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Background and aims: The excellent physical and chemical properties of Abacá and Japan papers make them one of the most used materials in restoration of cultural assets on paper. The objective of this work is to characterize the fibers that compose them and identify plant genera or species that were used in their manufacture. M&M: Fibers from samples of each paper and previously collected reference plant material were disintegrated. The diagnostic characters of the fibers were observed with a photomicroscope and photomicrographs were taken. Subsequently, the homologous characters were compared by relating the Abacá paper fiber samples with those of Musa sp. and the Japan paper samples with Broussonetia sp. and Euonymus sp. Results: There were coincidences between the diagnostic characters of the paper fibers of Abacá and Musa sp. Regarding the Japan paper samples, there were results consistent with Broussonetia sp. but not with Euonymus sp. Conclusions: According to the results observed between the Abacá paper fibers and the samples of the collected living material, we infer that the Abacá paper contains fibers of Musa sp. In the Japan paper samples, the similarities observed between the diagnostic characters of the fibers with respect to the reference plant samples indicate the presence of Broussonetia sp. fibers. There is no evidence of fibers of Euonymus sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Amaryllidaceae is a family of monocotyledons belonging to the order Asparagales. Some species have extensive pharmacological properties as they produce alkaloids, with antiviral and antimicrobial activity. Within this family, in the Allioideae subfamily, it’s found garlic (Allium sativum L.). Investigations have been carried out on the phytochemical compounds, both of the isolated components of their bulbs and of various formulations. The objective of the present work was to carry out a bibliographical review of investigations made in this regard, with emphasis on those referred to fungal control. M&M: The methodology used consisted of an online search and subsequent review of specialized papers. The search engines Google and Google Scholar were used. A total of 31 scientific journals, 1 web page, 6 theses, 1 final degree project and 1 conference proceedings have been consulted. These investigations date from the end of the 20th century to the present. The following search guides were used: Garlic, garlic components, and garlic as an antifungal agent. The works consulted and search sites have been synthesized in a table. Results: The investigations surveyed in this review confirm the high potential of garlic as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent, both in isolated components of the bulbs and in different formulations. A synthesis with the results obtained in recent investigations applied to prevention and fungal control is presented. Conclusions: This review contributes to the updated knowledge of the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of garlic that are related to the variety of isolated compounds produced in the plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Laportea aestuans (Urticaceae) is an herb possibly native to Madagascar (Africa) and widely distributed in the tropics and subtropics of the world. In the Americas, it have been reported as a weed from southern United States of America and throughout Central America to South America in Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. The aim of this paper was to report the presence of L. aestuans in Argentina for the first time. M&M: For the morphological description and illustrations, live plants from our collections were studied in addition to other herbarium specimens. Our specimens were deposited in the Herbarium LIL. Type and non-type specimens preserved in BR, COL, K, LINN and the original description were analyzed. Results: A morphological description of the species is provided together with illustrations, photographs and a key to differentiate Laportea from the other genera of Urticaceae present in Argentina. Conclusions: The presence of L. aestuans in Argentina is recorded for the first time. According to previous research, it is a species that exhibits a potentially invasive behavior, so there is the possibility that it may establish itself as a weed in natural environments and cause detrimental impacts on biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Acrostichum danaeifolium is a widely distributed species in the Neotropics, growing in freshwater or saltwater habitats. In Argentina and Paraguay are scarce records cited by previous papers. The objective of this work is to study A. danaeifolium for Argentina and Paraguay, emphasizing the review of its distribution and the history of the botanical collections of the species. M&M: Specimens deposited in national and international herbaria and collected during monitoring tasks in the Río Pilcomayo National Park (Formosa, Argentina) were studied. Also, records were consulted in the GBIF and iNaturalist databases. The analysis of the diagnostic characters was carried out under a stereoscopic magnifying glass. Results and conclusions: The diagnostic characters of A. danaeifolium are illustrated, and a map of the species distribution in Argentina and Paraguay is provided. We corroborate that the A. danaeifolium populations registered to date for both countries are scarce and are restricted to the Chaco Oriental district, where they grow associated with floodplains such as river banks and freshwater lagoons. The specimens found in the Río Pilcomayo National Park represent the first record of the species in a protected area, the first record in Formosa