Blade Margin Research Articles

Anatomical and phytochemical study of Ocimum basilicum L. leaves of two popular varieties in Ukraine

оne of the important sources of flavonoid phytonutrients is basil (Ocimum basilicum L.). Vegetative and generative organs of which have essential oils, in particular 1,8-cineole, estragole and eugenol, ascorbic acid, a rich pigment complex, as well as polyphenolic compounds with antioxidant effects. Basil realizes its antioxidant potential through anthocyanins in varieties with purple leaves and flavonoids in varieties with green leaves. The level of their accumulation, as well as other biologically active substances, depends on the variety to which the plant belongs, the degree and spectrum of illumination, soil moisture, and mineral nutrition (Priss OP, et al., 2019; Joshi RK, 2014; Trichopoulou, et al., 2000). That is why our attention was drawn to two of the most popular basil varieties in Ukraine: "Dolly" with green leaves and "Rosie" with purple leaves. Our research was focused on morphological, anatomical and phytochemical studies of O. basilicum leaves of the above-mentioned raw materials. To realize this goal, microscopy was performed using State Pharmacopoeia of Ukraine methods. Groups of biologically active substances were determined by standard qualitative reactions and the procedure was carried out using extracts or by applying directly to the sections. It was found that O. basilicum chanterelles of "Dolly" and "Rosie" varieties have a number of common and distinctive features. Both varieties of O. basilicum are characterized by the presence of dorsoventral, amphistomatic leaves, diacytic stomatal apparatus and biserial glands. The leaves differ in color, shape of the leaf blade margin, outlines of the upper epidermal cells, presence of idioblast cells with anthocyanins in the "Rosie" variety, and values of stomatal indices. The stomatal index is 27.5±2.3% for the "Dolly" variety and 25.4±2.5% for the "Rosie" variety. It was found that the leaves of O. basilicum varieties "Dolly" and "Rosie" contain such biologically active substances as anthocyanins, flavonoids, essential oil, triterpene saponins, especially expressed in the variety "Rosie" and tannins. The research results can be used in the development of a monograph on the raw materials of this species.

Reassessment of a theropod ilium from the Kem Kem beds of Morocco and the evolution of ilia in Spinosauridae

A theropod ilium MHNM KK04 from the Kem Kem Beds (Cenomanian) of Morocco was originally described as an abelisaurid. It is here reinterpreted as a spinosaurine spinosaurid. The phylogenetic relationships of MHNM KK04 were analyzed. A thorough and careful comparison between spinosaurids and abelisaurids was made. The Kem Kem ilium was identified as a spinosaurid based on the similarity to the Spinosaurus aegyptiacus neotype and the MSNM V6900 specimen (i.e., the lateral wall of brevis fossa is taller than the medial wall, the ventral margin of the postacetabular blade is straight, and the ventral margin of postacetabular process is posteroventrally oriented). However, MHNM KK04 is slightly different from the ilium of the Spinosaurus aegyptiacus neotype (i.e., the ilium dorsal margin is sub-horizontal to slightly anteriorly inclined, the dorsoventral height of the iliac blade at the postacetabular portion is approximately the same size as the blade height above the acetabulum, and the postacetabulum length is slightly longer than the ischial peduncle length). MHNM KK04, together with previous studies, shows that there were at least two morphotypes of spinosaurines in the Late Cretaceous of Kem Kem beds. Nevertheless, taphonomy, intraspecific or ontogenetic variation cannot be ruled out in the present work. This reclassification adds to the number of juvenile spinosaurines from the Kem Kem beds and provided evidence on the evolution of ilia in spinosaurids.

Molecular phylogeny and genetic diversity of the economic seaweed Meristotheca (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) in the northwest Pacific, with a description of M. pilulaora sp. nov

AbstractSpecies of the red algal genus Meristotheca are important natural resources that can be used directly as food for human consumption as well as raw materials for the extraction of carrageenan. Despite being harvested in Japan and Korea, a comprehensive taxonomic study of Meristotheca specimens from these two countries to elucidate their phylogenetic position is lacking. In this study, we aimed to clarify the taxonomic identities of specimens currently regarded as M. papulosa from Korea and Japan by analyzing morphological and molecular data. As the result, we recognized a new species, Meristotheca pilulaora sp. nov. from Korea and resurrected Meristotheca japonica for specimens from Japan. The two entities have long been identified as M. papulosa and exhibit similar external morphologies. They appeared independently in the concatenated phylogenetic tree of COI-5P and rbcL and could also be distinguished morphologically by the position of cystocarps (blade margins in M. pilulaora; marginal proliferations in M. japonica), spinose cystocarps (absent in M. pilulaora; present in M. japonica), and the number of cortical cell layers (two in M. pilulaora; 4–8 in M. japonica). The DNA analysis of M. pilulaora sp. nov. in local populations showed 11 COI-5P haplotypes on Jeju Island with no apparent geographical structure. High genetic diversity and occurrence of unique haplotypes in southern Jeju may provide a genetic basis for population with high thermal tolerance. These findings have strengthened our understanding of the species diversity of the genus Meristotheca and provided insights into conservation, management, and haplotype selection for the future cultivation of these economically important species.

