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The project connected to "Obstbuch" from 1859 at Kiel's university library combines historical research with a contemporary digital approach based on citizen science. The involvement of citizen scientists facilitates the botanical analysis of historic fruit varieties to gain insights into the maintenance of varieties. The article introduces methodological approaches, illustrates the significance of botanical research, and discusses aspects of good scientific practice. "Obstbuch" serves as a starting point for the investigation of current issues and relevant societal questions that are researched using citizen science's modern digital methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of island frugivory and seed dispersal and identify knowledge gaps that are important for fundamental research on--and applied conservation of--island ecosystems. We conducted a systematic literature search of frugivory and seed dispersal on islands, omitting large, continental islands. This revealed a total of 448 studies, most (75%) published during the last two decades, especially after 2010. Nearly 65% of them were focused on eight archipelagos. There is a paucity of studies in Pacific archipelagos near Asia and Australia, and in the Indian Ocean. Data on island frugivory and seed dispersal are diverse but highly uneven in geographic and conceptual coverage. Despite their limited biodiversity, islands are essential reservoirs of endemic plants and animals and their interactions. Due to the simplicity of insular ecosystems, we can assess the importance of seed dispersal theory and mechanisms at species and community levels. These include the ecological and biogeographical meaning and prevalence of non-standard mechanisms of seed dispersal on islands; the seed dispersal effectiveness and the relative roles of different frugivore guilds (birds and reptiles being the most important); and patterns of community organization and their drivers as revealed by interaction networks. Island systems are characterized by the extinction of many natives and endemics, and high rates of species introductions. Therefore, understanding how these losses and additions alter seed dispersal processes has been a prevailing goal of island studies and an essential foundation for the effective restoration and conservation of islands. Keywords Conservation and restoration * Fleshy-fruited plants * Insular environments * Mutualistic interactions and ecological networks * Non-standard dispersal mechanisms * Seed dispersal effectiveness, Introduction By definition, islands are geographically isolated, which results in lower species richness of plants and animals, but greater levels of endemism and occurrence of relict species when compared to [...]

Reproductive allocation and cost play a crucial role in the survival of organisms, but research on these traits in bryophytes has been limited and inconsistent. To address this, we conducted a literature review focusing on bryophyte studies. Our goal was to clarify inconsistencies and explore reproductive allocation and cost concepts, as well as current trends in bryophyte reproduction. We examined different approaches and highlighted advantages and limitations. We emphasized five key topics: the importance of understanding reproductive allocation and reproductive cost in bryophytes; the significance of bryophytes as model organisms; historical research; terminological and methodological inconsistencies; sexual dimorphism and reproductive allocation; and measurement methods. Furthermore, we provided insights into future perspectives. Based on our findings, we advocate for standardized quantification of reproductive allocation. Standardization would enhance comparability and synthesis of results, ultimately advancing our understanding of reproductive allocation and cost of reproduction in bryophytes. Keywords Biomass Allocation * Liverworts * Moss * Reproductive Effort * Reproductive Investment * Trade-off, Introduction Life history theory, an approach that investigates the timing of key events in an organism's life cycle, predicts that every resource produced by an organism is allocated to its [...]

Fractal dimension (D) can be used to characterise temporal changes of crown architecture of individual trees. Our goal in this study was to analyse seasonal changes in tree crown fractal dimension of two species of deciduous oaks (Quercus castanea and Q. obtusata) coexisting in a natural forest in central Mexico using low cost sampling, and relate these changes to morphological attributes and environmental variables. Every two months, from May 2017 to September 2018, for each oak species, we photographed fixed portions of the crowns of individual trees, measured their trunk diameters, and obtained average temperature and accumulated precipitation data recorded for the sampling date. From the obtained images, we calculated D values by the semivariogram method using three different variability estimators (square increment, isotropic, and transect variation). We identified a positive correlation between D and temperature, and a negative correlation between temperature and crown cover. The fractal dimension (D) of crowns of two deciduous oak species changes according to the tree's phenological stage. D values varied through time in relation to tree crown phenological variation, but not with crown cover dimension. We propose a model of annual D value fluctuation in deciduous trees, characterised by two high complexity peaks and two low complexity valleys, corresponding to the effects on crown cover of annual periods of leaf abscission and development. Keywords Fractal Dimension * Tree Phenology * Canopy * Oak, Introduction The form of the crown determines how trees make use of essential resources like light and carbon dioxide (Ishii & Asano 2010), which makes its study relevant because form [...]

Through the recognition of the qualities of plants that promote life, the study proposes these characteristics as necessary for the generation of living environments in education and research. Autopoietically, we identify relationships of sensitivity, collaboration, movement, travel, communication, memory and care. We value these qualities for the learning, change and transformation environments necessary in Education, which constitute dynamic, self-organized, changing and complex environments that are recognized as narrative environments. This work contributes to the understanding of life-research as an investigative and narrative experience, which from bioinspired research models, makes research possible as an experience of life itself that happens in its future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "Botanical gestures and educational research. Impossible disruptions and interruptions" presents a dossier that addresses the incorporation of botanical gestures in educational research. The coordinators of the dossier, Isabel Molinas and Luis Porta, conceptualize the category of botanical gestures and argue about their relevance in educational research. Other articles in the dossier explore topics such as the qualities of plants to generate life environments in education, the images of nature in teacher training, the decomposition of an installation in a narrative environment, and the contributions of the writings of Tehêy de Pescaria do Conhecimento by indigenous teacher Dona Liça Pataxoop to the fabric of research committed to the knowledge and body-territory of indigenous and black women. These texts offer epistemic, political, aesthetic, and ethical keys to address vital issues in the field of educational research. [Extracted from the article]

Correct species identification is critical for studies on biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. Determining Opuntia s.s. species is difficult because they have similar traits and are phenotypically plastic. Taxonomic keys are based on vegetative traits rather than reproductive ones such as flowers, because they are assumed to be too similar. We analyzed morphometric characteristics of flowers and cladodes over 6 years to determine which of these is most useful for differentiating Opuntia species from the Chihuahuan Desert. For each species (Opuntia robusta H.L. Wendl. ex Pfeiff., O. cantabrigiensis Lynch, O. tomentosa Salm-Dyck, and O. streptacantha Lem.), we tagged 20 hermaphroditic and 40 dioecious plants (totaling 100) from 2014 to 2020 to complete the sample size of flowers and cladodes. Seventeen morphometric characters were measured for new cladodes and 15 for flowers, and discriminant analysis was applied to determine which traits enabled species delimitation. Six of the 17 cladode characteristics combined explained 89% of the variation, while 9 floral characteristics combined explained 94% of the variation. Floral morphometrics proved to be very useful to accurately differentiate species and should be included, in addition to cladodes, in future taxonomic studies. Here, we provide the first taxonomic key that includes floral traits to identify Opuntia and a new description of each studied species. Key words: cladodes, floral morphometry, Opuntia, taxonomic key, Introduction Opuntia s.s. (Cactaceae) are an important source of food and shelter for a variety of vertebrate (Illoldi-Rangel et al. 2012) and invertebrate (Mandujano et al. 1996; Reyes-Aguero et al. [...]

