Floral Characters Research Articles

Subspecies delineation of Ziziphora clinopodioides complex (Lamiaceae) based on morphological, sequence-related amplified polymorphism and essential oils analyses

Ziziphora clinopodioides (Lamiaceae) is recognized as a native Iranian herb used for the treatment of diarrhea, intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting. There is lack of consensus among some authors on its taxonomic boundaries at the subspecific level. To resolve this issue, the present study aimed to employ a combination of morphological, molecular, and phytochemical analyses. Firstly, 90 vegetative and floral characteristics were measured from 90 specimens of this species followed by conducting multivariate analyses on the 46 significantly discriminating morphological traits. Additionally, molecular markers (SRAP) were utilized generating 601 total loci of which 593 (98.31%) were polymorphic. The SRAP markers proved to be efficient, as demonstrated by the principal component analysis plot, which grouped all individuals according to their morphotypes, regardless of geographical location. According to the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), 10.69% of the total variations were associated with within-populations, while 89.31% were observed among populations. Furthermore, chemical analysis of essential oils (EOs) revealed the presence of Pulegone, 1,8-Cineole, and P-Mentha-3-n-8-ol as the major (>10%) EOs constituents in Z. clinopodioides. Notably, eight EOs compounds (Menthone, B-Pinene, Terpinen-4-ol, Minth-furanone, a-Thujene, Tricyclene, Caryophyllene-oxide, and Germacrene-d) identified in this study, show reliable yields with chemotaxonomic significance within the complex. A high correlation between the genetic markers and EOs content (Pearson’s correlation coefficient, r = 0.6) suggests that genetic markers may be linked to the EOs constituents. Overall, our results obtained from a combination of morphological, molecular, and chemical analyses indicate that nine subspecies of the Z. clinopodioides complex could be decreased to four subspecies.

A new tree species of Compsoneura (Myristicaceae) from the Andean forests on the Eastern Cordillera Range, Colombia.

Compsoneuracrassitepala, a new species of Myristicaceae is described, illustrated and its morphological relationships with related species are discussed. This new species is found in Andean forests between 1400 and 1900 m a.s.l., located in the mountainous area of the Magdalena River Basin, Department of Boyacá, Colombia. Compsoneuracrassitepala closely resembles Compsoneuralapidiflora in having a thick perianth in pistillate flowers. However, it differs by its leaves, which exhibit weak and partially brochidodromous venation with dendritic trichomes featuring a single axis on the underside. Additionally, it has floral characteristics such as a zig-zag pattern in the rachis direction of inflorescence and unusually thick, fleshy tepals in staminate flowers. Moreover, C.crassitepala is a remarkable species recorded at higher altitudes in Colombia, in an otherwise predominantly lowland forests genus (below 1550 m). A taxonomic key for the identification of the species of the genus is provided.

Non-targeted analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry to assess the free and bound aroma fingerprints of the emblematic Greek white winegrape varieties and guarantee varietal authenticity using multivariate chemometrics.

A non-targeted analytical approach using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is proposed for the analysis of the free and bound volatile fractions of three emblematic indigenous Greek white winegrape varieties belonging to Vidiano, Malagousia, and Savvatiano and establish volatile varietal markers using multivariate chemometrics. A total of 89 free and 103 bound volatile compounds were identified, categorized into alcohols, aldehydes, esters, acids, terpenes, norisoprenoids, C6 compounds, phenols, and ketones. A robust Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) prediction model was developed and validated, and successfully classified the grape samples according to the variety with 100% accuracy, demonstrating the potential of volatile profiling as a non-targeted fingerprinting approach for varietal discrimination. Malagousia variety exhibited the highest concentration of terpenes, particularly in the bound fraction, highlighting its intense floral character. The proposed analytical workflow was successfully applied for the investigation of the unique aroma profiles of Greek white winegrape varieties. The findings contribute to the understanding of unique volatile fingerprints of the winegrape varieties and support the adaptation of vineyard and winery practices to enhance their varietal expression.

