Karyotype of Norway spruce by multicolor FISH

The chromosomes (2n = 2x = 24) of Norway spruce are very large since their size reflects the huge amount of genomic DNA (2C = 30 × 10⁹ bp). However, the identification of homologous pairs is hampered by their high degree of similarity at the morphological level. Data so far presented in the literature were not sufficient to solve all the ambiguities in chromosome identification. Several genomic Norway spruce DNA clones containing highly repetitive sequences have been identified and characterised in our laboratory. Three of them were selected for fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) experiments because of their strong signals and suitability for chromosome identification: PATR140 hybridized at the centromeric site of three chromosome pairs; PAF1 hybridized in six subtelomeric and two centromeric sites; 1PABCD6 co-localized with the subtelomeric sites identified by PAF1. The statistical analysis of microscopic measurements of chromosomes in combination with the FISH signals of these probes allowed the unambigous construction of Norway spruce karyotype. We also compared the karyotype of Norway spruce with that of other spruce species to infer the number and kind of rearrangements that have occurred during the evolution of these species.Communicated by D.B. Neale     

Three new genera of Braconini from the Afrotropical and Australian regions (Insecta, Hymenoptera, Braconidae)

Jugubracon gen. n (type species: Jugubracon ferrugineus sp.n.) from New Guinea is described and illustrated. Jugubracon is related to Bracon , from which it is distinguished by a mid-longitudinally carinate 1st metasomal tergite and a curved fore-wing vein 1-SR+M. Kimavu gen.n. (type species: Kimavu fulvus sp.n.) from Sierra Leone, South Africa and Madagascar is described and illustrated. Kimavu is related to Cratocnema Szépligeti, from which it is distinguished by having long antennae which, in females, have a pale coloured annulus. Brucon annulicornis Brues, 1924, is transferred to Kimavu. Mollibracon gen.n. (type species: Bracon bimaris Turner, 1918) from Australia is described and illustrated. Mollibracon is related to Myosoma Brullé, from which it is distinguished by a strongly curved fore-wing vein 1-SR+M.     

Patterns of morphological variation in the Acacia species (Mimosaceae) of northern Sudan

KORDOFANI, M. & INGROUILLE, M., 1991. Patterns of morphological variation in the Acacia species (Mimosaceae) of northern Sudan. A numerical taxonomic review has been carried out on the morphology of northern Sudanese Acacia species. Fifty-one characters were scored from 12 species sampled at 12 sites. There is evidence of large scale population variation. Within a single site species are distinct but a comparison of plants between different sites may obscure species differences. Each species has a peculiar local variant in each sampled site, even when sites are separated by only a few kilometres. The possible significance of this pattern of variation is discussed. Species complexes are delineated and useful species diagnostics described.     

红麻(Hibiscus cannabinus L.)种质资源的鉴定与分类研究

对300份野生红麻和337份栽培红麻的形态学鉴定发现,红麻的茎、叶、花、果等植物学性状的类型多样,差异明显,遗传多样性十分丰富。野生红麻和栽培红麻一样,染色体数为2n=36,同属红麻种（Hibiscus cannabinus L．）;核型有2n=36=32M＋2SM＋2M（SAT）、2n=36=34M＋2M（SAT）和2n=36=32M＋2ST＋2M（SAT）等;综合形态学研究结果,将野生红麻分为普通、多毛、螺旋花和扁圆果4种类型,其中普通型又可分为3个亚类,普通型与栽培红麻亲缘关系最近,并发现红麻存在亚种。栽培红麻可分为9个变种17个类型,其中4个为新发现变种,7个为新发现类型。     

Comparative karyology of species of the genera <Emphasis Type="Italic">Misgurnus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cobitis</Emphasis> (Cobitidae) from the Amur River Basin in connection with their taxonomic relations and the evolution of karyotypes

Data are first provided on karyotypes of four species of Cobitidae from the Amur Basin: Misgurnus nikolskyi (2n = 50 = 10m + 4 sm + 36sta, NF = 64), Cobitis lutheri, (2n = 50 = 12m + 8sm + 30sta, NF = 70), C. choii (2n = 50 = 8m + 10sm + 8st + 24a, NF = 68), and C. melanoleuca (2n = 50 = 6m + 16sm + 28sta, NF = 72), and number of chromosomes in M. mohoity (2n = 50) and karyotypes of C. melanoleuca from the basin of the Don, Malyi and Bol’shoi Uzen rivers, and Selenga. These data are discussed in connection with problems of taxonomy of the studied genera, as well as the evolutionary relations of their karyotypes. On the basis of karyological differences between the populations of C. melanoleuca from different parts of the range, a new subspecies C. melanoleuca gladkovi subsp. nov. that inhabits waters of Europe is described.     

