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Las garzas que se reproducen en colonias presentan requerimientos ecológicos similares e intensifican sus relaciones interespecíficas. Sin embargo, estas especies pueden coexistir al segregarse temporal y espacialmente. Se estimó el número de nidos de ocho especies de garzas (Ardea alba, Egretta thula, E. caerulea, E. tricolor, E. rufescens, Bubulcus ibis, Nycticorax nycticorax y Cochlearius cochlearius) durante la temporada reproductiva marzo a agosto de 2018 en Isla Pájaros, Laguna Mar Muerto, Oaxaca- Chiapas, México. Así mismo, se estimaron las abundancias de las parejas reproductoras, el patrón temporal y espacial de reproducción por especie, y se describió el sitio de anidación. Se contaron nidos en 96 parcelas y se midieron ocho variables ambientales. Se registraron 1018 nidos, donde B. ibis presentó el mayor número de parejas reproductoras (299), seguida por E. tricolor (213) y E. thula (142). Las especies menos abundantes fueron C. cochlearius (35) y E. caerulea (33). La distribución de los nidos en la isla varió espacial y temporalmente entre parcelas al igual que la composición de especies y la abundancia de nidos por parcela (P < 0,001). Se registró una distribución vertical en la construcción de los nidos de al menos tres especies, mientras que las cuatro garcitas de similar tamaño (E. thula, E. caerulea, E. tricolor y B. ibis) anidaron juntas en las partes intermedias. Se registraron agrupaciones entre las especies y características de la vegetación. Los patrones de distribución espacial y temporal de estas especies permiten entender el uso de un recurso común durante la reproducción.

The aim of the study was to compare the variability of the composition, chemical identity and content of biologically active phenolic compounds in the fruits and leaves of the blue honeysuckle (Lonicera subsection Caeruleae) plants of different environmental and geographic provenances, sampled from the introduction plantation station in the forest steppe zone near the Ob River (Novosibirsk, Russia). In extracts from the leaves 25 individual compounds representing various polyphenolic classes were identified using HPLC-MS technique; seven of the compounds were identified as hydroxycinnamic acids, five compounds were flavonols, and eight compounds represented flavones. The maximal number of individual compounds was present in samples of the Altai subspecies of the tetraploid species L. caerulea subsp. altaica, whereas the minimal number was detected in samples of L. boczkarnikowae, a diploid species from the Russian Far East (Primorsky region). The lowest total polyphenolics content (6,260 mg/100 g of air-dry phytomass) was found in samples of L. caeruleae subsp. pallasii, whereas the content in samples from other blue honeysuckle subspecies ranged within 11.620-14.030 mg/100 g of air-dry phytomass. High content of flavones in extracts from leaves, always exceeding the flavonol content, was found to be a characteristic feature of L. caerulea subsp. altaica. Among L. сaerulea subspecies, L. сaerulea subsp. pallasii was shown to have the largest ratio of flavonols to flavones. L. boczkarnikowae also had high content of flavonols, significantly exceeding the flavones content in the plants organs. The main component of anthocyanins was cyanidin-3-glucoside, accounting for up to 91%. The fruits of L. caerulea subsp. altaica, L. сaerulea subsp. venulosa and L. boczkarnikowae had the highest anthocyanin content, ranging 2.950–3.200 mg/100 g air-dry phytomass, whereas the fruits of L. сaerulea subsp. pallasii had the lowest one (1,573 mg/100g). Extracts from the leaves were found to have significantly higher polyphenolics content as compared to the ones from the fruits; thus the leaves can be recommended as a prospective medicinal source., Целью данной работы было сравнительное изучение изменчивости индивидуально-группового состава биологически активных фенольных соединений плодов и листьев образцов рода Lonicera подсекции Caeruleae разного эколого-географического происхождения в интродукционной популяции лесостепи Приобья (г. Новосибирск). Методом ВЭЖХ-МС анализа в составе экстрактов листьев определено 20 соединений, относящихся к разным классам полифенолов, из которых 7 компонентов – гидроксикоричные кислоты, 5 компонентов – флавонолы и 8 компонентов – флавоны. Максимальное число компонентов содержится в образцах алтайского подвида тетраплоидного вида – L. caerulea subsp. altaica, минимальное число компонентов – в L. boczkarnikowae (диплоидный вид из Приморского кр.). Образцы L. caeruleae subsp. pallasii отличались наименьшим суммарным содержанием полифенолов в листьях (6260мг/100 г воздушно-сухой массы). У остальных представителей голубых жимолостей уровень накопления полифенолов изменялся в пределах 11620-14030 мг/100 г. Характерной чертой L. caerulea subsp. altaica является высокая концентрация флавонов в экстрактах листьев, содержание флавонов в них всегда выше, чем содержание флавонолов. L. сaerulea subsp. pallasii выделяется среди подвидов L. caerulea наибольшим отношением между содержанием флавонолов и флавонов. L. boczkarnikowae также характеризуется высоким содержанием флавонолов, значительно превышающим концентрацию флавонов в органах растений. В качестве основного компонента антоцианов плодов голубых жимолостей идентифицирован цианидин-3-глюкозид (до 91%). Наибольшее количество антоцианов содержится в плодах L. caerulea subsp. altaica, L. сaerulea subsp. venulosa и L. boczkarnikowae (2950–3200 мг/100 г), а наименьшее в L. сaerulea subsp. pallasii (1573 мг/100 г). В экстрактах листьев содержание и количество компонентов полифенолов значительно выше, чем в плодах, что позволяет рекомендовать их как лекарственное сырье.

A eficiencia de forrageio das aves, resultado do balanco entre consumo e gasto de energia, pode variar conforme condicoes locais. A eficiencia de forrageio foi comparada entre Egretta thula (adulto N = 11) e Egretta caerulea (adulto N = 62 e jovem N = 17) no estuario da cidade de Paranagua, Parana, Brasil. Em 14 h de observacoes divididas em sessoes de 2 minutos por individuo, foram registrados locais de forrageio (lodo ou aguas rasas), numero de passos, bicadas totais e bicadas bem-sucedidas, e calculadas taxas de sucesso, esforco energetico e eficiencia de captura. Em aguas rasas E. thula foi mais eficiente que E. caerulea . Nao houve diferenca para E. thula entre os ambientes, enquanto adultos de E. caerulea foram mais eficientes que os jovens, com maior eficiencia no lodo do que em aguas rasas. Diferencas na eficiencia de forrageio entre as especies podem ter relacao com o tipo de forrageio entre elas dependendo da localidade. COMPARISON OF EGRETTA CAERULEA AND EGRETTA THULA FORAGING EFFICIENCY IN ESTUARY OF OF PARANAGUA, PARANA, SOUTHERN BRAZIL : The foraging efficiency of birds may vary according to local conditions as a result of the balance between energy consumption and expenditure. The foraging efficiency of Egretta thula (adults n=11) and Egretta caerulea (adults n=69 and juveniles n= 17) was compared in Paranagua city estuary, in Parana, Brazil. In 14 hours of observation divided into 2 minutes sessions per individual, were recorded foraging site (mud or shallow water), number of steps, total peckings and successful peckings, and were calculated the success rates, energy effort and capture efficiency. In shallow water E.thula was more efficient than E. caerulea . There was no intraspecific differences in E. thula regarding environments. Adults of E. caerulea were more efficient than juveniles, with greater efficiency in mud than in shallow waters environments. Differences in foraging efficiency between species may be related to the type of foraging according to feeding location.

