Comparative karyotype analysis of populations in the Alstroemeria presliana Herbert (Alstroemeriaceae) complex in Chile

Alstroemeria L., one of the most diverse genera of the Chilean flora and of high floricultural value, is represented by 35 species, most of them distributed between 28–38° S in the Mediterranean zone of Central Chile. There are 24 complex-forming taxa, of which 18 have conservation problems (8 are considered “endangered” and 10 as “vulnerable”). One of these complexes is Alstroemeria presliana Herb. with two subspecies: subsp. presliana and subsp. australis Bayer. Alstroemeria presliana grows in Chile and Argentina: subsp. presliana is distributed from Reserva Nacional Siete Tazas (35°27′ S, Region of Maule) to Antuco, (37°25′ S, Region of Bío-Bío), and is also found in Neuquén, Argentina; subsp. australis is endemic to the Cordillera of Nahuelbuta. A comparative karyotype study was carried out among six populations of A. presliana subsp. presliana and five populations of A. presliana subsp. australis. The eleven populations presented an asymmetric karyotype, with 2n = 2× = 16 chromosomes but with different karyotype formulae. A. presliana subsp. presliana shows the haploid formula 2m + 2m-sat + 1sm-sat + 1st-sat + 1t + 1 t-sat, and A. preslianasubsp. australis presents a formula 1m + 2m-sat + 1sm + 2t + 2t-sat chromosomes. The architecture of the karyotype between the subspecies is very different. The scatter plot among CV_CL vs. M_CA shows different groupings between populations of the two subspecies. According to the results obtained it is possible to consider raising Alstroemeria presliana subsp. australis at species level.     

Description of Idiomarina insulisalsae sp. nov., isolated from the soil of a sea salt evaporation pond,proposal to transfer the species of the genus Pseudidiomarina to the genus Idiomarina and emended description of the genus Idiomarina

A halophilic, aerobic Gram-negative bacterium, designated strain CVS-6^T, was isolated from a sea salt evaporation pond on the Island of Sal in the Cape Verde Archipelago. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed a clear affiliation of the organism with members of the family Idiomarinaceae. Sequence similarities between CVS-6^T and the type strains of the species of the genera Pseudidiomarina and Idiomarina ranged from 93.7% to 96.9%. The major isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone 8 (Q-8). The major cellular fatty acids were 15:0 iso (21.8%), 17:0 iso (12.5%), 17:1 iso ω9c (10.7%), and 16:1 ω7c (10.6%). The DNA G+C content was 51.6 mol%. The species represented by strain CVS-6^T could be distinguished from the species of the genera Pseudidiomarina and Idiomarina; however, it was not possible to distinguish both genera from each other using the phenotypic or chemotaxonomic characteristics examined. Consequently, we propose that the species classified in the genus Pseudidiomarina should be transferred to the genus Idiomarina. We also propose that, on the basis of physiological and biochemical characteristics, strain CVS-6^T (=LMG 23123=CIP 108836) represents a new species which we name Idiomarina insulisalsae.     

Boselaphines (Artiodactyla, Ruminantia, Bovidae) from the Middle Siwaliks of Hasnot, Pakistan

In this paper, boselaphine material from several localities in the area of the Hasnot Pakistan, is described, identified, and discussed. Four species that belong to three different genera of the tribe Boselaphini have been found: Selenoportax vexillarius, S. lydekkeri, Pachyportax latidens and Eotragus sp. Eotragus sp. is reported for the first time from the Hasnot and consequently from other Upper Middle Siwalik sediments of Pakistan and equivalent strata of the world, extending the range of the genus from the Lower to the Middle Siwaliks. Reviewing the Siwaliks’ Selenoportax species, S. dhokpathanensis Akhtar and S. tatrotensis Akhtar are synonymized with S. lydekkeri and S. vexillarius, respectively.     

