NATURAL HYBRIDS BETWEEN ORYZOPSIS AND STIPA. I. ORYZOPSIS HYMENOIDES × STIPA SPECIOSA

Johnson , B. Lennart . (U. California, Los Angeles.) Natural hybrids between Oryzopsis and Stipa. I. Oryzopsis hymenoides × S. speciosa. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(9): 736–742. Illus. 1960.—Spontaneous, sterile hybrids between Oryzopsis hymenoides and Stipa speciosa heretofore have been referred to O. bloomeri, which species in an earlier paper was shown to consist of a series of hybrids between O. hymenoides and various species of Stipa. On many morphological characters (O. hymenoides × speciosa) is intermediate between its parents and similar to the other hybrids formerly classed as O. bloomeri. It is distinct from the other hybrids on characters which reflect S. speciosa, except with respect to indument of the awn which is recessive. Somatic chromosome counts are: O. enoides, 48; S. speciosa, 64; hybrid, 56. Both parents exhibit regular bivalents at meiosis. The hybrid shows only occasional bivalents and mostly asynchronous splitting or random distribution of univalents at metaphase I. Pollen abortion is complete. No evidence of natural amphiploidy or introgression was found.     

NATURAL HYBRIDS BETWEEN ORYZOPSIS AND STIPA. III. ORYZOPSIS HYMENOIDES × STIPA PINETORUM

Johnson, B. Lennart. (U. California, Los Angeles.) Natural hybrids between Oryzopsis and Stipa. III. Oryzopsis hymenoides × Stipa pinetorum. Amer. Jour. Bot. 50(3): 228–234. Illus. 1963.—On the basis of morphological characters, the spontaneous hybrid Oryzopsis hymenoides × Stipa pinetorum is included in 0. bloomeri which consists of a number of sterile, natural hybrids between O. hymenoides (2n = 48) and various American species of Stipa (2n = 32-82). While intermediate between its parents in many attributes, the pinetorum hybrid is different from the other hybrids included in O. bloomeri with respect to lemma-hair length and other characters which are diagnostic for S. pinetorum (2n = 32). The hybrid has 2n = 40 chromosomes, but some plants of the hybrid and some of O. hymenoides had small supernumerary, somatic chromosomes. The parents formed only bivalents at meiosis. The hybrid showed some affinity among 14 chromosomes per sporocyte. This affinity is nearly as great as that shown by other Stiporyzopsis hybrids with 56 or 58 chromosomes, and is consistent with the earlier suggestion that bivalent formation in polyploid species of Stipa may be gene-controlled.     

NATURAL HYBRIDS BETWEEN ORYZOPSIS AND STIPA. II. ORYZOPSIS HYMENOIDES x STIPA NEVADENSIS

Johnson , B. Lennart . (U. California, Los Angeles.) Natural hybrids between Oryzopsis and Stipa. II. Oryzopsis hymenoides X Stipa nevadensis. Amer. Jour. Bot. 49(5): 540–546. Illus. 1962.—The amphiploid Stipa nevadensis and one of its parents, S. elmeri, cross with Oryzopsis hymenoides to give nearly identical sterile hybrids heretofore referred to O. bloomeri. Tenuous differences between them proved reliable when verified cytologically. They were distinguished by chromosome counts of 2n = 58 for O. hymenoides X S. nevadensis and 2n = 42 for O. hymenoides X S. elmeri, which counts were expected on the basis of 2n = 68 for S. nevadensis, 2n = 36 for S. elmeri and 2n = 48 for O. hymenoides The parents showed regular bivalent formation and the hybrids mostly univalents. A suggestion that bivalent formation in polyploid species of Stipa may be genically controlled is based on the assumption of homology between different genomes of the amphiploid, S. nevadensis.     

