Absence Of Flowers Research Articles

Morphometrics and Phylogenomics of Coca (Erythroxylum spp.) Illuminate Its Reticulate Evolution, With Implications for Taxonomy.

South American coca (Erythroxylum coca and E. novogranatense) has been a keystone crop for many Andean and Amazonian communities for at least 8,000 years. However, over the last half-century, global demand for its alkaloid cocaine has driven intensive agriculture of this plant and placed it in the center of armed conflict and deforestation. To monitor the changing landscape of coca plantations, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime collects annual data on their areas of cultivation. However, attempts to delineate areas in which different varieties are grown have failed due to limitations around identification. In the absence of flowers, identification relies on leaf morphology, yet the extent to which this is reflected in taxonomy is uncertain. Here, we analyze the consistency of the current naming system of coca and its four closest wild relatives (the "coca clade"), using morphometrics, phylogenomics, molecular clocks, and population genomics. We include name-bearing type specimens of coca's closest wild relatives E. gracilipes and E. cataractarum. Morphometrics of 342 digitized herbarium specimens show that leaf shape and size fail to reliably discriminate between species and varieties. However, the statistical analyses illuminate that rounder and more obovate leaves of certain varieties could be associated with the subtle domestication syndrome of coca. Our phylogenomic data indicate extensive gene flow involving E. gracilipes which, combined with morphometrics, supports E. gracilipes being retained as a single species. Establishing a robust evolutionary-taxonomic framework for the coca clade will facilitate the development of cost-effective genotyping methods to support reliable identification.

Corms As Additional Features to identify Gladiolus species Used in Ethnomedicine

Background: Plants remain vital as sources of traditional medicine towards management of various health challenges. Various parts such as leaves, stem bark, roots, flowers, and corms of different plants are utilized to manage a lot of human ailments. Proper identification of these plants together with their parts remain imperative for effective utilization. Gladiolus (Iridaceae) is a genus that consists of underground corms and has strikingly showy flowers. The corms are mostly rounded and symmetrically enveloped with fibrous tunics. Species in this genus are utilized widely to treat a number of diseases and health conditions. Presently the main and sure way to identify these plants is by use of their showy flowers; however, in Kenya, this becomes a challenge during dry seasons when the plants are not in flower. Objective: This study investigated the use of features of corms as possible additional features for identification of Gladiolus species found in Kenya; Gladiolus watsonoides, G. goetzenii, G. ukambanensis and G.newii. Method: Physical and histological features of corms were evaluated according to Rolls, 2011, to investigate for possible differences across the different species. Results: Although the analysis of the cells of corms and leaves compared did not reveal any obvious differences, the outward morphologies of corms were different across different species in terms of colour, shape, and textures of the tunics. Conclusion: Therefore, corms form an additional feature of taxonomic value for identification and collection of these plants in the absence of flowers.

Evaluation and Characterization of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)germplasm lines

In the present investigation, 100 germplasm lines were evaluated and characterized by using six yield and yield contributing traits. Three parameters viz., days to maturity (medium -48 % and late 52 %), presence or absence of flowers on the main axis (absent-20 % and presence- 80 %) and 100-kernel weight (medium-97 % and high- 3%) were found dimorphic, whereas, shelling outturn showed three states of expression viz., low (23%), medium (64 %) and high (13%). The characters of dry pod yield/plot was in the range of 159 g (ICGV 201130) to 755 g (ICGV 201174) and kernel yield/plot was in the range of 97 g (ICGV 201130) to 562 g (ICGV 201174). The genotypes were grouped based on the data and further, based on the objective, the lines will be used in the breeding programme.

A new variety of Chinese radish (loba) Serdtse Podmoskovya for the Central region of Russia

