Fruit Wall Research Articles

Biosynthesis of Erythrina alkaloids in Erythrina crista-galli.

A precursor application system was developed to allow the study of Erythrina alkaloid formation in Erythrina crista-galli. Fruit wall tissue of this species was recognized as the major site of alkaloid biosynthesis. The application of radioactively and 13C-labelled potential precursors showed that the hitherto assumed precursor (S)-norprotosinomenine was not incorporated into the Erythrina alkaloids. In contrast, (S)-coclaurine as well as (S)-norreticuline were metabolized to erythraline and erythrinine, respectively, suggesting that a coclaurine-norreticuline pathway is operative in Erythrina alkaloid formation. Feeding of [1-13C]-labelled (S)-norreticuline with subsequent NMR spectroscopy demonstrated that the resulting erythraline was exclusively labelled at position C-10. Therefore, the participation of a symmetrical intermediate of the diphenoquinone type in Erythrina alkaloid biosynthesis can be excluded.

Reproductive anatomy and relationships of Setchellanthus caeruleus (Setchellanthaceae)

SummaryTobe, H., Carlquist, S. & litis, H. H.: Reproductive anatomy and relationships of Setchellanthus caeruleus (Setchellanthaceae). – Taxon 48: 277‐283. 1999. – ISSN 0040‐0262.Floral, seed, and fruit anatomy of the unispecific Mexican genus Setchellanthus are described. The genus has floral features that are characteristic of some traditionally defined Capparales or close allies of an expanded order Capparales, viz., a (5‐)6(‐7)‐merous flower with a 3‐merous gynoecium and an androecium comprising (5‐)6(‐7) fascicles of stamens that develop centrifugally; a short androgynophore and well‐developed gynophore; a 3‐loculed gynoecium with a 3‐lobed style and 3 conduplicate valves that separate from the vascular placental column at maturity much as do the valves of Cleome or Brassicaceae. Setchellanthus, however, has straight seeds with a spatulate embryo and a non‐fibrous exotegmen; it lacks the reniform seeds with fibrous exotegmen characteristic of the core Capparales. Vascular bundles in the fruit wall are amphivasal and show an extensive secondary growth that produces tracheids like those of the secondary xylem of stems; bordered pits are present in the wall of the inner epidermis cells. The floral and seed anatomy as well as the distinctive fruit anatomy support a position of Setchellanthus that is near‐basal to the core Capparales.

The minimum size of seeds and spores in relation to the ontogeny of homoiohydric plants

Homoiohydry may be defined as the capacity of nondormant terrestrial plants to remain hydrated, albeit without the capacity for net CO2 fixation, when the soil can supply water to the plant less rapidly than the atmosphere can potentially remove water in transpiration. Homoiohydry is an attribute of the sporophytes of most extant vascular plants and involves significant differentiation with roots (or functionally analogous structures), xylem, cuticle, stomata and intercellular gas spaces (Raven 1977; Edwards, Abbott & Raven 1996; Bell & Mooers 1997). Homoiohydry was a major physiological innovation in the evolution of embryophytes and has enabled plants 1-100 m high to grow in terrestrial habitats with fluctuating soil water availability and evaporative demand of the atmosphere (Raven 1977, 1984a, 1993, 1997a, 1998). The possession of homoiohydric characteristics permits non-dormant sporophytic structures to be desiccation-intolerant, i.e. unable to survive equilibration with an atmospheric relative humidity of less than c. 50% (i.e. a water potential of c. -100 MPa). Whatever the mechanistic basis for this height restriction of desiccation-tolerant growing vegetative structures of land plants to less than 1 m, it appears that the occurrence of terrestrial plants in the 1-100 m height range requires desiccation-intolerance in the growing sporophyte combined with homoiohydry. It must be remembered that desiccation-tolerance (as defined above) is common in dormant structures (e.g. seeds) of those plants which are desiccation-intolerant when growing and apparently relates to the widespread occurrence in vascular plants of a number of closely related genes encoding 'late-embryogenesisabundant' proteins, one group of which is termed the dehydrins (Ingrams & Bartels 1996). Major reproductive innovations in the evolution of embryophytes were the polyphyletic evolution of heterospory and, in a few of these parallel heterosporous lines of evolution, the seed habit, and culminated in the plant supplying all of the water needed to its reproductive structures, so that above-ground sexual reproductive processes relied only on soil water supply to the

