Molecular and morphological identification of truffle-producing Tuber species in New Zealand

This study compiles the results from an examination of mycorrhizae on root samples from Tuber melanosporum truffières in New Zealand. Samples were taken over 5 years from 328 trees in 43 truffières established with nursery-inoculated trees. Mycorrhizae were analysed using a combination of morphological and molecular techniques, focusing on the identification of Tuber species. Results show that 49% of the trees, and nearly 90% of the truffières, retained T. melanosporum mycorrhizae up to 21 years after planting. Tuber mycorrhizae with spiky cystidia were found on 26.9% of the tested trees: Tuber brumale (5.5%), Tuber maculatum (10.7%), and unidentified Tuber species (10.7%), and were detected in 67% of the truffières tested. T. brumale was found in 28% and T. maculatum in 35% of the truffières. In 56% of the truffières, T. melanosporum was found to occur with spiky Tuber species. The existence of T. brumale and T. maculatum in the same truffière was recorded only once. Forty-four percent of trees examined had Scleroderma-like (SCL) mycorrhizae and 50% of trees hosted other ectomycorrhizal species (OE). For all categories of mycorrhizal species examined, the variation between truffières was greater than variation within each truffière. Overall results indicate that Corylus avellana tends to be more receptive to mycorrhizae of Tuber species than Quercus robur but is not necessarily more productive. In productive truffières, Q. robur appears to host SCL mycorrhizae more often than C. avellana. This is the first study of its scale to analyse the mycorrhizal species associated with T. melanosporum truffières in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Marine Biosecurity Porthole was created in 2010 as a collaboration between New Zealand's Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the National Institute for Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) to provide greater public access to information and data on non- indigenous marine species (NIMS) in New Zealand. The porthole is primarily an interactive mapping application that allows verified observations on the distribution of NIMS within New Zealand to be displayed. It draws upon data compiled from a range of funded surveys for NIMS, including a series of port biological baseline surveys and a continuing programme of targeted surveillance for high risk marine pests in major shipping ports and marinas. The data also include records from specimens reported via the passive surveillance system and identified through the Marine Invasives Taxonomic Service (MITS), a taxonomic clearing house service for suspect marine organisms, and observations of NIMS made through taxonomic and ecological research undertaken by NIWA. It currently contains information for over 3,600 native, cryptogenic and non-indigenous marine species with links to over 155,000 individual distribution records. Additional features include a searchable catalogue of relevant reports, papers and information about NIMS and on the surveys undertaken to obtain the data. The design and functionality of the portal have been refreshed to provide a better overall experience for users. New features will allow greater filtering and selection of distribution data, more content on NIMS within New Zealand, and connections to social media.

Sophora microphylla (Kowhai, Fabaceae) is an endemic New Zealand species of considerable cultural, environmental and economic significance. The tree is grown widely as an ornamental in New Zealand and overseas. In September 2008, leaves with mosaic symptoms were collected from a Kowhai tree in central Auckland. Using a modified protocol of Valverde et al. (1990), double stranded (ds) RNA was isolated from 5 g of leaves from the tree with symptoms and from 5 g of symptomless leaves obtained from a healthy tree. Following electrophoresis on a 5% polyacrylamide gel, two bands (∼6 kb and 4 kb) were observed for dsRNA isolated from only the leaves with symptoms. DsRNA isolated from leaves with and without symptoms were used in a degenerate oligo-primed PCR (DOP-PCR) (Rott & Jelkmann, 2001). The banding patterns produced from each dsRNA were compared on a 1·5% agarose gel for each DOP primer. For DOP primer 5, three extra bands were observed for the dsRNA isolated from the leaves with symptoms. The three bands were cloned and sequenced. The sequence from one band showed 99% nt identity to Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV) (GenBank Accession No. AY363727). DsRNA from the tree with symptoms was tested by one-step RT-PCR using primers for the coat protein of TRSV (Jossey & Babadoost, 2006). A 348 bp band was cloned and sequenced. The sequence from the DOP-PCR product and the coat protein PCR product overlapped. The two sequences were assembled (FJ546723) and showed a 93% nt identity to TRSV coat protein (AY363727). Using RT-PCR, TRSV was amplified from a second Kowhai plant with symptoms obtained from a home garden in west Auckland. The sequence from the PCR product (FJ546722) showed 93% nucleotide identity with TRSV (AY363727). The presence of TRSV in both trees showing symptoms was confirmed by DAS-ELISA using TRSV-specific antisera (Agdia). TRSV has a restricted host range in New Zealand, previously reported only in Daphne sp., horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera). This is the first report of TRSV in an indigenous plant species in New Zealand, and the first confirmed report of a virus infection in S. microphylla. TRSV is a regulated pest in many countries. The susceptibility of Kowhai to infection by TRSV has phytosanitary implications for international movement of plant material.

