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Flora of the British Isles.
... Present in ditches, river edges, marshes, and wetlands in wet soils and shallow water (Phillips et al., 1990(Phillips et al., , 1991. It is located in and naturalized in, Britain, Europe, Asia, New Guinea, Australia, South Africa, North America, Réunion (Clapham et al., 1962). In various subtropical and temperate regions of North America, Asia, and Europe, including India, this plant is used (Mukherjee et al., 2007). ...
... As soon as they are too large to work with, pot up young seedlings, holding them moist by fixing the containers in shallows water and overwintering in a cold or greenhouse infrastructure for the 1 st year. In Britain seed is seldomly produced (Grieve, Apple Academic Press Author Copy 1984; Clapham et al., 1962). During spring division starts since the growth start. ...
Acorus calamus L. (Sweet flag) is a flowering plant species, the Acoraceae family's tall wetland monocot. It's a perennial herbaceous vine. These are the only plants that grow bear flowers in water. The various portions of this herb, such as rhizomes and leaves, are historically utilized in various herbal formulations to treat numerous ailments inclusive of neuralgia, arthritis, diarrhoea, kidney and liver disorders, dyspepsia, eczema, sinusitis, cough, asthma, hair loss, bronchitis, and other disorders. In addition, it has also been found that this plant is active against the most common and troubling chronic ailments like cancer, heart diseases, diabetes. Biochemical analysation of the plant has uncovered an enormous number of secondary metabolites that might be accountable for its therapeutic benefits. The methods by which it exerts its therapeutic efficacy have been uncovered through basic scientific study. Other than its pharmacological properties, it additionally acts as a pesticide and helps in phytoremediation. Many active components from this plant have been procured and characterized for their wider range of pharmacological actions. Moreover, investigating the pharmacological actions of individual components present in A. calamus would bring novel and safer alternative therapeutics for a wider range of ailments. In this chapter, the botanical descriptions, ethno-therapeutic uses, phytochemical components, and biological action of plant sections, and the molecular targets of sweet flag are included which might furnish as a suitable foundation for future research on this herb.
... Taxus wallichian Zuccarini also known as Himalayan yew, is an evergreen gymnosperm found distributed in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere [48]. This plant is found in the forest of Nagaland and is used for medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of bronchitis, epilepsy, and giddiness; antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, and anticancer properties [47]. ...
... This plant is found in the forest of Nagaland and is used for medicinal purposes, such as the treatment of bronchitis, epilepsy, and giddiness; antiseptic, aphrodisiac, sedative, and anticancer properties [47]. The major phytoconstituents include essential oils, diterpenes, lignans, flavonoids, phytosterols, and phytoecdysteroids [48]. The plant has shown pharmacological activities such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic effects, and anticonvulsant effects [49]. ...
This review examines the use of 20 indigenous medicinal plants by the Naga tribes of northeast India. Each Naga tribe
has its unique culture and traditions, and their medicinal practices vary. The review focuses on the phytochemical
constituents, pharmacological and biological activities of these plants, as well as their traditional uses. The study found
evidence supporting the efficacy of these plants and confirming traditional practices, but further investigation is
necessary to fully understand their chemical components and biological effects for potential drug development.
... Lobularia maritima is native to the Mediterranean and has been introduced to the UK and is widely used as a garden ornamental plant (Clapham et a/., 1962). ...
... The findings of the present study contradict this, at least with respect to one crucifer, L.maritima. Lobularia maritima is often used as an edging plant in gardens and has fragarant nectar-bearing flowers which are frequently visited by small insects (Clapham, et al. 1962). Despite this, Rupert & Klingauf (1988) (cited by Wnuk & Wojciechowicz-Zytko, 1991) stated that "wild plants are more attractive to adult syrphids than garden ones". ...
p>Plant resources were provided for epigeal beneficial polyphagous predators of cereal aphids, as a raised grassy bank 290m long, sown with grass species of contrasting structure, within a 7ha field. Densities of polyphagous predators overwintering in the grasses were estimated by sampling from grass plots during winters (1987/88 to 1993/94). Data are presented which illustrate how densities of taxa of polyphagous predators have fluctuated during the seven winters. Samples measuring densities of polyphagous predators over the last three winters of the study showed that the within-field grass bank supported greater densities of beneficial predators than an adjacent permanent field boundary.
Floral resources in the form of the crucifer Lobularia maritima , provided along an arable field margin for hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae), in the summer, were selectively foraged upon and preferred to native arable weeds by a variety of hoverfly species with aphidophagous larvae. A white coloured variety, compared with a purple coloured variety, compared with a purple coloured variety of L.maritima was consistently visited and foraged upon more frequently, by Episyrphus balteatus , in laboratory and field experiments.
Observational studies showed that potential alternative crops were also foraged upon by beneficial Syrphidae. A field trail, using the potential alternative crop coriander, did not show any significant redistribution of Syrphidae between fields with and without border strips of coriander. Further observational studies on a hedgerow, with its floral diversity and available resources increased by sowing a mixture of alternative crops in a strip, between the hedge and crop, showed that E.balteatus remained at the enhanced strip for significantly longer periods than at the control strip. A simple model shows that the difference in numbers of E.balteatus caught in water-traps at either site cannot be fully explained simply by E.balteatus remaining at the florally diverse site for longer. To explain the differences in trap catches, E.balteatus must have immigrated to the florally diverse strip at a higher rate than to the control strip. Higher syrphid immigration rate to the florally diverse strip may have been due to the visual attractiveness of the diverse site.
Although Syrphidae are highly mobile, linear features on arable land influenced their distribution. A road and tall hedge were shown to be significant obstacles preventing the even distribution of at least one syrphid species. The potential and limitations of habitat enhancement techniques for biological control agents on farmland are discussed.</p
... Species within the genus Taxus (family Taxaceae) are evergreen gymnosperms that are widely distributed throughout the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere (Clapham et al., 1962;Krüssmann, 1983;Rehder, 1971;Rudolf, 1974;Voliotis, 1986). The species has needle-shaped leaves and bright red fruit ( Figure 1).In Pakistan, it is found in moist, temperate forests of the following regions: Swat, Murree, Galliat, Hazara, Kaghan, Kashmir, Kurram, and Chitral (Poudel et al., 2014). ...
... Generally, regeneration of this species is best in shady and moist microsites that are undisturbed (Rikhari et al., 1998). It can tolerate strong winds, frost, and drought, and usually grows on soil derived from limestone (Clapham et al., 1962). ...
