Arizonica Var Research Articles

Two fossil conifer species from the Neogene of Alonissos Island (Iliodroma, Greece)

Alonissos (Iliodroma) Island is really famous to palaeobotanists because of the type locality of Glyptostrobus europaeus (Brongniart) Unger only. Since the first report of the latter holotype no palaeobotanical work has taken place in Alonissos. This is the first research of the fossiliferous locality, along with new palaeobotanical, palynological and gastropod findings, revealed after 200 years. Among the collected material, a xylitic specimen was studied and identified as Pinuxylon alonissianum Mantzouka & Sakala, sp. nov. The presence of this species points to botanical affinities with sections of Diploxylon Pines (Pinus leiophylla var. chihuahuana (Engelm.) Shaw, P. arizonica Engelm., P. arizonica var. cooperi (C.E.Blanco) Farjon, P. engelmannii Carrière and P. jeffreyi Balf.) especially from Central America (Sierra Madre Occidental and Oriental of Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon and Sierra Nevada). This is the first research of this kind revealing as the Nearest Relative bioprovince of the studied Greek fossil pine wood Central America and not Himalayas or Asia. Moreover, a palynological study and an analysis of fossil molluscs were carried out for the first time, giving more data regarding the palaeovegetation and palaeoclimate of the area. Finally, the holotype of Glyptostrobus europaeus (Brongniart) Unger, housed in the collections of the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris (MNHN), is found, photographed and presented for the first time.

A New Variety ofChoisya arizonica(Rutaceae) from Arizona, U.S.A.

A new variety of the evergreen shrub Choisya arizonica Standl. (Rutaceae) is described. It differs from the typical form in having longer and broader leaflets and thus larger leaves. The new variety C. arizonica var. amplophylla Toolin occurs in a few localities in southeastern Arizona with igneous rock substrates, rather than on soils derived from limestone substrates normally colonized by the species.

Phylogenetic Systematics of the Genus <I>Mertensia</I> (Boraginaceae)

The diversity of Mertensia (Boraginaceae), a monophyletic group that is widely distributed in Asia, Beringia, North America, and circumboreal locales, has presented considerable taxonomic difficulties. Phylogeny reconstructions based on DNA sequence data from eleven chloroplast (cp) regions were used to infer evolutionary lineages, address problematic taxonomic circumscriptions, test hypotheses of relationships, and discuss variation of morphological characters in Mertensia (Boraginaceae). Phylogenetic analyses using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference consistently recovered three clades that largely correspond to geography. One clade consisted of a grade of Asian taxa, a Beringian subclade, and a circumboreal subclade. A second clade consisted of the Beringian M. rivularis and was weakly to moderately supported as sister to a third clade, which consisted only of North American taxa. Although we recovered weak support for many of the deeper nodes in the North American clade, our results provided moderate to strong support for 13 subclades. Hypothesis testing using the Shimodaira-Hasegawa (SH) and Approximately Unbiased (AU) tests rejected several earlier hypotheses of relationships except for three models of relationships suggested by Williams: (1) section Mertensia sensu Williams; (2) M. oreophila and M. oblongifolia var. nevadensis sensu Williams; and (3) M. arizonica var. arizonica, M. arizonica var. subnuda, M. grahamii, and M. toyabensis sensu Williams. In the latter three cases, alternative phylogenetic hypotheses were rejected by the AU test but not by the SH test. The North American clade includes M. ciliata, M. lanceolata, M. oblongifolia, and M. viridis, for which broad circumscriptions by some authors have been especially problematic. Our phylogenetic results recovered these taxa as polyphyletic and hypothesis tests rejected the monophyly of each of these species when treated broadly. We recommend narrow circumscriptions for each of these taxa and suggest further studies of the oblongifolia complex. Our results represent the first and most comprehensive molecular phylogeny to date for Mertensia. We propose to emend the section Stenhammaria to include Asian, Beringian, and circumboreal taxa. New combinations include: Mertensia grahamii, Mertensia longipedunculata, Mertensia ovata var. caelestina, and Mertensia parvifolia.