Ekyastuti W, Astiani D, Roslinda E. 2016. Prospect of indigenous plant species for revegetation in the tailings area of ex community gold mining. Biodiversitas 17: 764-768. One of the reclamation activities in the tailings area of ex community gold mine is revegetation. The success of revegetation is strongly influenced by the selection of suitable plant species. The purpose of this research was to determine the prospects of indigenous plant species for revegetation in the tailings area of ex community gold mine. Research has been conducted at the tailings area of ex community gold mining in Menjalin subdistricts Landak District West Kalimantan, using an experiment method with randomized complete block design (RCBD). Used ss basic for blocking is the difference of tailings area age: 2 years old and 10 years old after mining activities. In both locations, seven indigenous plant species were planted, i.e: Dillenia suffruticosa, Vitex pinnata, Archidendron pauciflorum, Anacardium occidentale, Shorea leprosula, Alstonia scholaris and Hevea brasiliensis. The results showed that the seven indigenous plant species are tolerant to mercury and can grow well in the tailing areas of ex community gold mine of both 2-years and 10-years after mining. Five indigenous plant species use phytostabilization to remediate mercury in the plant tissue, while two others species use phytoextraction. Therefore, the prospect of using indigenous plant species for revegetation in tailings area of ex community gold mine is very well. Keywords: Ex community gold mining, indigenous plant species, tailing

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of the endemic New Zealand (NZ) species of Festuca (Poaceae, Pooideae) by assessing sequence variation from the nuclear internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and a chloroplast intergenic spacer (trnL-trnF) and by measuring DNA content using flow cytometry. The ITS and trnL-trnF data sets were congruent in showing that the NZ species of Festuca have two origins. One group, containing F. coxii, F. luciarum, F. multinodis, and F. ultramafica, is closely related to Festuca sect. Aulaxyper. The other group includes a clade of five endemic species (F. actae, F. deflexa, F. madida, F. matthewsii, F. novae-zelandiae) and one species (F. contracta) with a circumAntarctic distribution. The North American species F. californica is sister to the latter group in the trnL-trnF phylogeny but not so in the ITS phylogeny. The differentiation of endemic NZ species into two groups is supported by differences in chromosome number and genome size, the latter showing an inverse relationship to ploidy level. We discuss the ecology and biogeography of NZ's endemic species of Festuca. Origin from Northern Hemisphere ancestors via dispersal to NZ through the American continents is a plausible hypothesis based on current information.

Tuber rufum is a truffle widely distributed throughout Europe, which forms mycorrhizal associations with numerous species of broadleaf and coniferous trees. The possibility of T. rufum contamination in commercial truffle-infected plants makes its detection important. To facilitate the identification of T. rufum from mycorrhiza and fruitbodies, species-specific primers were designed and tested. To overcome the high intraspecific genetic variability within the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of T. rufum, as demonstrated by phylogenetic analysis, two forward primers, Ru1f and Ru2f, located on the ITS1 region were designed to be used in concert with the reverse primer ITS4. Only T. rufum was amplified with this primer combination, while DNA of Tuber magnatum, Tuber brumale, Tuber maculatum, Tuber borchii, Tuber excavatum and Tuber melanosporum was not. These primers give a specific amplicon ranging between 566 and 572 bp and are able to discriminate between T. rufum, T. borchii and T. magnatum in multiplex PCR. In addition, T. rufum-specific amplicons were obtained from both spore suspensions and mycorrhiza by direct PCR. Tuber rufum mycorrhiza obtained in the greenhouse using mycelial inoculation techniques had morphological features similar to those of other species of Tuber, stressing the importance of molecular tools for their identification.

Ultrastructural studies of septa in ascogenous hyphae, asci, and vegetative cells were conducted on three species of Tuber and compared with results obtained from several epigeous Pezizales. Septal pore organelles in the asci and ascogenous hyphae of Tuber californicum and Tuber maculatum were similar to those in taxa of Otideaceae, while those of Tuber n.sp. J&T 6003 were like those of Helvellaceae, Morchellaceae, and Sarcosomataceae. The types of Woronin bodies associated with septa of vegetative cells were also similar to those of some Helvellaceae and Morchellaceae. These data indicate that Tuber may be a biological rather than a phylogenetic taxon.