Himalayan yew (Taxus wallichiana) is in high demand due to the presence of taxol in its bark, needles, and seeds. This metabolite is used for the treatment of breast and ovarian cancer. In addition, Himalayan yew wood is used to prepare slabs (Tabai), coffins (Taabut), for graveyards. Due to illegal cutting of plant parts and other anthropogenic pressures, Himalayan yew is endangered, and threatened with extinction, in Himalaya. This species grows slowly and regenerates poorly, primarily due to low production and delayed germination (1.5–2 years) of its seeds. The study being reported here was conducted to assess the factors (natural and anthropogenic) threatening this species. Nine valleys (Miandam, Kalam, Shinko, Beha, Lalku, Shahgram, Bishigram, Gurnai, and Daral) in the Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, have stands of Himalayan yew that were selected for the study. Before the survey was conducted, five informal discussions were carried out to identify people to be interviewed. A survey was conducted with 225 key informants in these valleys concerning the threats associated with this species. Nineteen percent of the respondents felt that the main problem was lack of awareness, while 17% indicated over-harvesting (peeling bark, lopping branches, etc.), and 13% thought it was slow growth. Other reasons for Himalayan yew decline included various anthropogenic pressures, such as: overgrazing, 15%; agriculture, 11%; roof construction, 9%; fuelwood, 7%; decoration, 5%; medicinal use, 3%; and other, 1% (e.g., utility poles, as blades in water turbine because of its hard nature). The results of this study suggest that there is an immediate need to protect T. wallichiana by increasing awareness of its importance and the threats from over-grazing; cuttings (peeling bark, lopping branches, etc.); and other damaging, anthropogenic activities. Biotechnological tools, such as vegetative propagation and in-vitro regeneration, could be practiced in nurseries and laboratories to produce large numbers of healthy, juvenile plants. In addition to in-situ and ex-situ conservation and management, there is a need for local community involvement in the large-scale reforestation efforts.
... Bromus diandrus, known by the common names ripgut brome or great brome, is a winter annual species (Table 2) native to the Mediterranean region and widely introduced elsewhere in the world. This species is a highly competitive weed in cereal crops in different geographies including Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania (Clapham et al. 1952;Kon and Blacklow 1989). Previous research has shown that a B. diandrus infestation of 100 plants m −2 can cause a yield loss of 30% in wheat (Gill et al. 1987). ...
This review summarizes what is currently known about herbicide resistance in Bromus spp. worldwide. Additional information on the biology and genetics of Bromus spp. is provided to further the understanding of resistance evolution and dispersal of the different species. Cases of herbicide resistance have been confirmed in Bromus catharticus Vahl., Bromus commutatus Schrad.; syn. Bromus racemosus L., Bromus diandrus Roth, Bromus japonicus Thunb.; syn. Bromus arvensis L., Bromus madritensis L., Bromus rigidus Roth; syn. Bromus diandrus Roth ssp. diandrus , Bromus rubens L., Bromus secalinus L., Bromus sterilis L., and Bromus tectorum L. in 11 countries. Bromus spp. populations have evolved cross and multiple-resistance to six herbicide sites of action: acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase, acetolactate synthase, photosystem II, very long-chain fatty acid, 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors. Resistance mechanisms varied from target-site to non-target-site or a combination of both. Bromus spp. are generally highly self-pollinated, but outcrossing can occur at low levels in some species. Bromus spp. have different ploidy levels, ranging from diploid (2 n = 2 x = 14) to duodecaploid (2 n = 12 x = 84). Herbicide resistance in Bromus spp. is a global issue, and the spread of herbicide resistance alleles primarily occurs via seed-mediated gene flow. However, the transfer of herbicide resistance alleles via pollen-mediated gene flow is possible.
... Due to the difficult access to the site, only two specimens could be collected. This new hawkweed can be categorized as a metallophyte, and is also likely an obligate serpentinophyte, being able to tolerate the several chemical and physical anomalies of ultramafic soils, especially the elevated concentrations of trace metals such as Ni, Cr and Co. Clapham et al. (1952Clapham et al. ( : 1135 are well known from the Balkan Peninsula. They may have evolved by hybridisation. ...
Hieracium moravense, a new hawkweed from the ultramafic soils of the region of Korcë in Albania, is described and illustrated.
... Their kind hospitality and interest are deeply appreciated. Cronquist (1963); eastern North America; Hitchcock et al. (1955-69), Rydberg (1922, and Abrams : western North America; Porsild (1957): Canadian Arctic Archipelago; Polunin (1959): circumpolar Arctic; Clapham et al. (1962): British Isles; Tutin et al. (1964, 1968): Europe; Hultbn (1968b), J.P. ...
... this relates to their respective strategies of adventitious branching (Gimmingham, 1960) and plagiotropic rhizome growth (Wein, 1968) which allows them to maintain an upward rate of growth that matches that of the carpet. The sporadic occurrence of A. is probably related to its initial establishment in proximity to the core and subsequent maintenance there until its demise at an age of up to 19 years ( Rutter, 1955). ...
p>Eight cores of three metres depth, spanning much of the late Holocene, were removed from raised bog sites in north-west England, central Scotland and Northern Ireland (Arnaby Moss, Ballynahone Bog, Coalburn Moss, Cranley Moss, Deer Dyke Moss, Mullenakill Bog, Wedholme Flow, Wreaks Moss). In addition a 77 cm core of recent, secondary peat was removed from one site (Arnaby Moss) in order to investigate the dynamics of its growth. Sampling at 4 cm intervals, counts were made of the plant and testate amoebae remains. From this data thirteen plant communities are recognised on their appearance as discrete phases of stratigraphy and described according to their floristics. The depth to the water table predominating during phases of each plant community was predicted by a multivariate statistical technique using the data on testate amoebae community composition. The predominance of a hydrological gradient in determining vegetation composition is apparent in Detrended Correspondence Analyses of the vegetation data. Accordingly, a model is constructed that describes the relationship between water table depth and the plant communities in order to predict the effect of management or climate change upon the vegetation of raised bogs. Primary focus is paid to the regeneration of Sphagnum dominated communities and this phenomenon is considered from six starting points according to the state of the extent vegetation and the depth and quality of the water table. Contemporary vegetation data from the nine sites studies describes their current condition and on the basis of future management on or near these sites changes in the vegetation are predicted according to the model proposed. Radiocarbon dates taken from three sites permit the assessment of rates of change, between communities and their individual rates of peat accumulation. The effect of fire on the vegetation of lowland raised bogs is also considered.</p
... Certainly, our chromosome count is the rst one from Turkey, and contrasts with the previous report by Favarger (1966). Intraspeci c karyotype variation is relatively frequent in plants, sometimes considered an evolutionary driver due to chromosome restructurings (e.g., Gillieseieae, Pellicer et al., 2017), but changes in basic chromosome numbers within species are less frequent and likely derived from production of aneuploid gametes and hybridisation (e.g., Cardamine pratensis L., Clapham et al. (1962). Based on this nding, it would be necessary to continue monitoring this species and conduct an expanded sampling to con rm if changes in the basic chromosome number re ect speci c chromosomal rearrangements following any geographical patterns, and if so, which could be the taxonomic implications in the long term. ...