The article presents the results of the selection work of the laboratory of breeding and seed production of table root crops of the Federal Scientific Vegetable Center for the culture of Chinese radish (loba). From the collection material (a total of 23 samples were studied), a promising material was selected under the number No. 600 for a complex of economically valuable features. The purpose of the research is to create a variety of Chinese radish – loba for open and protected ground. Based on this goal, the objectives of the research included: to evaluate a promising variety of loba in a nursery of competitive variety testing in open and protected ground conditions, to assess alignment according to the main morphobiological parameters, as well as to assess the safety and resistance to diseases during storage.Results. As a result of repeated individual and family selection in the direction of productivity, resistance to premature stem formation and diseases of vegetation and storage, as well as improvement of taste qualities, a new variety of Chinese radish Serdtse Podmoskovya was bred. The new variety belongs to the pink-red rounded varietal type. The root crop is flat-rounded, large in size. The flesh is white, juicy, with a slightly spicy taste. The variety is medium-ripened, the growing season is 65-75 days, suitable for use in early summer, autumn and winter, resistant to longterm storage (95-96% preservation) and low light. The yield of the variety in protected ground is 2.7 kg/m2, marketability – 88.7%, root crop weight – 533 g; dry matter content – 6.26%, sugars – 2.56%, ascorbic acid – 19.36 mg%. The variety on this background was distinguished by the absence of flowering and diseased plants. The yield in the open ground was 31.2 t/ha (3.12 kg/m2), marketability – 81.2%, root crop weight – 281 g. The variety under these conditions was characterized by a higher content of dry matter –11.0%, sugars – 3.2% and ascorbic acid – 20.13 mg%; a small percentage of flowering (9.4%) and affected plants (6.3%) was noted. For this variety, a technology has been developed for obtaining original and elite seeds according to a one-year development cycle in the conditions of the Central region ща Russia.

Reproductive phenology of critical native plant species for mineland restoration in the eastern Amazon

AbstractAmazon ironstone outcrops vegetation, or canga, is a remarkable environment in which the plants are adapted to peculiar circumstances. Knowledge regarding different aspects of this ecosystem remains modest, including necessary insights for its conservation and recovery, such as the reproductive phenology of priority species that form the plant community. This study aimed to monitor the reproductive phenology of critical native species that are categorized as rare, endemic, and/or threatened in the canga of the Amazon Rainforest, in Pará, Brazil. During February 2016 and May 2017, eleven species were evaluated regarding the presence or absence of flowering and fruiting phenophases, and these were associated with environmental variables. Phenological data were evaluated through circular statistical analysis. All studied species flowered and produced fruit during the monitoring period. The evaluated species have an annual reproductive cycle marked by seasonality and flowering peaks between March and April, during the wet season, and fruiting peaks during May, at the beginning of the dry season. The best period for collecting ripe seeds, a primary tool for the restoration of degraded areas, is June. Water availability may be essential for the establishment of annual plants and to induce flowering in both annual and perennial species. The reproductive phenophases of the studied species are concentrated within a short period and are synchronized, which may increase the possibility of cross‐pollination and minimize flower and seed predation. We discuss the challenges in including annual plants and the importance of having them and perennial species in conservation and restoration of degraded areas projects.

A DNA barcode reference library for CITES listed Malagasy Dalbergia species.

On Madagascar, the illegal and unsustainable exploitation and illegal international trade of Dalbergia (rosewood) precious woods remain a serious conservation problem. Members of this genus are at high risk of extinction as a consequence of logging, mining, and slash and burn agriculture. Morphological identification of these Malagasy species is difficult in the absence of flowers and fruits, especially in the case of cut trees, sawn wood, and finished product. In this study, we use molecular barcoding to identify the Dalbergia species with the intent to contribute to the control of their illegal trade. Thirty-six Dalbergia samples representing 12 Malagasy species of which 11 have high commercial value, were collected to test the efficacy of a region of the plastid genome (rbcL) and a nuclear-transcribed ITS for barcoding. These widely used markers, as well as DNA barcoding gaps, "best match" and "best close match" approaches, and the neighbor-joining method were employed. All samples were amplified and sequenced using the two markers. Using a single locus, the "best match" and "best close match" approaches revealed that ITS has high discriminatory power within the tested Malagasy species. The combination of rbcL + ITS revealed 100% species discrimination. This study confirms that ITS alone and in combination with chloroplast barcode rbcL allow non-ambiguous identification for the 12 species studied. The results contribute to the development of DNA barcoding as a useful tool to identify Malagasy Dalbergia and suggest that the approach developed should be expanded to all 56 potentially exploited species in reference to international CITES requirements and the sustainable management of valuable resources.

