Two new species of Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from Central French Guiana

Eugenia argyrophylla andE. morii from Saül in Central French Guiana are described and illustrated.     

Even population differentiation for maternal and biparental gene markers in Eugenia uniflora, a widely distributed species from the Brazilian coastal Atlantic rain forest

Brazilian cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.) occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Coastal Tropical Forest from the north‐eastern state of Ceara, to the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. E. uniflora plays an important role in the maintenance of ‘Restinga’ ecosystems, at the interface between forest and strand vegetation. Here, we characterize the genetic diversity, its allocation within and between populations and the possible components of nuclear and cytoplasmic gene flow that determine the spatial distribution of the genetic variability. Five E. uniflora populations encompassing distinct biogeographical components were sampled: populations at extremes of latitudinal distribution, at an oceanic island and close to the major urban centre of Rio de Janeiro. AFLP markers showed that genetic variance among studied populations was moderate (F_st = 0.211) with 78.9% of variability residing within populations. The estimated seed and pollen components of gene flow among populations were approximately equal, with a ratio between 1.003 and 0.713 in function of the cpDNA marker used. The five populations present a considerable genetic structure, as assigned by both nuclear and chloroplastic DNA markers. Our data suggest the existence of different glacial refugia and a limited pollen and seed gene flow, mainly between the southern and the other regions enclosed in the Atlantic rain forest. Therefore, any strategy of conservation and management has to assure the preservation of several populations along the Atlantic coast, to maintain the majority of the intra specific level of diversity.     

Effects of plant sex on insect abundance across three trophic levels in the perennial shrub Buddleja cordata

Although there is a growing interest in the effects of intra‐specific plant genetic variation on species interactions, the effects of plant sex, an important axis of genetic variation, have been less studied. In addition, previous work investigating plant sex effects on species interactions has frequently focused on bitrophic interactions (e.g., herbivory), usually ignoring plant sex effects on higher trophic levels (i.e., natural enemies). Here, we investigated the effects of plant sex on herbivore abundance and that of their natural enemies associated with the dioecious shrub Buddleja cordata Kunth (Scrophulariaceae). Furthermore, we measured a subset of plant traits frequently involved in herbivore resistance and the potentially underlying plant sex effects. To this end, we recorded the abundances of a specialist leaf‐chewing caterpillar [Acronyctodes mexicanaria Walker (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)] throughout an entire growing season. We also recorded information about the caterpillar’s parasitoids, as well as leaf water content, phenolic compounds, phosphorus, and nitrogen for male and female plants of B. cordata. Plant sex did not significantly influence caterpillar abundance but did have an effect on natural enemies, with parasitoid abundance being 2.4‐fold greater on female than on male plants. The effect of plant sex on parasitoids remained significant after accounting for caterpillar abundance, suggesting that it was underlain by a trait‐mediated (rather than density‐mediated) mechanism. Finally, we found that male plants had a higher concentration of phenolic compounds (other traits did not differ between plant sexes). These results provide valuable evidence for the extended effects of plant sex on the third trophic level and point at plant traits potentially mediating such effects.     

植物激素对空心泡叶片不定芽形成的影响

空心泡是蔷薇科悬钩子属植物,属小果类果树,其聚合果肉质多浆,芳香,果味酸甜。空心泡目前尚处于野生状态,是一种很有利用前景的植物。有关悬钩子属植物组织培养已有许多报道,所有这些工作都     

Taste bud form and distribution on lips and in the oropharyngeal cavity of cardinal fish species (Apogonidae, Teleostei), with remarks on their dentition

