Alyssum Desertorum Research Articles

Ultrastructure of Leaf Mesophyll Cells of Alyssum desertorum L. under Soil Flooding

Ultrastructure of Leaf Mesophyll Cells of Alyssum desertorum L. under Soil Flooding

Micromorphology and silicon of the leaf epidermis in the psammophyte Alyssum desertorum are sensitive to soil flooding.

The ultrastructure of the leaf epidermis and the localization and content of silicon in epidermal cells of the psammophyte Alyssum desertorum Stapf (Brassicaceae) were investigated using electron microscopy and laser confocal microscopy. The study aimed to examine the effect of flooding on the epidermal structure of the leaves, study the presence, localization, and content of silicon in the epidermal cells and determine whether changes in soil moisture affect the silicon content in the leaf epidermis. Silicon inclusions were observed in trichomes and typical epidermal cells on both leaf surfaces, with varying content depending on the cell type, leaf surface, and conditions growth. Soil flooding was found to influence the leaf epidermis ultrastructure and the silicon content in the epidermal cells of A. desertorum. Trichomes and pavement cells were identified as the main accumulators of silicon inclusions and wax-like structures. These findings suggest that changes in leaf microstructure and silicon content contribute to the normal functioning of psammophyte plants and can be considered signs of plant phenotypic plasticity and adaptive markers depending on water supply conditions.

Psammophytes Alyssum desertorum Stapf and Secale sylvestre Host Are Sensitive to Soil Flooding.

While morphological and functional traits enable hydrophytes to survive under waterlogging and partial or complete submergence, the data on responses of psammophytes-sand plants-to flooding are very limited. We analyzed the effect of 5- and 10-day soil flooding on the photosynthetic apparatus and the synthesis of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70), and ethylene in seedlings of psammophytes Alyssum desertorum and Secale sylvestre using electron microscopy, chlorophyll a fluorescence induction, and biochemical methods. It was found that seedlings growing under soil flooding differed from those growing in stationary conditions with such traits as chloroplast ultrastructure, pigment content, chlorophyll fluorescence induction, and the dynamics of ADH, HSP, and ethylene synthesis. Although flooding caused no apparent damage to the photosynthetic apparatus in all the variants, a significant decrease in total photosynthesis efficiency was observed in both studied plants, as indicated by decreased values of φR0 and PIABS,total. More noticeable upregulation of ADH in S. sylvestre, as well as increasing HSP70 level and more intensive ethylene emission in A. desertorum, indicate species-specific differences in these traits in response to short-term soil flooding. Meanwhile, the absence of systemic anaerobic metabolic adaptation to prolonged hypoxia causes plant death.

Petiole micromorphology in Brassicaceous taxa and its potential for accurate taxonomic identification

Petiole anatomy is considered one of the important diagnostic characteristics that can be effectively employed in taxa discrimination at the species level. In this study, comprehensive petiole anatomy of 25 wild Brassicaceae taxa from Northern Baluchistan was carried out to examine variations in petiole anatomical features that are significant in the identification and delimitation of species. The current research first time reported Goldbachia pendula from Pakistan. The study also includes endemic taxa Farsetia hamiltonii. Variations observed among qualitative (shapes of petiole, epidermis, collenchyma, chlorenchyma, sclerenchyma, trichome, cuticle, xylem vessel, phloem, collenchyma, chlorenchyma, sclerenchyma, arrangement and several vascular bundles, presence/absence of pith, the sub-epidermal ring of collenchyma) and quantitative (diameter of petiole, pith, vascular bundles) characteristics of the petiole. Observed shapes of petiole were sulcate, flat, oval or circular with blunt or acute wings. Vascular bundles in petioles were collateral closed, collateral open, bi-collateral, or hadrocentric types with arrangements of single, 1 + 2 (one large central, two lateral) and numerous (2–20). The surfaces of petioles were marked with three types of trichomes unicellular, uniseriate, and multiseriate. Petiole of Physorrhynchus brahuicus was the largest (length 2561.8 µm, width 2004 µm). The highest numbers of vascular bundles (20) were observed in the Alyssum desertorum. Conringia orientalis possessed the largest pith (length 1711.6 µm 850.4 µm). The parameters were collected into a matrix and statistically analyzed the ability of variables to segregate taxa using Past 4.03. PCA clustering, UPGMA dendrogram revealed comparability and negative correlation at genus, among species of the same genus and distinct species. Via documentation of distinct microscopic petiolar anatomical variables, the study will be significant for the characterization and delimitation of taxa at genus and species level in the family Brassicaceae, the exploration of evolutionary and microclimatic effects on designing anatomy of taxa in distinct floristic regions.

