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Background: Cuspidevia Jäch & Boukal, 1995 is a member of the tribe Macronychini which has the following features: antennae short, 6-10 segmented, aedeagus long and cylindrical, paramere very small, slender or lacking. This genus currently comprises only three species. All species are distributed in China. New information: Cuspidevia pilosus sp. nov. is reported from Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi Provinces in China. Habitus and diagnostic features of the new species are illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arkot 0908‐52 (Reg. no. GP‐1091, PI 697035), Arkot 0908‐56 (Reg. no. GP‐1090, PI 697034), and Arkot 0908‐60 (Reg. no. GP‐1089, PI 697033) are conventional cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) germplasm lines released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in October 2020. The lines are high performing, early maturing germplasm derived from parents ('GA 230' and 'UA222') having contrasting backgrounds and maturity. The lines produced higher lint yields than UA222 and 'UA48' over 5 yr and at four test sites in Arkansas, producing similar relative lint yields across all test sites and about 15 and 25% higher than lint yields of UA222 and UA48, respectively. Additionally, they had smaller seed while producing more seed per area and more or equal amount of lint per seed than UA222 or UA48. Arkot 0908‐52 and Arkot 0908‐60 performed well in the 2017 Regional High Quality Test and the 2017 Regional Breeders Network Test, respectively. Leaf pubescence and bract trichome density of Arkot 0908‐56 were greater than Arkot 0908‐52, Arkot 0908‐60, and UA48. Stem pubescence density of Arkot 0908‐52 and Arkot 0908‐56 was similar to UA48 and UA222 but greater than Arkot 0908‐60. All three lines displayed high resistance to bacterial blight and were similar to UA222 and UA48 in their response to other diseases. Arkot 0908‐56 and Arkot 0908‐60 were more resistant to tarnished plant bug than Arkot 0908‐52 and UA48, but all were more susceptible to tarnished plant bug than UA222. Fiber quality of Arkot 0908‐52 and Arkot 0908‐56 was similar to UA48, while fiber quality of Arkot 0908‐60 was similar to UA222. Core Ideas: Three Arkot 0908 lines were derived from crossing UA222 with GA 230.The three Arkot 0908 lines produced higher yields than UA222 or UA48.Fiber quality of the three lines was equal to or better than UA222.GA 230 parent contributes diversity to UA cotton germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Capsicum is comprised of 5 domesticated and more than 30 wild species. The region of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacers (rDNA-ITS) has widely been used for species identification, but has rarely been used in Capsicum. In this study, the evaluation of genetic diversity and a phylogenetic analysis were conducted using rDNA-ITS of 28 Capsicum accessions, including five domesticated and two wild species. We surveyed six conventional keys of domesticated species and another five traits in Capsicum accessions. Specific morphological characteristics were found in C. annuum, C. baccatum, and C. pubescens. Three subclones of each accession were sequenced, and rDNA-ITS polymorphisms were detected in all accessions excluding C. annuum, suggesting that incomplete concerted evolution occurred in rDNA-ITS of Capsicum. The genetic diversity was evaluated using nucleotide polymorphism and diversity. C. annuum had the lowest genetic diversity of all species in this study. The phylogenetic tree formed a species-specific clade for C. annuum, C. baccatum, and C. pubescens. The C. chinense clade existed in the C.frutescens clade, implying that it was a cultivated variant of C. frutescens. C. chacoense likely belonged to the C. baccatum complex according to its morphologic and genetic features. This study indicated that the rDNA-ITS region can be used for simple identification of domesticated Capsicum species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report Batocera lineolata Chevrolat, 1852, based on four records, from Manipur and Nagaland states in Northeast India. These records are the first time this species has been found in India. We also provide a brief redescription of B. lineolata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The new oldest representative of the subfamily Sagrinae, Gallopsis perita gen. et sp. n. from the Paleocene of Menat (France), is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from the genus Neodiaphanops Blackburn, 1899 by the metafemora without teeth, wider pronotum, weakly widened tibiae, bilobed tarsomere 2, subparallel elytra, and narrower metanepisterna. It differs from the Australian genus Carpophagus Macleay, 1826 in the head without rostrum, weakly widened metafemora without teeth, and gently sculptured pronotum and elytra. The new genus differs from the Eocene genus Eosagra Haupt, 1950 in the longer antennomere 2, wider pronotum and elytra, dense and diffuse elytral puncturation, and weakly inflated metafemora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main conclusion: Density and length of leaf pubescence are important factors of diversity in the response to water deficiency among wheat genotypes.Many studies evidence an important protective value of leaf hairiness in plants, especially under the conditions of drought, thermal loads and increased solar radiation. However, the physiological and adaptive roles of such traits in cereals, including cultivated plants, have not been sufficiently studied to date. The aim of this work was to study the association of morphological characteristics of leaves with parameters of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence in wheat lines carrying a genetically different leaf hairiness. Isogenic and inter-varietal substitution wheat lines were used, carrying various combinations of dominant and recessive alleles of the known genes. A quantitative assessment of the pubescence was carried out in contrasting watering conditions to establish the physiological role of this trait in adaptation to drought. With the help of a portable system for studying the gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, ten parameters of photosynthesis were studied, as well as morphological features of leaves and shoot biomass. It was found that gas exchange parameters are inversely proportional to the density and length of trichomes. In drought conditions, the trichome density increased and the length of trichomes decreased under the observed decrease in the level of gas exchange. A similar dependence was observed for the level of non-photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. Under optimal conditions, the poorly haired cultivars exhibited a higher biomass than the densely haired. However, under water deficiency they significantly reduced the biomass and showed a low value of the tolerance index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla f. pubescens) is an abundant but underused