The foraging behavior of granivorous rodents and short-term apparent competition among seeds

The foraging behavior of a predator species is thought to bethe cause of short-term apparent competition among those preyspecies that share the predator. Short-term apparent competitionis the negative indirect effect that one prey species has onanother prey species via its effects on predator foraging behavior.In theory, the density-dependent foraging behavior of granivorousrodents and their preference for certain seeds are capable of inducing short-term apparent competition among seed species.In this study, I examined the foraging behavior of two heteromyidrodent species (family Heteromyidae), Merriam's kangaroo rats(Dipodomys merriami) and little pocket mice (Perognathus longimembris).In one experiment I tested the preferences of both rodent speciesfor the seeds of eight plant species. Both rodent species exhibiteddistinct but variable preferences for some seeds and avoidanceof others. However, the differences in preference appearedto have only an occasional effect on the strength of the short-term apparent competition detected in a field experiment. In anotherexperiment, I found that captive individuals of both rodentspecies had approximately equal foraging effort (i.e., timespent foraging) in patches that contained a highly preferredseed type (Oryzopsis hymenoides) regardless of seed density and the presence of a less preferred seed type (Astragalus cicer)in the patches. The rodents also harvested a large proportionof O. hymenoides seeds regardless of initial seed density;this precluded a negative indirect effect of A. cicer on O.hymenoides. But there was a negative indirect effect of O.hymenoides on A. cicer caused by rodents having a lower foragingeffort in patches that only contained A. cicer seeds than inpatches that contained A. cicer and O. hymenoides seeds. Theindirect interaction between O. hymenoides and A. cicer thusrepresented a case of short-term apparent competition thatwas non-reciprocal. Most importantly, it was caused by theforaging behavior of the rodents.     

The influence of seed apparency,nutrient content and chemical defenses on dietary preference in Dipodomys ordii

Summary Physical, nutritional and defensive qualities of seeds differ in the extent to which they influence granivore preference. In a study aimed to quantifying those differences, Ord's kangaroo rats (Dipodomys ordii) were found to prefer the seeds of just three of twenty-nine species: Cryptantha crassisepala, Oryzopsis hymenoides and Salsola kali. Oryzopsis hymenoides was most preferred during the early plant growth season (April–July); preference for S. kali peaked during late (August–November) and dormant (December–March) seasons; and greatest preference for C. crassisepala occurred during dormant and early seasons. Regression of forage ratios, averaged across seasons, against seed length, mass, abundance, patchiness, percent nitrogen, energy content, and chemical defenses showed seed length to be the most important predictor of seed preference. Seed length combined with nitrogen (protein) content and levels of two defensive compounds, saponins and non-protein amino acids, to account for 68% of the variation in seed preference. The importance of seed length rather than biomass indicated that there are limits to the ability of D. ordii to detect small seeds and that small size facilitated escape of dispersed seeds. Seasonality in preference suggested, however, that seed escape was encountered by predispersal harvesting of newly maturing seeds still on plants. Maximization of protein intake contradicted previously published observations, but presumably reflected low nitrogen availability. In addition to small size, the presence of saponins or non-protein amino acids in seeds was sufficient to negate the positive influence of higher protein content.     

AUTOPOLYPLOIDY IN HEUCHERA MICRANTHA (SAXIFRAGACEAE)

Heuchera micrantha (Saxifragaceae) is a morphologically variable species comprising five varieties: diversifolia, erubescens, hartwegii, micrantha, and pacifica. Both diploids (2n = 14) and tetraploids (2n = 28) occur within the species. The tetraploid cytotype occupies the central portion of the geographic range of the species, whereas diploids occur primarily in the southern and northern portions of the range. Both diploids and tetraploids have been detected within vars. diversifolia, pacifica, and hartwegii. All counts for vars. erubescens and micrantha are diploid and tetraploid, respectively. Several lines of evidence suggest that tetraploid H. micrantha is of autopolyploid origin. The species is distinct morphologically and is also well separated geographically from other closely related species in subsection Micranthae. The two cytotypes are karyologically identical, possess nearly the same suite of allozymes, and have a very high genetic identity (Ī = 0.971). Significantly, an earlier study documented tetrasomic inheritance in the tetraploid cytotype. Following theoretical expectations, the mean number of alleles per locus, proportion of loci that are polymorphic, and observed heterozygosity are significantly higher for the autotetraploid than for the diploid. The occurrence of both cytotypes in three of the varieties suggests that autopolyploidy may have occurred several times independently in H. micrantha. This was further substantiated by discriminant analysis using morphological characters, which provided evidence for a minimum of two separate origins for the autopolyploid cytotype.     

