Vitality of individuals and cenopopulations of Sophora flavescens Soland

Vitality of individuals and cenopopulations of the rare relict species Sophora flavescens Soland. was studied. To characterize the vitality of individuals of the species, the following parameters are used: number and length of the shoots, number of leaves on a shoot, as well as ratio of the leaf length to its width. Different combinations of these quantitative parameters areused to determine the marks of vitality for each individual. When estimating the vitality of cenopopulations of the species the important characteristics include the type of population, average marks of the vitality of the individuals in cenopopulation, completeness of the age range, the presence of the mixed self-maintenance, and abundance of the species in the community. It is noted that the high vitality of the individuals is observed in cenopopulations of the young type and transitional type to the mature and maturing ones.     

Population structure of Potentilla bifurca L. in the Altai-Sayan Mountain Region

Pollen characters were analyzed in 16 cenopopulations of Potentilla bifurca L. in five provinces of the Altai-Sayan Mountain Region. As a result, two groups of cenopopulations, western and eastern, have been recognized. Both groups are characterized by a high intrapopulation (44.7–63.9%) and a lower interpopulation (11.4–42.2%) variability. The observed similarity between groups of cenopopulations of P. bifurca from different geobotanical provinces is determined by their common origin from the Pliocene-Pleistocene steppe communities.     

On the ecology of the species of the genus <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hylotelephium</Emphasis> H. Ohba promising for city phytodesign in the south Urals

The two-factor variance analysis revealed the statistically significant influence of the conditions of habitat and weather in the year of study on the majority of morphometric parameters of vegetative and generative sphere of four natural cenopopulations of Hylotelephium stepposum (Boriss.) Tzvel. and three cenopopulations of H. triphyllum (Haw.) Holub.     

Structure of plant communities and cenopopulations of Astragalus serioceocanus Gontsch. on the shore of Lake Baikal

Plant communities with Astragalus sericeocanus have been studied. Data on the ontogenetic structure and quantity of cenopopulations, as well as the seed productivity of their individuals, are given. It has been revealed that the habitats on the northern shore of Lake Baikal are characterized by high phytocoenotic diversity with the dominance and codominance of A. sericeocanus. The state of cenopopulations and parameters of seed productivity indicate that the northern habitats of Lake Baikal have more favorable conditions due to the optimal climatic characteristics for the growth and development of the species.     

Water relations pattern of understorey species influenced by sunflecks

Water relations of plant cenopopulations of understorey species (7 herbaceous perennials, 1 shrub, and 1 tree seedling) growing in an oak-hornbeam forest in SW. Slovakia is markedly influenced by natural sunflecks moving on the forest floor, where stomatal conductance and transpiration rate are significantly higher than in shade areas. In the course of a day, the leaf stomatal conductance fluctuates, following irradiance of the leaf, from minimum in full shade to maximum in sunflecks, including intermediate values in transient conditions. Therefore, there is also a large variability in water saturation deficit and transpiration rate within the cenopopulations of the understorey species. These variations should be considered in modelling the physiology of woodland understorey species.     

Features of the Organization of Populations of a Rare Species Cephalaria uralensis (Murr.) Schrad. ex Roem. et Schult. (Dipsacaceae,Magnoliópsida) in the Trans-Volga and Cis-Urals Regions

Biology Bulletin - Abstract—The results of the study of 23 natural cenopopulations of Cephalaria uralensis (Murr.) Schrad. ex Roem. et Schult., a rare subendemic species of the Eastern...     

Refugium of the Boreal Forests of the Circumpolar Urals

The results of studies of the vegetative cover and ontogenetic composition of the cenopopulations of Picea obovata Ledeb. and Larix sibirica Ledeb. in the Gorno-Khadytinskii Forest Reserve, which is the refugium of the northern taiga forests of Western Siberia, have been summarized. According to the Brown–Blanke system, two associations of forests were identified and described, as well as two tundra associations, for comparison. The unique association of the Aconito septentrionalis–Piceetum obovatae taiga forests Zaugolnova et Morozova 2009 were analyzed in detail, and a comparison of these associations was carried out in the Gorno-Khadytinskii and Pechoro-Ilychskii reserves, where these forests are the reference standards of the zonal-type forests. An estimate of the ontogenetic composition of the cenopopulations of P. obovata Ledeb. and L. sibirica Ledeb. is given, as well as the absolute age of the trees of these species.     