Staphylococcus petrasii sp. nov. including S. petrasii subsp. petrasii subsp. nov. and S. petrasii subsp. croceilyticus subsp. nov., isolated from human clinical specimens and human ear infections

Thirteen coagulase-negative, oxidase-negative, and novobiocin-susceptible staphylococci were isolated from human clinical specimens. The isolates were differentiated from known staphylococcal species on the basis of 16S rRNA, hsp60, rpoB, dnaJ, tuf, and gap gene sequencing, automated ribotyping, (GTG)₅-PCR fingerprinting, and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated phylogenetic relatedness of the analyzed strains to Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus hominis, Staphylococcus devriesei, and Staphylococcus lugdunensis. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments between representative strains CCM 8418^T, CCM 8421^T, and the closest phylogenetic neighbors confirmed that the isolates represent novel Staphylococcus species, for which the name Staphylococcus petrasii sp. nov. is proposed. Genotypic and phenotypic analyses unambiguously split the strains into two closely related subclusters. Based on the results, two novel subspecies S. petrasii subsp. petrasii subsp. nov. and S. petrasii subsp. croceilyticus subsp. nov. are proposed, with type strains CCM 8418^T (=CCUG 62727^T) and CCM 8421^T (=CCUG 62728^T), respectively.     

Molecular phylogeny of Phoma and allied anamorph genera: Towards a reclassification of the Phoma complex

The present generic concept of Phoma is broadly defined, with nine sections being recognised based on morphological characters. Teleomorph states of Phoma have been described in the genera Didymella, Leptosphaeria, Pleospora and Mycosphaerella, indicating that Phoma anamorphs represent a polyphyletic group. In an attempt to delineate generic boundaries, representative strains of the various Phoma sections and allied coelomycetous genera were included for study. Sequence data of the 18S nrDNA (SSU) and the 28S nrDNA (LSU) regions of 18 Phoma strains included were compared with those of representative strains of 39 allied anamorph genera, including Ascochyta, Coniothyrium, Deuterophoma, Microsphaeropsis, Pleurophoma, Pyrenochaeta, and 11 teleomorph genera. The type species of the Phoma sections Phoma, Phyllostictoides, Sclerophomella, Macrospora and Peyronellaea grouped in a subclade in the Pleosporales with the type species of Ascochyta and Microsphaeropsis. The new family Didymellaceae is proposed to accommodate these Phoma sections and related anamorph genera. The present study demonstrated that Phoma radicina, the type species of Phoma sect. Paraphoma and Phoma heteromorphospora, the type species of Phoma sect. Heterospora can be assigned to the Phaeosphaeriaceae and Leptosphaeriaceae respectively.     

Ribosomal protein profiling by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for phylogenety-based subspecies resolution of Bifidobacterium longum

The taxonomic positions of the subspecies of Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum subsp. longum, subsp. infantis, and subsp. suis) have been controversial. A current proposal is that the former two species “B. infantis” and “B. suis” be unified with B. longum and all three reclassified as three subspecies. To test this proposal, ribosomal protein profiling as observed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was applied to the classification of 17 strains of B. longum, including three subspecies. Among 41 different kinds of ribosomal proteins selected as biomarkers whose masses were calculated from their amino acid sequences, 31-41 ribosomal proteins were observed in sample strains with the same masses as the references. The high matching rate indicates high conservation of ribosomal proteins within the sample strains, and therefore strongly supports the unification of the former species. However, the masses of some ribosomal proteins varied within species. The phylogenetic tree constructed from the profiles of ribosomal proteins matched the references, showing a clear cluster of the subsp. longum and the subsp. infantis strains. This result supports the proposal to reclassify B. longum into subsp. longum and subsp. infantis. The subsp. suis strains formed an individual sub-cluster within the infantis cluster. However, their ribosomal proteins have both characters of longum and infantis types. This result suggests that the taxonomic position of the subsp. suis should be reconsidered.     

