Effects of various levels of dietary Artemisia abyssinica leaves on rats

Artemisia abyssinica leaves, a traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders, were fed to male Wistar rats at 2% and 10% of the standard diet for 6 weeks. A 2% A. abyssinica leaf diet was not toxic to rats. Depression in growth, hepatopathy and nephropathy were observed in rats fed a diet containing 10% of A. abyssinica leaves. These findings were accompanied by leukopenia, anaemia and alterations of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities with changes in concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol and urea.     

INVESTIGATIONS ON RESISTANCE TO DISEASE AMONG SPECIES OF THE GENUS AVENA

Fifty-three samples representing species of the genus Arena were tested for resistance to infection by Ustilago avenae and U. kolleri following artificial inoculation. Among the diploid and tetraploid species tested, eleven out of thirty-seven samples of Arena strigosa subsp. strigosa showed complete resistance to all the cultures with which they were inoculated. Avena strigosa subsp. barbata (three samples), and Avena strigosa subsp. abyssinica (one sample), also proved to be resistant to all the available races.
Variation in morphological and physiological characteristics within species and samples (varieties?) of the lower chromosome groups of Avena were observed and its consequences in breeding and race identification discussed.
Race identification was carried out on the eight Ustilago cultures and the existence of at least six races established. The tester varieties used in the present study proved inadequate for the complete separation of the smut races.     

Variation in leaves and petals of Ranunculus subgenus Batrachium on the Aegean Islands, analysed by multivariate analysis

Variation in leaves and petals was studied using canonical variate and cluster analyseS. In total of 33 populations from eight islands leaf variation in laminar, floating leaves was studied in Ranunculus peltatus subsp. peltatus, subsp. baudotii and subsp. saniculifolius, and in R. Tripartitus, all of which are heterophyllous in the Aegean area. The petal data set also included the homophyllous R. Trichophyllus. The results of the analyses show that the populations are morphologically well differentiated and that petal shape has a tendency to discriminate between the populations somewhat better than leaf shape does. There was no basis for subdividing the populations into taxa on these characterS. Analyses showed that up to 70% of the variation was distributed between populations, the remainder (5–18%) being within populations.     

Segnalazione di piante nuove,inedite, o notevoli per la regione marchigiana. III

Abstract

A report about new or interesting plants in the Marche region. III. — The authors report about the occurrence in the Marche of 61 entities of specific or infraspecific rank, 22 of which are new or unpublished concerning the region, while the remaining 39 have been previously very little or imprecisely mentioned; as to the latter new localities and stations are shown or general information on the distribution over the Marche district has been supplied. Out of the first 22 entities, 18 (Fumaria muralis subsp. muralis, Cardamine flexuosa, Lunaria annua subsp. pachyrhiza, Colutea arborescens subsp. gallica, Astragalus monspessulanas subsp. illyricus, Cornus sanguinea subsp. australis, Galium verrucosum, Hedypnois rhagadioloides subsp. tubaeformis, Andryala tenuifolia, Sonchus asper subsp. glaucescens, Rheichardia picroides var. maritima, Podospermum canum, Scorzonera austriaca, S. hirsuta, Bidens frondosa, Guizotia abyssinica, Ambrosia elatior, A. trifida) are, as far as the authors know, quite new or unpublished concerning the Marche, while 4 (Rumex angiocarpus, Trifolium repens subsp. prostratum, Epilobium lanceolatum, Picris hieracioides subsp. spinulosa) are generally reported in Middle Italy or over the whole Italian territory by the general Floras, but till now have not been mentioned in works dealing with regional flora.     

The species distinction of the narrow-leaved Festuca from East Africa based on AFLP fingerprinting and morphology

The distinctness of the species Festuca claytonii , F. elgonensis and F. pilgeri (endemic species in East Africa) was assessed by comparison to the widespread narrow-leaved species F. abyssinica , F. chodatiana and F. richardii . The six species were analysed using 56 morphological characters and 375 AFLPs. Principal components and discriminant analyses of the morphological data revealed that the endemic species F. claytonii and F. pilgeri are good species, but that F. abyssinica, F. elgonensis and F. richardii do intergrade. Relevant morphological characters were identified for an overall species distinction but also for pairwise comparisons. A principal coordinate analysis of the AFLPs confirmed the species distinction mentioned above. In conclusion, four narrow-leaved species of Festuca occur in Uganda, viz. F. abyssinica , F. chodatiana , F. claytonii and F. pilgeri . F. elgonensis and F. richardii should be included in F. abyssinica . A key to the species is given.     