province, the most boreal record of Argentina and the first collection in the country in 70 years. Due to the intense deforestation recorded in the Chaco Oriental district in recent decades, the RPNP takes on special relevance for the conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the present times, natural dyes become important for their safety, durability and environmental conservation. They give regional identity to any project of an artisanal nature where plants are used for dyeing. This paper studies the dyeing potential on merino wool fiber of native plants of the Patagonian steppe. M&M: The dyeing plant material collection area was limited to the southeast zone of Chubut, corresponding to the Floristic District of the Gulf San Jorge. The mother recipe was applied to obtain the dye and three types of procedures were developed: premordant, direct mordant and post-mordant, depending on the moment of application of the alum. Sodium bicarbonate and iron sulfate colour modifiers were used. Using the universal table of the Munsell (Color, 2009) system, the tone, lightness and saturation were studied. Results: 50 native species of the Patagonian Region were studied. In its totality the following proportion was obtained: brown 37%, yellow 35%, olive 14%, gray 10%, pink 2% and green 2%. 9 species of higher chromatic saturation stand out. The most saturated colours are obtained during the pre-mordent process. The best represented families are Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Conclusions: From the analysis of the literature on plants used for natural dyes in Argentina, it appears that numerous species studied in the present research have no antecedents and turn out to be promising, providing intense colours with high saturations. We can consider them true discoveries and suggest them with high dye potential for merino wool fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, rhinitis and allergies, are increasing worldwide, in association with a greater presence of different etiological triggers in the air, from which pollen is one of the most important. These evidences show the importance of monitoring airborne pollen concentrations for preventive or possible control purposes. This paper reports the incidence and prevalence of airborne pollen content as well as the allergenic pollen types present in the air of Sunchales city (Santa Fe, Argentina) during two study periods (August - November 2012, August - December 2013) aiming to present a preliminary pollen monitoring for the city. M&M: The samples were collected with a Burkard trap located 1.3 m above the ground with a suction volume of 0.6 m3 h-1. The entire slide was analyzed with an optical microscope at 400x final magnification. The daily concentration (gr m-3) was determined for the recognized pollen types. Pollen recognition and their allergenicity were determined with specialized literature. Results & Conclusions: Compared to other cities in the country, species richness is high, although the daily concentration for the period analyzed is low. The majority of the captured pollen (about 70%) corresponds to only four pollen types (Cupressaceae, Moraceae, Poaceae and Urticaceae) reported in the literature as allergens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dr. Juan Carlos Tivano, a professor of botany at the National University of Litoral, tragically passed away in the city of Paraná. Tivano was passionate about plants and specialized in plant anatomy. In addition to his teaching career, he was the director of the Plant Anatomy Laboratory and held the position of Director of R&D at the Secretariat of Science and Technology of UNL. He also participated in conferences and published numerous papers in national and international journals. Tivano was remembered for his generosity and enthusiasm for teaching and sharing knowledge. [Extracted from the article]

Background and aims: Since the 1990s in Argentina, a process of visibility and reemergence of aboriginal groups that were believed extinct by official history has been developing. This is the case of Comechingon people in Córdoba province. Furthermore, it is known that gathering of wild food plants is an ancient practice that contributes to the subsistence of many indigenous communities of the country. Within the framework of Food Sovereignty and Ethnobiology, the aim of this paper was to carry out a first inquiry into the use of wild edible plants by residents self-identified as members of Comechingon people of San Marcos Sierras (Córdoba). M&M: Semi-structured interviews and free listings were conducted to a representative from each of three Comechingon communities from this town. They were accompanied with the discussion of a photographic guide of species. Results: Thirty-four wild ethnotaxa were recognized. They correspond to thirty-two botanical taxa. 85% was native species and the rest was exotic. "Algarrobo trees" (Prosopis spp.) presented the greatest number of parts used and ways of consumption mentioned. Fruits were the most used vegetable parts, followed by flowers, leaves, cladodes, underground organs and resins. The last two, just like trees' leaves, had not been previously reported for the region. Likewise, different ways of gathering, conservation and culinary products were mentioned. Conclusions: Comechingon communities know and consume a wide variety of edible ethnotaxa of plants. We hope to contribute to the visibility of Comechingon culture and the consolidation of sovereign food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: In the semi-arid saline Chaco, Argentina, the nanophanerophytes presence and the succulent leaf type are frequent. To determine if the occurrence of both traits is related to soil