Concentrations and environmental indices of 18 elements(Al, Ag, As, Au, Bi, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, S, Sb, U, and Zn) in 15 top soil samples (0–20 cm) at Dashkasan epithermal gold mining area, Kurdistan Province, Iran indicated high Ag, Au, As, Hg, Sb and Pb pollution reflecting natural mineralization and mining activity. Also the leaves of two indigenous medicinal plant species, Ephedra major subsp. procera and Achilleaaleppica, were sampled and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the mean concentration of Au, Cd, and Sb in Ephedra and Achillea is higher than the averages in natural plants in other parts of the world. Calculated biological concentration factors (BCF) revealed that Ephedra species is a cadmium accumulator, while Achillea efficiently accumulates cadmium and molybdenum. High metals affinity for sulfur in soil, low BCF values and relatively low total metals content in plants confirmed that most chalcophile metals in the analyzed plant species exhibit low bioavailability and hence pose no immediate health risk. However, continuous consumption of Ephedra and Achillea is a potential health threat to livestock and local population.

An examination of Floras and related literature from various countries of the world has revealed a wide range of interpretations and concepts for indigenous plants. Nevertheless, an indigenous plant species has been universally defined as one that was not deliberately or accidentally introduced by man. An important recent addendum to the ‘indigenous’ definition is that it must disperse from an area where it is considered native. Particularly problematic are the so-called ‘pantropical’ or ‘cosmopolitan’ plants. These species are usually invasive and abundant, but most could not have crossed major barriers without the assistance of humans, and hence should be regarded as non-native species throughout much of their range. The accurate assessment of the alien or indigenous status of these and other taxa has been hampered by a lack of knowledge about their geographic origins and dispersal ability. Australian botanists have frequently adhered to a concept of indigenous plants being any that were thought to be present before European settlement in their region of interest – 1788 for the Sydney area, and as late as the 1850s for northern Australia. This definition is unrealistic and unworkable, especially when considering the ‘pantropical’ species. The transport of plants by maritime traders and explorers into the Indonesian and west Pacific areas has occurred for at least the past 3000 years. European colonisation in those areas from the 16th century accelerated plant introductions. Some of those plant species undoubtedly made their way to Australia before European settlement. This paper presents explicit definitions for indigenous (native) or alien (exotic, introduced, non-indigenous) plant species in Australia. A system of assessment using a combination of ecological, phytogeographical and historical criteria (the EPH system) allows the determination of ‘origin status’ for individual species. As a case study, data are presented for 40 plant species of disputed origin status. These species are assessed against the criteria, and a recommended origin status given for Australian occurrences.

城市化对本土植物多样性的影响——以廊坊市为例

Land degradation affecting the livelihoods of people living in dryland areas, particularly the Sub-Saharan Africa countries like Ethiopia. Degraded land rehabilitation in dryland is a challenging task due to moisture limitation. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of soil and water conservation structures on growth of planted tree and rehabilitation of indigenous plant species in West Guji Zone, Dugda Dawa District. Four multipurpose tree species (MPTs) namely Faidherbia albida, Melia azedarach, Moringa stenopetala, and Sesbania sesban were planted in four soil and moisture conservation structures (soil level bund, half-moon, trench and normal pit). Data of survival rate, height and diameter growth of planted tree species and, diversity and species richness of indigenous plant species were collected. The survival rate of all planted MPTs species were declining along the study years; however, the survival rate was better under soil level bund and half-moon. Under control treatments, all planted MPTs died at the end of the study period. The height and stem diameter of F. albida, M. azedarach and M. stenopetala were best in soil level bund and half-moon and followed by the trench. Whereas, the growth performance of Sesbania sesban was not significantly different among the three moisture conservation structures. Furthermore, soil moisture conservation structures significantly increased the indigenous plant species regeneration after the intervention. The mean indigenous plant species diversity and richness were significantly highest in half-moon and soil level bund followed by trench and, lowest in Control (normal pit). Thus, the results a potential for alternative forest and soil restoration in arid areas. Key words: Rehabilitation, Land degradation, survival rate,Trees growth, Indigenous plant species diversity, Moisture conservation structures. 

