Comparative analysis of qualitative anatomical characters of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trifolium</Emphasis> L. (Fabaceae) and their taxonomic implications: preliminary results

A comparative anatomical study of 20 Trifolium species was carried out using light and scanning electron microscopy in order to investigate the structure of their vegetative and reproductive organs and to evaluate the taxonomic significance of qualitative characters for distinguishing between the taxa. Characters were coded and analysed by multiple correspondence analysis. The combination of selected qualitative anatomical characters of the petiole, stipules, stem, peduncle and calyx (not previously studied in detail) were significant in delimiting sections of the genus Trifolium, but not for identification of species. The characters that contributed most to the separation of sections were peduncle cross-section shape, the presence of trichomes on the calyx tubes and the presence of trichomes and crystals in the stipules.     

Comparative leaf anatomy and phylogenetic relationships of 11 species of Laeliinae with emphasis on Brassavola (Orchidaceae)

Brassavola inhabits a wide altitude range and habitat types from Northern Mexico to Northern Argentina. Classification schemes in plants have normally used vegetative and floral characters, but when species are very similar, as in this genus, conflicts arise in species delimitation, and alternative methods should be applied. In this study we explored the taxonomic and phylogenetic value of the anatomical structure of leaves in Brassavola; as ingroup, seven species of Brassavola were considered, and as an outgroup Guarianthe skinneri, Laelia anceps, Rhyncholaelia digbyana and Rhyncholaelia glauca were evaluated. Leaf anatomical characters were studied in freehand cross sections of the middle portion with a light microscope. Ten vegetative anatomical characters were selected and coded for the phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic reconstruction was carried out under maximum parsimony using the program NONA through WinClada. Overall, Brassavola species reveal a wide variety of anatomical characters, many of them associated with xeromorphic plants: thick cuticle, hypodermis and cells of the mesophyll with spiral thickenings in the secondary wall. Moreover, mesophyll is either homogeneous or heterogeneous, often with extravascular bundles of fibers near the epidermis at both terete and flat leaves. All vascular bundles are collateral, arranged in more than one row in the mesophyll. The phylogenetic analysis did not resolve internal relationships of the genus; we obtained a polytomy, indicating that the anatomical characters by themselves have little phylogenetic value in Brassavola. We concluded that few anatomical characters are phylogenetically important; however, they would provide more support to elucidate the phylogenetic relantionships in the Orchidaceae and other plant groups if they are used in conjunction with morphological and/or molecular characters.     

Vegetative diversification and radiation in subtribeDendrobiinae (Orchidaceae): Evidence from chloroplast DNA phylogeny and anatomical characters

The data derived from a chloroplast DNA restriction site analysis of subtribeDendrobiinae (Orchidaceae) indicate that extreme vegetative diversification is concentrated in two limited parts of this group. Overlaying the vegetative character states onto the chloroplast DNA cladogram suggests that several xeromorphic, vegetative characters evolved in the lines leading to the above-mentioned clades. Several anatomical characters are also associated with xeromorphy. These vegetative and anatomical characters facilitated the establishment of this group in various dry habitats. On the other hand, the modifications of size and number of parenchymatous cells substantially contributed to the vegetative diversification. This fact implies that a simple structural adjustment can result in a major modification of growth habits in theDendrobiinae.     

铁筷子(毛茛科)营养器官的结构及其系统学意义

应用解剖学方法,对铁筷子(Helleborus thibetanusFranch.)(毛茛科)营养器官的结构进行了研究。结果表明,铁筷子根的初生结构观察到三原型、四原型和六原型。营养器官中的维管束在横切面上木质部中的导管分子不呈“V”字形排列;根状茎的次生结构由外向内为表皮、皮层和维管柱,髓射线发达。茎的初生结构中多个维管束排列成环状,维管束鞘分化不明显,节部为单隙三迹,叶迹分别来自于3条维管束或同一条维管束。叶为两面叶,表皮细胞不规则;气孔器只分布于下表皮,为毛茛科典型的无规则型气孔。从铁筷子营养器官的解剖学特点来看,与毛茛科其它植物基本相同,但在营养器官中维管束木质部不呈“V”字形、维管束鞘分化不明显、节部具单叶隙等特征上与其它毛茛科植物不同。     