The impact of red mud on growth of wetland vegetation and substrate fertility

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of red mud, the residue of the Bayer process for extracting alumina from bauxite, on wetland to investigate whether red mud can be used for wetland restoration. Two wetland species,Spartina alterniflora Loisel. andSagittaria lancifolia L., were used to test their response to the following substrate treatments: 100% marsh sediment, 100% red mud, a mixture of 50% marsh sediment and 50% red mud, a mixture of 50% red mud and 50% compost, and neutralized red mud. Each substrate treatment received two fertilization levels, fertilized (N–P–K) and unfertilized. Red mud could support the growth of the salt marsh species,Spartina alterniflora, but not the fresh marsh species.Sagittaria lancifolia. The high Na content and salinity of red mud, even when mixed with marsh sediment or compost, appeared to be the primary cause for the high mortality ofSagittaria in these substrates. Fertilization did not reduce the stress response ofSagittaria to red mud, but significantly increased the growth ofSpartina. Red mud is low in available N and P and required fertilizer or organic matter (e.g., compost) addition to increase fertility. In experiments with both fresh and salt marsh sediments, the concentrations of soluble heavy metals, with the exception of Mn, were not significantly greater for red mud than for marsh sediment. Thus, the release of heavy metals from red mud over the short-term may not pose an environmental concern. However, the mobilization of heavy metals over the long-term and the influence of plants in accumulating metals requires further investigation.     

Revision of three camaenid and one bradybaenid species (Gastropoda,Stylommatophora) from China based on morphological and molecular data,with description of a new bradybaenid subspecies from Inner Mongolia,China

We have revised the taxonomy of three camaenid and one bradybaenid species from China and described one new subspecies of the genus Bradybaena (Family Bradybaenidae) from Inner Mongolia, China. The genitalia of three Satsuma (Family Camaenidae) species S. mellea stenozona (Moellendorff, 1884), S. meridionalis (Moellendorff, 1884), comb. n. and S. uncopila (Heude, 1882), comb. n. assigned to the genus Bradybaena previously,lack a dart sac and mucous glands. Moreover, the molecular phylogeny has revealed close relationships between the three species and the genus Satsuma. Two species, S. stenozona (Moellendorff, 1884) from Fuzhou and Ganesella citrina Zilch, 1940 from Wuyi Mountain, are considered as synonymous and should be a subspecies of S. mellea mellea (Pfeiffer, 1866) because of the morphological and molecular similarities. Meanwhile, the other two are placed in the genus Satsuma: S. meridionalis (Moellendorff, 1884), comb. n. and S. uncopila (Heude, 1882), comb. n. G. virgo Pilsbry, 1927 differs from species of the genera Ganesella and Satsuma not only in its shell, but also in anatomical characters, such as having a dart sac and mucous gland, and lacking a flagellum. Additionally, phylogenetic analyses highly support the sister relationship with other Bradybaena species. Thus, placement of G. virgo Pilsbry, 1927 in the genus Bradybaena issuggested.     

Are unusual plasmodesmata in the embryo-suspensor restricted to species from the genus Sedum among Crassulaceae?

The Crassulaceae family comprises mainly herbaceous leaf succulents, some of which have an ornamental value. During embryogenesis, they produce a suspensor with a giant polyploid basal cell. It has recently been shown that in Sedum acre and S. hispanicum this cell has compound plasmodesmata with an unusual dome of electron-dense material associated on the cell's side. These compound plasmodesmata differ from the typical ones occurring in other angiosperms. In this study, the hypothesis was tested that the unusual plasmodesmata in the embryo-suspensor are a feature not only restricted to species from the genus Sedum, but are also found in other Crassulaceae genera. Suspensors of example species from the genera Sempervivum and Jovibarba, which have vegetative morphologies quite different from Sedum and which are placed in the traditional classification into another subfamily, were first examined using an electron microscope. It was found that the unusual compound plasmodesmata in the suspensor are not only restricted to species from the genus Sedum but are also found in species from other Crassulaceae genera (Sempervivum arachnoideum and Jovibarba sobolifera). It should be noted that some ultrastructural features of compound plasmodesmata in the analyzed genera (e.g. the character of the wall with plasmodesmata, plasmodesmata diameter or occurrence of the electron-dense material) are different from the suspensor plasmodesmata recorded in species from the Sedum genus. We found that in Sempervivum arachnoideum the size of the plasmodesmata diameter varies according to the micropylar-chalazal axis of the embryo. This is the first report of variation in the diameter of the plasmodesmata within the embryo of angiosperms. Further study will be needed to show whether compound plasmodesmata occur in other Crassulaceae clades, whether they are a stable feature at the genus level in this family, and also whether they have evolved several times or only once in Crassulaceae.     

