Bryophyte Samples Research Articles

The bryophyte flora of Fethiye Babadağ (Muğla/Turkey)

In this study was investigated the bryophyte diversity of Fethiye Babadağ (Muğla), was investigated. After identification of approximately 850 bryophyte samples collected from the research area, a total of 171 moss taxa belonging to 24 families and 68 genera, 19 liverwort taxa belonging to 15 families and 15 genera and one hornwort species were reported from the study area. Weissia armata (Thér. & Trab.) Fedosov and Fissidens arnoldii R. Ruthe were collected from the area as a second record for Turkey among the others. Additionally, Syntrichia minor (Bizot) M. T. Gallego, Pottiopsis caespitosa (Brid.) Blockeel & A.J.E. Sm., Weissia breutelii Müll. Hal, Lewinskya tortidontia (F.Lara, Garilleti & Mazimpaka) F.Lara, Garilleti & Goffinet and Orthotrichum vittii F. Lara, Garilleti & Mazimpaka which were recorded after 2000 and in very limited known localities in Turkey, were recorded from the study area. Moreover, epiphytic bryophytes of the mountain were also evaluated in this study. At the end, a total of 51 bryophyte taxa (4 liverworts and 47 mosses) were found on 17 different trees.

The Bryophyte Flora of Kanuni Campus in Karadeniz Technical Universtiy

In this study the bryophyte flora of Kanuni Campus KTU (Trabzon) was investigated between March and June in 2016. Approximately 300 bryophyte samples were collected from the study area and 102 bryophyte taxa were identified. The distribution of bryophyte taxa were 18 families, 48 genera and 94 taxa of mosses, 5 families, 5 genera and 7 taxa of liverworts and 1 family, 1 genus and 1 taxon of hornwort. 23 of the identified taxa are new records for Trabzon province .

The colonization of Bacillus thuringiensis strains in bryophytes

In our previous study, several Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains were isolated from bryophyte samples, indicating that bryophytes could serve as Bt reservoirs in the wild. SFR13 is a wild strain isolated from the bryophyta Physcomitrium japonicum. In order to understand its ecological properties, green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labelled SFR13 (SFR13GFP) was generated to evaluate the colonization capability in bryophytes, using dynamic tracing and cell counting to observe the process and patterns of colonization. Our results showed that genetic stability, growth curve dynamics, and insecticidal crystal production were not affected by GFP expression in Bt. Fluorescence microscopy was used to track the dynamic distribution of SFR13GFP. Distribution patterns showed that SFR13GFP can establish stable and long-term colonization in leaves and stems by the 26th day after inoculation. A better understanding of how Bt colonizes plants in the wild will not only result in increased knowledge of plant-microbe interactions but will also lead to a more successful and reliable use of bacterial inoculants.

Vertical distribution of epiphytic bryophytes in Atlantic Forest fragments in northeastern Brazil

The microclimatic gradient established from the forest understory to the canopy provides a range of different conditions for the establishment of bryophytes along the height of a tree. We investigated epiphytic bryophyte communities of four fragments of Atlantic Forest with the aim of describing their vertical zonation and assessing differentiation among the communities of the different fragments. In each fragment, five host trees were selected from which bryophyte samples were collected in four height zones from the base to the canopy. Furthermore, 10 plots were demarcated in each fragment where bryophytes were collected from the understory. In total, 114 bryophyte species were found on the 20 sampled phorophytes, plus an additional 51 species in the understory, for a total of 165 species. Species composition of height zones differed significantly between communities of the trunk base and the canopy. The samples from the understory included 77% of all species. Among all species found, 10 showed a significant preference for a specific height. Around 70% of the bryophyte species grew as mats; this life form occurred in all trees and height zones. The results showed a weak, yet significant, vertical gradient, which differs from what is usually found in the Atlantic Forest.

Seasonality of reproduction of epiphytic bryophytes in flooded forests from the Caxiuanã National Forest, Eastern Amazon.

This work aimed to recognize the reproductive biology of the epiphytic bryoflora of phorophytes of Virola surinamensis (Rol. ex. Rottb.) Warb. in várzea and igapó forests in the Caxiuanã National Forest, to answer the following question: The reproductive period of the bryophyte species is influenced by the environment due the climatic seasonality present in flooded forests, being higher the occurrence of the sexual and asexual reproduction in the rainiest months? The bryophytes were identified and analyzed for the type of reproduction, sexual system and reproductive structures. In total, 502 samples of bryophytes were analyzed, resulting in 54 species, of which 34 were fertile. The comparison of the fertility of the species in different environmental conditions (dry or rainy, and igapó or várzea forest) was assessed using the chi-square test. The fertility of the seven studied species could not be defined by a pattern, considering the forest type and the seasonality. However, two species were associated to the forest type and two further species to the seasonality, showing that, for some bryophyte species, invest in constant fertility may be favoring the maintenance of their populations in tropical forests.