Comparative vegetative anatomy and classification of Diseae (Orchidaceae)

The leaf, stem, root, tuber and dropper anatomy of the orchid tribe Diseae (including the subtribes Satyriinae, Disinae, Brownlecinac, Huttonaeinae and Coryciinae) is reviewed. The study is largely based on investigations of 123 species, and data from several previous publications have also been incorporated. Two characters were identified as being taxonomically valuable: (1) the presence of sclerenchyma caps associated with leaf vascular bundles, and (2) the degree of dissection of the siphonostele of the tuber (‘polystelic’ or ‘monostelic’). The phylogenetic analysis shows that anatomical characters do not change the basic structure of a cladogram that is based on morphological characters. The taxa of Diseae are discussed on the basis of anatomical data. Subtribes Satyriinae (excluding the anatomically unusual genus Pachites), Brownleeinae, Huttonaeinae, and Coryciinae are uniform in. critical anatomical characters. However, subtribe Disinae is rather diverse in vegetative anatomy. Disa sect. Micranthae differs from the rest of the genus in its leaf anatomy. The occurrence of foliar sclerenchyma bundle caps and ‘polystelic’ tubers supports the incorporation of Herschelianthe in Disa sect. Stenocarpa.     

Comparative study of carrageenans from reproductive and sterile forms of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tichocarpus crinitus</Emphasis> (Gmel.) Rupr (Rhodophyta,Tichocarpaceae)

A comparative study of the structure and properties of the sulfated polysaccharides (carrageenans) isolated from the vegetative and reproductive forms of the red alga Tichocarpus crinitus was performed. The polysaccharides were separated into the gelling (KCl-insoluble) and non-gelling (KCl-soluble) fractions by precipitation with 4% KCl. The total content of polysaccharides extracted from the reproductive form of the alga was 1.8-fold more than that extracted from the vegetative form, and in the first case, the gelling polysaccharides mostly accumulated. The gelling polysaccharides from the vegetative form have the highest molecular weight (354 kD). According to the results of FT-IR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, the gelling polysaccharide fractions from both forms are kappa/beta carrageenans. The differences concern the content of the kappa- and beta-disaccharide units and the presence of a small content of the sulfated disaccharide segments (precursors of the kappa-carrageenans) in the polysaccharide from the reproductive form of the alga. The non-gelling polysaccharide fractions from both forms of the plant are mixtures of sulfated galactans with a low content of 3,6-anhydrogalactose.     

Comparative vegetative anatomy and classification of Diseae (Orchidaceae)

The leaf, stem, root, tuber and dropper anatomy of the orchid tribe Diseae (including the subtribes Satyriinae, Disinae, Brownlecinac, Huttonaeinae and Coryciinae) is reviewed. The study is largely based on investigations of 123 species, and data from several previous publications have also been incorporated. Two characters were identified as being taxonomically valuable: (1) the presence of sclerenchyma caps associated with leaf vascular bundles, and (2) the degree of dissection of the siphonostele of the tuber ('polystelic' or 'monostelic'). The phylogenetic analysis shows that anatomical characters do not change the basic structure of a cladogram that is based on morphological characters. The taxa of Diseae are discussed on the basis of anatomical data. Subtribes Satyriinae (excluding the anatomically unusual genus Pachites), Brownleeinae, Huttonaeinae, and Coryciinae are uniform in. critical anatomical characters. However, subtribe Disinae is rather diverse in vegetative anatomy. Disa sect. Micranthae differs from the rest of the genus in its leaf anatomy. The occurrence of foliar sclerenchyma bundle caps and 'polystelic' tubers supports the incorporation of Herschelianthe in Disa sect. Stenocarpa.     