EFFECT OF SPRAYING WITH BENZYLADENINE AND PHOSPHORUS ON THE GROWTH, FLOWERING AND CONTENT OF ACTIVE COMPOUNDS OF CALENDULA OFFICINALIS

This study aimed to investigate the effect of spraying benzyladenine and phosphorus on growth, flowering, and medicinal active compound content of Calendula officinalis cultivar "Bon Bon” under wooden shade conditions. The experiment was conducted using a factorial experiment within Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates, examining two factors: benzyladenine at three concentrations (0, 50, and 100 mg L-1) and phosphorus at three concentrations (0, 2.5, and 5 mg L-1). The results indicated that benzyladenine (BA2) and phosphorus (P2) treatments significantly enhanced vegetative and floral growth, including plant spread, height, leaf number, branch number, and both fresh and dry weights. Additionally, these treatments improved floral characteristics such as flowering duration, number of flowers, flower diameter, peduncle length, peduncle diameter, fresh and dry flower weights, and flower longevity on the plant.

Effects of Floral Characters on the Pollination Biology and Breeding System of Iris setosa (Iridaceae): A Cold-Tolerant Ornamental Species from Jilin Province.

Floral phenology and features are intricately linked to pollinator behavior and pollination systems. Iris setosa is one of the ornamental irises of the family Iridaceae with beautiful flowers and leaves, and little research has been reported on its pollination biology. This study analyzed how phenology, floral features, breeding systems, and pollinator visits affect reproductive success of I. setosa populations in Jilin Province. Field observations and pollination studies demonstrated that I. setosa reached the bud stage in late May, with an average flowering time of 30 days. The anthers were outwardly dehiscent toward the outer edge of the style branches. In herkogamy, the relative locations of the anthers and stigma remained unchanged during flower opening. The stamens matured first. The pollen was most viable and the stigmas were most receptive on the first day of flowering. The nectar had the maximum sugar content. The sexual reproduction system was mainly outcrossing, with some self-compatibility and a need for pollinators. After artificial self-pollination, fluorescent microscopy revealed the winding of pollen tubes. The predominant flower-visiting insects were Apis mellifera, Megachile sp., Syrphus corollae, Episyrphus balteatus, and Lasioglossum sp., among which A. mellifera, Megachile sp., and Lasioglossum sp. were effective pollinators. Understanding the pollination mechanisms and strategies of I. setosa provides basic reference data on the potential for reproduction, and conservation efforts.

A synopsis of Macropharynx (Apocynaceae) in Colombia, with comments on floral characters, and a new combination

A synopsis of Macropharynx (Apocynaceae) in Colombia is provided. Five species are reported, a key is provided, and a new combination is made. Free corona lobes are reported in Macropharynx renteriae A.H. Gentry for the first time in the genus. A lectotype is selected for Peltastes isthmicus Woodson, a second-step lectotypification is completed for Echites spectabilis Stadelm. and a neotype is designated for Temnadenia stenantha Woodson. Pictures of all the species are included. Macropharynx renteriae is reported for the first time to Panama.

A new species of Croton (Euphorbiaceae) from the Espinhaço Mountain Range, Brazil

We describe Croton espinhacensis, a new species collected in Bahia and Minas Gerais state, related specially to C. harleyi, a species in section C. sect. Geiseleria from the Caatinga Domain of Northeast Brazil by having the same habit and branching pattern of the stem, leaves grouped at the apex of the branches, bisexual thyrses with flowers continuous along the inflorescence axis, and staminate flowers with 11 stamens. Both species are differentiated mainly by the combination of leaf and floral characters, as well as types floral nectaries. The new species has been confused in herbarium collections with C. atrorufus, a species also found in the Espinhaço Moutain Range, probably due to its habit, colors of the branches and, in some cases, ovate leaves which is why we also compared them. Croton espinhacensis is the only one in sect. Geiseleria with indumented anthers, and one of the few species in the entire genus with this character state.

Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo var. sunny house) in Response to Organic and Inorganic Mulching Materials at Rampur, Chitwan

Mulching, a widely employed agricultural practice, has been recognized for its influence on soil moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression, thereby improving growth and yield of crops. An experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching materials on growth and yield attributes of summer squash under water constraint condition during March to May 2023 in Chitwan, Nepal. The experiment was laid in single factor Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four different mulches (rice straw, wheat straw, rice husk and silver on black plastic mulch 30 microns) and control replicated 4 times. All the Plant growth parameters, including plant height, number of leaves per plant and plant spread, were highest in silver plastic mulch and the poorest in the un-mulched plots. Mulching also significantly influenced floral characters, with plastic mulch demonstrating superiority in traits such as days to flowering, number of flowers per plant, and sex ratio compared to organic mulches and the control. Fruit length, diameter, and weight exhibited the highest values under plastic mulch and the lowest values under the control, while all organic mulches showed similar results. The highest yield of 41.44 Mt ha-1 was achieved with silver plastic mulch, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing crop productivity, while the lowest yield of 11.77 Mt ha-1 was recorded in the control plots. Despite its higher cost, silver pastic mulch exhibited highest net return and benefit-cost ratio. Rice husk mulch, with the second highest benefit-cost ratio and relatively low cost of production, emerged as promising alternative. Although mulching did not notably affect the soil pH, the varying soil organic matter percentages were observed, with the highest on rice straw mulch and the lowest on silver plastic mulch. The study suggests that while plastic mulch can significantly boost productivity during water scarcity, rice husk mulch offers a cost-effective alternative with substantial economic benefit.

Growth and Yield Performance of Strawberry Cultivars under Different Growing Conditions in Maharashtra, India

A study was conducted at the Horticulture Nursery, College of Agriculture, Dhule, during 2023–24 to evaluate the growth and yield performance of three strawberry cultivars (Florida Beauty, Winter Dawn, and Sweet Sensation) under three growing conditions: open field, shade net, and polyhouse. The factorial randomized block design experiment recorded growth and yield parameters such as plant height, leaf area, flowering time, and fruit yield. Open field condition (C1) with Sweet Sensation variety (V3) exhibited significantly maximum plant height (25.63 cm), plant spread (41.82 cm EW and 42.03 cm NS), maximum leaf area (134.33 cm2) and least number of days were taken for first flower initiation (26.67 days). Whereas, as regards to fruit and yield characters i.e. greater number of fruits per plant (21.00), the maximum weight of fruit (21.01 g), yield per plant (0.44 kg/plant) and yield per hectare (11 MT/ha) the results were significantly higher in open field condition with Sweet Sensation variety. According to the study, strawberries' vegetative development, floral characteristics, and fruit quality were all improved by open field conditions, which also increased net income returns by producing the most fruits. It was discovered that the open field environment helped strawberries' vegetative growth, blossom characteristics, and fruit quality while optimising net income returns through the largest fruit output.

Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae), a New Species From Southwestern Guangxi, China.

The genus Petrocodon is renowned for its remarkably diverse floral morphology, exhibiting a high level of disparity compared to most genera within Gesneriaceae. In this study, we present a detailed description and illustration of Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, a new species with unique floral features that is native to Guangxi, China. This species is geographically close to P. jingxiensis H.S. Gao & W.B. Xu and is indistinguishable from P. jingxiensis in vegetative characteristics. However, it can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter pedicels, slender tubular corolla, shorter corolla tube, distinctly unequal corolla lobes with upper ones linear and reflexed and lower ones oblanceolate, and included chiritoid-like stigma. The presence of linear upper lobes and the chiritoid-like stigma has not been previously reported in Petrocodon, and the emergence of this new species will further expand the morphospace occupied by this morphologically diverse genus.

