Floristic Survey Research Articles

Evaluation of Sown Cover Crops and Spontaneous Weed Flora as a Potential Reservoir of Black-Foot Pathogens in Organic Viticulture

Simple SummaryBlack-foot is an important grapevine disease caused by a soil-borne fungal pathogens complex, which are collectively known as Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs. In organic viticulture, both sown and native cover crop species can act as potential reservoirs of black-foot associated fungi. In our study a wide survey of cover crops grown in organic vineyards was conducted over a diverse range of climatic zones in six different European countries to acquire information about the presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs on their roots. Several fungal species associated with black-foot disease were found on some of the cover crops evaluated in all the countries. These results provide valuable information for a reasoned choice of cover crop species, or a species mix, that can be used in organic viticulture. This is particularly important for maximizing their benefits and reducing potential problems in vineyards.(1) Background. An extensive survey of grapevine-sown cover crops and spontaneous weed flora was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in organic vineyards in six European countries (France, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland). Our main objective was to detect and identify the presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs species associated with black-foot disease on their roots. (2) Methods. Fungal isolations from root fragments were performed on culture media. Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morph species were identified by analyzing the DNA sequence data of the histone H3 (his3) gene region. In all, 685 plants belonging to different botanical families and genera were analyzed. Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs were recovered from 68 plants (9.9% of the total) and approximately 0.97% of the plated root fragments. (3) Results. Three fungal species (Dactylonectria alcacerensis, Dactylonectria torresensis, Ilyonectria robusta) were identified. Dactylonectria torresensis was the most frequent, and was isolated from many cover crop species in all six countries. A principal component analysis with the vineyard variables showed that seasonal temperatures and organic matter soil content correlated positively with Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs incidence. (4) Conclusions. The presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs on roots of cover crops suggests that they can potentially act as alternative hosts for long-term survival or to increase inoculum levels in vineyard soils.

Floristic survey of the former royal hunting reserve of Renda, near Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

Floristic survey of the former royal hunting reserve of Renda, near Palermo (Sicily, Italy)

The Socio-economic and Environmental Implications of Supplying Charcoal in Yaounde City

This article aims to identify and assess the socio-economic and environmental implications of supplying charcoal in the city of Yaounde. To achieve the above-mentioned goal, investigations based on a standardized questionnaire (130 charcoal producers and sellers), formal interviews (7 resource persons), informal discussions, field observations and floristic survey were carried out in Bikok between the last quarter of 2016 and the second quarter of 2017. Bikok, a subdivision located in the neighbourhood of Yaounde is one of the most important supply sites of charcoal for the city. Investigations revealed that, accelerated demographic growth over the past fifty years, unemployment and poverty constitute the main factors for the increase in the production and consumption of charcoal in the city. Poverty, unemployment and the urge for the satisfaction of basic needs constituted the main reasons for involvement of 98.8% of charcoal producers in the activity. The increase in urban demand for charcoal is at the origin of several significant biophysical impacts, including the degradation of forests and soils as well as the decrease in the availability of some Non-Timber Forest Products and animal species. In the survey villages, a total area of 3.1 hectares of forest is cut each year and the average distances from inhabited areas to harvesting areas, increased from 0.8 to 5 km in 10 years. 76.6% of charcoal producers believe that some animal species are increasingly rare in the locality. On the socio-economic level, this activity creates jobs, generates income thereby increasing the living standards of producers and sellers. More than 300 people are involved in this activity who earns on average an income of 3000 to 6000 Central African Franc (XAF) per day. Decrease in the availability of certain NTFPs and damage to the health of producers constituted some of the negative socio-economic impacts of this activity. It is imperative to adopt measures to limit the negative impacts of this activity while ensuring a sustainable supply of charcoal in the city or the use of alternative sources of fuel.

On the potential of Angiosperms353 for population genomic studies.