Contribution of atmospheric deposition to tissue concentrations of mercury in aquatic bryophytes

In this biomonitoring study, we measured the temporal variations in concentrations of mercury in samples of aquatic bryophytes from rivers in a region that received large inputs of the metal via atmospheric deposition. In the first year of sampling, the presence of an important source of atmospheric deposition of Hg (a lignite-fired power plant) led, during the rainy season, to elevated concentrations of the metal in catchments situated downwind of the prevailing winds. High concentrations of the metal were even detected in samples from apparently clean rivers in isolated mountain sites within the downwind catchments. Substitution of the type of fuel (high quality imported carbon instead of brown coal) used in the power plant greatly reduced Hg emissions in subsequent years. Application of spatial interpolation techniques to dense monitoring networks with aquatic bryophytes, without taking into consideration the catchment borders, appears suitable for studying extensive atmospheric pollution derived from a large scale source of contamination. This study also demonstrates the importance of environmental specimen banks in retrospective studies of contamination, as they enable posterior analysis of contaminants that for various reasons cannot be analyzed at the time of sampling.

Tardigrada from a sub-Andean forest in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colombia) with the description of Itaquascon pilatoi sp. nov.

Currently only 32 species of limno-terrestrial tardigrades have been reported in the literature for Colombia. Our study focused on both heterotardigrades and eutardigrades, which were extracted from eight samples of bryophytes and lichens collected in a sub-Andean forest transect in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Fourteen species were found, six of which are new records for Colombia: Echiniscus madonnae Michalczyk & Kaczmarek, 2006, Echiniscus virginicus Riggin, 1962, Milnesium krzysztofi Kaczmarek & Michalczyk, 2007, Doryphoribius amazzonicus Lisi, 2011, Isohypsibius sattleri (Richters, 1902) and Diphascon higginsi Binda, 1971; and one new to science. Itaquascon pilatoi sp. nov., is characterized by having smooth cuticle, no eyes, buccal tube almost as long as the pharyngeal tube, well developed, obvious stylet furcae with long branches, slender claws, no lunules and no cuticular bars on the legs. The new species differs from I. umbellinae Barros, 1939, the most similar species, in having the stylet supports inserted precisely at the border between buccal and pharyngeal tube, more slender claws and more pronounced length differential between the external and internal claws of each leg. The total number of Colombian limno-terrestrial tardigrade species is raised to 37.

Bryophyte Ecology and Conservation in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus

Kaufmann, S. & Berg, C. 2014. Bryophyte ecology and conservation in the Troodos Mountains, Cyprus. — Herzogia 27: 165–187.In comparison with other Mediterranean islands, only little is known about the bryophyte flora of Cyprus. Based on data from about 1000 bryophyte samples in the Troodos National Forest Park in spring 2010, we attempt to determine (1) the main characteristics and importance of the bryophyte flora of the Troodos Mountains, (2) the ecological variables responsible for the occurrence of bryophytes, (3) the contribution of the bryophyte flora to nature conservation concepts and, (4) current and future threats to the bryophyte flora of the area. The Troodos National Forest Park contains a substantial proportion of the primary Mediterranean coniferous forests. We collected bryophyte presence and ecological data in 172 ten square meter data plots. We found 113 bryophyte species; most of them were slightly basiophytic, mesophile to slightly drought resistant and moderate thermophilous. Some species, like Fissidens kosaninii, Grimmia ungeri, Oncophorus dendrophilus, Orthotrichum ibericum, Orthotrichum tortidontium, Syntrichia handelii or Zygodon catarinoi are biogeographically interesting, because they can be considered as European endemics. The species number per plot depends on the structural diversity of the plots, and shows some correlation with altitude and slope inclination. Species composition is mainly explained by altitude and the macro-exposition of the habitat. Mean annual precipitation and the Aridity Index are important as well, but collinear with altitude. It is evident that the bryophytes in the Troodos Mountains prefer northerly expositions and locations of higher humidity. Sheltered microclimates enable the bryophytes to colonize areas with lower humidity. The Troodos Mountains represent a highly isolated, extraordinary hotspot for bryophytes, with importance for the whole eastern Mediterranean basin. All habitats in the Troodos National Forest Park belong to protected habitats of the EU Habitats Directive. Our results contribute to the characterization of these habitats. We could not find any substantial anthropogenic threat for the bryophyte flora in the Troodos Mountains. Forest fires and global warming are the most important threat for the bryophyte flora. An upward shift of the species can be assumed, but our results further suggest the possibility that bryophytes move to cooler, north-exposed microhabitats. This underlines the importance of relief, habitat diversity and structural variety for bryophyte conservation strategies.