Reinstatement of the Chinese species Rohdea yunnanensis (Asparagaceae)

Examination of living populations and herbarium specimens (including type material) of Rohdea yunnanensis and R. fargesii has revealed that the two species are morphologically very distinct from each other. We therefore reinstate the independent specific status of R. yunnanensis which has been placed in synonymy with R. fargesii var. fargesii. In former species, the blade margin denticulate; bract base branched or erose; perianth lobe also erose and denticulate; fruit conical and seed reniform, hilum oblique.

Molecular and Morphological Characterization of Turkish Local Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) Populations

This study was conducted for molecular and morphological characterization of 28 local eggplant genotypes (so-called “Yamula” eggplant) collected from Kayseri province, 3 Kemer eggplant, and 1 Manisa eggplant genotype, commonly cultivated in Turkey. Molecular analyses were carried out with the use of 10 ISSR and SRAP primers and 30 morphological characteristics. Morphological analyses revealed the nearest genotypes as ERU 3006 - ERU 3007. The polymorphism ratio was identified as 77.36% and 73.72% with ISSR and SRAP markers, respectively. The 25 differenet characters selected from the UPOV description list were used for the morphological characterization of the accessions. While no variation was observed in “intensity of anthocyanin coloration in calyx”, the highest variation coefficient was calculated for “leaf color” and “leaf blade margin shape” (89.60% and 86.15%, respectively). When all plant parts were divided into groups, the highest variation belonged to leaf characteristics (Variation coefficient: 59.39%), followed by the plant stem and fruit characteristics (48.14% and 43.20%, respectively). Results showed that variations exist within Yamula and between Yamula and control genotypes. Present variations could be used in eggplant breeding programs. It was also concluded that regional genetic populations inhabit a wide eggplant genetic diversity which can be a good source for further breeding programs.

Primulawolongensis (Primulaceae), a new species of the primrose from Sichuan, China.

This paper describes and illustrates a new species of Primulaceae, Primulawolongensis sp. nov. from Wolong National Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province, China. It is very rare and currently only known from its type locality. The new species belongs to subsection Chartacea of the section Petiolares on account of lacking bud scales at flowering, being efarinose and having distinct petiolate leaves with more or less rounded lamina. The new species can be differentiated from other members of the subsection by leaf blade margin dentate, and leaf veins which are not raised, scape shorter than or equal to pedicels, yellow flowers and location of stamens of the corolla tube at thrum flower. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosome internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) demonstrated that P.wolongensis was sister to subgen. Auriculastrum. Primulawolongensis is currently known from a single location in Wolong Town, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Petrocosmea panzhouensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China

The two species with lobed leaves, viz., Petrocosmea henryi and P. weiyigangii are very distinctive from other species of Petrocosmea. Here, the third species with lobed leaves, named Petrocosmea panzhouensis, from western Guizhou, China, is described. The new species is most similar to P. henryi on shape of leaf blade margin and straight filaments, but it is distinguished from the latter by shape of bracts, and shape and length of anthers. The new taxon is assessed as “Data Deficient” (DD), according to the IUCN standards.

Two new endemic species of blueberry (Vaccinium L., Ericaceae) from Luzon and Mindanao islands, Philippines

Two new species of Vaccinium from the Philippines are described and illustrated from historical herbarium collections. Vaccinium burburan from Luzon Island, Northern Philippines is morphologically similar to V. tenuipes, but is distinguished by having shorter petioles, pedicels and corolla, adaxially pubescent leaf blades with cordate base, apically pubescent corollas, and pubescent filaments throughout. It is only one of two species of Vaccinium in the Philippines known to have a cordate leaf blade base. Vaccinium burburan is considered critically endangered. Vaccinium jubatum from Mindanao Island, Southern Philippines, is morphologically similar to V. sylvaticum, but is distinguished by having a dentate leaf blade margin, shorter inflorescences and pedicels, a glabrous calyx, and shorter filaments. The dentate leaf blade margin of V. jubatum uniquely distinguishes it from other Philippine Vaccinium species. The conservation status of V. jubatum is considered data deficient. These discoveries further increase the current number of known Vaccinium species in the Philippines to 40.