The oral dentition and type and number of taste buds (TB) on the lips and in the oropharyngeal cavity were compared by means of SEM in 11 species of cardinal fishes (Apogonidae) belonging to five genera. The occurrence of a dense cover of skin papillae on the lips of some species (e.g., Apogon frenatus), as well as differences in structure of vomer, tongue, and palatinum, expose additional morphological characters important for clarification of the taxonomy of this group of fishes. Differences are also revealed in the type of dentition, such as on the vomer and epi-hypopharyngeal bones. Strong and dense dentition of the anterior part of the oral cavity and a high number of TB on this site in species feeding on larger prey (e.g., Cheilodipterus spp) is compared to the relatively feeble jaw armor and richness of TB on the more pharyngeal site in species feeding on smaller prey (e.g., Apogon angustatus, A. frenatus). In addition to the three types of TB (Types I-III) previously described from various teleost fish, a fourth type (Type IV), comprising very small buds, was found in some cardinal fish (Apogon angustatus, A. frenatus). The various TB are distributed from the lips to the pharyngeal bones, on the breathing valves, tongue, palatinum, and pharyngeal bones; their number and type on the various sites differ in the different species. In all species studied the Types I and II TB, elevated above the surrounding epithelium, dominated the lips and anterior part of mouth, while Types III and IV, which end apically at the level with the epithelium, dominated the more posterior pharyngeal region. The highest number of TB, around 24,600, were found in Fowleria variegata, a typical nocturnal species, and the lowest in the diurnal and crepuscular Apogon cyanosoma (1,660) and Cheilodipterus quinquestriatus (2,400). Differences are also revealed in the type of dentition, such as on the vomer and epi-hypopharyngeal bones. The number of TB increased with growth of the fishes. The differences in the total number of TB and their distribution in the oropharyngeal cavity in the various species indicates possible different mechanisms of foraging and food-recognition.     

干旱胁迫对3种灌木不同器官化学计量特征的影响

采用盆栽控水试验,研究了3个水分处理,即田间持水量(FC)的(75±5)％、(55±5)％和(35±5)％,对丁香、黄刺梅、连翘的叶、茎、极细根(0～1 mm)、细根(1～2 mm)和粗根(＞2 mm)化学计量特征的影响.结果表明:3种灌木相同器官间氮(N)和磷(P)含量以及C∶N、C∶P、N∶P均存在显著差异.随着干...     

Impacts of the invasive fungus Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust) on three Australian Myrtaceae species of coastal swamp woodland

Exotic fungal pathogens can substantially affect individuals and populations of susceptible native plant species, potentially resulting in changes in community structure and composition. Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust) is a pathogenic fungus native to South America that affects species in the plant family Myrtaceae. The pathogen was introduced accidentally to Australia and first detected in NSW in April 2010. Ecological impacts have been poorly studied in the native range of A. psidii and even less in its Australian introduced range. In order to assess the potential impact of A. psidii on coastal swamp woodland, two glasshouse experiments were conducted using three co‐occurring species: Melaleuca quinquenervia, Leptospermum laevigatum and Baeckea linifolia. Plants of each species were grown individually (Experiment 1) and in mixed species assemblages (Experiment 2), with half inoculated with A. psidii and the other half remaining as controls. Infection level was assessed and impact on seedling survival and growth recorded. In both experiments L. laevigatum and M. quinquenervia seedlings were heavily infected and showed high degrees of susceptibility with negative effects on growth (height, biomass and number of leaves). In contrast, no B. linifolia seedling presented visible symptoms of disease, although seedlings showed reduced growth. Melaleuca quinquenervia seedlings had greater infection levels and suffered greater growth reductions than L. laevigatum in both experiments. However, there was no significant difference in the relative abundance of the three species in the mixed‐species experiment. This study provides a better understanding of the potential impacts of A. psidii in this vegetation community and has significant implications for the conservation and management of Australian Myrtaceae‐dominated plant communities generally.     

Effects of rabbit gut passage on seed retrieval and germination of three shrub species

It has been known for a few decades that European rabbits consume seeds and fleshy fruits of native woody plants, but relevant factors in the endozoochory processes such as seed predation (chewing and digestion), sexual differentiation, or the temporal pattern of seed recovery have been little evaluated until now. In this study, we examined seed dispersal of three Mediterranean shrub species by wild rabbits through monitoring of seed retrieval and germination after gut passage. Twelve adult wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus; six males and six females) of similar size and age were fed seeds of three shrub species with fleshy fruits (Crataegus monogyna, Myrtus communis and Pistacia lentiscus). After ingestion of fruits, seeds were retrieved from dung every 12 h for a day and a half. The viability and germination of retrieved seeds were tested along with that of uneaten seeds. Between 5% and 76% of ingested seeds were retrieved from dung, with significant differences between species and sex. Most M. communis seeds were retrieved with 12–24 h after ingestion; almost all C. monogyna seeds were recovered with 0–12 h after ingestion; no seeds of P. lentiscus were recovered. Only in the case of M. communis seed was the recovery rate greater in female than in male. Passage through the rabbit gut significantly increased seed germination in M. communis, and decreased it in C. monogyna. In conclusion, wild rabbits acted in this study as predators of C. monogyna and P. lentiscus seeds and potential dispersers of M. communis seeds.     