... .ac.uk/affiliates/halophytes/). It grows in sandy or gravelly soils and cracks in rocks, in sunny places in dry soils usually near the sea (Clapham et al. 1962). It is one of the first colonizers of bare sand flats in the Netherlands (Koelewijn 2004). ...
The Golden Trail, used for the transport of salt from alpine mines to the Czech Kingdom for centuries, was a crucial ancient trade route in the Central European region. The contemporary road I/4, copying the Golden Trail, plays the same role today. The I/4 is used year round with deicing salt, a common standard, applied for winter maintenance. Deicing salt is often used, even in sections where the I/4 passes through the Bohemian Forest and its protected areas. The effects of applying deicing salts on ecosystems in the region is well documented. In addition to many other effects, high concentrations of salt along the roads cause significant changes in plant communities. Plant species sensitive to salinity disappear and the abundance of halophytes increases. Roads are also trajectories for the migration of neophytes. Seeds or other propagules are transported with cargo or in car tires. In this paper, we present our findings on the pilgrimage of Plantago coronopus, a true halophyte, into the Bohemian Forest. We also describe the species' colonisation strategy and human measures supporting its successful migration in a region of high conservation value.
... The flowers are yellow, between five and nine on each top, blooming in May-June; their peduncles carry two bracteoles each and are filled with dense hairs [3]. This species grows in open woodland, waysides, and pastures, and prefers calcareous soils [5]. C. laevipes has long been known in folk medicine for its wound-healing properties, and it was employed in the past in both external and internal applications. ...
The chemical composition of the volatile fraction from Galium verum L. (leaves and flowers) and Cruciata laevipes Opiz (whole plant), Rubiaceae, was investigated. Samples from these two plant species were collected at full bloom in Val di Susa (Western Alps, Turin, Italy), distilled in a Clevenger-type apparatus, and analyzed by GC/FID and GC/MS. A total of more than 70 compounds were identified, making up 92%–98% of the total oil. Chemical investigation of their essential oils indicated a quite different composition between G. verum and C. laevipes, both in terms of the major constituents and the dominant chemical classes of the specialized metabolites. The most abundant compounds identified in the essential oils from G. verum were 2-methylbenzaldheyde (26.27%, corresponding to 11.59 μg/g of fresh plant material) in the leaves and germacrene D (27.70%; 61.63 μg/g) in the flowers. C. laevipes essential oils were instead characterized by two sesquiterpenes, namely β-caryophyllene (19.90%; 15.68 μg/g) and trans-muurola-4(15),5-diene (7.60%; 5.99 μg/g); two phenylpropanoids, benzyl alcohol (8.30%; 6.71 μg/g), and phenylacetaldehyde (7.74%; 6.26 μg/g); and the green-leaf alcohol cis-3-hexen-1-ol (9.69%; 7.84 μg/g). The ecological significance of the presence of such compounds is discussed.
... Ενδιαιτήματα -Βιότοπος, Συλλογή: Εύκρατα και Υπομεσογειακά λιβάδια, βλάστηση μεγάλου υψομέτρου, ξερικά Μεσογειακά φρύγανα και λιβάδια, γεωργικά και υποβαθμισμένα τοπία ("Flora of Greece" Web, 2017). Ξερικές συνθήκες σε θαλάσσιους κρημνούς, σε βραχώδη και χαλικώδη τοπία και συνήθως σε αβαθή ασβεστολιθικά εδάφη (Clapham, Tutin, and Warburg, 1962;Triska, 1975;Launert, 1981all cited in Pfaf, 2018 Οκτώβριο-Νοέμβριο (Καββαδάς, 1956;Χανλίδου, κ.ά., 2001;. ...
Current master’s thesis reveals the significant natural symbiotic relationship that takes place between almost all plants (their roots) and fungi. Mycorrhiza dates back to 400 million years. Wild plant samples were taken by two locations of Taygetos mountain range, which is case study. Initially, takes place a bibliographic review on mycorrhiza field, a detailed presentation of the variable characteristics and parameters of the case study, Greek flora and detailed presentation of the sample plant species, categorized by family order and being presented by clear pictures of anatomical parts of the plants, reference in synonymous scientific names, common names, botanical characteristics, information about the habitat, chorology, life-form and distribution around Greece Then, follows the experiment section, that contains the root plant samples that were examined for estimating the mycorrhizal colonization in Laboratory of Crop Production in Faculty of Crop Science of Agricultural University of Athens. The annexes include further detailed information about the plant species that were selected for sampling, like general information about uses and history, as wells as any probable medicinal use according empirical and scientific base.
Modern Agriculture and Environment science considers the mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship as one of the most crucial biological relationships in whole environment. It has to do with a mutualistic relationship that helps the improvement of ecological environment through providing elements, enhancing protection by pathogens, heavy metals, salinity and drought conditions, improving soil structural composition by producing a protein that enriches the organic matter. It’s so impressive, if we consider that the plant expansion and dominance in an environment can be related to the mycorrhizal symbiosis. The mycorrhiza has a big proportion and characterized as quite active and with abundant variety in sustainable agricultural ecosystems, according recent experiment conclusions.
Key words: mycorrhiza, Arbuscular mycorrhiza, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), symbiotic relationship, mycorrhizal symbiosis, mycorrhization, wild plants, aromatic-medicinal plants, Taygetos.
... Bunium bulbocastanum commonly known as kala jeera (Black cumin) belongs to the family Apiaceae. Its fruit has been used for edible purpose for years and are used either in raw or cooked form to enhance flavor [7]. Bunium bulbocastanum exhibits antioxidant property related to its antidiabetic property, is well understood [8]. ...
Bunium bulbocastanum (family Apiaceae) fruits are normally used as a culinary spice for years. Since antioxidant property has a significant role in preventing oxidative stress, which has been demonstrated to be a major cause in the pathogenesis of cancer, the present study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of Bunium bulbocastanum fruit extracts. Standard in vitro antioxidant assays such as reducing power, super oxide scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and lipid peroxidation were performed. Anticancer activity was demonstrated using MTT assay on human cell lines. Our results indicated that extract of ethyl acetate has more antioxidation potential than the standard (ascorbic acid). Ethyl acetate, aqueous, crude methanolic, n-hexane and chloroform fractions had 31.24, 26.07, 20.67, 15.51 and 5.72% antioxidation potential at 0.5 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, in the screening of anticancer activity MTT assay revealed the potency of ethyl acetate fraction as better anticancer agent concluding the anticancer activity is due to its antioxidant property.