MODIFIED-ATMOSPHERE PACKAGING OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: REDUCING CONDENSATION OF WATER IN BELL PEPPERS AND MANGOES

A dynamic model of gas and water vapor exchange in a package containing fresh fruit and vegetables was based on the Michaelis-Menten equation combined with Fick's diffusion law. A computer simulation evaluated package specifications which would provide best conditions for storage of a given commodity. Model predictions were confirmed by measured observations. Perforating the film greatly affected O 2 and CO 2 concentrations and water condensation, but not the in-package relative humidity. Bell peppers packaged in perforated film lost less weight and maintained higher quality during storage than fruit stored in open carton boxes and, at the same time, had lower decay levels than peppers kept in non-perforated packages. Perforating the film negated inhibition of ripening that prevailed for mango in non-perforated packages. Perforated packages retained most advantages of the modified atmosphere. Non-perforated film of the polyamide type had similar effects to perforated polyolefin film. Water condensation on the fruit and container walls was prevented by use of absorbers.

Ovule and seed development of Lacandonia schismatica (Lacandoniaceae)

Ovule and seed development is described for Lacandonia schismatica, a species whose androecium is surrounded by the gynoecium. The ovule in each carpel is basal, anatropous, tenuinucellate, and bitegmic. The female gametophyte is formed by the micropylar megaspore cell, after a coenocytic stage of the four megaspore nuclei. The mature female gametophyte has the normal complement of seven cells and eight nuclei. We propose a new type of female gametophyte development on the basis of the coenocytic stage of the tetrad, the cellularization of the tetrad, and the survival of the micropylar spore. At seed dispersal time, the embryo has ~10-20 cells. Endosperm development is of the nuclear type. At maturity, endosperm cells show starch and protein inclusions as well as polysaccharides in their thick walls. The seed coat is formed from the outer integument; the inner one disappears. The exotesta contains tannin. The fruit (achene) wall is two-layered. The maturation of the fruits in a flower is synchronous, and they separate from the receptacle for dispersal.

Fruit‐seed relations in Hakea: serotinous species invest more dry matter in predispersal seed protection

Abstract The ability to maintain a canopy stored seedbank (serotiny) is characteristic of many woody genera inhabiting fire‐prone environments. The relationship between level of serotiny for 94 Hakea (Proteaceae) species in southwestern Australia and follicle mass, density, three wall thicknesses and seed mass was investigated. Two species were non‐serotinous (fruits open at maturity), 12 were weakly serotinous (majority of fruits open at maturity), 9 were moderately serotinous (fruits open within five years of maturity) and 71 were strongly serotinous (fruits still closed at least five years after reaching maturity). A positive relationship existed between the level of serotiny and follicle morphology. Strongly serotinous species were more likely to have heavier, woodier and thicker‐walled follicles than non‐ and weakly serotinous species. Moderately/strongly serotinous species invested more energy (six times higher follicle:seed mass ratio) than non weakly serotinous species, consistent with increased protection of the seeds from granivores, pathogens, desiccation and/or heat. Recent work has shown that thicker fruit walls (strongly serotinous species) provide better insulation to seeds from heat, although the need to survive fire is just as critical for thin‐walled, weakly serotinous species. Greater protection from granivores may provide a better explanation for the adaptive significance of dense, thick‐walled serotinous follicles, as the opportunities for predispersal granivore damage are low among weakly serotinous species.

Macromolecular composition of the propagule wall of Nelumbo nucifera

The macromolecular constituents of the sclerotic propagule wall of Nelumbo nucifera and seed coat of Nymphaea caerulea were studied using scanning electron- and light microscopy in combination with Curiepoint pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In addition, the Nelumbo material was analyzed using solid state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and in-source pyrolysis-mass spectrometry. The sclerotic seed coat of the Nymphaea caerulea revealed the presence of angiosperm lignin-cellulose similar to that found in most sclerotic plant remains. In sharp contrast, the fruit wall plus seed coat of Nelumbo is believed to be composed of a complex of polysaccharides, based on primarily galactose and mannose units, and insoluble tannins, which are suggested to play the same structural role as the lignin-cellulose in the sclerotic seed coat. The distinctive nature of the chemical constituents present in the propagule wall of Nelumbo, supports the systematic distinction of this genus in the separate family Nelumbonaceae. The characteristic chemical composition of the propagule walls of Nelumbo could be an additional factor in favour of a prolonged longevity of these fruits. However, the distinctive composition of polysaccharides and tannins without the presence of lignin is considered to be the main reason for the absence of these propagules in the fossil record, despite their physical resistance.