Predator-mediated interactions among the seeds of desert plants

In theory, seed predators are capable of inducing indirect interactions among the seeds they consume. However, empirical evidence of predator-mediated interactions among seeds is rare. Rodents in the Heteromyidae are highly granivorous and therefore likely to induce indirect interactions among the seeds of desert plants. The indirect interactions may be in the form of apparent competition and apparent mutualism between seeds within a patch. Apparent competition exists when the survival of seeds of a focal species is lessened because of the presence of additional seeds of other species in the patch. Apparent mutualism exists when the presence of the other seeds results in an increase in survival of seeds of the focal species. By measuring seed removal from trays placed in the field, apparent competition between the seeds of several plant species was detected. Apparent mutualism might also exist, but there was no strong evidence of it. Apparent competition appeared most likely to occur among the species whose seeds were the most heavily predated. For instance, predation on seeds of Astragalus cicer, Oryzopsis hymenoides, and Sphaeralcea coccinea was substantial with more than 50% of the seeds removed from the trays, on average. The intensity of apparent competition (measured by the indirect effect, IS) between these species and two others was significant; IS ranged from –0.02 to –0.39 on a scale of 0 to –1. This indicates that, in some communities, indirect effects are most likely to exist when direct effects are strong. Received: 5 August 1999 / Accepted: 2 March 2000     

Nitrogen Fixation Associated with Sand Grain Root Sheaths (Rhizosheaths) of Certain Xeric Grasses

Nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) was found to be associated with sand grain root sheaths (rhizoseaths) occurring on the following xeric grasses: Oryzopsis hymenoides (Roem. and Shult.) Ricker, Agropyron dasystachyum (Hook.) Scrib., Stipa comata Trin. and Rupr., and Aristida purpurea Nutt. Acetylene reduction rates associated with whole plant specimens of these species varied from 515 to 920 nmol C₂H₄/(g dry wt.) × (6 days). Nitrogenase activity was shown to be associated with the rhizosheaths. Bacillus polymyxa-like nitrogen fixers were isolated from the rhizosheaths of each grass. The isolates reduced acetylene and assimilated ¹⁵N₂.     

SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF RHIZOSHEATHS OF ORYZOPSIS HYMENOIDES

Structural features and microorganisms associated with rhizosheaths (sand grain root sheaths) of Oryzopsis hymenoides were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Rhizosheath structure appears to depend primarily on the extent of root hair growth and the bonding between root hairs and sand grains. Several sources of bonding agents are suggested, but plant products may be the most important. Microorganisms, usually rod forms, were frequently observed in association with coatings, resembling mucilage, on root surfaces and root hairs. The fungus Olpidium and unusual bacterial forms resembling Ancalomicrobium and Hyphomicrobium were observed on or near root surfaces. Mycorrhizae were not observed nor could the presence of actinomycetes be attested to.     

The ratio of germanium to silicon in plant phytoliths: quantification of biological discrimination under controlled experimental conditions

Slight differences in the chemical behavior of germanium (Ge) and silicon (Si) during soil weathering enable Ge/Si ratios to be used as a tracer of Si pathways. Mineral weathering and biogenic silicon cycling are the primary modifiers of Ge/Si ratios, but knowledge of the biogenic cycling component is based on relatively few studies. We conducted two sets of greenhouse experiments in order to better quantify the range and variability in Ge discrimination by plants. Graminoid species commonly found in North American grassland systems, Agropyron smithii, Schizachyrium scoparium, and Andropogon gerardii were grown under controlled hydroponic environmental conditions. Silicon leaf contents were positively correlated with solution Si and ambient temperature but not with nutrient solution pH, electrical conductivity, or species. The Ge/Si ratio incorporated into phytoliths shows a distribution coefficient [(Ge/Si)_phytolith/(Ge/Si)_solution] of about 0.2 and is remarkably invariant between species, photosynthetic pathway, and solution temperature. Ge seems to be discriminated against during the uptake and translocation of Si to the opal deposition sites by about a factor of five. In the second experiment, a wider range of graminoid species (Agropyron smithii, Bouteloua gracilis, Buchloe dactyloides, Oryzopsis hymenoides, Schizachyrium scoparium and Andropogon gerardii) were grown in two different soil mediums. Plant phytoliths showed a distribution factor of about 0.4 for field grown grasses, and 0.6 for potting soil grown grasses with no clear trends among the species. Evidence of the direction and degree of biological Ge discrimination during plant uptake provides a geochemical finger print for plants and improves the utility of Ge/Si ratios in studies of terrestrial weathering and links between Si cycles in terrestrial and marine systems.     