New data on distribution of Cruciferae (Brassicaceae) in Mongolia

At the end of the 20th century the flora of Mongolia was considered very well examined. At that time V. I. Grubov (1982) had summarized its study. However, later it became clear that the flora can be thoroughly supplemented (Gubanov, 1996). In the 21st century, it became apparent that many areas of Mongolia require new, more thorough research, not only for clarifying their species diversity, but also for more specifically defining the boundaries of botanic-geographical districts. The first major attempts to combine all floristic publications were the “Conspectus of the vascular plants of Mongolia” (2014) and the first volumes of “Flora of Mongolia” (2015) prepared by the Mongolian botanists. But even these works show that Mongolia remains an endless region for the search and study of botanical novelties. One of the results of such critical search and studies of herbarium collections and field studies in 2019 is presented in this publication, which expands our knowledge on the distribution of 14 cruciferous species (Alyssum desertorum, Cardamine hirsuta, C. macrophylla, C. dentata, Chorispora tenella, Erysimum sisymbrioides, Meniocus linifolius, Neslia paniculata, Sinapis arvensis, Sisymbrium volgense, S. brassiciforme, S. loeselii, Thellungiella mollissima, Turritis borealis) and taxonomic position of Alyssum desertorum and Thellungiella mollissima.

The morphological characteristics and germination of grassland forb species after simulated digestion by sheep in the Tianshan Mountains, China

Viable seeds from dry-fruited forbs growing in the Tianshan Mountains of China are often found in livestock dung. However, the effect of ingestion on their morphological characteristics and germination remains unclear. This research assessed the germination of 15 forbs after simulated ingestion (insertion through a rumen fistula) by Kazakh sheep. Seed accessory structures (such as wings, trichomes and mucilage) were digested. Seed length, width and thickness were negatively correlated with digestion time, and 100-seed mass was negatively (but not significantly) correlated with digestion time. The means of seed morphological traits (except for the seed shape index) and germination generally decreased. Germination was negatively correlated with digestion time. Germination of Rumex acetosa, Leontice incerta and Lonicera hispida initially increased and then decreased with increased digestion time, while germination of the other 12 seeds all significantly decreased with increased digestion time. Germination of Plantago depressa, Alyssum desertorum, Lachnoloma lehmannii, Tulipa gesneriana, Tauscheria lasiocarpa and Calligonum rubicundum decreased to zero after 24h digestion, whereas the other nine seeds still had some level of vigour. Seeds of several forbs survived rumen digestion, indicating the potential for endozoochorous seed dispersal, a dispersal mechanism known to enhance survival in dynamic and harsh desert habitats.

К синтаксономии псаммофитной растительности памятника природы «Дьяковский лес» (Саратовская область)

К синтаксономии псаммофитной растительности памятника природы «Дьяковский лес» (Саратовская область)

The complete chloroplast genome of the spring ephemeral plant Alyssum desertorum and its implications for the phylogenetic position of the tribe Alysseae within the Brassicaceae

Alyssum desertorum (Alysseae, Brassicaceae) is an annual spring ephemeral plant whose life cycle is only 2–3 months. It typically has high photosynthetic capacity and a high growth rate. However, little was known about the chloroplast (cp) genome structure of this species. Furthermore, the phylogenetic position of the tribe Alysseae relative to other tribes in the Brassicaceae has not been established and there appear to be inconsistences between different DNA markers. This study is the first report on a cp genome of the genus Alyssum and discusses the phylogenetic relationships of the tribe Alysseae relative to other tribes in the family. The complete cp genome of A. desertorum was 151 677 bp in size and is thus the smallest cp genome of Brassicaceae sequenced to date. The genome includes a large single‐copy region of 81 551 bp, a small single‐copy region of 17 804 bp, and two inverted repeats of 26 161 bp each. The genome contains 132 genes, including 86 protein‐coding genes (PCGs), 38 tRNA genes and 8 rRNA genes. A total of 16 genes contained introns, including 10 PCGs and 6 tRNA genes; the ycf3 and clpP genes contained two introns, and the remaining genes each contained one. Compared to the cp genomes of 21 other Brassicaceae species, the cp genome of Alyssum desertorum was the smallest, as due to variation in gene content and gene length, such as a lack of the rps16 gene and the deletion of some coding genes. Additionally, deletions of introns and intergenic spacers were observed, but their total length was not significantly shorter than those of other taxa. Phylogenetic analysis at the tribal level based on a cp genome dataset revealed that the tribe Alysseae is an early‐diverging lineage that is sister to other species within subclade B of clade II.