Anacostia, a new basal angiosperm from the Early Cretaceous of North America and Portugal with trichotomocolpate/monocolpate pollen

A new angiosperm genus, Anacostia, with four species (A. marylandensis, A. virginiensis, A. portugallica, A. teixeirae) is described from Early Cretaceous floras in North America and Portugal. Anacostia comprises small, unilocular and one‐seeded fruiting units (each derived from a single carpel) with a sessile and indistinct stigmatic area. There are indications that a fleshy layer was originally present in the fruit wall. The seeds are anatropous, testai, and apparently derived from a bitegmic ovule. Pollen grains adhering to the stigmatic area and fruit wall are monoaperturate and trichotomocolpate or monocolpate. The pollen tectum is distinctly graded, reticulate to foveolate with the size of lumina decreasing towards the aperture and towards the proximal pole. The four species show substantial similarities in morphology, and in the anatomy of fruit, seed, and pollen, but can be distinguished by size and shape, as well as details of the fruit and seed wall. The Anacostia fruiting units are similar in several respects to those of the chloranthoid fossil Couperites described from mid‐Cretaceous sediments in eastern North America, but differ in details of fruit wall, seed wall, and associated pollen. The combination of separate fruiting units (carpels) containing a single anatropous, testai seed and trichotomocolpate/monocolpate pollen indicates a relationship between Anacostia and certain extant magnoliids and monocotyledons.

Palynology of southern African Boraginaceae: The genera Lobostemon, Echiostachys and Echium

The tribe Echieae of the subfamily Boragineae (Boraginaceae) is represented in southern Africa by the genera Lobostemon Lehm, and Echiostachys Levyns, endemic to the south‐western Cape region, and two species of Echium L., E. plantagineum L. and E. vulgare L., both introduced weeds of cultivation. Pollen of all these genera was studied and only one pollen type is recognized. Grains are tricolporate, heteropolar and triangular in equatorial view; ora more or less circular and situated towards the broader pole; tectum reticulate with densely spaced lumina; suprateetal nodules are situated at margins of lumina. The P/E ratio varies from 1.08 to 1.63. Genera of the Echieae are sometimes placed in the tribe Lithospermeae. A comparison of the pollen of the studied genera with that of Lithospermum, confirms that the tribe Echieae should be retained. Pollen of Lithospermum is 6–8‐zonocolporate, usually more or less isopolar and with colpi rhombic in outline. The presence of zygomorphic flowers and absence of calciumcarbonate in the fruit wall also support the retention of Lobostemon, Echiostachys and Echium in the Echieae. Pollen grain structure of the southern African Echieae reveals a close relationship between the genera and could support the merging of Lobostemon and Echiostachys with Echium. Lobostemon and Echium can, however, be separated on the position of an annulus. Echium has a minute collar or ring of 5–10 minute, sparingly hairy lobes, very close to the corolla base. Lobostemon and Echiostachys have densely hairy scales, tufts of hair, ridges or protuberances at or near the base of the filaments. Futhermore, the style is 2‐lobed in Echium and simple in Lobostemon.

Relationship between Fruit Softening and Wall Polysaccharides in Avocado (Persea americana Mill) Mesocarp Tissues

Changes in avocado (Persea americana) fruit texture during ripening were evaluated by stress-relaxation analysis. A conical probe was imposed into the mesocarp tissue to a depth of 0.6 mm and the initial stress and the stress relaxation over 60 s were determined. The initial stress, an elastic parameter, was substantially reduced within one day when ripening was initiated by transferring the fruit from 15 to 25°C. The minimum and maximum relaxation time, parameters which reflect viscosity, were also reduced within one day. Mesocarp cell walls were fractionated into water-soluble (WS), hot EDTA-soluble (EDTA), alkaline soluble (hemicellulose) and the residual (cellulose) fractions. The amount of cellulose did not change during ripening. Rhamnose, arabinose and uronic acids in the WS fraction increased during the initial day of ripening; those same components decreased in the EDTA fraction. A molecular weight downshift in the WS acidic polysaccharides was detected within one day, while only slight changes were observed in the molecular weights of the EDTA fraction. The quantities of individual sugar components of major hemicellulose fraction were unchanged, but there was a prominent molecular weight downshift in the xyloglucan components within one day. These results clearly revealed that both elastic and viscous properties of avocado mesocarp tissues were substantially altered during ripening, and that the solubility changes in acidic polysaccharides and decreases in the average molecular weight of cell wall xyloglucan components were associated with significant changes in fruit texture.

