Nutritional value of palm wine fromHyphaene coriacea andPhoenix reclinata (Arecaceae)

Palm wine is an alcoholic beverage consumed by rural people in Maputaland, Natal, South Africa. Nutritional information on the nutrient content of palm wine fromHyphaene coriacea andPhoenix reclinata was obtained in order to provide more detailed nutritional data than were previously available. The results showed that while palm wine is an important source of nicotinic acid and vitamin C, previous studies appear to have overestimated its value as a source of protein, thiamin, and riboflavin.     

A Histological Study of Development of Adventive Embryos in Organ Cultures of Phoenix dactylifera L.

Callus cultures from axillary buds of 2–4-year-old offshootsof Phoenix dactyl'fera L have yielded plantlets adventitiouslyAdventive embryos originated from meristematic cytoplasm-richcells located in the epidermal and adjacent sub-epidermal portionsof the periphery of callus on a basal medium supplemented with2, 4-D and isopentenyladenine The formation of adventive embryosis described Morpho-genetically competent cells proliferateinto globular proembryos which differentiate into bipolar structures.Transfer to a medium devoid of hormones enhances embryo developmentand promotes plantlet growth Comparative studies were made betweenzygotic and adventive embryos in various stages of development Phoenix dactylifera L, date palm, Palmae, adventive embryogenesis, histological development     

Cryopreservation of Somatic Embryos of Four Species With and Without Cryoprotectant Pre-treatment

The development of cryostorage procedures for somatic embryosproduced from the tissues of plants that normally propagateby means of desiccation- and (often) chilling-sensitive seeds,and that are unstorable by conventional means, offers a viablealternative to the conservation of this otherwise recalcitrantgermplasm. A cryopreservation procedure utilizing cryoprotectantsand partial dehydration was previously developed for hydratedand germinating Pisum sativum embryonic axes. The present contributionapplies that technology to the somatic embryos of a range ofspecies, viz., Coffea arabica (coffee), Manihot esculenta (cassava),Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) and Pisum sativum (pea) andcompares it with results for material that was partially dehydrated,then very rapidly frozen. Cassava, coffee and date palm showedsimilar recovery from cryopreservation irrespective of the procedure.Pea somatic embryos, on the other hand, recovered best fromcryopreservation when pre-treated with the cryoprotectants,glycerol and sucrose, and then subjected to partial dehydration.Copyright1995, 1999 Academic Press Coffea arabica, Manihot esculenta, Phoenix dactylifera, Pisum sativum, cryopreservation, somatic embryos     

Food choices and habitat use by the Tana River yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus): a preliminary report on five years of data

The Tana River Primate National Reserve, Kenya (TRPNR) yellow baboons' (Papio cynocephalus) long‐term habitat usage and food preferences are relatively under‐reported. The author presents a preliminary food catalog and analyses of 5 years of data (January 88–October 92; n=55 mo; 875 observation days; 4,893 hourly scans) for the Mchelelo troop (x̄=75 individuals). The author predicted that the TRPNR baboons would spend more time on the much larger savanna, show a seasonal preference for fruits/seeds, and show rainfall‐influenced food preferences. Although more time was spent on the proportionately larger savanna than in the forests, more than 42% of the observations occurred in forests that accounted for only 8.7% of the area regularly used by the baboons. Fruits/seeds consumption was high throughout the period and a significantly higher proportion of each month's observations reflected fruits/seeds rather than grasses/herbs/corms consumption. Two forest species' (Phoenix reclinata and Hyphaene compressa) were particularly important. Regression analysis showed fruits/seeds consumption predicted most of the grasses/herbs/corms consumption variance. There was no statistical difference in rainy vs. non‐rainy season fruits/seeds or grasses/herbs/corms consumption. One implication of these data is the baboons' potential impact on the critically endangered Tana River mangabeys (Cercocebus galeritus), which also rely heavily on P. reclinata and H. compressa. Another is what the “savanna” designation may or may not tell us about baboons. Am. J. Primatol. 71:432–436, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

The chloroplast DNA locus psbZ-trnfM as a potential barcode marker in Phoenix L. (Arecaceae)