Morphological and molecular characterization of xOrchiaceras bergonii (Nanteuil) E.G. Cam

Abstract

Specimens of the orchid hybrid xOrchiaceras bergonii and of the two putative parental species Orchis simia and Aceras anthropophorum from Southern Italy were examined by using both morphology and molecular techniques. Hybrid morphological characters and protein profiles were intermediate between those of the two putative parental species. Chloroplast DNA restriction fragment polymorphism analysis showed differences between O. simia and A. anthropophorum. Hybrid restriction patterns were completely identical to the ones of O. simia. The data presented here confirm both the hybrid nature of xO. bergonii and that O. simia and A. anthropophorum are the parental species. Results also show that O. simia is the maternal lineage of the hybrid. The usefulness of a molecular approach in detecting maternal lineages in orchid hybrids as related to the understanding of the reproductive mechanism in parental species and to the direction of gene flow in hybrid formation are discussed.     

Phylogeny of the Saprininae reveals interesting ecological shifts in the history of the subfamily (Coleoptera: Histeridae)

A morphological data set for the histerid beetle subfamily Saprininae comprising 95 adult morphological characters scored (multistate coding) from 72 terminal taxa and four outgroups was developed in order to analyse and determine the relationships amongst the genera and subgenera of the Saprininae subfamily. Cladograms were rooted with exemplars of Dendrophilinae (genus Dendrophilus), Bacaniini (genus Bacanius), Abraeinae (genus Chaetabraeus), and Anapleini (genus Anapleus). Parsimony‐based phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the type species of each genus and subgenus of the Saprininae occurring around the world, with the exception of three taxa: Paramyrmetes foveipennis (type species of the genus Paramyrmetes), Satrapister nitens (type species of the genus Satrapister) and Xerosaprinus (Auchmosaprinus) laciniatus (type species of the subgenus Auchmosaprinus) that were not available. In addition, in order to test the monophyly of several questionable genera, multiple exemplars were added in a few cases. The analysis also included an exemplar of an apparently undescribed genus. The results of the analysis confirm the monophyly of the subfamily supported by two unique synapomorphies: (1) presence of sensory structures of the antenna; and (2) presence of the antennal cavity, as well as several other weaker synapomorphies. However, the phylogeny inferred here shows mostly low support for the deeper branches and consequently no major changes in the Saprininae classification are proposed. The presented cladogram is discussed together with its implications for the evolution of the subfamily. The most informative characters and their respective states are outlined. Multiple shifts in lifestyles have evolved during the evolutionary history of the group. Taxa found near the root of the cladogram are mostly nidicolous or myrmecophilous, and inquiliny is presumed to be the plesiomorphic lifestyle of the subfamily. The nidicolous lifestyle has undergone several transformations to other lifestyles and myrmecophily has evolved three times independently during the evolution of the subfamily. Termitoxeny has evolved two times independently in the group whereas ecological adaptation for life in caves has likewise evolved two times independently. The analyses yielded a large clade of predominantly psammophilous taxa; psammophily is thought to have evolved once and has been subsequently lost several times. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London     

Inferring species relationships among Camellia chrysanthoides and its closely related species for developing conservation strategies

Accurate species classification is important for developing conservation strategies for endangered species. Camellia chrysanthoides and its closely related species are currently threatened. However, the taxonomy of these species is complex and contentious. A total of 87 individuals from nine populations of C. chrysanthoides and its close relatives were collected and analyzed using two nuclear genes (PAL and waxy) and a chloroplast DNA fragment. Molecular and morphological evidence demonstrates that C. chrysanthoides and C. micrantha share floral traits and nuclear and chloroplast haplotypes, suggesting that they should be treated as a single species. Our nuclear results indicated that C. parvipetala is genetically close to C. chrysanthoides and C. micrantha. A barrier to gene flow between C. chrysanthoides and C. micrantha populations and the high number of private nuclear haplotypes in C. parvipetala suggest that C. chrysanthoides, C. micrantha and C. parvipetala should be recognized as three independent conservation units.     