... Subsequently, Tzvelev (1976) transferred Scleropoa rigescens to Cutandia (as C. rigescens (Grossheim) Tzvelev (1957: 27)) and Scleropoa woronowii to the genus Sclerochloa (as S. woronowii (Hackel) Tzvelev (1957: 27)), while Scleropoa rigida remained unchanged. In the Flora Europaea (Stace 1980) Scleropoa rigida became Desmazeria rigida (Linnaeus) Tutin in Clapham et al. (1952Clapham et al. ( : 1434. More recently, S. rigida and D. rigida were reclassified as Catapodium rigidum (Linnaeus) C.E. Hubbard in Dony (1953: 437) (Flora of Turkey;Stace 1985). ...
During a revision of the genera Cutandia and Catapodium in Iran (Poaceae: subtribe Parapholiinae), the occurrence of Cutandia rigescens was confirmed for the first time on sand dunes along the southern shore of the Caspian Sea in the northern part of the country. Twenty-five important morphological and anatomical characters were examined in an attempt to separate this species from Cutandia dichotoma, C. memphitica and Catapodium rigidum, similar taxa already recorded from Iran. In addition to the morphology of the glume, lemma and palea, the most diagnostic characters proved to be: size and shape of long cells in the intercostal zone of leaf epidermis, size of short cells and long cells in the costal zone of the leaf epidermis, size of angular prickles in the leaf epidermis, number and size of vascular bundles in a cross-section of the culm, the presence or absence of parenchymatous cells in the center of the culm and number of florets. Distribution map for Iran, together with vegetation data were presented for all four species.
... The results are shown in Fig. 3. The so-called morphology index, based on species-specific botanical characteristics 34,50,51 , was used to score individual ploidy-identified birch plants. Characters such as growth form and habit were assessed in the field. ...
... Chez le genre Trifolium L. Le genre Trifolium renferme environ 290 espèces réparties à travers les régions tempérées et subtropicales mais principalement dans les régions tempérées du nord (Clapham et al., 1962). En Algérie, une classification générique a permis de classer le genre Trifolium (37 espèces) (Quézel et Santa, 1962), parmi les plus riches au sein des légumineuses fourra- gères (Issolah et Beloued, 2005). ...
... Bunium bulbocastanum commonly known as kala jeera (Black cumin) belongs to the family Apiaceae. Its fruit has been used for edible purpose for years and are used either in raw or cooked form to enhance flavor [7]. Bunium bulbocastanum exhibits antioxidant property related to its antidiabetic property, is well understood [8]. ...
Bunium bulbocastanum (family Apiaceae) fruits are normally used as a culinary spice for years. Since antioxidant property has a significant role in preventing oxidative stress, which has been demonstrated to be a major cause in the pathogenesis of cancer, the present study was aimed to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic effect of Bunium bulbocastanum fruit extracts. Standard in vitro antioxidant assays such as reducing power, super oxide scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging and lipid peroxidation were performed. Anticancer activity was demonstrated using MTT assay on human cell lines. Our results indicated that extract of ethyl acetate has more antioxidation potential than the standard (ascorbic acid). Ethyl acetate, aqueous, crude methanolic, n-hexane and chloroform fractions had 31.24, 26.07, 20.67, 15.51 and 5.72% antioxidation potential at 0.5 mg/ml respectively. Moreover, in the screening of anticancer activity MTT assay revealed the potency of ethyl acetate fraction as better anticancer agent concluding the anticancer activity is due to its antioxidant property.
... 2n ϭ 42 (10 counts from Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Scotland), 43 (1 count Sweden), 81 (1 count Norway) (Nygren 1950, Clapham et al. 1952, L ö ve and L ö ve 1956, Skali ń ska et al. 1957). ...
The Poa laxa Haenke species group, comprising four alpine-arctic taxa in P. sect. Oreinos, has a complicated and confusing taxonomic history. Here we re-examine the taxonomy of the group and section based on sequences of three plastid and two nuclear ribosomal DNA markers. Poa laxa s.l. resolved in a clade with species of sections Abbreviatae, Oreinos, Stenopoa, and Tichopoa. In plastid analyses Poa laxa s.s. (type of sect. Oreinos) resolved in a subclade with P. glauca and other sect. Stenopoa species, while all other P. laxa s.l. taxa resolved in a subclade with species of sect. Abbreviatae. We maintain P. laxa s.s. (mainly 2n=28) of west-central Europe in sect. Oreinos, while the other P. laxa s.l. taxa from northern Europe and North America (all 2n=42 or higher ploid) are referred to P. sect. Abbreviatae. In North America only one collection of the northern European P. flexuosa subsp. flexuosa is accepted (Greenland, Jensen's Nunatakker), and P. flexuosa subsp. fernaldiana is accepted for populations in eastern Canada and northeast U.S.A. A new subspecies, P. flexuosa subsp. consauliae, is described from eastern Arctic Canada and Greenland; its variable morphological characteristics suggest introgression with P. glauca and it is predicted to be apomictic. Rocky Mountain P. laxa subsp. banffiana is treated as P. banffiana. Oregon material formerly considered to belong to P. laxa s.l. is named P. wallowensis. Poa sect. Oreinos was determined to be polyphyletic, and is here emended to comprise only three continental European species, including P. laxa. Lectotypes are proposed for P. aspera var. laxiuscula, P. fernaldiana, P. flexuosa, and P. laxa var. debilior. New chromosome numbers are reported for P. flexuosa subsp. consauliae (ca. 2n=42), and P. glauca (2n=63) from Baffin Island. A key to the species and subspecies found in North America is given. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
... In fact, the fruit morphology in Potamogeton is interesting; the fruit of the genus has remained a matter of debate for so long, and it has been variously described as drupe, drupelet, achene, nutlet, drupes, or achenes by different researchers (Reichenbach 1845;Morong 1893;Fryer and Bennet 1915;Arber 1920;Muenscher 1936;Lawerence 1915;Clapham et al 1962). The unique morphological and anatomical features of the fruit are the main reasons that it has been described differently by various authors. ...
The fruit morphology of eight species of the genus Potamogeton L. in Kashmir Himalaya was examined, using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, in order to determine their utility in taxonomic delimitation. During the study, both macro- and micromorphological characters, including the fruit shape, size, color, and nature of the fruit beak, were investigated. The results reveal that the broad- and linear-leaved species have keeled fruits, whereas in filiform-leaved species the dorsal and lateral keels are either absent or obscure. The present study clearly shows the potential utility of fruit features as delimiting characters in order to distinguish different species of the genus Potamogeton in this Himalayan region.
We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Primula veris (Streptophyta; Magnoliopsida; Ericales; Primulaceae). The genome sequence has a total length of 436.20 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 12 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial and plastid genome assemblies have lengths of 326.21 kilobases and 153.48 kilobases, respectively. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 26,584 protein-coding genes.