The genus Phoenix (Arecaceae) comprises 14 species distributed from Cape Verde Islands to SE Asia. It includes the economically important species Phoenix dactylifera. The paucity of differential morphological and anatomical useful characters, and interspecific hybridization, make identification of Phoenix species difficult. In this context, the development of reliable DNA markers for species and hybrid identification would be of great utility. Previous studies identified a 12 bp polymorphic chloroplast minisatellite in the trnG (GCC)-trnfM (CAU) spacer, and showed its potential for species identification in Phoenix. In this work, in order to develop an efficient DNA barcode marker for Phoenix, a longer cpDNA region (700 bp) comprising the mentioned minisatellite, and located between the psbZ and trnfM (CAU) genes, was sequenced. One hundred and thirty-six individuals, representing all Phoenix species except P. andamanensis,were analysed. The minisatellite showed 2-7 repetitions of the 12 bp motif, with 1-3 out of seven haplotypes per species. Phoenix reclinata and P. canariensis had species-specific haplotypes. Additional polymorphisms were found in the flanking regions of the minisatellite, including substitutions, indels and homopolymers. All this information allowed us to identify unambiguously eight out of the 13 species, and overall 80% of the individuals sampled. Phoenix rupicola and P. theophrasti had the same haplotype, and so had P. atlantica, P. dactylifera, and P. sylvestris (the “date palm complex” sensu Pintaud et al. 2013). For these species, additional molecular markers will be required for their unambiguous identification. The psbZ-trnfM (CAU) region therefore could be considered as a good basis for the establishment of a DNA barcoding system in Phoenix, and is potentially useful for the identification of the female parent in Phoenix hybrids.     

Differences in Endogenous Levels of Gibberellin Activity in Male and Female Partners of Two Dioecious Tree Species

It was found that in two dioecious species, the carob (Ceratoniasiliqua) and the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) growing intheir natural Mediterrancan habitat, the female partner invariablymanifested higher endogenous GN-like activity. While this trendwas consistent, marked seasonal fluctuations in both free andglycosidic bound-GN were observedhigher levels being associatedwith essentially vegetative spring growth and the converse associatedwith anthesis. It is postulated that while a clear correlationexists between female growth and high GN activity in these species,the switch from vegetative to generative growth in both themale and female may be associated with a lower relative proportionof endogenous GN in a specific multi-hormonal complex presumablyrequired for flower induction.     

Hanging by a coastal strand: breeding system of a federally endangered morning-glory of the south-eastern Florida coast, Jacquemontia reclinata

Background and Aims

Coastal development has led to extensive habitat destruction and the near extinction of the beach clustervine, Jacquemontia reclinata (Convolvulaceae), an endangered, perennial vine endemic to dune and coastal strand communities in south-eastern Florida. We examined the breeding system of this rare species, and observed visitors to its flowers, as part of a larger effort to document its status and facilitate its recovery.

Methods

Reproductively mature experimental plants were grown from seed collected from wild plants in two of the largest remaining populations. Controlled hand pollinations on potted plants were conducted to determine the level of compatibility of the species and to investigate compatibility within and between populations. Seeds from the hand pollinations were planted in soil, and they were monitored individually, recording time to seed germination (cotyledon emergence). Wild plants were observed in several of the remaining populations to determine which species visited the flowers.

Key Results

Hand pollination and seed planting experiments indicate that J. reclinata has a mixed mating system: flowers are able to set fruit with viable seeds with self-pollen, but outcross pollen produces significantly greater fruit and seed set than self-pollen (≥50 % for crosses vs. <25 % for self-pollinations). Visitors included a wide array of insect species, primarily of the orders Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. All visitors captured and examined carried J. reclinata pollen, and usually several other types of pollen.