Diversity of endophytic fungi associated with bryophyte in the maritime Antarctic (King George Island)

Bryophytes comprise one of the richest microfungal microhabitats in the Antarctic environment. The maritime Antarctic is very vulnerable to rapid environmental change caused by global warming. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of bryophytes as a microhabitat for fungal species in the maritime Antarctic by surveying endophytic fungal diversity from several bryophytes including Andreaea sp., Barbilophozia hatcheri, Chorisodontium aciphyllum, Polytrichum alpinum, Polytrichumstrictum, Sanionia uncinata, and Warnstorfia sarmentosa. We collected 13 bryophyte samples at four localities on Barton Peninsula, King George Island. In total, 31 endophytic fungi morphotypes were isolated from bryophyte tissues by a thorough surface sterilization method. Using internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis, 16 endophytic fungal strains belonging to Ascomycota (12), Basidiomycota (1), Oomycota (1), and Zygomycota (2) phyla were obtained. Our results suggest the presence of a diverse range of fungal species even in a very limited area, and those bryophytes play an important role in conserving fungal diversity in this harsh environment. Growth rate measurements at a wide range of temperatures confirmed that most of the fungal strains were both mesophilic and psychrotolerant. This is the first report of endophytic fungi in Antarctic moss tissue by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Structural Characterization and Chemical Classification of Some Bryophytes Found in Latvia

Bryophytes are the second largest taxonomic group in the plant kingdom; yet, studies conducted to better understand their chemical composition are rare. The aim of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of bryophytes common in Northern Europe by using elemental, spectral, and non-destructive analytical methods, such as Fourier transform IR spectrometry (FT-IR), solid-phase (13) C-NMR spectrometry, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), for the purpose of investigating their chemotaxonomic relationships on the basis of chemical-composition data. The results of all these analyses showed that bryophytes consist mainly of carbohydrates. Judging by FT-IR spectra, the OH groups in combination of CO groups were the most abundant groups. The (13) C-NMR spectra provided information on the presence of such compounds as phenolics and lipids. It was found that the amount of phenolic compounds in bryophytes is relatively small. This finding definitely confirmed the absence of lignin in the studied bryophytes. Cluster analysis was used to better understand differences in the chemical composition of bryophyte samples and to evaluate possible usage of these methods in the chemotaxonomy of bryophytes.

Predicting the natural vegetation in a region by comparing the pollen in two biological vectors: bryophytes and honey

The range of pollen that can be found around the city of Sigüenza has been analysed (La Alcarria, north-eastern region, Guadalajara, Spain), an area currently included in the territory comprising the Protected Origin Denomination ‘Miel de la Alcarria’. We studied the pollen recovered from two different types of biological sensors: bryophytes, live material used to study the recent pollen rain, and honey. The aim of this study was to try to establish the relationship between the pollen collected from both types of sensors and the existing natural vegetation in the area using comparative statistical methods. More than 7500 pollen grains were observed from the bryophyte samples and included 35 pollen types. Conversely, the pollen present in 37 honey samples contained 46 pollen types with a total of 46 000 pollen grains counted. The data presented in this study proves the relationship between the bryophyte pollen spectrum and the local vegetation present in a geographical area. However, it indicates that the pollen content in honey is a more effective measurement to determine spatial distribution of the plant species. We conclude that the pollen present in honey may better predict the vegetation in a region than that recovered from bryophytes.

Potential for fast chlorophyllafluorescence measurement in bryophyte ecophysiology

The aim of the study was to analyse if the measurement of fast fluorescence induction kinetics in bryophyte samples in field conditions could be used for characterizing the photochemistry of photosynthesis in bryophytes. Bryophyte samples were collected in five different habitats of the boreo-nemoral zone growing on various substrates. Twenty-four species were epigeic, six epilithic, ten epiphytic, three epixylic, and six semi-aquatic or aquatic. Extremely high variation was found for fluorescence parameters between bryophyte samples. Performance Index showed the highest variability, reaching 160% in the case of epiphytic bryophytes. There were statistically significant differences for mean values of Fv/Fm, RC/ABS, and Fv/F0 between epigeic and epiphytic bryophyte samples as well as between epiphytic and semi-aquatic & aquatic samples. For Performance Index, a significant difference was observed only between epiphytic and epigeic bryophytes. It was concluded that bryophytes display a low intensity of the photochemistry of photosynthesis even in relatively wet habitats. In general, measurement of fast fluorescence induction kinetics in field conditions could be a rapid and efficient tool to obtain quantitative data useful for ecophysiological studies.