我国原生植物假泽兰(菊科)的细胞学研究

该文研究了我国原生植物假泽兰(Mikania cordata)台湾花莲居群、苗栗居群、宜兰居群以及台北居群的染色体数目和染色体形态。结果表明:所有居群的染色体数目为2n=36,第一对染色体为近中部着丝粒染色体,其长臂中部具有次缢痕,显著大于其余染色体。各居群的核型公式皆为2n=18m+18sm,核型均为2B型,染色体内不对称性指数(A_1)的变化范围为0.38~0.39,染色体之间不对称性指数(A_2)的变化范围为0.30~0.32。此为我国假泽兰居群染色体数目的唯一报道,也是对该种核型的首次报道。结合前人对假泽兰染色体数目的研究结果,认为假泽兰存在种内非整倍性现象,但在中国台湾的居群中目前仅发现基于x=18的二倍体(2n=36)。假泽兰的第一对染色体的长臂中部具次缢痕,与假泽兰属已报道的核型相似,这一次缢痕可作为假泽兰属的细胞学标记。核型资料、野外观察以及ISSR数据显示薇甘菊(M.micrantha)在我国的成功入侵与入侵种和本土种之间的杂交渐渗无关。根据标本记录和野外考察结果,我国假泽兰现在的分布区与过去相比有了很大的缩减,推测生境的破坏和薇甘菊的侵入可能是导致假泽兰在中国台湾地区逐渐消失的主要原因。     

从种内、种间化感作用分析入侵种薇甘菊及其近邻种的非协同进化趋势

为预测入侵植物与其邻近物种间的非协同进化趋势,分别提取薇甘菊(Mikania micrantha)及其近邻种五爪金龙(Ipomoea cairica)、葛藤(Pueraria lobata)和鸡矢藤(Paederia scandens)的叶片水提液处理幼苗,对薇甘菊及其近邻种的种内、种间化感作用进行研究。结果表明,薇甘菊对3种近邻种的化感作用呈现不同趋势(SE=0.50, 0.61,–0.16),但种内存在较强的化感促进作用(SE=0.61),说明其种内化感竞争较弱;葛藤的种内化感促进作用(SE=0.32)弱于薇甘菊,种间的化感促进作用与薇甘菊相似(SE=0.52, 0.50);五爪金龙种内化感促进作用(SE=0.06)弱于薇甘菊和葛藤(SE=0.32),种间促进作用(SE=0.24)弱于薇甘菊(SE=0.61);鸡矢藤的种内、种间化感作用均表现为抑制作用(SE=–0.18,–0.07),说明种内、种间化感竞争较强。野外调查表明4种植物分布的频度和多度均表现为薇甘菊葛藤五爪金龙鸡矢藤,这与化感竞争力结果一致。可见,种内与种间化感作用在入侵植物与近邻植物的综合竞争力中扮演着极为重要的作用,这为入侵种与近邻种之间的非协同进化趋势指明了方向。     

薇甘菊化感物质对土壤氮素矿化的影响及其化感利己作用

【目的】研究入侵植物薇甘菊提取物对土壤氮素矿化的影响及化感利己作用,为薇甘菊通过释放化感物质促进自身生长并排斥本地植物生长提供实验证据,为揭示薇甘菊的入侵机制提供理论依据。【方法】采用经典的化感生测实验、化感物质添加实验以及盆栽控制实验,对比研究薇甘菊及其本地伴生植物水提液和粗提物的化感生测效应、水提液和粗提物添加对土壤氮素的影响以及水提液添加对薇甘菊生长的影响。【结果】与本地伴生种相比,薇甘菊水提液的化感抑制作用较强且促进了土壤硝态氮的生成;而薇甘菊粗提物的化感作用较弱且抑制了土壤铵态氮和硝态氮的生成。水提液盆栽控制实验结果表明,与本地伴生种火炭母相比,薇甘菊水提液具有显著的化感利己作用,这与薇甘菊水提液处理后薇甘菊生长土壤中的蛋白酶活性增强和有效氮含量增加相一致。【结论】薇甘菊可通过水溶性化感物质促进有效氮的生成来实现化感利己作用。     