Convergent evolution of morphological and ecological traits in the open-habitat chat complex (Aves, Muscicapidae: Saxicolinae)

Snails in the closely related trochid genera Phorcus Risso, 1826 and Osilinus Philippi, 1847 are ecologically important algal grazers in the intertidal zone of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Here we present the first complete molecular phylogeny for these genera, based on the nuclear 28S rRNA gene and the mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI genes, and show that the current classification is erroneous. We recognize nine species in a single genus, Phorcus: estimated by BEAST analysis, this arose 30 (±10) Ma; it consists of two subgenera, Phorcus and Osilinus, which we estimate diverged 14 (±4.5) Ma. Osilinus kotschyi, from the Arabian and Red Seas, is not closely related and is tentatively referred to Priotrochus Fischer, 1879. Our phylogeny allows us to address biogeographical questions concerning the origins of the Mediterranean and Macaronesian species of this group. The former appear to have evolved from Atlantic ancestors that invaded the Mediterranean on several occasions after the Zanclean Flood, which ended the Messinian Salinity Crisis 5.3 Ma; whereas the latter arose from several colonizations of mainland Atlantic ancestors within the last 3 (±1.5) Ma.     

Phylogenetic consideration of two scuticociliate genera, Philasterides and Boveria (Protozoa, Ciliophora) based on 18 S rRNA gene sequences

Many scuticociliates are facultative parasites of aquatic organisms and are among the most problematic ciliate taxa regarding their systematic relationships. The main reason is that most species, especially taxa in the order Thigmotrichida have similar morphology and have not been studied yet using molecular methods. In the present work, two scuticociliate genera, represented by two rare parasitic species, Philasterides armatalis (order Philasterida) and Boveria subcylindrica (order Thigmotrichida), were studied, and phylogenetic trees concerning these two genera were constructed based on their 18 S rRNA gene sequences. The results indicate that: 1) Philasterides forms a sister group with Philaster, supporting the classification that these two genera belong to the family Philasteridae; 2) it is confirmed that the nominal species, Philasterides dicentrarchi Dragesco et al., 1995 should be a junior synonym of Miamiensis avidus as revealed by both previous investigations and the data revealed in the present work; and 3) the poorly known form B. subcylindrica, the only member in the order Thigmotrichida, of which molecular data are available so far, always clusters with Cyclidium glaucoma, a highly specialized scuticociliate, indicating a sister relationship between the orders Thigmotrichida and Pleuronematida.     

Phylogenetic diversity of Flavobacteria isolated from the North Sea on solid media