salinity, this paper describes the distribution of life forms and leaf types in relation to soil salinity between two woody plant communities. M&M: Sampling of woody plant and soil was carried out in both a scrubland and a xerophilous forest on 25 subplots of 100 m2 at each site. Soil electrical conductivity and pH were determined down to a depth of 50 cm. Stratification and plant cover, abundance, species richness and diversity index were described. The degree of similarity between sites was evaluated according to the number of nanophanerophyte and succulent-leaves shared species, using the Sørensen coefficient. The species were grouped considering simultaneously their life form and leaf type. Relationships between salinity and plant groups were evaluated by means of redundancy analysis. Results: Richness, diversity and structural complexity were greater in the forest. The similarity between sites was low. Succulent-leafed nanophanerophytes were dominant in the scrubland, with high salinity and pH. In the forest, sclerophyllous- leafed microphanerophytes were dominant, with low salinity and pH. Conclusion: The distribution of succulent-leaves nanophanerophytes presented differences according to the salinity of the soil of both woody communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Didymosphenia geminata is a freshwater diatom that forms dense soggy carpet-like layers lining the bottom of aquatic environments. In Argentina the Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable de la Nación declared it exotic invader species. In the last 9 years it has colonized rivers from Patagonia and its distribution in the region has considerably widen. The aim of this paper is to analyze current distribution of this species invasion in Argentinean Patagonia through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). M&M: The analyzed data were obtained by our team in Neuquén and Chubut provinces and also from technical reports published by universities or governmental institutions in websites. A database at regional scale from Neuquén to Tierra del Fuego was built considering presence-absence data, geographic position and dates and in some cases environmental data (pH, conductivity, etc.) Results: The results were incorporated to a GIS using Q-Gis 2.14 an open source and free software that allowed us to generate distribution maps at national and provincial level. Conclusions: The available data show that D. geminata has widen its distribution since 2010 to present from Chubut province to the north reaching Neuquén province and to the south up to Tierra del Fuego province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Since the 1990s in Argentina, a process of visibility and reemergence of aboriginal groups that were believed extinct by oficial history has been developing. This is the case of Comechingon people in Córdoba province. Furthermore, it is known that gathering of wild food plants is an ancient practice that contributes to the subsistence of many indigenous communities of the country. Within the framework of Food Sovereignty and Ethnobiology, the aim of this paper was to carry out a irst inquiry into the use of wild edible plants by residents self-identiied as members of Comechingon people of San Marcos Sierras (Córdoba). M&M: Semi-structured interviews and free listings were conducted to a representative from each of three Comechingon communities from this town. They were accompanied with the discussion of a photographic guide of species. Results: Thirty-four wild ethnotaxa were recognized. They correspond to thirty-two botanical taxa. 85% was native species and the rest was exotic. "Algarrobo trees" (Prosopis spp.) presented the greatest number of parts used and ways of consumption mentioned. Fruits were the most used vegetable parts, followed by lowers, leaves, cladodes, underground organs and resins. The last two, just like trees' leaves, had not been previously reported for the region. Likewise, different ways of gathering, conservation and culinary products were mentioned. Conclusions: Comechingon communities know and consume a wide variety of edible ethnotaxa of plants. We hope to contribute to the visibility of Comechingon culture and the consolidation of sovereign food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: In the semi-arid saline Chaco, Argentina, the nanophanerophytes presence and the succulent leaf type are frequent. To determine if the occurrence of both traits is related to soil salinity, this paper describes the distribution of life forms and leaf types in relation to soil salinity between two woody plant communities. M&M: Sampling of woody plant and soil was carried out in both a scrubland and a xerophilous forest on 25 subplots of 100 m2 at each site. Soil electrical conductivity and pH were determined down to a depth of 50 cm. Stratiication and plant cover, abundance, species richness and diversity index were described. The degree of similarity between sites was evaluated according to the number of nanophanerophyte and succulent-leaves shared species, using the Sørensen coeficient. The species were grouped considering simultaneously their life form and leaf type. Relationships between salinity and plant groups were evaluated by means of redundancy analysis. Results: Richness, diversity and structural complexity were greater in the forest. The similarity between sites was low. Succulent-leafed nanophanerophytes were dominant in the scrubland, with high salinity and pH. In the forest, sclerophyllous-leafed microphanerophytes were dominant, with low salinity and pH. Conclusion: The distribution of succulent-leaves nanophanerophytes presented differences according to the salinity of the soil of both woody communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Didymosphenia geminata is a freshwater diatom that forms dense soggy carpet-like layers lining the bottom of aquatic environments. In Argentina the Secretaría de Ambiente y desarrollo Sustentable de la nación declared it exotic invader species. In the last 9 years it has colonized rivers from Patagonia and its distribution in the region has considerably widen. The aim of this paper is to analyze current distribution of this species invasion in Argentinean Patagonia through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). M&M: The analyzed data were obtained by our team in neuquén and Chubut provinces and also from technical reports published by universities or governmental institutions in websites. A database at regional scale from neuquén to Tierra del Fuego was built considering presence-absence data, geographic position and dates and in some cases environmental data (pH, conductivity, etc.) Results: The results were incorporated to a GIS using Q-Gis 2.14 an open source and free software that allowed us to generate distribution maps at national and provincial level. Conclusions: The available data show that D. geminata has widen its distribution since 2010 to present from Chubut province to the north reaching neuquén province and to the south up to Tierra del Fuego province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Senecio farinifer and Senecio madariagae (Asteraceae-Senecioneae), new records for Argentine flora. This paper records for the first time the presence in the Argentine flora of Senecio farinifer Hook. & Arn. and S. madariagae Phil. (Asteraceae-Senecioneae). A description, including vegetative and reproductive microcharacters, is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding system and pollination of woody species in a subtropical forest invaded by alien plants. In the riparian forest of Punta Lara (Buenos Aires province, Argentina) seven woody bird-dispersed species coexist, five of which are native (Ocotea acutifolia, Allophylus edulis, Myrsine laetevirens, Blepharocalyx salicifolius and Citharexylum montevidense), and two are invasive aliens (Rubus ulmifolius and Ligustrum lucidum). While seed dispersal of these species has been studied, other aspects of their reproduction are unknown. In this paper we studied the breeding systems, the quality of the pollination service they receive and their floral visitors. All species are xenogamous. One species (M. laetevirens) is anemophilous and the others are visited mostly by Diptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera. For most of the native species the pollination service seems insufficient. In A. edulis and B. salicifolius natural fruit set was lower than that of hand cross-pollinated flowers, only O. acutifolia and the two exotic showed stigmatic pollen loads sufficient to achieve maximum seed production. A possible explanation for the patterns found lies in the reduction of populations of native species due to the expansion of the aliens, particularly L. lucidum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral and palinological characters in Acanthostyles (Asteraceae, Eupatorieae) and its relationship to pollination. Wind pollination in Asteraceae is well documented only in few tribes. Particularly, in Eupatorieae, apparent anemophily has only been reported in 10 species belonging to the genera Critonia, Decachaeta, Eupatorium, Koanophyllon, and Neohintonia, most of which inhabit North and Central America, with only two species from South America. The genus Acanthostyles has only one species, Acanthostyles buniifolius, which is widely distributed in southern South America. This species shows features that may suggest a pollination mechanism mediated by wind. We analyzed in detail some morphological and palynological traits related to the anemophilous syndrome. As a result, we identified some characters of A. buniifolius associated to wind pollination: presence of loose and pendulous secondary inflorescence with mainly downward oriented small heads, increased of proportion of stigmatic area in relation to the total length of the style branch, acicular style sweeping laxly arranged and widecaveate, microechinate (= subechinate) pollen. This paper proposes first evidence of possible anemophily for a species of subtribe Dysinaphiinae within the Eupatorieae tribe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About the presence of Megalastrum substrigosum (Dryopteridaceae) in Argentina. This paper presents the first record of Megalastrum substrigosum from Argentina, in Department San Pedro, Misiones province. We present a description of the species, a distribution map, and illustrations of the diagnostic characters. A dichotomous key is included to differentiate the three Megalastrum species from Misiones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cambial variant in stems of Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae) native from Argentine. Ipomoea is a diverse and complex genus, composed of herbaceous plants, woody lianas and vines, and a small group of shrubs and trees. It is noteworthy that all species studied previously presented different types of cambial variant in their stems, regardless of habit, except two taxa that showed normal secondary growth, a vine and a tree. Therefore, in this paper we study three vines natives from Argentina, Ipomoea cairica, I. purpurea and I. rubriflora, and I. carnea ssp. fistulosa, a tree with normal growth, in order to compare the development of their stems and provide useful information to elucidate their phylogenetic relationships. The four species studied showed the same ontogeny and anatomy of their stems with primary growth, which would support its narrow phylogenetic