A remarkable new species of Davilla Vand. (Dilleniaceae, Dolicocarpoideae) from the Brazilian Savanna supported by morphological and anatomical data

Davilla pygmaea, a new species endemic to the Brazilian Savanna, is described, illustrated and its systematic position is discussed here. The new species is closely related to D. elliptica and D. grandiflora, from which it differs by characters such as a decumbent habit, the shape of its leaf blades, the inflorescence architecture, the size and numbers of flowers, the size of the internal and external sepals during flowering and fruiting, the androecium with 126-131 stamens, and the presence and type of trichomes on vegetative organs. Anatomical characters such as the number of vascular bundles in the petiole and midrib, shape of the midrib in cross section, the margins of the leaf blades, the presence and arrangement of the fibers associated with small-caliber vascular bundles, and the presence of a fiber sheath extension in studied species also differentiate them. Histochemical tests demonstrated that alkaloids, acidic lipids, and phenolic compounds present in the leaf tissues of the new species and D. grandiflora, its closest congener, may have potential medicinal properties. In addition, the new species has its distribution mapped, its flowering and fruiting seasons delimited, and would likely be considered Critically Endangered (CR), as we have found only two populations. A key to identify Davilla species known to Goiás State, Brazil, is provided.

Gracilaria khanjanapajiae sp. nov. (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta) from the Andaman coast of Thailand

ABSTRACT Taxonomy and diversity of the Gracilariaceae has been increasingly investigated by using integrated morphological and genetic approaches. The Indo-Pacific is likely a hotspot for diversity of these macroalgae. Collections of flattened Gracilaria samples from Natai beach, Andaman coast of Thailand, were morphologically and genetically analysed. Our results clearly indicated the presence of a new species, G. khanjanapajiae sp. nov., in Thailand. In comparison to other known Indo-Pacific flattened species, G. khanjanapajiae can be distinguished by its dentate blade margin, deep spermatangial conceptacles (verrucosa-type) and numerous lateral and basal nutritive filaments within mature cystocarps. This new species resembles G. srilankia in having similar branching pattern and male reproductive structures, but differs in blade margin features. Phylogenetically, G. khanjanapajiae was more closely related to G. spinulosa from Taiwan than other Thai and Indian Ocean species. This present study highlights the continuing discovery of Gracilaria diversity and distribution in the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Vaccinium carmesinum (Ericaceae), a new species of blueberry from Mt. Tago Range, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Vaccinium carmesinum is described as a new species of Ericaceae from Mt. Tago Range, Mindanao Island, Philippines. It is similar to V. platyphyllum Merrill and V. luzoniense S.Vidal but is distinct from the former by longer and wider leaves, longer racemes, longer bracts, glabrous corollas, and glabrescent fruits, and from the latter by longer petioles, leaf glands distributed along the blade margin, glabrous rachis, and lanate filaments. Vaccinium carmesinum bears the widest leaves among Philippine Vaccinium. Its discovery increases the number of Vaccinium species recognized in the Philippines to 37.

Morphological Characterization of Okra {Abelmoschus eculentus (L.) Moench} Genotypes

The present study entitled “Morphological characterization of okra {Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench} genotypes” was carried out at the Research farm of Department of Vegetable Science, CCS HAU, Hisar during spring summer season of the year 2012 on the basis of morphological descriptors with the objective to identify key diagnostic characters of the genotypes. Observations were recorded for 14 morphological characters. Analysis of variance studies indicated significant differences among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. Highest mean fruit yield per plant was recorded for the genotype Hisar Naveen. Serration of leaf blade margin, vein colour, intensity of colour between vein, depth of lobing and petal base colour distinguished all the 20 genotypes by assigning them key diagnostic features that would certainly help the plant breeders, to use these diagnostic characters for trait specific use in breeding programme. The genotype Hisar Naveen was found as superior with high mean values for internodal length, number of nodes at first flowering, petiole length, plant height and flower diameter were recorded maximum in HBT-1-1, HBT-51-1-1, HBT-70-1 and HBT-6-7-1 respectively.

Morpho-anatomical and molecular reassessments of Rhodymenia prostrata (Rhodymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) from Japan support the recognition of Halopeltis tanakae nom. nov.