This study established a liquid adventitious root culture for Inula crithmoides L. focusing on producing extracts rich in hepatoprotective caffeoylquinic acids through elicitation. Adventitious roots were induced from in vitro-grown plant leaves cultured on MS medium supplemented with 1 mg/L IBA. Growth and secondary metabolites accumulation (phenolics, flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids) were monitored weekly to determine the optimal harvesting time. Then, the adventitious roots were elicited for 4 weeks with varying concentrations of yeast extract–YE (50, 100 and 200 mg/L) and extracted with ethanol. The extracts were evaluated for their hepatoprotective effects against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity and analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). Roots of greenhouse-cultivated plants were used to compare the results obtained from in vitro-grown adventitious roots. IBA supplementation induced 100% adventitious root formation, with maximum biomass and phenolic accumulation after 4 weeks. Hydroxycinnamic acid levels increased significantly with YE treatment at all the concentrations, particularly in case of chlorogenic acid and di-O-caffeoylquinic acid isomers. The root extracts displayed significant in vitro hepatoprotective effects, particularly at 50 mg/L YE elicitation. Overall, the elicitation of I. crithmoides liquid root cultures with yeast extract offers a promising, efficient, and cost-effective approach for optimizing the production of valuable caffeoylquinic acids having potential pharmaceutical use.
This datasheet on Quercus ilex covers Identity, Overview, Associated Diseases, Pests or Pathogens, Distribution, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Uses, Management, Genetics and Breeding, Economics, Further Information.
Sorbus eminens, ROUND‐LEAVED WHITEBEAM is a tetraploid member of Sorbus subgenus Aria. The complex taxonomic history is summarised. This species is characterised by the large, unlobed, roundish leaves (sometimes likened in shape to a tennis ball) with rounded bases and few veins and usually acuminate, outwardly directed teeth, and large red fruits which are wider than long.
Sorbus porrigentiformis, GREY‐LEAVED WHITEBEAM, is described and illustrated. It is a neoendemic with obovate leaves and fruits wider than long, and it is widespread in south‐west England and South Wales. It was originally broadly circumscribed, but it has now been split into at least 11 constituent parts. It is a cornerstone species for Sorbus speciation in Britain. It may have originated from S. aria × S. rupicola or from an ancestral taxon in Central Europe.
This datasheet on Medicago polymorpha covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
This datasheet on Dipsacus fullonum covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
This datasheet on Bunias orientalis covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.
Four illustrations and two herbarium specimens constitute what could be considered as original material for the name Lilium pyrenaicum Gouan. The history of this species, a full evaluation of each element of the original material and the importance of Linnaeus's discourse with Gouan concerning the species are fully discussed. One of the four illustrations, the engraving in Clusius cited by Gouan, is chosen as the lectotype for the name.
Excavations in the grounds of St Patrick's Church, Edinburgh (NGR: NT 26123 73610) were undertaken by Headland Archaeology from November 2006 to February 2007 on behalf of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh in advance of the construction of a hotel on the site. Soil analyses suggested that flash floods had swept through this part of Cowgate up until the early development of the medieval town upslope in the 11th–12th centuries. This early pattern was followed by the gradual build-up of material washed downslope from the High Street; this contained midden material and dung beetles, illustrating the nearby presence of the town. The site lay outwith the bounds of the burgh until the 14th century, when a substantial ditch was cut across the site, believed to be the medieval town boundary. The ditch was backfilled in the 15th century and finds and samples have revealed a vivid picture of life in the medieval town. The ditch was a stinking rubbish dump for many kinds of human and animal detritus, which illustrates that the Cowgate was a busy thoroughfare to the town's markets and contained a variety of industries, including horn working. After the ditch was filled in deep midden deposits, characteristic of this area of Edinburgh, built up on the site.
تضمنت الدراسة الحالية تقييم فاعلية خمسة أنواع من المساحيق الخاملة وهي مسحوق السربنتينيت Serpintinite ، البيتايتAlbitite ، اللايمستون Limeston ، الصلصال Marl و الإردواز Slate وثلاثة أنواع من المساحيق النباتية وهي مسحوق الثوم Allium sativum, الفلفل الأسود Piper nigrum والكمونCuminum cyminum وخمسة أنواع من الزيوت النباتية وهي زيت الحبة السوداء Nigella sativa , الخروع Ricinus communis , زهرة الشمس Helianthus annuus , الكتان Linum usitatissimum و الخردل Brassica juncea في خنفساء اللوبيا الجنوبية Callosobruchus maculatus
أظهرت النتائج الدراسة ان فاعلية مسحوق الصلصال ومسحوق ثمار الكمون وزيت الخردل تفوقت معنويا على بقية المساحيق الخاملة والنباتية والزيوت النباتية وبنسب قتل بلغت نسبة 29.76, 55.31% , 34.53% على التوالي. وبالنسبة لتقليل عدد البيض وزيادة نسبة الطرد المئوية أيضا تفوقت مسحوق الصلصال على بقية المساحيق الخاملة فقد بلغت 163.0, 65.42% على التوالي ومسحوق الكمون على بقية المساحيق النباتية فقد بلغت 84.5, 95.14% على التوالي وزيت الخردل على بقية الزيوت فقد بلغت 161.13, 64.4% على التوالي.
أما بالنسبة لزيادة الفترة اللازمة لخروج أفراد الجيل الأولF1 فبلغت 21 يوما مع المساحيق الخاملة عند التراكيز 10, 20, 30غم/كغم, بينما تفوقت مسحوق الكمون على بقية المساحيق النباتية فقد بلغت 22.63 يوما, وزيت الخردل على بقية الزيوت النباتية فبلغت 28.08يوما, وبالنسبة لتقليل عدد الحشرات البازغة وزيادة النسبة المئوية لخفض أفراد الجيل الأولF1 تفوقت مسحوق الإردواز على بقية المساحيق الخاملة فقد بلغت 105.75, 58.92% على التوالي, ومسحوق الكمون على بقية المساحيق النباتية حيث بلغت 47.25, 95.15% على التوالي وزيت الكتان على بقية الزيوت النباتية فقد بلغت 48.5, 97.43% على التوالي.