biomass, for which measures are required to promote its utilization. To examine whether Moso bamboo extracts can be utilized as natural pesticides for plant protection, the inhibitory effects of various extracts on phytopathogenic bacterial and fungal growth were investigated by in vitro assays. Some ethanol extracts from leaf, branch, outer culm, inner culm, and knot exhibited significant but weak effects of inhibiting the growth of two Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 and Erwinia chrysanthemi) and two fungi (Glomerella cingulata and Trichoderma harzianum), whereas no hot water extract exhibited antimicrobial activities. Super-heated steam (SHS) extracts, particularly extracted from the culm at 210 °C, markedly inhibited the growth of two Gram-negative bacteria (P. syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 and E. chrysanthemi) and three fungi (Botrytis cinerea, G. cingulata, and T. harzianum) compared with ethanol extracts. Compared with bamboo vinegar, SHS extracts exhibited equal antibacterial and strong antifungal activities. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the SHS extract contained acetic acid, propanoic acid, furfural, and small amounts of phenolic compounds (phenol, guaiacol, etc.). An acetic acid dose (approximately 120,000 ppm) equivalent to its concentration (113,327 ppm) in SHS extracts inhibited phytopathogen growth at a level comparable with that of SHS extracts, suggesting that acetic acid is mainly responsible for the antimicrobial activity of SHS extracts. Additionally, pH-increased SHS extracts did not greatly inhibit fungal growth, indicating that the antifungal effects are pH dependent. Thus, it is more effective to use SHS for culm extraction for utilizing Moso bamboo biomass as a natural pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core Ideas: Cultivars with higher trichome densities resulted in higher leaf grade values.Leaf area and bract length had no relation with leaf grading.Industry leaf hairiness ratings are not consistent with observed leaf hairiness ratings. The remnants of leaf material in harvested cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) can significantly increase leaf grade values, resulting in discounts to the producers and increased ginning cost. The impacts of leaf and bract pubescence and leaf and bract area of different cotton cultivars were studied on cotton leaf grade during 2011 and 2012, and the accuracy of industry leaf hairiness rating was evaluated. Three replicated trials were conducted during 2011 in Texas in the Lower and Upper Coastal Bend and the Blackland Prairie, and Tifton, GA was added as a fourth location in 2012. Two separate commercial‐scale (multi‐acre) trials were conducted during 2011 and 2012 to compare leaf grade values of a smooth leaf cultivar Deltapine 0935 B2RF and a hairy leaf cultivar Deltapine 0949 B2RF. Results demonstrated that increased leaf and bract trichome density increased the propensity for greater leaf grades in small‐plot and commercial field trials. Leaf area and bract length were not different among the cultivars at most of the locations, suggesting minimal relation with leaf grade. Pubescence quantification indicated substantial variation in cultivars, and discrepancies between company‐based rating systems; for example, semi‐smooth cultivar Phytogen 499 WRF was found to have denser trichomes compared with all smooth, semi‐smooth, and hairy cultivars. Overall, this study identified a detrimental relationship between leaf pubescence and leaf grade while other plant characteristics studied contributed little to greater leaf grades. Standardizations of leaf pubescence ratings among cotton cultivars will allow producers interested in improving leaf grade to accurately select their cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The 23 factorial design was used to optimize the PpO-loaded NLCs development. • Optimized PpO-loaded NLCs showed excellent physicochemical characteristics. • Solid lipids may be partially recrystallized and less ordered in PpO-loaded NLCs. • An interaction may exist between PpO and lipid matrix in PpO-loaded NLCs. • NLCs loaded with PpO showed higher anticancer activity than the pure PpO. Abstract The 23 full factorial design was used to optimize the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing P. pubescens fruit oil by the melt-emulsification method. The effects of the type of solid lipid, concentration of Phospholipon® 80H and type of aqueous surfactant in parameters such as particle size, polydispersity index (PI), zeta potential (ZP), total content (TC), and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of vouacapans were evaluated. The preparation method of the NLCs was appropriate as the chemical profile of the oil remained unchanged before and after the development process. The studied factors proved to affect the NLCs quality factors at different significant levels. The NLC that presented the best results was the formulation F4, which was produced with Precirol® ATO 5, 0.5% Phospholipon® 80H, and PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil/sorbitan oleate. The optimized formulation showed small and spherical particles of 94.47 ± 2.05 nm, a PI of 0.197 ± 0.003, ZP less than –30 mV, and excellent physical stability after dispersion analysis. In addition, high values (>98%) of the TC and EE of vouacapans were obtained. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analysis were also performed. The results suggested that lipids may be partially recrystallized and less ordered in NLCs and that between the P. pubescens oil and lipid matrix an interaction may exist. The P. pubescens fruit oil presented in vitro cytotoxicity to HT-29 cells, with CC 50 of 273.47 μg/mL, and was more cytotoxic when incorporated into NLCs (CC 50 of 154.19 μg/mL), which justifies the use of such technology in the development of novel phytopharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of Citharexylum from the foothills of inter-Andean dry valleys in Peru, Citharexylum peruvianum, is described and illustrated herein. It is distinguished from other closely related species with caulinar spines (C. andinum, C. flexuosum, C. herrerae, C. montevidense, and C. weberbaueri), by inflorescence morphology, leaf size, and pubescence. The newly defined taxon has 15–40 flowered racemes, rachis 7–12 cm long, and coriaceous leaves, with the leaf blade being 4–6(8) × 2–3 cm and densely hirsute on the abaxial surface. A brief discussion on closely related species is provided. Citharexylum peruvianum is known exclusively from northwestern Peru, from the departments of Cajamarca, Lambayeque, and La Libertad. The species grows in the Andean foothills at mid-elevations between 1400 and 3000 m a. s. l., in rocky soils and on steep slopes with thorny scrubland. It is occasionally found in moist areas. This species has a restricted distribution and limited numbers of individuals, which will likely result in threatened status following formal