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Festucetum vaginatae Rapaics ex Soó 1929 em. Borhidi 1996 is a characteristic association of the calcareous sandy areas of the Pannonian basin; its dominant grass species is Festuca vaginata. Another typical species of these sandy areas is the newly discovered F. pseudovaginata. The question is whether F. pseudovaginata forms an independent coenotaxa? Our study proved that F. vaginata and F. pseudovaginata populations grow separately and compose different associations. Stands dominated by F. pseudovaginata had a higher species richness and harboured twice as many Festuco-Brometea species compared to the Festucetum vaginatae stands. Diagnostic species of the Festucetum pseudovaginatae association are Festuca pseudovaginata, Colchicum arenarium, Ephedra distachya, Koeleria majoriflora, and Astragalus onobrychis. The number of species, the density of the individuals, and the variability and diversity of the vegetation separated it from the Festucetum vaginatae association; thus, it can be considered an independent endemic association. Festucetum pseudovaginatae has its own differentiating and dominant species: Carex stenophylla, Cynodon dactylon, Eryngium campestre, Kochia laniflora.

Organisms with different life histories are able to act as indicators of different characteristics of their environment. Here, we compared the precision of habitat indication by the vegetation and soil microbial communities in four salt-affected pastures: annual open salt sward, Pannonic Puccinellia limosa hollow, Artemisia saline puszta and grassy saline puszta. Dissimilarity of habitats was evaluated by standardized principal component analysis (PCA) based on four different datasets: catabolic profiles of microbial communities in June (a) and September (b), composition of vascular vegetation (c) and physical and chemical properties of the soil (d). Procrustes analysis was used to quantify the resemblance between pairs of PCA ordinations based on soil properties (d) and various biotic communities (a, b, c). PCA ordination based on vegetation most closely matched the soil data-based ordination, thus vegetation appears to better indicate habitat conditions than soil microbial communities do. For microbial communities, a better agreement with the soil data-based ordination was reached in September than in June. Most probably, the long-lived sedentary habit of perennial plants in these communities requires adaptation to long-term average habitat conditions. In contrast, short-lived soil microbes can quickly follow environmental changes, thus the composition of soil microbial communities better reflect actual soil conditions.

Research highlights: In the present survey we examined the sandy grasslands appearing in the steppe-forest-steppe vegetation in the central part of the Carpathian Basin along the Danube. Background and objectives: We aimed to answer the following questions: Is it possible to build a picture of the past form of the vegetation through the examination of these vegetation units based on dominant grass taxa? Is Festuca wagneri an element of open grasslands or steppes? According to our hypothesis, these surveys can help reveal the original or secondary woody, shrubby patches through clarifying dominant taxa. Materials and Methods: We studied the grasslands in terms of coenology, putting great emphasis on the dominant Festuca taxa. Based on our preliminary surveys and literature, three vegetation types can be separated based on one single dominant Festuca taxon in each. The survey was conducted in four different locations in the Carpathian Basin. The cover of dominant grass species was used as an indicator value. The pedological background was also examined. Results: F. vaginata grassland is an open vegetation type based on its coenosystematic composition and ecological values. It grows in very weakly developed calcareous soil with sandy texture, with its lowest and highest organic carbon content ranging from 0.2% to 11.3% (0.2%), and the highest carbonate content (11.3%). Where the grasslands were disturbed, F. pseudovaginata and the recently discovered F. tomanii appeared. These taxa were also found in forest patches. The soil under F. pseudovaginata was more developed, in the surface horizon with higher organic carbon content (1.1%) and lower carbonate content (6.9%). The soil profile under F. wagneri developed the most, as the presence of deep and humus rich soil material from deflation and degradation showed. Conclusions: the dominant Festuca taxa of these vegetation types are good indicators of the changes in the vegetation and their ecological background.