We report new faunistic records of Pimpla Fabricius, 1804 from Uruguay. The following species are reported from the country for the first time: P. albomarginata Cameron, 1846, P. caerulea Brullé, 1846, P. perssoni Gauld, 1991, and P. semirufa Brullé, 1846. In addition, we propose a replacement name for Pimpla rufipes Brullé, 1846 and provide diagnosis, digital images, and an identification key for all the Pimpla species known to occur in Uruguay.

In 2016, the study of morphological features of the collection of tropical water lily was started. Plants are grown in containers of up to 400 litres, which are placed in an artificially heated basin with a total water mirror area of 85 m 2 . After 1080 days soil and water are replaced due to the reduction of nutrients. During vegetation, the water temperature is constant - plus 28-29 °C. The beginning of vegetation is noted from the II decade of January, flowering - from the I decade of February at Nymphaea cv. Mrs. George C. Hitchcock, N. capensis var. alba , N. capensis cv. Rosea и N. nouchali var . caerulea. Later and not prolonged flowering was observed - from the II decade of July at N. gigantea , N. cv. Nangkwaug Fax and N. cv. Nangkwaug Apsara. Two phases of flowering, the first beginning from the third decade of January to the second decade of April and the second phase from the third decade of June - N. lotus var. thermalis , N. daubeniana , N. capensis var. alba . Mass - from the II decade of May to the I decade of September. Depending on the species or variety, the duration of the flowering phase in the year is in N. cv . Nangkwaug Fax, N. cv. Nangkwaug Apsara, N. capensis var. alba - 43-65 days, the rest have 79 to 247 days. The largest number of flowers in 2016-2009 observed in N. lotus var. thermalis - 288 flowers, N. nouchali var . caerulea - 255 flowers, N. capensis cv. Rosea - 165 flowers. The smallest - N. cv. Nangkwaug Fax - 46 flowers, N. cv. Nangkwaug Apsara - 32 flowers. They are promising for cultivation in closed water bodies.

Mexican species of three pimpline genera, Apechthis Förster (one species), Itoplectis Förster (six species) and Pimpla Fabricius (20 species, including one unidentified taxon), are reviewed. Four species of Pimpla are described as new to science: P. chamela sp. nov., P. oaxacana sp. nov., P. tequila sp. nov. and P. xalapana sp. nov. Pimpla thoracica Morley, 1914 is found to be a junior synonym of P. ellopiae Harrington, 1892 (syn. nov.). Apechthis zapoteca (Cresson) is recorded for the first time from Venezuela, Pimpla dimidiata (Townes) from Mexico, P. caeruleata Cresson, P. croceiventris (Cresson), P. sanguinipes Cresson and P. sumichrasti Cresson from Honduras, P. ichneumoniformis Cresson and P. viridescens Morley from Guatemala and Honduras, and P. punicipes Cresson from Panama. The South American species Pimpla caerulea Brullé and the Nearctic species P. pedalis Cresson are excluded from the Mexican fauna. Male of Itoplectis mexicana and female of Pimpla dimidiata are recorded for the first time. Identification keys to the species of Itoplectis and Pimpla occurring in Mexico are provided.

Passiflora caerulea is native to brazil. In recent years, the edible, medicinal, and ornamental value of P. caerulea has stimulated its wide cultivation in Southeast Asian countries, especially Chi...

Nymphaeaceae are early diverging angiosperms with large flowers characterized by showy petals and stamens not clearly whorled but presenting a gradual morphological transition from the outer elements to the inner stamens. Such flower structure makes these plant species relevant for studying flower evolution. MADS-domain transcription factors are crucial components of the molecular network that controls flower development. We therefore isolated and characterized MADS-box genes from the water lilyNymphaea caerulea. RNA-seq experiments on floral buds have been performed to obtain the transcript sequences of floral organ identity MADS-box genes. Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses confirmed their belonging to specific MADS-box gene subfamilies. Their expression was quantified by RT-qPCR in all floral organs at two stages of development. Protein interactions among these transcription factors were investigated by yeast-two-hybrid assays. We found especially interesting the involvement of two differentAGAMOUS-likegenes (NycAG1andNycAG2) in the water lily floral components. They were therefore functionally characterized by complementing Arabidopsisagandshp1 shp2mutants. The expression analysis of MADS-box genes across flower development inN. caeruleadescribed a complex scenario made of numerous genes in numerous floral components. Their expression profiles in some cases were in line with what was expected from the ABC model of flower development and its extensions, while in other cases presented new and interesting gene expression patterns, as for instance the involvement ofNycAGL6andNycFL. Although sharing a high level of sequence similarity, the twoAGAMOUS-likegenesNycAG1andNycAG2could have undergone subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization, as only one of them could partially restore theeuAGfunction in Arabidopsisag-3mutants. The hereby illustratedN. caeruleaMADS-box gene expression pattern might mirror the morphological transition from the outer to the inner floral organs, and the presence of transition organs such as the petaloid stamens. This study is intended to broaden knowledge on the role and evolution of floral organ identity genes and the genetic mechanisms causing biodiversity in angiosperm flowers.

Plant extracts and other novel psychoactives can be ingested, vaped, injected, or insufflated. This includes products such as extracts from the blue lotus flower (Nypmhaea caerulea), which is known to produce euphoria and hallucinations at high doses. Blue lotus is sold in several forms, including dried plant material, teas, and extracts for use in electronic cigarettes. Because newer generations of electronic cigarettes can deliver a variety of substances, practitioners need to be mindful of toxicity from a growing number of psychoactives, some of which are not detectable by standard urine drug screens. This case series describes five active duty patients who presented to the emergency department with altered mental status following the use of blue lotus products, four after vaping and one after making an infused beverage. Patients displayed similar symptoms, including sedation and perceptual disturbances. The patients in our series were successfully managed with supportive measures without the need for sedating agents. Recognizing and identifying new trends in substance use can help to provide directions in undifferentiated altered mental status.

Trichodischia Bigot, 1885 is a Neotropical genus with a confusing taxonomic history. This was initially composed of two species: T. caerulea Bigot, 1885 and T. soror Bigot, 1885. Later, the genus Trichoraea Cortés, 1974 was erected for T. caerulea. When reviewing the taxonomic history of both species, we discovered that both genera have been considered synonymous based on erroneous information and without a formal synonymy being proposed. Herein, we redescribed T. soror, provide images of adults and describe the male terminalia for the first time. In addition, by examining the type material, we propose Trichoraea as a junior synonym of Trichodischia, syn. nov., confirm T. caerulea comb. rest. and T. soror as valid species and provide some comments about the taxonomy and host record of the genus.

We report the presence of five Collembola species from western Poland, three of which were recorded in this country for the first time – Bourletiella pistillum Gisin, 1964 (Bourletiellidae), Lepidocyrtus tellecheae Arbea & Jordana 1990 (Entomobryidae) and Isotoma caerulea Bourlet, 1839 (Isotomidae). Seira dollfusi Carl, 1899 (Entomobryidae) was earlier known solely from a single, old report. Pachyotoma topsenti (Denis, 1948) (Isotomidae) is generally considered a rare species in the region. Though generally infrequently encountered, all five species occur in very high numbers in our plots and they are among the dominant springtails. The habitats surveyed in the study, i.e. dry Calluna-heathlands and their accompanying habitats are endangered in Central Europe and require active management. In one of the studied plots, a prescribed burn was applied to rejuvenate the heather. We discuss the distribution and habitat preferences of the five species in the European context and their possible significance as indicators of different habitat types.