Cytogenetic characterization and fae1 gene variation in progenies from asymmetric somatic hybrids between Brassica napus and Crambe abyssinica.

Sexual progenies of asymmetric somatic hybrids between Brassica napus and Crambe abyssinica were analyzed with respect to chromosomal behavior, fae1 gene introgression, fertility, and fatty-acid composition of the seed. Among 24 progeny plants investigated, 11 plants had 38 chromosomes and were characterized by the occurrence of normal meiosis with 19 bivalents. The other 13 plants had more than 38 chromosomes, constituting a complete chromosomal set from B. napus plus different numbers of additional chromosomes from C. abyssinica. The chromosomes of B. napus and C. abyssinica origin could be clearly discriminated by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) in mitotic and meiotic cells. Furthermore, meiotic GISH enabled identification of intergenomic chromatin bridges and of asynchrony between the B. napus and C. abyssinca meiotic cycles. Lagging, bridging and late disjunction of univalents derived from C. abyssinica were observed. Analysis of cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers derived from the fae1 gene showed novel patterns different from the B. napus recipient in some hybrid offspring. Most of the progeny plants had a high pollen fertility and seed set, and some contained significantly greater amounts of seed erucic acid than the B. napus parent. This study demonstrates that a part of the C. abyssinica genome can be transferred into B. napus via asymmetric hybridization and maintained in sexual progenies of the hybrids. Furthermore, it confirms that UV irradiation improves the fertility of the hybrid and of its sexual progeny via chromosomal elimination and facilitates the introgression of exotic genetic material into crop species.     

Hedbergia, a new genus of Scrophulariaceae from Africa

Hedbergia is described as a new, monotypic genus in the Scrophulariaceae, subfamily Rhinanthoideae, tribe Rhinantheae. The species H. abyssinica is transferred from Bartsia. Hedbergia abyssinica is the most primitive taxon so far known in the subtribe Euphrasineae.     

Development of rapeseed with high erucic acid content by asymmetric somatic hybridization between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Crambe abyssinica</Emphasis>

PEG-induced asymmetric somatic hybridization between Brassica napus and Crambe abyssinica was carried out. C. abyssinica is an annual cruciferous oil crop with a high content of erucic acid in the seed oil valuable for technical purposes. UV-irradiated mesophyll protoplasts of C. abyssinica cv 'Carmen' and cv 'Galactica' were fused with hypocotyl protoplasts of different genotypes of B. napus cv 'Maplus' and breeding line '11502'. Shoot regeneration frequency varied between 6.1% and 20.8% among the different doses of UV-irradiation, ranging from 0.05 J/cm(2) to 0.30 J/cm(2). In total, 124 shoots were regenerated, of which 20 asymmetric somatic hybrids were obtained and verified by nuclear DNA content and AFLP analysis. AFLP data showed that some of the characteristic bands from C. abyssinica were present in the hybrids. Cytological analysis of these hybrids showed that 9 out of 20 asymmetric hybrids had 38 chromosomes, the others contained 40-78 chromosomes, having additional chromosomes between 2 and 40 beyond the 38 expected for B. napus. The investigation into the fertility of asymmetric somatic hybrids indicated that the fertility increased with increasing UV-doses ranging from 0.05 J/cm(2) to 0.15 J/cm(2). All of the hybrids were cultured to full maturity, and could be fertilized and set seeds after self-pollination or backcrosses with B. napus. An analysis of fatty acid composition in the seeds was conducted and found to contain significantly greater amounts of erucic acid than B. napus. This study indicates that UV-irradiation could be used as a tool to produce asymmetric somatic hybrids and to promote the fertility of the hybrids.     

Bioactive properties of plant species ingested by chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Kibale National Park, Uganda

We measured the biological activities of a selected sample (84 crude extracts) of 24 species eaten by wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) in the Kibale National Park, western Uganda, to assess their potential chemotherapeutic values. Antibacterial, antimalarial, and/or antileishmania activities were observed in some crude extracts, and five of these extracts showed a significant cytotoxicity against human tumor cells. Active compounds isolated from three plant parts occasionally ingested by chimpanzees (Diospyros abyssinica (Ebenaceae) bark, Uvariopsis congensis (Annonaceae) leaves, and Trichilia rubescens (Meliaceae) leaves) showed highly significant medicinal properties. Two novel antiparasitic limonoids were isolated from Trichilia rubescens and their molecular structures were determined. In addition to elucidating the natural equilibrium maintained between hosts and pathogens, our investigation of the diet of wild chimpanzees may serve as a guideline to discovering plants with bioactive properties that should be preserved from destruction because of their health maintenance value for great ape populations.     

