Inflorescence structure in species of Spartina Schreb. (Poaceae: Chloridoideae: Cynodonteae)

The typology developed by Troll was followed to describe inflorescence structures for 15 species of Spartina. In all species here studied, truncation of the terminal spikelet of the main axis and primary paracladium was observed. The truncation can also involve the short paracladia subzone so that the inflorescence is confined to just the long paracladia subzone. A great homogenization of paracladia and maximum ramification degree limited generally to the second order of branching are distinctive characteristics of the genus. Proximal paracladia with third-order branching were found in only three specimens, and in these exceptional cases, the homogenization is partial. Sometimes, in some species, a subzone of long and short paracladia can be distinguished. The absence of trophotagma paracladia in all the species studied was verified. The variation in the structure of the inflorescence among species is due to the differences in the number of short paracladia, long paracladia, total number of primary paracladia and also in the angle of divergence of the long paracladia from the main axis. The latter, in addition to variations in the intercalary growth of the internodes produces modifications in the general appearance of the inflorescences. The systematic and taxonomic value of the inflorescences in Spartina is discussed.     

Synflorescences of species related to Schizachyrium condensatum (Poaceae)

The synflorescences of species related to Schizachyrium condensatum are typologically characterized. This species presents floriferous shoots with complex systems of ramification. In all species the inflorescence is polytelic and truncate. The typological pattern has been described and presents differences in the following parameters: length and shape of the synflorescence, paracladia of the trophotagma subzone and short paracladia subzone. A comparative analysis of the variations observed in the structure of the synflorescence is included.     

Inflorescence structure in species of Scleria subgenus Hypoporum and subgenus Scleria (Sclerieae-Cyperaceae)

The objective of this study was to realize a typology approach toward the inflorescences in Scleria in order to provide characters that would have potential use in further taxonomic and phylogenetic research and that would allow identification of the tendencies and processes that could have yielded the variations within Scleria inflorescences. The majority of species studied present a main florescence; Scleria reticularis and S. melanomphala have truncated inflorescences. The variations are related to the grade of development reached by the main florescence and the different parts of the paracladial zone. Major inflorescence variability was found in section Scleria. A change in spikelet sexuality can occur toward the distal parts. There were variations in the distinct species with respect to the hierarchy of the paracladia where the change occurs. Future investigations should center on the ontogenetic aspects of inflorescence development of Scleria, integrating these results, together with those of adult inflorescences, into taxonomic and phylogenetic investigations.     

Probleme der Infloreszenztypologie vonW. Troll

In contrast toW. Troll's typology of inflorescences which aims at more or less rigid, well defined types, this investigation accentuates the processes that constitute the evolutionary transformations leading from one typical form to another.Troll divided the inflorescences into the two types of monotelic and polytelic synflorescences, the first with a terminal flower on the main axis, the latter with a homogeneous florescence on the indeterminate axis. Both forms are enriched by proximal branches which repeat the structure of the main axis (paracladia). The evolutionary processes leading from the more primitive monotelic type to the advanced polytelic type are truncation (loss of the terminal flower) and homogenization of the distal branches, which thus form a homogeneous florescence. A closer survey of the polytelic groups reveals the fact that, usingTroll's criteria, the same distinction can be found within these groups themselves. Loss of the terminal florescence (truncation of 2nd and higher degree) as well as homogenization of the distal paracladia may lead to florescence-like units of higher complexity. Examples can be found inAsteraceae (Figs. 1 and 2),Fabaceae (Fig. 3 a),Mimosaceae (Fig. 3 b),Acanthaceae, and also in Monocots, as exemplified by theMarantaceae (Figs. 4 and 5). The so-called racemization (inversion of efflorescences from basipetalous to acropetalous) may be mentioned as a third element of transformation, emphasizing the unity of the florescences.—In consequence, there are more organizational levels than reflected in the twoTroll types. The polytelic type comprises several degrees of truncation and homogenization, the basis for a reasonable organizational analysis should therefore be the degree of ramification of flowering branches rather than the mere question of a terminal flower on the main shoot axis (Fig. 6). On the other hand the three processes of truncation, homogenization and racemization are evolutionary transformations that may occur independently from one another, thus giving rise to a large number of variations, which can not be satisfactorily interpreted by exactly defined types. On the basis of these considerations the question of homologous parts in inflorescences is reviewed. The homology of partial florescences and paracladia is accentuated contrary toTroll's interpretation (Fig. 7). Homogenization as an evolutionary trend may transform paracladia of different degree of ramification, leading to one-flowered units on the one side and to highly complex structures as in theMarantaceae on the other.