A new genus of pine-feeding Cochylina from the western United States and northern Mexico (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Euliini).

Eupinivora, new genus, is described and illustrated from the montane regions of western United States (Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and Mexico (Nuevo León, Durango, and Estado de Mexico). As presently defined, the genus includes seven species: E. ponderosae, n. sp. (USA: Arizona) (type species); E angulicosta, n. sp. (Mexico: Nuevo León); E. albolineana, n. sp. (Mexico: Durango); E. thaumantias (Razowski, 1994), n. comb. (Mexico: Estado de Mexico); E. hamartopenis (Razowski, 1986), n. comb. (Mexico: Durango); E. unicolora, n. sp. (Mexico: Durango); and E. rufofascia, n. sp. (Mexico: Durango). The new genus is most closely related to Henricus Busck, 1943, from which it can be distinguished by the short upturned labial palpi, the presence of a variable cluster of long spine-like external setae from near the middle of the phallus in the male genitalia, the absence of cornuti in the vesica, the absence of the subgenital sex scales in the male, and a forewing pattern that in most of the included species is reminiscent of that of Argyrotaenia ponera Walsingham and its relatives. Four of the new species were reared from the cones of Pinus arizonica var. cooperi Blanco (Pinaceae) and one from Pinus ponderosa P. & C. Lawson; all of the species occur in habitats dominated by conifers at elevations between ca. 1700 and 2750 m. Two specimens from New Mexico were collected in traps baited with a synthetic pheromone for the bud worm Choristoneura lambertiana (Busck, 1915) (Archipini)-90% 92:8E:Z11-14AC, 10% 90:10E:Z11OH--which is consistent with that recorded for other Cochylina.

Composition, Mosquito Larvicidal, Biting Deterrent and Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils of Different Plant Parts of Cupressus arizonica var. glabra (‘Carolina Sapphire’)

Essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of female cones (FC), male cones (MC), needle-twigs (NT) and wood-bark (WB) of 'Carolina Sapphire' [Cupressus arizonica var glabra (Sudw.) Little] were analyzed simultaneously by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main constituents of the investigated essential oils were as follows: FC: alpha-pinene 68.5% and myrcene 11.9%; MC: alpha-pinene 22.5%, epi-zonarene 9.9%, zonarene 6.9%, limonene 6.8% and cadina-3,5-diene 6.1%; NT: alpha-pinene 20.7%, epi-zonarene 10.4%, zonarene 7.6%, limonene 5.9% umbellulone 5.8% and cadina-3,5-diene 5.8%; WB: alpha-pinene 40.7%, limonene 3.2% and umbellulone 2.9%. Essential oils were evaluated for antifungal activity against the strawberry anthracnose causing fungal plant pathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, C. fragariae and C. gloeosporioides. Only WB essential oil showed moderate activity when compared with the commercial antifungal standards. Carolina Sapphire essential oils exhibited biting deterrent activity at 10 microg/cm2 with Biting Deterrence Index (BDI) values of 0.64, 0.59, 0.65 and 0.72, for FC, MC, NT and WB, respectively, and were significantly lower (P < or = 0.05) than the synthetic insect repellent, DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), at 25 nmol/cm2 against Aedes aegypti. The biting deterrence of NT and WB oils at 100 microg/cm2 with BDI values of 1.04 and 1.01, respectively, were similar, whereas the activity of MC (BDI = 0.88) and FC (BDI = 0.62) essential oils was lower than DEET at 25 nmol/cm2. Essential oil from FC with LD50 of 33.7 ppm was most toxic against 1-day-old Ae. aegypti larvae at 24-h post treatment. Female cone essential oil was significantly more toxic than MC (LD50 = 53.6 ppm), NT (LD50 = 55.5 ppm) and WB (LD50 = 44.6 ppm) essential oils.