The karyotype of Nothoscordum arenarium Herter (Gilliesioideae, Alliaceae): A populational and cytomolecular analysis

The genus Nothoscordum Kunth comprises approximately 20 species native to South America. Karyologically, the genus is remarkable for its large chromosomes and Robertsonian translocations. Variation in chromosome number has been recorded in a few polyploid species and it is unknown among diploids. This study presents the chromosome number and morphology of 53 individuals of seven populations of N. arenarium Herter (2n = 10). In addition, karyotype analyses after C-banding, staining with CMA and DAPI, and in situ hybridization with 5S and 45S rDNA probes were performed in six individuals from one population. All individuals exhibited 2n = 10 (6M + 4A), except for one tetraploid (2n = 20, 12M + 8A) and one triploid (2n = 15, 9M + 6A) plant. C-banding revealed the presence of CMA(+) /DAPI (-) heterochromatin in the short arm and in the proximal region of the long arm of all acrocentric chromosomes. The 45S rDNA sites co-localized with the CMA (+) regions of the acrocentrics short arms, while the 5S rDNA probe only hybridized with the subterminal region of a pair of metacentric chromosomes. A change in the pattern of CMA bands and rDNA sites was observed in only one individual bearing a reciprocal translocation involving the long arm of a metacentric and the long arm of an acrocentric chromosome. These data suggest that, despite isolated cases of polyploidy and translocation, the karyotype of N. arenarium is very stable and the karyotypic instability described for other species may be associated with their polyploid condition.     

GENETIC STRUCTURE OF NORWAY SPRUCE (PICEA ABIES): CONCORDANCE OF MORPHOLOGICAL AND ALLOZYMIC VARIATION

This study describes the population structure of Norway spruce (Picea abies) as revealed by protein polymorphisms and morphological variation. Electrophoretically detectable genetic variability was examined at 22 protein loci in 70 populations from the natural range of the species in Europe. Like other conifers, Norway spruce exhibits a relatively large amount of genetic variability and little differentiation among populations. Sixteen polymorphic loci (73%) segregate for a total of 51 alleles, and average heterozygosity per population is 0.115. Approximately 5% of the total genetic diversity is explained by differences between populations (G_ST = 0.052), and Nei's standard genetic distance is less than 0.04 in all cases. We suggest that the population structure largely reflects relatively recent historical events related to the last glaciation and that Norway spruce is still in a process of adaptation and differentiation. There is a clear geographic pattern in the variation of allele frequencies. A major part of the allelefrequency variation can be accounted for by a few synthetic variables (principal components), and 80% of the variation of the first principal component is “explained” by latitude and longitude. The central European populations are consistently depauperate of genetic variability, most likely as an effect of severe restrictions of population size during the last glaciation. The pattern of differentiation at protein loci is very similar to that observed for seven morphological traits examined. This similarity suggests that the same evolutionary forces have acted upon both sets of characters.     

多倍化——白刺属的系统分类、进化特征及应用前景

在回顾白刺属研究历史的基础上,根据白刺属种间染色体倍数特征并结合形态学、生物地理学等方面的研究文献,提出新的白刺属种间分类系统：二倍体组(2n= 2X=24) 和四倍体组 (2n=4X=48)。多倍化(2X→4X)是白刺属内种间进化的基本特征。白刺属的起源中心可能是古地中海沿岸地区;中亚及我国西北地区是白刺属的现代分布中心。并指出将该属作为模式系统开展荒漠植物分子生态学研究的前景。     

Separation of Myzus (Nectarosiphon) antirrhinii (Macchiati) from Myzus (N.) persicae (Sulzer) and related species in Europe (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Abstract. Multivariate morphometric analysis (canonical variates) was used to discriminate between closely related taxa within the Myzus persicae group. It is demonstrated that dark green, anholocyclic populations with a 2n=13 or 2n=14 karyotype in Europe, hitherto treated as a form or biotype of M.persicae, all conform to a discrete morphometric grouping and should therefore be treated as a separate taxonomic entity, permanently isolated from the M.persicae gene pool. It is suggested that this taxon was first described as Siphonophora antirrhinii by Macchiati in 1883. A discriminant function is provided to separate most individual apterae of antirrhinii from those of persicae. Myzus icelandicus Blackman sp.n., on Caryophyllaceae and other plants in Iceland, is distinguished from M.polaris H.R.L. and M.certus (Walker), and a key is given to apterous virginoparae of the species of the M.persicae group in Europe.     