The Effect of Aposematic Signals of Plants on Students’ Perception and Willingness to Protect Them

Degradation of biodiversity is one of the current problems of today, and scientists are increasingly concerned with identifying the key factors influencing people’s willingness to protect (WTP) wild organisms. Using a within-subject design, we investigated the influence of aposematic signals along with the presence or absence of flowers on perceived danger, attractiveness and WTP plants with lower secondary school students (mean age = 13 yrs) in Slovakia (n = 423). Aposematic plants received a higher dangerousness score (mean = 2.62 vs. 2.27), higher attractiveness score (mean = 3.45 vs. 3.32) and lower WTP plants than plants without aposematic signals (mean = 3.27 vs. 3.37). Interaction terms showed that males perceived the aposematic species as more dangerous than females and were more willing to protect species lacking aposematic signals. Females rated aposematic plants as more attractive than non-aposematic plants (mean = 3.82 vs. 3.0). The presence of flowers increased the perceived attractiveness of plants (mean = 3.75 vs. 3.02) and WTP plants (mean = 3.59 vs. 3.05) and decreased perceived dangerousness (mean = 2.70 vs. 2.20). Perceived attractiveness and WTP plants decreased with students’ age. Students with a higher interest in plants rated the attractiveness of the species more positively and were also more willing to protect them regardless of the presence of aposematic signals. We conclude that the presence of aposematic signals does not directly contribute to WTP plants, but conspicuous traits with high aesthetic value, such as flowers, positively enhance WTP in Slovak students.

Development and characterization of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) induced mutant population of grass pea with yield, quality and forage traits

Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an important protein-rich annual legume crop that can survive harsh environment conditions. Genetic improvement of grass pea is highly important for expanding its production, and mutation breeding can be a valuable tool in creating additional genetic variability. In the present study, we treated totally 3000 seeds of widely cultivated grass pea cultivar, Gürbüz-2001, with two different concentrations (0.5% and 1%) of mutagen EMS for 4 hours. The germination rates were calculated as 71.6% (1074 plants) and 42.4% (636 plants) for 0.5% and 1% EMS concentrations in M1 generation, respectively. We identified several mutant phenotypes such as seedling growth defects, abnormal branching, chlorophyll mutants, absence of flowering, and sterility in M1 and M2 populations. A total of 40 mutant plants which were superior than control variety in terms of vegetative components from M2 population were selected for agronomic, quality and forage traits analysis. Plant height of mutant lines ranged from 48 (GMP29) to 164 cm (GMP4), with an average value of 109.7 cm. One of the most interesting features of some mutant lines was the significant increase in 1000-seed weight over the control value, contributing to higher yield. The seed yield ranged from 7.19 to 87.18 g, and the lines GPM6 and GMP11 showed superior values compared to the control (13.6 g), indicating the positive effect of mutation in obtaining desired traits. There were promising mutants that showed higher levels of protein content among mutated lines. The β-ODAP (β-N-Oxalyl-l-α,β-diaminopropionic acid) content of grass pea seeds ranged from 0.139% to 7.39% in selected M2 population, while the control cultivar was 0.523%. GPM6 and GPM11 were important for forage breeding with their high crude protein content, low ADF (acid detergent fiber) and NDF (neutral detergent fiber) ratios, as well as high seed and biological yield. The beneficial traits of these mutants obtained in this study should be followed to integrate as genetic resources for use in grass pea improvement programs.

A novel approach to Cestrum intermedium (mata-boi): anatomical and physical-chemical characterization, in vitro biological activities, and metabolites of a Brazilian native species

The Brazilian native species Cestrum intermedium, known as mata-boi, induces hepatotoxicity and death when ingested by cattle. While most studies on this species focus on toxicological features, our study is the first to describe the anatomy and in vitro biological activities of Cestrum intermedium. We investigated adult leaves and stems by histochemistry, described their anatomy, performed physical-chemical analysis, determined in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and identified secondary metabolites. A few noteworthy anatomical features were the anomocytic stomata on the abaxial surface and the absence of trichomes, in addition to the circular shaped petiole with two projections on the adaxial surface. Histochemical analysis showed chemical markers such as alkaloids, usually reported as toxic, and terpenoids. Potassium nitrate (ATR-FTIR) and lupeol palmitate (NMR) were detected on the crude stem extract. Thermogravimetric and physical-chemical analysis provided fingerprint parameters for the species. Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay revealed that Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Candida albicans were weakly inhibited by extract samples. Chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions presented high phenolic content, which resulted in in vitro antioxidant activity. These novel features expand the knowledge about this species, considering that previous studies mainly focused on its toxicity. Our study also provided characteristics that may help in avoiding misidentification between Cestrum members, especially when taxonomic keys cannot be employed, as in the absence of flowers and fruits.