Myrcia DC., a diverse neotropical genus of Myrtaceae, encompasses 793 species. However, species of Myrcia are similar and difficult to distinguish. In Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (O. Berg) Griseb., leaf features help distinguishing clades and species. Our aim is to provide leaf data for species of M. sect. Aulomyrcia's clades F and G. We sampled 31 specimens of 13 species of Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia (Myrcia amazonica DC., Myrcia eumecephylla (O. Berg) Nied., Myrcia hexasticha Kiaersk., Myrcia insularis Gardner, Myrcia magna D. Legrand, Myrcia micropetala (Mart.) Nied., Myrcia neodimorpha E. Lucas & C.E. Wilson, Myrcia neoestrellensis E. Lucas & C.E. Wilson, Myrcia obversa (D. Legrand) E. Lucas & C.E. Wilson, Myrcia pyrifolia (Desv.) Nied., Myrcia riodocensis G.M. Barroso & Peixoto, Myrcia subobliqua (Benth.) Nied., and Myrcia tetraphylla Sobral). Samples were subjected to sectioning and staining techniques for morphological and anatomical analysis through stereo and light microscopy. Leaf blade and petiole morphological and anatomical features were described carefully for the first time for these 13 species. We provided an identification key based on leaf features. Our findings are discussed in the light of Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia systematics. We comment of the significance of petiolar and blade features, such as trichomes types and location, phyllotaxis, rhytidome peeling, periderm and lenticels, and petiole, blade, and vascular cylinder shape. Our study brings novel information on leaf structure variation in Myrcia sect. Aulomyrcia, delivering much needed data for species and clades circumscription and identification. Key words: blade, petiole, Myrteae, neotropics, periderm, Introduction Myrtaceae is a taxonomically complex angiosperm family. For instance, some clades of neotropical Myrtaceae present highly similar species, showing such subtle morphological differences among them that one can call [...]

We established transformation technologies using Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith & Townsend) Conn to insert foreign genes into high THC-containing cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). The Arabidopsis non-expressor of pathogenesis-related protein 1 (AtNPR1) gene was selected as a potentially useful agronomic gene, which was linked to the bar gene from Streptomyces that encodes herbicide resistance. We investigated how Agrobacterium strains (EHA105 and GV3101), glufosinate concentrations, explant source, and light intensity affected transformation frequency (TF). Transformation was confirmed by RT-PCR with primers for the NPR1 or bar genes. Glufosinate at 0.5-1 mg/L inhibited growth of non-transformed calli within 8 weeks following A. tumefaciens infection. Strain EHA105 yielded a higher TF compared to strain GV3101. Whole leaflets yielded a higher TF compared to sectioned leaf explants with strain GV3101. However, this effect was not seen with EHA105. Petiole segments showed a higher TF than leaf sections with strain EHA105. Placing explants under light or dark conditions did not affect TF, which ranged from 5% to 95% in different experiments. This is the first report of successful transformation of two high THC-containing C. sativa genotypes with two foreign genes simultaneously--AtNPR1 and bar. The recovery of plantlets from transgenic calli was not attempted and awaits further research. Key words: marijuana, genetic engineering, biotechnology, transgenic plants, Introduction Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is a widely used technique for gene insertion into plant genomes (Gelvin 2000, 2003; Anjanappa and Gruissem 2021). The Agrobacterium tumefaciens (Smith & Townsend) Conn (syn. Agrobacterium [...]

Three species of Candolleomyces D. Wacht. & A. Melzer (Agaricomycetes, Psathyrellaceae) were identified in the course of our studies to characterize the psathyrelloid fungi of Kerala state, India. Among these, two species, e.g., Candolleomyces brunneopileatus and Candolleomyces niveofloccosus, are new to science, while Candolleomyces asiaticus represents a new Indian record. Detailed descriptions, photographs, and comparison of these species are provided based on morphology and molecular data. A phylogenetic reconstruction based on maximum likelihood analyses of a combined nrITS and nrLSU sequence is also provided. Key words: diversity, Kerala, noteworthy, phylogeny, taxonomy, Introduction Wachter and Melzer (2020) recognized six new monophyletic genera within the family Psathyrellaceae, including Candolleomyces D. Wacht. & A. Melzer based on an extensive specimen analysis coupled with morphological [...]

Gene targeting is a powerful tool for functional genetic analysis. It has proved especially effective in the model plant, Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens (Hedw.) Mitt.), in which integration of exogenous DNA into the genome occurs with very high efficiency at targeted positions by homologous recombination. Here, we present a preliminary characterisation of a poorly documented property of Physcomitrella targeted gene knockout lines, namely, silencing of reporter and selective marker genes of integrated targeting constructs. We discovered a high incidence of transgene silencing among Physcomitrella knockout lines and, as is the case in seed plants, cytosine (DNA) methylation of the transgenes is correlated with their silencing. Silencing in Physcomitrella is characterised by metastable epigenetic inheritance through repetitive mitosis and variable stability through meiosis. Key words: DNA methylation, moss, Physcomitrella (Physcomitrium patens (Hedw.) Mitt.), transgene silencing, Introduction Schaefer and Zryd (1997) reported that highly efficient integration of exogenous DNA into the Physcomitrella genome occurs primarily at targeted positions by homologous recombination. Since then, many accounts of [...]

The phylogeny of the species from Phrymaceae and Mazaceae has undergone many adjustments and changes in recent years. Moreover, there is little plastome information on the Phrymaceae. In this study we compared the plastomes of six species from the Phrymaceae and 10 species from the Mazaceae. The gene order, contents, and orientation of the 16 plastomes were found to be highly similar. A total of 13 highly variable regions were identified among the 16 species. An accelerated rate of substitution was found in the protein-coding genes, particularly cemA and matK. The combination of effective number of codons, parity rule 2, and neutrality plots revealed that the codon usage bias is affected by mutation and selection. The phylogenetic analysis strongly supported {Mazaceae [(Phrymaceae + Wightiaceae) + (Paulowniaceae + Orobanchaceae)]} relationships in the Lamiales. Our findings can provide useful information to analyze the phylogeny and molecular evolution within the Phrymaceae and Mazaceae. Key words: Phrymaceae, Mazaceae, plastome, codon usage bias, phylogenetic analysis, 1. Introduction The Phrymaceae and Mazaceae are small families of flowering plants in the Lamiales. The Phrymaceae consists of approximately 220 species in 15 genera (Barker et al. 2012), while [...]