     

On the inflorescence structure ofAsclepiadaceae

Inflorescence structure in the familyAsclepiadaceae, particularly in the subfamilyAsclepiadoideae, is elucidated using the methodology and terminology of the school ofW. Troll. Asclepiadaceae inflorescences are principally thyrsoid systems, with variability resulting from different degrees of reduction of dichasial paracladia to bostryces, sciadioids, and, finally, to single flowers.     

Bat visits to Marcgravia pittieri and notes on the inflorescence diversity within the genus Marcgravia (Marcgraviaceae)

We report bat visits to the inflorescences of Marcgravia pittieri. The animals were videotaped visiting the nectaries of the inflorescences in short hovering flight. Nectarivorous bats caught in front of the inflorescences were Anoura cultrata and Hylonycteris underwoodi (both Phyllostomidae: Glossophaginae). Furthermore, we provide a short overview on inflorescence architecture within the genus Marcgravia with a special focus on functional morphology in chiropterophilous species.     

Prevention of the flowering of a tree,silver birch

Genetic modification of trees presents great advantages but it is hampered by the possible spread of introduced genes to native populations. However, the spread would be prevented if the modified trees would be sterile. We have previously shown that the induction of sterility by the prevention of flowering is possible in tobacco and Arabidopsis by introducing a gene construct composed of the ribonuclease gene BARNASE ligated to the flower-specific promoter of the birch gene BpMADS1. In the present study, we test this gene construct in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth). When this gene construct was introduced into very early-flowering birch clones, 81 kanamycin resistant lines were obtained. In 38 lines, the vegetative development was disturbed, e.g., the leaves were small and the plants were short and bushy or the growth of plants was weak. More importantly, in 7 other lines no male inflorescences formed or they aborted early. If male inflorescences were formed, they did not contain any stamens. The initial growth of these lines was similar to the non-transgenic control lines. Later, however, the growth of the non-flowering lines differed from that of the controls in showing some dichotomic branching and a reduced number of branches. Preliminary results showed that the gene construct can prevent the development of female inflorescences as well. The results show clearly that BpMADS1::BARNASE can prevent the flowering in a tree but the prevention of flowering may cause some side effects. Studies with ordinary birch clones will show whether the side effects are a property of the early flowering clones or all birches.     

The branching of the inflorescence and vegetative shoot and taxonomy of the genusKummerowia (Leguminosae)

A study of the branching of the inflorescence and the vegetative shoot of the genusKummerowia, consisting ofK. stipulacea (Maxim.) Makino andK. striata (Thunb.) Schindler, has led to the following conclusions: (1) the inflorescences of both species are reduced compound cymes, (2) the branching system of the inflorescence ofKummerowia is not clearly different from that of the vegetative shoot and there are some transitional forms between both systems, and (3) the inflorescence ofKummerowia is different from the racemose inflorescences ofLespedeza andCampylotropis. Based on the differences found in the branching system of the inflorescence,Kummerowia is distinctly separated fromLespedeza andCampylotropis and is more correctly treated as a distinct genus from the latter two.     

Conflict resolution in an ant–plant interaction: Acacia constricta traits reduce ant costs to reproduction

Many plant species attract ants onto their foliage with food rewards or nesting space. However, ants can interfere with plant reproduction when they visit flowers. This study tests whether Acacia constricta separates visiting ant species temporally or spatially from newly opened inflorescences and pollinators. The diurnal activity patterns of ants and A. constricta pollinators peaked at different times of day, and the activity of pollinators followed the daily dehiscence of A. constricta inflorescences. In addition to being largely temporally separated, ants rarely visited open inflorescences. A floral ant repellent contributes to the spatial separation of ants and inflorescences. In a field experiment, ants of four species were given equal access to inflorescences in different developmental stages. On average, the frequency with which ants made initial, antennal contact with the floral stages did not differ, but ants significantly avoided secondary contact with newly opened inflorescences relative to buds and old inflorescences, and old inflorescences relative to buds. Ants also avoided contact with pollen alone, indicating that pollen is at least one source of the repellent. The results suggest A. constricta has effectively resolved the potential conflict between visiting ants and plant reproduction.     