أما بالنسبة لتقليل النسبة المئوية للضرر ودليل ثقب السوس تفوقت مسحوق السربنتين على بقية المساحيق الخاملة فقد بلغت 65.31, 69.86% على التوالي ومسحوق الكمون على بقية المساحيق النباتية فقد بلغت 26.38, 10.64% على التوالي وزيت الكتان على بقية الزيوت النباتية فقد بلغت 24.90%, 6.00% على التوالي وبالنسبة لتقليل النسبة المئوية للفقد في الوزن تفوقت مسحوق الإردواز ومسحوق الكمون وزيت الخردل على بقية المساحيق الخاملة والنباتية والزيوت النباتية فقد بلغت 30.75, 17.2% , 16.88% على التوالي. ولم يكن هناك فروق معنوية بين جميع المساحيق الخاملة والسيطرة من حيث النسبة المئوية للإنبات اذ تفوقت مسحوق ثمار الفلفل الأسود والكمون على مسحوق الثوم فقد بلغت نسبة الإنبات معهما 95.00%, بينما تفوقت زيت زهرة الشمس على بقية الزيوت النباتية فقد بلغت 95.83% مقارنة بالسيطرة حيث بلغت 96.66%,و كانت العلاقة عكسية بين التركيز وكل من عدد البيض, عدد الحشرات البازغة , النسبة المئوية للضرر ,دليل ثقب السوس, الفقد في الوزن والإنبات لبذور اللوبيا المعاملة وطردية مع قتل الكاملات, نسبة الطرد المئوية, الفترة اللازمة لخروج أفراد الجيل الأولF1 والنسبة المئوية لخفض أفراد الجيل الأولF1.
عموماً أظهرت نتائج الدراسة الحالية ان المساحيق النباتية تفوقت معنوياً على الزيوت النباتية والمساحيق الخاملة في نسب قتل الكاملات وبالنسبة لتقليل عدد البيض وزيادة نسبة الطرد المئوية تفوقت المساحيق النباتية معنوياً على المساحيق الخاملة والزيوت النباتية, أما لزيادة الفترة اللازمة لخروجF1 تفوقت الزيوت النباتية معنوياً على المساحيق النباتية والخاملة و لتقليل عدد الحشرات البازغة وزيادة النسبة المئوية لخفضF1 تفوقت الزيوت النباتية معنوياً على المساحيق النباتية و الخاملة ولتقليل النسبة المئوية للضرر والفقد في الوزن تفوقت الزيوت النباتية معنوياً على المساحيق النباتية والخاملة وبالنسبة لإنبات بذور اللوبيا المعاملة بهذه المواد فقد تفوقت المساحيق الخاملة معنوياً على المساحيق والزيوت النباتية.
Мета. Аналіз джерел наукової літератури щодо ареалу розповсюдження, вмісту біологічно активних речовин та спектра потенційного використання у фармації жовтецю їдкого (Ranunculus acris L.).
Матеріали та методи. Аналіз та узагальнення наукової інформації, що стосується поширення, хімічного складу, фармакологічної активності та потенціалу медичного застосування Ranunculus acris.
Результати і обговорення. Ranunculus acris – багаторічна трав'яниста рослина родини Жовтецевих (Ranunculaceae), яка поширена в Україні у дикорослому стані. Рослина неофіцинальна; вона використовується в народній медицині різних країн, оскільки виявляє антимікробні, антивірусні, протизапальні, антитоксичні, епітелізуючі та протитуберкульозні властивості. До основних біологічно активних речовин рослини відносять алкалоїди (до 0,1 %), дубильні речовини (більше 2 %), сапоніни, γ-лактони (ранункулін, анемонін, протоанемонін), флавоноїди (кемпферол, кверцетин), дубильні речовини та серцеві глікозиди.
Висновки. Враховуючи значний досвід використання Ranunculus acris у народній медицині та дані експериментальних досліджень щодо вмісту біологічно активних речовин і досить широкого спектра його фармакологічної активності, надземні органи рослини можна розглядати як перспективну сировину для наукових досліджень у фармації з метою одержання та виробництва фітопрепаратів.
With accelerating global warming, understanding the evolutionary dynamics of plant adaptation to environmental change is increasingly urgent. Here we reveal the enigmatic history of the genus Cochlearia (Brassicaceae), a Pleistocene relic that originated from a drought-adapted Mediterranean sister genus during the Miocene. Cochlearia rapidly diversified and adapted to circum-Arctic regions and other cold-characterized habitat types during the Pleistocene. This sudden change in ecological preferences was accompanied by a highly complex, reticulate polyploid evolution, which was apparently triggered by the impact of repeated Pleistocene glaciation cycles. Our results illustrate that two early diversified arctic-alpine diploid gene pools contributed differently to the evolution of this young polyploid genus now captured in a cold-adapted niche. Metabolomics revealed central carbon metabolism responses to cold in diverse species and ecotypes, likely due to continuous connections to cold habitats that may have facilitated widespread adaptation to alpine and subalpine habitats, and which we speculate were coopted from existing drought adaptations. Given the growing scientific interest in adaptive evolution of temperature-related traits, our results provide much-needed taxonomic and phylogenomic resolution of a model system as well as first insights into the origins of its adaptation to cold.
Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa L.) is a monocarpic perennial typically grown as a biennial crop. A member of the Apiaceae family, it can be found throughout northern temperate regions and is grown for both human consumption and livestock feed. Today, parsnip maintains a niche position within the vegetable market, with demand growing year on year. Described as a sweet and starchy root crop, it contains a number of health-promoting compounds such as carbohydrate, sugar and fiber as well as essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, potassium, vitamin C, thiamine and riboflavin etc. In addition to these beneficial compounds, parsnip leaves also contain furanocoumarins; these secondary plant metabolites not only play a role in predator and disease defense but are also highly toxic. The cause of phytophotodermatitis, these compounds can bind with DNA and absorb energy in the presence of UVA light. It is for this reason parsnip foliage and wild parsnips are often considered invasive noxious weeds. Parsnips are propagated by seed, typically in spring, with root harvest occurring from 5 months after sowing. Although cultivated and wild parsnip are not considered genetically distinct, modern agriculture practices have led to a dependence on a small selection of domesticated species. With increasing challenges from pests and disease as well as changing habitats and global warming, there is a need to develop new parsnip varieties. In this chapter, we present an overview of the origin, distribution, economic importance, taxonomic position, crop cultivation practices and challenges as well as recent developments in molecular breeding and biotechnology and how these new technologies can be used to develop improved, sustainable parsnip varieties.
This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Tilia platyphyllos Scop. subsp. cordifolia (Besser) C.K. Schneid (Large‐leaved Lime) that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour: all British native material is this subspecies. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history, and conservation.
Tilia platyphyllos is a tall, shade‐tolerant tree of old relict woods. It is rare as a native and restricted to England and Wales, where it is often found on calcareous and brown soils of low phosphate status, with Fagus sylvatica or Fraxinus excelsior and Quercus petraea.
In contrast to Tilia cordata, with which it hybridizes, it was mainly planted, probably first in monastic times then more widely since the Middle Ages. After 1650, it has often been accompanied by the hybrid (T. x europaea) in parks, towns and gardens throughout lowland parts of the British Isles. Hybrids and backcrosses have led to difficulties with identification and significant over‐recording of T. platyphyllos in the British Isles.