ABSTRACT We collected the deep-water species Rhodymenia prostrata (Rhodymeniaceae, Rhodophyta), for the first time in nearly 50 years, from the type locality off Mageshima Island, Japan. Our combined rbcL, cox1 and 28S rDNA analyses suggested that R. prostrata belongs in the genus Halopeltis but is distinct from all other Halopeltis species. However, the binomial Halopeltis prostrata already exists and hence a new epithet was required. Consequently, we propose the new name Halopeltis tanakae for R. prostrata based on morpho-anatomical and molecular analyses. The occurrence of small intercalating cells in H. tanakae is congruent with the generic concept of Halopeltis. Halopeltis tanakae is characterized by a procumbent thallus, crispate blades, cystocarps lacking basal constrictions, cystocarps primarily on blade margins, and mucilaginous strands in cystocarp cavities. Halopeltis tanakae is the second representative of the genus to be reported from the northwestern Pacific.

First record of Neoporphyra haitanensis (T.J.Chang & B.F.Zheng) J.Brodie & L.‐E.Yang (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) from Shikinejima Island and Hachijojima Island of the Izu Islands, southern central Japan

SUMMARYWe conducted a morphological observation and molecular phylogenetic analyses on bladed Bangiales collected from natural populations on Shikinejima Island and Hachijojima Island of the Izu Islands, southern central Japan. The morphological features of the gametophytic blades such as the blade shape, blade margin and reproductive cell divisions were extremely similar to those parameters of Neoporphyra haitanensis, a species cultivated in southern China, and Neoporphyra dentata. However, the blades collected from the two islands were thicker than the blades of N. dentata; this feature was the same as that of N. haitanensis. The chloroplast RUBISCO spacer sequences of present samples were identical to the sequences of N. haitanensis from China. Moreover, phylogenetic positions of three conchocelis strains isolated from the blades on the two islands were examined based on concatenated sequences of the chloroplast rbcL gene and nuclear 18S rRNA. The results showed that the strains were resolved in a clade including N. haitanensis; however, the strains were separated from N. haitanensis in China. Therefore, the bladed Bangiales from the two islands were identified as N. haitanensis. The present study is the first record of N. haitanensis in natural populations in Japan.

Rubus dorcheae (Rosaceae), a new species from central Nepal

Rubus dorcheae M.B. Rokaya & S. Subedi, a new Rubus L. species recorded from the subtropical forest in central Nepal is described and illustrated. Notes to distinguish it from related taxa are provided. It is closely related to R. kumaonensis N.P. Balakr. and R. rugosus Sm. but differs by having more height, both leaf surfaces green, upper surface more hairy than lower surface, leaf blade margins biserrate, sepal deltoid, tomentose on both sides, margin with 7–10 appendages, apex bifurcate or trifurcate, petals spathulate, and calyx, corolla and stamens persistent in fruit. The species is categorized as Not Evaluated based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

A new stahleckeriid dicynodont record from the late Ladinian-?early Carnian levels of the Chañares Formation (Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin) of northwestern Argentina

The kannemeyeriiforms of the latest Ladinian-?early Carnian Chañares Formation (Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin) exemplify the historical taxonomic controversies of several South American dicynodonts. Three taxa were originally recognized based on skull anatomy: “Chanaria” platyceps and two species of Dinodontosaurus (genus otherwise known in the Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence, Brazil), but in a recent taxonomic revision they were all synonymized in a single valid species (i.e., Dinodontosaurus brevirostris). The only postcranial record includes some undescribed specimens referred to D. brevirostris, an indeterminate shoulder girdle (MCZ 3459), and an ulna recently referred to Stahleckeria sp. Here we describe a new, large dicynodont specimen (CRILAR-Pv 82) from the Tarjadia Assemblage Zone (AZ) of the lowermost levels of the Chañares Formation, consisting of a right scapula, left ilium, sternum, and a few indeterminate fragments. The tall, dorsally expanded scapular blade with anteroventrally inclined dorsal margin and the anterolaterally directed acromion process broadly match the stahleckeriid morphotype. CRILAR-Pv 82 shares with Stahleckeria potens a sharp, vertical scapular spine on the anteroventral margin of the scapular blade, markedly convex in anterior view. The “hook-shaped” curvature of the preacetabular iliac process also resembles Stahleckeria potens and Eubrachiosaurus browni. These features differ at least with the Brazilian specimens of Dinodontosaurus (D. tener). The available data shows that MCZ 3459 also fits the stahleckeriid morphology, becoming the first historical record of the clade for the unit. A rigorous comparison with D. brevirostris will await the examination of more complete specimens. The dicynodont postcrania described so far from the Chañares Formation represent the oldest record of Stahleckeriinae in the Ischigualasto-Villa Unión Basin, expanding back its Argentinian record very likely beyond the Ladinian-Carnian boundary.