Fern and bryophyte endozoochory by slugs

Endozoochory plays a prominent role for the dispersal of seed plants, and dispersal vectors are well known. However, for taxa such as ferns and bryophytes, endozoochory has only been suggested anecdotally but never tested in controlled experiments. We fed fertile leaflets of three ferns and capsules of four bryophyte species to three slug species. We found that, overall, spores germinated from slug feces in 57.3% of all 89 fern and in 51.3% of all 117 bryophyte samples, showing that the spores survived gut passage of slugs. Moreover, the number of samples within which spores successfully germinated did not differ among plant species but varied strongly among slug species. This opens new ecological perspectives suggesting that fern and bryophyte endozoochory by gastropods is a so-far-overlooked mode of dispersal, which might increase local population sizes of these taxa by spore deposition on suitable substrates.

Macroinvertebrates associated with bryophyta in a first-order Atlantic Forest stream

This study describes the composition and structure of the benthic community associated with bryophytes in a first-order stream, located in a biological reserve of the Atlantic Forest, during two seasons. During three months of the dry season of 2007 and three months of the rainy season of 2008, samples of bryophytes attached to stones were collected randomly, along a 100 m stream reach. The structure of the community was analyzed through the mean density of individuals, Shannon's diversity index, Pielou's evenness, family richness, dominance index, and the percentage of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (% EPT). Chironomidae larvae were dominant in the two periods of study, followed by Ceratopogonidae in the rainy season, and Naididae in the dry season. The orders EPT contributed 14 families. The results showed that bryophytes constitute suitable habitat which is able to shelter an abundant and diversified benthic fauna in a small extension of the stream. This habitat provides refuge during spates, and thus minimizes downstream transport of the macroinvertebrate fauna.

Spatial structure of bryophyte communities along an edge-interior gradient in an Atlantic Forest remnant in Northeast Brazil

The species richness and diversity of epiphytic and epiphyllous bryophytes were investigated along an edge-interior gradient in a large Atlantic Forest remnant in Northeast Brazil. Bryophyte samples were collected at 60 geographically randomised points, which were distributed among five zones located at different distances in from the forest edge. In each site the altitude was recorded and a hemispherical photograph was taken to determine the degree of canopy opening and light transmittance. There was no statistically significant variation of species-richness and diversity in relation to the forest edge, even at 1084 m from the edge. Instead, among the microenvironment variables studied, only altitude supported the most diverse bryophyte floras, especially epiphyllous and shade-tolerant species that are sensitive to disturbance. Besides this, the degree of canopy cover was also relevant, albeit with less significance. These results show that bryophytes respond better to scattered and unique conditions, within moderate microclimates, in the remnant itself than they do to the edge-interior gradient distances alone.

Comparison of water, sediment, and plants for the monitoring of antibiotics: A case study on a river dedicated to fish farming

Oxolinic acid, flumequine, oxytetracycline, and florfenicol are antibiotics commonly used in farming. Because an important percentage of these antibiotics given to fish and cattle ends up, directly or indirectly, in the freshwater environment, suitable tools for the monitoring of these antibiotics are needed. A French river was chosen because of the location of four fish farms and a sewage plant on its main course. First, a passive monitoring program involving water, sediment, and autochthonous bryophytes was performed at 25 sampling sites tested once every three months for one year. Second, an active monitoring method was performed using moss bags for a one-month exposure period, both upstream and downstream of each potential source of antibiotics. Sediment and bryophyte samples, but not water samples, were found to be useful for monitoring environmental contamination by oxolinic acid, flumequine, oxytetracycline, and florfenicol. Sediments and bryophytes also appeared to be complementary media for dating the river's contamination by antibiotics. Data collected by both active and passive monitoring methods confirmed contamination of the river, mainly by flumequine and oxytetracycline, attributable to fish farming but also to terrestrial animal farming and perhaps human pharmaceuticals.