First report of a Jujube witches’‐broom phytoplasma (16SrV) strain associated with witches’‐broom and little leaf disease of Solanum melongena in India

Solanum melongena (aubergine or brinjal; family Solanaceae) is a popular vegetable grown extensively in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Japan, Philippines, Egypt, France, Italy, and the United States (Chadha et al., 1993). Brinjal's cultivation is hampered by the Brinjal little leaf (BLL) phytoplasma. A phytoplasma survey was conducted in various brinjal production areas of Hoshangabad in Central India (Figure 1) during May 2019. Phytoplasma-like symptoms such as proliferation of axillary shoots, witches’- broom, excessive branching, little leaf and the absence of flowers and fruits when compared to symptomless brinjal plants were observed (Figure 2). For molecular detection of phytoplasma, total DNA was isolated from diseased and symptomless leaf samples (100 mg). The phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene was amplified by direct PCR using P1/P6 primers (Deng & Hiruki, 1991) and nested PCR with universal primers R16F2n/R16R2 (Gundersen & Lee, 1996), producing amplicons of the expected size (c. 1.2 kb) for the diseased (4/4) samples but not from the symptomless plant tested. Two nested PCR amplicons were purified (Wizard SV gel extraction kit; Promega, USA) and sequenced bidirectionally (Bioinovations Pvt. Ltd., India). The consensus partial 16S rRNA gene sequences were identical and the sequence data was submitted to GenBank, Accession Nos. MW025971 (BR01) and MW025257 (BR02). BLASTn analysis showed that the sequence shared 99% sequence identity with the 16S rRNA gene sequence of Jujube witches'-broom phytoplasma (MH972556, MH972553, MH972548) and ‘Candidatus Phytoplama balanitae’ (HG937644, LT558785, MH819290), Periwinkle yellows phytoplasma (EU375835) and the Elm yellows group (16SrV). Phylogenetic analysis (MEGA v 7.1) showed the closest relationships with strains of Jujube witches'-broom phytoplasma (MH972556, H744152 and MH972548) and ‘Ca. P. balanitae’ (LT558785), a member the group 16SrV, ‘Ca. P. ulmi’ (Figure 3). Six phytoplasma ribosomal groups (16SrI, 16SrII, 16SrIII, 16SrVI, 16SrIX, 16SrXII) have been associated with S. melongena globally. BLL phytoplasmas were first reported in India in 1995 (Schneider et al., 1995). In India and Japan, a BLL phytoplasma was identified as a member of the group 16SrI, ‘Ca. P. asteris’ (Kumar et al., 2012). The group 16SrVI, ‘Ca. Phytoplasma trifolii’ was also associated with BLL symptoms in India (Yadav et al., 2015). However, this is the first report of a ‘Ca. P. ulmi’ strain (group 16SrV), associated with a witches'-broom disease of brinjal in India. This finding has a significant impact for future epidemiological studies since brinjal could be an alternative host for 16SrV phytoplasma strain which affect several other important vegetable crops cultivated in Hoshangabad, Central India. The authors would like to thank to the Head of the Department of Microbiology and Vice Chancellor, Barkatullah University, Bhopal for support and encouragement.

Resolving taxonomic problems in the genus Ceropegia L. (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) with vegetative micromorphology