Anatomical abnormalities of the intertribal cybrid between <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lesquerella fendleri</Emphasis> chloroplasts

The anatomical research of the vegetative organs of the cytoplasmatic hybrid grown in vitro and containing the Brassica napus nucleus and the Lesquerella fendleri chloroplasts was carried out and compared to the parental forms. It was found that the anatomical structure of the cybrid is similar to rapeseed. Anomalous changes in the epithelial, parenchymal, and connective tissue of the leaf, stalk, stem, and root of the cybrid were detected. The appearance of the anatomical defects can be explained by nuclear-cytoplasmatic incompatibility, which is the cause of low adaptability of the cybrid to in vivo conditions and takes place due to alien chloroplast gene expression in the remote species.     

Translucent Glands and Secretory Canals in Hypericum perforatum L. (Hypericaceae): Morphological, Anatomical and Histochemical Studies During the Course of Ontogenesis

Hypericum perforatum L., traditionally used in folk medicineas a therapeutic plant, is today being evaluated for its antidepressantand antiretroviral activities. The species is characterizedby the presence of different types of secretory structure: translucentglands or cavities, black nodules and secretory canals. Theaim of this work was to characterize the translucent glandsand secretory canals in both the floral and vegetative parts,from morphological, anatomical and histochemical points of view.Translucent glands consist of a sub-epidermal cavity delimitedby two layers of cells. There are three types of secretory canal:type A, with a narrow lumen, and types B and C, both with awide lumen, but with different patterns of development. Histochemicaltests showed that all these structures contain alkaloids andlipids but not pectic-like substances and proteins. Tests forresins, essential oils and tannins gave different responsesin different parts of the plant. Copyright 2001 Annals of BotanyCompany Hypericum perforatum, St. John's wort, secretory structures, morphology, anatomy, histochemistry     

Anatomical and phenological implications of the relationship between Schinus polygama (Cav.) (Cabrera) and the galling insect Calophya rubra (Blanchard)

• The success of galling insects could be determined by synchronisation with host plant phenology and climate conditions, ensuring suitable oviposition sites for gall induction and food resources for their survival. The anatomical, histochemical and phenological synchronisation strategies between Calophya rubra (Blanchard) (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) and its host, the evergreen plant Schinus polygama (Cav.) (Cabrera) (Anacardiaceae), in the Mediterranean climate of southern Chile was evaluated and compared to that of the congeneric C. cf. duvauae (Scott) from Brazil and closely related host plant S. engleri in a subtropical climate.
• Anatomical, histometric, histochemical and vegetative phenology studies of the stem and galls were conducted from June 2015 to December 2016.
• Based on the anatomical, histometric and histochemical analysis, the conical stem gall traits imply gains over the non‐galled stem toward the galling insect survival, but the maintenance of phellem, secretory ducts and pith indicate conservative developmental traits that cannot be manipulated by C. rubra. Our results indicate that the conditions of the Mediterranean climate zone limit C. rubra immature activity during unfavourable periods, probably determining a diapause period and a univoltine life cycle, which are peculiarities of the S. polygama– C. rubra system.
• The synchronisation between development and seasonality confers peculiarities to the S. polygama– C. rubra system in the Mediterranean climate zone.