Phycocalidia species (Bangiales, Rhodophyta), from the warm West Coast of India

The coast of India is reported to have eight species of bladed Bangiales, five assigned to Porphyra and three to Phycocalidia. Species tend to be seasonal, occurring particularly in the winter and monsoon season. During a reassessment of the diversity of these algae on the Indian coast, a new species of bladed Bangiales, Phycocalidia sukshma M.G.Kavale & M.A.Kazi sp. nov., was discovered and is described from Karwar on the west coast of India. It was collected intertidally during the monsoon season, particularly from the uppermost part of the shore. The species is monostromatic, thin and delicate in texture with 16 spermatia per spermatangium and eight zygotospores per zygotosporangium. The blade margin is undulate with very rare denticulations. Analysis of plastid rbcL and mitochondrial COI-5P resolved Ph. sukshma as a distinct clade, sister to Brazilian and Indian specimens of Ph. vietnamensis. The COI-5P data also revealed that the species known as Porphyra kanyakumariensis Krishnamurthy & Baluswami formed a clade within the genus Phycocalidia and a new combination is made. Phycocalidia kanyakumariensis was collected during the monsoon from the Kanyakumari coast, Tamil Nadu and Mulloor and Leela beach (Kovalam), Kerala. Our work adds to the growing number of warm water species known in this group, indicating the need for further revision of the bladed Bangiales of India and globally.

Genetic Diversity of Taro Landraces from Côte d’Ivoire Based on Qualitative Traits of Leaves

Taro is an important crop species in Côte d’Ivoire. It is cultivated for its tubers and leaves. But its knowledge and genetic diversity and differentiation are very weakly documented. Several morphological types are found in rural area, but their identification is not very clear, and their agronomic potentiality is underexploited. In this context we initiated a survey and collected 213 accessions from 14 growing regions of Côte d’Ivoire. The diversity was evaluated based on seven qualitative traits of leaves (Shape of the base of the leaf, Predominant position (shape) of the leaf blade surface, Margin of the leaf blade, Leaf blade variegation, Profile of the petiolar junction, Shape of the leaf sheath, Shape of the appendix) during an experimentation conducted in rural area. The objective of this study was to characterize the collection of taros collected in different geographical zones of Côte d’Ivoire and identify the genera cultivated. Results of our study indicated that excepted margin of the leaf blade all traits are very discriminant. Several variants were observed for each of traits. According to observations and statistics analysis accessions were separated into two main groups. The characteristics of these groups indicate that taro cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire could belong to two genera: Xanthosoma and Colocasia.

Morphological and histological characterization of extrafloral nectaries induced by Coelocephalapion galls on Croton antisyphiliticus in the Brazilian Cerrado

In the Brazilian Cerrado, Coelocephalapion weevils induce galls on the leaves of Croton antisyphiliticus (Euphorbiaceae). Gall induction results in dozens of extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) being produced on the gall surface. This plant has a low number of EFNs at the margin of its healthy leaves. The interaction weevil-plant induces the overproduction of EFNs on the galls. The presence of glands on leaves and galls in the same plant is a rare condition in nature. We examined the EFNs on young and old leaves and on the surface of young and old galls, and described the trichomes and stomata on leaves and galls on C. antisyphiliticus. To measure the differences in structures we used digital photographs and standard scanning electron microscopy. Two-way ANOVA and post hoc Tuckey tests were used to compare their number and size of EFNs. We found more EFNs on galls than on leaves. No stomata or trichomes were found on the EFNs surface. The size and shape of the secretory EFNs heads on leaves and galls were different. Trichome density was higher on young and mature galls than on leaves. Trichome secretory heads on leaves are concave, while those on galls are convex. The nuclei of the EFNs epidermal cells of the leaf blade margin occupy smaller areas than those of the petiole and young galls. This study highlights the potential of gall traits that might increase plant defense against galling insects through the overproduction of these glands.

A New Endangered Species of Tragia (Euphorbiaceae) from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract—A new species (Tragia hoffmanniae) found only in the Atlantic Forest in the state of Bahia (northeastern Brazil) is presented here, with descriptions of its morphology and pollen grains; illustrations, maps, and geographical and morphological comments are also provided. The species differs from other Tragia sect. Tragia taxa in having leaves with an elliptic to lanceolate blade, caudate apex, and entire margin. A comparative table is provided to distinguish the new species from other Tragia species in the Atlantic Forest.