PREMISEThe successful application of universal targeted sequencing markers, such as those developed for the Angiosperms353 probe set, within populations could reduce or eliminate the need for specific marker development, while retaining the benefits of full‐gene sequences in population‐level analyses. However, whether the Angiosperms353 markers provide sufficient variation within species to calculate demographic parameters is untested.METHODSUsing herbarium specimens from a 50‐year‐old floristic survey in Texas, we sequenced 95 samples from 24 species using the Angiosperms353 probe set. Our data workflow calls variants within species and prepares data for population genetic analysis using standard metrics. In our case study, gene recovery was affected by genomic library concentration only at low concentrations and displayed limited phylogenetic bias.RESULTSWe identified over 1000 segregating variants with zero missing data for 92% of species and demonstrate that Angiosperms353 markers contain sufficient variation to estimate pairwise nucleotide diversity (π)—typically between 0.002 and 0.010, with most variation found in flanking non‐coding regions. In a subset of variants that were filtered to reduce linkage, we uncovered high heterozygosity in many species, suggesting that denser sampling within species should permit estimation of gene flow and population dynamics.DISCUSSIONAngiosperms353 should benefit conservation genetic studies by providing universal repeatable markers, low missing data, and haplotype information, while permitting inclusion of decades‐old herbarium specimens.

Urban plant assemblages by land use type in Milan: Floristic, ecological and functional diversities and refugium role of railway areas

The investigation of plant assemblages growing in urban ecosystems offers the chance to observe new interactions among biodiversity, urban planning and public health, in the context of a changing world with increasing city surfaces and populations. In this context, the aim of this work is the study of floristic, ecological and functional diversity of land use types of Milan, such as a) Built-up areas (urbanized and productive zones), b) Roads (borders and flowerbed of main boulevards and avenues), c) Railways (tracks borders, stations and adjacencies) and d) Green areas (parks, gardens, and orchards). A floristic survey was performed through stratified sampling and a floristic database was built. The following bioecological information was added to each sampling location: species richness, %alien species, %families, %life forms, functional diversity, %Grime’s CSR strategies, Ellenberg’s indicator values (EIVs), urbanity index and functional diversity estimators. Differences among land use types were detected with linear mixed models. In total, about 300 taxa were recorded, and 34 % of the species surveyed were aliens. The Railways were prominent with regard to several traits such as floristic richness, number of insect-pollinated species, mean EIV for light and soil reaction and functional diversity estimators. On the other hand, the urbanity index was the lowest in Railways. In general, Urban areas and Roads had lower trait values, while Green areas had intermediate performances. Our results showed that despite the expected high presence of ruderal and alien species, typical of disturbed environments, the urban landscapes of Milan are diversified in their ecological functions and included areas rich in uncommon species limited to peculiar habitats. The railway landscape of Milan represents a reservoir and refuge for many native species, incorporating microhabitats not present in other city landscapes. Therefore, railway areas should be included in the planning of green networks to improve connectivity and support the nature in urban landscapes.

Characteristics, Floristic Diversity and Structures of Stands Resulting from Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) in the Agroecozone of Tibiri in Niger

The present study was carried out in the municipality of Tibiri where assisted natural regeneration is the method adapted by agriculture to maintain trees for various reasons. The general objective of this study is to characterize the floristic diversity and the structure of the woody stand resulting from assisted natural regeneration. The methodology adopted for this study consisted of inventories of woody species and regenerations in crop fields by placing plots of 50m x 50m during the crop season. Thus twenty (20) plots were placed in the agrosystems according to homogeneity following an equidistance of 300m. The floristic survey made it possible to identify 19 species divided into 9 families of which the most represented are the Fabaceae (72%). The most represented species are P. reticulatum (30%), F. albida (17%) and P. africana (14%). These species also have the highest IVI values. The distribution of individuals by diameter class shows an "inverted J" shape with the shape parameter c = 1.959 (1 <C <3.6), characteristic of populations with a predominance of young or small diameter individuals. The total regeneration density is 2648 stems / ha, grouped into eleven (11) species showing good regeneration and dominated by G. senegalensis representing 61.93% of the density of the inventoried species followed by P. reticulatum (14 , 80%).
 ANR is a practice that contributes to improving the woody biodiversity of the fields where it is practiced. It is not only an alternative to greening the environment, but also provides several products and services to populations.