relationships. On the other hand, the vines had only two types of cambial variant, the lobed pattern and supernumerary cambium. We can infer that the type of secondary growth and cambial variant types would not be directly related to the habit; however, other wood features can be considered as the proportion of parenchymal tissue and characteristics of the vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synandrospadix vermitoxicus is a native species of the Gran Chaco (Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina) and neighbouring regions. An ethnobotanical investigation was conducted with the aim of summarising vernacular knowledge on the plant: common names, uses, its role in social and cultural life, as well as stressing the interest and value attached by human groups of the region. This paper is a summary of original data obtained in situ, in addition to those recorded in bibliographic sources. Oral information and herbarium material was collected during fieldwork carried out with eight ethnic groups, as well as with natives-criollos (local non-indigenous people) from Argentina and Paraguay. In order to contextualise the ethnobotanical information, brief references on the taxonomy, floristics, morphology, ecology, and phytonymy associated with this plant are added. Notes are also included on the plant's role in different cultural settings: food, medicine, veterinary practice, magic, toxicology, mythology and witchcraft. Attention is drawn to the value of the plant for the ethnic peoples and settlers in the Gran Chaco and the interest it holds for them. The need to preserve it as natural and cultural heritage is also expressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper records for the first time the presence in the Argentine flora of the small tree Cynophalla polyantha (Triana & Planch.) Cornejo & Iltis (Capparaceae), which was recently found in the north of the province of Salta, close to the Bolivian border. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tillandsia mollis H. Hrom. & W. Till is a rare species from the mountains of southern Bolivia. This paper reports T. mollis var. reptans, an entity that inhabits the high level of the Sierras of Calilegua (Jujuy, Argentina). The new variety differs from the typical for its smaller size, creeping habit and brown-reddish flowers. A detailed description of the novelty, a key to differentiate the two varieties, drawings, photographs and a map, are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is result of a study of pollen morphology of 32 species belonging to 19 genera of Scrophulariaceae sensu lato. A comprehensive record of available information on the pollen morphology in this group in order to analyze the relationships between palynological variables and the current systematic classification was also conducted. Pollen grains are monads, radially symetric and isopolar, the sizes vary from small (11 μm) to medium (51 µm), predominately spheroidal (P/E = 1), sometimes suboblates (P/E = 0.76), oblate-spheroidal (P/E = 0.95), prolates (P/E = 1.63) and perprolates (P/E = 2.63). They are inaperturates, 3- (4-5) colpates, 3- (4-5) colporates, spiraperturates 2-8 syncolpates, 3-colpo-diploporates and pantoporates grains. The exine may be semitectate (retipilate, reticulate or striato-perforate) and tectate (psilate, foveolate, perforate, scabrate, rugulate, verrucate, granulose, striate, echinate). Statistical analysis was performed based on the data matrix of the palynological characters of the 32 species studies in addition to bibliographic references of 140 genera and 218 species belonging to Scrophulariaceae sensu lato. The cluster analysis (UPGMA), confirmed that palynomorphological differences support the current systematic classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the occasion of preparing the Flora of Cordoba, new records for the Argentinean flora have been registered as a result of intensive field trips and the revision of the main herbaria collections of the country. In this paper, three new records for the native flora and 17 for the introduced flora (casual aliens and naturalized species) of Argentina are presented. Descriptions, illustrations and a lectotypification are done. Furthermore, the presence of 10 introduced species is formally documented for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Berberis (Berberidaceae) from the mountains of northwestern Argentina and southern Bolivia. In this paper, Berberis calilehua, which inhabits the humid mountains, above 3,000 m asl, is described. This species has morphological similarities with Andean species of Peru and Bolivia but differs from those by combination of characters such as solitary flowers, fruit with conspicuous style, leaf margin toothed spinose, open dichotome venation. A detailed description of the proposed entity, a key differentiating related species, illustrations and photographs are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new records of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) for the Argentine Flora. In this paper, two new records for the Argentina fern-flora are reported: P. subintegerrimum (Hook. & Arn.) R. Rodr. found in the Patagonian Forests and P. platylepis Fée collected in Misiones; both have been considered endemic for Chile and Brazil, respectively. The species are described and illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serjania setigera (Sapindaceae, Paullinieae), new record for the flora of Bolivia. Serjania setigera Radlk. (Sapindaceae), species known for Mato Grosso do Sul State, is mentioned for the first time for the Bolivian flora; it was collected on the border between Bolivia and Brazil. In this paper a complete description, a first