The genus Sesleria represents a taxonomically intricate polyploid complex of morphologically highly varied and weakly differentiated taxa. In the wider area of the Western Carpathians, the genus is represented by three tetraploid (S. caerulea, S. heufleriana, and S. uliginosa) and three octoploid (S. hungarica, S. sadleriana, and S. tatrae) species. Although these taxa play a dominant role in a number of plant communities, their identification is often problematic. We examined relative (RGS; 637 individuals, 49 populations) and absolute (AGS; 64 individuals, 19 populations) genome size variation of all six taxa and revealed that genome size could be an effective marker for their identification. Genome size allowed not only separation of the two ploidy levels (4x vs. 8x), but helped to identify at least four of the six studied species. Among tetraploids, RGS appeared to be diagnostic for S. heufleriana (even at individual level), but failed to differentiate S. caerulea from S. uliginosa. RGS appeared to be diagnostic for octoploid species at population level, although the identity of populations at Vrsatec (Slovakia) and Naszaly (Hungary) require further studies. We found that octoploid plants from Slavec (Slovakia), formerly identified as S. heufleriana, actually represent S. hungarica, which is the first reliable record of this species from Slovakia. In the geographically isolated or peripheral populations, an increased or decreased genome size has been detected.

The dominant molluscan speciesPatella caerulea was selected as a trace metals bio indicator. During winter and summer 2016, its specimens were scraped from El-Mex Bay. Concentrations of heavy metals in the water, sediments andPatella caerulea (shells and soft tissues) were determined. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) concentrations (conc.) during summer were higher than winter except for shells which had Cd conc. in summer lower than winter, water showed Cu conc. in winter more than summer, Fe appeared higher conc. in water and Patellacaerulea during winter more than summer, Mn had higher conc. in water and sediments than summer, Ni had higher conc. in water and soft tissues during winter than summer and Zn in water during summer is lower than winter. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) ofCd, Pb, Cu, Fe inPatellacaerulea shells were more than soft tissues, also they were more in winter than summer except that of Cu in winter was lower than summer, BAF of Fe in soft tissues was higher than shells also that of Mn and Zn in Patellacaerulea during winter were lower than summer, also BAFs of Mn in soft tissues and shells was nearly similar.The highest metal pollution index (MPI) for the studied species appeared in shells (105.95) followed by that of soft tissues during summer and winter (80.54 and 74.64, respectively). While MPI in shells during winter (46.13) came to the last.

The variability of the content of macro- and trace elements and fractions of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids in organs of the honeysuckle Lonicera caerulea subsp. altaica plants collected from indigenous populations in Gorny Altai (Seminsky Ridge), Russia, has been examined. Statistically significant positive correlations between the altitude of the plant growth site and the content of Cu in leaves, Ca, Zn and Cd in stems, and K and Na uptake rate by leaves are found. A physiologically important ratio of biophylic elements such as Fe/Mn in leaves are found to decrease with increasing altitude. The main polyphenolic components of L. caerulea subsp. аltaica leaves showed altitudinal ranges of 1176–3216 mg/100 g for hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (chlorogenic and dicoffeylcinchonic acids), 342–1442 mg/100 g for phlavonols (quercetin glucosides), and 757–1988 mg/100 g for flavons (luteoline and apigenine glucosides). The content of flavons positively correlated with the growth site altitude. The content of flavonols, on the contrary, decreased with increased altitude. The accumulation levels of flavons and flavonols negatively correlated with the content of Cu in leaves; Ca, Zn, and Cd in stems; and K/Na in leaves and K/Ca in stems. The derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid correlated with accumulation rates of Ca, K, Mg, Zn, Mn, Sr, and Cd, and the ratios K/Ca, Ca/Na, and Cu/Zn in leaves.

The genus Enderleiniella Becker, 1912 is revised. The genus is distinguished on the basis of a somewhat flattened head with the inner vertical setae located anteromedially to the outer vertical setae, three lightly incised lines on the scutum, trapezoidal or rectangular scutellum with marginal setae borne on tubercles, reduced alula and anal angle of the wing, and the structure of the male genitalia. The genus contains eleven species in the northern Neotropical and southern Nearctic Regions: E. caeruleasp. nov. (type locality: Blue Creek, Belize); E. crypticasp. nov. (type locality: 24 km W Piedras Blancas, Costa Rica); E. flavidasp. nov. (type locality: Emerald Pool, Dominica); E. longiventris (Enderlein, 1911) (type species; type locality: Costa Rica); E. maculatasp. nov. (type locality: Xilitla, San Luis Potosi, Mexico); E. marshallisp. nov. (type locality: Guanacaste, Costa Rica); E. mayasp. nov. (type locality: Las Escobas, Guatemala); E. punctatasp. nov. (type locality: Potrerillo, Bolivia); E. tripunctata (Becker, 1916) (type locality: San Mateo, Costa Rica); E. tumescenssp. nov. (type locality: San Esteban, Venezuela); and E. wheelerisp. nov. (type locality: Turrialba, Costa Rica).

Ruiz-Guerra, Carlos, Echeverry-Galvis, María Ángela (2019): Prey consumed by wading birds in mangrove swamps of the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Journal of Natural History 53 (29): 1823-1836, DOI: 10.1080/00222933.2019.1667037

Neomarica is a genus of the Iridaceae with several ornamental species, including Neomarica caerulea (walking iris) and N. longifolia (yellow iris). Little is known about fungal diseases of members of the genus Neomarica. In June 2017, N. longifolia plants growing in a garden at Antonio Carlos were observed bearing leaf spots symptoms. A cercosporoid hyphomycete was associated with the necrotic tissues. It was conjectured that the fungus involved might be the same described causing leaf spots on N. caerulea in Brazil. Examination of the type of the species concerned (Cercospora neomaricae) revealed that this specimen was in very poor condition and inadequate for comparison. This prompted us to re-collect the fungus from the type locality for epitypification. Besides designating an epitype, a pure culture of C. neomaricae was obtained (ex-epitype culture) and a molecular study of this isolate together with the molecular and morphological analysis of the fungus on N. longifolia was performed. The fungus on N. longifolia was found to be morphologically and genetically clearly distinct from C. neomaricae. Analyses of the ITS, CAL and ACT regions indicated that the fungus on N. longifolia belongs to the Cercospora sp. H, which is an unresolved species complex, including several isolates obtained from various hosts.

As the result of a taxonomic project on Neomarica, we describe and illustrate a new species, Neomarica kollmannii, and propose ten new synonyms for six species of the genus: N. altivallis, N. glauca, N. caerulea, N. longifolia, N. imbricata and N. sabinei. We also designate lectotypes for four accepted species and five new synonyms, and neotypes for three new synonyms. Comments on the synonyms and typifications are provided. Lastly, we indicate the correct spelling of N. sabinei (previously known as N. sabini, as cited in several indexes).

We report the first record of Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus) brood parasitism on a sedentary tropical population of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea), which probably represents the subspecies P. c. deppei. Our observations represent the 46th known true host species parasitized by this cowbird species, the 104th host and victim, and the 3rd known brood parasite for the family Polioptilidae. “Victims” are all species parasitized by cowbirds and “hosts” are those species that hatch, feed, and successfully raise cowbirds. Our assignment of these records to the true host list are based on feeding behavior observations at a nest in Veracruz, Mexico. We provide additional information on nest characteristics of an understudied gnatcatcher population.