The flowers are entomophilous, and rich in nectar. Tilia platyphyllos is fertile, regenerating sparsely from seed in many localities. Germination of pollen occurred at temperatures as low as 7–9°C (several degrees lower than for T. cordata), which probably explains its relatively high fertility in the north of England. It has ectotrophic mycorrhiza. Different parts of the tree are palatable to birds, mammals and many invertebrates.
Evidence presented in this account alleviates doubts about the native status of T. platyphyllos; previously, it was believed that it might have been introduced from France by Premonstratensians (White Canons) in Medieval times. Tilia cordata, however, was widely native but also planted, mainly as coppice.
High levels of foliar nitrate reductase (NR) activity have been demonstrated in fast-growing pioneers (e.g Sambucus nigra: 1601.9 pkat g-1 fwt.), while climax species exhibit low foliar activities (Carpinus betulus: 16.1). Pioneer species show varied seasonal patterns of activity with a tendency for early seasonal flushes, often corresponding to periods of maximum light availability. High NR activities are associated with high concentrations of alanine and glutamate, while high concentrations of asparagine correlate with low NR activities. Studies investigating patterns of metabolic control suggest that asparagine may regulate foliar NR activity in the climax species Quercus petraea, possibly through end-product repression. Diurnal variations in NR activity, photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates and amino acid concentrations exist in woody pioneers. Maximal rates of nitrate reduction correspond with high photosynthetic photon flux densities. Foliar NR activities of climax species do not fluctuate diurnally, suggesting that these species assimilate nitrate (or an alternative nitrogen source) in their roots. Comparative studies of field-grown seedlings from shaded and open habitats indicate that open-grown pioneers are able to maximise leaf nitrate reduction by taking advantage of high light availability and higher levels of nitrate generally found in open habitats. Pioneer seedlings were intolerant of shade. Climax species showed a tendency towards root nitrate assimilation, even in open habitats, suggesting that little energetic advantage is gained from leaf assimilation. 15N studies demonstrate uptake and utilization preferences by climax and pioneer species for the forms of inorganic nitrogen which would tend to prevail in their usual habitats. The preferential uptake of 15N-nitrate by pioneers, and the partitioning of the majority of label to leaves helps to explain high levels of foliar NR activity exhibited by these species. Preferences for 15N-ammonium exhibited by climax species suggests that they gain a significant advantage from root ammonium assimilation.
The globally invasive weed, mayweed chamomile (Anthemis cotula L.) is an annual, bushy, ill‐scented herb, originating in Eurasia. It is aggressively weedy in croplands, field‐side ditches, wet areas and along roadsides, especially in slightly acidic, nitrogen‐rich, clay‐loam soils. In addition to interfering with crop growth, the weed causes dermatitis and eye irritation in humans, skin rashes and sour mouth in domesticated mammals, and off‐flavours in cow's milk through forage contamination. Although A. cotula may be managed effectively with some broadleaf herbicides in cereal crops, it is much more difficult to manage in broadleaved crops and cover crops. In some regions, aggressive use of relatively few herbicides has selected for acetolactate synthase herbicide resistance in A. cotula. Therefore, A. cotula poses serious ecological and economic challenges in many regions. Despite this threat, the details of A. cotula biology and ecology in the context of environmental change remain relatively unknown. For example, the reason for the invasiveness of A. cotula remains uncertain, but is presumed to be due to abundant seed production, allelochemicals, mycorrhizal associations, minimal herbivory in invaded ranges, ability to attract generalist pollinators through an extended flowering period and adaptive capacity in a wide range of soil types and conditions. In this paper, we comprehensively review the literature and ongoing work on A. cotula and provide a research agenda to improve understanding and management of this species.
There is a growing recognition within Anglo-Saxon archaeology that farming practices underwent momentous transformations in the Mid Saxon period, between the seventh and ninth centuries AD: transformations which underpinned the growth of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms and, arguably, set the trajectory for English agricultural development for centuries to come. Meanwhile, in the field of archaeobotany, a growing set of quantitative methods has been developed to facilitate the systematic investigation of agricultural change through the study of charred plant remains. This study applies a standardised set of repeatable quantitative analyses to the charred remains of Anglo-Saxon crops and weeds, to shed light on crucial developments in crop husbandry between the seventh and ninth centuries. The analyses demonstrate the significance of the Anglo-Saxon archaeobotanical record in elucidating how greater crop surpluses were attained through ecologically-sensitive diversification and specialisation strategies in this period. At the same time, assumptions, variables and key parameters are presented fully and explicitly to facilitate repetition of the work, thus also enabling the book to be used as a source of comparative data and a methodological handbook for similar research in other periods and places. It constitutes a specialist, data-driven companion volume to the author’s more general narrative account published as Farming Transformed in Anglo-Saxon England (Windgather, 2018).
This study aimed at the evaluation of in vitro antibacterial, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extracts and steroidal glycoalkaloids fractions (SGAFs) of Solanum incanum L., S. schimperianum Hochst, S. nigrum L., Physalis lagascae Roem. & Schult. and Withania somnifera (L) Dunal. The sensitivity of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to each extract was variable (IC50 values in the range of 15->1000 µg/mL). The methanolic extract of S. schimperianum leaf demonstrated interesting anti-proliferative activity against the human cell lines tested with IC50 values in the range of 2.69 to 19.83 µg/mL while the highest activity from the SGAFs was obtained from W. somnifera leaf with IC50 values in the range of 1.29 to 5.00 µg/mL. The SGAFs of all species demonstrated higher scavenging activity than their respective methanolic extracts. The SGAF of S. schimperianum displayed the strongest antioxidant activity in both assays with IC50 value 3.5 ± 0.2DPPH and 3.5 ±0.3ABTS µg/mL. GC-MS analysis of methanolic and SGAFs extracts of the studied species revealed the presence of steroidal alkaloids, steroidal saponins, steroids and other compounds like terpenes, phenols and alkanes. Their distribution varied among the species and thus they could provide evidence to assess preliminary chemotaxonomic relationships. Twelve known hydroxycinnamic acid amides were tentatively identified from the methanolic extract of S. schimperianum leaf and N-caffeoyl agmatine appeared with the highest intensity. Moreover, the presence of steroid alkaloids solanopubamine and solanocapsine as well as dehydroderivatives of the 3-amino steroid alkaloids was suggested. Furthermore, three compounds quercetin, kaempferol glycoside and β-sitosterol were isolated and identified. In silico investigation of these three compounds for their potency against cancer revealed that β-sitosterol was found to be the most selective compound against human pregnane X receptor (PXR) and gave the highest binding energy (-11.2 kcal/mol). These results suggested that Solanaceae plants endogenous to Sudan could be a potential source of bioactive agents
Acute outbreaks of pests and disease are increasingly affecting tree populations around the world, causing widespread ecological effects. In Britain, ash dieback Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (Baral et al.) has severe impacts on common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) populations, and the emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) is likely to add to the impact in future. This will cause significant changes to the character and functioning of many ecosystems. However, the nature of these changes and the best approach for conserving ecosystems after ash loss are not clear.