iconography and a distribution map of this species is provided. This new record increases knowledge of the biodiversity of ecosystems that occur on calcareous soils present in the wetlands surrounding the Brazilian Pantanal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morpho-anatomic studies of leaf domatia in Argentinian Rubiaceae. This paper deals with the study of leaf domatia in Argentine Rubiaceae, which are common morphogenetic structures on the underside of the leaves of woody plants, which can establish mutual relations with mites or ants. Tufts of hair, pockets, cavities and crypts: many families are classified into types common relatively well preserved. Around 290 families of “dicots" have domatia, Rubiaceae being the best represented with all known and transitional types. Domestic classification by molecular data, Rubiaceae divided into three subfamilies: Rubioideae, Ixorideae and Cinchonoideae. In Argentina inhabit 41 genera and 132 species of Rubiaceae, of which 34 are woody (27%). As result, tree domatia types were found: tuft of hair, pockets and crypt, present in 14 species of Rubiaceace. It is mentioned for the first time a domatia in a vine species of Manettia. The results were compared with recent molecular studies; this confirmed the plesiomorphic condition thereof, since different types are common to the three subfamilies almost all the tribes of the family. Based on this sampling, the following tribes completely lack domatia: Anthospermeae, Rubieae, Paederieae and Pavetteae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Salta, the puna vegetation studies are specific, sporadic, and often lack a complete picture of the floristic diversity. The objectives of this paper are to present the floristic diversity in Tocomar and Campo Amarillo, compare the biodiversity of the area of study with what is documented for Argentina, Bolivia and Chile, and analyze the indexes of similarities between the floristic vegas studied and those of other similar environments. The Non-wetlands include the grass steppes, shrub steppes and shrub hillside, and the wetlands include vegas. 30 families, 72 genera, 116 species, 19 infraspecific taxa and nine endemic species were recorded. The main families are Poaceae (26 species), Asteraceae (18) and Cyperaceae (9). 18 new records for the province of Salta are incorporated, of which four are Argentine endemisms. The floristic biodiversity of families, genera and species is higher than that documented for other floristically related sites, are concentrated in the analyzed vegas. The vegas had higher floristic similarity to the vegas of Northern Chile and Jujuy, while the lower affinity was recorded with the vegas of Catamarca, San Juan, Mendoza and Bolivia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptocybe invasa is a gall-inducing wasp that oviposits in the young eucalyptus leaves. The plant responds by forming a gall. As a result, this not only causes rolling leaves and defoliation, but also collapses the tree buds which affect seriously the eucalyptus production. In this paper, it is analyzed the morphogenetic and anatomical changes that are caused by the development of galls and then it is compared with healthy plants. The Eucalyptus grandis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis are cultivated in Corrientes, Argentina, and have been studied with traditional techniques of optical and scanning electron microscopy. The wasp oviposits among the vascular bundles, and the plant produces an hyperplastic tissue that are differed into four layers: nutrient, tanniniferous, sclerotic, and crystalliferous. The circulation of the vascular tissues is obstructed and consequently it is interrupted the normal flow of water and solutes that are transported in the xylem. Hence, this situation produces circular vessel. In fact, it is not only analyzed the morphological and anatomical changes but also the insect development, and this cycle is divided into three stages. This work demonstrates that the formation of galls in the eucalyptus are an excellent example of extended phenotype, where the action of L.invasa induces the abnormal growth of plant tissues because of the increase the number of cells, the collapse of the vascular system of the affected area and the apparition of new anatomical features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cactaceae family in Argentina: diversity patterns and political priorities for their conservation. In this paper we used species richness and endemism of Argentine cacti to select those provinces with highest priority for the conservation of this plant family in the country. The role of cactus diversity as a surrogate for dicot diversity was further analyzed. Species richness (number of species) and endemism (number of endemic species) were determined for each of the 24 provinces of Argentina. Fifteen provinces were selected as priority based on the number of species and 14 provinces were selected based on the number of endemic species. Salta province presents the highest species richness and endemism. Endemic species are a good surrogate for cactus diversity. Similarly, cactus diversity is a good surrogate for dicot diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basal root rot of mature plants of tomato caused by Pythium aphanidermatum (Oomycota). In roots of adult tomato plants a wet and brown lesion, extending 2-4 cm above the soil was observed. Diseased plants withered and died. The objective of this paper was to isolate and to identify the causal organism of these symptoms. General and selective culture media were used. After 24 hours colonies with white cottony mycelium were developed. The morphology of the colony and the production, morphology and size of