Summary • Macroscopic mycelial interactions between Stropharia caerulea and four other cord-forming wood decomposer basidiomycetes (Phanerochaete velutina, Phallus impudicus, Hypholoma fasciculare and Agrocybe gibberosa) on nonsterile soil were quantified using nondestructive image analysis. • Interaction development and outcome was species dependent. Once S. caerulea mycelium became fully confronted by nonself mycelia, extension usually ceased and mycelia formed (defensive) aerial ridges and/or (invasive) cords. P. velutina rapidly replaced S. caerulea, but with significantly (P

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea hosts more non-indigenous species than any other marine region, yet their impacts on the native biota remain poorly understood. Focusing on mollusks from the Israeli rocky intertidal, we explored the hypothesis that this abiotically harsh habitat supports a limited trait diversity, and thus may promote niche overlap and competition between native and non-indigenous species. Indeed, native and non-indigenous assemblage components often had a highly similar trait composition, caused by functionally similar native (Patella caerulea) and non-indigenous (Cellana rota) limpets. Body size of P. caerulea decreased with increasing C. rota prevalence, but not vice versa, indicating potential asymmetric competition. Although both species have coexisted in Israel for >15 years, a rapid ‘replacement’ of native limpets by C. rota has been reported for a thermally polluted site, suggesting that competition and regionally rapid climate-related seawater warming might interact to progressively erode native limpet performance along the Israeli coast.

Lonicera caerulea L. is an early fruit-bearing plant that originates from harsh environments. Raw materials contain a body of different phenolic origin compounds that determine the multidirectional antioxidant and pharmacological activities. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacities, vegetative, pomological, and sensory properties and their interrelations of selected L. caerulea cultivars, namely &lsquo, Amphora&rsquo, &lsquo, Wojtek&rsquo, Iga&rsquo, &rsquo, Leningradskij Velikan&rsquo, Nimfa&rsquo, Indigo Gem&rsquo, Tundra&rsquo, Tola&rsquo, and fruit powders. Combined chromatographic systems were applied for the qualitative and quantitative profiling of 23 constituents belonging to the classes of anthocyanins, flavonols, flavones, proanthocyanidins, and phenolic acids. The determined markers of phytochemical profiles were cyanidin-3-glucoside, rutin, chlorogenic, and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. Anthocyanins and the predominant compound, cyanidin-3-glucoside, were the determinants of antioxidant activity. Cultivars &lsquo, and &lsquo, contained the greatest total amounts of identified phenolic compounds. Phenotypic characterization revealed the superiority of cultivars &lsquo, and &rsquo, compared to other cultivars, although &rsquo, had low phenolic content and antioxidant activity and &rsquo, got lower sensory evaluation scores. Coupling the results of phenotypic and phytochemical characterization, cultivar &lsquo, could be suitable for commercial plantations.

Passiflora caerulea L. (Passifloraceae) (“mburucuya”, “maracuja-laranja”), a widely distributed species in South America, has been traditionally considered as a medicinal, ornamental, and edible plant. Its fruits, besides being well appreciated for their flavor and sweetness, have valuable nutritional properties. The ethnopharmacological use as anxiolytic, antistress and sedative of the non-reproductive aerial parts (leaves and tendrils) from P. caerulea is the main reason for its commercialization as an infusion herb. In general, its preparations are rich in flavonoids (chrysin and C-glycosides such as vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, and vicenin-2, among others), which were confirmed as responsible for the anxiolytic effect. The Argentine Pharmacopeia includes a monograph on P. caerulea, while other Pharmacopeias (Brazilian, European, and British) consider it as a potential adulterant of P. incarnata and P. edulis. Harmala alkaloids from P. caerulea might also contribute to the anxiolytic effect, but no preclinical assays have been conducted to confirm it. Pharmacological research confirmed other bioactivities associated with the aerial parts of P. caerulea, such as antimicrobial, gastroprotective, analgesic, and anticonvulsant. Even though, no systematic toxicological assessments have been conducted in order to evaluate the safety in the consumption, especially regarding the presence of cyanogenic glycosides both in the vegetal drug and the unripe fruits.

In the present study, a new occurrence of Aglae caerulea Lepeletier & Audinet-Serville is reported within a few km of the seasonal flooded plain limits of the Pantanal in the Paraguay basin, reinforcing the idea that this species coexists with its hostess Eulaema nigrita, one of the most common species catalogued in several habitats surveyed in the biome. After 18 months of sampling and no A. caerulea male attracted to the baits, methyl cinnamate was added to the set of fragrances available in the field. During four weeks in May and one week in June 2018, a total of 11 males of A. caerulea were attracted to the new bait in the gallery forest of São Vicente Range. With this most recent record, we expand the ranges of occurrence to the north-eastern border of the Pantanal of Barão de Melgaço, in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Future expeditions in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul should record this cleptoparasitic species from southern to western Paraguay river basin, to reduce the biogeographical gaps in this peculiar tribe of corbiculate bees. The cleptoparasitic species A. caerulea may be recorded when adequate field studies and collections are made from the seasonal floodplain habitats to karstic habitats (dry forests) along the Pantanal border.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most important and widely cultivated forage crops. It is commonly used as a vegetable and medicinal herb because of its excellent nutritional quality and significant economic value. Based on Illumina, Nanopore and Hi-C data, we assembled a chromosome-scale assembly of Medicago sativa spp. caerulea (voucher PI464715), the direct diploid progenitor of autotetraploid alfalfa. The assembled genome comprises 793.2 Mb of genomic sequence and 47,202 annotated protein-coding genes. The contig N50 length is 3.86 Mb. This genome is almost twofold larger and contains more annotated protein-coding genes than that of its close relative, Medicago truncatula (420 Mb and 44,623 genes). The more expanded gene families compared with those in M. truncatula and the expansion of repetitive elements rather than whole-genome duplication (i.e., the two species share the ancestral Papilionoideae whole-genome duplication event) may have contributed to the large genome size of M. sativa spp. caerulea. Comparative and evolutionary analyses revealed that M. sativa spp. caerulea diverged from M. truncatula ~5.2 million years ago, and the chromosomal fissions and fusions detected between the two genomes occurred during the divergence of the two species. In addition, we identified 489 resistance (R) genes and 82 and 85 candidate genes involved in the lignin and cellulose biosynthesis pathways, respectively. The near-complete and accurate diploid alfalfa reference genome obtained herein serves as an important complement to the recently assembled autotetraploid alfalfa genome and will provide valuable genomic resources for investigating the genomic architecture of autotetraploid alfalfa as well as for improving breeding strategies in alfalfa.

Ten new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia Canestrini, 1899 (Analgoidea: Trouessartiidae) are described from various passerines of the superfamily Passeroidea in Georgia: Trouessartia americana sp. n. from Setophaga americana (Linnaeus), T. helmitheros sp. n. from Helmitheros vermivorum (Gmelin, JF), T. mniotilta sp. n. from Mniotilta varia (Linnaeus), T. pensylvanica sp. n. from Setophaga pensylvanica (Linnaeus) (type host) and S. palmarum (Gmelin, JF), T. ruticilla sp. n. from S. ruticilla (Linnaeus), T. seiurus sp. n. from Seiurus aurocapilla (Linnaeus), T. tigrina sp. n. from Setophaga tigrina (Gmelin, JF) (Parulidae), T. passerinae sp. n. from Passerina caerulea (Linnaeus) (type host) and P. cyanea (Linnaeus), T. ciris sp. n. from P. ciris (Linnaeus) (Cardinalidae), and T. spizellae sp. n. from Spizella passerina (Bechstein) (Passerellidae). Based on a specific combination of morphological characters, all new species and six previously known species are arranged into a new species group capensis in the genus Trouessartia. The most important diagnostic characters of this species group include: in both sexes, the dorsal hysterosomal apertures are absent; in males, the postgenital plaque is well developed and genital setae g have cylindrical articulation rings; in females, the external copulatory tube is straight, stylet- or finger-like, and situated on the margin of the interlobar membrane, and the head of spermatheca has a semi-ovate extension without indentations. A key to all species referred to the capensis group is provided and host associations of this group with passerines are summarized and briefly discussed. It is hypothesized that this species group originated on the ancestors of New World nine-primaried oscines (Emberizoidea) and diverged in close relation with this group of hosts.