The genus Ceropegia L. of Family Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae comprises 213 accepted taxa distributed in tropical and sub-tropical regions of Africa, India, Australia and neighbouring regions. The taxa are mainly identified on the basis of flower morphology. A study was undertaken to reveal micromorphology of 26 taxa distributed in Western Ghats of India to solve the identity problems. The micromorphology is studied with standard microscopic methods in five replicates of each character and taxa to reveal the parameters, distribution of stomata, stomatal index, stomatal density, epidermal cell wall pattern and stomatal measurements. The data obtained was subjected to ANOVA to find out the experimental mean, standard deviation and standard error. A consensus phylogeny tree is constructed using the PAST on the basis of Jaccard similarity coefficient. Results of study revealed that, micro morphological characters, viz., type of stomata, number and characters of subsidiaries, anticlinal cell wall pattern, and stomatal index are very significant in delimitation of closely allied taxa. Beside ‘paracytic’ stomata, ‘tetracytic’, ‘isotricytic’, & ‘anomocytic’ stomatal types, and amphistomatic distribution are recorded for first time in Ceropegia. The taxa are separated easily from each other using vegetative micromorphology and can be identified even in absence of flowers. An identification key and phylogenetic tree is derived on the basis of vegetative micro-morphology and gross morphological characters.

Surviving in the absence of flowers: do nectar yeasts rely on overwintering bumblebee queens to complete their annual life cycle?

Floral nectar represents an ephemeral habitat that is restricted in time and space to zoophilous flowering vegetation. To survive in these habitats, nectar-inhabiting microorganisms rely on animal vectors to disperse from one flower to the next. However, it remains unclear how nectar yeasts persist when flowers and nectar cease to be present. Here, we tested the hypothesis that hibernating bumblebee queens function as a reservoir for nectar yeasts in the absence of plants or pollinators during winter. Our results show that the nectar yeast, Metschnikowia reukaufii, was present in the gastrointestinal tract of wild bumblebee queens that emerged from hibernation and that it could persist inside the gut of hibernating queens under experimental conditions. However, no evidence for such persistence was found in the case of the second most frequent nectar yeast, M. gruessii. Furthermore, a phylloplane yeast that occasionally inhabits nectar, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, was able to colonize the gut under experimental conditions. Two bumblebee-associated yeasts, Candida bombi and C. bombiphila, were successfully passed down generations after administration in commercial lab-reared bumblebees. Overall, these results demonstrate that bumblebees could act as a reservoir for nectar yeasts during winter when floral nectar is absent.

First Report of Peridiscaceae for the Vascular Flora of Colombia

Abstract. Peridiscus lucidus (Peridiscaceae) is recorded for the first time for the vascular flora of Colombia based on a collection from the upper Rio Cuyari, Guiania Department. This locality extends the northwestern distribution of the species in the Amazon basin to the upper Rio Negro basin. Notes about the phytogeography and habitats of P. lucidus and an updated overview of the currently known specimens using a geographic distribution map of this taxon are also included. In addition, we provide information on the distinctive vegetative characters that help identify this genus in absence of flowers and fruits. Finally, a lectotype of P. lucidus is newly designated. The discovery of this family in the upper Rio Negro region of Colombia demonstrates the value of field work through alliances between private initiatives and the Kuripaco nation.

Identificación de Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae arbustivas-arbóreas y lianas de la selva Paranaense (Misiones, Argentina) utilizando caracteres vegetativos.

En este trabajo se estudia la diversidad de caracteres morfológicos vegetativos de taxones nativos de la familia Leguminosae-Caesalpinioideae (en su sentido tradicional) de la Provincia de Misiones, Argentina, a fin de facilitar la identificación de géneros, especies, subespecies y variedades en ausencia de sus flores y frutos. Se estudiaron ejemplares de herbario de las 15 especies, subespecies y variedades de Caesalpinioideae arbustivas-arbóreas y lianas pertenecientes a 10 géneros presentes en Misiones. Los caracteres analizados fueron hábito, filotaxis, tallo, hojas, estípulas, glándulas y nectarios extraflorales, tipo de venación, pubescencia y yemas. Como resultado se presenta una clave para la identificación de todos los taxones estudiados y descripciones de sus caracteres vegetativos. A su vez se discute la variabilidad observada en los caracteres vegetativos, así como observaciones sobre distribución, hábitat y fenología. Además, se proporciona una clave vegetativa de subfamilias de Leguminosae arbustivas-arbóreas y lianas presentes en la selva Paranaense de Misiones para facilitar la identificación de las Caesalpinioideae. En resumen, estas claves serán cruciales para una identificación precisa de la subfamilia de Caesalpinioideae y sus especies, en las estaciones en que sus flores y frutos están ausentes.