     

Yezonia,a new section ofAraucaria (Araucariaceae) based on permineralized vegetative and reproductive organs ofA. vulgaris comb. nov. from the upper cretaceous of Hokkaido,Japan

A new specimen of an araucarian cone,Araucaria nihongii, was found attached to the vegetative organs ofYezonia vulgaris, and is described asAraucaria vulgaris comb. nov. Thick branches show characteristic bark structure with lenticular patches. Secondary wood is usually araucarioid. Leaves are arranged helically on shoots, which are imbricate, appressed and fused to surface of the stem. External and anatomical features of leaves closely resembleBrachyphyllum. The seed cone is spherical with winged bracts and thin ovuliferous scales. One seed is borne per cone-scale complex. The seed coat and nucellus wall show typical araucarian structure. An araucarian plant that boreBrachyphyllum-like foliage and aEutacta-like seed cone was predicted by Harris in 1979. This reconstructed plant,Araucaria vulgaris, supports this theory and proves the presence of an extinct characteristic-form of the genus. A new section of the genus was proposed forAraucaria vulgaris. Structure and Affinities of the Petrified Plants from the Cretaceous of Northern Japan and Saghalien XV, Consecutive number from previous paper (Nishidaet al. 1993).     

滇黄芩的解剖学与组织化学研究及其与黄芩的比较

应用植物解剖学方法和荧光显微技术研究了滇黄芩（Scutellariaalnoena）营养器官的解剖结构。结果表明：根的初生结构中木质部为二原型,凯氏带明显,并开始积累淀粉粒;在茎和叶维管束外有厚壁细胞群分布,较成熟的茎中厚壁细胞群连成一环。通过组织化学方法对黄酮类物质的定位研究表明,多年生根的中柱鞘及韧皮部、茎及叶的表皮和与皮层中的薄壁细胞是黄酮类物质的主要积累场所,其含量根〉茎〉叶。滇黄芩与同属植物黄芩（S．baicalensis）在结构和组化方面的差异主要表现为：黄芩茎中厚壁细胞群分布区域较小且未连成环,细胞壁加厚较不明显,叶中没有厚壁细胞;组化显色结果表明滇黄芩黄酮类物质含量高于黄芩。因此,深入对地方药用资源滇黄芩的研究与开发十分必要。     

Interxylary cork of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Saussurea discolor</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">S. pygmaea</Emphasis> (Asteraceae)

The root anatomy of the subalpine to alpine plant species Saussurea discolor (Willd.) DC., and Saussurea pygmaea (Jacq.) Spreng., (Asteraceae) has been investigated by means of light and fluorescence microscopy on specimens of Austrian provenance. Both species develop a so called interxylary cork which mediates the splitting of the root into various strands. This phenomenon takes place in the secondary xylem and involves the development of a periderm separating the originally solid xylem cylinder. Interxylary cork is currently known from approximately 40 species of the Dicotyledones. This is the first report of this specific anatomical structure from the two studied species.     

Genetic variation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oplopanax elatus</Emphasis> (Nakai) Nakai (Araliaceae)

Using allozyme analysis, genetic and genotypic variation of rare relict species, a member of one of ancient angiosperm families, Araliaceae, the clonal plant Oplopanax elatus (Nakai) Nakai, was evaluated. Electrophoretic separation of the enzymes is described, and genetic interpretation of the enzymes variation patterns is presented. The values of genetic variation indices obtained were low (P = 25%; A = 1.45: H _o = 0.131; H _e = 0.113) and comparable with the data reported for the rare plant species and the representatives of the family Araliaceae. The main factors responsible for the polymorphism level observed might be the evolutionary history of the species and gene drift. The level of genotypic diversity (G/N = 0.76; D = 0.97) was substantially higher, compared to the values reported for species with vegetative reproduction (D = 0.62). These results suggest certain contribution of the propagation by seeds in the formation of the species of interest.     

Effect of temperature on biomass allocation in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum)

Temperature may influence dry matter partitioning between fruits and vegetative plant parts either directly or indirectly through its influence on development, flower and/or fruit abortion. The objective of the present work was to investigate whether there is any direct effect of temperature on dry matter partitioning between fruits and vegetative plant parts in tomato. A greenhouse experiment was conducted, with alternating 3-week periods of high (23°C) and low (18°C) temperature setpoint. Dry matter partitioning during these 3-week periods was determined from destructive plant harvests at two levels of fruit pruning (3 and 7 fruits per truss). Indirect temperature effects on dry matter partitioning were excluded by fruit pruning.
On average, the fraction of dry matter distributed to the fruits during a 12-week period, starting with the flowering of the fifth truss (28 days after planting), was 0.53 (3 fruits per truss) and 0.70 (7 fruits per truss). These ratios were also calculated for every 3-week period separately and did not depend on the average temperature (18–24°C) during that period.
It is concluded that dry matter distribution in tomato is not significantly affected by temperature directly, which means that the temperature effect (18–24°C) on the generative sink strength is not much different from the temperature effect on the vegetative sink strength.     