Determination of aucubin and catalpol in Plantago species by micellar electrokinetic chromatography

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) was used for the separation and determination of two iridoid glycosides, aucubin and catalpol, in several Plantago species growing in Croatia: P. altissima L., P. argentea Chaix, P. coronopus L., P. holosteum Scop. (subsp. depauperata, subsp. holosteum and subsp. scopulorum), P. lagopus L., P. lanceolata L., and P. maritima L. Hot water extraction (HWE) was applied for the isolation of iridoid substances. Significant differences appeared between the iridoid contents in the examined species. The yield of aucubin and catalpol was up to 0.27% and 1.81% of the dry mass of the leaves, respectively. Besides aucubin and catalpol, two related compounds were determined in the plant samples.     

Variation Patterns and Systematics of the Widespread Species Epilobium angustifolium L.(Onagraceae) in China

Cytological, morphological, and geographical studies of Epilobium angustifolium in China reveal two partly distinct, partly overlapping entities that are best treated as subspecies. The diploid (n=18) subsp. angustifolium has smaller, triporate pollen grains, typically glabrous stems and leaves, and smaller leaves and flowers, and occurs in colder, more northern areas, and at higher elevations in overlap zones. The tetraploid (n=36) subsp. circumvagum has larger pollen with a mixture of quadriporate pollen grains, pubescent stems and leaves, and larger leaves and flowers, and occurs in warmer parts of southern China and at lower elevations. We report 11 chromosome counts, six diploid and five tetraploid, includingthe first reported tetraploids in Asia.     

Infraspecific variation of leaf anatomy in Origanum vulgare grown wild in Greece

The histological components of the leaf were studied in dried herbarium material of the three Origanum vulgare subspecies (subsp. hirtum , subsp. viridulum and subsp. vulgare ) grown wild in Greece. These three, geographically distinct, taxa showed remarkable differences in their leaves. The leaves of subsp. hirtum grown in the Mediterranean climatic zone of Greece are characterized by thick cutinized outer walls of the epidermal cells and a thick mesophyll with highly developed chlorophyllous tissues. Peltate glandular trichomes and stomata are numerous on bom leaf surfaces. The thickness of the mesophyll decreases in the other two subspecies grown in the northern part of the country, where a Continental type of climate occurs. The number of glandular trichomes and stomata also decreases. Besides these differences, a noticeable reduction in the size of the essential oil-accumulating subcuticular chamber of the glandular trichomes and in the number of the peribasal cells, has also been recorded in die plants of subsp. vulgare and viridulum.     

Bamboo as bioresource in Ethiopia: management strategy to improve seedling performance (Oxytenanthera abyssinica)

Seedling emergence and subsequent survival and growth are vital for natural forest restoration or plantation establishment by means of seeds. Such information is lacking for the African bamboo species. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse to evaluate the influence of seed orientation and sowing depth of the lowland bamboo Oxytenanthera abyssinica on seedling emergence, survival and growth. A randomised complete block design was used. Seedling emergence in the seed orientation experiment followed the order embryo-end-up>lay-flat>embryo-end-down. Survival rate after 62 days decreased in the order lay-flat>embryo-end-down>embryo-end-up. Mean seedling height and number of leaves per seedling followed a similar pattern. Seeds sown on top of the soil surface and at 2.5 mm depth achieved faster and higher seedling emergence than those sown at 5 and 10 mm depths. However, mean seedling height and number of leaves per seedling were higher in 5 and 2.5 mm depths than surface and 10 mm depths. There were significant quadratic relationships between sowing depth and seedling height (p=0.034) as well as number of leaves per seedling (p=0.032), both peaking around 5 mm soil depth. Lay-flat orientation, which is the most frequent position in broadcast sowing, is recommended at 5 mm sowing depth for the lowland bamboo based on overall performance in seedling emergence, survival and growth.     

凹叶厚朴内生真菌研究初报

从凹叶厚朴(Magnolia officinalissubsp.biloba)根、茎、叶中分离获得内生真菌共计28株,经形态观察,鉴定出13个属。研究表明凹叶厚朴不同部位内生真菌的数量、分布、种群及其组成存在差异。     

Isothiocyanates and thioureas in enzyme hydrolysates of Tropaeolum tuberosum

Analysis of the isothiocyanates arising from enzymatic hydrolysis of glucosinolate extracts of Tropaeolum tuberosum supports the assessment of two subspecies. Seeds, tubers, leaves and flowers of T tuberosum subsp. tuberosum produced p-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate. Subspecies silvestre produced benzyl-, 2-propyl- and 2-butylisothiocyanates. N,N-Di(4-methoxybenzyl)thiourea was detected in tuber extracts of subsp. tuberosum by HPLC.     