The taxonomic revision of the Anthaxia (Haplanthaxia) dispar Kerremans, 1898 species-group. Definition of the species-group and descriptions of three new species: Anthaxia (Haplanthaxia) aethiopica sp. nov. (Ethiopia), A. (H.) caerulea sp. nov. (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and A. (H.) occidentalis sp. nov. (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo). New species are described, illustrated and compared with other species of the species-group. Anthaxia (H.) komareki Obenberger, 1931 is removed from the synonymy of A. (H.) pilifrons Kerremans, 1898 and it is treated as a separate species. New synonymy is suggested: A. (H.) dispar Kerremans, 1898 = A. (H.) hyperlasia Obenberger, 1928, syn. nov. All species are keyed and the questionable taxonomic position of A. (H.) vulpes Théry, 1930 is briefly discussed.

To obtain uniform passion fruit plantations, the aim of this research is to analyze the development of rootstocks and grafted seedlings, using the following treatments: non-grafted Passifora edulis and grafted with two different method: single grafting, P. edulis on P. caerulea and P. edulis on P. giberti, and double grafting, P. edulis on P. giberti and P. caerulea, on the same plant, with 3 replicates in 2 blocks. The germinative potential of seeds of the three species used was evaluated according to the storage period, viability of the grafting methods used, plant height after the juvenile period and relative growth rate. It was observed that treatments of passion fruit on P. caerulea obtained good initial development, reducing more sharply in the last data collection compared to treatments of passion fruit on P. giberti and double grafting. For non-grafted passion fruit, there was matter accumulation at the beginning of plant development, with reduction throughout collections, with tendency to stabilization, mainly approaching flowering. It was verified that non-grafted plants tend to start developing first, showing physiological advance, when compared to double grafting or single grafting with P. caerulea, also due to the rootstock vigor, which presents low potential. Using P. giberti as a rootstock seems to be more viable for the passion fruit culture. Para obtener plántulas saludables y plantaciones de maracuyá más uniformes, el objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar el desarrollo de portainjertos y plántulas injertadas hasta la temporada de floración, teniendo como tratamientos: Passifora edulis no injertada, y la misma injertada en dos métodos. diferente, siendo el injerto único, P. edulis en P. caerulea y P. edulis en P. giberti, y el doble injerto, P. edulis en P. giberti y P. caerulea, en la misma planta, con 3 repeticiones en 2 bloques El poder germinativo de las semillas de las tres especies utilizadas se evaluó de acuerdo con el período de almacenamiento, la viabilidad de los métodos de injerto utilizados, la altura de las plantas después del período de la juventud y la tasa de crecimiento relativa. Se observó que los tratamientos de maracuyá en P. caerulea obtuvieron un buen desarrollo inicial, reduciéndose más marcadamente en la última recopilación de datos que los tratamientos de maracuyá en P. giberti y doble injerto, donde obtuvieron valores iniciales cercanos y una pequeña disminución con el avance de las colecciones. Para la fruta de la pasión agria no injertada, hubo una acumulación de materia al comienzo del desarrollo de las plantas, con su reducción a lo largo de las colecciones, con una tendencia a estabilizarse, acercándose principalmente a la floración. Se verifica que las plantas no injertadas tienden a comenzar a desarrollarse primero, dando un avance fisiológico, en comparación con el injerto doble o el injerto simple con P. caerulea; y también por el vigor del portainjerto, donde tiene un bajo potencial. El uso de P. giberti como portainjerto parece ser más viable para el cultivo de maracuyá. Para a obtenção de mudas sadias e plantações mais uniformes de maracujazeiro, o objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar o desenvolvimento de porta enxertos e mudas enxertadas até a época de florada, tendo como tratamentos: Passifora edulis não enxertado, e o mesmo enxertado em dois métodos diferentes, sendo eles a enxertia simples, P. edulis sobre P. caerulea e P. edulis sobre P. giberti, e a dupla enxertia, P. edulis sobre P. giberti e P. caerulea, na mesma planta, com 3 repetições em 2 blocos. Avaliou-se o poder germinativos das sementes das três espécies utilizadas de acordo com o período de armazenamento, a viabilidade dos métodos de enxertia utilizados, a altura das plantas após o período de juvenilidade e a taxa de crescimento relativo. Observou-se que os tratamentos de maracujá azedo sobre P. caerulea obteveram um bom desenvolvimento inicial, reduzindo mais acentuadamente na última coleta de dados que os tratamentos de maracujá sobre P. giberti e dupla enxertia, onde os mesmos obtiveram valores iniciais próximos e pequeno decréscimo com o avanço das coletas. Para o maracujá azedo não enxertado houve acúmulo de matéria no início do desenvolvimento das plantas, com sua redução ao longo das coletas, com tendência a estabilização, principalmente se aproximando do florescimento. Verifica-se que as plantas não enxertadas tendem a começar se desenvolver primeiro, conferindo um adiantamento fisiológico, quando comparadas a dupla enxertia ou enxertia simples com P. caerulea; e também por causa do vigor do porta enxerto, onde este apresenta baixo potencial. A utilização de P. giberti como porta-enxerto parece ser mais viável para a cultura do maracujá.

Microbial communities are linked with marine sponge are diverse in their structure and function. Our understanding of the sponge-associated microbial diversity is limited especially from Red Sea in Saudi Arabia where few species of sponges have been studied. Here we used pyrosequencing to study two marine sponges and coral species sampled from Obhur region from Red sea in Jeddah. A total of 168 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were identified from Haliclona caerulea, Stylissa carteri and Rhytisma fulvum. Taxonomic identification of tag sequences of 16S ribosomal RNA revealed 6 different bacterial phyla and 9 different classes. A proportion of unclassified reads were was also observed in sponges and coral sample. We found diverse bacterial communities associated with two sponges and a coral sample. Diversity and richness estimates based on OUTs revealed that sponge H. caerulea had significantly high bacterial diversity. The identified OTUs showed unique clustering in three sponge samples as revealed by Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). Proteobacteria (88–95%) was dominant phyla alonwith Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes and Nitrospirae. Seventeen different genera were identified where genus Pseudoalteromonas was dominant in all three samples. This is first study to assess bacterial communities of sponge and coral sample that have never been studied before to unravel their microbial communities using 454-pyrosequencing method.