review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spider mite Schizotetranychus spireafolia Garman, 1940 is found on plants of the genus Spiraea L. in A. V. Fomin Botanical Garden, Kyiv (Ukraine). This is the second record of the species in Ukraine. The species diagnosis with measurements of body, legs and dorsal setae for male and female mites was given. New data on distribution, ecology of mites is obtained, and damage to plants was described for the first time. The pest density was different on various species, forms and sorts of Spiraea L. plants, and did not depend on leaf pubescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terminalia bellerica is a large deciduous tree. It is a perennial which is grown in India. It grows up to 30, and it requires in cold climate. Leaves are crowded toward the ends of the branches. Leaf tip is narrow pointed. Leaves are 8-20 cm long. Bark is brownish-gray in color. Flowers are greenish-yellow. Upper flowers of the spike are male. Lower flowers are bisexual. Fruit is covered with minute pale pubescence. Oil obtained from seed is useful in skin diseases, and it is a good tonic for stomach and brain. It is effective for headache chronic diarrhea and piles. It is useful in treating bronchitis and heart disease. The plant constitutes of glycosides, tannins, gallic acid, ethyl gallate, and chebulinic acid which serves as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, anticancer, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, and antipyretic agent. This review gives information on pharmacological and physiological activities of T. bellerica which may serve as a source for further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micromorphological and palynological characters of all Stenocephalum Sch.Bip. species (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) were analyzed to evaluate their reliability as taxonomic markers at generic level and discussed in relation to other genera of the subtribe Lepidaploinae. Characters such as pubescence of corollas and cypselae showed glandular and nonglandular trichomes allowing differentiation among related species. Apical appendages without glandular trichomes, caudate anthers, and carpopodium structure are common characteristics among Stenocephalum species. With the exceptions of S. megapotamicum and S. tragiaefolium, almost all species of the genus showed style bases without basal nodes for the first time. Crystals on the fruits wall were also observed for the first time in almost all the Stenocephalum species, with the exception of S. hystrix. However, the crystals would not constitute diagnostic features, since they vary widely among species. All the species showed type C pollen and the genus is considered stenopalynous. However, highly significant differences in palynological features among the species of the genus were observed. The different combinations of the micromorphological and palynological features of Stenocephalum here analyzed are valuable within genera to differentiate related species from one another. The value of all these characters could be increased if they are combined with other morphological or traditional data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new species Platycarpum vriesendorpiae N. Dávila (Rubiaceae, Henriquezieae) is described from Peru, where it is restricted to white‐sand forests and peatlands in the Tapiche and Blanco River watersheds in southeastern Loreto Region. The new species is generally similar to P. acreanum Rogers of western Brazil in its phyllotaxy, leaf pubescence, and fruit shape and size. However, P. vriesendorpiae differs in its triangular stipules that are 2‐ or 3‐angled at the base and in its smaller corolla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleistocene glacial periods have had a major influence on the geographical patterns of genetic structure of species in tropical montane regions. However, their effect on morphological differentiation among populations of cloud forest plants remains virtually unexplored. Here, we address this question by testing whether geographical patterns of morphological variation in Ocotea psychotrioides can be explained by the intensity of climate change occurring during 130,000 years. For this, we measured vegetative and reproductive traits for 96 individuals from 36 localities registered across the species’ distribution range. Species distribution models and multivariate statistics were used to investigate geographical patterns of morphological variation and test their association with current and past climatic conditions. Leaf size and pubescence in O. psychotrioides showed a latitudinal pattern of clinal variation that does not fit the geographical gradient of increasing leaf size towards lower latitudes observed globally among plants. Instead, the observed clinal variation conforms to a pattern of increasing leaf size towards higher latitudes. However, our analyses showed weak to non-significant association between morphology and current climate. Interestingly, our analyses showed that predicted shifts in the distribution range of O. psychotrioides during the last 130,000 years were accompanied by significant changes in climatic conditions, particularly temperature seasonality and precipitation. Accordingly, climatic instability showed a better fit to the observed patterns of leaf size and pubescence variation than current climate conditions. These results suggest that climatic instability during the Pleistocene glacial periods might play a key role in promoting morphological differentiation among populations of cloud forest plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A synopsis of Pseudoperma is provided. This genus mainly differs from Onocephala and Stethoperma by the antennal tubercles well separated; antennae relatively short, in the female subequal to the body length; and scape and third antennomere subequal in length. Pseudoperma includes two species, P. chalcogramma (Bates, 1887) and P. patruelis (Breuning, 1940), both from Brazil; herein we describe one new species, Pseudoperma lingafelteri sp. nov. from Brazil (Rio de Janeiro). This species differs from its congeners mainly in having the frons and occiput covered with greyish pubescence, and the sides of the elytra with several interrupted or coalescent vittae. We provide new distribution data for Pseudoperma patruelis (Breuning, 1940) from Brazil, Minas Gerais, São Paulo and Santa Catarina, as well as illustrations and a key to the species of Pseudoperma. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FFD274A3-3AA8-457E-A54C-4CA5AB0340AB [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiradiclis quanzhouensis, a new species of Rubiaceae from northeastern Guangxi, China is described and illustrated. It is similar to S. umbelliformis, but can be distinguished by its rosulate habit, subglabrous stems, leaf blades that are pubescent on both surfaces, lanceolate purple‐pubescent stipules that are undivided or sometimes bifid in apical 1/3, an inflorescence with 2–4 flowers, lanceolate 4–5 mm long calyx lobes that are purple‐pubescent outside, a salveriform corolla that is light purple‐pubescent outside, a semi‐inferior ovary, and capsules that are light purple‐pubescent with persistent calyx lobes 5–6 mm, in fruit 2 × as long as capsule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the geological record indicates that eukaryotes evolved by 1.9-1.4 Ga, their early evolution is poorly resolved taxonomically and chronologically. The fossil red alga Bangiomorpha pubescens is the only recognized crown-group eukaryote older than ca. 0.8 Ga and marks the earliest known expression of extant forms of multicellularity and eukaryotic photosynthesis. Because it postdates the divergence between the red and green algae and the prior endosymbiotic event that gave rise to the chloroplast, B. pubescens is uniquely important for calibrating eukaryotic evolution. However, molecular clock estimates for the divergence between the red and green algae are highly variable, and some analyses estimate this split to be younger than the widely inferred but poorly constrained first appearance age of 1.2 Ga for B. pubescens. As a result, many molecular clock studies reject this fossil ex post facto. Here we present new Re-Os isotopic ages from sedimentary rocks that stratigraphically bracket the occurrence of B. pubescens in the Bylot Supergroup of Baffin Island and revise its first appearance to 1.047 +0.013/-0.017 Ga. This date is 150 m.y. younger than commonly held interpretations and permits more precise estimates of early eukaryotic evolution. Using cross-calibrated molecular clock analyses with the new fossil age, we calculate that photosynthesis within the Eukarya emerged ca. 1.25 Ga. This date for primary plastid endosymbiosis serves as a benchmark for interpreting the fossil record of early eukaryotes and evaluating their role in the Proterozoic biosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effect of heating rate on both the yields and the distribution of the oil products obtained from the pyrolysis of pubescen was studied. The molecular weight of the liquid products was mainly distributed in the range 200–500 Da [about 77 % from gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC)]. At 15 °C min−1, the total yield of small‐molecular products from degradation of carbohydrate was 9.53 wt % and the total yield of identified monophenols reached a maximum of 3.57 wt %. Thus, the liquid products were predominantly present as oligomers. Lignin in pubescen was degraded to stable tetramers. The formation of monophenols and/or oligophenols mostly involved the cleavage of the C−C (Cα−Cβ, Cβ−Cϒ, C1−Cα) and C−O bonds (β−O−4, β−O−5, Cα−O, Cϒ−O, and 4‐aryl ether linkages). Carbohydrate‐derived species interacted with each other and then produced oligomers, the formation pathways of which are explained. A decrease of relative content of the species with molecular weight Mn=200–500 Da and an increase of relative content of the species with Mn=500–1000 Da were observed as the heating rate was increased from 2.5 to 15 °C min−1. With further increasing the heating rate from 15 to 25 °C min−1, the molecular‐weight distribution remained almost unchanged. Increase of the heating rate promoted the cleavage of C1−Cα bonds, Cβ−Cϒ bonds in lignin, and the dehydration of Cα−OH units of lignin into Cα=Cβ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doliops havai sp. nov., a new species of the genus Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from Luzon Island (Philippines) is described and illustrated, and compared with related D. isabelae Vives, 2013. The genus Doliops is now represented in the world fauna by 57 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanically, the hair on leaves, stems and bracts, as well as the fibers on seed are plant trichomes. Reducing trichomes on cotton leaves, stems and bracts can reduce trash in ginned cotton lint, but might negatively impact fibers on seed and other parameters. Our objective was to determine the impact of reducing trichomes on leaves, stems and bracts on number and density of fibers on seed and on other agronomic and fiber quality parameters. Trichome (leaf, stem and bract), agronomic (9 parameters) and fiber quality (6 parameters) data were extracted from the Keiser location of the Advanced and New Strain Tests (2006- 2015) and the Main and 1st year Variety Test (2007-2015) in Arkansas. All agronomic and fiber quality data were analyzed using PROC GLM and a linear mixed model (PROC MIXED in SAS) with leaf pubescence, stem pubescence and bract trichomes as independent variables. Trends for trichome measures in Strain Tests differed from trends in Variety Tests. Leaf and stem pubescence influenced more parameters than bract trichome density. Increased leaf pubescence was related to higher yields in each test and with higher fibers seed-1 and fiber density in the Strain (but not the Variety) Tests. Bract trichome density did not affect any parameter (except fiber strength) in the University of Arkansas (UA) Cotton Breeding Program. Compared to leaf and stem pubescence, bract trichome density appears to have fewer adverse relationships with yield and quality parameters. Reducing bract trichome density should be the optimum method to lower plant hairiness in Upland cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is an important source for protein, oil, carbohydrates, isoflavones, and many other nutrients to humans and animals. Lipoxygenase protein is the main antinutritional factor in mature soybean seed. Soybean cultivar, "Choseon" with yellow medium seed size and free of lipoxygenase 2,3 protein was developed. "Choseon" was selected from the population derived from the cross between cultivar, "Jinpum 2" and germplasm, PI408155. "Choseon" has purple flowers, tawny pubescence, a determinate growth habit, and light yellow pods at maturity. The seed of "Choseon" has yellow hilum and yellow seed coat color. Seed protein and oil content on a dry weight basis were 34.2 and 16.9%, respectively. "Choseon" has shown a resistant reaction to soybean necrosis, soybean mosaic virus, Cercospora leaf spot and blight, black root rot, pod and stem blight, and bacterial pustule. "Choseon" matured in 5 October with plant height of 51 cm and a 100-seed weight of 15.1 g. Average yield of "Choseon" was 2.66 (Ton/ha) on the regional yield trials of 2013 at 4 locations. "Choseon" has been registered as a soybean cultivar (registration number: 5985, registration date: April 11, 2016) by Korea Seed & Variety Service, Republic of Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of pubescence on leaf epidermis is an important morphological marker for the quality of green tea, and the tea with plenty of pubescence is generally recognized as having a better taste. However, there is no systematic study on chemical compositions of tea leaf pubescence. The contributions of pubescence to taste properties are far from clear. In this research, 114 components were identified from the tea leaf pubescence of yunkang 10, a broad-leaf tea cultivar with plenty leaf pubescence, for the first time with a non-targeted metabolomics approach using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Compared to the tea leaf with the pubescence removed (non-pubescent leaf), the pubescence obtained from the same shoots had relatively higher contents of amino acids and lower contents of polyphenols. It was also found that the umami of pubescence was elevated, while the bitterness and astringency were significantly declined. Partial least-squares (PLS) analysis suggested that the polyphenols and amino acids accounted for the taste quality. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the metabolites in tea leaf pubescence were profiled. The results offer the direct concrete evidence on the contributions of pubescence to the tea taste properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), is the most important insect pest of cotton in the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, and Tennessee. Numerous insecticide applications are required during a growing season to manage this insect, and these associated costs are unsustainably high for growers. Cultural practices could provide an inexpensive means to manage the tarnished plant bug. Experiments were conducted at the Mississippi State University, Delta Research and Extension Center, to determine the impact of leaf pubescence on tarnished plant bug feeding that results in reduced cotton yields. Three separate varieties, each possessing differing levels of pubescence, were utilized to determine if there was any effect on tarnished plant bug density and damage. Varieties possessing high numbers of trichomes retained significantly more squares and yielded significantly higher than varieties with fewer trichomes. The variety with the fewest number of trichomes sustained significantly greater injury and yield loss than the other varieties utilized in this experiment. Variety selection could be an inexpensive cultural practice used to combat rising input costs associated with cotton production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species, Ceropegia digitiformis Kidyoo, was discovered from northeastern Thailand. It is here described and illustrated. Photographs and a diagnostic comparison with the morphologically similar related species, Ceropegia thwaitesii Hook., are also provided. These two species display clear difference in shapes and pubescence of the corona lobes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species Phaenochilus albomarginalis Li & Wang, sp. n. is described. The only other species recorded from China is P. metasternalis Miyatake, 1970 and it is described here for comparison. Diagnoses, detailed descriptions, illustrations, and distributions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, leishmaniasis is difficult to manage owing to the limited choice and high toxicity of available drugs, and emergence of drug-resistant protozoa. Medicinal plants, which produce various bioactive molecules, can help counter this global shortage. In this study, we prepared Pterodon pubescens fruit extracts, which show antileishmanial activity, and developed a nanoemulsion of the optimized extract to improve its performance. The extracts were prepared using conventional methods and a supercritical fluid method and were tested for activity against Leishmania amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes. The two most effective extracts were formulated as nanoemulsions. Although both extracts showed cytotoxicity, the supercritical extracts were more effective against L. amazonensis promastigotes and amastigotes than conventional extracts were. This was attributed to the high content of the geranylgeraniol derivative in the supercritical extracts. The nanoemulsions showed a better selectivity index and significantly improved activity against parasites (IC 50 : 2.7 μg/mL for nanoemulsion of hexane extract; IC 50 : 1.9 μg/mL for nanoemulsion of supercritical extract) compared to the Miltefosine standard (0.7 μg/mL). This could be due to the smaller droplets of the supercritical extracts, allowing better penetration. In conclusion, the extracts showed promise in in vitro tests, and could be used as a leishmaniasis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Physical activities among adolescents affects health during pubescence and adolescence and decrease in physical activities among adolescents has become a global challenge. The aim of the present study was to define the relation between the level of physical activity among adolescent girls and their health beliefs as personal factor and level of observational learning as environmental factor. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study that was conducted on 400 students aged from 11 to 19 years in Isfahan, Iran. Information regarding the duration of physical activity with moderate/severe intensity was measured in four dimensions of leisure time (exercising and hiking), daily activities, and transportation-related activities using the International Physical Activity questionnaire. Health belief structures included perceived sensitivity, intensity of perceived threat, perceived benefits, and barriers and self-efficacy; observational learning was measured using a researcher-made questionnaire. Results: Results showed that perceived barriers, observational learning, and level of self-efficacy were related to the level of physical activity in all dimensions. In addition, the level of physical activity at leisure time, transportation, and total physical activity were dependent on the intensity of perceived threats (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study showed that the intensity of perceived threats, perceived barriers and self-efficacy structures, and observational learning are some of the factors related to physical activity among adolescent girls, and it is possible that by focusing on improving these variables through interventional programs physical activity among adolescent girls can be improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-fire recruitment by seeds is regarded as an adaptive response in fire-prone ecosystems. Nevertheless, little is known about which heritable seed traits are functional to the main signals of fire (heat and smoke), thus having the potential to evolve. Here, we explored whether three seed traits (pubescence, dormancy and shape) and fire regime modulate seed response to fire cues(heat and smoke). As a model study system, we used Helenium aromaticum (Asteraceae), a native annual forb from the Chilean matorral, where fires are anthropogenic. We related seed trait values with fitness responses (germination and survival) after exposure to heat-shock and smoke experimental treatments on seeds from 10 H. aromaticum wild populations. We performed a phenotypic selection experiment to examine the relationship of seed traits with post-treatment fitness within a population (adaptive