reproductive structures were evaluated. The rDNA extraction was made from mycelium of pure cultures 7-10 days old grown in agarized media. The ITS region was amplified using ITS4 and ITS5 primers, sequenced and compared in gene bank - NCBI BLAST server to verify their sequence similarity to the type or holotype available. Coenocytic mycelium, spherical-globular sporangium and aplerotic oospores, characteristic of the genus Pythium were observed in microscopic slides. Pathogenicity tests were conducted with positive results; a microorganism identical to the original was re-isolated. The characterization achieved by traditional techniques, molecular studies and the results of the pathogenicity tests support the conclusion that Pythium aphanidermatum is the causal agent of basal rot on mature plants of tomato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation of carbonate outcrops in mountains of central Argentina. In mountains of Central Argentina, which have severe fragmentation and replacement of natural vegetation, rocky outcrops are important habitats for biodiversity conservation, as refuges for endemic and rare species. In this paper, we explore the local compositional variation of vegetation in calcium and dolomitic outcrops of Sierras de Córdoba and compare associations between different geochemical types and floristic composition along a local altitudinal gradient. Four adjacent outcrops of different geochemical types located in different positions in a local elevation gradient from 1000 to 1800 m.a.s.l. were selected and cover-abundance of all vascular plants at 216 rélevés, was estimated. Significative differences of compositional vegetation attributes occurred between the different lithologies and altitudinal strata. At the local scale, the floristic composition appeared related to the geochemical typology of outcrops and this pattern is overlapped with altitude. It was possible to establish relationships between the presence of different vascular plants and different types of calcitic and dolomitic rocks, independently of their position in the altitudinal gradient. The importance of these variables in structuring the habitat and filtering of species is confirmed, and its importance in looking for priorities in conservation of these singular habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytolith analyses of the main palm species (Arecaceae) present in subtropical regions of South America. The South American continent has become one of the largest centers of richness and diversity of the Arecaceae family. The palms are characterized by the presence of opal phytoliths, called stegmatas, with particular characteristics that identify many of the members of this family. The aim of this paper is to describe the phytolith assemblages of the palm species and search the diagnostic power through a biometric analysis performed to globular phytoliths. The results stated that the analysis of leaf phytolith assemblages shows variations that distinguish the different subfamilies selected. This raises its importance in the interpretation of fossil phytolith assemblages and palaeobotanical recognition of the members of this family by palaeoenvironmental study of sedimentary sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unpublished moqoit ethnobotany of Martínez Crovetto I: Description, updating and analysis of the indigenous nomenclature. Raúl Martínez Crovetto (M.C.) is the begginer of the ethnobotanical researches in Argentina. Valuable and unpublished data from this author about mocoví (moqoit) indians ethnobotany recorded in the ‘60's in the Chaco province, were found at the Instituto de Botánica del Nordeste. The objetive of this paper is to rescue, to analyze and to interpret the huge volume of information about mocovi plant names recorded by M.C. The aim is to contribute to the cultural patrimony of these people and to the understanding of their ethnobotany. Methodology employed is the corresponding to the “historical ethnobotany", that considers past records as primary sources, about which classical ethnobotanical method is applied. M.C. records 295 plant names corresponding to 443 botanical taxa, most of them native species (95 %). Semantic analysis of these names resulted in 84 primary lexemes (proper names); 37 secondary lexemes, and 141 metaphorical-descriptive names, besides some translation and absolute loanwords taken from other languages. Edition and analysis of the substantial information here presented –a third of which is updated with accuracy- and the ethnotaxonomy implications it shows, is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphological type identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal in Phaeoceros laevis (Anthocerotophyta). Arbuscular mycorrhizal have been registered for different representatives of Phylum Anthocerotophyta, including Phaeoceros laevis (L.) Prosk. In this paper we report the morphological type colonization by arbuscular mycorhyzal fungi in P. laevis, which corresponds to an intermediate between Arum-type and Paris-type. In addition, this association is mentioned for the first time for temperate forest of southern hemisphere. Brief descriptions and images of the characteristic structures of the arbuscular mycorrhiza present in P. laevis are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, it is mentioned for the first time for Argentine flora the presence of the genus Kummerowia Schindl. (Leguminosae, Desmodieae): in the province of Misiones K. striata (Thunb.) Schindl was found naturalized at road edges and other environments. The description and illustration of this species, distribution and habitats, uses and reference materials are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]