Monthly variation in accumulation and release of phenolics in bryophytes, and their allelopathic effects are little known despite their ecological significance. We conducted a field transplant experiment to investigate Sphagnum growth and extracellular enzymes that modulate phenolic contents and release along water table level (WTL) gradient. Specifically, we assessed monthly changes in height increment, phenolic release, and allelopathic effect during the growing season, as well as extracellular enzymes at the end of the experiment, for the two Sphagnum species: Sphagnum angustifolium C.E.O. Jensen, 1896, a hollow dwelling species, and Sphagnum magellanicum Bridel, 1798, a hummock species. Both Sphagnum species showed season- and WTL-dependent height increment and released phenolics. Sphagnum angustifolium exhibited negative allelopathy regardless of WTL, while S. magellanicum demonstrated mainly positive allelopathy at high WTL and negative allelopathy at low WTL. The degree of allelopathy was not contingent on phenolic release, but phenolic production was negatively correlated with height growth of the two species at their atypical habitats. Moreover, phenoloxidase or peroxidase did not show high activity at low WTL compared to high WTL. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that the strength and direction of allelopathy in Sphagnum may vary depending on the growing precipitation and temperature, WTL, and inter- and intraspecific trait variability. Longer term experiments may further elucidate the seasonal dynamics and mechanism of Sphagnum allelopathy. Key words: allelopathy, extracellular enzymes, secondary metabolites, moss, peatland, Introduction Allelopathy, the release of chemicals by plants that affect other plants in their environment, can be a major driver in shaping natural plant communities (Wardle et al. 1997; Zackrisson [...]

Garry oak (Quercus garryana Douglas ex Hook.) is the only oak native to British Columbia (BC), where it occupies the northernmost extent of its range. The ecosystem it occupies in BC has been greatly reduced in size and fragmented by European settlement. Garry oak forms ectomycorrhizas that are essential to its existence and will likely play an important role in the response of this tree to climate change. Yet, relatively little is known about the ectomycorrhizal fungi associated with Garry oak in BC. In this study, we have documented the occurrence of fungi forming ectomycorrhizas with Garry oak at six locations on Vancouver Island by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of ectomycorrhizal root tips collected from Garry oak stands. Of the 47 species we detected, only about 20% can be confidently assigned to known species because not all species have been sequenced and many sequences in public databases are incorrectly or incompletely identified, but the majority of them belong to a community of fungi associated primarily with oaks or other members of Fagaceae. The uniqueness of this community of ectomycorrhizal fungi indicates that the possible expansion of the range of Garry oak in BC in response to climate change may be limited by the co-migration of its ectomycorrhizal fungi. Key words: Quercus garryana Douglas ex Hook., Oregon white oak, Garry oak, ectomycorrhizal fungi, Introduction Garry oak (Quercus garryana Douglas ex Hook.) is the only oak species native to British Columbia (BC) and reaches the northern end of its distribution on Vancouver Island (Stein [...]

We investigate and characterize the morphophysiological changes related to germination and the initial growth and development of seedlings of wild and cultivated genotypes of the genus Hevea spp. in finding to add value to new clones. Seeds from six genotypes (H. brasiliensis (Willd. Ex A. Juss) Mull. Arg, H. guianensis Aubl., H. spruceana (Benth.) Mull. Arg., RRIM 600, Fx 3844, and IAN 873) were sterilized, and their imbibition curve, germination parameters, and initial seedling growth were characterized. In parallel, the morphology of the germination and post-germination stages was monitored from seeds germinated in washed sand. Morphological differences in the seeds/embryos, different strategies in the imbibition process, emergence, and initial seedling growth were observed. The species H. guianensis and H. spruceana showed the greatest differences in size, shape, and color of the seeds/embryos and initial seedling growth. The characteristics of the seed coat patterns, the seedling imbibition, growth, and development processes can serve as morphophysiological markers for genotype identification and selection. This is the first morphophysiological study of seeds and seedlings of wild and cultivated genotypes of species of the genus Hevea. We conclude that there is considerable phenotypic variability among species of the Hevea genus regarding seed and seedling morphophysiology, which can be explored in the rubber tree breeding programs. Key words: phenotypic variation, seed imbibition, rubber tree, wild and cultivated genotypes, Introduction Species of the genus Hevea belong to the Euphorbiaceae family and are distributed in the Brazilian Amazon and Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Suriname, and Guyana. Among the species [...]

Although liverworts (Marchantiophyta) are postulated to be one of the oldest lineages of land plants, their documented fossil record is sparse. This study describes five new fossil liverwort gametophytes, one of which bears antheridia, from the Paleocene Paskapoo Formation of Alberta, Canada. The thalli are bilaterally symmetrical, with two undissected wings that bear oppositely arranged dorsal lamellae. One specimen is dichotomously branched, and one bears clusters of antheridia along the midrib area of its dorsal surface. These characters are consistent with those of extant Petalophyllum Nees & Gottsche ex Lehm. (Fossombroniales: Petalophyllaceae), and the genus Petalophyllites gen. nov. (Fossombroniales: Petalophyllaceae) is here erected for these fossils. They are the first representatives of Petalophyllaceae and the Fossombroniales from the fossil record. Most of the specimens are in growth position. Their geologic setting and associated fossils indicate that Petalophyllites lived at the margin of a lake or pond in a habitat that may have been intermittently dry, as is also common in extant species of Petalophyllum. The well-preserved thalli and antheridia of these fossils, and their well-documented middle Paleocene age, provide new evidence of liverwort diversification at the dawn of the Cenozoic Era. Key words: Liverwort, Marchantiophyta, Paleocene, Petalophyllaceae, Petalophyllites gen. nov, Petalophyllum Nees & Gottesche ex Lehm., Introduction Liverworts (Marchantiophyta) are an ancient lineage of small, non-vascular plants that is estimated to include about 6000-8000 extant species in 380 genera, 74 families, and 12 orders (Crandall-Stotler et [...]

Parnassia wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn., a perennial herb, is an alpine plant distributed across three biodiversity hotspots in China. This species offers an excellent study system to analyze the distribution pattern and genetic structure of high mountainous plant populations. Three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions (rpl32-trnL, trnL-F, and trnS-G) from 442 individuals of 39 populations and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) from 418 individuals of 38 populations were sequenced and analyzed. We identified a total of 26 haplotypes based on the concatenated sequences of cpDNA and a total of 36 based on ITS sequences. A hierarchical analysis of molecular variance indicated significant phylogeographic structure among populations. Mismatch analysis of multipeak and Tajima's D neutral test demonstrated Parnassia wightiana populations within China had not experienced abrupt expansion recently. The allopatric fragmentation resulted in the geographic isolation due to environmental heterogeneity, producing a high proportion of private haplotypes in the distribution of Parnassia wightiana within China. Key words: Parnassia wightiana Wall. ex Wight & Arn., cpDNA, ITS, genetic diversity, phylogeography, Introduction Climatic oscillations during the Cenozoic period, especially the Quaternary glacial and interglacial cycle, shaped the distribution of species (Hewitt 2004). Phylogeography is a discipline that deals with the spatial [...]