Irrigation Periods and Fe, Zn Foliar Application on Agronomic Characters of Borago officinalis, Calendula officinalis, Thymus vulgaris and Alyssum desertorum

ABSTRACTTo evaluate the effects of irrigation period and iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) foliar application on agronomic characters in Borago officinalis, Calendula officinalis, Thymus vulgaris and Alyssum desertorum, investigations were performed in a complete randomized block design with three replications in 2014 and 2015. The factors applied were (a) Fe foliar application (0, 200, 400, 600 ppm), (b) Zn foliar application (0, 200, 400, 600 ppm) and (c) irrigation periods (3, 6, 9 days). Results showed that Fe and Zn had a significant effect on many factors including shoot dry matter, height, flower production (marigold, borage and thyme) and seed (alyssum). Interaction of 400 ppm of Zn and Fe with irrigation period every 3 days was the best and produced the best amounts in most of the measured characters. The lowest of the measured characters was 600 ppm of Fe and Zn by irrigation period of 9 days. Results showed that Zn micronutrient was more effective than Fe.

Alyssum desertorum Stapf (Brassicaceae), new for the Italian flora

AbstractThe occurrence of Alyssum desertorum, a species belonging to A. sect. Alyssum, is reported for the first time in Italy. It was found in Abruzzo (central Italy) in the territory of National Park of Gran Sasso and Laga mountains and surrounding areas. Morphological similarities with the other taxa recorded in Italy belonging to A. sect. Alyssum are briefly discussed. Information about the typification of the name, habitat, phenology and distribution in Italy are also provided.

Ethno-botanical medicines used for urinary stones in the Urmia, Northwest Iran

IntroductionEthnomedicinal studies are one of the important routes to find potential medicinal plants for drug discovery purposes. In this study, we aimed to consider ethnopharmacological remedies used for urinary stones in Urmia, northwest Iran. MethodsThis work was based on interviews and questionnaires with traditional healers. All the mentioned medicinal herbs were collected and identified with the help of traditional healers in the city and suburb. ResultsThere were 47 traditional healers working in the spice shops (Attari) in Urmia and 35 of them agreed to cooperate with us. 16 medicinal herbs from 13 families were mentioned by traditional healers. Brassicaceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae were the predominant families with 2 plants most commonly reported. The most commonly used part was the aerial parts (41.1%). Also, the main method of preparation was decoction (72.7%). Five plants were mentioned by more than 70% of traditional healers as treatment for urinary calculi. Alhagi camelorum Fisch had the highest Frequency of Citation (FC) percentage 88% while the least FC percentage was exhibited by Alyssum desertorum Stapf. and Ruta graveolens L. which was 20%. ConclusionPharmacological activities of reported plants in this study were searched in published works all around the globe. Findings show that most of examined in-vitro, in-vivo or human to prevent or treat urinary calculi. Also, for some plants, although no direct evidence exists for urinary calculi, it is likely that they may have an effect on urinary stones because of their active ingredients.

Using long-term datasets to study exotic plant invasions on rangelands in the western United States

Invasions by exotic species are generally described using a logistic growth curve divided into three phases: introduction, expansion and saturation. This model is constructed primarily from regional studies of plant invasions based on historical records and herbarium samples. The goal of this study is to compare invasion curves at the local scale to the logistic growth curve using long-term datasets. Five datasets ranging 41–86 years in length were recovered from five sites in four western states. Data for the following seven exotic species were analyzed using regression analysis to evaluate fit to a non-linear sigmoidal logistic curve: crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), dwarf alyssum (Alyssum desertorum), cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana), halogeton (Halogeton glomeratus), Russian thistle (Salsola tragus) and tumble mustard (Sisymbrium altissimum). A greater variety of curve shapes was documented by long-term datasets than those published based on herbaria sampling. Only two species from three different sites and with three different data types met the criteria for fitting a logistic curve. Many of the other species/location combinations were characterized by sporadic spikes and crashes. The general lack of fit with the model may be the results of the complex interactions that drive vegetation change in rangeland environments.

The earliest finds of cultivated plants in Armenia: evidence from charred remains and crop processing residues in pisé from the Neolithic settlements of Aratashen and Aknashen

Analyses of charred remains and impressions of chaff in pise (mudbrick) from the Neolithic sites of Aratashen and Aknashen (sixth millennium cal b.c.) situated in the Ararat valley in Armenia demonstrate that naked barley and possible naked (free-threshing) wheat together with emmer and hulled barley were common. Two lesser known crucifers, Camelina microcarpa (false flax) and Alyssum desertorum (alyssum) were found in the form of crop processing residues. These were frequent in the pise, indicating their use perhaps as an oil source. Lens culinaris (small-seeded lentil) and Vicia ervilia (bitter vetch) were recovered both as carbonized seeds and from crop processing residues in the pise. False flax and bitter vetch were less common than alyssum and lentil. Two charred pips of Vitis vinifera (wild vine) were recovered, suggesting the early use of vines in the region. Flotation samples alone would have provided limited data; examination of crop processing residues used for tempering pise provided important evidence of the plant economy at these two sites.