The reversible effect of colchicine on the taste bud cells of the central circumvallate papilla in the rat

Summary It is believed that differentiation and maintenance of taste buds in vertebrates is dependent on the trophic function of their sensory nerve supply. In the present work colchicine was injected into the circumvallate papilla of the rat. This produced a reversible blockade of neuroplasmic transport and disappearance of taste buds. Colchicine inhibited the further differentiation of bud cells, but apparently did not change the life cycle of the cells present already at the time of injection. It is speculated that the neurotrophic factors in this particular cell system are effective to induce cell differentiation only.This work was supported by CAIT Grant No 1776     

Anatomical aspects of the gynoecium of species of Anthurium sect. Urospadix Engl. (Araceae,Alismatales)

Anthurium sect. Urospadix includes approximately 70 species differently distributed in Eastern Brazil, Western South America, and Central America. The present work studied the gynoecia of species of section Urospadix to describe their anatomical features. In all the species studied, the apical portion of the gynoecium differentiates into a stigma covered with short trichomes and an adjacent region formed by isodiametric cells. The stylar canal comprises short, unicellular secretory trichomes extending up to the ovarian aperture. Carpels are apically symplicate and basally synascidiate with a septum that does not reach the apical portion of the locule. The apical portion of the septum differentiates into long, secretory trichomes while the subapical one differentiates into the placenta. Locules are filled with mucilage. Since the epidermis of the region adjacent to the stigma, the length of the stylar portion, and the number of cell layers of the ovarian septum vary among the species studied, they may be useful for further taxonomic and systematic purposes. The present work is the first detailed report of trichome location and distribution on the gynoecia of Anthurium.     

Plant species variation in bottom‐up effects across three trophic levels: a test of traits and mechanisms

1. An increasing number of studies have addressed the mechanisms by which plant inter‐specific variation influence interactions at higher trophic levels, but little is known about the underlying plant traits driving these dynamics. 2. Here we investigated the effects of host plant species on herbivore‐parasitoid interactions and the underlying traits driving such effects. For this, we measured the abundance of seed‐eating bruchids and their parasitoids across seven sympatric populations of the bean species Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus vulgaris in Central Mexico. To investigate the mechanisms underlying differences between bean species in bruchid‐parasitoid interactions, we carried out two laboratory experiments to test whether bruchid and parasitoid performance differed between plant species. We also measured seed size and phenolic compounds to investigate if seed traits mediate bruchid‐parasitoid interactions by influencing herbivore susceptibility or resistance to parasitoids. 3. Field surveys revealed that the rate of parasitoid recruitment to bruchids was significantly higher on P. vulgaris than on P. coccineus. Subsequent laboratory bioassays indicated that bruchids developed more slowly and exhibited lower fitness on P. vulgaris seeds than on P. coccineus seeds. Accordingly, we found that bean species differed in seed size, with P. vulgaris having smaller (less nutritious) seeds, which explains why bruchid development was slower on this plant species. 4. These results provide a mechanism for why bruchids exhibited higher parasitism rates on seeds of P. vulgaris in the field which could be due to Slow‐Growth/High‐Mortality effects, a smaller physical refuge provided by the seed, or both factors. The roles of these mechanisms remain inconclusive without further study.     