Diospyros morenoi (Ebenaceae), a New Species from Nicaragua

Diospyros morenoi, a new species from the oak forests of northwestern Nicaragua, is described, and its relationships to similar Central American species are discussed. A new species of Diospyros encountered in the course of preparing a treatment of the Ebenaceae for the Flora de Nicaragua is here described and illustrated. Diospyros morenoi A. Pool, sp. nov. TYPE: Nicaragua. Departamento de Madriz: S of Somoto, between Valle Santa Teresa and El Rodeo, 13027'N, 86034'W, 800-900 m, heavily grazed oak forest on rocky slopes, 12 July 1983 (immature fr), W. D. Stevens & Pedro P Moreno 22224 (holotype, MO; isotypes, BM, CR, EAP, F, FHO, HNMN not seen, MEXU, MICH, NY, P, TEX, US). Figure 1. Arbor grandis. Folia infra dense villosa. Infructescentia pedicellis geminatis, 12-15 mm longis. Calyx in fructu tomentosus, fere ad basim 5(6)-lobus, lobulis lanceolatis apice acuminatis, valde reflexis. Fructus lO0-locularis, exocarpio ca. 0.75 mm lato. Large tree, young branches tomentose with scattered, long, yellowish hairs. Leaf blades elliptic with acute apex and base, 8.3-10.5 cm long, 3.54.5 cm wide, 6-10 pairs of secondary veins, adaxial surface puberulent, abaxial surface densely villous; petiole 3-8 mm. Flowering material unknown. Fruiting pedicels paired, 12-15 mm long; calyx tomentose, 5(6)-lobed almost to base, lobes ca. 15 mm long, lanceolate with acuminate apex, strongly reflexed from base; fruit (probably immature) depressed-globose, green, glabrescent, puberulent at base and apex, to ca. 4 cm wide, and ca. 2.5 cm high, exocarp ca. 0.75 mm thick, 10-locular, 6-7seeded. Diospyros morenoi appears to be most closely related to Diospyros conzattii Standley (including Diospyros pergamentacea Lundell), endemic to the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. They are similar in having a calyx 5-lobate nearly to base with the lobes lanceolate with acute to acuminate apices and strongly reflexed in fruit. The fruit walls of D. conzattii are also relatively thick (S. Knapp, pers. comm.). Diospyros conzattii differs in having glabrous leaves. Only two species from Central America, in addition to D. morenoi, have densely pubescent leaves and a calyx 5-lobate nearly to base. Diospyros rekoi Standley, known from the Mexican states of Guerrero and Mexico, is perhaps the more similar. The only mature fruit that I have seen is moldy and fragmented, with the calyx missing. Immature fruits to 2 cm wide have ascending calyx lobes with acute to obtuse apices. The fruits are densely velutinous with the exocarp 0.35 mm thick. Diospyros oaxacana Standley, known from the Mexican states of Oaxaca and Veracruz, has pistillate flowers solitary in the leaf axils, calyx lobes reflexed in fruit, oblong to slightly pandurate with obtuse to acute apices, and fruit with exocarp 0.3 mm thick. Acknowledgments. I thank W. D. Stevens and Sandra Knapp for their advice and encouragement, John Myers for providing the illustration, and Roy Gereau for assistance in preparing the Latin description. NovoN 7: 189-190. 1997. This content downloaded from 207.46.13.85 on Tue, 23 Aug 2016 04:22:38 UTC All use subject to http://about.jstor.org/terms

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT DISEASE-RESISTANT PEPPER VARIETY TRIAL