Conclusions

Remnant populations of beach clustervine will have greater reproductive success not only if floral visitor populations are maintained, but also if movement of either pollen or seed takes place between populations. Restoration efforts should include provisions for the establishment and maintenance of pollinator populations.Key words: Breeding system, conservation, beach clustervine, Jacquemontia reclinata, Convolvulaceae, endangered species, floral visitors, coastal dunes, pollination, reproductive biology, Florida, Caribbean, bees, butterflies     

Mating system structure and population density in a polygynous lizard, Sauromalus obesus (= ater)

Increases in population density often are associated with achange in mating system structure in numerous taxa. Typically,male interactions are minimal in extremely low density populations.As density increases, males exhibit territoriality but if densitybecomes too high, the energetic cost of defending a territorywill eventually outweigh the reproductive benefits associatedwith territoriality. Consequently, males in high density populationsmay abandon territoriality and adopt dominance polygyny, lekking behavior, or scramble competition. We investigated the relationshipbetween population density and mating system structure in threepopulations of the chuckwalla, Sauromalus obesus (= ater),near Phoenix, Arizona. Densities in the Phoenix Mountains (2.7chuckwallas/ha) were lower than any population previously studied.In the Santan Mountains (10.9 chuckwallas/ha), densities weresimilar to populations studied in the Mojave Desert, and inthe South Mountains (65 chuckwallas/ha), densities were the highest yet recorded. Male mating behavior was examined by determininghome range overlap and by making direct behavioral observations.Male home range size decreased with increasing population density.There was little overlap in home ranges among males in allthree populations, whereas home ranges of males and femalesconsistently overlapped, indicating that males were strictly territorial. This conclusion was supported by behavioral observationsof interactions among individuals in a natural setting. Thenumber of females wihin male territories was correlated withfood resources (plants) in all three populations. Female homerange size appeard to be related to food resources whereasmale home ranges appeared to be related to female distribution,population density, and geology. The retention of territoriality in spite of high population densities raises new questions aboutthe relationship between density and resource defense.     

New Species of the Genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Photodotis</Emphasis> Meyr. (Lepidoptera,Gelechiidae) in the Fauna of Laos

Three species of the gelechiid moth genus Photodotis new to science are described from central Laos: P. daedalea sp. n., P. lurida sp. n., and P. reclinata sp. n.     

Water Import Rate in Tomato Fruit: A Resistance Model

A model of the water import rate in tomato fruit is proposed.It compares the fruit to a hollow sphere (P) with external radiusR and internal radius R_G, corresponding to pericarp, and containingan internal spherical part (G). The pathway limiting water inputrate at any point I at a distance r from the fruit centre wasassumed to be proportional: (a) in P, to the length of the arcwhich has a radius r and which goes from I to the pedicel extension;(b) in G, to r. The water input rate at I was modelled basedon a law similar to Darcy's law which takes into account thedifference between the water potential at entry of fruit andthe water potential at point I. This latter potential was thesum of fruit osmotic potential and pressure potential due toresistance of tissue to deformation. This potential was proportionalto R-r or R_G -r. The model was expressed at fruit level by alaw such that water mass imported per unit time per unit surfacearea of fruit (f_rw) was a linear function of R. The model wascompared to linear regressions of this rate in terms of R whichhad been found during fruit swelling from published results,and which were obtained at different values of nutrient solutionsalinity. The results suggested that water input in tomato fruitis conditioned by passive forces depending on fruit size.Copyright1994, 1999 Academic Press Fruit, growth, model, resistance, salinity, size, tomato, transfer, water     

Estimating the capacity for improvement in risk prediction with a marker

Consider a set of baseline predictors X to predict a binaryoutcome D and let Y be a novel marker or predictor. This paperis concerned with evaluating the performance of the augmentedrisk model P(D = 1|Y,X) compared with the baseline model P(D= 1|X). The diagnostic likelihood ratio, DLR_X(y), quantifiesthe change in risk obtained with knowledge of Y = y for a subjectwith baseline risk factors X. The notion is commonly used inclinical medicine to quantify the increment in risk predictiondue to Y. It is contrasted here with the notion of covariate-adjustedeffect of Y in the augmented risk model. We also propose methodsfor making inference about DLR_X(y). Case–control studydesigns are accommodated. The methods provide a mechanism toinvestigate if the predictive information in Y varies with baselinecovariates. In addition, we show that when combined with a baselinerisk model and information about the population distributionof Y given X, covariate-specific predictiveness curves can beestimated. These curves are useful to an individual in decidingif ascertainment of Y is likely to be informative or not forhim. We illustrate with data from 2 studies: one is a studyof the performance of hearing screening tests for infants, andthe other concerns the value of serum creatinine in diagnosingrenal artery stenosis.     