Notes on a new population of the endangered Chilean tree Gomortega keule

The evergreen tree Gomortega keule (Mol.) Baillon belongs to the monotypic family Gomortegaceae and produces edible fruits. This endangered species occurs along a 200 km stretch of the coastal ranges in central Chile, fragmented in small populations at 24 localities with difficult access. Within the geographic area the present work describes a population not reported previously. Most of the 73 individuals found showed several shoots or thin trunks re-growing from damaged trees under the canopy of a forestry plantation. Only three individuals had shoots with a diameter at breast height over 10 cm. The height of the trees was less than 10 m. In more than 80% of cases, cut or burnt remains of a central trunk indicated that the original trees were damaged. These observations, and the absence of flowers, fruits and seedlings, show that the entire population is the result of vegetative regeneration. Threats posed to the species by forestry activities and fire are discussed.

Euscelis incisus(Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae), a natural vector of 16SrIII-B phytoplasma causing multiple inflorescence disease ofCirsium arvense

We investigated multiple inflorescence disease of Cirsium arvense (CMI) and its association with phytoplasmas of the 16SrIII-B subgroup, potential natural vector(s) and reservoir plant(s). From five locations in northern Serbia, 27 plants of C. arvense, 1 C. vulgare and 3 Carduus acanthoides with symptoms of multiple inflorescences (MIs) were collected and tested for 16SrIII group phytoplasmas. All symptomatic plants were found to be infected. Tentative reservoir plants and insect vectors were collected at a Dobanovci site where the continuous presence of CMI disease was recorded. Among the 19 most abundant plant species submitted to phytoplasma testing, all symptomless, the presence of the 16SrIII group was detected only in two legumes: Lathyrus tuberosus (2/5) and L. aphaca (1/5). Among 19 insect species from six families of Auchenorrhyncha, the deltocephalid leafhopper Euscelis incisus was the only insect carrying a 16SrIII phytoplasma (10% of analysed individuals). Transmission trials were performed with naturally infected E. incisus adults of the summer generation and with a laboratory population reared on red clover. After an acquisition period of 48 h on C. arvense symptomatic for MIs and a latent period of 28 days, 83% of the E. incisus adults (300/360) were infected with CMI phytoplasma. In two transmission tests, the leafhoppers successfully transmitted the phytoplasma to exposed plants (C. arvense and periwinkle), proving its role as a natural vector. Test plants of C. arvense infected with the 16SrIII-B phytoplasma expressed typical symptoms similar to those observed in the field, such as MIs or the absence of flowering, shortened internodes and plant desiccation. Typical symptoms in infected periwinkles were virescence and phyllody. The molecular characterisation of the CMI phytoplasma isolates from diseased and asymptomatic field-collected plants, vectors, and test plants was performed by sequence analyses of the 16S rRNA, rpl22-rps3 and rpl15-secY genes. Phylogenetic analyses of other members of the 16SrIII group of phytoplasmas indicated closest relatedness with clover yellow edge phytoplasma (CYE) of the 16SrIII-B subgroup.

THE CONTINUOUS FLOWERING GENE IN ROSE IS A FLORAL INHIBITOR

In rose, RoKSN, a TFL1 homologue, is a key regulator of continuous flowering. To study the function of this gene in planta, protocols of plant transformation are needed. We complemented tfl1 Arabidopsis mutants and ectopically expressed RoKSN in a continuous-flowering rose. In Arabidopsis, RoKSN complemented the tfl1 mutant by rescuing late flowering and indeterminate growth. In continuous-flowering rose, the ectopic expression of RoKSN led to the absence of flowering. In these transgenic roses, a study of genes implied in the floral regulation was carried out. The floral activator transcripts decreased whereas the FD transcription factor is up-regulated. We conclude that RoKSN is a floral repressor and could regulate the expression of transcripts as RoFT and RoFD. These results could strengthen a mechanism of competitive interactions of RoFT and RoKSN with a common partner, FD to move towards flowering or vegetative developments.