Analysis of Chemical Traits of Pollen from Nine Ericaceous Species in Southwestern China

Chemical traits (primary and secondary metabolites) are important features of plants. An increasing number of studies have focused on the ecological significance of secondary metabolites in plant parts, especially in pollen. Ericaceae species exhibit significant morphological variations and diverse colors, are widely distributed throughout China and are popular ornamental garden plants. The chemical trait of pollen in Ericaceae species and their potential ecological significance remain unclear. We selected a total of nine Ericaceae species from three nature reserves in southwestern China, which were the predominant flowering Ericaceae plants for each site, and measured their floral characteristics, nectar volume and sugar concentration. We determined the types of pollinators of these species based on a literature review and used UPLC-QTOF-MS to analyze the types and relative contents of primary metabolites (amino acids and fatty acids) and secondary metabolites (terpenoids, phenolics and nitrogenous compounds) in the pollen and other tissues, including the stems, leaves, petals and nectar. The results showed that each species exhibited unique floral characteristics. Enkianthus ruber, Pieris formosa, Rhododendron agastum, R. irroratum, R. virgatum and R. rubiginosum were pollinated by bees, and R. delavayi, R. decorum and R. excellens were pollinated by diverse animals (bees, birds and Lepidoptera). The pollen of these Ericaceae species was rich in phenolics and terpenoids, especially flavonoids. Grayanotoxin, andromedotoxin and asebotin (toxic diterpene compounds) were also detected in the pollen of some of the Ericaceae species in our study, and their response value was low. The relative contents and diversity of secondary metabolites in the pollen were higher than those in the nectar but lower than those in the leaves, petals and stems. The five chemical compounds with the highest content (four flavonoids, one triterpene) in the pollen were also detected in the stems, leaves and petals, and the response value of most of these chemicals in pollen was not significantly correlated with that in other tissues. Rhododendron species has a closer relationship with chemical traits in pollen compared with Enkianthus and Pieris species. The response value of total secondary metabolites in the pollen of species pollinated only by bees was higher than that of species pollinated by diverse animals. Our research indicates that the pollen of ericaceous species contains a wide array of metabolites, establishing a foundation for advancing the nutritional potential of the pollen of horticultural ericaceous species and deepening our understanding of its chemical and ecological significance.

Pollen limitation influences the divergences in mating system and floral traits between two sympatric Halenia species

Abstract The mating systems and floral traits often among relatives of hermaphroditic plants can exhibit considerable diversity. This diversity can be influenced by the evolution of selfing and associated floral traits as a form of reproductive assurance when pollen limitation results from insufficient pollinator availability. To explore whether the degree of pollen limitation primarily drives differences in mating systems and floral traits, we conducted a comprehensive study involving two closely related species, Halenia elliptica and H. grandiflora, in three sympatric sites. We investigated floral characteristics, pollinator visitation, pollen limitation, autonomous selfing ability, reproductive assurance and mating system in studied populations. Our findings show that H. elliptica produces smaller flowers and less nectar production than H. grandiflora, making it less attractive to pollinators. Compared with H. grandiflora, H. elliptica experienced more severe outcross pollen limitation, but compensates with a higher capacity for autonomous selfing, ensuring seed production under natural conditions. Moreover, significant differences in mating systems were detected between them, with H. elliptica exhibiting a higher selfing rate than H. grandiflora across all studied sympatric populations. These differences are also reflected in variations in herkogamy and dichogamy. Our study suggested that the degree of outcross pollen limitation impacts the divergence in mating systems and floral traits between sympatric closely related species, offering valuable insights into the evolution of plant mating systems and floral traits.

Management of Root-Knot Nematode, Meloidogyne incognita Infecting Tuberose by Using Bioformulations under Field Condition