Scavenging effects of phenolic compounds on reactive oxygen species

Phenolic compounds are widely present in plants and they have received considerable attention due to their antioxidant property. In this article we report the results of a study of the reactivity of 10 selected phenolics (sesamol, three phenolic acids, three flavonols, one flavone, and two flavanones) with superoxide anion radical (O(2) (*)), hydroxyl radical (HO(*)) and singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)). The following generators of reactive oxygen species were used: 18-crown-6/KO(2)/dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) or hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase as sources of O(2) (*), the Fenton reaction carried out in a sodium trifluoroacetate (pH 6.15) for HO(*), and a mixture of alkaline aqueous H(2)O(2) and cobalt ions for (1)O(2). We have employed chemiluminescence, electron spin resonance spin trapping, and spectrophotometry techniques to examine an antioxidative property. All tested compounds acted as scavengers of various reactive oxygen species. The reactivity indexes (beta) for the reaction of the phenolic compounds with HO(*) were calculated.     

In vitro studies on the anatomy and morphology of bud regeneration in melon cotyledons

Summary The anatomy and morphology of bud regeneration were investigated in melon (Cucumis melo L.) cv. Galia, which regenerates in vitro only by direct organogenesis from the cotyledon explant. Explants were cut from the cotyledon proximal to the apex from 3-d-old in vitro seedlings. After 3 d on Murashige and Skoog medium with N⁶-benzyladenine, cell division can be observed in the epidermal layer on the adaxial side in the center of the explant, near the most proximal (wounded) cut edge. Over the next week, the area of the meristem increases laterally. Additional cell layers are added to the meristematic area by cell division in the epidermis. In places the epidermis remains active in cell division. Alongside those active areas there are zones where the epidermis has become inactive, although the subepidermal layers continue to divide. In transverse section, the explant now has small protuberances on the adaxial surface. After 10 d on cytokinin-containing medium, the first signs of development are visible on the adaxial surface adjacent to the proximal cut edge. The protuberances observed after 10 d are neither primordia nor buds, although some meristematic bulges are observed. The first regenerated shoot buds are observed histologically after 15 d, by which time the surface has many protuberances and some small leaves. The first shoot is found by histology after 22 d. By this time the surface is covered with protrusions and leaves, mostly without accompanying buds. The leaves may be produced from the protrusions initially visible after 10 d.     

Association of the Production of Phenylpropanoid Compounds at the Infection Sites of Corynespora cassiicola with Soybean Resistance against Target Spot

This study investigated, at the microscopic level, whether the differential defence responses of soybean cultivars that are resistant (Fundacep 59) and susceptible (TMG 132) to target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, could be associated with an increase in the production of phenolics, flavonoids and lignin at the infection sites. Many larger necrotic lesions with yellow halos were noticed on the leaves of plants from cultivar TMG 132, in contrast to the leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59. Necrotic lesions also developed on the petioles of leaves of plants from cultivar TMG 132, while on the petioles and veins of leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59, the lesions were of purple colour. The growth of fungal hyphae was reduced on the leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59, and an apparently high density of trichomes was found in comparison with the leaves of plants from cultivar TMG 132. An appressorium‐like structure was produced at one or both extremities of the conidium of C. cassiicola, preferentially at the major and minor veins on the adaxial leaf surface of plants from both cultivars. Most cells on the leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59 reacted against C. cassiicola infection by accumulating phenolic‐like compounds, which contributed to the death of many fungal hyphae and a greater maintenance of cell integrity. In contrast, fungal hyphae grew without any impedance in the leaf cells of plants from cultivar TMG 132, which was associated with signs of intense leaf tissue disorganization. Stronger autofluorescence and deposition of lignin and flavonoids were found in the cells of leaves of plants from cultivar Fundacep 59, in contrast to cultivar TMG 132. It can be concluded that soybean resistance to target spot is probably dependent on the activation of the phenylpropanoid pathway.     