Research Highlights: We examined the vegetation appearing in forest-steppes in the Pannon region. In the present survey taxonomical relations of the dominant Festuca species were examined. Background and Objectives: After deforestation and shrubcutting bare soil patches exposed to anthropogenous effects provided an opportunity for new vegetation to form. Materials and Methods: Inflorescence parameters and micromorphological characters of the leaves were examined in a new taxon and compared with two, presumably closely related, species of the genus Festuca L. Festuca tomanii Korneck &amp, T.Gregor, with silvery leaf surface, Festuca vaginata W. K. and Festuca pseudovaginata Penksza were compared based on 24 traits of the inflorescence and their leaf anatomy studied on leaf cross-sections. Moreover, leaf micromorphological features were compared using a stereomicroscope, a scanning electron microscope completed with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy measurements and phytolith analysis method to establish the taxonomic applications of the micromorphological characters of the epidermis. Results: The awns of the lemma of Festuca tomanii were shown to be longer than those of the two other species. Festuca vaginata and Festuca pseudovaginata specimen showed low variability in inflorescence parameters but inflorescence characters were not uniform because the panicle of Festuca tomanii individuals was found to be bigger in the northern part than the panicles originating from the southern part of the sampled area. The phytolith assemblages of the Festuca pseudovaginata and Festuca tomanii differ from the Festuca vaginata in the abundance of ELONGATE SINUATE phytolith morphotype. Conclusions: we confirmed the appearance of F. vaginata in natural grasslands and discovered new occurrences of F. pseudovaginata and F. tomanii. F. pseudovaginata inhabits only the Pannon region, we found endemic and natural stands of it, but in its secondary habitats it was confirmed as a completely new species. Furthermore, taxa of disturbed vegetations are currently being examined. These habitats are potential hotspots of speciation.

When an artificial surface (e.g. an asphalt road) reflects strongly and horizontally polarized light as water bodies do in the nature, polarotactic aquatic insects, like the creek-dwelling Ephemera danica mayflies easily become deceived. After swarming above the creek surface, E. danica females begin their upstream compensatory flight and can be deflected at bridges with an asphalt road and continue their flight above the road surface. Thus, the water-mimicking optical signal of the road may deceive water-seeking polarotactic mayflies and lead them to distant, polarized-light-polluting surfaces, which elicit anomalous oviposition. On an asphalt road crossing a creek, we deployed polarizing insect traps at different distances from the bridge. The traps captured E. danica mayflies and their catch numbers indicated that these mayflies originated from the direction of the bridge, proving that they followed the track of the road. Our results suggest that distant polarized-light-polluting objects along an asphalt road can trap mayflies emerging from a creek crossing the road. The combination of an asphalt road and a man-made in situ (local) polarizing surface forms a complex ecological trap, being capable of luring aquatic insects from greater distances. To eliminate the oviposition of dangered polarotactic aquatic insects emerging from a creek onto the asphalt road crossing the creek, we suggest to deploy strongly and horizontally polarizing water-filled black trays along the edge of the road during the swarming period. Thus, the eggs of the deceived insects can be moved back to the creek in order to assist the conservation of the offspring-generation.

The taxonomic value of phytolith assemblages and their degree of variability within different species of the same genus is still an undervalued issue in the botanical range of phytolith studies. However the understanding of grass phytolith variance and its implications to plant systematics is doubtless.In the present study phytoliths of the lateral shoots (leaves) of nine, globally distributed Poa species (Pooideae – Poaceae) are described. Phytoliths were recovered from Poa specimens by the dry ashing technique. Altogether 6223 disarticulated phytoliths were counted (approximately 500–700 phytoliths per species) in 54 plant samples, which cover six shoots of nine species. Not only the relative frequency of each morphotype was calculated, but measurements were conducted to determine the biogenic silica content of Poa lateral shoots. A phytolith reference collection for the nine selected species of a worldwide importance was also compiled. The description of the most significant phytolith morphotypes and their taxonomic relationships are given here.Results suggest that the biogenic silica content of the Poa lateral shoots was determined to be relatively high within all nine species. Phytolith assemblage data was subjected to multivariate statistical analyses (e.g., CA and PCA) in order to find differences and similarities among the nine Poa species. Results show that the two closely related Poa of the P. pratensis species group, namely the P. pratensis and P. angustifolia, only slightly differ from the other Poa species if we consider their rondel-trapeziform short cells (SC) phytolith frequencies.