The objective of this study was to carry out macro- and micromorphological studies of fruits and seeds of representatives of the genus Lonicera of the flora of Ukraine (both natural and introduced), to clarify their features, to provide additional characteristics and to evaluate the possibility of using carpological features for the diagnosis of taxa of the genus. Material and methods. Materials of the National Herbarium of the M.G. Kholodny Institute of Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (KW) and Herbarium of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (KWHA) were used, as well as samples from living plants from the collections of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden and O.V. Fomin Botanical Garden. The citations are given by the original text of the labels. The fruits and seeds of seven species of the genus (four are introduced, and the other are species of natural flora), which are listed in “Vascular plants of Ukraine. A nomenclatural checklist”, have been studied. Morphological features of fruits and seeds were studied under the light microscope (LM, MBS-9) and scanning electron microscope (SEM, JSM-6060 LA). Samples were sprayed with a layer of gold according to the standard method. The study was conducted at magnification from ×30 to ×3000. Descriptions of fruits and seeds were performed using terminology, summarized in specialized papers. Fruit and seed sizes were measured using Axio Vision Rel. 4.8. Results. The fruits of Lonicera species are free or adnate at the base, surrounded by, for the most part, free bracteoles. A pseudocarp of L. caerulea is formed of the bracteoles of paired flowers concrescent in a tubular cupule, which completely and tightly wraps free paired fruits. The L. nigra has an uneven concrescent of the bracteoles that freely surround the paired fruits, which have concrescent only at the base. The fruits of the species Lonicera are black and dark blue, or red and yellow. The fruits of subgenus Periclymenum (L.caprifolium, L.etrusca, L.periclymenum) are free and spherical. The subgenus Chamaecerasus species’ fruits are mainly spherical, but in some species the fruits are also hemispherical, elliptical and elongated (L. caerulea, L. tatarica). Fruits in this subgenus are free (L.caerulea, L.tatarica) or coalescent at the base (L.nigra, L.xylosteum). All the studied species are characterized by glabrous fruits, except fruits of L.xylosteum that are pubescent with glandular and simple hairs. The seeds are elliptical, ovoid, nearly spherical, flat, concave on one side and convex on the other side, with a recess on the periphery and a crest in the center, at the base they are mainly narrow-rounded. All species of the section Eucaprifolium and one species of the section Coeloxylosteum have truncated seeds. The surface of the seeds is almost similar and pitted; in L. xylosteum it is shallow-pitted; in L. nigra it is tubercular-pitted. In some species, the seed surface is pitted, and also flat cells are present. Conclusions. Based on the results of a critical review of literature materials and analysis of own data, the detailed characteristics of fruits and seeds of the representatives of the genus Lonicera within the flora of Ukraine have been compiled. These characteristics are useful for more accurate identification of fruiting Lonicera plants. The species of the subgenus Periclymenum have exclusively free fruits, while the fruits in the subgenus Chamaecerasus are free or coalescent at the base. The features of color and shape of the fruits and seeds, the peculiarities of pubescence of the fruits, are suggested to be used to distinguish L. caerulea, L. caprifolium, L. etrusca, L. nigra, L. periclymenum, L. tatarica, and L. xylosteum. Analysis of the microstructure of the surface of the seeds revealed that there no features that can be used as diagnostic at the level of subsections, sections, and subgenera. However, seeds microstructure showed some differences at the species level.

In this study the diversity of Pimplinae at three different altitude zones in the Reserva Biológica da Serra do Japi Jundiaí, SP, Brazil was investigated with a total of 18 genera and 91 morphospecies collected by Malaise traps. Highest abundance and richness of Pimplinae were found in low and high altitudes, respectively. In the intermediate altitude occurred greater diversity and equitability, with greater similarity to high altitude. The genera Pimpla and Neotheronia were the most abundant; Pimpla caerulea Brullé, 1846 was the most frequent species. A new species of the genus Acrotaphus and two new species of the genus Polysphincta were found. Descriptions of the new species and identification keys are presented. Resumo Neste estudo a diversidade de Pimplinae em três diferentes altitudes na Reserva Biológica da Serra do Japi, Jundiaí, SP, Brasil foi investigada com um total de 18 gêneros e 91 morfoespécies capturadas por armadilhas Malaise. Nas altitudes baixa e alta ocorreram maior abundância e riqueza em gêneros, respectivamente. Na altitude intermediária ocorreu maior diversidade e equitabilidade, com maior similaridade na altitude alta. Os gêneros Pimpla e Neotheronia foram os mais abundantes. Pimpla caerulea Brullé, 1846 foi a espécie mais frequente. Uma nova espécie do gênero Acrotaphus e duas novas espécies do gênero Polysphincta foram encontradas. As descrições das novas espécies e as chaves de identificação são apresentadas.

Five new species of Coeliccia (Coeliccia caerulea sp. nov. [holotype: Bao Loc, Lam Dong Prov., appr. 11.449N, 107.712E], Coeliccia coronata sp. nov. [holotype: Bao Loc, Lam Dong Prov., appr. 11.726N, 107.713E], Coeliccia curua sp. nov. [holotype: Ba Be National Park, Bac Kan Prov. appr. 22.413N, 105.610E], Coeliccia diomedea sp. nov. [holotype: Tai Giang, Quang Nam Prov., appr. 16.006N, 107.507E], and Coeliccia pulchella sp. nov. [holotype: Huu Lien Nature Reserve, Lang Son Prov., appr. 21.662N, 106.373E]) are described from Vietnam. The females of C. galbina Wilson & Reels, 2003, C. hayashii Phan & Kompier, 2016 and C. suoitia Dow, 2016 are described. Coeliccia montana Fraser, 1933 is shown to be a junior synonym of C. pyriformis Laidlaw, 1932.

Limpets are pivotal for structuring and regulating the ecological balance of littoral communities and are widely collected for human consumption and as fishing bait. Limpets of the species Patella caerulea were collected between April 2016 and April 2017 from two sites, and two samplings per each site with varying degree of exposure to wave action and anthropogenic pressure, in Eastern Mediterranean (Pagasitikos Gulf, Central Greece). This study addresses a knowledge gap on population characteristics of P. caerulea populations in Eastern Mediterranean, assesses population structure, allometric relationships, and reproductive status. Morphometric characteristics exhibited spatio-temporal variation. Population density was significantly higher at the exposed site. Spatial relationship between members of the population exhibited clumped pattern of dispersion during spring. Broadcast spawning of the population occurred during summer. Seven dominant age groups were identified, with the dominant cohort in the third-year class. Significant negative allometric relationships were exhibited between morphometric characteristics. Differences in growth patterns among populations were indicated.

The influence of spore concentration on the ability of a Trichoderma consortium to colonize the Passiflora caerulea phyllosphere was evaluated by determining the effects of foliar treatments with two spore concentrations, in two repeated treatments, on the morphological, physiological, and ultrastructural characteristics, and on the yield and quality of P. caerulea. The studied crop quality features were related to its nutraceutical use: the accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and effects on mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The Trichoderma consortium consisted of two strains, T. asperellum T36b and T. harzianum Td50b, and the concentrations used were 106 colony forming units (cfu)/mL and 108 cfu/mL. As a reference treatment, a commercial product that was based on herbs and algal extracts was used. As compared to the negative control, the treatment with the Trichoderma consortium at 108 cfu/mL concentration determines the accumulation of higher level of polyphenols and flavonoids and increased antioxidant activity. This enhancement of P. caerulea quality characteristics after treatment with the higher concentration of Trichoderma consortium was associated with larger leaves, increased number and size of chloroplasts, improved plant physiology characteristics, and an increased yield. The treatment with high concentration of Trichoderma consortium spores promotes phyllosphere colonization and benefits both crop yield and quality.

Linnaeus described five species presently included in the genusTimarcha:Chrysomela goettingensis,Tenebrio caeruleus,Tenebrio laevigatus,Tenebrio latipes, andTenebrio rugosus. After a study of the relevant material, the identity of these species has been established. The following synonyms are proposed or confirmed:Timarcha goettingensis(Linnaeus, 1758) =T. latipes(Linnaeus, 1767),syn. nov.;Timarcha caerulea(Linnaeus, 1758),comb. nov.=T. balearicaGory, 1833,syn. nov.=T. balearicaPérez Arcas, 1865,syn. nov.;Timarcha rugosa(Linnaeus, 1767) =T. scabra(Olivier, 1807),syn. conf.=T. generosaErichson, 1841,syn. conf.;Timarcha laevigata(Linnaeus, 1767) =T. tenebricosa(Fabricius, 1775),syn. conf.. The type ofTenebrio caeruleusis a Chrysomelidae currently belonging to genusTimarchaand therefore can no longer be considered a Tenebrionidae (Helops caeruleus) nor the type species of genusHelops. For the sake of nomenclatural stability, an application to the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to change the relative precedence ofTimarcha caeruleaand retain usage ofT. balearicawill be made. An application to change the relative precedence ofTimarcha laevigatahas been submitted, which would lead to the conservation of usage ofT. tenebricosaas valid. Lectotypes are designated forChrysomela goettingensis,Tenebrio latipes,Tenebrio caeruleus,Timarcha balearicaGory,T. balearicaPérez Arcas,Tenebrio rugosus,Chrysomela scabra,Timarcha generosa,Tenebrio laevigatus, andChrysomela tenebricosa. For each of the valid species the diagnosis, distribution, and host-plant data are reported.