The phenolic compounds in the leaves of 12 species of birch trees of the subgenera Neurobetula, Betulenta, and Betula were biochemically profiled using HPTLC. The duration of the vegetation period was found to be significantly related to the content of total phenols (r = 0.74) and flavonoids in leaves (r = 0.65). The correlations for Neurobetula plants were 0.86 and 0.91, respectively. The relationship between the duration of the growing season and the concentration of phenolic compounds in Betula plants was inverse (r =-0.84). A cluster analysis of phytochemical profiles revealed that the studied birch species form groups that coincide with the subgenera proposed by De Jong due to an affinity with the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds. A multiple correlation analysis confirmed the relationship between the qualitative composition of phenolic compounds and the morphological characteristics of the leaves. The results of phytochemical profiling revealed that the qualitative composition of polyphenols in the leaves of 12 birch species is quite specific, allowing the use of individual compounds as additional differential biochemical characters in identifying species and hybrids and studying their potential role in plant adaptation to habitat conditions. Key words: Betula, chemosystematics, introduction, flavonoids, tannins, 1. Introduction The plants of the genus Betula L. play an important role in the flora of the temperate forest zone, as well as the boreal and sub-arctic zones (Furlow [...]

In plant science, it is an established method to obtain structural parameters of crops using image analysis. In recent years, deep learning techniques have improved the underlying processes significantly. However, since data acquisition is time and resource consuming, reliable training data are currently limited. To overcome this bottleneck, synthetic data are a promising option for not only enabling a higher order of correctness by offering more training data but also for validation of results. However, the creation of synthetic data is complex and requires extensive knowledge in Computer Graphics, Visualization and High-Performance Computing. We address this by introducing Synavis , a framework that allows users to train networks on real-time generated data. We created a pipeline that integrates realistic plant structures, simulated by the functional–structural plant model framework CPlantBox, into the game engine Unreal Engine. For this purpose, we needed to extend CPlantBox by introducing a new leaf geometrization that results in realistic leafs. All parameterized geometries of the plant are directly provided by the plant model. In the Unreal Engine, it is possible to alter the environment. WebRTC enables the streaming of the final image composition, which, in turn, can then be directly used to train deep neural networks to increase parameter robustness, for further plant trait detection and validation of original parameters. We enable user-friendly ready-to-use pipelines, providing virtual plant experiment and field visualizations, a python-binding library to access synthetic data and a ready-to-run example to train models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural language processing (NLP) techniques can enhance our ability to interpret plant science literature. Many state-of-the-art algorithms for NLP tasks require high-quality labelled data in the target domain, in which entities like genes and proteins, as well as the relationships between entities, are labelled according to a set of annotation guidelines. While there exist such datasets for other domains, these resources need development in the plant sciences. Here, we present the Plant ScIenCe KnowLedgE Graph (PICKLE) corpus, a collection of 250 plant science abstracts annotated with entities and relations, along with its annotation guidelines. The annotation guidelines were refined by iterative rounds of overlapping annotations, in which inter-annotator agreement was leveraged to improve the guidelines. To demonstrate PICKLE's utility, we evaluated the performance of pretrained models from other domains and trained a new, PICKLE-based model for entity and relation extraction (RE). The PICKLE-trained models exhibit the second-highest in-domain entity performance of all models evaluated, as well as a RE performance that is on par with other models. Additionally, we found that computer science-domain models outperformed models trained on a biomedical corpus (GENIA) in entity extraction, which was unexpected given the intuition that biomedical literature is more similar to PICKLE than computer science. Upon further exploration, we established that the inclusion of new types on which the models were not trained substantially impacts performance. The PICKLE corpus is, therefore, an important contribution to training resources for entity and RE in the plant sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Digitisation of hosted specimens is a crucial task for all herbaria worldwide and is one of the main streams for today. By digitising their collections and publishing the datasets, the herbaria grant access to essential data to a wide research audience and, as a result, involve their collections in scientific work more actively. Digitisation also allows virtual preservation of the collections, which is especially important in conditions of hostilities, when the entire collection can be destroyed or damaged in one moment. This paper describes two datasets recently published in GBIF in the framework of the LWS herbarium digitisation initiative. It also contains some considerations about further digitisation priorities and plans in the LWS Herbarium in the context of complicated war conditions and limited facilities. New information In total, 2,419 occurrence records from Ukraine mobilised from LWS Herbarium were published. These datasets are planned to be dynamic with the addition of new records along with progress of digitisation work at LWS. At least 6,000 more records are planned to be published through these datasets in 2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis (Jones, Hill, Allen)) is a living fossil, known only through fossil records until its 1994 discovery in Australia. Wollemi Pine is closely related to Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) Franco), making it an interesting system to study metabolic evolution. We employed untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based (LC-MS) metabolomics, with chemometrics, pathway analysis, and our novel plant growth regulator (PGR) putative identification tool (HormonomicsDB), to explore the metabolomes of both species. We identified PGR conjugates and found cytokinin, zeatin, and brassinosteroid pathways to be overrepresented in Wollemi pine tissues, suggesting these PGRs play an important role in its survival. Melatonin, a proposed ancient and stress-related PGR, was not identified in untargeted analysis of either species. Based on our untargeted results, we employed targeted LC-MS to quantify brassinolide and confirm the absence or presence of melatonin in Wollemi and Norfolk Island pine. Both species had similar concentrations of brassinolide, while Wollemi pine had significantly higher melatonin levels than Norfolk Island pine. High levels of melatonin and brassinolide in Wollemi pine supports the hypothesis that these are ancient PGRs that conferred an evolutionary advantage in Wollemi, allowing it to persist. Key words: Wollemi pine, melatonin, brassinosteroids, plant growth regulator evolution, untargeted metabolomics, targeted metabolomics, 1. Introduction Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis (Jones, Hill, Allen)) is an ancient conifer first discovered in 1994 by canyon explorers in Wollemi National Park in New South Wales, Australia (Jones [...]

Nothapodytes nimmoniana is a medicinally important plant producing anticancer monoterpene indole alkaloid (MIA), camptothecin (CPT). The CPT is synthesised through the strictosidine intermediate following the MIA pathway; however, transcriptional regulation of CPT pathway is still elusive in N. nimmoniana. Biosynthesis of MIA is regulated by various transcription factors (TFs) belonging to AP2/ERF, bHLH, MYB, and WRKY families. The present study identified transcriptionally active full-length 105 AP2/ERF and 68 bHLH family TFs from the N. nimmoniana. AP2/ERF TFs were divided into three subfamilies along with a soloist, while bHLH TFs were divided into 10 subfamilies according to their phylogenetic similarities. Three group IXa ERFs, Nn-ERF22, Nn-ERF29, and Nn-ERF41, one subfamily IVa TF Nn-bHLH7, and three subfamilies IIIe Nn-bHLH33, Nn-bHLH51, and Nn-bHLH52 clustered with the TFs regulating alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus, tomato, tobacco, and Artemisia annua. Expression of these TFs in N. nimmoniana was higher in roots, which is a primary CPT accumulating tissue. Moreover, genome skimming approach was used to reconstruct the promoter regions of candidate ERF genes to identify the cis-regulatory elements. The presence of G-boxes and other jasmonic acid-responsive elements in the promoter suggests the regulation of ERFs by bHLHs. The present study effectively generated and used genomics resource for characterisation of regulatory TFs from non-model medicinal plant. Key words: transcription factors, alkaloid biosynthesis, AP2/ERF, bHLH, N. nimmoniana, 1. Introduction Transcriptional regulation is a major component of plant's response to internal and external stimuli. Transcription factors (TFs) are important elements of the transcriptional regulation. TFs are the DNA [...]