We present a method to locate those areas most ecologically vulnerable to loss of a major tree species (common ash) and identify the resultant damage to distinctive ecosystem properties. This method uses the functional traits of species and their distributions to map the potential degree of change in traits across space and recommend management approaches to reduce the change. An analytic hierarchy process is used to score traits according to ecological importance.
Our results indicate that in some areas of Britain, provision of ash‐associated traits could be reduced by over 50% if all ash is lost. Certain woodland types, and trees outside woodlands, may be especially vulnerable to ash loss. However, compensatory growth by other species could halve this impact in the longer term.
We offer management guidance for reducing ecosystem vulnerability to ash loss, including recommending appropriate alternative tree species to encourage through planting or management in particular areas and woodland types.
Synthesis and applications. The method described in this paper allows spatially explicit assessment of species traits to be used in the restoration of ecosystems for the first time. We offer practical recommendations for the ash dieback outbreak in Britain to help conserve functional traits in ecosystems affected by the loss of ash. This technique is widely applicable to a range of restoration and conservation scenarios and represents a step forward in the use of functional traits in conservation.
This is the ninth of a series of miscellaneous contributions, by various authors, where hitherto unpublished
data relevant to both the Med-Checklist and the Euro+Med (or Sisyphus) projects are presented. This instalment
deals with the families Amaranthaceae, Amaryllidaceae (incl. Alliaceae), Apocynaceae, Araceae (incl. Lemnaceae),
Asparagaceae (incl. Hyacinthaceae), Cactaceae, Cannaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Commelinaceae, Compositae, Convolvulaceae,
Crassulaceae, Cruciferae, Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae, Malvaceae (incl. Tiliaceae), Neuradaceae,
Nyctaginaceae, Orobanchaceae, Polygonaceae and Solanaceae. It includes new country and area records and taxonomic
and distributional considerations for taxa in Achyranthes, Allium, Brassica, Canna, Catharanthus, Chlorophytum,
Convolvulus, Corchorus, Dipcadi, Hieracium, Ipomoea, Lablab, Lonicera, Mercurialis, Mirabilis, Neurada,
Opuntia, Orobanche, Phelipanche, Polygonum, Solanum, Spirodela, Tradescantia, Vinca and Wolffia, new combinations
in Hieracium and Phelipanche, and a replacement name in Sempervivum.
One rare, poorly known species Sterculia striatiflora Mast. (Sterculiaceae/ Malvaceae) is recently recorded from the Arunachal Pradesh of India representing a new record to the flora of the country. The plant shares similarity with its closely related species viz. S. hamiltonii (Kuntze) Adelb. – a small tree or shrub found in N.E India, with its shrubby habit and flower structure, whereas differs from it in the plant height, panicle length and structure of perianth lobes. Detailed information are provided here for its identification.
One rare, poorly known species Sterculia striatiflora Mast. (Sterculiaceae/ Malvaceae) is recently recorded from the Arunachal Pradesh of India representing a new record to the flora of the country. The plant shares similarity with its closely related species viz. S. hamiltonii (Kuntze) Adelb.-a small tree or shrub found in N.E India, with its shrubby habit and flower structure, whereas differs from it in the plant height, panicle length and structure of perianth lobes. Detailed information are provided here for its identification.
This research investigated whether anther‐smut disease caused by Microbotryum violaceum agg. on Silene baccifera in Europe is caused by a host‐specific lineage, or if it represents a host‐shift of the pathogen from a related species. Characterization of ITS sequences of anther‐smut from S. baccifera confirmed their strong similarity to the pathogen endemic on Silene latifolia. Cross‐inoculation studies showed that S. baccifera was susceptible to anther‐smut isolates from S. latifolia, S. dioica and S. vulgaris; conversely isolates from S. baccifera could cause disease on S. latifolia. In an experimental field study, spore transmission from diseased S. latifolia to healthy S. baccifera was rare relative to intra‐specific transmission within S. latifolia. The distribution of anther smut in natural populations based on herbarium specimens indicated that disease occurrence on S. baccifera was very sporadic. These findings strongly suggest that anther‐smut disease on S. baccifera in Europe is usually a temporary host shift from the self‐sustaining populations of Microbotryum on other species.
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Azolla filiculoides Lamarck (Azollaceae) (water fern), is an invasive floating macrophyte capable of rapid growth leading to the complete coverage of water surfaces. The North American weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus, Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a biological control agent that has become naturalised in the UK. To determine the effects of the weevil on A. filiculoides in ‘semi-controlled’ conditions, weevils were introduced at four stocking densities into outdoor floating tanks containing A. filiculoides. The introduction of weevils at all densities resulted in a significant decline in percentage cover of A. filiculoides compared to the control. Increasing weevil stocking density resulted in a more rapid reduction in the area of green A. filiculoides. The highest stocking density of 400 weevils per m² caused complete kill within a month of introduction. The UK summer provides conditions that are suitable for weevil reproduction and herbivory, and even the lowest stocking density of weevils tested (100 weevils per m²) can have a substantial impact on the surface cover of A. filiculoides. Although the weevil is effective in summer, augmentation is required annually for reliable control.
Herbicide use has raised concerns which results in the need to find an alternative approach, using natural methods, of controlling weeds. Phytotoxic substances released from plants have been used to manage weeds biologically. Rumex maritimus, belonging to the Polygonaceae family, is well known to have a wide range of biological properties. However, the phytotoxic properties of R. maritimus is not well documented. Thus, we conducted an investigation into the phytotoxic potential of R. maritimus and attempted to find out its phytotoxic substances. Leaf, stem and root extracts of R. maritimus exhibited a strong inhibitory effects on root and shoot length of Lactuca sativa L., Medicago sativa L., Lolium multiflorum Lam., Phleum pratense L. With increasing extract concentration, inhibition increased. One substance, 2-methoxystypandrone, was purified after a series of chromatography and characterized by spectral data. 2-Methoxystypandrone reduced the seedling length of Lepidium sativum at concentration ≥ 3 μM. The required 50% growth inhibition concentration of Lepidium sativum seedling for 2-methoxystypandrone was ranged 5.8–11.8 μM. Therefore, it is suggested that the phytotoxic effects of R. maritimus on the test plants may be caused due to the presence of 2-methoxystypandrone.
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