hypothesis). We then explored whether fire frequency in natural habitats was associated with trait expression across populations, and with germination and survival responses to experimental fire-cues. We found that populations subjected to higher fire frequency had, in average, more rounded and pubescent seeds than populations from rarely burned areas. Populations with more rounded and pubescent seeds were more resistant to 80°C heat-shock and smoke treatments.There was correlated selection on seed traits: pubescent-rounded or glabrouscent-elongated seeds had the highest probability of germinating after heat-shock treatments. Seed pubescence and shape in H. aromaticum are heritable traits that modulate adaptive responses to fire. Our results provide new insights into the process of plant adaptation to fire and highlight the relevance of human-made fires as a strong evolutionary agent in the Anthropocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsophila yazdiana Falat., F. Ghahrem. & Assadi (Caryophyllaceae, Caryophylloideae) is described here as a new species from central Iran and is assigned to Gypsophila L. sect. Paniculaeformes F. N. Williams. Despite the overall similarity in habit and shape of the leaves and inflorescence, it differs from the related species G. perfoliata L. by having the stems glabrous, the leaves glabrous and narrower, oblanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, to 1.5 cm wide, and the petals rounded at the apex. In G. perfoliata the stem is glandular pubescent in the lower half, the leaves are glandular pubescent, obovate or ovate-oblong, and up to 3.5 cm wide, and the petals are retuse at the apex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botanical exploration has documented 11 new species of Psychotria L. (i.e., Psychotria s. str., Psychotria subg. Psychotria: Rubiaceae) in the western Amazon basin and Andes of South America. Psychotria anisophylla C. M. Taylor is found at 200-800 m in Peru and Bolivia and is characterized by its unequally sized leaves, calyptrate stipules, and flowers that are solitary or paired and borne on axillary short-shoots. Psychotria awa C. M. Taylor is found at 100-1325 m along the Colombia-Ecuador border and differs from P. hammelii Dwyer in its planar (non-bulliform) leaves. Psychotria calyptrata C. M. Taylor is found at 1021-2850 m in Bolivia and Peru and differs from P. trichotoma M. Martens & Galeotti in its pubescent smaller leaves, subsessile flowers, and fruits that are not stipitate. Psychotria cochabambana C. M. Taylor is found at 1940-2180 m in central Bolivia and differs from P. cutucuana C. M. Taylor by its longer corollas. Psychotria davidsmithiana C. M. Taylor is found at 1600-2862 m in Peru and Bolivia and differs from P. aristeguietae Steyerm. in its shorter calyx lobes. Psychotria diminuta C. M. Taylor is found at 1600-1800 m in Peru and differs from P. parvifolia Benth. by its subsessile leaves with sacciform domatia, 3-flowered inflorescences, and 5-merous flowers. Psychotria grahamii C. M. Taylor is found at 250-850 m in central Peru and differs from P. juninensis Standl. in its longer calyx limbs. Psychotria maynasana C. M. Taylor is found at 120-170 m in Peru and western Brazil and differs from P. anceps Kunth in its larger fruits. Psychotria ortiziana C. M. Taylor is found at 193-900 m in Peru, western Brazil, and Bolivia and is characterized by its bilobed interpetiolar stipules, leaves with sacciform domatia, rather large corollas, and fruits borne on well-developed stipes. Psychotria pandoana C. M. Taylor is found in at 110-285 m in western Brazil and northern Bolivia and differs from P. pectinata Steyerm. in its broader pubescent leaves without domatia and larger corollas. Also, P. sopkinii C. M. Taylor is found at 1500-2730 m in western Colombia and differs from P. convergens C. M. Taylor by its shorter corollas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complex genetic and environmental control of lint fiber yield and quality of cotton has long motivated interest in whether information from genetically-simpler trichome variations might contribute knowledge salient to cotton improvement. To investigate this question, from 3164 M lines resulting from EMS mutagenesis of two Gossypium hirsutum breeding lines, TAM 94L25 and Acala 1517-99, 106 lines with leaf and stem trichome variations and 55 control lines were further studied to investigate associations between trichome variation and lint fiber development. Although only weak correlation was found between stem/leaf trichome and fiber traits, we still found that among nine fiber traits measured in replicated trials, lines with mutations affecting stem trichome development had significant alterations for seven traits in the TAM 94L25 mutants, and six in the Acala 1517-99 mutants. While the small number of leaf trichome mutants found offered only minimal statistical power to resolve differences, mutant lines had significant alterations for three of the nine traits in the TAM 94L25 mutants, and two in the Acala 1517-99 mutants. In summary, mutants in leaf and/or stem trichome development often have altered lint fiber characteristics, supporting the hypothesis that there is considerable overlap in the sets of genetic factors acting in the development of these analogous organs. Moreover, visual selection of trichome mutants may be an effective screen to identify potential new alleles affecting lint fiber development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is an important chemical, whereas its synthesis directly from raw biomass is challenging because of its complex structure. A three-step method was developed for the selective conversion of hemicellulose in pubescens to GVL without addition of external hydrogen in the present work. We achieved a high yield of 20.0 wt% GVL based on the weight of pubescens with a high selectivity of 90.5% based on the amount of carbohydrates converted. The Pt/C catalyst was prepared by an impregnation method and characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, Boehm titration and H2 chemisorption. It was indicated that platinum existed in the form of metal Pt0 and the GVL yield was improved on Pt/C catalytic reduction with H2. Our work also suggested that the platinum species interacted with the carboxylic and lactonic groups of activated carbon, and the Pt (220) surface might exhibit high activity for the conversion of LA and FA to GVL (TON = 1229.4). Particularly, the Pt/C catalyst was effective for the in situ generation of hydrogen by high selective decomposition of FA, and for the conversion of an aqueous mixture of monomers and oligomers derived from pubescens to GVL without separation of AlCl3, the catalyst for the dissolution of hemicellulose in the first step. The cross-enhancement of different kinds of reactions in the system was significant, which showed evidence of synergetic effects for the selective production of GVL from multiple reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out with 104 mungbean accessions including four checks in augmented design during summer 2012-13 to identify the yield determinants and contribution of pubescence traits towards seed yield. The investigation revealed that pubescence traits were not contributed directly towards the seed yield but the traits harvest index, biomass, seed index, pods per cluster and branching behaviour were identified as yield determinats for yield improvement in mungbean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the Nazaret strawberry, developed in Spain, and several characteristics of the plant. Topics discussed include the plant species cross-fertilized to product the Nazaret cultivar; the anthocyanin coloration and sparse pubescence in the plant; and the fruit phenolic compound content displayed by Nazaret. Also mentioned is the shelf life of Nazaret fruit.