Regeneration of seminatural grasslands are often threatened by the invasion of Calamagrostis epigejos, which can slow down or arrest secondary succession. Here we report the results of a 9-year mowing experiment designed to suppress the spread of C. epigejos in mid-successional grasslands in Hungary. The experimental design consisted of 16 permanent plots of 3 × 3 m. Half of the plots were mowed twice a year (in June and September), the other half was left as control. Vegetation was sampled in 2 × 2 m quadrates before mowing in each year between 2001 and 2009. The effects of mowing were tested using repeated–measure analyses of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD for post hoc tests. Significant decrease of C. epigejos appeared after 2 years of mowing. Species richness increased after 4 years, while diversity after 8 years. By this time the target native species Brachypodium pinnatum become dominant. Similar trends appeared in the control plots during spontaneous succession but at much slower rates. Ou...

As a result it could be stated that the dolomite slope rocky grassland is more sensitive against excess intensive grazing. Ratio of characteristic species has been decreased, giving floor for degradation tolerant species and poisonous or sticky plants not favored by animals. From a nature conservation point of view, a positive change has happened on the once mowed area converted into pasture of Hungarian Grey Cattle breed near the Inner Lake (Tihany peninsula).

Identification and classification of numerous Festuca species is still a difficult problem due to the close morphological resemblance. The most difficult fine fescues to identify belong to the Festuca ovina aggregate, which is the largest group in the genus Festuca. Many taxons are considered to be separate species based on quantitative taxonomic characters, differences in ploidy level or the structure of sclerenchyma cells. In order to evaluate the taxonomic value of DNA-based markers, sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region and the chloroplast trnL (UAA) intron was performed in the ten most problematic fine fescues belonging to the Festuca ovina aggregate. Intraspecific ITS variants were found in a single case while in other cases only intragenomic ITS polymorphisms were detected with 1-2 ambiguous positions. Among the sequences of the trnL (UAA) intron even intragenomic polymorphisms were not detected in any of the Festuca species studied. Thus, the results do not support the species status of these ten taxa.

Rhizomorphs of Armitlaria mellea Karst s.l. were collected in the stemflow and throughfall areas of beech stands on four soil types in Hungary in order to compare their chemical element contents. The amount of rhizomorphs found in the samples increased with decreasing pH of the soil types as well as with decreasing pH caused by the influence of stemflow water. Least rhizomorphs were collected in the Ranker, whereas most were found in the stemflow areas of the pod- zolized Brown Earth. Rhizomorph and beech root samples, collected for comparison, showed highly significant differences in their chemical element contents. Rhizomorphs contained less B, Fe. Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Ti and V, but more Cd, Co, P, Pb, Si and Zn in all soil types than comparable beech root samples. Remarkable was the high Pb content of rhizomorphs, which is not characteristic of mushroom fruiting bodies collected in unpolluted areas. Quantitat und Elementgehalt von Armillaria- mellea-Rhizomorphen in Stammablauf- und Kronentraufbereichen von Buchenwaldern auf unterschiedlichen Bodentypen In Stammablauf- und Kronentraufbereichen von Buchenwaldern auf vier unterschiedlichen Bodentypen in Ungarn wurden zur Untersuchung der chemischen Elementgehalte Proben von Rhizomorphen von Armillaria mellea Karst, s.l. gesammelt. Die Anzahl der Rhizomor- phen in den Proben steigt mit abnehmendem pH-Wert der Bodentypen sowie unter dem Einflus des Stammablaufwassers. Die niedrigste Anzahl von Rhizomorphen wurde in einem Ranker ohne Stammablaufwasser-Einflus ermittelt, die groste hingegen in einer podsolisierten Braunerde an den vom Stammablauf beeinflusten Seiten der Baume. Die Elementgehalte der Rhizomorphen und der zum Vergleich gesammelten Buchenwurzeln zeigen hochsignifikante Unterschiede. Die Rhizomorphen beinhalten in allen Bodentypen weniger B, Fe, Ga, Li, Mg, Mn, Ti und V, aber mehr Cd, Co, P, Pb, Si und Zn als die vergleichbaren Buchenwurzeln. Auffallig ist der hohe Bleigehalt der Rhizomorphen. Solch hohe Werte sind fur Fruchtkorper von Pilzen, die in unbelasteten Gebieten gesammelt wurden, nicht charakteristisch.