Karyotype Analysis of Three Species of Ceratoides (Chenopodiaceae)

The karyotypes of 3 species of Ceratoides (C. arborescens, C. ewersmanniana and C. latens) were studied. The results show that C. arborescens is a diploid, with karyotype formula 2n=2x=18=16m+2sm, C. ewersmanniana is also a diploid, with 2n=2x=18=14m+4sm, while C. latens is a tetraploid, with 2n=4x=36=24m+12sm. According to the karyotypes, the morphological features and geographical distribution, C. arborescens seems to be a primitive species and it might have originated in northern China. C. arborescens and C. ewersmanniana are similar to each other, not only in morphology but also in karyotype, which shows that they are closely related and that C. arborescens might be the progenitor of C. ewersmanniana. The karyotypes of the 3 speciesof Ceratoides are basically identical, with only minor differences.     

Soil properties under Norway spruce differ in spruce dominated and mixed broadleaf forests of the Southern Taiga

In natural forest, disturbance changes tree species composition which in turn affects soil properties. Two areas in the Central Forest State Biosphere Reserve, in the Russian Southern Taiga Zone, differed in the intensity of disturbance: Norway spruce was the dominant species at one site, while at the other spruce was mixed with broadleaves. The presence of broadleaves was due to large gaps in the canopy having been formed, which have triggered vegetation succession. At both sites, five plots were selected to evaluate how the presence of broadleaves influences the properties of the soils under spruce. Soil samples were taken close to spruce trees and the O, A and E horizons were analysed. A difference in the distribution of organic matter in the soil horizons was evident, with a higher concentration in the O and A horizons at the spruce dominated site, while a more homogeneous distribution was found under spruce at the site where broadleaves were abundant. The organic matter did not only differ in quantity, but also in quality as estimated by the C/N ratio, and therefore affected the CEC and element relative availability. No differences at the two sites were found for water-extractable and exchangeable elements, but the ratio between the exchangeable and the acid-extractable forms were different, suggesting a higher relative availability of the elements at the spruce dominated site, and thus potentially higher leaching. Both theoretical and empirical studies have suggested that podzolisation and accumulation of organic matter in the O horizon are related to stagnation of ecosystem processes and ecosystem decline. Our data suggest that the presence to windthrow sites and the inclusion of broadleaf species acts to slow or even reverse podzolisation even in spruce dominated sites.     

Astyanax hastatus Myers, 1928 (Teleostei,Characidae): A new species complex within the genus Astyanax?

Four populations of Astyanax hastatus Myers 1928 from the Guapimirim River basin (Rio de Janeiro State) were analyzed and three distinct cytotypes identified. These cytotypes presented 2n = 50 chromosomes, with 4M+8SM+10ST+28A (Cytotype A), 8M+10SM+14ST+18A (Cytotype B), 6M+8SM+4ST+32A (Cytotype C) and scanty heterochromatin, mainly located throughout pericentromeric regions of several chromosomal pairs. No homologies with the As-51 satellite DNA were observed in the three cytotypes, although all of them presented multiple 18S rDNA sites, as detected by both silver nitrate staining and FISH (fluorescent in situ hybridization). The application of the term "species complex" in Astyanax is discussed from a cytotaxonomic viewpoint.     

Studies on Karyotype of Cephalanthera erecta and C. falcat

The present paper reports karyotype analysis of Cephalanthera erecta and C. falcata from Lushan, China. (1) The karyotype formula of C. erecta is 2n=34=10m+ 14sm+ 10st. C. falcata has two cytotypes: type A is 2n = 34 = 8m + 16sm + 10st, while type B is 2n = 34 = 8m + 22sm + 4st. The type B is a translocation homozygote derived from the type A by chromosomal structural reorganization, which involved a translocation between the short arms of the 1st pair of chromosomes and the long arms of the 3rd pair. The type B is similar to the type A in morphological characterissties. (2)In the light of Stebbins’ classification of karyotypic asymmetry, three karyotypes of C. erecta and C. falcata belong to “3C”. Such an asymmetrical karyotype in a primitive genus like Cephalanthera of Orchidaceae may be of great significancefor a discussion on evolution and deserves a further study.     

北苍术的细胞学研究

本文报道了北苍术的核型分析资料;其核型公式为K(2n)=24=10m+4sm(SAT)+10sm属“3B”型,染色体相对长度组成为2n=24=6L+4M_2+2M_1+12S,笔者并将其与本属近缘种白术(A.mocrocepola Koidz.)的核型相比较.白苍术较为进化。 本文还计算了北苍术的染色体体积。     

Mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of Mabuya (Scincidae: Reptilia)

A study was carried out on conventionally stained mitotic and meiotic chromosomes of two species of lizards of the Scincidae: Mabuya caissara and M. macrorhyncha.On the basis of morphological, numerical and metric data, the chromosomes were divided into three groups: two groups of macrochromosomes (A and B) and one of microchromosomes (C). The karyotypes of males and females of both species showed 2n=32 and FN=50 and no differences were detected between the species.     