The genus Platecrizotes Ferrière (1934) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is reviewed, and a new species, P. keralensis is described from India. Affinities of the new species with the other known species are discussed and a key to the world species is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study about additional polymorphic microsatellite markers for examining the intraspecific as well as interspecific population genetic structure and to detect the potential hybrids of Mussaenda pubescens. Information about the materials and methods used in the study is presented including DNA extraction and cross-species amplification.

Understanding spatial and temporal variation in soil respiration (RS) in different forest ecosystems is crucial to estimate the global carbon balance. Bamboo forest is a special forest type in southern China covering an area of 5.38 million ha, 70% of which are Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla (Carr.) Mitford cv. Pubescens) forests. Bamboo forests contribute more than 10% to the whole carbon stock of forest ecosystems in China, and therefore play a critical role in the regional and national carbon balance. However, little information on the seasonal dynamic of RS and the carbon balance of Moso bamboo forests is available. In this study, litter removal and trenching methods were applied to partition RS into root respiration (RR), litter respiration (RL) and soil organic matter derived respiration (RM), and to study their seasonal dynamics and carbon balance in a pure Moso bamboo forest. Monthly RS, its source components and combined monthly environmental factors were measured. RS and its source components showed a significant seasonal variability with higher values from June to August and lower values from December to February driven by soil temperature and moisture (P < 0.001). Annual average RS, RR, RL and RM were 2.37, 0.69, 0.58 and 1.10 µmol m-2 s-1 with Q10 values of 1.25, 1.15, 1.19 and 1.26, respectively. Annual RS was 8.97 t C ha-1, and RR, RL and RM contributed 29%, 22% and 49%, respectively. Annual NEP was 4.72 t C ha-1 y-1, indicating that the Moso bamboo forest studied is a significant carbon sink. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eurya pilosa C.X. Ye & X.G. Shi sp. nova (Theaceae) from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to E. loquaiana, from which it differs by having inconspicuously 2-ribbed branches; densely pubescent branchlets, bracteoles and sepals; sparsely pubescent petals, ovaries and fruits; and leaves that do not turn purplish when dry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton fleahopper (Pseudatomoscelis seriatus Reuter) (Hemiptera: Miridae) is a piercing- sucking insect that has emerged as a major pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in Texas. Cotton fleahoppers feed on floral buds, commonly referred to as squares, causing damage and abscission, and subsequent yield loss. Previous studies indicate that plant resistance to cotton fleahopper is present in upland cotton, but the mechanism of resistance remains undetermined. In this study, Pilose, a cultigen of G. hirsutum, was examined as a source of resistance to cotton fleahopper, focusing on mechanism of resistance and heritability of the resistance trait. Results indicated that the resistance trait in Pilose is heritable and that pubescence is causative of resistance or that the resistance trait may be tightly linked to genes controlling pubescence. Behavioral assays indicated nonpreference as a mode of resistance in plants with dense pubescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is various evidence that the presence of condensed water, e.g. dew, improves plant water relations. Because particularly plants in drier environments are expected to benefit from atmospheric water, it may be assumed that special adaptations promoting exploitation of dew water evolved in these habitats. Surface characteristics affect dewfall and retention of dew water. Leaf surface characteristics such as hairs (trichomes), which are often present in plants of arid environments, may therefore play a substantial role in dew harvesting. In this study, it is analysed to what extent (1) the presence of hygrophilic aerosoles promotes dewfall by reducing vapour saturation pressure ('early condensation'), (2) dew water can be stored within a dense trichome layer, (3) the presence of dew water increases humidity directly above the leaf surface, thereby reducing water loss from the leaf interior by decreasing the water potential gradient between leaf interior and exterior, and (4) dew evaporation reduces transpiration further by evaporative cooling. A physical framework is provided in this contribution that shows that these processes are in fact possible under natural conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The exposure to stress at different developmental time points has long been postulated to have a crucial impact on various brain structures involved in mental disorders. The long-term specific effects seem to emerge as a function of timing and duration of the exposure to stress, as well as the characteristics of the stressor. Previous studies have addressed this issue with an effort to describe a single “hyper-sensitive” time point, and have led to disagreement on a particular sensitive period for stress exposure. The primary aim of our study was to investigate the hypothesis that indeed there is a developmental stress risk window in male Wistar rats. We conducted a systematic mapping of the long-term effects of an acute stress protocol, applied both prenatal (gestational days 14–16) and postnatal (days 9–151), overall at 11 different time-points during development. Stress protocol consists of 3 days of either maternal separation (for rats at postnatal days 9–19) or exposure to the stressors forced swim, elevated plus maze and restraint (for both dams and males at postnatal days 24–151). Consequences in adulthood were measured by investigating the animals’ behavior in both the open field and startle box, together with the physiological measure of corticosterone. We found both behaviorally and physiologically that the pubescence time points are the most vulnerable to stress compared to all other tested time points along the developmental trajectory. Carefully considering the comparison between rat and human age, our findings may imply the importance of childhood-to-adulthood transition, as a sensitive time-point which may exacerbate a predisposition for the development of stress-induced psychopathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiradiclis glandulosa L. Wu & Q. R. Liu, a new species from limestone areas in southern China, is described and illustrated here. This new species is similar to S. umbelliformis, but can be distinguished from the latter mainly by its abaxial leaf blade with densely set yellow glandule-like spots (vs abaxially pilosulous), calyx lobes oblong-laceolate, ca 4-6 mm long (vs ovate-triangular, ca 0.6 mm), corolla tube inside densely pubescent above the middle and onto lobes in both forms (vs inside with villous ring above base), and capsules villosulous (vs glabrescent). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to test the effect of phosphate starvation on the plant growth and acid phosphatase activity of Carpinus pubescens and Eurycorymbus cavalerei. Growth parameters of both trees with −P and +P exhibited little change. The Pi content in leaves of both Pi-free trees decreased to about 65-70% of the control after cultivation for two to three weeks. Root Pi content of both Pi deprivation trees were by 30-45% lower than that of the Pi supply. Phosphate starvation significantly increased both intracellular and extracellular acid phosphatase activities. Intracellular and extracellular acid phosphatase activities were negatively correlated with Pi content in roots, while intracellular acid phosphatase activities were significantly positively correlated with Pi content in leaves under Pi starvation. These results indicated that excreted acid phosphatase mainly released Pi from organic phosphorus compounds, while intracellular acid phosphatase in leaves regulated the redistribution of Pi in tissues for adaptation to a calcareous soil with a low phosphate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eleven new species of Palicourea Aubl. from the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia are documented by recent exploration. Two new species from the Andes of Ecuador and Peru belong to Palicourea subg. Palicourea and are similar to P. premontana C. M. Taylor: P. hollinensis C. M. Taylor of the Cordillera del Cóndor differs in its stiff leaves and pubescent corollas, and P. rodriguezii C. M. Taylor of the Cordillera del Cóndor and the Cordillera Yanachaga differs in its well-developed pedicels and broadly angled pyrenes. Nine new species from the Andes of Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia belong to Palicourea subg. Montanae C. M. Taylor: P. albaniana C. M. Taylor of the Cordillera del Cóndor differs from P. lasiophylla K. Krause in its larger bracts; P. azulina C. M. Taylor of central Peru differs from P. sulphurea (Ruiz & Pav.) DC. in its shorter blue corollas; P. bullulata C. M. Taylor of Ecuador is notable for its bullulate leaves and well-developed bracts; P. pachystipula C. M. Taylor of Ecuador differs from P. lyristipula Wernham in its larger stipules and flowers; P. palaciosii C. M. Taylor of Ecuador is notable for its spiciform inflorescences with well-developed bracts and its horned corolla lobes; P. sucllii C. M. Taylor of Peru and Bolivia differs from P. azulina by its shorter stipules and generally longer corollas; P. tunquiensis C. M. Taylor of Peru differs from P. candida C. M. Taylor in its corolla lobes with long apical appendages; P. vernicosa C. M. Taylor of the Cordillera Yanachaga differs from P. albaniana in its glabrous, shiny, stiff leaves; and P. yanesha C. M. Taylor of Peru differs from P. canarina C. M. Taylor in its pubescent corollas with well-developed horns on the lobes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of my study is to investigate upon the quality and quantity of the free fatty acids secreted by apocrine glands, as chief index to determine the real efficacy of a new model of antiperspirant-deodorant, that interferes directly with apocrine glands (by reducing drastically the secretion of free fatty acids) and indirectly with eccrine glands, by minimising the salted water secretion. I created an innovative cosmetic formula that comprises the Alunogen, idlest the heptadecahydrated form of aluminium sulphate, since the generic aluminium sulphate has been recently accused of the onset of the Alzheimer's disease, when penetrating the epidermis, although definitive scientific proof is difficult to establish due to the lack of longitudinal studies, and therefore could be banished in the very next future. The formula comprises also the concrète of Cypripedium Pubescens (Lady's slipper) which contains, inter alia, the cypripedin, a quinine-analog, endowed by anticholinergic activities, that can be reputed useful as astringent agent with regards to eccrine glands, synergically to the action upon apocrine glands performed by alunogen. I recruited 11 young men, 11 bricklayers that customarily have to work 9 hours pro day after the hot summer sun and assert without doubt to sweat copiously, in order to carry out my experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the model of dark stress caused by animal maintenance at dimmed light we showed that Trametin (product obtained during liquid-phase culturing of Trametes pubescens xylotroph fungi) effectively prevented oxidative stress under conditions of light deprivation. The preparation increased the level of unsaturation of lipids, reduced the concentration of primary and end-products of LPO, and increases both the integral parameter of the antioxidant defense system (total antioxidant activity) and its components (activity of superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aphelandra merelloae, a new species from north-central Panama is described, illustrated, and mapped. It is compared to morphologically similar species from southern Central America ( A. dolichantha) and Colombia ( A. cuatrecasasii). It differs from both by its pinkish to purplish limb of the corolla, among other characters. Aphelandra killipii is treated as distinct from its Colombian congener A. cuatrecasasii based on color and pubescence of the corollas and pubescence of the medial and distal bracts. Twenty species of Aphelandra are now known to occur in Panama. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that analyzed the morphological characters of Senna spiniflora and S. chacoénsis in the series Aphyllae for taxonomic status. Topics covered include analysis of herbarium specimen data, principal components analysis and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results showed difference in the taxa in terms of stem pubescence with variability that is not enough for specific delimitation leading to proposal for synonymy of S. spiniflora and S. chacoénsis.