Examined area can be found at Balaton Uplands National Park (Hungary). 5 sample areas were examined in Badacsonytordemic: 1: 32 hectare under-grazed pasture, 2: 38 hectare overgrazed pasture, 3: 34 hectare hayfield, 4: trampled area, 5: beaten track. Livestock population was 118 in the monitored pastures. Sampling was executed along five 52m long circular transects, within 5cm × 5cm interlocking quadrates. Based on the data we can state that the curve of the drinking area was the highest of speciesarea examinations however weed appeared because of degradation which provided more species. According to species-area examinations overgrazed areas were richer in species then other examined areas. Based on diversity data drinking area considered degraded, while meadow and overgrazed areas was considered as proper state. Diversity of meadow was larger, but dominance of economically useful species was smaller. The amount of less valuable species – Carex hirta – increased.

The aquatic macrophyte vegetation of the Bjorka-Kavlinge River (Skane, South Sweden, Fig. 1) was investigated in 1997 and 1998. By nature, this river has a meso- to eutrophic character. Furthermore, the river has a high structural running water quality and a high species diversity over long distances. Its catchment area is dominated by agriculture and characterized by fertile calcareous soils. 219 river sections of 100–500 m length (overall length 69,950 m = 85.7% of the whole river length) between Vollsjoby and the mouth of the river into the Baltic Sea were cartographically recorded and investigated (Fig. 2). In these sections all vascular hydrophytes, amphiphytes, helophytes and some haptophytes were recorded. For the vegetation survey and evaluation of the results the methods described in Kohler & Janauer (1995) were used. The “index species” of the “limes scanicus” (H. & G. Weimarck 1985) Butomus umbellatus, Sium latifolium and others with their wide area of distribution are characteristic plants for this river type. Some plant species groups, resp. some species, show characteristic distribution patterns in the course of the river: Hildenbrandia rivularis group, Potamogeton lucens group, Zostera marina group etc. Due to the species features a classification of four floristic-ecological river zones was made (zones A to D). The distribution of the macrophyte species was also characterized by a set of quantitative parameters which are “Relative Range Length”, “Average Plant Quantity” and “Average Quantitiy Index”, respectively (Figs. 3–5). Both, the plant distribution as well as the sequences of the floristic zones are less to be seen as a consequence of a trophic gradient, but as a consequence of different river dynamics of velocity of flow, sediment quality as well as of salt water influence. The diagnostic features also served to determine the relation between plant distribution and environmental factors (shading, cattle grazing). Hildenbrandia rivularis mainly occurs in shaded areas, Elodea canadensis in unshaded ones. In sections influenced by cattle tracks there is an increased occurrence of Alopecurus geniculatus, Agrostis stolonifera and Glyceria fluitans . The reasons for the high species diversity of this eutrophic river are a relatively high water quality, a high amount of habitat structures, a variety of vegetational structures and various land use patterns in the surrounding area. Recommendations for the preservation and the improvement of the ecological conditions are made. For the conservation of the biological diversity of the river, hydraulic engineering measures should be avoided. Along considerable river sections suffering from cattle grazing, vegetation could be achieved by partial exclusion of the cattle, and in some sections buffer zones along the river should be established.

Second crops of oil radish (Raphanus sativus) and white mustard (Sinapis alba) being in the bloom stage were evaluated for nutritive value for wether lambs (n=5 per crop, BW=35.6 kg) and in situ grazability by ewes (n=15 per crop, BW=50 kg). Animals received no supplemental feed. The two forage crops differed in dry matter (DM) (135 vs. 154 g/kg) as well as in crude protein (148 vs. 206 g), crude fibre (141 vs. 194 g) and N-free extract (550 vs. 482 g) per kg DM. In the feeding trial, total daily DM intake of lambs from oil radish and white mustard differed (1063 vs. 1203 g/head) but was similar in percent bodyweight (3.3-3%). Apparent digestibility of the two forage crops were similar for crude protein (69-70%) and N-free extract (70-71%), but differed (Pm (5.70-5.88 MJ) per kg DM. In the 4-day grazing trial was used rotational grazing, based on results, the oil radish provided a carrying capacity twice as high as white mustard’s notably, 1700 vs. 740 ewe grazing days per ha - equal to 60 ewes grazing one hectare for 28 and 12 days, respectively. Thus, oil radish seemed better to be used as fall grazing pasture for mutton sheep.