The complex studying of Antarctic biota

Results of five year period of Argentina islands region Antarctic biota complex investigations are described. There were described 41 algae new for the Galindez island biogeografical polygon territory. Check-list of terrestrial algae now consists of 57 species belongs to 3 phyla. 12 species from Chlorophyta and Bacillariophyta were described for snow and cryophilic communities from Uruguay and Galindez islands. The preliminary analysis of different chord animals' groups' phenological peculiarities were carry-out. 9 fish, 14 birds and 8 mammals' species were analyzed. Complex phenological investigations of terrestrial animals from bryophytic and soil substrata were carry-out for the first time. Virus antigens were detected in samples of Deschampcia antarctica and bryophytes from Barbilophozia and Polytrichum genera. This viruses belongs to different taxonomical groups such as Tobacco mosaic virus(Tobamovirus), Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (Tobamovirus), Cucumber mosaic virus (Bromoviridae, Cucumovirus), Tomato spotted wilt virus (Bunyaviridae, Tospovirus). Deschampsia antarctica photosynthetic tissues samples investigations revealed high level of antioxidant systems on example of superoxide dismutase. Such activity shows Deschampsia antarctica high plasticity. Such peculiar properties of photosynthetic membranes of lipid-protein-pigment complexes structural and functional components are demonstration of active adaptive strategies to Antarctic limitative factors. Identified similarities lipid metabolism of various species may be indicative of the existence of a common ancestral form, but some differences in levels of lipid metabolism – on the next stages of evolutionary divergence in relation to the formation of a unique set of adaptations to the harsh Antarctic conditions. These data, together with the data of morphological, anatomical, physiological, molecular studies may be useful in assessing the evolutionary relationship of various species of Antarctic fish.

Effect of fragmentation on the community structure of epixylic bryophytes in Atlantic Forest remnants in the Northeast of Brazil

The effects of fragmentation and edge effects on the floristic composition, richness, diversity and abundance of epixylic bryophytes (growing on decaying wood) were investigated in ten fragments of Atlantic Forest remnants in the Northeast of Brazil. In each fragment, four perpendicular 100 m transects were demarcated. Along these transects, samples of bryophytes growing on decaying wood were collected. The forest fragments were grouped in three size classes (small: 500 ha). Correlation and multivariate analysis were undertaken between bryophyte flora and fragment metrics (size, form, isolation, altitude variation, nuclear area and secondary vegetation percentage and distance from the edge). A total of 99 species of bryophytes, 52 liverworts and 47 mosses were registered. The statistical results confirming fragment size is an important factor in epixylic community structure. Therefore, composition, richness, diversity and abundance can be better explained by a junction of all studied landscape factors. Bryophyte richness, the percentage of samples with the greatest coverage of decaying wood and shade-tolerant species’ distribution, were not correlated to distance from the forest edge. This suggests that edge effects are not linear or can be detected beyond 100 m from the edge, which is very important for inclusion in future studies.

Distribution of Tardigrades in Florida

Abstract The distribution of terrestrial tardigrades in the Gulf Coast states of the United States is poorly known. Only one species has been reported in Florida. In this study, bryophyte samples (47 identified species) from trees and shrubs were collected from all 67 Florida counties. Twenty tardigrade species were found: Echiniscus cavagnaroi, E. kofordi, E. virginicus, Pseudechiniscus suillus, Ramazzottius baumanni, Diphascon (Diphascon) pingue, Macrobiotus echinogenitus, two species of Macrobiotus cf. harmsworthi, Macrobiotus cf. hibiscus, Macrobiotus hufelandi, two species of Macrobiotus cf. hufelandi, Macrobiotus islandicus, Macrobiotus occidentalis, Macrobiotus richtersi, Macrobiotus tonollii, Minibiotus fallax, Minibiotus intermedius, and Milnesium tardigradum. The distribution of tardigrade species was not correlated with Florida's ecological regions. Tardigrade species richness declined from north to south in peninsular Florida.

A novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain LLB6, isolated from bryophytes, and its new cry2Ac-type gene

To isolate and characterize the novel Bacillus thuringiensis strains from bryophytes collected from Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province of China, and identify new B. thuringiensis strains and toxins active against mosquitoes. Twelve novel B. thuringiensis strains were isolated from 76 bryophyte samples. According to the results of this preliminary screening, LLB6 was the most toxic to Aedes albopictus. Then phase-contrast as well as scanning electron microscopy, bioassays, cloning, sequencing and expression were performed to characterize the novel isolate LLB6 and its new gene cry2Ac5. Bacillus thuringiensis occurred naturally on bryophytes. LLB6 isolated from Physcomitrium japonicum was toxic to A. albopictus. A new cry2Ac5 gene of LLB6 was detected, cloned and expressed successfully. Bioassays on A. albopictus showed that the expressed Cry2Ac5 was also toxic to the third instar larvae. This is the first report of B. thuringiensis strains isolated from bryophytes. It represents a specific source of new B. thuringiensis strains and is of great importance for the knowledge of the ecology of B. thuringiensis. Novel LLB6 harboring the new gene cry2Ac5 and its expressed Cry2Ac5 protein revealed activity against A. albopictus and became a new member of B. thuringiensis toxins.