The GUS reporter-aided analysis of the promoter activities of Arabidopsis ACC synthase genes AtACS4, AtACS5, and AtACS7 induced by hormones and stresses

Ethylene biosynthesis in higher plants is regulated developmentallyand environmentally. To investigate the regulation of ACC synthasegene expression, the promoters of Arabidopsis ACS genes, AtACS4,AtACS5, and AtACS7, were fused to a GUS reporter gene, and therecombinant transgenes were introduced into Arabidopsis to producethree groups of AtACS::GUS transgenic plants. Histochemic andfluorometric study of these transgenic plants revealed thatpromoters of AtACS4, AtACS, and AtACS7 are all active in dark-germinatedseedlings. AtACS5 has the highest promoter activity in leavesof 2-week-old light-grown seedlings among the three AtACS genesstudied. In the mature leaves, AtACS4 and AtACS7 genes are expressedin both veins and areoles, whereas AtACS5 is expressed at ahigher level in the areoles and epidermal cells surroundingtrichomes. The promoter activities of all these AtACS genesare found in the reproductive organs. AtACS5 and AtACS7 arehighly expressed in petals, sepals, carpels, stamens, caulineleaves, inflorescence stems, and siliques, while AtACS4 expressionis undetectable in the petals of open flowers. All three AtACSgenes are expressed in root tissue. In the 2-week-old light-grownArabidopsis, the AtACS4 promoter is responsive to the planthormones IAA, ethylene, and ABA, and to darkness and wounding;the AtACS5 promoter to IAA, ABA, salt, high temperature, andwounding; and the AtACS7 promoter to GA₃, ethylene, and ABA,and to darkness and salt. Low-temperature treatment abolishesthe darkness-induced AtACS7 gene expression, but not that ofAtACS4. Each AtACS gene has a unique expression profile duringgrowth and development. It appears that at any developmentalstage or any growth period of Arabidopsis, there is always amember of AtACS multigene family that is actively expressed. Key words: ACC synthase, Arabidopsis, ethylene, gene expression, GUS histochemical staining, reporter, stress treatments     

Electrophoretic Variation in Esterases, Peroxidases and Acid Phosphatases in Some Native Greek Taxa of the Genera Hordeum and Taeniatherum

Horizontal starch gel electrophoresis has been applied to thestudy of esterase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase patternsin seven taxa, namely Hordeum diploids (2n=14) (H. marinum,H. marinum I and H. hystrix), tetraploids (2n=28) (H. bulbosumand H. murinum subsp. leporinum) and Taeniatherum (2n=14) (T.caput-medusae and T. caput-medusae I) in order to elucidatetheir phylogenetic relationships. On the basis of our experimentalresults the seven taxa may be placed in the following threegroups; (1) diploid Hordeum (H. marinum, H. marinum I, H. hystrix);(2) tetraploid Hordeum (H. bulbosum, H. murinum subsp. leporinum);(3) Taeniatherum (T. caput-medusae, T. caput-medusae I). Esterase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase patterns of the twoHordeum diploid taxa (H. marinum and H. marinum I) are verysimilar suggesting their close phylogenetic relationship; thesame is true for both the taxa of the genus Taeniatherum (T.caput-medusae and T. caput-medusae I). The taxa of the Taeniatherumgroup compared with the diploid Hordeum (H. marinum, H. marinumI, H. hystrix) and the tetraploid Hordeum (H. bulbosum, H. murinumsubsp. leporinum) show a lower degree of phylogenetic relationshipand seem to be equally distant from them. The tetraploid Hordeumgroup shows a higher phylogenetic relationship with diploidHordeum group than with the Taeniatherum group. These results confirm that the genus Taeniatherum, previouslyconsidered as part of the genus Hordeum, should be regardedas a separate genus. Gramineae (Poaceae), Hordeum L., Taeniatherum Nevski., esterase, peroxidase and acid phosphatase patterns, phylogenetic relationships     