Access and Identification of Intergeneric Hybrid Between Brassica juncea×Crambe abyssinica

An intergeneric hybrid between Brassica juncea (L.) Coss. x Crambe abyssinica Hochst. ex R. E. Fries was obtained for the first time through routine method combined with embryo rescue. The inductivity of hybrids was 2.1%. In many respects the Fl hybrid resembled either its maternal or paternal parent br both. Consequenfiy, retarded growth, wrinkled leaves and rudimentary anthers in Fl plant were observed. Fl pollen varied in size and 10% ~ 15% were of the paternal pollen type,i.e. ,4-colpate. Fl pollen viability was low and 12% ~ 25% of pollens was viable, with a mean of 18.5%. The chromosome number of Fl somatic cell was 63 which was intermediate between the two parents. Most of pollen mother cells had 63 chromosomes. Analysis of isozymes further confirmed that the F1 hybrid combined the paternal characteristic bands.     

Functional differentiation between the inner and outer leaves in a mechanical support by a pseudostem of Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum

The pseudostem of Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum consists of radical leaves, which have tubular and concentrically aggregated petioles. We examined a hypothesis that the major role of the inner leaves is to raise the leaf blades higher for increased photosynthesis, while that of the outer leaves is to mechanically support the inner leaves at the expense of displaying their leaf blades. The removal of outer leaves resulted in the collapse of the remaining inner leaves, showing outer leaves provide important support for inner leaves. The estimation of mechanical properties for the constituting leaves revealed that inner leaves possess greater mass of leaf blades for their capacity of mechanical support them compared to outer leaves. These results uphold the hypothesis that the primary role of inner leaves is to display leaf blades for photosynthesis, while that for outer leaves is to mechanically support the less stable inner leaves.     

Activity patterns and feeding behaviour of the tree hyrax, Dendrohyrax arboreus, in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda

Activity patterns of Dendrohyrax arboreus were investigated by direct observation of a habituated population in the Parc National des Volcans, Rwanda. Of seventeen animals caught, four were males and thirteen were females. Of the population, 17% were juveniles. Population estimates from transects indicated a biomass of 23.3 kg/ha. Radio-tracking of ten individuals showed bimodal activity patterns, with peaks after dusk and later in the night for males and during the day in females. Hyrax were active 16% of the time. Feeding was the dominant activity and mature leaves of Hagenia abyssinica were the most important food. Travelling within and between trees occupied 4% of the time and occurred predominantly during daylight hours. Calling behaviour was markedly seasonal, being most pronounced in the dry season when hyrax called regularly in the early evening, and often a second time late at night. During the rains, calls were infrequent and unpredictable, tending to occur in the second half of the night. There was no correlation between weather or lunar conditions and calling behaviour. The ecological strategy of tree hyrax in terms of metabolic rate, thermoregulation and energy conservation is discussed in the light of their activity and feeding behaviour.     

Crocus antalyensis subsp. striatus subsp. nov. (Iridaceae) from southwest Anatolia

A new subspecies Crocus antalyensis subsp. striatus subsp. nov. from western Turkey is described. It is characterized by rough papery, light brown corm tunics, leaves that exceed the flower at anthesis and are recurved, distinctly striped inner perianth segments and deeply branched pale yellow or white style. The karyotype of the new subspecies is presented.     

芥菜型油菜与海甘蓝属间杂种的获得与鉴定

通过常规杂交,结合胚胎挽救方法,获得“泸州四棱油菜”(Brassica juncea(L.)Coss.)与海甘蓝(Crambe abyssinica Hochst.ex R.E.Fries)的属间杂种,杂种的诱导率为2.1％。杂种F_1形态分别倾向于双亲之一或介于双亲之间,后期发育延迟,叶子皱缩。F_1的花粉大小变幅很大,同时还具有父本的4沟花粉类型,占10％～15％;花粉育性很低,通过荧光素二醋酸酯(FDA)测定,有活力的花粉平均为18.5％。F_1体细胞染色体数为63,介于双亲染色体数之间,花粉母细胞具有63~I。采用聚丙烯酰胺垂直凝胶电泳,杂种F_1代的同工酶具有父本的特征酶带,这进一步说明杂种的正确性。