Flavobacteria are abundant in the North Sea, an epeiric sea on the continental shelf of Europe. However, this abundance has so far not been reflected by the number of strains in culture collections. In this study, Flavobacteria were isolated from pelagic and benthic samples, such as seawater, phytoplankton, sediment and its porewater, and from surfaces of animals and seaweeds on agar plates with a variety of carbon sources. Dilution cultivation with a new medium, incubation at low temperatures and with long incubation times, and colony screening by a Flavobacteria-Cytophagia-specific PCR detecting 16S rRNA gene sequences led to a collection of phylogenetically diverse strains. Two strains affiliated with Flammeovirgaceae and seven strains affiliated with Cyclobacteriaceae, whereas within the Flavobacteriaceae 20 isolated strains presumably represented seven novel candidate genera and 355 strains affiliated with 26 of 80 validly described marine Flavobacteriaceae genera, based on a genus boundary of 95.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity. The majority of strains (276) affiliated with 37 known species in 16 genera (based on a boundary of 98.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity), whereas 79 strains likely represented 42 novel species in 22 established Flavobacteriaceae genera. Pigmentation, iridescence, gliding motility, agar lysis, and flexirubin as a chemical marker supported the taxonomy at the species level. This study demonstrated the culturability on solid medium of phylogenetically diverse Flavobacteria originating from the North Sea.     

The Stenopodainae (Hemiptera,Heteroptera) of Argentina

In Argentina, 10 genera and 33 species of Stenopodainae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) have been recorded. Diagnoses of the genera, subgenera and species are given, and an illustrated key to genera is provided. Six species are new records for Argentina and an additional seven species represent new records for provinces.     

The influence of pre- and post-zygotic barriers on interspecific Corymbia hybridization

Background and Aims

Corymbia species from different sections hybridize readily, with some of increasing economic importance to plantation forestry. This study explores the locations of reproductive barriers between interspecific Corymbia hybrids and investigates the reproductive success of a wide taxonomic range of C. torelliana hybrid crosses.

Methods

Pollen, pistil and embryo development were investigated for four C. torelliana crosses (×C. torelliana, ×C. citriodora subsp. citriodora, ×C. tessellaris and ×C. intermedia) using fluorescent and standard microscopy to identify the locations of interspecific reproductive isolating barriers. Corymbia torelliana was also crossed with 16 taxa, representing six of the seven Corymbia sections, both Corymbia subgenera and one species each from the related genera, Angophora and Eucalyptus. All crosses were assessed for capsule and seed yields.

Key Results

Interspecific C. torelliana hybridization was controlled by pre-zygotic reproductive isolating barriers inhibiting pollen adhesion to the stigma, pollen germination, pollen tube growth in the style and pollen tube penetration of the micropyle. Corymbia torelliana (subgenus Blakella, sect. Torellianae) was successfully hybridized with Corymbia species from subgenus Blakella, particularly C. citriodora subsp. citriodora, C. citriodora subsp. variegata, C. henryi (sect. Maculatae) and C. tessellaris (sect. Abbreviatae), and subgenus Corymbia, particularly C. clarksoniana and C. erythrophloia (sect. Septentrionales). Attempted intergeneric hybrids between C. torelliana and either Angophora floribunda or Eucalyptus pellita were unsuccessful.

Conclusions

Corymbia hybrids were formed between species from different sections and subgenera, but not with species from the related genera Angophora or Eucalyptus. Reproductive isolation between the interspecific Corymbia hybrid crosses was controlled by early- and late-acting pre-zygotic isolating barriers, with reproductive success generally decreasing with increasing taxonomic distance between parent species. These findings support the monophyly of Corymbia and the close relationships of infrageneric clades. The hybridizing propensity of Corymbia species provides opportunities for breeding but suggests risks of environmental gene flow.     

Primary producers and nutrient loading in Silver Springs,FL, USA

The characteristics and dynamics of primary producer communities of Silver Springs was examined to compare with that observed by Odum [Odum, H.T., 1957. Trophic structure and productivity of Silver Springs, Florida. Ecol. Monogr. 27, 55–112.] as a means of evaluating the impacts of changes that have occurred over time. The Silver Springs ecosystem is considered an ecosystem at risk, where nitrate levels have more than doubled over the past 50 years. The spatial and temporal abundance and distribution of above-sediment primary producers in Silver Springs, FL, USA, was estimated on a system-wide basis using a GIS platform. The results of study suggest that while the Sagittaria component of Silver Springs has remained relatively stable, epiphyte and benthic algal mat community biomass has expanded, particularly benthic forms, like Lyngbya. However, we argue for caution in weighing the significance of long-term comparisons of system-wide biomass in light of considerable spatial heterogeneity in aquatic primary producer communities.     