Intergeneric and Interspecific Relationships in Araceae tribe Caladieae and Development of Molecular Markers using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP)

Since amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysishas proved useful in distinguishing cultivars of Caladium, itwas used to assess the status of species of Caladium vs. Xanthosoma,both in tribe the Caladieae, and to reassess the position ofHapaline in the same tribe. AFLP analysis using three primercombinations was carried out on four species of Caladium(C.bicolor, C. humboldtii, C. lindenii and C. schomburgkii). Resultsshowed that AFLP can distinguish between the different speciesby their unique and different banding patterns. AFLP analysisconfirmed that C. humboldtii is a species distinct from C. bicolorand that C. lindenii is a true Caladium species and does notbelong to Xanthosoma. UPGMA cluster analysis showed that C.bicolor and C. schomburgkii are most similar and that C. humboldtiiis closer to the C. bicolor / C. schomburgkii cluster comparedwith C. lindenii. Genetic relationships between Caladium, Xanthosoma,Hapaline, Alocasia and Protarum were also examined by AFLP analysisusing eight primer combinations. Several useful molecular markerswere specific either to Caladium orXanthosoma , so that AFLPcan be used to distinguish species of these two genera. Geneticanalysis of the genera examined confirms that the Caladieaeand Colocasieae tribes are distinct and that Hapaline fallswithin the tribe Caladieae and that Protarum is most distantfrom all the genera examined. Copyright 2000 Annals of BotanyCompany Araceae, Caladium, Xanthosoma, Hapaline, Alocasia, Protarum, AFLP DNA fingerprinting, diversity, AFLP markers     

Observation of group recruitment to prey in a primitive ponerine ant,Amblyopone sp. (reclinata group) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Summary Group recruitment during foraging was observed in a primitive ponerine ant,Amblyopone sp. (reclinata group) under laboratory condition. Workers searched for prey singly; however, if a item of prey was stung by a worker, other ants joined the attack. After the prey became immobile, one of the workers laid a trail directly toward the nest. This scout worker recruited additional workers (between 3 and 33). They formed a single file procession to the point of prey capture, and cooperatively transported the prey. A scout worker could stimulate nest workers to leave the nest without direct contact, and the recruited workers could trace the trail without guidance by the scout worker. This is the first report of recruitment behavior during foraging in the primitive antAmblyopone.     

Potential Dry Matter and Water Import Rates in the Tomato Fruit in Relationship to Fruit Size

The tomato fruit was compared to a sphere with a radius R. Radialgrowth rates in the fruit (F_IW and F_ID) due to water importor to dry matter import, respectively, which are also the waterimport rate or dry matter import rate per unit surface areaof fruit, were calculated from two sets of published results.This data referred to fruits which swelled in such a way thatthe availability of assimilates had little effect on growth.Two varieties differentiated the two series of results and inone series, three trials were differentiated by the salinityof the nutrient solution. In all trials, it was found that F_IW and F_ID decreased whenR increased. Two phases were observed for F_IW: after a firstphase, F_IW decreased more quickly and almost linearly when Rincreased. F_ID was constant or decreased with respect to R.Except at the beginning of growth at the greatest salinity,there were clearly linear regressions between F_IW and F_ID suchas F_ID = aF_IW-b; where b was lower with higher salinity. Thechanges of the concentration of imported dry matter (F_ID/F_IWwere examined in terms of R and F_IW/R. The mechanisms controllingthe changes in F_IW and F_ID were discussed. The results suggestedfruit radius was an important parameter of these mechanisms.Thus, water import rate and dry matter import rate could eachbe considered to be the product of two factors: fruit surfacearea, which is directly dependent on fruit radius, and waterimport rate or dry matter import rate per unit of fruit surfacearea.Copyright 1993, 1999 Academic Press Dry matter, fruit growth, logistic model, sink size, tomato, water transfer     