Molecular studies did not support the distinctiveness of Malva alcea and M. excisa (Malvaceae) in Central and Eastern Europe

Relics of Malva alcea are found in Central and Western Europe. A similar taxon, M. excisa, is native to the eastern parts of Europe. According to selected sources, the geographical range boundary of the above taxa intersects Poland. Taxonomic research relying on key morphological features (the depth of corolla petal incisions and the type of hairs covering the stem) did not clearly validate the distinctness of those species. Genetic variation between Malva alcea and M. excisa was analyzed using ISSR and ISJ markers. The performed analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences at the level of genetic diversity between M. alcea and M. excisa populations. The obtained genetic identity values (I = 0.985) do not support the identification of eastern populations as a distinct biological species of M. excisa. The applied DNA markers did not reveal species-specific bands supporting molecular identification of those taxa. The obtained genetic identity values were verified by neighbor-joining grouping which showed that M. alcea and M. excisa did not form corresponding clusters, thus pointing to an absence of significant differences between the analyzed taxa. Differences between the above species were not revealed by an analysis of the sequences of chloroplast regions trnHpsbA and rpoC1, either.     

Cytotaxonomic studies of six Indian species of Chlorophytum

Taxonomy of six species of Chlorophytum (Liliaceae) from India has been reassessed in the light of their morphological and cytological characters. C. tuberosum (Roxb.) Baker (2 n = 16), a wide-spread species, is morphologically well defined but C. bharuchae Ansari, Raghavan & Hemadri (2 n = 16) has been confused with C. glaucum Dalz. and C. glaucoides Blatter (both 2 n = 42) by earlier workers. C. malabaricum Baker (2 n = 42) is a delicate species and occurs in the Nilgiris and the Western ghats. Two closely allied species, C. nepalense (Lindley) Baker and C. khasianum Hooker fil. (both 2 n = 56) are distributed in Eastern India. The first two species, with 2 n = 16, have been considered as at the diploid level with base number 8 while the rest of them appear to be autoallopolyploids with base number 7.     

Karyological features of the Siberan spruce Obovata ledeb. from various locations

Results of karyological study of the Siberian spruce from different provenances are presented. A comparative idiogramm for the Siberian spruce from Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Khakass Autonomous Region was constructed. In addition to the typical chromosome number (2n = 24), the Siberian spruce has one or two B-chromosomes (2n = 24 + 1B; 2n = 24 + 2B). Hereditary transmission of B-chromosomes and their behaviour in mitosis have been studied. It is supposed that B-chromosomes of the Siberian spruce have a nucleolar-organizing ability.     

Significant diversity and potential problems associated with inferring population structure within the Cenococcum geophilum species complex

Cenococcum geophilum is perhaps the most widely distributed and most recognized ectomycorrhizal fungus with a host range of more than 200 tree species from 40 genera of both angiosperms and gymnosperms. We conducted a phylogenetic analysis on a large collection of isolates (n=74) from North America and Europe based on glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd). A subset of isolates (n=22) also was analyzed with the more conservative LSU-rDNA locus. Significant nucleotide diversity was detected (approximately 20%) in the gpd region and the LSU-rDNA analysis supported that the C. geophilum isolates studied were monophyletic but distinct from two isolates, Am5-1 and N2-10, which previously were used in population genetic studies of this species. These results suggest that Am5-1 and N2-10 are likely two undescribed species or even genera. Our results suggest that C. geophilum sensu lato is a species complex and support previous molecular, physiological and morphological studies that have shown significant diversity in C. geophilum. This study also revealed that caution is advised when conducting population genetic studies in C. geophilum due to the possibility of pooling unrelated isolates. This potential problem also has implications for other fungal taxa because cryptic species routinely have been found in recent years based on molecular data.     

Karyotypes and geographical distribution of ricefishes from Yunnan,southwestern China

Morphometric and karyotypic studies were made on two species of ricefishes collected from Yunnan, southwestern China.Oryzias latipes from Yunnan had the same morphological and karyological characteristics asO. latipes collected from eastern China. The Yunnan populations had 2n, 46 chromosomes consisting of 3 metacentric, 8 submetacentric, 2 subtelocentric, and 10 acrocentric pairs, the arm number (NF) being 68 (2n=46, NF=68, 3M+8SM+2ST+10A). The karyotype was characterized by having a “large” metacentric pair and nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) on the short arms of a submetacentric pair.Oryzias minutilius from Yunnan had the same morphological characteristics asO. minuiillus from Thailand and Burma, although the karyotype was different from that collected from Thailand. The Yunnan population had 2n, 42 chromosomes consisting of 21 acrocentric pairs, NF being 42 (2n=42, NF=42, 21A). The karyotype was characterized by having NORs at the telomeric regions of an acrocentric pair.Oryzias latipes occurs widely on the eastern Yunnan Plateau where the climate is temperate or subtropical, whereasO. minutilius is found in Xishiangbanna, the southern low mountain areas of Yunnan, where the climate is tropical.