal variation of non-arboreal pollen (NAP) aredescribed in relation to the associated weather using the data obtainedwith a Burkard trap in Mar del Plata city, for a three year data set(1988, 1992 and 1995). The daily pattern of concentration was quitehomogeneous during the years analysed except for 1995, when it showed avariation due to the change of position of the station. Qualitativecomposition of the NAP airborne pollen was mainly represented byPoaceae, Plantago and Cyperaceae during the three years. The daily trendshowed high concentrations during daylight hours, when instability andconvective movements prevail, and low concentrations in the night, whenmeteorological conditions favour the development of a stable stratifiedlayer.     

A cranial morphometric study of deer (Mammalia, Cervidae) from Argentina using three-dimensional landmarks

This study examines morphological variation in the crania (n = 70) of eight cervid species from Argentina. Forty 3-dimensional landmarks were acquired on each adult cervid cranium. The data were analysed using Morphologika software. The co-ordinates were registered and scaled to remove size differences by Procrustes analysis, and then principal components analysis was applied to examine shape variation. Shape variation associated with each principal component can be visualised in the program. The first principal component correlates strongly with the centroid size of the crania and also with the body mass and height of each species. The larger species were distinguished by relatively longer snouts and relatively smaller brains. The smallerMazama andPudu species cluster closely on the first as well as the other principal components. Among the larger species, the twoHippocamelus species, which live at higher altitudes, were clearly distinguished from the lowland species,Ozotoceros bezoarticus andBlastocerus dichotomus, on the basis of cranial flexion and the orientation of the occipital region. FinallyO. bezoarticus andB. dichotomus were compared directly and small differences were noted in the orbital region. The shape data was used to produce a distance matrix and a phenogram, which we relate to some of currently accepted phylogenetic relationships of this group of cervids.