In ancient times, several plants were named “lotus.” They assumed very important roles in the religions and art of many cultures, but historiography and descriptions of the various plants called “lotus” have always been poor. The aim of this work is to define what plant species correspond to the ancient name “lotus.” Through analysis of classical texts and other historiographical sources, three types of “lotus” have been identified: “arboreal lotus,” “herbaceous lotus,” and “aquatic lotus.” From the sources examined, several botanical species have been identified for each “lotus” category. In the “arboreal lotus” category there are two species of Ziziphus: Z. lotus and Z. spina-christi. The “herbaceous lotus” include several species in Fabaceae that have been called “lotus,” more specifically in the genera Melilotus, Lotus, Trifolium, and Trigonella. In the last category, “aquatic lotus,” are two species of Nymphaea L. (N. lotus and N. nouchali var. caerulea) and the sacred Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). The attributions of these species have been validated by research on their biogeography and ethnobotanical uses.

In this contribution, new chromosome data regarding two taxonomically critical genera of the Italian flora, namely Plantago and Sesleria, are presented. All the specimens analysed in this paper were collected in the Italian territory and include three chromosome counts for Plantago (P. albicans, P. crassifolia, and P. subulata) and two counts for Sesleria (S. caerulea and S. nitida).

Areas with large gradients and anomalous variations in geomagnetic and radiation fields have been revealed and mapped at the northwestern foot of the Katun ridge, within an active seismic zone of its junction with the Uimon Depression (Altai Mountains). Six micropopulations of Lonicera caerulea are specified in areas with contrast geophysical parameters. The effect of a combination of undifferentiated geological–geophysical factors related to seismotectonic activity on the intensification of mutation of L. caerulea has been analyzed. It consists of a greater variability of the genome size and higher mitotic activity and frequency of pathological mitoses of seed generation. We have revealed a significant difference between micropopulations of L. caerulea in the genome size and reproductive characteristics (pollen fertility and morphometry; fruit mass; and production, viability, and energy of germination of seeds). A teratic form of L. caerulea (with numerous disturbances of microsporegenesis, resulting in formation of sterile pollen), is revealed in the zone of concentration of the fault network, which is mapped in a magnetometric and radonic survey. Most plants here produce seeds, which cannot germinate or are characterized by very low germination energy.

Despite their small size, vernal pools are hotspots for biogeochemical processes and biodiversity. To better understand their functioning, we studied the influence of vegetation (Sphagnum palustre, Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench) on organic-matter (OM) decomposition in soils, during periods of drought. OM decomposition rates were quantified by using a cotton-strip assay and field mesocosms. Decomposition rates were slower in the water-logged soils because hypoxic conditions decreased microbial activity. The vegetation type is also shown here to be related to decomposition rates. Indeed, the combined effect of Molinia caerulea and Sphagnum palustre reduced them compared to the presence of Sphagnum palustre alone or bare soil. We hypothesize that M. caerulea may have negative impacts on the microorganisms through a negative priming effect or allelopathic interactions.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the seed germination and efficiency of grafting yellow passion fruit on six Passifloraceae species. The species used as rootstocks were Passiflora foetida L., P. cincinnata Mast., P. ligularis Juss., P. caerulea L., P. gibertii N. E. Brown, and P. edulis Sims. The study involved six treatments with four replicates of eight plants per plot and was arranged in a completely randomized block design. The seedlings were produced on a non-sterile substrate composed of a mixture of soil and bovine manure at the ratio of 3:1. The percentage of germination was high for all studied species, and the rate of graft development and survival was higher than 70 and 85.71%, respectively, within 60 days after grafting.

Seed surface ultrastructure shows a wide variation among different species of the genus Allium that could potentially provide valuable characters in inferring the relationships. In order to evaluate inter- and intraspecific variation of testa microsculpturing in the leek alliance, 33 seed samples of Allium representing its two subgenera, six sections, and 23 species were studied. Seed testa surface was analyzed using both SEM and Stereomicroscopy. Minor differences in testa cell arrangement were observed between members of sect. Allium and sect. Avulsea (both of subg. Allium), but major contrasts were discerned between them and members of subg. Cepa. Significant similarity was distinguished in anticlinal walls of the members of sect. Allium and sect. Avulsea: they were variously undulated (U-, to ±Ω-like). Testa cells in members of subg. Cepa, and some of subg. Allium (sect. Caerulea, sect. Codonoprasum, and sect. Longivaginata) showed ribbed anticlinal walls suggesting a close relationship between them. The periclinal walls were concave, flat to convex with testa cells densely granulose at margins in sect. Caerulea; flat to convex, irregularly granulose-verrucose in sect. Codonoprasum; concave, densely granulose at margins and center in sect. Longivaginata; and convex, densely irregularly granulose, sometimes centrally verrucose in subg. Cepa. Irregularly polygonal cells were present in most species, but elongated polygonal cells in two species, A. iranicum and A. wendelboi (sect. Allium). We found significant micromorphological similarity in seed surface features between A. abbasii and A. fuscoviolaceum; A. esfandiarii and A. atroviolaceum; and A. longipapillatum and A. rotundum, corroborating close relationships.

Blue honeysuckle, Lonicera caerulea L. s.l. has a high nutritional and medicinal value of the fruits and a very high organoleptic evaluation may enable to fill gaps in the health food market. A joint project was undertaken in the north-eastern part of its distribution in Kamchatka and Sakhalin. The localities were characterised ecologically, phytosociological releves were noted and threat factors were assessed as a prerequisite for in situ conservation. Ninety-one samples were collected for herbarium, propagation in vitro and molecular characterisation. An additional 20 available Russian fruit cultivars were evaluated for comparison with ecotypes. The sites of blue honeysuckle differ ecologically and geobotanically between Kamchatka and Sakhalin. Phenotyping on sites and in cultivation revealed a great diversity in morphologic characters. It is possible to distinguish between genotypes from Sakhalin and Kamchatka by a combination of characters and thus our data support the taxonomic concept on the subspecific level. It is possible to classify the found genotypes of Lonicera caerulea into two geographical subspecies: L. caerulea subsp. kamtschatica (Pojark.) Plekhanova, and another subspecies, L. caerulea L. subsp. ochotensis Smekal., Holubec et Svobodova, subsp. nova, with distribution in Sakhalin and the adjacent Kuril Islands. Cluster analysis and Principal Coordinate analysis based on AFLP data indicate remarkable differences between L. caerulea populations from Kamchatka and Sakhalin. It was supported also by AMOVA analysis and by the exact test of population differentiation (p

This is the first study of exine ultrastructure to be performed in five endemic Mexican Mimosa taxa (M. pringlei var. pringlei, M. calcicola, M. spirocarpa, M. caerulea and M. sousae), one occurrin...

Extensive studies have shown that cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are among the major cues that allow many insects to identify interspecific and intraspecific variation between individuals. CHCs often have mutually nonexclusive functions that can provide multiple types of signals, while their role in predator–prey interactions has received little attention. Here, we used a predatory stink bug, Zicrona caerulea (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), and one of its favorite flea beetle prey, Altica viridicyanea (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), to test the hypothesis that CHCs of prey are important chemical cues for a predator. Two-choice bioassays using dead beetles and glass dummies clearly indicated that the CHC profile of A. viridicyanea is the pivotal cue in prey identification for Z. caerulea. The results also suggested that the role of acoustic and visual cues can be ignored in prey recognition at close range.