Floral and reproductive biology and pollinators of Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., neglected species

Studies on the Myrtaceae family are mainly distributed in floristic surveys, reproductive studies of plant communities or related to family taxonomy. Based on this, the objective of the present study was to elucidate aspects of floral and reproductive biology and, of floral visitors from Campomanesia guazumifolia (Cambess.) O. Berg., a neglected species. Information was obtained on floral morphology and morphometry, anthesis, nectary, and structures attractive to pollinators, characterization of pollinators, receptiveness of stigma and maturing of the androecium components, and characterization of the reproductive system. Sete-capote tree has hermaphrodite flowers, and the floral opening occurs mainly during the daytime. Pollen grains was the main resource offered to pollinators. The flowers had mellow sweet odor, attracting mainly native bees and Apis melifera, which was characterized as effective pollinators. The species presents high reproductive efficiency and could be considered self-compatible; however, fertilization also occurs by cross-pollination.

Phytosociological and Floristic Survey of the Sacred Grove Thekkumbhad Thazhe Kavu, Kannur District, Kerala, India

Conservation of nature and natural resources has been an important part of cultural ethos, especially in remote rural and indigenous communities in many parts of the world, including India. These communities consider themselves connected with their biophysical environment in a web of spiritual relationships. Sacred groves are the relic forest segments preserved in the name of religion and culture. These groves are mostly associated with temples and are also culturally important. They manifest the spiritual and ecological ethos of rural indigenous communities. Many taboos are associated with sacred grove which helps in managing resources well through ritual representation. Different festivals are organized, where the local communities reaffirm their commitment to the forest and the deity. Sacred groves, in general, are a valuable tool of biodiversity conservation. The sacred groves as the treasure of repositories of a variety of plant species, the present study is conducted to find out the plant diversity in the sacred grove, Thekkumbad Thazhe Kavu in Kannur district, Kerala. 15 species present in this Kavu are least concerned, and they are Acanthus ilicifolius, Achrosticum aureum, Aegicera scorniculatum, Bruguiera cylindrica, Caryota urens, Cyperus ratundas, Fimbristilis ferrugenea, Kandelia candel, Lindernia crustacea, Lindernia tenuifolia, Ludwiga hyssopifolia, Pandanus odorifer, Panicum repens, Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophoram ucronata. The species Caryota urens securing higher IVI of 38.835. The species of least significance (lowest IVI) were shown by Derris trifoliate, Emilia sonchifolia and Rhizophora apiculata. Based on IVI score made by this species it is understood that these are poorly established species in the communities of the study site.

Agricultural land use curbs exotic invasion but sustains native plant diversity at intermediate levels

Unveiling the processes driving exotic plant invasion represent a central issue in taking decisions aimed at constraining the loss of biodiversity and related ecosystem services. The invasion success is often linked to anthropogenic land uses and warming due to climate change. We studied the responses of native versus casual and naturalised exotic species richness to land uses and climate at the landscape level, relying on a large floristic survey undertaken in North - Eastern Italy. Both climate and land use drove exotic species richness. Our results suggest that the success of plant invasion at this scale is mainly due to warm climatic conditions and the extent of urban and agricultural land, but with different effects on casual and naturalized exotic species. The occurrence of non-linear trends showed that a small percentage of extensive agricultural land in the landscape may concurrently reduce the number of exotic plant while sustaining native plant diversity. Plant invasion could be potentially limited by land management, mainly focusing on areas with extensive agricultural land use. A more conscientious land management is more and more commonly required by local administrations. According to our results, a shift of intensive to extensive agricultural land, by implementing green infrastructures, seems to be a win–win solution favouring native species while controlling the oversimplification of the flora due to plant invasion.

