Search

The objective of this study was to determine the seed releasing characteristics of seed metering discs used in the precision seeding of black carrot seeds. High precision vegetable seeder was tested in the field conditions using black carrot seeds in Kuzukuyu village of Ereğli-Konya in 2018. Three different seed metering discs that have holes in three different circle positions were used in the experiments. These applications referred to seeding techniques, ST1, ST2 and ST3. The seed metering discs with three trajectories, each diameter was 210, 185, and 155 mm respectively. Each trajectory on vacuum plate using in ST1 had equal number of holes (96 holes), while P1 and P2 hole positions had same number of holes in ST2 ve ST3, however, 25% and 50% decrease in the number of holes in the P3 (bottom hole position), respectively. The downforce on the press wheel was kept constant throughout all trials. In these three different seeding techniques, the planting performance of the machine under field conditions was evaluated and the coefficient of variation values expressing the seed distribution uniformity, mean of the emergence rates were determined. According to the results, the mean of emergence rates and coefficient variation values were determined as %59.86 ve %76.84, %68.91 ve %75.31, %66.26 ve %72.48for ST1, ST2 ve ST3, respectively. Given hole positions (planting rows), emergence rates and CV values were obtained %59.71 ve %81.94 for P1, %62.69 ve %74.49 for P2 and %72.60 ve %68.20 for P3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climatic fluctuations and geological events since the LGM are believed to have significantly impacted the population size, distribution, and mobility of many species that we observe today. In this paper, we determined the processes driving the phylogeographic structure of the Korean endemic white forsythia by combining the use of genome‐wide SNPs and predicting paleoclimatic habitats during the LGM (21 kya), Early Holocene (10 kya), Mid‐Holocene (6 kya), and Late Holocene (3 kya). Using a maximum of 1897 SNPs retrieved from 124 samples across nine wild populations, five environmental predictors, and the species' natural occurrence records, we aimed to infer the species' demographic history and reconstruct its possible paleodistributions with the use of approximate Bayesian computation and ecological niche models, respectively. Under this integrated framework, we found strong evidence for patterns of range shift and expansion, and population divergence events from the onset of the Holocene, resulting in the formation of its five distinct genetic units. The most highly supported model inferred that after the split of an ancestral population into the southern group and a larger central metapopulation lineage, the latter gave rise to the eastern and northern clusters, before finally dividing into two sub‐central groups. While the use of molecular data allowed us to identify and refine the (phylo)genetic relationships of the species' lineages and populations, the use of ecological data helped us infer a past LGM refugium and the directions of post‐glacial range dynamics. The time frames of these demographic events were shown to be congruent with climatic and geological events that affected the central Korean Peninsula during these periods. These findings gave us a better understanding of the consequences of past spatiotemporal factors that may have resulted in the current fragmented population distribution of this endangered plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) comprises approximately 150 species. Although Central Asia, the main center of its diversity, includes around 66 species, detailed mapping of their distribution is limited and research on their ecoregional and phytogeographical dispersion is insufficient. This study aimed to map and analyze the distribution patterns of Tulipa across the Central Asian ecoregions and phytogeographical regions to identify potential hotspots for effective conservation efforts. The results identified the Gissaro-Alai open woodlands ecoregion, which hosts 41 species of Tulipa, as the leading hotspot ecoregion. The Ferghana Valley phytogeographical district (Afghano-Turkestan province) was found to be the most suitable habitat for 25 species of Tulipa. We also determined that altitude has a strong influence on the diversity of Tulipa and indicating increase of species richness as elevation rises. However, as elevation rises up from ca. 2000 m a.s.l. species richness also decreases slightly. An analysis of the distribution of sections of Tulipa in Central Asia revealed that around 61% of all species dwell in this area and that the sections Kolpakowskianae and Biflores, which have their greatest diversity of species, are specific to this area. The findings provide valuable insights into the distribution of Tulipa and allow for feasible recommendations and suggestions for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Allium macrostemon Bunge, commonly referred to as "no-biru" in Japan, is a widespread wild onion species found across the country. Despite being deeply entwined in ancient Japanese culture, it remains an underutilized crop in Japan. Determining the origins of its domestic populations and understanding their genetic composition is crucial to highlighting the plant's historical significance in Japan. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the genetic diversity of 47 A. macrostemon samples from various regions in Japan using RAD-Seq. Our analyses distinguished unique population structures, dividing the samples into three distinct groups: A, B, and C. Notably, groups A and B showed clear evidence of bulb propagation, while group C did not. Group C formed four subgroups: C1, C2, C3, and C4. Hybridization between subgroup C1 and either group A, B, or both, resulted in the emergence of subgroups C2, C3, and C4. Thus, groups A, B, and C1 are posited as the ancestral populations. Additionally, our morphological observations indicated distinct differences among these three groups. Our findings also suggest that human migration may have influenced the plant's distribution, hinting at active usage in the past that later waned, causing its current underutilized status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern forelands of the Alps, farmers report an increase of Jacobaea aquatica in production grasslands. Due to its toxicity, the species affects grassland productivity and calls for costly control measures. We are investigating the extent to which management practices or climatic factors are responsible for the increase of the species and how the situation will change due to climate change. We tested for effects of management intensity, fertilization, agri-environmental measures, and soil disturbance, and modeled the occurrence of the species under rcp4.5 and rcp8.5 scenarios. The main determinants of the occurrence of the species are soil type and summer rainfall. A high risk is associated with wet soils and > 400 mm of rain between June and August; an influence of the management-related factors could not be detected. Under the climate-change scenarios, the overall distribution decreases and shifts to the wetter alpine regions. Thus, the current increase is rather a shift in the occurrence of the species due to the altered precipitation situation. Under future climatic conditions, the species will decline and retreat to higher regions in the Alps. This will decrease the risk of forage contamination for production grassland in the lowlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Anthropogenic introductions are known to be changing the structure of global phytogeographical regions (phytoregions), but previous studies have been limited by incomplete or biased data sets that are likely to underestimate the importance of threatened species. In this work, we analyse a comprehensive data set of all known species and their occurrences (at botanical country resolution) to quantify the impact of potential future extinction scenarios.We used Infomap, a network‐based community detection algorithm, to generate phytoregional delineations for six species‐distribution scenarios (native, introduced and extinctions of species that are either documented as threatened or likely to be threatened, as well as combinations thereof). We compared the numbers and sizes of phytoregions to characterise the amount and spatial distribution of changes in global phytoregions under each scenario.Extinctions of species that are predicted to be threatened had a greater homogenising effect on phytoregions than introductions, and there was some evidence that introductions may even mitigate the homogenisation caused by extinctions, though this interaction is complex.This research provides the first evidence that the loss of threatened species would have significant ramifications for global phytoregions and demonstrates the need to consider extinction processes in studies of anthropogenic effects on biodiversity patterns. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is the Editorial for the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The geographic distribution of plant diversity matches the gradient of habitat heterogeneity from lowlands to mountain regions. However, little is known about how much this relationship is conserved across scales.Using the World Checklist of Vascular Plants and high‐resolution biodiversity maps developed by species distribution models, we investigated the associations between species richness and habitat heterogeneity at the scales of Eurasia and the Hengduan Mountains (HDM) in China.Habitat heterogeneity explains seed plant species richness across Eurasia, but the plant species richness of 41/97 HDM families is even higher than expected from fitted statistical relationships. A habitat heterogeneity index combining growing degree days, site water balance, and bedrock type performs better than heterogeneity based on single variables in explaining species richness. In the HDM, the association between heterogeneity and species richness is stronger at larger scales.Our findings suggest that high environmental heterogeneity provides suitable conditions for the diversification of lineages in the HDM. Nevertheless, habitat heterogeneity alone cannot fully explain the distribution of species richness in the HDM, especially in the western HDM, and complementary mechanisms, such as the complex geological history of the region, may have contributed to shaping this exceptional biodiversity hotspot. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Regions harbouring high unique phylogenetic diversity (PD) are priority targets for conservation. Here, we analyse the global distribution of plant PD, which remains poorly understood despite plants being the foundation of most terrestrial habitats and key to human livelihoods.Capitalising on a recently completed, comprehensive global checklist of vascular plants, we identify hotspots of unique plant PD and test three hypotheses: (1) PD is more evenly distributed than species diversity; (2) areas of highest PD (often called 'hotspots') do not maximise cumulative PD; and (3) many biomes are needed to maximise cumulative PD.Our results support all three hypotheses: more than twice as many regions are required to cover 50% of global plant PD compared to 50% of species; regions that maximise cumulative PD substantially differ from the regions with outstanding individual PD; and while (sub‐)tropical moist forest regions dominate across PD hotspots, other forest types and open biomes are also essential.Safeguarding PD in the Anthropocene (including the protection of some comparatively species‐poor areas) is a global, increasingly recognised responsibility. Having highlighted countries with outstanding unique plant PD, further analyses are now required to fully understand the global distribution of plant PD and associated conservation imperatives across spatial scales. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Digital accessible biodiversity knowledge has the potential to greatly advance botanical research and guide conservation efforts. Evaluating its shortfalls is key to understanding its limits and prioritising regions in need of renewed survey efforts.We used the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew's World Checklist of Vascular Plants to parse publicly available occurrence data downloaded from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and quantify the spatial distribution of spatial, phylogenetic, and temporal data shortfalls across Mesoamerica.After processing 3578 777 occurrence records for 32 522 species of vascular plants across Mesoamerica, we found evidence of poor data coverage: incomplete characterisation of species diversity, old occurrence records, and low phylogenetic representation. One‐third of the region showed large gaps for at least one of these dimensions (hotspots) and < 15% had adequate data coverage across dimensions.Overall, the shortfalls we identified compromise the quality of digitally available occurrence data and hamper research on spatial phylogenetics and species dynamics under anthropogenic disturbances. Our analyses identified areas of opportunity for increased efforts in data digitisation, botanical exploration, sequencing, and biodiversity monitoring. These efforts would serve to increase and rejuvenate knowledge on the geographic distribution of vascular plants in Mesoamerica. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The determinants of biodiversity patterns can be understood using macroevolutionary analyses. The integration of fossils into phylogenies offers a deeper understanding of processes underlying biodiversity patterns in deep time. Cycadales are considered a relict of a once more diverse and globally distributed group but are restricted to low latitudes today. We still know little about their origin and geographic range evolution.Combining molecular data for extant species and leaf morphological data for extant and fossil species, we study the origin of cycad global biodiversity patterns through Bayesian total‐evidence dating analyses. We assess the ancestral geographic origin and trace the historical biogeography of cycads with a time‐stratified process‐based model.Cycads originated in the Carboniferous on the Laurasian landmass and expanded in Gondwana in the Jurassic. Through now‐vanished continental connections, Antarctica and Greenland were crucial biogeographic crossroads for cycad biogeography. Vicariance is an essential speciation mode in the deep and recent past. Their latitudinal span increased in the Jurassic and restrained toward subtropical latitudes in the Neogene in line with biogeographic inferences of high‐latitude extirpations.We show the benefits of integrating fossils into phylogenies to estimate ancestral areas of origin and to study evolutionary processes explaining the global distribution of present‐day relict groups. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Plant life and growth forms (shortened to 'plant forms') represent key functional strategies of plants in relation to their environment and provide important insights into the ecological constraints acting on the distribution of biodiversity. Despite their functional importance, how the spectra of plant forms contribute to global gradients of plant diversity is unresolved.Using a novel dataset comprising > 295 000 species, we quantify the contribution of different plant forms to global gradients of vascular plant diversity. Furthermore, we establish how plant form distributions in different biogeographical regions are associated with contemporary and paleoclimate conditions, environmental heterogeneity and phylogeny.We find a major shift in representation of woody perennials in tropical latitudes to herb‐dominated floras in temperate and boreal regions, following a sharp latitudinal gradient in plant form diversity from the tropics to the poles. We also find significant functional differences between regions, mirroring life and growth form responses to environmental conditions, which is mostly explained by contemporary climate (18–87%), and phylogeny (6–62%), with paleoclimate and heterogeneity playing a lesser role (< 23%).This research highlights variation in the importance of different plant forms to diversity gradients world‐wide, shedding light on the ecological and evolutionary pressures constraining plant–trait distributions. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Climbers germinate on the ground but need external support to sustain their stems, which are maintained attached to supports through modified organs, that is, climbing mechanisms. Specialized climbing mechanisms have been linked to higher diversification rates. Also, different mechanisms may have different support diameter restrictions, which might influence climbers' spatial distribution.We test these assumptions by linking climbing mechanisms to the spatiotemporal diversification of neotropical climbers. A dataset of climbing mechanisms is presented for 9071 species. WCVP was used to standardize species names, map geographical distributions, and estimate diversification rates of lineages with different mechanisms.Twiners appear concentrated in the Dry Diagonal of South America and climbers with adhesive roots in the Chocó region and Central America. However, climbing mechanisms do not significantly influence the distribution of neotropical climbers. Also, we found no strong support for correlations between specialized climbing mechanisms and higher diversification rates.Climbing mechanisms do not strongly impact the spatiotemporal diversification of neotropical climbers on a macroevolutionary scale. We argue that the climbing habit is a synnovation, meaning the spatiotemporal diversification it promotes is due to the sum effect of all the habit's traits rather than isolated traits, such as climbing mechanisms. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Taxonomic checklists used to verify published plant names and identify synonyms are a cornerstone of biological research. Four global authoritative checklists for vascular plants exist: Leipzig Catalogue of Vascular Plants, World Checklist of Vascular Plants, World Flora Online (successor of The Plant List, TPL), and WorldPlants. We compared these four checklists in terms of size and differences across taxa.We matched taxon names of these checklists and TPL against each other, identified differences across checklists, and evaluated the consistency of accepted names linked to individual taxon names. We assessed geographic and phylogenetic patterns of variance.All checklists differed strongly compared with TPL and provided identical information on c. 60% of plant names. Geographically, differences in checklists increased from low to high latitudes. Phylogenetically, we detected strong variability across families. A comparison of name‐matching performance on taxon names submitted to the functional trait database TRY, and a check of completeness of accepted names evaluated against an independent, expert‐curated checklist of the family Meliaceae, showed a similar performance across checklists.This study raises awareness on the differences in data and approach across these checklists potentially impacting analyses. We propose ideas on the way forward exploring synergies and harmonizing the four global checklists. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP) is an extremely valuable resource that is being used to address many fundamental and applied questions in plant science, conservation, ecology and evolution. However, databases of this size require data manipulation skills that pose a barrier to many potential users. Here, we present rWCVP, an open‐source R package that aims to facilitate the use of the WCVP by providing clear, intuitive functions to execute many common tasks. These functions include taxonomic name reconciliation, geospatial integration, mapping and generation of multiple different summaries of the WCVP in both data and report format. We have included extensive documentation and tutorials, providing step‐by‐step guides that are accessible even to users with minimal programming experience. rWCVP is available on cran and GitHub. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The figwort family, Scrophulariaceae, comprises c. 2000 species whose evolutionary relationships at the tribal level have proven difficult to resolve, hindering our ability to understand their origin and diversification.We designed a specific probe kit for Scrophulariaceae, targeting 849 nuclear loci and obtaining plastid regions as by‐products. We sampled c. 87% of the genera described in the family and use the nuclear dataset to estimate evolutionary relationships, timing of diversification, and biogeographic patterns.Ten tribes, including two new tribes, Androyeae and Camptolomeae, are supported, and the phylogenetic positions of Androya, Camptoloma, and Phygelius are unveiled. Our study reveals a major diversification at c. 60 million yr ago in some Gondwanan landmasses, where two different lineages diversified, one of which gave rise to nearly 81% of extant species. A Southern African origin is estimated for most modern‐day tribes, with two exceptions, the American Leucophylleae, and the mainly Australian Myoporeae. The rapid mid‐Eocene diversification is aligned with geographic expansion within southern Africa in most tribes, followed by range expansion to tropical Africa and multiple dispersals out of Africa.Our robust phylogeny provides a framework for future studies aimed at understanding the role of macroevolutionary patterns and processes that generated Scrophulariaceae diversity. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The evolution of annual or perennial strategies in flowering plants likely depends on a broad array of temperature and precipitation variables. Previous documented climate life‐history correlations in explicit phylogenetic frameworks have been limited to certain clades and geographic regions.To gain insights which generalize to multiple lineages we employ a multi‐clade approach analyzing 32 groups of angiosperms across eight climatic variables. We utilize a recently developed method that accounts for the joint evolution of continuous and discrete traits to evaluate two hypotheses: annuals tend to evolve in highly seasonal regions prone to extreme heat and drought; and annuals tend to have faster rates of climatic niche evolution than perennials.We find that temperature, particularly highest temperature of the warmest month, is the most consistent climatic factor influencing the evolution of annual strategy in flowering plants. Unexpectedly, we do not find significant differences in rates of climatic niche evolution between perennial and annual lineages.We propose that annuals are consistently favored in areas prone to extreme heat due to their ability to escape heat stress as seeds, but they tend to be outcompeted by perennials in regions where extreme heat is uncommon or nonexistent. This article is part of the Special Collection 'Global plant diversity and distribution'. See https://www.newphytologist.org/global-plant-diversity for more details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetation phenological shifts impact the terrestrial carbon and water cycle, and affects local climate system through biophysical and biochemical processes between biosphere and atmosphere. Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs), serving as pivotal simulation tools for investigating terrestrial ecosystem carbon and water cycles, typically incorporate representations of vegetation phenological processes. Nevertheless, it is still a challenge to achieve accurate simulation of vegetation phenology in the DGVMs. Here, we developed and coupled the spring and autumn phenology models into one of the DGVMs, LPJ-GUESS. These process-based phenology models driven by temperature and photoperiod, and are parameterized for deciduous trees and shrubs using remote sensing-based phenological observations and reanalysis dataset ERA5 land. The results show that the developed LPJ-GUESS with new phenology modules substantially improved the accuracy in capturing start and end dates of growing seasons. For the start of growing season, the simulated RMSE for deciduous tree and shrubs decreased by 8.04 and 17.34, respectively. For the autumn phenology, the simulated RMSE for deciduous tree and shrubs decreased by 22.61 and 17.60, respectively. Interestingly, we have also found that differences in simulated start and end of growing season can largely alter the ecological niches and competitive relationships among different plant functional types (PFTs), and subsequentially impact the community structure and in turn influence the terrestrial carbon and water cycles. Hence, our study highlights the importance getting accurate of phenology estimation to reduce the uncertainties in plant distribution and terrestrial carbon and water cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) are a cost-effective ecological engineering tool for the restoration of polluted water bodies. The aims of this work were to evaluate the removal of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) by FTWs using Typha domingensis, and to assess Cr accumulation and distribution in plant tissues and sediment. Treatments were 5 and 10 mg L−1 of Cr(III), and 5 and 10 mg L−1 of Cr(VI), with and without FTWs, and biological control (BC) with FTW without Cr addition. Both Cr species were efficiently removed from water in all treatments (Cr removal > 80%). Cr concentration in sediments of treatment without FTWs was significantly higher than in sediments of treatments with FTWs, indicating that T. domingensis was directly involved in Cr removal. In sediment, Cr was mainly bound to the organic matter in all treatments with a low risk of future release under FTW conditions. T. domingensis demonstrated tolerance to both Cr species at 5 and 10 mg L−1 with Cr accumulated mainly in the roots in all treatments. The use of FTWs planted with T. domingensis is a suitable tool to remediate water bodies contaminated with Cr. This study evaluates the removal efficiency of Cr(III) and Cr(V) in Floating Treatment Wetlands planted with Typha domingensis in greenhouse experiments. Cr accumulation and distribution in plant tissues and different sediment fractions were also assessed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to examine the impact of coal power plants on the distribution of natural radionuclides in the environment and its effects on air particulate matter and solid fallout. To this end, spatial distributions and correlations are used to group radionuclides and trace elements. The study also identifies sources of elevated concentrations, such as geogenic, anthropogenic, or agricultural, and provides dose assessments, ecological risk assessments, pollution load indices, and geoaccumulation indices. These findings will inform future research and decision making in managing and regulating natural radionuclides near coal power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under global warming, the availability of water resources is one of the most important factors affecting trait evolution and plant species distribution across terrestrial ecosystems, and the relationships between drought resistance strategies and the hydrological niche characteristics of plants are worth studying. We continuously monitored physiological drought response parameters such as gs, Tr, proline, soluble sugar, gene expression and activities of SOD, POD, and CAT to assess drought resistance strategies of Platycarya longipes and Lindera communis; determined plant soil hydrological niche separation by stable H and O isotope analysis; and analysed the effects of interspecific water competition by comparing the differences in morphological and physiological parameters between solo and mixed planting. Under drought stress, L. communis exhibited a drought avoidance strategy, and P. longipes exhibited a drought tolerance strategy. L. communis utilized the water within the shallow soil layer, while P. longipes mainly utilized the water in the deeper soil layer; there were fewer parameters with significant differences between the solo planting and the mixed planting of L. communis compared to P. longipes. Overall, P. longipes benefited from coexistence with L. communis under drought stress, which may be because L. communis employs a drought avoidance strategy, reducing soil water consumption in the drought environment. These results suggested that differences in functional traits or resistance strategies among species benefit species' coexistence in a community under drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research work is focused on dendroecological potential of Pinus roxburghii (Sarg.) and Pinus wallichiana (A. B. Jacks.) in Jhika gali of murree. Age, growth rate, height, diameter at breast height (dbh), and phytosociological attributes of these two pine species were determined. Increment borers were used to obtain samples from study site. 50 samples from each species were obtained. In P. roxburghii the growth rate varied between 0.93 cm/year to 0.58 cm/year with Dbh 193 and 189.5 cm, respectively. Height was measured in between 30.17 and 18.6 m. In first stand of P. roxburghii maximum growth rate was 0.93 inches/year and minimum in growth rate in second stand was 0.58 cm/year with Dbh 193 and 189.5 cm, respectively. There was an inverse correlation between growth rate and dbh, but growth rate and height it was direct. In P. wallichiana growth rate varied between 1.3 cm/year with dbh 64 cm and 0.41 cm/year with dbh 105.1 cm. The relationship observed between height and growth rate was directly proportional in P. wallichiana, while it was inverse between dbh and growth rate. In Phytosociology, 92 species were collected belonging to 44 different families. IVI values of various species varied between minimum 0.99 and maximum 2.65. TWINSPAN is indicating the diverse nature of plant communities with diverse nature of grouping. Group I (G 1), Group II (G 3) has biodiversity in some of stands while Group II (G 2) has greatest biodiversity with five subgroups and subsequent associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Six fossil specimens of Ailanthus winged fruits are documented. • First-ever fossil record of Ailanthus confucii from India. • Ailanthus megafossil occurrences from the global geologic record are reviewed. • Suggest the possible migratory routes of Ailanthus. Even though it is now widespread in Asia and was widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere during the Cenozoic, fruits of the genus Ailanthus Desf. (Simaroubaceae) have not previously been documented from the Cenozoic of India. Here, we report the first Indian occurrence of fossil winged fruits corresponding to the modern genus Ailanthus having samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed from the latest Neogene sediments of Chotanagpur Plateau, eastern India. We determine their taxonomic position based on a detailed morphological comparison with similar modern and fossil specimens and discuss their palaeoclimatic significance. The fossil fruits are elongated, elliptic samaroid mericarps with a centrally placed seed and a marginal ventral vein starting from the seed extend to the base of the fruit. The fruits are 24–39 mm long and 11–16 mm wide. Based on the available morphological characters including locations of the stylar scar, main ventral vein, and the size of the samara, we assign these specimens to the fossil species Ailanthus confucii Unger. This species has a rich fossil record from the Cenozoic sediments of Europe, North America, and eastern Asia. However, this is the first report of A. confucii in India, which is significant for this species's biogeographic and evolutionary history. Based on morphological comparisons, A. confucii shows affinity to modern A. altissima. Here, we also review the biogeographic history of Ailanthus and suggest its possible migratory routes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The caliscelid tribe Augilini Baker is recorded for the first time from African continent after Polychornum centroafricanum sp. n. described and illustrated from the Democratic Republic of Congo, collected in 1948. This is first representative of the genus Polychornum Gnezdilov, 2021 from the Afrotropical Region. Global distribution and host plants of the species of the tribe Augilini are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Observed climate change leads to the variations in the phenology, physiology, and biochemistry of grape berries, to a shift in the distribution of the grape plant