Further Nomenclatural Action for the Cypresses (Cupressaceae)

The relationships among cypress species of the closely related genera Cupressus L., Callitropsis Oerst., and the recently described Hesperocyparis Bartel & R. A. Price were examined using morphological characters. Previous studies did not fully resolve New World and Old World cypresses, the status of Cupressus duclouxiana B. Hickel, Cupressus benthamii Endl., and Cupressus funebris Endl. being in question. Cupressus duclouxiana is sister to Hesperocyparis and Cupressus benthamii is sister to Callitropsis, while Cupressus funebris is considered a basal taxon to all other Cupressus investigated. The intrusion of Hesperocyparis lusitanica (Mill.) Bartel characters into the standard descriptions of Cupressus torulosa D. Don ex Lamb. is examined in order to clarify the differentiation of the respective genera. An emended description of Callitropsis constituting a grade of three species is provided. The new combination, Callitropsis funebris (Endl.) de Laub. & Husby, is provided for Cupressus funebris. Five names at new varietal rank are transferred to Hesperocyparis, as H. arizonica (Greene) Bartel var. nevadensis (Abrams) de Laub. [≡ Cupressus nevadensis Abrams], H. arizonica var. montana (Wiggins) de Laub. [≡ Cupressus montana Wiggins], H. goveniana (Gordon) Bartel var. abramsiana (C. B. Wolf) de Laub. [≡ Cupressus abramsiana C. B. Wolf], H. goveniana var. pygmaea (Lemmon) de Laub. [≡ Cupressus goveniana Gordon var. pygmaea Lemmon], and H. lusitanica var. lindleyi (Klotzsch ex Endl.) de Laub. [≡ Cupressus lindleyi Klotzch ex Endl.].

Effects of soil nutritional status on seedling nursery performance of Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica var arizonica Greene) and Medite cypress (Cupressus sempervirens var. horizantalis (Mill.) Gord)

The present research was carried out to determine the influence of different combinations of organic matter as growing media on seed germination, survival, growth, biomass and performance of needle-leaved Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica var arizonica Greene) and Medite cypress (C. sempervirens var. horizantalis (Mill.) Gord) seedlings in Koloudeh nursery, located in Amol city (North of Iran). Seeds were sown in plastic pots as randomized completely block design (RCBD) with four replications atfour different soil treatments, including: T1) nursery common soil (control), T2) control soil: cattle manure (5:1), T3) control soil: decomposed litter (5:1), T4) control soil: cattle manure: decomposed litter (5:1:1). The results after one year showed that seedlings of both species grown on T4 obtained better germination percent, survival, shoot height, collar diameter, seedling vigor index and Quality Index (QI). Greatest relative growth rate (RGR) of height and diameter were achieved on organic matter treatments. In most of the studied attributes, response of C. arizonica was better than C. sempervirens, showing the different biological requirements of these species. From the study, it is concluded that the increased of soil nutrient can be useful in seedling production of both species. Key words: Biomass, Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus sempervirens, organic matter, quality index, vigor index.

Drying and Rehydration of Atlantic White Cedar, Arizona Cypress, Eastern White Pine, Leyland Cypress and Virginia Pine Christmas Trees

Drying and rehydration characteristics were measured for Atlantic white cedar [Chamaecyparis thyoides (L.) B.S.P.], Arizona cypress [Cupressus arizonica var. glabra `Carolina Sapphire' (Sudworth) Little], Leyland cypress [× Cupressocyparis leylandii (A. B. Jacks. &amp; Dallim.)], Virginia pine (Pinus virginiana L.), and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) Christmas trees. Species varied in drying rate, loss of mass during display, water use after rehydration, the relationship between moisture content and xylem water potential (Ψ), and keeping quality. Leyland cypress and Arizona cypress rehydrated from Ψ values as low as –5.0 MPa, and remained in good condition after rehydration. The critical moisture content for Virginia pine and white pine was between –2.5 and –3.0 MPa. The ability of Atlantic white cedar to rehydrate decreased quickly with time out of water, and water consumption dropped sharply within a few days after placement in water. Change in fresh mass varied from +1% for Arizona cypress to –29% for Atlantic white cedar. Keeping quality of Virginia pine was poor, even for trees that were placed in water the day of cutting.