Ecological and geographic variability of Hedysarum theinum and features of its propagation in vitro

The relationship between the morphological variability of the productivity characteristics and the genetic variability of the electrophoretic spectra of seed polypeptides in the valuable medicinal species Hedysarum theinum Krasnob was established based on analyzing six cenopopulations. The protocols for the microclonal propagation of advanced samples were developed. The most efficient multiplication was achieved in an MS medium supplemented with 5 μM BAP, 200 mg/L^?1 glutathione, and 200 mg/L^?1 casein hydrolyzate. The shoots were successfully rooted on the half-strength MS basal medium supplemented with 7 μM NAA.     

Assessment of Hedysarum theinum Krasnob. (Fabaceae) population status in Altai

The status of 22 Hedysarum theinum cenopopulations (CPs) located in subalpine and alpine vegetation belts in Kazakhstan and Altai Republic is assessed by a complex of traits. It is detected that conditions of the subalpine belt (12 CPs), where the point sum of organismal and population traits vary from high to average values, are the most favorable for this species. The pessimal state, characterized by the smallest values of most species parameters, is determined in the alpine vegetation belt at an altitude of about 2000 m above sea level in Rudnyi Altai (Kazakhstan) and a shrub community at the junction of alpine and subalpine belts on the edge of the H. theinum area in Russian Altai. A reactive-tolerant type of H. theinum population strategy is detected.     

Ecogeographic variability and differentiation of Japanese dwarf pine populations in Kamchatka Krai with respect to the characters of generative organs

The assessment of ecogeographic variability and differentiation of 22 cenopopulations of Japanese dwarf pine Pinus pumila (Pall.) Regel (Pinaceae) on the Kamchatka Peninsula and in Koryakia has been carried out in regard to morphological and phenotypic characters of mature seed cones. The viability of seeds in the cones of ten populations has been determined by a radiographic method. A latitudinal nature of phenotypic differentiation of cenopopulations in the region has been revealed. Lower seed viability related to a high percent of seeds without embryos or with underdeveloped embryos has been recorded in the northeastern populations. The average share of viable seeds in the region is 52% and in the northeastern populations it reaches only 6–24%.     

Biomorphology of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Actaea erythrocarpa</Emphasis> Fisch. individuals and ecological–demographic characterization of its cenopopulations

The ecotopes of Actaea erythrocarpa Fisch. cenopopulations are characterized according to five of Tsyganov’s scales using bioindication methods. The morphological polyvariation of vegetative organs appears as elongation of the A. erythrocarpa shoot metameric units under different ecological conditions. As has been shown, the biometric characteristics of A. erythrocarpa individuals depend on the ontogenetic state and habitat.     

Geographical Trends in the Structure and Viability of Cenopopulations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Calluna vulgaris</Emphasis> (L.) Hull

On the basis of the system of ordination for the geographic zonal and provincial replacement of types of pine forests, gradients, and some geographical trends of the main parameters of the morphostructure, the growth and viability of the cenopopulations of common heather Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull between various subzones of the Russian Plain and the western part of Western Siberia (Tobolsk area) have been revealed.     

Morphological and genetic analysis of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brunnera sibirica</Emphasis> (Boraginaceae) cenopopulation in the Southern Siberia Mountains

Fifteen Brunnera sibirica cenopopulations have been studied. Morphological and genetic investigations reveal increasing variability and high level of correlation between morphological features (according to decreased sizes of vegetation organs) during the first years after deforestation in fir and aspen forests. High morphological and genetic variability is typical for mountain fir forests, pine–birch, and pine forests.     

Ontogenetic structure and vitality of the cenopopulations of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oxytropis sulphurea</Emphasis> (Fisch. ex DC.) Ledeb. in different ecocenotic conditions of Rudny Altai and the Saur Ridge

This article presents the results of an analysis of ontogenetic and vitality structure of seven cenopopulations of Oxytropis sulphurea (Fisch. ex DC.) Ledeb. in the high-altitude conditions of Rydny Altai (Ivanovsky and Prohodnoi ridges) and the Saur Ridge. In the study of the demographic structure it has been determined that most populations from undisturbed habitats are characterized by left-side spectrums with maximums on juvenile or immature individuals. The changes in the structure of the studied ontogenetic spectrums of this species depend largely on the presence of anthropogenic influence. Grazing pressure has led to the formation of spectrums with a maximum on g₃ plants. The vitality type of the O. sulphurea populations varies from exuberant to depressed; the depressed and balanced types of vitality prevailed. Intensive seed propagation provides a stable existence of O. sulphurea in the high-mountain alpine zone. The results of our study show that O. sulphurea is an alpine-meadow species which has strict ecological and cenotic propensity for alpine meadows with the prevalence of Festuca kryloviana, Anthoxanthum alpinum, and Schulzia crinite and shrub tundras with Dryas oxyodonta.     