橄榄种质资源花序表型性状遗传多样性研究

为了解橄榄[Canarium album(Loureiro)Raeuschel]花序表型性状的遗传多样性,对90份橄榄种质资源的花序性状进行观测分析。结果表明,橄榄花序的类型、支轴紧密度、着生位置和花性等表现出较丰富的多样性;从数量性状看,花序花朵数的变异系数最大,其次为支轴花朵数,变异系数最小的是花蕾直径,此外橄榄雄花花序的多样性较雌花丰富。花蕾直径与花瓣长度呈极显著正相关关系,与花序长度、花序支轴数、花序花朵数和支轴花朵数呈极显著负相关。聚类分析结果表明,橄榄种质资源的花序类型可分为3类,大部分雄花和雌花类群间差异较明显。因此,橄榄花序表型性状存在多样性和复杂性,且花序重要单一性状可能影响整体表型。     

Male-biased sex ratio and promiscuous pollination in the dioecious island treeLaurus azorica (Lauraceae)

Pollination ofLaurus azorica (Lauraceae), a dioecious Macaronesian tree, was studied. Male and female trees had the same size distribution. The population had 2.5 times as many male trees as females. In addition, males produced more flowers, and their inflorescences lasted longer. Individual flower lifetime and length of flowering season were the same in both sexes. Between the years of observation, one tree changed sex. Pollinators wereHalictinae bees and the flyTachina canariensis. The bees collected pollen and nectar and the fly collected nectar from both sexes. Both species visited other plants as well. The evolution of breeding systems inLauraceae is discussed.     

Effects of Environmental Factors on Byssal Thread Formation in Some Members of the Family Mytilidae from the Sea of Japan

The ability to attach repeatedly to a substrate (glass, boulders, sand) in three common mussel species of the upper sublittoral zone of the Sea of Japan, Grayan's mussel Crenomytilus grayanus, the Korean mussel Mytilus coruscus, and northern horse mussel Modiolus modiolus, was studied under experimental conditions. It was found that during 120 h of the experiment C. grayanus and M. modiolus produced more byssal threads than M. coruscus. A decrease in the water temperature from 20 to 0°C slowed the rate of production of byssal threads down to full passivity in some experimental mollusks. This was more typical of M. coruscus and less typical of C. grayanus. Renewed threads differed in their length, thick, size of the adhesive plate, and strength. M. coruscus formed the shortest, thickest, and strongest threads with rather a large adhesive disk. The observed differences are discussed from the position of morphophysiological adaptations of species for colonization of different natural substrata under contrasting conditions of the upper sublittoral zone.     

Sympodial and monopodial branching inAcer (Aceraceae): Evolutionary trend and ecological implications

The evolutionary trend and its ecological implications in sympodial and monopodial branching patterns has been investigated in 20 JapaneseAcer spp. through comparison of shoot tip abortion and terminal bud formation. The genus is divided into two species groups according to its branching pattern, one (6 species) predominantly exhibiting sympodial branching with frequent monopodial branching in short shoots (sympodial species), and the other (14 species) exhibiting only monopodial branching (monopodial species). The early ontogeny of leaf and bud scales is described. Despite the difference in branching patterns, the bud scales of terminal buds are essentially the same in having a leaf base developed to function as a protecting organ. In all the sympodial species, during the abortion of a sympodium shoot tip, one or two pairs of primordia were found to occur on the apex, and later wither. These primordia resemble bud scales of terminal buds in their ontogeny and morphology, and appear to be rudimentary. It is suggested that a rudimentary terminal bud develops together with the establishment of sympodial branching, and that sympodial branching has originated from monopodial branching. Based on this proposed evolutionary trend, it is suggested thatAcer has moved from less shady habitats into shady habitats with monopodial branching (advantageous for vertical growth) changing into sympodial branching (advantageous for lateral spread).     

The morphology of stipules and inflorescences in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Geissois sensu stricto</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cunoniaceae</Emphasis>)

Summary   Geissois sensu stricto (i.e. excluding the Australian species of this genus) has 19 species restricted to islands in the south-west Pacific and is the sole group in Cunoniaceae in which the stipules are intrapetiolar (axillary) in the adult foliage. In apical buds, paired opposite stipules are coherent round their margins and are either clearly intrapetiolar in relation to the most distal pair of developed leaves (Type I, most species), or they appear interpetiolar due to the abortion of the pair of leaves associated with them and the failure of the internode proximal to them to elongate (Type II, a few species). Stipules are often accrescent and the largest in the family occur in this group, reaching 10 cm long in some species. The ornithophilous racemose inflorescences of members of this group normally consist of either axillary triads (G. hirsuta only) or apparently simple, unbranched racemes which are ramiflorous or occasionally axillary. However, bract scars on the axes proximal to the flowers show that both types of inflorescence module usually consist of two metamers. The structure of the inflorescences and stipules in Geissois sensu stricto supports the distinction between this group and the Australian species traditionally included in Geissois sensu lato.     