Towards a species level tree of the globally diverse genus Chenopodium (Chenopodiaceae)

Chenopodium is a large and morphologically variable genus of annual and perennial herbs with an almost global distribution. All subgenera and most sections of Chenopodium were sampled along with other genera of Chenopodieae, Atripliceae and Axyrideae across the subfamily Chenopodioideae (Chenopodiaceae), totalling to 140 taxa. Using Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the non-coding trnL-F (cpDNA) and nuclear ITS regions, we provide a comprehensive picture of relationships of Chenopodium sensu lato. The genus as broadly classified is highly paraphyletic within Chenopodioideae, consisting of five major clades. Compared to previous studies, the tribe Dysphanieae with three genera Dysphania, Teloxys and Suckleya (comprising the aromatic species of Chenopodium s.l.) is now shown to form one of the early branches in the tree of Chenopodioideae. We further recognize the tribe Spinacieae to include Spinacia, several species of Chenopodium, and the genera Monolepis and Scleroblitum. The Chenopodium rubrum and the Ch. murale-clades were newly discovered as distinct major lineages but their relationships within Chenopodioideae will need further evaluation. Based on our results, we suggest the delimitation of Chenopodium to include Einadia and Rhagodia because these are part of the crown group composed of species of subg. Chenopodium that appear sister to the Atripliceae. The tetraploid crops such as Ch. berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae and Ch. quinoa also belong to Chenopodium sensu stricto. Trees derived from trnL-F and ITS were incongruent within this shallow crown group clade. Possible biological causes are discussed, including allopolyploidization.     

Revision of the antillocaprinid rudist bivalve Antillosarcolites Chubb with a description of a new genus: Implications for evolution of Antillocaprinidae

The antillocaprinid rudist bivalve Antillosarcolites Chubb is revised based on abundant specimens from the Campanian of Jamaica. Two genera are recognised: Antillosarcolites, type species Antillosarcolites macgillavryi Chubb, and Parantillosarcolites nov. gen., type species Parantillosarcolites lenticularis nov. gen., nov. sp. These two genera are characterised by distinct myocardinal arrangements and differ by the nature of the fill of the sockets for the myophores and additional toothlet. This revision indicates that the Antillocaprinidae were already highly diverse in the middle Campanian.     

The molecular phylogeny of aquatic hyphomycetes with affinity to the Leotiomycetes

Aquatic hyphomycetes play a key role in decomposition of submerged organic matter and stream ecosystem functioning. We examined the phylogenetic relationships among various genera of aquatic hyphomycetes belonging to the Leotiomycetes (Ascomycota) using sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (LSU) regions of rDNA generated from 42 pure cultures including 19 ex-types. These new sequence data were analyzed together with additional sequences from 36 aquatic hyphomycetes and 60 related fungi obtained from GenBank. Aquatic hyphomycetes, characterized by their tetraradiate or sigmoid conidia, were scattered in nine supported clades within the Helotiales (Leotiomycetes). Tricladium, Lemonniera, Articulospora, Anguillospora, Varicosporium, Filosporella, and Flagellospora are not monophyletic, with species from the same genus distributed among several major clades. The Gyoerffyella clade and the Hymenoscyphus clade accommodated species from eight and six different genera, respectively. Thirteen aquatic hyphomycete taxa were grouped in the Leotia-Bulgaria clade while twelve species clustered within the Hymenoscyphus clade along with several amphibious ascomycetes. Species of Filosporella and some species from four other aquatic genera were placed in the Ascocoryne-Hydrocina clade. It is evident that many aquatic hyphomycetes have relatives of terrestrial origin. Adaptation to colonize the aquatic environment has evolved independently in multiple phylogenetic lineages within the Leotiomycetes.