Diversity and Distribution of Bracket Fungi in Mt. Kilakiron, Bukidnon, Philippines

Fungi have a lot of important function in the bionetwork resembling to decomposition and even nutrient cycling with respect to its symbiotic relationships with trees and other plants. This study aimed to assess the diversity and distribution of bracket fungi in Mt. Kilakiron, Portulin, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. Thus, floristic survey was conducted in one of the mountain of Mindanao to provide information as to what and how many species of bracket fungi are present in Mt. Kilakioron, Bukidnon, Philippines. Â 40 total species belonging to 17 genera and 5 family was collected and assessed. 12 individuals of Trametes versicolor were observe which favors dwellings with low temperature and high altitude are. Additionally, study revealed that most types of bracket fungi initiate in the site are decomposers and saprophytic in nature which contributes a lot in the process of putrefaction. The species of bracket fungi in Mt. Kilakiron clearly shows abundant and provides a large contribution to the ecosystem having high Shannon diversity index. The significance of each environmental factor is discussed in relationship to the ecology of the species. Bracket fungi are reliant on the climatic and conservational settings which makes them as excellent natural pointers of ecosystem in the forests of Mindanao Island, Philippines.

<p><strong>Revision of <em>Begonia</em> (Begoniaceae) in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park, Southern Vietnam, including two new species</strong></p>

The Begonia species occurring in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam) are reviewed based on recent floristic field surveys. Five species were recognized from the montane forests, and two of which are new to science. The new species belong to Begonia sect. Platycentrum and are named as B. hongiaoensis C.W.Lin, T.C.Hsu & Luu and B. lamdongiana C.W.Lin, T.C.Hsu & Luu, repectively. Begonia hongiaoensis most closely resembles B. siamensis Gagnep from northern Thailand. Both species have a rhizomatous habit and bear ovate leaves. However, the new species differs by its stoloniferous habit, shallowly cordate leaf base and 5-tepaled pistillate flowers. Begonia lamdongiana is similar to B. coelocentroides Y.M.Shui & Z.D.Wei, a hairy leaf species of the same section in Yunnan of China, but is markedly distinct in its glabrous petioles, inflorescences, pedicels and ovaries, and larger bracts.

Distribution and Impact of Parthenium (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) on Weed Species Diversity in Maize Fields in Western Gojjam Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

An investigative weed flora survey was conducted in parthenium-infested maize fields in West Gojjam Zone in 2019/2020. The objective was to investigate the distribution and impact of parthenium on species diversity. A survey was conducted on 90 fields using 2 m × 2 m (4 m2) quadrats (totally 270). A total of 110 weed species belonging to 27 families were identified out of these families. Asteraceae with 26 species (23.36%) and Poaceae with 18 species (16.36%) were abundant. The highest importance value (IV) was recorded by Ageratum conyzoides, Amaranthus hybridus, and Bidens pilosa, with 28.05, 19.18, and 13.16%, respectively, in no parthenium infestation level. The highest IV of 27.08, 17.71, and 16.44%, respectively, was shown by Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, and Galinsoga parviflora with 27.08, 17.71, and 16.44%, respectively, in very low parthenium infestation level. Ageratum conyzoides (29.38%), Bidens pilosa (24.10%), and Parthenium hysterophorus (22.68%) had the highest IV in low parthenium infestation level. Parthenium hysterophorus (91.32%), Ageratum conyzoides (17.19%), and Echinochloa colona (16.34%) had high IV in moderate parthenium infestation level. It is concluded that Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pilosa, Echinochloa colona, and Galinsoga parviflora were competitive over parthenium based on importance value, and this indicates to suggest parthenium as a biological management option.

Etnobotânica das plantas medicinais no município de Parari, Paraíba, Brasil

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento florístico das plantas medicinais nativas e exóticas utilizadas pelos munícipes de Parari- PB, além de realizar um estudo socioeconômico da população. Para isso foi realizada entrevista semiestruturada tanto no que concerne aos vegetais cultivados, quanto a situação socioeconômica da família. Os resultados apontaram que a população do município é composta, principalmente, por agricultores, aposentados e funcionários públicos municipais. No que diz respeito às plantas medicinais, foram registradas 13(treze) famílias botânicas utilizadas para no controle de afecções respiratórias, gastrointestinais e urinárias. Além disso, as indicações terapêuticas das plantas, realizadas pelos raizeiros, são cientificamente pertinentes.

A strontium isoscape for the Conchucos region of highland Peru and its application to Andean archaeology.