Indigenous woody plant species play a significant role in sustaining pastoral production systems in sub-Saharan Africa. Outside protected areas in Uganda, populations of useful naturally growing woody species are threatened with extinction. Moreover, little is known about the population structure of woody plant species in such unprotected sites to guide conservation strategies. The objective of this study was to identify indigenous woody plant species utilised by the pastoralists in the dry lands of south western Uganda and assess the population structure of the species utilized. A survey involving 100 households was conducted to inventorise woody plants in 55 nested plots of 50 m × 50 m. A total of 70 indigenous woody plant species were utilised by the pastoralists to serve nine purposes. High utilisation of the plant species was in the order of medicine for humans and livestock, firewood, fodder, timber, poles, shade, food and least in crafts. The major woody plant species utilised included Vernonia ammygdalina, Acacia sieberriana, Acacia hockii, Carissa edulis and Albizia coriaria. Allophylus sp was valuable for all the nine purposes, though particularly for human medicine and poles. In terms of conservation status, trees conformed to inverse J shape and bimodal patterns of population structure, indicating current sustainable conservation in some species and an imbalance in pecies with a bimodal pattern. Most shrubs reflected irregular population structure indicative of unsustainable conservation status. Seedlings for both trees and shrubs were in the low level of abundance, according to Braun- Blanquette cover scale. Sustainable conservation of indigenous woody plant species in a sedentary pastoral system requires aided regeneration that involves supplementing natural regeneration with similar plant species, as well as zoning sites with high woody species diversity. Promotion of community based conservation platforms where pastoralists can be trained on sustainable plant conservation is recommended.Key words: Population structure, Vernonia ammygdalina, woody plants

Rangeland degradation is a significant threat to people in dryland areas, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa like Ethiopia. Rehabilitation of degraded land is challenging due to moisture limitations and drought. This study evaluated rangeland-based integrated watershed management. Three soil and moisture conservation structures were applied, and multi-purpose tree/shrub species like Faidherbia albida, Melia azedarach, and Moringa stenopetala were planted. Data on indigenous plant species regeneration, diversity, species richness and biomass, survival rate, and height growth of planted tree species were collected. After the intervention, the indigenous plant species' regeneration, diversity, and richness significantly increased. The mean indigenous plant species richness, biomass, and basal cover were highest in half-moon followed by soil level bund and, lowest in control. The survival rate and the height growth of all planted MPTs species were better under Negarim and half-moon and lowest under control treatments. This suggests that soil and moisture conservation structures are more suitable than the conventional method of rehabilitation of indigenous plant species and tree planting. Even though the survival and growth of tree seedlings were best under Negarim, the herbaceous diversity, biomass, and basal cover of herbaceous were low, and construction of this structure was labor incentives than the other two structures.   Key words: Rangeland degradation, rangeland-based watershed, rehabilitation, soil and water conservation, species diversity, survival rate, tree growth. &nbsp

Indigenous plant species and invasive alien species tend to diverge functionally under heavy metal pollution and drought stress

:This study explores the correlates of alien plant species richness in South Africa at the scale of quarter-degree squares (QDS; ª 25 ¥ 27 km; 675 km2). We considered all alien plant species for which we had records and a subset of these – those that invade natural and semi-natural vegetation. The main source of data for species richness of indigenous and alien plant species was a national database based on herbarium specimens. For invasive alien species, data were from a national atlassing project. First, we explored the importance of energy availability and habitat heterogeneity as correlates of indigenous, alien, and invasive alien plant species richness. Linear regression models showed that species richness in the three groups of plants was explained by the same variables: a principal component of climatic factors and topographic roughness were the top-ranking variables for all groups. Next, we examined the role of indigenous species richness together with a range of environmental and human-activity variables in explaining species richness of alien and invasive alien plants. Results reveal an interplay of natural features and variables that quantify the dimension of human activities. If indigenous species richness is ignored, human-activity variables are more strongly correlated with alien species richness than with invasive alien species richness. Numbers of alien and invasive species in QDSs are significantly correlated with indigenous plant species richness in the 1,597 QDSs selected for analysis, a pattern consistent with findings from other parts of the world. Analysis of residuals between observed and predicted values showed that patterns differed between biomes. The results are useful for planning long-term intervention policy at the national scale; they suggest that areas with rich native biodiversity will face a sustained onslaught from invasive alien species and that ongoing management actions will be required to reduce and mitigate impacts from biological invasions in these areas.