Bacterial speck Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) (Okabe) Young, Dye, & Wilkie is a widespread disease in tomato plants. Four plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains 5(3), 68(2), 36(1), and 47(3) played a significant role (50% and higher) in reducing spot disease severity. Selected strains were identified as Pseudomonas koreensis 5(3), Bacillus mycoides 68(2), Bacillus mojavensis 36(1), and Bacillus simplex 47(3) using the MALDI Biotyper classification system. In planta assay using tomato seedlings were inoculated with the bacterial strains alone or in dual combination. Pseudomonas koreensis 5(3) (51.9%-74.29%) and Bacillus mycoides 68(2) (36.70%-65.56%) both provided a significant reduction in foliar severity caused by bacterial speck disease agent Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Okabe) Young, Dye, & Wilkie. Bacillus simplex 47(3) and Bacillus mojavensis 36(1) were successful only in combined treatments. Defense enzymes Proline, Peroxidase, and Catalase were induced by PGPR strains in comparison with those of control plants. Hydrogen peroxide ([H.sub.2][O.sub.2]) and callose deposition were evident at reaction sites induced by PGPR strains. The accumulation of callose, [H.sub.2][O.sub.2], and high levels of defense enzymes via the treatment of PGPRs might play a significant role in a practical, safe, and effective way to control Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. Key words: Rhizobacteria, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, induced systemic resistance, defense enzymes, 1. Introduction Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) have been known to increase soil rhizosphere bacterial richness and diversity. Bacterial species Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces are known biocontrol agents and/or biological fertilizers [...]

We report the identification of two single nucleotide polymorphisms in Cannabis saliva L. that are associated with female and male plant sex phenotypes and are located on the top arm of the X chromosome. High resolution melt analysis was used to develop and validate a novel, rapid method for sex identification in medical and (or) recreational cannabis as well as in hemp. This method can distinguish between dioecious male (XY) and dioecious female (XX) cannabis plants with 100% accuracy and can also be used to differentiate between male and female Humulus lupulus L. (hop) plants. Keywords: Cannabis sativa L., hemp, Humulus lupulus L., hops, sex identification, sex-specific SNPs, high resolution melt analysis Les auteurs rapportent l'identification de deux polymorphismes mononucléotidiques chez Cannabis saliva L. qui sont associés aux phénotypes sexuels des plantes femelles et mâles, et qui sont situés sur le bras supérieur du chromosome X. L'analyse par fusion à haute résolution a été utilisée pour développer et valider une nouvelle méthode rapide d'identification du sexe dans le cannabis médical et (ou) récréatif ainsi que dans le chanvre. Cette méthode permet de distinguer les plants de cannabis dioïques mâles (XY) et dioïques femelles (XX) avec une précision de 100%, et peut également être utilisée pour différencier les plants de Humulus lupulus L. (houblon) mâles et femelles. [Traduit par la Rédaction] Mots-clés : Cannabis saliva L., chanvre, Humulus lupulus L., houblon, identification du sexe, SNP spécifiques au sexe, analyse par fusion à haute résolution, Introduction The species Cannabis sativa L. includes both hemp and medicinal and (or) recreational cannabis plant cultivars. For the purposes of this study, we will use the term cannabis to [...]

To uncover the nature of various kinds of stolons of Utricularia subgenus Polypompholyx (Lentibulariaceae) we studied branching of stolons by scanning electron microscopy, statistically investigated correlations of stolon types and other traits across 56 species, and evaluated seedling development and process morphological aspects. Some results were compared to the sister genera Pinguicula and Genlisea. A key to nine stolon types in Polypompholyx is provided. Predominant stolon types were rhizoids, runner stolons with rhizoids on nodes, and runner stolons without rhizoids on nodes but with bladders on internodes. Stolon types were taxonomically relevant and correlated to the distribution/climate. They obviously diverged with speciation events in Australia. Examined seedlings of Genlisea and Polypompholyx showed similar developmental patterns. Stolons were homologous to traps and leaves. Selected subterranean organs contained specific but similar process combinations of roots, shoots and/or leaves. We assume the Genlisea-Utricularia ancestor trap included processes of a Pinguicula root and leaf. Keywords Carnivorous plants * Lentibulariaceae * Polypompholyx ? Process morphology * Seedling development * Stolon * Utricularia, Introduction The Lentibulariaceae (Lamiales) with its genera Pinguicula L., Genlisea A.St.-Hil. and Utricularia L. is the largest family of carnivorous plants. The monophyletic Pinguicula is predominantly represented in the Northern [...]

Ultramafic ecosystems are renowned for high endemism and habitat specialization. However, most of our understanding of ultramafic plant ecology comes from Mediterranean and temperate climes, raising questions about the generalizability of plant responses to ultramafic soils. This is especially apparent in tropical ultramafic ecosystems which exhibit a wide range of endemism and differentiation between ultramafic and adjacent non-ultramafic soils. Our objectives were two-fold: 1) synthesize our understanding of tropical ultramafic plant ecology, paying particular attention to generalities that may explain variation in endemism and habitat specialization among tropical ultramafic ecosystems; and 2) define an interdisciplinary research agenda using tropical ultramafic ecosystems as a macroecological model. We demonstrate that tropical ultramafic floras are diverse and variable in plant form and function due to the interactive effects of biogeography, climate, and edaphic properties. The variable rates of endemism, specialization, and stress tolerance traits across tropical ultramafic ecosystems have implications for the management and conservation of these diverse systems. Los ecosistemas ultramaficos son reconocidos por su endemismo y especializacion del habitat. Sin embargo, la mayor parte de nuestra comprension de la ecologia vegetal ultramafica proviene de climas mediterraneos y templados, lo que plantea dudas sobre la generalizacion de las respuestas de las plantas a los suelos ultramaficos. Esto es especialmente evidente en los ecosistemas tropicales ultramaficos que exhiben una amplia gama de endemismo y diferenciacion entre suelos tropicales ultramaficos y no ultramaficos adyacentes. Nosotros teniamos dos objetivos: 1) sintetizar nuestra comprension actual de la ecologia de las plantas tropicales ultramaficas, prestando especial atencion a las generalidades que pueden explicar la variacion en el endemismo y la especializacion del habitat entre los ecosistemas tropicales ultramaficos; y 2) definir una agenda de investigacion interdisciplinaria utilizando ecosistemas ultramaficos tropicales como modelo macroecologico. Las floras tropicales ultramaficas son diversas y variables en la forma y funcion de las plantas debido a los efectos interactivos de la biogeografia, el clima y las propiedades edaficas. Las tasas variables de endemismo, especializacion y rasgos de tolerancia al estres en los ecosistemas tropicales ultramaficos tienen implicaciones para el manejo y conservacion de estos diversos sistemas. Keywords Edaphic * Endemism * Hyperaccumulator * Metallophyte * Serpentine * Unusual soil, Introduction Ultramafic (serpentine) soils have long attracted scientific attention due to their specialized flora and ecological and evolutionary implications. However, our understanding of ultramafic plant ecology remains dominated by research [...]