Genetic polymorphism of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) in Middle Siberia

Based on the analysis of 22 loci controlling allozyme variation of MDH, SKDH, 6-PGD, IDH, PEPCA, GOT, FDH, LAP, PGI, PGM, SOD, and GDH, the data on within-and among-population variation for nine cenopopulations of Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) located along the Yenisei mieridian, from 65°50′ NL to 52°14′NL, were obtained. It was demonstrated that 86.36% of the loci, tested in the species analyzed, were polymorphic. The mean number of alleles per locus was 2.91, and the observed and expected heterozygosity constituted 0.161 and 0.168, respectively. More than 97% of total variation occurred within the populations, while the proportion of the among-population variation constituted only 2.3% (F _st =0.0230). Genetic distance (D _N) between the populations examined varied from 0.0019 to 0.0115, averaging at 0.0051. It was shown that in the part of the Siberian spruce range examined there was no close association between the level of the genetic differentiation of the populations and the geographic distance between them. It seems likely, that this finding can be associated with the fact that Siberian spruce, growing on this territory, is the intrazonal species, i.e., it is not attached to a certain forest zone, and its distribution is mostly determined by local ecological conditions.     

贡嘎山石松类和蕨类植物的多样性与海拔分布（附表）

贡嘎山是横断山脉海拔最高的一座大山,是研究山地植物多样性和海拔分布的理想地区。为了探讨贡嘎山地区石松类和蕨类植物多样性组成及海拔分布特点,该研究基于野外考察、标本采集鉴定及文献考证,对贡嘎山地区石松类和蕨类植物进行统计和分析。结果表明:(1)贡嘎山地区有石松类植物3科4属25种,蕨类植物有23科56属291种。(2)主要的珍稀濒危植物有6种,分别是高寒水韭(Iso tes hypsophila)、松叶蕨(Psilotum nudum)、桫椤(Alsophila spinulosa)、小叶中国蕨(Aleuritopteris albofusca)、玉龙蕨(Polystichum glaciale)和扇蕨(Lepisorus palmatopedatus)。(3)优势科为鳞毛蕨科(Dryopteridaceae)75种、水龙骨科(Polypodiaceae)56种、凤尾蕨科(Pteridaceae)54种和蹄盖蕨科(Athyriaceae)37种;优势属为耳蕨属(Polystichum)45种、鳞毛蕨属(Dryopteris)24种、蹄盖蕨属(Athyrium)24种和瓦韦属(Lepisorus)19种。(4)区系以温带成分为主,有286种(93.77%)。随着海拔的上升,石松类和蕨类的物种多样性逐渐增加,2000~3000 m海拔段的物种多样性最高,为20科46属192种,3000 m以上物种多样性逐渐下降,4500 m以上仅分布有4种蕨类植物。此外,该研究还发现,随着海拔的升高,中国-喜马拉雅成分逐渐增加。     

中国苦苣苔科植物的多样性与地理分布（附表）

物种多样性编目是开展生物多样性保护的重要基础,该研究结合最新分子系统学研究成果以及近年来发表的新资料,对中国苦苣苔科植物多样性和地理分布数据进行了统计和分析.结果表明:中国苦苣苔科植物共有44属671种(含种下单位,下同),其中特有属11个;特有种573种,占总种数的85.39%.种数最多的10个属依次为广义报春苣苔属(180种)、广义马铃苣苔属(122种)、石蝴蝶属(39种)、半蒴苣苔属(39种)、芒毛苣苔属(38种)、长蒴苣苔属(35种)、石山苣苔属(31种)、吊石苣苔属(31种)、蛛毛苣苔属(28种)、汉克苣苔属(22种).在地理分布上,种数排名前10的省份(区)有广西(260种,33属)、云南(236种,30属)、贵州(96种,28属)、广东(93种,17属)、四川(85种,21属)、湖南(58种,13属)、西藏(39种,9属)、湖北(29种,15属)、福建(26种,13属)、江西(25种,9属).含中国特有苦苣苔科植物的属中排前10位的分别为广义报春苣苔属(178种)、广义马铃苣苔属(119种)、石蝴蝶属(37种)、半蒴苣苔属(35种)、石山苣苔属(30种)、长蒴苣苔属(29种)、吊石苣苔属(23种)、蛛毛苣苔属(19种)、芒毛苣苔属(19种)、汉克苣苔属(11种).这表明中国南部和西南部是苦苣苔科植物的一个分布中心,特别是石灰岩地区有着高度的物种多样性和特有性,广义报春苣苔属、广义马铃苣苔属、石蝴蝶属、半蒴苣苔属、石山苣苔属、吊石苣苔属等为我国典型的优势属.此外,根据目前的研究现状,还对我国苦苣苔科植物资源的调查、分类学和系统发育研究、保护和可持续利用等进行了讨论.     