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of different bioformulations for management of root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita infecting tuberose under field condition. Study Design: Randomized Block Design. Place and Duration of Study: Biswanath College of Agriculture, AAU, Biswanath Chariali, Assam during summer season 2024. Methodology: Bulbs of tuberose cultivar Prajwal were planted in root-knot nematode infested sick plot. In this experiment seven treatments were considered and the treatments were replicated thrice. Bioformulations viz., Neem cake, Neem leaf power, Biover, Biozium, Biomonas and AAU-Bioguard were applied treatment wise and mixed with soil before planting of bulbs. Observations on plant height and floral characteristics viz. spike length, rachis length, spike weight, number of floret per spike, floret length and nematode multiplication parameters like number of galls, egg masses per root system and final nematode population in soil were recorded. Results: Upon observation results showed that all the treatments were significantly effective in increasing the plant height, floral characteristic and reducing the number of galls, eggmasses and final nematode population in soil as compared to that of untreated control. Highest plant height(46.50cm), spike length (66.33cm), spike weight (37.33g), rachis length(32cm), number of florets per spike(25.26) and floret length(4.66cm) was recorded in the treatment with Biover@5kg enriched with FYM 5t/ha, which was followed by the treatment with Biozium @5kg enriched with FYM 5t/ha and neem cake @ 1t/ha. Maximum reduction of number of galls (35.18%), eggmasses (31.79%) and final nematode population in soil (39.65%) was recorded in the treatment with Biover@5kg enriched with FYM 5t/ha. Conclusion: From this experiment it can be concluded that all the bioformulations were found to be effective for increasing plant height, floral characteristic and reducing the nematode multiplication and these can be incorporated in root-knot nematode management programme. Among the bioformulations Biover was found to be most effective.

The reproductive strategy of a typical distylous Ophiorrhiza alatiflora (Rubiaceae), in fragmented habitat.

Heterostyly is a genetically controlled style polymorphism, that plays an important role in promoting outcrossing and improving reproductive fitness. Although distyly is often studied in plants of the Rubiaceae family, little attention has been paid to the reproductive strategies of distylous species in fragmented habitats. Here, We report for the first time the growth of Ophiorrhiza alatiflora, a type distylous species, in karst areas and evaluate its reciprocity between long styled morph and short one. We analyze the two distyly morph differences in the ancillary polymorphic of flowers and explore their reproductive strategy in fragmented habitats. In this study, we measured the floral characteristics of different morphs and performed differential secondary metabolite analysis on different morphs and tissue organs; Different pollination treatments were carried out to observe the fruit set, pollen germination, and pollen tube elongation of O. alatiflora. Our research indicates that O. alatiflora is a typical distylous plant for the distyly has high reciprocity. Both morphs exhibit the highest fruit set of intermorph outcrossing; The pollen germination and pollen tube elongation experiments have also demonstrated that the affinity of pollen from intermorph outcrossing is highest, regardless of whether it is the long or short morph as the maternal parent; Meanwhile, O. alatiflora is an incompletely self-incompatible plant that exhibits a certain degree of self-pollination and intramorph outcrossing, which may be one of the important means to ensure sustainable reproduction in severely disturbed habitats. In the ancillary polymorphic of flowers, L-morphs flowers produce more pollen, and S-morph flowers produce more ovules to improve their male-female fitness and compensate for the asymmetry of pollen flow; Compared with S-morphs, L-morphs contain significantly higher levels of several kinds of terpenoids. S-morphs produce more flavonoids than L-morphs. The differences in secondary metabolites between L-morphs and S-morphs are mainly reflected in the different nutritional organs (including stems and leaves). Overall, our work has revealed the unique reproductive strategy of O. alatiflora in fragmented habitats based on the characteristics of distyly, verifying the hypothesis that the distyly of O. alatiflora promotes outcrossing and avoids male-female interference, improving male-female fitness and this is the first time in the Ophiorrhiza genus.

