Within-tree spatial variation in the leaf monoterpenes of Sequoia sempervirens

Location within a tree was analyzed as a source of variation in Sequoia sempervirens leaf monoterpenes. No differences were found for quantitative composition or total yield/dry wt among lower, middle and upper canopy positions. The awlshaped, spirally arranged leaves of vigorous upper shoots showed small quantitative compositional differences, but not differences in total yield. The intermediate leaf form of young sprouts had the most different monoterpene quantitative composition and about three times the total yield of the above two leaf forms. Analysis of a clonal ring of 17 adult trees resulted in coefficients of variation similar to those for samples collected from different canopy levels of the same shoot. Results revealed the sources and magnitudes of experimental error in comparative studies of this species' leaf monoterpenes, and did not support the concept that somatic mutation provides an important source of variation in a large, long-lived organism such as coast redwood.     

FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON JUVENILE AND ADULT HEDERA

Robbins , William J. (The New York Botanical Garden, New York, N. Y.) Further observations on juvenile and adult Hedera. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(6) : 485–491. Illus. 1960.—Plants of arborescent Hedera helix sprayed with gibberellic acid produced juvenile shoots. Juvenile characters appeared in December to March from applications of gibberellic acid made from May to July. Gibberellic acid modified inflorescences toward a vegetative condition. Previous reports that seeds of arborescent Hedera helix produce juvenile plants were confirmed. Seedlings of a variant, Hedera helix ‘238th Street,‘ which has adult-shaped leaves on a vine type of growth produced vines with lobed leaves. Heavy pruning of arborescent Hedera helix caused the production of juvenile shoots.     

EFFECTS OF X IRRADIATION ON LEMNA PERPUSILLA

Posner , Herbert B., and William S. Hillman . (Yale U., New Haven, Conn.) Effects of x irradiation on Lemna perpusilla. Amer. Jour. Bot. 47(6): 506–511. Illus. 1960.—The effects of x rays on the multiplication rates (MR), percent flowering (Fl%) and gross morphology of aseptically grown cultures of Lemna perpusilla, strain 6746, were studied. MR values are unaffected by doses of less than 300 r but are progressively depressed as the dose increases. The effect of a given dose on short-term MR values is the same at the 2 dosage intensities used, 500 and 2000 r/min. The inhibitory effect of intermediate doses on long-term growth is delayed; high doses have an “immediate” effect. Bleaching of fronds and cessation of growth occur in all cultures given 5,000 r or higher. Radiosensitivity is not altered by addition of yeast extract and casein hydrolysate to the medium. Depressed Fl% and seed production appear to be consequences of lowered MR. Morphological aberrations such as small size, epinasty and wrinkling are temporary. Frond-sequence may be altered by x rays but this aberration is permanent. Various aspects of the results are discussed.     

Geometric morphometric analysis of the effect of temperature on wing size and shape in Aedes albopictus

Wing geometry helps to identify mosquito species, even cryptic ones. On the other hand, temperature has a well‐known effect on insect metric properties. Can such effects blur the taxonomic signal embedded in the wing? Two strains of Aedes albopictus (laboratory and field strain) were examined under three different rearing temperatures (26, 30 and 33 °C) using landmark‐ and outline‐based morphometric approaches. The wings of each experimental line were compared with Aedes aegypti. Both approaches indicated similar associations between wing size and temperature. For the laboratory strain, the wing size significantly decreased as the temperature increased. For the field strain, the largest wings were observed at the intermediate temperature. The two morphometric approaches describing shape showed different sensibilities to temperature. For both strains and sexes, the landmark‐based approach disclosed significant wing shape changes with temperature changes. The outline‐based approach showed lesser effects, detecting significant changes only in laboratory females and in field males. Despite the size and shape changes induced by temperature, the two strains of Ae. albopictus were always distinguished from Ae. aegypti. The present study confirms the lability of size. However, it also suggests that, despite environmentally‐induced variation, the architecture of the wing still provides a strong taxonomic signal.