areas and, as a result, to a change in the specialization of associated regions. Using the agroclimatic indicators for a comprehensive assessment of the climate change impact on viticulture, a comprehensive assessment of the grape growth conditions, potential quality of wine, and the climate-related risks in the Crimea and Donbass (on the example of Sevastopol and Artemovsk) over two 30-year periods (1961–1990 and 1991–2020) has been carried out. The results have shown a significant change in climatic conditions: an increase in heat availability in both regions and a decrease in frost susceptibility in the south of Donbass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Snow cover persistence (SCP) has significant effects on plants in high‐elevation ecosystems. It determines the length of the growing season, provides insulation against low temperatures and influences water availability, thereby shaping the vegetation mosaic. Despite its importance, SCP is rarely used in plant species distribution modelling. In this study, we examine whether incorporating SCP in plant species distribution models (SDMs) improves their predictive power. We investigate the link between species' ecology and SDM improvements by the addition of various SCP predictors. Location: Western Swiss Alps. Taxon: 206 alpine flowering plants (angiosperms). Methods: We produced three maps of landsat satellite‐based SCP indices over an entire mountain region, one of them using an online open access platform allowing quick and easy replication and used them as a predictor in plant SDMs alongside commonly used predictors. We tested whether this improved the predictive performance of plant SDMs. Results: All three SCP indices improved the overall SDM predictive accuracy, but the overall improvement was potentially limited by their correlation with other climatic predictors. Alpine plant species known for their dependence on snow benefited more from the additional snow information. Main Conclusions: SCP should be used for predicting at least the distribution of alpine, snow‐related plant species. Given that adding snow cover improves SDMs and that snow duration decreases as climate warms, future predictions of alpine plant distributions should account for both snow predictor and associated snow change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calicotome villosa is a eurioic legume with broad distribution in the south of Europe. It can grow in almost any type of soil as well as in humid and dry and nutrient-deficient ecosystems. The broad distribution and eurioic nature of C. villosa may be attributed to its ability to establish endophytic associations with plant-growth-promoting (PGP) bacteria housed in the nodules and rootlets. This study examined the legume–microbe interaction of C. villosa growing in two contrasting locations: a hilltop with high sun irradiance and drought, and a valley bottom with a low level of radiation and sufficient soil humidity for plant growth. Calicotome villosa adult plants established endophytic interactions with bacteria in six genera: Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Brevicacterium, and Rhizobium. Plants growing on the hilltop had associated lower bacterial richness than those grown on the valley bottom. All strains were drought-tolerant and produced siderophores, IAA, HCN, and NH3 that stimulated plant performance in C. villosa plants and the other four legumes commonly present in the understory of the shrub communities. The legumes' capacity to selectively host symbiotic bacteria that enhance plant survival in harsh conditions partly accounts for the diverse partnerships between C. villosa plants and their symbionts, ultimately explaining the wide distribution of this plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet-waxy maize is a new type of fresh maize pioneered in China. It combines the advantages of sweet maize and waxy maize. The sweet and waxy grains arranged randomly on one ear, therefore the taste is both sweet and waxy. In recent years, sweet-waxy maize has been hotly sought after by the market and has become the trend and focus of the development of fresh maize. Chinese breeders created sweet and waxy double (multiple) recessive inbred lines by polymerizing key sweet and waxy genes in the starch synthesis pathway of maize endosperm, and then crossed with waxy maize inbred lines or for hybridized combination with each other. The recessive genes were separated in the hybrid offspring so that sweet and waxy grains appeared on the same ear at the same time. The breeding of sweet-waxy maize has developed rapidly. At present, a breeding system of sweet and waxy maize combining traditional breeding methods (sweet and waxy maize hybrid combination method and sweet and waxy maize bicyclic breeding method) + modern breeding methods (molecular marker-assisted selection technology and haploid breeding technology) has been established, and the bred varieties are developing towards a diversified, high-quality, featured and functional direction. Sweet-waxy maize has high value-added, short production cycle, and can be flexibly matched with aspects of stubble, therefore, its market demand and planting area are increasing year by year. However, due to the limited genetic background of germplasm resources, high cost of inbred lines reproduction and seed production, imperfect quality evaluation system, and the urgent need for innovation in fresh-keeping and processing technology, the challenges it faces are becoming more prominent, hindering the future development of the sweetwaxy maize industry. In the study, the theoretical basis of sweet-waxy maize breeding, breeding development history, variety certification, planting distribution, planting mode and market overview were discussed, the core bottlenecks and constraints were discussed, and corresponding countermeasures were put forward, with an aims to provide theoretical basis for breeding research and industrial development of sweet-waxy maize . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Invention of Humboldt: On the Geopolitics of Knowledge" is a book edited by Mark Thurner and Jorge Cañizares-Esguerra that challenges the popular and academic narratives surrounding Alexander von Humboldt. The book argues that these narratives perpetuate anti-Hispanic assumptions and overlook the contributions of Hispanic colonial sciences. The volume explores the complex power dynamics and erasure of Ibero-American sciences, highlighting the appropriation of knowledge by Humboldt and the European colonial elite. It also examines the broader geopolitical context and the role of extractivism in the making and breaking of Spain's colonial empire. [Extracted from the article]

Allium macrostemon Bunge, commonly referred to as "no-biru" in Japan, is a widespread wild onion species found across the country. Despite being deeply entwined in ancient Japanese culture, it remains an underutilized crop in Japan. Determining the origins of its domestic populations and understanding their genetic composition is crucial to highlighting the plant's historical significance in Japan. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the genetic diversity of 47 A. macrostemon samples from various regions in Japan using RAD-Seq. Our analyses distinguished unique population structures, dividing the samples into three distinct groups: A, B, and C. Notably, groups A and B showed clear evidence of bulb propagation, while group C did not. Group C formed four subgroups: C1, C2, C3, and C4. Hybridization between subgroup C1 and either group A, B, or both, resulted in the emergence of subgroups C2, C3, and C4. Thus, groups A, B, and C1 are posited as the ancestral populations. Additionally, our morphological observations indicated distinct differences among these three groups. Our findings also suggest that human migration may have influenced the plant's distribution, hinting at active usage in the past that later waned, causing its current underutilized status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All known planets orbit the Sun so harmoniously that the entire Universe is believed to behave in a rhythmical and fractal way. Titius–Bode law is the main theoretical tool for planetary orbit description. Here we show that planetary sequence follows the Fibonacci-like prime sequence, and we introduce two gravitational spirals to predict orbits for solar members orbiting the Sun. Furthermore, we predict two hypothetical planets as far as 1500 AU and 2300 AU from the Sun, respectively, in our solar system, and some unknown planets in extrasolar planetary systems. Our planetary sequence demonstrates the possible frontier of our solar system, and the theory is also valid for other star systems and planetary systems, giving a simple way to finding the most possible adjacent unknown planets or moons near a known one. We anticipate our sequence can be more sophisticatedly used to search for unknown Universes and to depict the cosmos fully and exclusively, and we conclude that our whole Universe is of fractal property and all celestial bodies are distributed according to Fibonacci sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruiting behaviour and sex form are important goals for Luffa breeders and this study aimed to shed light upon inheritance patterns for both these traits. The hermaphrodite form of Luffa acutangula (known as Satputia) is an underutilized vegetable with a unique clustered fruiting habit. Its desirable traits, such as plant architecture, earliness, as well as contrasting traits like unique clustered fruiting, bisexual flower, and crossability with Luffa acutangula (monoecious ridge gourd with solitary fruits), make it a potential source for trait improvement and mapping of desirable traits in Luffa. In the present study, we have elucidated the inheritance pattern of fruiting behaviour in Luffa using F2 mapping population generated from a cross between Pusa Nutan (Luffa acutangula, monoecious, solitary fruiting) × DSat-116 (Luffa acutangula, hermaphrodite, cluster fruiting). In F2 generation, the observed distribution of plant phenotypes fitted in the expected ratio of 3:1 (solitary vs cluster) for fruit-bearing habit. This is the first report of monogenic recessive control for cluster fruit-bearing habit in Luffa. Herein, we designate for the first time the gene symbol cl for cluster fruit bearing in Luffa. Linkage analysis revealed that SRAP marker ME10 EM4-280 was linked to the fruiting trait at the distance of 4.6 cM from the Cl locus. In addition, the inheritance pattern of hermaphrodite sex form in Luffa was also studied in the F2 population of Pusa Nutan × DSat-116 that segregated into 9:3:3:1 ratio (monoecious:andromonoecious:gynoecious:hermaphrodite), suggesting a digenic recessive control of hermaphrodite sex form in Luffa, which was further confirmed by the test cross. The inheritance and identification of molecular marker for cluster fruiting trait provides a basis for breeding in Luffa species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plants are often sold as ornamental garden plants, but how often are species sold in the same locations as where they are invasive? To answer this question, we assessed the geography of ornamental plant sales in the United States in relation to existing invasions and potential invasion risk with climate change. Using a data set of 672 nurseries selling 89 invasive plants, we estimated the distance between nursery sales and invasive species' observed distributions. We also used species range maps to identify nursery sales within current potential invaded ranges, as well as within species' future potential ranges given climate change. Half of the species were sold by a nursery within 21 kilometers of an observed record of invasion. Under the current climate, horticulture could be seeding invasions for 73 of the 89 species studied, and horticulture could facilitate climate-driven range expansion of 25 of 89 species. Our results illustrate risks associated with horticultural introductions of invasive species, providing guidance for regulatory and educational interventions that reduce the spread of ongoing and future invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Oceanic islands possess unique floras with high proportions of endemic species. Island floras are expected to be severely affected by changing climatic conditions as species on islands have limited distribution ranges and small population sizes and face the constraints of insularity to track their climatic niches. We aimed to assess how ongoing climate change affects the range sizes of oceanic island plants, identifying species of particular conservation concern. Location: Canary Islands, Spain. Methods: We combined species occurrence data from single‐island endemic, archipelago endemic and nonendemic native plant species of the Canary Islands with data on current and future climatic conditions. Bayesian Additive Regression Trees were used to assess the effect of climate change on species distributions; 71% (n = 502 species) of the native Canary Island species had models deemed good enough. To further assess how climate change affects plant functional strategies, we collected data on woodiness and succulence. Results: Single‐island endemic species were projected to lose a greater proportion of their climatically suitable area (x ̃ = −0.36) than archipelago endemics (x ̃ = −0.28) or nonendemic native species (x ̃ = −0.26), especially on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, which are expected to experience less annual precipitation in the future. Moreover, herbaceous single‐island endemics were projected to gain less and lose more climatically suitable area than insular woody single‐island endemics. By contrast, we found that succulent single‐island endemics and nonendemic natives gain more and lose less climatically suitable area. Main Conclusions: While all native species are of conservation importance, we emphasise single‐island endemic species not characterised by functional strategies associated with water use efficiency. Our results are particularly critical for other oceanic island floras that are not constituted by such a vast diversity of insular woody species as the Canary Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed (i) to assess the environmental problems of wheat farming in Oxisol with Cd and Pb below the acceptable levels established by national and international regulations, questioning their possible permissiveness; (ii) to investigate the metal distribution in wheat plant organs, and to predict possible implications of cultivation in hazardous conditions; (iii) to assess the grain and flour content of metals and to predict possible implications. The growth of plants, gas exchange parameters, nutritional composition, the yield of grains and metal distribution were evaluated. Cd and Pb are accumulated in different plant organs even when the legislation's limits are respected. 74% of Cd and 96% of Pb are accumulated in roots, while 3% of Cd and <1% of Pb are accumulated in grains. Cd and Pb caused nutritional disorders such as decreased foliar K, Ca, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn, decreased canopy height, number of tillers, number of spikes, the volume of roots, aerial dry mass and yield of grains. Even if the established limits of Cd are respected, the flour will overtake the provisional tolerable monthly intake established by World Health Organisation. In the evaluated conditions, wheat cultivation in Oxisol within the national standard for Cd could result in hazardous levels in flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Philorea Erichson, 1834 (Pimeliinae: Physogasterini) is a South American endemic genus of the Desert, Puna and Atacaman biogeographic provinces, in the territories of Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The objective of this work was to update the knowledge of the genus in the Peruvian territory, providing a checklist of species and new distribution records. From examination of 821 specimens, a total of 15 species of Philorea are recorded for Peru. Also distributions maps and comments about its distribution patterns are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The geographical distribution of plants is influenced by macroclimate and dispersal limitations, which have led to lineage isolation and