The family Asparagaceae (subfamily Scilloideae, APG III, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 161:105-121, 2009) constitutes approximately 1000 species in about 33 genera of deciduous bulbous geophytes with long history of medicinal utilities. However, satisfactory delimitation of genera as well as species boundaries within most genera still remain doubtful for the lack of reliable discriminating characters with morphological traits showing continuous variation. Detailed cytogenetic characterization and thorough comparative analysis is still scanty in this group and thus can provide supportive taxonomical data besides serving as basis for further genomic studies. This group showcases diverse cytogenetic characters studied across 4 tribes: Hyacintheae, Urgineeae, Ornithogaleae and Oziroeeae. Cytogenetic investigation has not yet been initiated in more than 50% of accepted species, studies mostly limited to chromosome counts or conventional karyotyping methods. Somatic chromosome counts have been reported in around 378 species varying from 2n = 4 in Ornithogaleae to 2n= 150 in Hyacintheae and the basic ancestral chromosome number of x= 10 is proposed for the subfamily and secondary base numbers presumed to arise by descending dysploidy followed by polyploidization leading to such variation. Meiotic analysis and genome size estimation is reported in very few species and requires further investigation. Karyotype in most taxa exhibits a general pattern characterized by asymmetry with predominance of acrocentric chromosomes. Fluorochrome banding by CMA/DAPI staining and FISH although reported in very few species revealed characteristic patterns in different taxa, with potential taxonomic utilities. Thus, comparison of compiled data depicted some patterns of chromosomal diversity within the subfamily Scilloideae but study of more taxa is required for prediction of trends. Keywords Scilloideae * Hyacinthaceae * Hyacintheae * Urgineeae * Ornithogaleae * Oziroeeae * Chromosome, Introduction The definition of genera and the assignment of species to genera within the family Asparagaceae (subfamily Scilloideae) have troubled taxonomists since Linnaeus. More than 3500 species have been reported [...]

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua is a traditional Chinese herb medicine, and it is widely distrihuted in China. The intrageneric taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships within Polygonatum have long heen controversial due to their morphological similarity and lacking special DNA barcodes. In this paper, the complete chloroplast genome is a relatively conserved quadripartite structure including a large single copy region of 84 711 bp, a small single copy region of 18 210 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats region of 26142 bp. A total of 342 simple sequence repeats were identified, and most of them were found to be composed of A/T, including 126 mono-nucleotides and 179 di-nucleotides. Nucleotide diversity was analyzed and eight highly variable regions (psbl~trnT-CGU, atpF~atpH, trnT-GGU~psbD, psaJ~rps20, trnL-UAG~ndhD, ndhG~ndhl, ndhA, and rpl32~ccsA) were identified as potential molecular markers. Phylogenetic analysis based on the whole chloroplast genome showed that P. cyrtonema, within the family Asparagaceae, is closely related to Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum kingianum. The sequence matK, trnT-GGU & ccsA, and ndhG~ndhA were identified as three DNA barcodes. The assembly and comparative analysis of P. cyrtonema complete chloroplast genome will provide essential molecular information about the evolution and molecular biology for further study. Key words: Polygonatum cyrtonema, chloroplast genome, phylogenetic analysis, DNA barcodes, 1. Introduction Polygonatum Mill is a perennial herb, which is widely used as traditional Chinese medicines and functional foods in China for thousands of years. It is distributed in warm-temperate [...]

The present work was carried out to quantify camelina germination niche under salinity and temperature (T) stress using halotime and halothermal time models. Seed germination (SG) time courses were recorded at six constant temperatures (5 [degrees]C, 10 [degrees]C, 15 [degrees]C, 20 [degrees]C, 25 [degrees]C, and 30 [degrees]C) and at each of the following levels of NaCl concentrations (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mM). Halotime model could well describe the germination time courses across a range of NaCl concentrations ([R.sup.2] = 0.79-0.91). The median base NaCl concentration was approximately constant (231 mM) at suboptimal T followed by a linear decrease, with the rate of 17.4 mM [[degrees]C.sup.-1], under supra-optimal T. However, the germination rate increased with increasing T., reaching its maximum at a fixed optimum temperature ([T.sub.0] = 20 [degrees]C), independent of NaCl concentration. Then it decreased linearly for T > [T.sub.o] and intercepted the x-axis at the ceiling temperature values of 33.5 [degrees]C, 30 [degrees]C, 28 [degrees]C, 25 [degrees]C, and 22 [degrees]C under 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl, respectively. Consequently, based on model estimation the adequate soil T for SG of camelina should be in the range of 0.4 [degrees]C-33.5 [degrees]C, and the [T.sub.o] is 20 [degrees]C. Besides, the salinity should be less than 231 mM. Key words: camelina, germination characteristics, temperature, salt stress, halothermal time model, Introduction Seed germination (SG) is one of the key phases for the survival of plant species, however, it only occurs if external conditions (humidity, temperature, light, oxygen, etc.) and internal [...]

This study presents the first comparative analysis of the leaf secretory structures across Asteraceae. In this work, the leaf secretory structures of more than 500 species of 35 of the 40 tribes and 11 of the 13 subfamilies of Asteraceae are described and compared to evaluate their diversity at the tribe level and to identify evolutionary patterns. Leaf secretory structures are present in 28 of the 35 analyzed tribes and correspond to canals (recorded in 17 tribes), secretory cavities (1 tribe), hydathodes (19 tribes), laticifers (4 tribes) and glandular trichomes (24 tribes). Canals are mostly associated with vascular bundles and predominate in Asteroideae, while cavities were only present within Tageteae. Hydathodes occur in leaves without divisions and with well-developed teeth. Laticifers were observed only in the tribes of Cichorioideae. Seven glandular trichome morphotypes were differentiated by their cellular composition and shape. These observations together with the available information showed that secretory structures are found in 80% of the Asteraceae tribes. Four of the 40 tribes did not present any type of secretory structure. Our study reveals that almost all of the tribes possess one to three types of secretory structures, and are absent in some early-diverging clades. Character evolution analyses show that glandular trichomes are plesiomorphic in Asteraceae. This study found that secretory structures prevail in late-diverging lineages and were taxonomically informative at different levels. Our comparative study of the secretory structures in Asteraceae is essential for the standardization of its terminology and will provide a frame of reference for future studies. Keywords Glandular trichomes * Canals * Secretory cavities * Laticifers * Hydathodes, Introduction In plants, secretions account for the isolation or elimination of all types of substances not stored for their remobilization or incorporation into other metabolic processes; these substances are generally [...]