Strontium isotope (87Sr/86Sr) analysis of human skeletal remains is an important method in archaeology to examine past human mobility and landscape use. 87Sr/86Sr signatures of a given location are largely determined by the underlying bedrock, and these geology specific isotope signatures are incorporated into skeletal tissue through food and water, often permitting the differentiation of local and non-local individuals in past human populations. This study presents the results of a systematic survey of modern flora and fauna (n = 100) from 14 locations to map the bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr signatures of the Conchucos region, an area where the extent of geologic variability was previously unknown. We illustrate the necessity to examine the variation in 87Sr/86Sr values of the different geological formations available to human land use to document the range of possible local 87Sr/86Sr values. Within the Conchucos region we found significant variation in environmental 87Sr/86Sr values (0.7078–0.7214). The resulting isoscape represents the largest regionally specific bioavailable 87Sr/86Sr map (3,840 km2) to date for the Andes, and will serve as a baseline for future archaeological studies of human mobility in this part of the Peruvian highlands.

Família Solanaceae Juss. no município de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brasil

Solanaceae é uma das maiores famílias de plantas vasculares, com 100 gêneros e ca. de 2.500 espécies, com distribuição subcosmopolita e maior diversidade na região Neotropical. Este trabalho realizou um levantamento florístico das espécies de Solanaceae no município de Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, em área ecotonal entre Caatinga e Mata Atlântica. Foram realizadas coletas semanais de agosto/2019 a março/2020, totalizando 30 espécimes, depositados nos herbários HUESBVC e HVC. Foram registradas 19 espécies, distribuídas em nove gêneros: Brunfelsia (2 spp.), Capsicum (1 sp.), Cestrum (1 sp.), Datura (1 sp.), Iochroma (1 sp.) Nicandra (1 sp.), Nicotiana (1 sp.), Physalis (1 sp.) e Solanum (10 spp.). Dentre as espécies coletadas, cinco são endêmicas para o Brasil e 11 foram novos registros para o município. Nossos resultados demonstram que Solanaceae é uma família de elevada riqueza de espécies no município, contribuindo para o conhecimento da flora local.

Marine macroalgal biodiversity of northern Madagascar: morpho-genetic systematics and implications of anthropic impacts for conservation

A floristic survey of the marine algal biodiversity of Antsiranana Bay, northern Madagascar, was conducted during November 2018. This represents the first inventory encompassing the three major macroalgal classes (Phaeophyceae, Florideophyceae and Ulvophyceae) for the little-known Malagasy marine flora. Combining morphological and DNA-based approaches, we report from our collection a total of 110 species from northern Madagascar, including 30 species of Phaeophyceae, 50 Florideophyceae and 30 Ulvophyceae. Barcoding of the chloroplast-encoded rbcL gene was used for the three algal classes, in addition to tufA for the Ulvophyceae. This study significantly increases our knowledge of the Malagasy marine biodiversity while augmenting the rbcL and tufA algal reference libraries for DNA barcoding. These efforts resulted in a total of 72 new species records for Madagascar. Combining our own data with the literature, we also provide an updated catalogue of 442 taxa of marine benthic macroalgae from Madagascar, comprising 85 Phaeophyceae, 1 Compsopogonophyceae, 240 Florideophyceae and 116 Ulvophyceae. This diversity holds 29 (ca. 6.5%) endemic species to Madagascar. Our results are discussed in the context of increasing threats to biodiversity on Madagascar’s coastal reefs from both anthropic and anthropogenic activities including sewage effluent runoffs and unsustainable agricultural practices such as massive deforestation, leading to ecosystem shifts to algal dominance on reefs, which are recommended to be addressed through integrated land-sea management in a Reef-to-Ridge conservation approach.