subsequent diversification within and across various environmental gradients. Macroclimatic variables in coastal wetlands influence plant species and lineages across biogeographical boundaries. This study aimed to determine the influence of macroclimatic variables on species and phylogenetic richness in South African estuaries. Open-source chloroplast DNA barcoding sequences, species distribution and climatic data layers were used to determine the relationship between species richness, MPD, MNTD and each bioclimatic variable individually. Temperate species richness and phylogenetic diversity were positively correlated with temperature bioclimatic variables whereas subtropical and tropical species were associated with increases in precipitation. Phylogenetic niche conservatism is evident in malvids and rosids which are restricted to tropical and subtropical regions due to their physiological adaptations to tropical climates. Caryophylales was mostly associated with temperate regions. Poales and Alismatales showed wide distributions that is likely attributed to traits related to wind pollination and hydrochory, rapid, clonal, and high reproductive output, tolerance to stressful conditions, and intraspecific genetic diversity. The findings highlight the importance of considering macroclimate and phylogenetic factors in understanding the distribution and diversity of coastal wetland plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low temperature constitutes one of the main barriers to plant distributions, confining many clades to their ancestrally tropical biome. However, recent evidence suggests that transitions from tropical to temperate biomes may be more frequent than previously thought. Here, we study the evolution of cold and frost tolerance in the globally distributed and highly stress-tolerant Salicornieae (Salicornioideae, Amaranthaceae s.l.). We first generate a phylogenetic tree comprising almost all known species (85-90%), using newly generated (n  = 106) and published nuclear-ribosomal and plastid sequences. Next, we use geographical occurrence data to document in which clades and geographical regions cold-tolerant species occur and reconstruct how cold tolerance evolved. Finally, we test for correlated evolution between frost tolerance and the annual life form. We find that frost tolerance has evolved independently in up to four Northern Hemisphere lineages but that annuals are no more likely to evolve frost tolerance than perennials, indicating the presence of different strategies for adapting to cold environments. Our findings add to mounting evidence for multiple independent out-of-the-tropics transitions among close relatives of flowering plants and raise new questions about the ecological and physiological mechanism(s) of adaptation to low temperatures in Salicornieae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the northern forelands of the Alps, farmers report an increase of Jacobaea aquatica in production grasslands. Due to its toxicity, the species affects grassland productivity and calls for costly control measures. We are investigating the extent to which management practices or climatic factors are responsible for the increase of the species and how the situation will change due to climate change. We tested for effects of management intensity, fertilization, agri-environmental measures, and soil disturbance, and modeled the occurrence of the species under rcp4.5 and rcp8.5 scenarios. The main determinants of the occurrence of the species are soil type and summer rainfall. A high risk is associated with wet soils and > 400 mm of rain between June and August; an influence of the management-related factors could not be detected. Under the climate-change scenarios, the overall distribution decreases and shifts to the wetter alpine regions. Thus, the current increase is rather a shift in the occurrence of the species due to the altered precipitation situation. Under future climatic conditions, the species will decline and retreat to higher regions in the Alps. This will decrease the risk of forage contamination for production grassland in the lowlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A list of 75 species of aphids which have been intercepted on plants imported into South Korea over the past 27 years (from 1996 to 2022) including information on the number of interceptions, host plants and their distribution is provided. Data on intercepted species were analysed to determine potential invasive species of aphids that could threaten South Korean agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaranth plants contain abundant betalains and flavonoids. Anthocyanins are important flavonoids; however, they cannot coexist in the same plant with betalains. Blue light influences metabolite synthesis and hypocotyl elongation; accordingly, analyses of its effects on betalain and flavonoid biosynthesis in Amaranthus tricolor may provide insight into the distribution of these plant pigments. We analyzed the betalain and flavonoid content and transcriptome profiles in amaranth hypocotyls under blue light and dark conditions. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression patterns of key genes related to betalains and flavonoids. Amaranth hypocotyls were shorter and redder and showed higher betalain and flavonoid content under blue light than in dark conditions. Key genes involved in the synthesis of betalains and flavonoids were upregulated under blue light. The gene encoding DELLA was also upregulated. These results suggest that blue light favors the synthesis of both betalains and flavonoids via the suppression of bioactive gibberellin and the promotion of DELLA protein accumulation, which also suppresses hypocotyl elongation. The metabolite profiles differed between plants under blue light and dark conditions. These findings improve our understanding of the environmental cues and molecular mechanisms underlying pigment variation in Amaranthus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven angiosperm plant species are added to the flora of New Mexico that were revealed through herbarium curation associated with a project to digitize and unify the two herbaria of New Mexico State University (NMC & NMCR) and through ongoing field work. One, Dimorphocarpa candicans, is restored to the state's flora, after it was earlier placed into synonymy with D. wislizeni, a close but morphologically distinct relative. The current IUCN Redlist conservation status of endangered (EN) for Gossypium thurberi should be revisited given its newly discovered range extension into southwestern New Mexico. New county-level distribution records are provided for a total of 16 taxa. Crepis tectorum, one of the species added to the flora of New Mexico, is likewise documented for Colorado, where it occurs in three counties. All of the plants added to the floras pertain to species that are either native or introduced with the potential to spread and become naturalized in the landscape. A putative introgressive population is also reported for New Mexico between Quercus turbinella and Q. laceyi, the latter otherwise unknown in the state. For all new records, full citations of specimen vouchers are provided to document the extended distributional ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, through a pot experiments, the effects of Pb stress on the growth, physiological response characteristics, microstructure, Pb absorption and distribution of the woody plant Robinia pseudoacacia were studied under four treatments: control (CK), Q1, Q2, and Q3(soil Pb concentrations of 0, 100, 500, and 1 000 mg·kg-1, respectively). The results showed that R. pseudoacacia has strong physiological tolerance and detoxification ability when exposed to Pb-contaminated soil. At the initial cultivation time (30 d), peroxidase (POD) activity in R. pseudoacacia leaves was significantly decreased by 41.7%-54.1%, when soil Pb content was 500-1 000 mg·kg-1. After 60 d cultivation, malondialdehyde (MDA) content in R. pseudoacacia leaves was significantly elevated by 23.6%-61.9% in response to Pb stress. However, after 160 d of cultivation, total chlorophyll, MDA content, and superoxide dismutase, POD, catalase activities in the leaves of R. pseudoacacia growing in the 1 000 mg·kg-1 Pb-contaminated soil were only slightly changed relative to the control. Furthermore, the cells of plant leaves maintained an intact structure under Pb stress. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the conduits and screens played an important role in inhibiting the transport of Pb from roots to shoots. Pb mainly accumulated in R. pseudoacacia roots, and the transferring coefficient of Pb from roots to shoots was less than 1. These results suggest that normal photosynthesis, antioxidant enzyme protection, and the inhibition of Pb transport by conduits and screens contribute to the strong tolerance of R. pseudoacacia to Pb stress. Therefore, this species has clear potential as a stable remediator of Pb-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three species of the rust fungus genus Blastospora, Bl. betulae, Bl. itoana, and Bl. smilacis, have been reported in East Asia. Although their morphological characteristics and life cycles have been investigated, their phylogenetic positions have not been clarified sufficiently. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these three species were included into Zaghouaniaceae of Pucciniales. However, Bl. betulae was phylogenetically distinct from Bl. itoana and Bl. smilacis and different from other genera. Based on this result, and applying recent International Code of Nomenclature decisions/recommendations/requirements, Botryosorus, gen. nov., and Bo. deformans,, comb. nov., were applied for Bl. betulae. Two new combinations, Bl. radiata for Bl. itoana and Bl. makinoi for Bl. smilacis, were also applied. Their host plants and distribution were described based on literature records. Zaghouania yunnanensis, comb. nov., was proposed for Cystopsora yunnanensis as a result of this analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is carried out between 1994-2023 years in Türkiye. The Gypsophila is a problematic and important genus that needs revision but will take several years. In the article, geographical distributions, endemism, flowering and fruiting months, habitat preffering, phytogeography and IUCN danger category of Gypsophila taxa distributed in Türkiye are explained according to field observations and herbaria records. Belonging to 51 taxa (47 species), almost 980 collections from 400 localities were identified. Other 15 species not carried out by us. The results presented here are based on informations of Gypsophila taxa in the country. In the light of current information, there are a total of 65 taxa belonging to 62 species in the country and these taxa named in actual situation. 39 taxa of these plants are endemics to Türkiye. Almost 40 taxa from 62 species in Türkiye shows natural distribution in Eastern Anatolia region. This situation shows that; 2/3 of Gypsophila taxa is in Eastern Anatolia region and endemic. Irano-Turanian element ratio in the genus is higher than this value. Species of the genus are distributed according to rock, climatic and geographical region. 9 taxa are indicators of gypsum areas. Among the plants in the paper Irano-Turanian elements 36, Saharo-Arabian element 1, Mediterranean elements 7, Euro-Siberian elements 4, Euxine elements 2; Cosmopolitan 1. Endemism; relict endemic 1, local and regional endemics 11, other endemics 20, nonendemics 19 as rare 1 taxon. Distributions to pytogeographical regions of endemic taxa as follows; endemic Irano-Turanian elements 23, endemic Mediterranean elements 6 and endemic Euro-Siberian elements 2. Weeds growing in fields are 4 taxa. There are new interesting geographical distributions for almost 20 taxa. Distributions to life forms of the taxa are Ch: 33, T: 14 and Chz: 4 taxa. Distributions to IUCN Threatened Cathegories of the taxa are Lc: 19, CR: 10, VU: 9, cd: 8, EN: 4, NT: 1. These two factors are dominant in the high level of endemism. 10 taxa in 0-500 m, 21 taxa in 500-1000 m, 26 taxa in 1000-1500 m, 24 taxa in 1500-2000 m, 17 taxa in 2000-2500 m, 7 taxa in 200-3000 m, 1 taxon in 3000-3500 m are naturally growing and vertical distribution. 40 taxa on steppe vegetation and slopes, 18 taxa on rocky (calcer, volcanic and conglomerate rockies) and their crevices, 14 taxa on gibsous rocky places, 10 taxa alpinic pastures/meadows, 4 taxa on macquis vegetation, 4 taxa on sandy soils, 6 taxa on forest (pine and oak) and opens, 16 taxa on fallow fields and margins and roadsides, 5 taxa on saline soils and 5 taxa on stream bads are naturally growing in Türkiye. Flowering months: 2 taxa in April, 17 taxa in May, 38 taxa in June, 40 taxa in July, 23 taxa in August, 1 taxon in September. Fruiting monts: 1 taxon in May, 12 taxa in June, 46 taxa in July, 42 taxa in August, 13 taxa in September, 2 taxa in November. The gene center of this genus has been estimated as the Eastern Anatolian region (Türkiye) in Irano-Turanian phytogeographical region. Five diversity areas in Türkiye identified: Lakes region, Mountaining areas in East Anatolia region, Region of Sivas, Erzincan Malatya, Tunceli, Erzurum, Bayburt, Gümüşhane, Region of Niğde, Aksaray, Ankara, Çankırı, Konya, Çorum, Yozgat, Region of Eskişehir, Kütahya and Bursa are very important areas in diversity for the genus. Existences of G. linearifolia in the country have not become definite. It was seen samples of G. muralis, G. antari, and G. laricina in fields in the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is the world's fourth largest food crop. Due to limited arable land and an ever-increasing demand for food from a growing population, it is critical to increase crop yields on existing acreage. Soil salinization is an increasing problem that dramatically impacts crop yields and restricts the growing area of potato. One possible solution to this problem is the development of salt-tolerant transgenic potato cultivars. In this work, we review the current potato planting distribution and the ways in which it overlaps with salinized land, in addition to covering the development and utilization of potato salt-tolerant cultivars. We also provide an overview of the current progress toward identifying potato salt tolerance genes and how they may be deployed to overcome the current challenges facing potato growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi Arabia diverse landforms include saltmarshes, sand dunes, desert plains, desert pavements, ancient lava fields, and mountains. Climate is influenced by winter Polar and summer Tropical Continental air masses. Tropical Maritime air affects southwestern regions during summer. Climate depends also on location and altitude with hot humid coastal areas, hot dry deserts, hyper-arid desert pavements and lava fields, and temperate mountainous regions. Climate exhibits spatiotemporal patterns reflecting north-south gradients of temperature, rainfall, evapotranspiration, and aridity. Vast latitudinal range and steep altitudinal gradient create temperature variations, affect rainfall seasonality and distribution, and influence dry season duration. Distribution of plant communities and species reflects multitudinous interactions between climate and plant traits, physiology, and chorology. Species exhibiting C3 photosynthesis inhabit cool northern regions and temperate southwestern mountains, species with C4 photosynthesis inhabit hot low-lying regions, and arido-active succulents with crassulacean acid metabolism dominate hyper-arid desert pavements and lava fields. Plant distribution also relates to species chorology with Euro-Siberian, Irano-Turanian, and Mediterranean chorotypes dominating cool northern regions and temperate southwestern mountains, while Saharo-Sindian, Sudano-Zambezian, and Tropical chorotypes dominating hot southern regions. Plant communities and species occurring in different habitats are described in relation to their traits, physiology, and chorology. Nature reserves and phytodiversity hotspots are considered with special reference to endemic, rare, endangered, and invasive species. An environmental perspective is also given in relation to anthropogenic pressures and positive directives of Saudi Vision 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]