Ligules are classified, predominantly, on their position and morphology, which are still without a consensus as to their nature and diversity in an evolutionary context in Poaceae. Based on a broad review of this structure, we have identified five hypotheses for the definition of ligules, originating between the years 1800 and 1834; some of these hypotheses are still valid today. Our results also demonstrate that 95.28% of the family representatives have homoligulate ventral ligules and 1.75% have heteroligulate ventral ligules, with Panicoideae being the subfamily with the greatest morphological diversity of ligules. Dorsal and culm leaf ligules occur mainly in Puelioideae and Bambusoideae (except in Olyreae), and may occasionally occur in Pooideae, Panicoideae and Chloridoideae. Although homoligulate and ciliate ventral ligules are ancestral states in the Poaceae, several reversals occurred within the subfamilies so that the eciliate membrane type is more common (especially in the BOP clade). Keywords Ancestral state reconstruction * Gramineae * Leaf base * Monocotyledons * Vegetative morphology Ligulas sao classificadas, predominantemente, por sua posicao e morfologia, todavia ainda nao tem um concenso quanto a natureza e diversidade em um contexto evolutivo em Poaceae. Com base em uma ampla revisao desta estrutura, identificamos cinco hipoteses para a definicao de ligulas, originadas entre os anos de 1800 e 1834; algumas destas hipoteses ainda sao validas hoje. Nossos resultados tambem demonstram que 95,28% dos representantes da familia tem ligulas ventrais homoliguladas e 1,75% tem ligulas ventrais heteroliguladas, sendo Panicoideae a subfamilia com a maior diversidade morfologica de ligulas. As ligulas dorsais e das folhas do colmo ocorrem principalmente em Puelioideae e Bambusoideae (exceto em Olyreae), e podem ocasionalmente ocorrer em Pooideae, Panicoideae e Chloridoideae. Embora as ligulas ventrais homoliguladas e ciliadas sejam considerados estados ancestrais nas Poaceae, varias reversoes ocorreram dentro das subfamilias, de modo que o tipo membrano e mais comum (especialmente no clade do BOP). Palavras-chave Reconstrucao do estado ancestral * Gramineas * Base foliar * Monocotiledoneas * Morfologia dos orgaos vegetativos, Introduction Morphological characters provide most of the information used to identify plant species (Judd et al., 2009). Regarding vegetative structures, leaves exhibit the most extensive variations in shape (Vidal & [...]

Vascular epiphytes are an important component of the flora of subtropical regions, but they remain understudied compared to tropical regions. Subtropical montane region of Yungas in Argentina has high epiphyte diversity, but information on epiphytes remain in little disseminated sources such as herbariums, theses and publications not available on the web. The objective of this study was to describe the distribution and diversity of epiphytes and to review ecological research on epiphytes in Yungas of northwestern Argentina. Occurrence records of epiphytes were compiled to prepare a floristic list, to describe spatial bias, and latitudinal and altitudinal patterns. There are 168 epiphyte species in Argentinian Yungas, which belong mainly to the families Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae, and Polypodiaceae. Most species are holoepiphytes and facultative epiphytes (83%), and the rest are trees, herbs, and shrubs that occasionally occur as epiphytes. The species richness of the 14 most abundant epiphyte species in this region peaks at 1500 m, and decreases at higher and lower elevations. Most trees with a diameter at breast height [greater than or equal to] 10 cm (62.2%) are epiphyte hosts, and epiphytes are most diverse in larger than in smaller native trees of this region. Species richness and cover of epiphytes increased with the diameter at breast height of Ocotea porphyria, the most important host tree for epiphytes in this region. It is expected that this study will serve to acknowledge the high diversity of epiphytes in the region and identify gaps in knowledge for new sampling and studies. Keywords Accidental epiphytes * Altitudinal belts * Bibliographic review * Facultative epiphytes * Holoepiphytes * Species richness Las epifitas vasculares son un importante componente de la flora de regiones subtropicales, pero permanecen menos estudiadas en comparacion con regiones tropicales. La region subtropical montana de Yungas en Argentina tiene una alta diversidad de epifitas, pero la informacion sobre las mismas permanece en fuentes poco difundidas como herbarios, tesis y publicaciones no disponibles en internet. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la distribucion y diversidad de epifitas y revisar los estudios ecologicos de epifitas en las Yungas del noroeste argentino. Registros de presencia de epifitas fueron compilados para preparar un listado floristico, describir sesgos espaciales y patrones latitudinales y altitudinales. En las Yungas de Argentina habitan 168 especies de epifitas, principalmente de las familias Orchidaceae, Bromeliaceae y Polypodiaceae. El 83% son epifitas verdaderas o facultativas y el resto corresponde a arboles, hierbas y arbustos que ocasionalmente pueden ocurrir como epifitas. La riqueza de las 14 especies de epifitas mas abundantes en la region tiene su maximo a los 1500 m de altitud, y disminuye hacia mayores y menores elevaciones. El 62.2% de los arboles con un diametro a la altura del pecho [greater than or equal to] 10 cm son hospedadores de epifitas, y estas presentan su mayor diversidad en los arboles nativos de mayor tamano de la region. La riqueza y cobertura de epifitas incrementaron con el diametro a la altura del pecho de Ocotea porphyria, el arbol hospedador de epifitas mas importante en esta region. Se espera que este trabajo sirva para dar a conocer la alta diversidad de epifitas de la region e identificar vacios de conocimiento para nuevos muestreos y estudios., Introduction Vascular epiphytes are plants that inhabit on other plants, without extracting water and nutrients from them (Zotz, 2016). Unlike parasitic plants, vascular epiphytes are autotrophic and only depend on [...]

The magnoliid clade encompasses 18 extant families arranged in four orders, plus several extinct taxa, including some of the most ancient angiosperm fossils. The clade is characterized by paracytic stomata with a distinct pair of lateral subsidiary cells that flank the guard cells, though other stomatal types are also reported, including anomocytic and anisocytic. In contrast with monocots, the paracytic stomata of magnoliids develop from linear triads, and the lateral subsidiary cells are stomatal-lineage ground cells (SLGCs). Anisocytic stomata typically possess three SLGCs. Amplifying divisions are rare in magnoliids, but occur in some Piperales, in association with anisocytic stomata. Differences in mature stomatal types result from differences in cell shape and polarity at critical developmental stages. Stomatal clusters have been reported in Cinnamomum (Lauraceae) and Galbulimima (Himantandraceae), but neither are apparently formed by amplifying divisions, in contrast with eudicots. In Galbulimima, each peltate scale hair is surrounded by a ring of 3-8 non-contiguous stomata, each derived from different initial meristemoids. Keywords Amplifying divisions * Development * Magnoliids * Paracytic stomata * Stomatal clusters, Introduction Two aspects of stomatal patterning have particular phylogenetic significance: the development of the stomatal apparatus and the spatial arrangement of stomata across the leaf surface. Focusing on magnoliid angiosperms, [...]