果园转型生态公益林防控薇甘菊的生态改造

【背景】深圳大面积果园已转型为生态公益林,但果树被入侵的薇甘菊攀爬覆盖,严重地段已导致群落退行性演替,问题亟待解决。【方法】选取有多种生境的转型果园,分片区开展以植树为核心的生态改造试验,树种以种植后不进行人工除草抚育的血桐、幌伞枫、阴香为主,辅以提高物种多样性为目标的演替中后期树种,均采用袋装大苗于2011年5月种植。【结果】在树冠连续、郁闭的果林片区,所植苗木死亡,林下草本稀少,始终无薇甘菊。在其他非郁闭片区,血桐与幌伞枫生长良好且从未被覆盖;阴香虽于秋冬季被全覆盖但不死亡,次年春新枝穿透覆盖层正常生长;其余种苗木对薇甘菊处于劣势。【结论与意义】郁闭度高的果林片区林下光照弱,能阻止薇甘菊定居,无需人工干预;血桐和幌伞枫分别具抗/耐受薇甘菊覆盖的特性,种后均无需抚育;其余树种则需抚育。因此,掌握各个树种的特性,适地种植、按需精准定株抚育是转型果园低成本、技术简单、一劳永逸地防控薇甘菊生态改造的精髓。在应对有害藤本危害时,勿忽略筛选出不惧该藤本的植物种的可能,在不使用农药、无有效动物或微生物天敌的情况下,它们有可能成为生态安全的防控改造树种。     

Heterozygosity and hybrid performance in larch

Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPD) were used for estimating genetic distances between 12 European larches (Larix decidua) and 12 Japanese larches (L. kaempferi) that were the parents in a factorial mating design. One hundred and eleven fragments were used for establishing genetic distances based on Jaccard's coefficient between parents. Thirteen fragments differentiated the larch species. The genetic distance between individuals of the same species (D _J =0.39 in the Japanese larch and 0.45 in the European larch) was lower than the genetic distance between species (D _J =0.72). A UPGMA dendrogram based on genetic distances clearly clustered each larch species, confirming the speciation at a molecular level. Correlations between genetic distances of the parents and performances of the hybrid families were established for various quantitative traits. Significant values were found for growth characters and branch insertion angle, which suggested an effect of general heterozygosity level on hybrid traits. These correlations also evolved with tree age: the maximal correlation was noticed on 6-year-old trees for height. The lack of correlation between parental genetic distances and hybrid performances for the other quantitative traits suggested that these characters were controlled by fewer genes. The results of this study show that crosses between genetically distant parents produce hybrids with excellent growth performances; this represents a potential selection criterion of the genitors.     

EVOLUTION OF DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMS IN VOLVOX (CHLOROPHYTA)1

The volvocine green algal genus Volvox includes ～20 species with diverse sizes (in terms of both diameter and cell number), morphologies, and developmental programs. Two suites of characters are shared among distantly related lineages within Volvox. The traits characteristic of all species of Volvox—large (>500) numbers of small somatic cells, much smaller numbers of reproductive cells, and oogamy in sexual reproduction—have three or possibly four separate origins. In addition, some species have evolved a suite of developmental characters that differs from the ancestral developmental program. Most multicellular volvocine algae, including some species of Volvox, share an unusual pattern of cell division known as palintomy or multiple fission. Asexual reproductive cells (gonidia) grow up to many times their initial size and then divide several times in rapid succession, with little or no growth between divisions. Three separate Volvox lineages have evolved a reduced form of palintomy in which reproductive cells are small and grow between cell divisions. In each case, these changes are accompanied by a reduction in the rate of cell division and by a requirement of light for cell division to occur. Thus, two suites of characters—those characteristic of all Volvox species and those related to reduced palintomy—have each evolved convergently or in parallel in lineages that diverged at least 175 million years ago (mya).