Reproductive phenology and seed dispersal syndromes of woody species in the Brazilian Chaco

AbstractQuestions(1) Do woody species flourish and fructify according to environmental seasonality? (2) Is there a positive correlation with dry/rainy season? (3) Are the flowering and fruiting of woody species positively correlated with rainfall, temperature and photoperiod? (4) Do anemochorous, autochorous and zoochorous species fructify according to environmental seasonality, i.e. dry or rainy season?LocationThorn forest, southern Midwest Brazil.MethodsQualitative data collection included the presence or absence of flowers and/or fruits of each species, independently of the development phase of their reproductive organs. A Rayleigh test was used to determine if flowering and fructification were seasonal throughout the year and to detect possible significant seasonal patterns. Spearman's rank correlation and Bonferroni correction were used to determine possible correlations between phenological events and rainfall, temperature and photoperiod.ResultsFlowering and fruiting of the woody community showed a low degree of seasonality. No significant correlations were found between flowering and fructification and the climatic variables studied: temperature, photoperiod and rainfall. Approximately 60% of the zoochorous species bore fruit during the rainy season, but with a low degree of seasonality. The fruiting of anemochorous species presented two opposite points of higher frequency, corresponding to the transition period between rainfall and drought and the rainy season. No seasonality was found. Autochorous species showed no pattern of seasonal fruiting.ConclusionsThe data on flowering and fruiting in the community studied are unexpected and contrast with studies performed in seasonal environments. Seed dispersal syndromes showed no significant seasonal events. These results differ from those usually found in markedly seasonal environments. The Brazilian Chaco can be considered an arid environment in which abiotic syndromes prevail in a manner similar to that seen in tropical dry forests.

Intraspecific Variation and Taxonomic Delimitation of <i>Munronia </i><i>p</i><i>innata</i> (Meliaceae) in Sri Lanka

Munronia pinnata (Wall) The ob (Meliaceae) is a rare, therapeutically important medicinal plant used in traditional and folklore medicine in Sri Lanka. Available species/morphotypes/ecotypes of M. pinnata in different locations exhibit diverse range of variations suggesting the possible revision of current taxonomic status. Present study compares seventy different vegetative and reproductive morphological characters in order to suggest the possible taxonomic delimitation of 13 populations of M. pinnata available in Sri Lanka. A cluster analysis and a Principle Component analysis (PCA) were performed using average taxonomic distance. A single access (sequential), key to sub specific taxa was constructed using stable morphological characters. In the cluster, APRG - 5 populations (Population collected from Ritigala forest) has got separated from all the other populations at a distance of about 100%. Populations collected from the same geographical areas (Gampaha district GPPW - 3, GPWP - 3; Moneragala district MGMG - 9 MGWW - 7; Nuwara Eliya district NEKP - 3, NEMR - 3) have grouped closely either in the dendrogramme or in PCA or both. Based on the results, it could be concluded that population APRG - 5 is distantly related to all others and deserved placing as a sub specific taxon of M. pinnata. Further, populations collected from the same geographical area seem to be closely related with one another. Sequential key prepared using morphological characters could be used for the identification of M. pinnata populations even in the absence of flowers.

Hoverfly (Diptera: Syrphidae) community of a cultivated arable field and the adjacent hedgerow near Debrecen, Hungary

A hoverfly (Syrphidae) community was investigated in a cultivated wheat field and the adjacent hedgerow near Debrecen (Hungary). We monitored the change of species richness and abundance of hoverflies along three transects in the hedgerow and in the wheat field in different distances (10 m, 20 m) from the hedgerow. The effect of sampling methods on the number of hoverfly species and individuals was analyzed. Two sampling methods were used to catch hoverflies: netting and pan traps. The whole sampling period was divided into three subperiods, which are early (22nd April–2nd June), middle (11th June–1st August) and late (6th August–11th September). Altogether 1,214 individuals of 22 species were sampled. Fourteen species with 78% of individuals belonged to the aphidophagous group, feeding on aphids as larvae. Altogether 861 individuals of 22 hoverfly species were sampled by netting and 353 individuals of 10 species by pan traps. The total number of hoverfly species was significant lower in the late period than in the early. The total abundance was higher in the middle period compared to the early. The species richness and abundance of aphidophagous species followed a similar pattern as the total species values. The species richness and abundance of hoverflies were significant higher in 10 m and 20 m distance in the wheat field than along the hedgerow. The results suggest that the pan traps were less efficient in the hedgerow than the netting, but in the wheat field they sampled more hoverflies because of visually alluring effect on hoverflies in the absence of flowers.