Some Eurasian shrubs, including species of Lonicera, have become invasive in North America. Recently, Lonicera caerulea cultivars have been developed from Eurasian germplasm and promoted for North American markets as honeyberry, haskap, or sweetberry honeysuckle. Checklist-based evaluation tools offer insight into the invasive potential of non-native plants introduced to North America, but can be difficult to utilize effectively for taxa with limited cultivation histories. The recent arrival of L. caerulea to North America's horticulture trade makes it difficult to answer questions that rely on an established history of ecological interactions in an introduced range. The only ecological observation that we have found in North America is a 2011 report of a naturalized woodland population of reproductive honeyberry shrubs in Minnesota. However, in northern Europe, the Norwegian Biodiversity Information Centre reported that Eurasian L. caerulea has spread rapidly from planted localities, and poses risks of severe impacts to Norway's natural plant communities. Our best interpretation of available data used in two risk-assessment tools developed for North America indicates that cultivars of Eurasian L. caerulea pose a high risk of invasiveness. A complicating factor is the native occurrence of the closely related mountain fly honeysuckle [Lonicera caerulea subsp. villosa (Michx.) A. Love & D. Love] and blue fly honeysuckle [Lonicera caerulea subsp. cauriana (Fernald) B. Boivin] in portions of North America where cultivars of Eurasian L. caerulea have been promoted. Fly honeysuckles tend to be sporadic, small in stature, and not particularly productive; conversely, Eurasian cultivars have been hybridized and selected for rapid growth and high yield. Unanswered concerns include: 1) should L. caerulea germplasm from Eurasia be considered native in North America; 2) could hybrid, Eurasian genotypes of L. caerulea exhibit greater competitive fitness than the North American fly honeysuckles; and 3) will the introduction of Eurasian L. caerulea cultivars have population genetic consequences for indigenous fly honeysuckles?

International audience; AbstractTo characterize the populational diversity of Mourella caerulea, an endemic stingless bee from the Pampa biome, we collected workers of the stingless bee Mourella caerulea from 24 colonies of five localities in Southern Brazil and analyzed it using geometric morphometrics of forewings, mtDNA cytochrome oxidase I variability, and cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) chemical analysis. The morphometric analysis discriminated the populations of M. caerulea from different physiographic regions. There was a positive correlation between morphometric and geographic distances. CHC profiles also differentiated the colonies from different localities. We found six particular haplotypes, nucleotide diversity (π) of 0.01631, and a haplotype diversity (Hd) of 0.74. In this sense, the comparison of the population belonging to different physiographic regions indicates that we need to give particular attention to M. caerulea at the moment of creating conservation strategies for South Brazilian Fauna, once it is the only species of this monospecific genus, and its populations are much differentiated from each other.

We examined the reproductive cycle, sexuality, and length at 50% maturity ( L 50 ) of the deep-sea snappers Etelis coruscans, Paracaesio caerulea, Pristipomoides filamentosus, and Pr. sieboldii from Okinawan waters based on gonadal histology. The overall sex ratios of E. coruscans and Pr. sieboldii were significantly female-biased, whereas those of Pa. caerulea and Pr. filamentosus were not significantly sex-biased. The spawning season was estimated to occur from May to November for E. coruscans, from April to September for Pa. caerulea, and from March to October for Pr. filamentosus and Pr. sieboldii. Their initial reproductive activity coincided with an increase in sunlight duration. Of the four species examined, E. coruscans and Pr. filamentosus indicated significant peaks of spawning around a specific lunar phase. We observed the presence of multiple oocyte maturation stages with postovulatory follicles (POFs) during the spawning season of each species. Transitional gonads were not observed in these four snappers. The L 50 of the females and males were 67.1 cm fork length (FL) and 37.6 cm FL for E. coruscans; 34.8 cm FL and 26.1 cm FL for Pa. caerulea; 35.7 cm FL and ≥ 20.0 cm FL for Pr. filamentosus; and 24.6 cm FL and ≥ 24.0 cm FL for Pr. sieboldii, respectively. Thus, the reproductive traits of E. coruscans, Pa. caerulea, Pr. filamentosus and Pr. sieboldii are characterized by a long spawning season and iteroparity. The E. coruscans and Pa. caerulea show relatively slow maturation compared to the two species of Pristipomoides. The implications of our results vis-a-vis the conservation and management of Okinawan bottom fisheries are discussed.

Limpet shells are common components of many archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. To test whether δ18O values from archaeological Patella caerulea shells can serve as a reliable palaeothermometer for the Mediterranean and a reliable archive of season of collection information, we collected live P. caerulea from eight Mediterranean locations in Croatia, Israel, Libya, Malta, Tunisia, and Turkey. Shell growth patterns were studied in section, and samples for oxygen isotope analysis were milled from the shells and used to calculate sea surface temperature (SST). As with other species of limpet, SST reconstructed from P. caerulea δ18O values were lower than expected from observational records. However, when a correction factor of − 0.72‰ was applied, the shells recorded SST within the range of instrumental SST. SST calculated from δ18Oshell values of the most recently formed shell portion of monthly-collected shells from one site in Libya were strongly and significantly correlated with instrumental SST in the region (R2 = 0.95). Oxygen isotope curves from individual shells sampled at high resolution from each of the study sites across the Mediterranean exhibited sinusoidal patterns. Annual growth lines correlated with the lowest δ18Oshell values and were thus formed in summer. However, shell growth rates varied markedly between the sites. Some sites with larger shells recorded less than a year of growth in broad, highly irregularly shaped increments. At other sites, medium sized shells recorded several years of growth with clear, regular growth increments. A sclerochronological approach can therefore be used to pre-screen limpet shell sections before geochemical sampling. The δ18Oshell values from shells sampled at high-resolution recorded the full seasonal range of instrumental SST at each collection site. This reinforces the potential of this species as one of the few sub-seasonal resolution palaeoenvironmental archives in the region. Additionally, the pattern of δ18Oshell variation from the last formed shell portion was studied to determine whether accurate season of collection information could be identified from P. caerulea shells. The correct season was interpreted > 80% of the time indicating that this species is a good candidate for seasonal shellfish foraging studies using archaeological shells.

The apoid wasps of the families Ampulicidae and Heterogynaidae of Saudi Arabia are revised. In Ampulicidae, four species in three genera are reported, of which three species are recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia (Al-Baha, Asir and Riyadh regions): Ampulex assimilis Kohl, Dolichurus arabicus Ohl and Trirogma caerulea Westwood. Additionally, the family Heterogynaidae is reported for the first time from Saudi Arabia (Asir and Riyadh regions), and a new species, Heterogyna saudita sp. nov., is described, diagnosed and illustrated. An illustrated key to the species of Heterogyna from the Arabian Peninsula is provided.www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C23C70A7-AA1C-47C0-951A-D164E7B20001

Lonicera caerulea L. berry extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of L. caerulea berry extract on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced toxicity in BRL-3A cells was investigated in this study. It was observed that post-treatment with L. caerulea berry extract inhibited LPS-elicited decreases in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, total antioxidant capacity, acetylcholinesterase activity, the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-10, and the protein expressions of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) and B-cell lymphoma-2. Furthermore, the extract significantly reduced LPS-induced increases in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, the mRNA expressions of nuclear factor-kappa B and tumour necrosis factor-alpha, and the protein expressions of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved PARP, and Bax. Moreover, the extract suppressed LPS-induced apoptosis of BRL-3A cells. Taken together, the L. caerulea berry extract attenuates LPS-induced liver toxicity via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways. Additionally, cyanidin-3-glucoside contributes more to these activities of the extract.