中国看麦娘属植物叶表皮微形态研究

看麦娘属是禾本科早熟禾亚科的重要类群,中国分布有8种。该研究采用光学显微镜和电子扫描电镜,对中国看麦娘属7种植物的叶下表皮(含叶鞘下表皮)微形态特征进行观察并探讨其分类学意义。结果表明：(1)看麦娘属叶鞘下表皮长细胞的形状呈长筒状或短筒状,深波状弯曲的细胞壁,脉间短细胞密布,单生或对生,形状多为新月形或椭圆形,脉区硅细胞为椭圆形,平行形或低圆屋顶形的气孔器,看麦娘属叶鞘下表皮特征高度一致,分类价值不大。(2)看麦娘属植物叶下表皮和叶鞘下表皮的显微结构存在很大不同,看麦娘属植物叶下表皮长细胞多为长筒状或短筒状或长菱形,平周壁平直或不明显弯曲,脉间区短细胞分布或无,脉区刺毛密布,脉间区有或无刺细胞的分布,平行形的气孔器,脉区分布的硅细胞多为长方形边缘呈波状弯曲。看麦娘属植物叶下表皮的不同主要体现在脉间区长细胞的形状及平周壁的弯曲与否,脉间区短细胞出现或无,脉间区刺细胞的分布数量以及气孔器的列数。7种植物的叶表皮微形态的分类检索表据此列出。依据叶表皮微形态划分的组与根据外部特征划分的组并不完全一致。但是,由于该文仅研究了7种,叶表皮微形态对于看麦娘属的分类意义还需要更深入的研究。     

中国早熟禾属植物部分种叶下表皮微形态的研究

通过光学显微镜及扫描电子显微镜对中国早熟禾属20种、6亚种及2变种植物的叶下表皮微形态特征进行了观察, 以明确叶表皮微形态特征在早熟禾属植物中的分类学意义。结果显示：(1)早熟禾属植物的叶下表皮长细胞多为长筒状或纺锤形,少数短筒状,细胞壁波状弯曲或近平直;脉间具有短细胞或缺如;气孔器多数常见,副卫细胞平行形至低圆屋顶形;脉上具有刺细胞或缺如,脉间刺细胞多为缺如;脉上硅细胞单生或对生,椭圆形、肾形、新月形、近方形、长方形边缘波状弯曲或结节形;部分早熟禾属植物叶下表皮存在冠细胞。(2)早熟禾属植物叶下表皮微形态特征在长细胞的形状及其细胞壁的弯曲与否、短细胞的有无及其形状、气孔器的分布与副卫细胞的形状、刺细胞的分布、脉上硅细胞的形状、冠细胞的有无这些方面存在着一定的差异,可为该属植物种间分类提供参考依据。叶表皮微形态证据支持高原早熟禾、细叶早熟禾作为草地早熟禾亚种的处理意见。     

Pollination ecology of Yucca elata

The pollination biology of a population of 250 Yucca elata (Liliaceae) plants was studied in southern New Mexico. Yucca elata and the prodoxid yucca moth Tegeticula yuccasella have a mutualistic association that is essential for the successful sexual reproduction of both species. However, a wide range of other invertebrate species visit flowers during the day and at night. Our aim was to quantify the role of yucca moths and other invertebrate visitors in pollination and fruit set, using manipulative field experiments. Inflorescences were bagged during the day or night (N=12 inflorescences) to restrict flower visitors to either nocturnal or diurnal groups. Yucca moths were active exclusively nocturnally during the flowering period and thus did not visit inflorescences that were unbagged during the day. None of the 4022 flowers exposed only to diurnal visitors set fruit, whereas 4.6% of the 4974 flowers exposed only to nocturnal visitors (including yucca moths) produced mature fruit. The proportion of flowers producing fruit in the latter treatment was not significantly different from unbagged control inflorescences. In a series of experimental manipulations we also determined that: (1) flowers opened at dusk and were open for two days on average, but were only receptive to pollen on the first night of opening; (2) pollen must be pushed down the stigmatic tube to affect pollination; and (3) most plants require out-cross pollination to produce fruit. The combination of these results strongly suggests that yucca moths are the only species affecting pollination in Y. elata, and that if another species was to affect pollination, it would be a rare event.