Floristic surveys of some lowlands polluted of a tropical urban area: the case of Yaounde, Cameroon

Lowlands of Yaounde, Cameroon are facing soil pollution due to all type of organic and inorganic wastes, particularly heavy metal due to anthropogenic activities. Identifying macrophytes species able to develop on heavy metal polluted soils remains an essential step in the phytoremediation process which used living green plants. In this study, floristic surveys using the quadrat method were conducted in lowland areas surrounded by heavy metal pollution sources activities of Yaounde to identify macrophytes species with phytoremediation capacities. Inventories were conducted in 11 polluted lowlands and results were compared to control which is an unpolluted area. A total of 189 species belonging to 138 genera distributed in 63 families were identified on polluted sites. Macrophytes diversity was higher in each polluted site compared to the control. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae, and Solanaceae families showed a higher taxonomic richness on polluted sites (23, 20, 14, 12, and 12 taxa, respectively). Shannon diversity index of the lowlands polluted sites 2.69 was significantly higher than the control 2.3. Pielou equitability index in contaminated sites (0.459–0.847) was not significantly different from the control 0.747. Based on the abundance and relative frequency (≥10%), our results show that more than 10 macrophytes species existing in these lowlands areas could be tested in preliminary trials to investigate their phytoremediation/cleaning-up capacities on polluted soils in the tropical zone. Novelty and impacts of the submission This study presents original results for field surveys in lowland sites polluted in Yaounde-Cameroon. The screening of 11 polluted lowlands compared to a natural lowland (unpolluted), made it possible to identify species which may exhibit the best capacities to adapt to environmental changes and to develop in contaminated areas, in particular heavy metals. This work can be a preliminary study around the species growing in contaminated lowlands. Thus, this study can be reproduced in other regions, to compare the results obtained and identify potential plants for the lowlands remediation in Cameroon.

AQUATIC MACROPHYTES DIVERSITY IN THE LOWER DOCE RIVER BASIN, ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRAZIL

Macrophytes are plant organisms that live partially or totally submerged in water, being fixed and free. The Doce River is one of the main rivers in southeastern Brazil and, in 2015, it was hit by ore tailings from the Fundão dam burst in Mariana, Minas Gerais. This work aims to provide a floristic survey of macrophytes in the lower Doce River basin and to compare the species composition between lentic and lotic environments. Expeditions were carried out monthly from October 2018 to September 2019, in five stations in lotic and six in lentic environments. A total of 105 species belonging to 33 families of vascular plants were recorded, among them 14 are new occurrences for Espírito Santo state. Richest families were Poaceae (23 spp.) and Cyperaceae (22 spp.). Amphibious/emerging plants were the most representative (46 spp.). NMDS analysis revealed that the composition of the lotic and lentic environments are different.

Leafy liverworts of Chapada das Mesas National Park: a floristic survey and checklist of the leafy liverworts of Maranhão state, Brazil

Chapada das Mesas National Park (CMNP) is the fourth largest conservation unit in Maranhão state and an important area for the study of bryophytes due to its geomorphological characteristics, predominant vegetation, and water potential. The aim of our study was to investigate the richness and composition of leafy liverwort species in CMNP, discuss the importance of this area in the state, and present an updated checklist of the leafy liverworts for Maranhão. Our botanical material was collected during four excursions to the park. The checklist was mainly based on literature reports. Forty-one species and two varieties in eight families and 20 genera were identified in CMNP. From the state of Maranhão, 106 species and two varieties in nine families and 39 genera are reported. Our survey of bryophytes in CMNP resulted in the first records from Maranhão of 19 species. Lejeunea juruana Gradst. & M.E.Reiner is also newly found in the Northeastern region of Brazil and in the Cerrado domain.

Cacti of Santa Maria – RS, Brazil

A floristic survey of the Cactaceae family was carried out in the municipality of Santa Maria, Brazil, which is localized in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul state. The study was conducted between August 2017 and November 2018, during which time 14 species were recorded. Five species are on the endangered species list of Rio Grande do Sul. The threatened species are Echinopsis oxygona (Link) Zucc. Ex. Pfeiff. Otto, Parodia horstii (F. Ritter) N.P. Taylor, Parodia glaucina (F. Ritter), Hofacker M. Machado, Parodia linkii (Lehm.), R. Kiesling, and Parodia ottonis (Lehm.) N. P. Taylor. This paper presents a complete list of the species with reference to conservation status.