In 1995, we compared the horticultural characteristics of one Phytophthora blight, one cucumber mosaic virus, and 12 bacterial leaf spot–resistant varieties to two popular commercial peppers in a replicated trial at the University of Connecticut. Fruit were graded for size and shape and yields were separated into early and late-season harvests. Other parameters measured were plant height, canopy width, and fruit wall thickness, length to diameter ratio, number, weight, and the percent marketable. Unreplicated demonstration plantings with three or four resistant varieties each were conducted at 12 commercial farms in 1994–95 and at the university's research farm in 1994. Several resistant varieties were judged to be equal or superior to the two popular cultivars based on a combination of characteristics, including observations on disease susceptibility at local farms. Resistant varieties recommended for New England conditions include Boynton Bell (Harris Moran), King Arthur and PSX 271092 (Petoseed), Admiral and Reinger (Roger NK).

PERFORMANCE OF TROPICAL PUMPKIN (CUCURBITA MOSCHATA) INBREDS AND HYBRIDS

Traditional varieties and selections of tropical pumpkins have long trailing vines that produce two to five fruit weighing from 2 to 20 kg each. Bush inbreds have been developed from crosses between `La Primera', `La Segunda', and `Seminole' with `Bush Butternut'. These inbred plants produce four to 10 early-maturing fruit weighing 1 to 2 kg each at the crown of the plant. Hybrids made with the vining types produce plants that have short or intermediate-length vines. Fruit are produced at the crown and on short laterals on the short-vine hybrids and on laterals on the intermediate-vine hybrids. Some short-vined and intermediate-vined hybrids produce higher yields than the traditional type, but fruit size is smaller and the fruit wall is generally thinner. C42-1-9-1 x Linea C. Pinta, an intermediate-vine type, produced the highest yield in spring (66.5 t·ha–1) and fall (39.9 t·ha–1) at Bradenton, Fla. About three fruit weighing 4 to 5 kg each were produced per plant.

The gynoecial infection pathway of Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi in lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium)

Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi (Reade) Honey is an economically important pathogen of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Aiton) which causes blighting of leaves and flowers and mummification of fruits. This study was conducted to determine if infection of lowbush blueberry gynoecia occurs through colonization of the stigma. Sections of gynoecia inoculated with conidia were examined by brightfield microscopy. Conidia germinated on the stigmatic surface 1–3 d following inoculation to form hyphae winch invaded the stylar canal and other tissue down to the ovules. The infection pathway observed was identical to that of pollen tubes following pollination. After invasion of the ovary fungal colonization continued until the entire fruit wall was colonized with mycelium. Key words: Mummy berry, stigma colonization, pseudosclerotium

Dichilanthe, an unusual Asiatic Rubiaceae with “Lonicera flowers” and “dipterocarp fruits”

Dichilanthe, a disjunctly distributed, arborescent Southeast Asiatic genus (D. zeylanica: Sri Lanka; D. borneensis: West Borneo) with collar‐like, persistent stipules, has strongly zygomorphic, ornithophilous flowers which show secondary pollen presentation. The curved corolla is two‐lipped. The upper lip consists of 2, and the lower lip of 3 fused corolla lobes. The calyx, too, is zygomorphic. The curved, exserted style ends in a swollen “stylar head' which apically bears two small stigmatic (receptive) areas in a zygomorphic arrangement. The flowers are borne in compact, terminal heads, held together by enlarged stipules of a bract‐pair immediately below the inflorescence. The dispersal units (diaspores) mimic dipterocarp fruits. They consist of a persistent, wing‐like pair of bracts whose±cuplike stipules enclose the fruits. The diaspores break off at the node immediately below the bract‐pair, where there is a distinct abscission zone. Initial on”primary“dispersal by wind may be followed by facultative”secondary“dispersal by floating in water.”Pith tissue“produced by each fruit of the diaspore, and the air spaces contained therein, are likely to be adaptations to floating. This”pith tissue“, a loose, parenchymatic,± irregularly arranged area of the fruit wall which partially disintegrates during fruit maturation, represents a modified portion of the endocarp; the remainder of the endocarp is”normal“sclerenchymatic tissue coating the two locules. The initial stages of this endocarp differentiation are already observable in early developmental stages, i.e., in ovaries of flower buds and open flowers. The bicarpellate ovaries contain a solitary, anatropous pendulous ovule per locule. Viable seeds have large embryos and only c. 5–6 layers of oily endosperm; their exotesta cells have delicate, ring‐like thickenings. In developing fruits of individual inflorescences, a high frequency of seed abortion was noted. Not uncommonly, there is only a single viable seed per dispersal unit, i.e., only a solitary seedling emerging from a diaspore. Germination of the seeds is cryptocotylar. The pollen of D. zeylanica is suboblate and 5‐ or 6‐colpate (with the colpi being rather short); the exine is finely reticulate. In spite of several of its character states being unusual and aberrant, the tribal position of Dichilanthe in the Guettardeae is not questioned, although it is concluded that the genus occupies a rather isolated position in the tribe.