Comparative vegetative anatomy and systematics of Laeliinae (Orchidaceae)

Laeliinae are one of the most prominent orchid subtribes, with c. 40 genera and nearly 1500 species, and contain a disparate group of taxa with widely varying morphological features. There does not appear to be a complex of characters to which one can refer in order to delineate the subtribe as a whole. Thus, it was thought that vegetative anatomy might provide clues to the monophyly of the group. The microscopic structure of the leaves, stems and roots of representatives of most of the genera was studied. It was concluded that the anatomy lacks overall uniformity and that vegetative characters alone are insufficient to assess the relationships amongst the genera. The only nearly consistent anatomical feature was the abaxial row of fibre bundles in the leaves. Thus, anatomically, as well as morphologically, Laeliinae are a mixed bag. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160 , 21–41.     

三种同域分布喉毛花的繁殖分配

以青藏高原高寒草甸中三种同域分布的喉毛花为研究对象,通过比较三个种的植株性状和繁殖分配,探讨繁殖分配的种间差异及其与植株个体大小的关系。结果表明:(1)三个种的植株高度、顶花大小和单株花数目、繁殖分配均存在种间差异,这可能与其各自的交配系统和具体的生境以及相应的生活史对策有关;(2)在三种喉毛花中,投入到营养器官和繁殖器官的绝对资源量均呈显著正相关,未检测到植株生长和繁殖间的权衡关系;(3)三个种的个体大小与繁殖器官生物量均呈显著正相关,而与繁殖分配均呈显著负相关,这表明个体越大,繁殖投入越高,而繁殖分配越低,与以往研究结果一致,这可能是由于繁殖分配与个体大小之间存在异速关系。     

Herbivore‐induced changes in flower scent and morphology affect the structure of flower–visitor networks but not plant reproduction

Herbivory induces various responses in plants, thus altering the plants’ phenotype in chemical and morphological traits. Herbivore‐induced changes in vegetative plant parts, plant‐physiological mechanisms, and effects on plant‐animal interactions have been intensively studied from species to community level. In contrast, we are just beginning to examine herbivore‐induced effects on reproductive plant parts and flower–visitor interactions, especially in a community context. We investigated the effect of herbivory at different plant developmental stages on plant growth, floral and vegetative phenotype and reproduction in Sinapis arvensis (Brassicaceae). Additionally, we tested how herbivore‐induced plant responses affect flower–visitor interactions and plant reproduction in species‐rich communities. Our results indicate that the timing of herbivory affects the magnitude of changes in plant traits. Herbivory in early but not in late development accelerated the plant's flowering phenology, reduced vegetative growth, increased stem trichome density and altered floral morphology and scent. These findings suggest age‐dependent tradeoffs between growth, defense and reproduction. Herbivore‐induced changes in flower traits also affected flower–visitor interactions in a community context with effects on the structure of flower–visitor networks. However, changes in the network structure had neglectable effects on plant reproduction, i.e. plants were able to compensate altered flower visitor behavior. Thus, herbivory is a source of intraspecific variation in reproductive traits, which can be behaviorally relevant for potential pollinators. However, plants were capable to maintain reproductive success suggesting a tolerance against herbivory. We conclude that in our study system induced direct or indirect defenses that have often been shown to decrease negative effects of herbivores on vegetative plant parts come at no costs for plant reproduction.