Development of DUS testing guidelines of Artemisia argyi

Artemisia argyi is a perennial herbaceous herb of the Artemisia family, with leaves for medical use. However, the germplasm of A. argyi is seriously unclear and mixed during production, and it is urgent to protect new varieties of A. argyi. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability(DUS) testing of the new varieties of plants is the basis for the protection of new varieties of plants, and the development of the DUS testing guidelines is the technical basis for DUS testing. To develop the DUS testing guidelines of A. argyi, A. argyi of 100 germplasm was used as the research objects, and their agronomic and medicinal quality characters were observed and measured during six growth stages, and each character was graded and described. A total of 53 test characters were determined, including 19 characters that must be tested; there were four plant characters, two rhizome characters, five stem characters, three branching characters, 29 leaf characters, three floral characters, five medicinal quality characters, and two other characters. It also involved 16 quality characters, 22 quantitative characters, and 15 pseudo-quantitative characters. Seven grouping characters were determined from 53 characters, including "emergence period" "plant-plant type" "branching-primary branching site" "stem-color" "middle leaf-number of leaf splits" "budding period", and "plant-height". By searching for standard characters, 16 standard varieties were ultimately determined. The preparation of this guideline was of great significance for the review and protection of new A. argyi varieties, the protection of breeders' rights, and the promotion of the development of A. argyi industry.

Evolution and development of complex floral displays.

Flowering plants - angiosperms - display an astounding diversity of floral features, which have evolved in response to animal pollination and have resulted in the most species-rich plant clade. Combinations of macroscale (e.g. colour, symmetry, organ number) and microscale (e.g. cell type, tissue patterning) features often lead to highly elaborate floral displays. Most studies have focused on model species with simple floral displays to uncover the genetic and evolutionary mechanisms involved in flower evolution, yet few studies have focused on complex floral displays. Here, we review current knowledge on the development and evolution of complex floral displays. We review gene regulatory networks involved in four developmental pathways contributing to overall floral display (inflorescence architecture, organ identity, flower symmetry and flower colour) in classical plant models. We then discuss how evolutionary modification of one or more of these pathways has resulted in the production of a range of complex floral displays. Finally, we explore modular systems in which multiple pathways have been modified simultaneously, generating the most elaborate floral displays.

A taxonomic re-evaluation of Pittosporum roimata Gemmill & S.N. Carter (Pittosporaceae, Apiales)

Pittosporum roimata Gemmill & S.N. Carter (Pittosporaceae, Apiales) was established in 2018 as an endemic species confined to the Poor Knights Islands group, off the eastern coastline of Northland Aotearoa / New Zealand. The new species was distinguished from P. cornifolium A. Cunn. on the basis of vegetative characters (leaf length, width, petiole length), floral characters (pedicel length, flower colour), and numbers of fruit per stem. The new species was also reported as differing from P. cornifolium by a single substitution within the nrITS cistron, with that data obtained from a paper that did not provide a phylogenetic interpretation of this result, nor specify whether the cultivated plants used were derived from seed obtained from multiple individuals or from cutting grown plants from a limited wild-sourced selection. In this paper the same morphological characters used to separate P. roimata are examined using a much wider sampling of P. cornifolium, and the specimens available for P. roimata. There are very slight differences in leaf width and length, petiole length, and pedicel length in Poor Knights Islands P. roimata specimens seen also in some collections from other northern Aotearoa / New Zealand offshore islands and some mainland stations. Flower colour is not a useful character as this is variable in P. roimata and P. cornifolium, as it is also in many other Aotearoa / New Zealand Pittosporum. On the basis of our morphological assessment we conclude that to maintain the segregation of P. roimata from P. cornifolium at the species rank is impractical, as there is a grading of characters between both species. As plants corresponding to P. roimata occur throughout the range of P. cornifolium, already a variable species, we suggest that, in line with other treatments of Aotearoa / New Zealand Pittosporum, it is better to reduce P. roimata into synonymy of P. cornifolium.