Tillandsia recurvata L. may show morphophysiological plasticity in response to radiation availability, since this species is found in different environments. This work aimed to evaluate the anatomical and physiological modifications of T. recurvata isolated individuals under different shading levels and the consequences of these changes on the growth of this species. The individuals were exposed for 60 days to treatments as follows: full sun (unshaded) and shading of 35%, 75%, and 85%. Growth analyses were performed, and the leaf anatomy and water content were assessed. All plants submitted to full sun or 35% shading died, whereas those under 75% and 85% shading survived. The water content in leaves and rhizomes was higher under 85% shading, and this treatment increased the leaf area and the number of leaves in T. recurvata. Leaf dry mass, leaf elongation rate, biomass allocation to rhizomes, and net assimilation rate were higher under 85% shading. The leaves had a thicker hypodermis, lower proportions of both epidermis and vascular bundles, and a higher proportion of chlorophyll parenchyma under 85% shading. Tillandsia recurvata individuals behave as sciophytic, while the formation of clusters may change microclimate conditions; the behavior of clumped plants must be further investigated. Key words: epiphytic bromeliads, sciophytes, biomass allometry, chlorophyll parenchyma, water content, Introduction Radiation exerts a strong effect on plant growth and development. This is because some of the most important processes of plant survival depend on light, particularly photosynthesis and growth [...]

Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile elements found in the majority of eukaryotic genomes. TEs deeply impact the structure and evolution of chromosomes and can induce mutations affecting coding genes. In plants, the major group of TEs is long terminal repeat retrotransposons (LTR-RTs). They are classified into superfamilies (Gypsy, Copia) and subclassified into lineages. Horizontal transfer (HT), defined as the nonsexual transmission of genetic material between species, is a process allowing LTR-RTs to invade a new genome. Although this phenomenon was considered rare, recent studies demonstrate numerous transfers of LTR-RTs. This study aims to determine which LTR-RT lineages are shared with high similarity among 69 plant genomes. We identified and classified 88450 LTR-RTs and determined 143 cases of high similarities between pairs of genomes. Most of them involved three Copia lineages (Oryco/Ivana, Retrofit/Ale, and Tork/Tar/Ikeros). A detailed analysis of three cases of high similarities involving Tork/Tar/Ikeros group shows an uneven distribution in the phylogeny of the elements and incongruence with between phylogenetic trees topologies, indicating they could be originated from HTs. Overall, our results suggest that LTR-RT Copia lineages share outstanding similarity between distant species and may likely be involved in HT mechanisms more frequent than initially estimated. Key words: LTR retrotransposons, plant genomes, horizontal transfers, bioinformatics, genomics, Introduction Transposable elements (TEs) are mobile elements able to move from one locus to another. Their mobility can induce mutations, introduce phenotypic novelties, play key roles in environmental adaptation (Li [...]

Lingxiaohua (Campsis Flos, Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) K. Schum) is a medicinal herb used for promoting diuresis and treating blood-related disorders by the promotion of blood circulation. It also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. This non-poisonous plant is frequently confused with poisonous Yangjinhua (Daturae Metelis Flos, Datura metel Linnaeus) in the market, resulting in serious anticholinergic poisoning. The confusion of these two herbs is due to the similarity in their appearances. In our study, we compared the complete chloroplast genomes of the two plants and found that they are very different in terms of their gene content and gene arrangement. There were also significant differences in the number and repeating motifs of microsatellites and complex repeats. We used universal primers for the amplification of rbcL, matK, psbA-trnH, and ITS2 regions and successfully differentiated the two plants. Furthermore, we designed two pairs of primers based on the nucleotide differences in chloroplast genomes at the rps14 and rpoC1 regions to provide additional authentication markers. The universal primers and specific primers when used together can accurately discriminate Lingxiaohua and Yangjinhua. Key words: Campsis, Datura, Yangjinhua, Lingxiaohua, chloroplast genome, confused species, molecular authentication, rps14, rpoC1, DNA markers, Introduction Lingxiaohua (Campsis Flos, Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) K. Schum or Campsis radicans (L.) Seem has long been used as an herbal medicine for treating blood-stasis-related disorders. It possesses antioxidative and [...]

Periploca forrestii, a medicinal plant of the family Apocynaceae, is known as an effective and widely used clinical prescription for the treatment of rheumatoid diseases. In this study, we de novo sequenced and assembled the completement chloroplast (cp) genome of P. forrestii based on combined Oxford Nanopore PromethION and Illumina data. The cp genome was 153 724 bp in length and had four subregions. Moreover, an 84433 bp large single-copy and a 17 731 bp small single-copy were separated by 25 780 bp inverted repeats (IRs). The cp genome included 132 genes with 18 duplicates in the IRs. A total of 45 repeat structures and 183 simple sequence repeats were detected. Codon usage showed a bias toward A/T-ending codons. A comparative study of Apocynaceae revealed that an IR expansion occurred on P. forrestii. The Ka/Ks values of eight species of Apocynaceae suggested that positive selection was exerted on the psaI and ycf2 genes, which might reflect specific adaptions to the P. forrestii particular growth environment. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Periplocoideae was a sister to Asclepiadoideae, forming a monophyletic group in the family Apocynaceae. This study provided an important P. forrestii genomic resource for future evolutionary studies and the phylogenetic reconstruction of the family Apocynaceae. Key words: Periploca forrestii, chloroplast genome, genomic structure, comparative analysis, molecular evolution analysis, Introduction Periploca forrestii Schlechter belongs to the family Apocynaceae (Byng et al. 2016) and grows mainly in the karst areas in the southwest of China, where the population suffering from [...]

Cell heterogeneity shapes the morphology and function of various tissues and organs in multicellular organisms. Elucidation of the differences among cells and the mechanism of intercellular regulation is essential for an in-depth understanding of the developmental process. In recent years, the rapid development of high-throughput single-cell transcriptome sequencing technologies has influenced the study of plant developmental biology. Additionally, the accuracy and sensitivity of tools used to study the epigenome and metabolome have significantly increased, thus enabling multi-omics analysis at single-cell resolution. Here, we summarize the currently available single-cell multi-omics approaches and their recent applications in plant research, review the single-cell based studies in fruit, vegetable, and ornamental crops, and discuss the potential of such approaches in future horticulture research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]