Brood Habitats of Sympatric Sage Grouse and Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse in Wyoming

Habitats used by sympatric sage grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) were compared. Sage grouse broods occurred most often (68%) in sagebrush (Artemisia spp.)-grass and sagebrush-bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata) habitats, whereas sharp-tailed grouse broods occurred most often (73%) in mountain shrub and sagebrush-snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus) habitats. Mountain shrub and sagebrush-snowberry habitats were used by sharptailed grouse more (P < 0.05) than expected based on their availability. Broods of both species used areas within each habitat with less shrub cover than average for that habitat. Sharp-tailed grouse broods were associated with mountain snowberry, oniongrass (Melica spp.), and sulphur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum). Sites used by sage grouse contained needle-and-thread (Stipa comata) and desert alyssum (Alyssum desertorum). J. WILDL. MANAGE. 54(1):84-88 Distribution of sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse historically overlapped in 8 western states (Aldrich 1963). The geographic range of both species has been reduced, and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse currently occupy <10% of their former range (Miller and Graul 1980). Presently, Columbian sharp-tailed grouse occur only in Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Montana, Washington, and British Columbia (Miller and Graul 1980). Although habitat use patterns have been documented for sage grouse (Dalke et al. 1963, Klebenow 1969, Rothenmaier 1979) and sharp-tailed grouse (Rogers 1969, Oedekoven 1985, Marks and Marks 1987) independently, habitat use has not been investigated for the 2 species when they occur sympatrically. Both species occupy shrub-steppe communities (Dalke et al. 1963, Marks and Marks 1987) dominated by sagebrush and other shrubs including rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus spp.), antelope bitterbrush, and common chokecherry (Prunus virginiana). The objectives of our study were to document vegetation types used by sage and sharp-tailed grouse broods and to examine whether sites used by the 2 species differed structurally or vegetatively. Funding was provided by the Rawlins District of the Bureau of Land Management. We gratefully acknowledge L. J. Saslaw and J. R. Farrell of the Bureau of Land Management and D. L. Moody of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department for assistance in locating grouse leks. S. P. Gallagher and A. L. Vail-Klott assisted with vegetation sampling and locating grouse broods. We thank W. R. Eddleman for comments on early drafts of the manuscript. This study was conducted under the auspices of the Wyoming Cooperative Fishery and Wildlife Research Unit, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, University of Wyoming, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and Wildlife Management Institute cooperating.

Notes on the Flora of Jordan 13. New and Noteworthy Dicotyledonous Plants

The species recorded in this paper have recently been collected from Jordan. Some of them are recorded for the first time, such as: Hormuzakia aggregata, Atriplex semibaccata, Filago gallica, Lactuca viminea, Alyssum desertorum, Sterigmostemum sulphureum, Prunus ursina, Symrnium connatum and Valerianella echinata. The others have been collected from new localities, confirming their presence (as they were previously doubtfully or rarely recorded). These are: Achillea membranacea, Bufonia ephedrina, Capparis parviflora, Cnicus benedictus, Daucus jordanicus, Euclidium syriacum, Linum album, Smyrniopsis cachroides and goegea purpurea. Specimens of the species mentioned have been deposited at the herbarium Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan (AMM). Some duplicates have been sent to Kew (K) and Reading University (RNG) herbaria. Distribution of taxa in Jordan is shown in the maps 1-3. This project is supported by the University of Jordan.

CHROMOSOME NUMBERS OF THE FAMILY CRUCIFERAE. I

Chromosome numbers are given for 69 collections of 24 species of Cruciferae in the genera Alyssum, Arabidopsis, Arabis, Barbarea, Cakile, Eutrema, Hali-molobos, Nasturtium, Rorippa, Thellungiella, and Turritis. The following chromosome numbers are reported for the first time: Alyssum desertorum, n = 16; Arabis canadensis, 2n = 14; A. divaricarpa, 2n = 13 + 2B, 14, 20 + 2B, 21, 28; A. drummondii, 2n = 20; A. holboellii, 2n = 13 + 2B, 20 + 2B; A. lemmonii, 2n = 14; A. lyallii, 2n = 21; A. lyrata, 2n = 32; A. pendulocarpa, 2n = 14; Barbarea orthoceras, 2n = 16; Cakile edentula, 2n = 18; Rorippa curvisiliqua, 2n = 16; Thellungiella salsuginea, 2n = 14. It is concluded that species of Arabis native to North America and western Greenland have the base number x = 7 and many of them are apomictic whereas Eurasiatic species of this genus have an x = 8 base number and are sexual.