黄土丘陵沟壑区主要物种植冠种子库动态及其生态策略

植冠种子库是植物适应环境并应对外界干扰的种子生态策略之一,研究了黄土丘陵沟壑区12种主要植物植冠种子库动态,结果表明:杠柳不具有植冠种子库,其他11种植物均具有植冠种子库;除了黄刺玫种子在翌年5月达到脱落高峰,其他植物大部分种子在冬季脱落,其中杠柳、达乌里胡枝子、茭蒿、黄柏刺和水栒子的大部分种子脱落集中偏早,铁杆蒿和土庄绣线菊的大部分种子脱落集中偏晚;植冠宿存对大部分植物种子的萌发特性表现为促进作用;但不同植物种子的萌发时滞对植冠宿存响应差异较大;9种植物种子在植冠上宿存至翌年2月底,其种子活力仍能维持达60%以上;该区植物表现出不同的植冠种子库策略,通过不同的方式来减少干扰的威胁,提高成功萌发与更新的几率,它们或具有较大规模的宿存量、或调控种子萌发特性、或提高种子维持活力的百分比。此外,全面了解该区植物形成植冠种子库的机理及对应的生态策略还有待于全面、深入的研究。     

Adventitious bud production on explants of Begonia×hiemalis depends on the developmental state of the donor plant

In vitro responses can be influenced by the developmental status of the donor plant tissue. The effects of the donor plant photoperiod and the developmental stage of the plant on organogenesis of petiole explants of Begonia × hiemalis cv. Schwabenland Pink are reported. Long day plants had progressively more branches, total stem length, leaf area, and branch and shoot mass. In short days, flowering was earlier and a greater proportion of dry weight accumulation was allocated to reproductive structures. Similar explant responses were obtained from all developmental stages until flowering was well advanced in short days and then the regenerative capacity diminished. Primary measurements of donor leaves (length, area and weight) at the time of explant removal were not well correlated with adventitious bud production. Loss of regeneration was not determined by tissue or plant age but was associated with the progressive development of flowers. Thus the donor plant photoperiod only indirectly affected bud production. Organogenesis decreased with duration of short days but increased in long days and thus both the duration of the multiplication phase and the intensity of the in vitro response was enhanced by maintaining donor plants in long days.     

青藏高原东缘灌木种子的萌发特性

种子萌发和种子大小是植物生活史中的两个关键性特征,它关系到幼苗的建成、存活、竞争和个体未来的适合度。对青藏高原东缘43种灌木（12种优势种,31种常见种）种子的萌发特性、萌发模式以及种子大小对萌发能力的影响进行了比较研究。结果显示,萌发率在80%以上的物种：优势种有3种（鲜卑花、千里香杜鹃和山生柳）,占25%;常见种有1种（白毛银露梅）,占3.23%。萌发率在60%～80%的物种：优势种有1种（中国沙棘）,占8.33%;常见种有12种（红毛杜鹃、蒙古绣线菊、短叶锦鸡儿等）,占38.71%。萌发率在40%～60%的物种：优势种有1种（锥花小檗）,占8.33%;常见种有5种（暴马丁香、密叶锦鸡儿和肋果沙棘等）,占16.13%。萌发率在20%～40%的物种：优势种有2种（烈香杜鹃和小叶金露梅）,占6.45%;常见种有1种（紫丁香）,占3.23%。萌发率在20%以下的物种：优势种有5种（置疑小檗、高山绣线菊和岩生忍冬等）,占41.67%;常见种有12种（甘肃小檗、刚毛忍冬、陕甘花楸等）,占36.36%。优势种和常见种的萌发主要有爆发型、过渡型、缓萌型和低萌型。优势种具有较多的过渡型和缓萌型种,有较少爆发型和低萌型种;常见种中过渡型、缓萌型和低萌型物种比例均在30%左右,爆发型仅有3.32%。优势种中的爆发型要多于常见种,而低萌型的种要少于常见种。萌发率和萌发速率与种子大小呈显著的负相关关系,萌发开始时间和萌发持续时间与种子大小有较弱的关联性。     

木棉叶酚性成分研究

采用硅胶、MCI和Sephadex LH-20层析方法对木棉叶的化学成分进行分离纯化,鉴定了12个酚性化合物,分别为芒果苷(1)、东莨菪内酯(2)、滨蒿内酯(3)、原儿茶酸(4)、七叶内酯(5)、柠檬油素(6)、龙胆酸(7)、东莨菪苷(8)、七叶苷(9)、丁香酸葡萄糖苷(10)、槲皮素(11)和木犀草素-4’-葡萄糖苷(12)。除化合物1和11,其余化合物均为首次从该属植物中分得。