An update on the status of native and exotic freshwater fishes of Italy

An updated, corrected checklist of both native and established alien freshwater fish species in Italy is given based on molecular, morphological and biogeographical data. Some 12 native species, reported as conspecific with transalpine species in official Italian ichthylogical literature, are in fact endemics. Previous taxonomic confusion has resulted in the introduction of several alien species, either with official stockings or mixed in as impurities. Rehabilitated species include the cyprinids Scardinius hesperidicus, Scardinius scardafa and Telestes savigny from northern Italy, as well as Squalius ruffoi and the Telestes comes from southern Italy. Squalius albus is a junior synonym of S. squalus. The endemic gudgeon, previously assigned to the genus Romanogobio, is returned to the genus Gobio (G. benacensis). Phoxinus lumaireul is a junior synonym of P. phoxinus. Among the Salmonidae, Salmo cenerinus is a junior synonym of S. marmoratus, while Salmo farioides represents the trout species of the Adriatic lineage for which a neotype is designated. Thymallus aeliani represents the endemic lineage of grayling of the Adriatic populations. The esocid Esox cisalpinus is an endemic pike species and Esox flaviae is a junior synonym; the extensive exportation as well as the presence of this species throughout Europe is possibly due to humans. Among sculpins, Cottus scaturigo and C. ferrugineus are junior synonyms of C. gobio. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categories for native species of Italy are updated. At present, 52 native freshwater fish species are listed: 2 are extinct (Acipenser sturio and Huso huso), 12 are critically endangered, 7 endangered, 10 vulnerable, 3 near‐threatened, 15 low concern and 3 data‐deficient; 35 species are the result of human transfers. Among the 51 introduced species, 6 are recently established (Leuciscus leuciscus, Oreochromis niloticus, Poecilia reticulata, Xiphophorus helleri, Amatitlania nigrofasciatus, Hemichromis sp.), 37 are already established, 5 are probably established and 3 are non‐established Chinese carp, maintained in the wild by intensive stockings. The family most involved is the Cyprinidae, with 22 alien and 20 native species.     

Toxicity of venom of Asobara and Leptopilina species to Drosophila species

The Drosophila parasitoid Asobara japonica Belokobylskij (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) has highly toxic venom that kills host larvae if its injection is not followed by an injection of lateral oviduct components along with egg‐laying. In the present study, the venoms of seven other Drosophila parasitoids (Asobara rossica, Asobara rufescens, Asobara pleuralis, Leptopilina heterotoma, Leptopilina japonica, Leptopilina ryukyuensis, and Leptopilina victoriae) are tested against three kinds of Drosophila species (i.e. Drosophila species that are suitable as host for focal parasitoids, those that are resistant to the parasitoids, and a cosmopolitan species, Drosophila simulans). Venoms of the three Asobara species are not toxic to any of Drosophila species, whereas those of the four Leptopilina species are toxic to some Drosophila species. The toxicity of venom varies among Leptopilina species, and the susceptibility to venom also varies among host Drosophila species. Furthermore, toxicity and paralytic effects of venom are not correlated. Because the toxicity of venom is not adaptive for parasitoids, it may be an inevitable side effect of some components that play an essential role in parasitism.     

The estimation of ionizing irradiation impact on Vicia cracca cenopopulations growing on the territory contaminated with the wastes of radium production

The radiation exposure on cenopopulations Vicea cracca L. growing on the territory contaminated with the wastes of radium production was estimated. The relationship between the chromosome aberration in seedlings root tip cells and irradiation dose was found to be linear. The significant cytogenetic effects in chronically irradiated Vicia cracca cenopopulation are observed at doses (equal to 0.006-0.7 Gy) 10 times upward the natural radiation background level. The reduced reproductive success (significantly increased embryonic lethal mutation level) is observed at weighted absorbed doses (equal to 0.2-0.7 Gy) up to 200-700 times higher than the natural radiation background level. It is showh, that the radiation hygienic standards of permissible exposure are noticeably stricter that the radioecological limits.