Floral morphology and pollen placement strategies of bat-pollinated flowers: a comparative analysis within a guild of chiropterophilous plants in a neotropical dry forest

BackgroundSynchronopatric plant species, coexisting and flowering simultaneously, often engage in intense competition for pollen deposition on shared pollinators. This study focuses on the intricate dynamics of chiropterophilous flowers within the neotropical bat-pollination plant guild, specifically investigating the mechanical fit of reproductive structures to pollinating bats at the community level.MethodsUtilizing a diverse guild of bat-pollinated plant species from the Caatinga, the largest dry forest in the Neotropics, our research integrates various key components. Initially, we identified specific contact sites for floral reproductive structures on the bat's body, exploring diverse pollen placement strategies. Subsequent efforts involved characterizing floral traits within the guild and examining their associations with different pollen placement strategies. Precision in the contact of floral reproductive structures was estimated, and findings were integrated by associating pollen placement strategies and precision with the investment in pollen production.ResultsWe found that certain bat body parts, particularly the face and neck, were more frequently contacted by reproductive structures. The three identified categories of pollen placement strategies were evenly distributed among plant species, each linked to specific floral traits. Notably, the absence of oriented herkogamy prevailed in 70% of the species. Morphometric analyses unveiled significant variations in operative distances among species, emphasizing exceptional variability in certain outliers. While precision in pollen transfer was influenced by key factors, surprisingly, investment in pollen production did not differ among plants with distinct pollen placement strategies. Furthermore, it showed no correlation with fundamental accuracy.ConclusionsThe subsequent exploration delves into the intricate associations between distinct floral characteristics and various pollen placement strategies, shaping the complex pollen landscape on bat bodies. This research provides valuable insights into the community-level dynamics of chiropterophilous flowers in the Caatinga Dry Forest, emphasizing the role of different pollen deposition strategies in facilitating the coexistence of multiple plant species within the chiropterophilous guild.

Effect of gradual pollen presentation on pollination efficiency and reproduction of Vaccinium corymbosum Berkeley in two habitats

IntroductionGradual pollen presentation is a reproductive strategy for plants to improve the efficiency and accuracy of pollen export and acceptance as well as to promote outcrossing. Vaccinium corymbosum Berkeley has a typical mechanism of gradual pollen presentation.MethodsIn this study, we used indoor and outdoor observations to investigate the floral characteristics, pollination characteristics and breeding system of this species in open ground and greenhouse.ResultsThe results showed that the single white, inverted bell-shaped flower of V. corymbosum was able to effectively avoid the negative effects of rainfall, nectar dilution and pollen removal by wind, and improved pollen viability and the duration of stigma receptivity. The setting rate of ‘Northland’ is higher than open ground by artificial pollination in greenhouse, therefore, greenhouses are more suitable for ‘Northland’ reproduction. The gradual pollen presentation prolongs dispersal time, promotes pollinator participation in the pollination process, increases staminate fitness, and provides for nectar feeding by pollinators as well as pollen export. Bombus spp. and A. m. ligustica were effective pollinators in the open ground and greenhouse, and the pollination efficiency of Bombus spp. was higher than that of A. m. ligustica, and greenhouse pollination is more efficient than open ground. The coincidence of the peak period of pollinator visits with the period of highest pollen viability and optimal pollination of stigmas, as well as the high nectar production, could maximize the frequency of pollinator visits and increase the chances of successful pollination as well as the pollination efficiency.DiscussionTherefore, it is important to study the floral characteristics of V. corymbosum Berkeley and the mechanism of gradual pollen presentation in order to improve the pollination efficiency and promote the success of outcrossing, which can provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of V. corymbosum.

Oreocharis scutifolia (Gesneriaceae), a Peltate-Leaved New Species From the Dry-Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China.

A peltate-leaved new species, Oreocharis scutifolia Z. Xie & H. H. Kong, endemic to the Dry-Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. It is similar to O. cordatula (Craib) Pellegr. and O. aurantiaca Baill. in floral characters but differs in its peltate leaf blades, which are unique in the genus (and only occur in one population of O. henryana Oliv., but its flowers are smaller, campanulate, and deep purple). Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on transcriptome data confirmed its systematic position to be sister group with O. henryana, O. cordatula, O. minor Pellegr., and O. aurantiaca Baill. (LPP = 1), and well apart from the remaining members of the genus. The new species O. scutifolia is assessed as "Critically Endangered" following the IUCN categories and criteria, due to its small and single population, thus making it face serious threats from human disturbance, invasive plants, shrinking habitat, and decreasing habitat quality.