VINYL PHEOPORPHYRIN A5 IN THE INNER SEED COATS OF PUMPKINS

The pigments contained in the inner seed coats of Cucurbitapepo, C. maxima and C. moschata were investigated spectroscopicallyusing both intact tissues and their ether extracts. The pigment(s) contained in C. pepo and C. maxima was inferred to be "protochlorophyll"and/or Mg vinyl pheoporphyrin a₅ which are indistinguishablefrom each other by mere spectroscopic observations. The coatsof C. moschata were found to contain Mg-free vinyl pheoporphyrina₅ which has so far been reported to exist only in some Chlorellamutants. The spectra of these pigments in intact tissues wereremarkably different from those of the ether extracts, indicatingthe profound difference in their physical states in vitro andin vivo. It was discussed that the "protochlorophyll b" reportedearlier by SEYBOLD and EGLE might have been vinyl pheoporphyrina₁. (Received July 14, 1960; )     

Effect of Radiation and Temperature on Efficiency of Cereal Leaves during Grain Growth

Grain: leaf ratio, G (the ratio of grain yield to leaf areaduration between ear emergence and maturity), in 15 experimentson wheat and barley in different seasons (Group A experiments)was highly correlated with mean daily radiation, R, mean dailytemperature, T_µ, and mean daily maximum temperature, T_max,during the grain growth period. The regression of G on R accountedfor 81 per cent of the variance of G, and introducing T_µto the regression significantly increased this to 88 per cent.The regression of G on T_max alone accounted for 87 per cent,perhaps because T_max effectively integrates radiation and temperature. When R was varied artificially by shades in two experimentson wheat in different years (Group B experiments) the relationshipbetween G and R was approximately linear in both, but the slopeof the line was less in one year, when R and temperature wereless, than in the other. For this second year, when R and temperatureswere about the middle of the ranges found in Group A experiments,the calculated relationship agrees with the Group A resultsafter correcting values of G for differences of Tu from itsvalue in the shading experiment. A formula relating G and Rderived from the results of both Group B experiments and theobserved correlation of R and temperature in the field, assumingthat the regression of G on R depends on temperature, agreeswith the relationship between G and R in the Group A experiments. It is concluded that differences in radiation and temperatureare about equally responsible for the differences in G foundbetween seasons. The positive effect of temperature on G suggeststhat factors other than leaf photosynthesis, e.g. translocationrate or capacity of the grain to accumulate carbohydrate, areimportant in determining G.     

Relationships Between Climate and Flowering of Eight Herbs in a Swedish Deciduous Forest

Effects of annual variation in rainfall, temperature and humidityon flowering abundance of eight temperate woodland plants (Anemonenemorosa, Cardamine bulbifera, Lamiastrum galeobdolon,Oxalisacetosella , Ranunculus ficaria, Stellaria holostea, Viola reichenbachianaand Viola riviniana) were studied during 12 consecutive years(1989–2000) in a hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) forest insoutheast Sweden. Above-average rainfall/humidity in late summerto early autumn of the preceding year increased flowering abundancein L. galeobdolon, O. acetosella, V. reichenbachiana, V. rivinianaand, especially, in R. ficaria, but not in S. holostea and A.nemorosa. Moreover, flowering of R. ficaria and O. acetosellawas positively related to rainfall/humidity during several partsof, or the entire, preceding year. On the contrary, floweringof S. holostea and A. nemorosa was closely related to low valuesof rainfall/humidity in autumn and/or winter of the precedingyear and also to low humidity in the current year in A. nemorosa.Two long periods (3–4 years) of increasing rainfall deficitcoincided with decreasing flowering abundance in most of thespecies, but not with decreasing vegetative development. Temperaturevariability was less consistently related to flowering. A coolperiod during the preceding summer or autumn seemed importantfor flowering in L. galeobdolon, O. acetosella and the Violaspecies, although these relations were, at least partly, causedby interactions with rainfall/humidity. No significant (P <0.05) correlations were found between flowering and the conditionsprevailing in April to May—the main flowering season—ofthe current year. Copyright 2001 Annals of Botany Company Climate, flowering, rainfall, temperature, Anemone nemorosa, Cardamine bulbifera, Lamiastrum galeobdolon, Oxalis acetosella, Ranunculus ficaria, Stellaria holostea, Viola reichenbachiana, Viola riviniana