Propagation of ‘Carolina Sapphire’ Smooth Arizona Cypress by Stem Cuttings: Effects of Growth Stage, Type of Cutting, and IBA Treatment

Abstract Stem cuttings of ‘Carolina Sapphire’ smooth Arizona cypress [Cupressus arizonica var. glabra (Sudw.) Little ‘Carolina Sapphire’] consisting of 30 cm (12 in) terminals or distal [terminal 15 cm (6 in)] and proximal [basal 15 cm (6 in)] halves of 30 cm (12 in) terminals were taken on three dates associated with specific growth stages (semi-hardwood, hardwood, and softwood). Cuttings were treated with indolebutyric acid (IBA) in 50% isopropanol ranging from 0 to 16,000 ppm (1.6%) and placed under intermittent mist. Regardless of cutting type and auxin treatment, cuttings rooted at each growth stage. Overall percent rooting was highest during the hardwood stage (70%), followed by the semi-hardwood stage (44%). Softwood cuttings exhibited the lowest overall rooting (33%). At each growth stage, percent rooting, root count, and root dry weight varied depending on cutting type and IBA treatment. Rooting percentages ≥70% were attained at the semi-hardwood and hardwood growth stages for particular treatment combinations.

Nitrogen Nutrition of Containerized Cupressus arizonica var. glabra ‘Carolina Sapphire’

Abstract Rooted stem cuttings of ‘Carolina Sapphire’ smooth Arizona cypress [Cupressus arizonica var. glabra (Sudw.) Little ‘Carolina Sapphire’] grown in calcined clay in 3.8 liter (#1) containers were fertilized daily for 16 weeks with a complete nutrient solution containing 0, 20, 40, 80 or 160 mg N/liter supplied as ammonium nitrate. Plant heights and stem diameters were unaffected by N rate suggesting that a daily nutrient application of 20 mg N/liter was adequate for maximizing growth. Nitrogen fertilization increased heights and stem diameters by 71% and 56%, respectively, compared to the nontreated controls (0 mg N/liter). Even though shoot growth was unaffected by increasing N levels, foliage N concentration was positively correlated (r = 0.75, P &amp;lt; 0.0001) to N levels. As N concentration increased, total root area and total root length increased quadratically. Nitrogen fertilization increased root area and root length 119% and 108%, respectively, compared to the nontreated controls. Phosphorus concentration of shoots increased quadratically with increasing N levels. Nitrogen rate failed to affect K concentration of shoots. Shoot Ca and Mg concentrations decreased with increasing N levels.

Disappearance of Plant Material Under a Winter Snow Cover

Disappearance of plant material from fine—mesh nylon bags occurred during the late fall, winter, or early spring when mountain ranges in central Utah are generally snow covered. Quantitative loss of matter from leaves and stems of two grasses and two broad—leaved forbs was mostly attributed to decomposition by fungi and bacteria and to leaching. Loss of material from bags in direct contact with the snow cover during two consecutive winter periods averaged 30% for the relatively coarse Agropyron trachycaulum, 39% for Bromus inermis, 48% for Lupinus alpestris, and 51% for Mertensia arizonica var, leonardi. The ratio of leaf to stem weights decreased with all aspects.

Carbohydrate Reserves in Mertensia Arizonica as Related to Growth, Temperature, and Clipping Treatments

Growth of aerial stems and carbohydrate content of the caudices of Mertensia arizonica var. Leonardi were determined at several stages of development under controlled conditions. Carbohydrate analyses were made similarly for field—grown plants, with and without single clipping treatments at several stages of development. Best growth and accumulation of carbohydrate occurred at controlled temperature alternations of 20°C (day) and 10°C (night). The trends in carbohydrate levels were the same for growth under controlled conditions and in the field: an initial decrease during early vegetative growth followed by an increase to the time of senescence of aerial stems. Single clipping treatments had no effect on carbohydrate levels nor on the timing of utilization and storage.