Insect Management on Bell Pepper in West-Central Florida, Fall 1994

Abstract Transplants were set 8 Aug, 12 inches apart on 8-inch-high and 32-inch-wide beds of fumigated EauGallie fine sand covered with white polyethylene mulch. Each plot consisted of a single row of 12 plants with rows on 5 ft centers. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a RCB design and sprays were applied with a 2.5 gal, hand-held CO2-powered sprayer on 16, 21, 29 Sept, 7, 13, 20, 27 Oct, 3, 10, 16, 23, 29 Nov, 6 and 13 Dec. The sprayer was outfitted with a single nozzle with a D-5 disk and #45 core and delivered 100 gpa at 60 psi. Granular applications were made just prior to soil fumigation (about 2 weeks prior to planting) in two narrow bands 10 inches on either side of bed centers. On 5-6 Oct, each plant in each plot was inspected for small (≤0.5 inch long) and large (0.5 inch long) beet armyworm larvae. On 3 Nov, each plot was rated by two persons for increasing percentage of defoliation by beet armyworm larvae using the Horsfall-Barratt system. With this system, ratings of 1-12 corresponded to 1-100% defoliation. The ratings were averaged prior to analysis. Fruit were harvested on 2, 21 Nov, 14 and 19 Dec and the number and weight of undamaged fruit and the number of fruit damaged by beet armyworm larvae were determined. Fruit with slight feeding damage only on the stem or calyx were considered marketable. Fruit with either slight or severe damage on the fruit wall were considered unmarketable. Fruit also were examined for the presence of oviposition scars on the outside of the fruit and for the presence of larval feeding damage on the inside of the fruit caused by the pepper weevil. On 16 Dec, each plot was sampled by dislodging the insects from the tops of five plants with a 12 inch garden stake into the bottom of a rectangular cake pan painted black and coated with a thin film of vegetable oil. The numbers of pepper weevil adults, armyworm larvae, predator adults and immatures, and aphids were counted. The numbers of predators were totaled over all species since few of any one species were present.

Armyworm and Pepper Weevil Control on Bell Pepper in West-Central Florida, Spring 1995

Abstract Transplants were set 14 Mar, 12 inches apart on 8-inch-high and 32-inch-wide beds of EauGallie fine sand covered with white polyethylene mulch. Each plot consisted of a single row of 10 plants with rows on 5 ft centers. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a RCB design and were applied with a 2.5 gal, hand-held CO2-powered sprayer on 7, 13, 20 Apr, 4, 11, 18, 25 May, 1, 9, 14, 21, 29 Jun and 6 July. The sprayer was outfitted with a single nozzle with a D-5 disk and #45 core and delivered 100 gpa at 60 psi. The Neemix 4.5% formulation was inadvertently substituted for the 0.25% formulation for the first three applications. On 16 May, each plot was rated 1 to 12 for increasing defoliation due to armyworm feeding using the Horsfall-Barratt scale. Fruit were harvested on 24 May, 12, 26 Jun and 10 July and the number and weight of undamaged fruit and the number of fruit damaged by beet armyworm larvae were determined. Fruit with slight feeding damage only on the stem or calyx were considered marketable. Fruit with either slight or severe damage on the fruit wall were considered unmarketable. Fruit also were examined for the presence of oviposition scars on the outsides of the fruit and for the presence of larval feeding damage on the insides of the fruit caused by the pepper weevil.

Appomattoxia ancistrophora gen. et sp. nov., a New Early Cretaceous Plant with Similarities to Circaeaster and Extant Magnoliidae

A new genus and species of fossil angiosperm (Appomattoxia ancistrophora) is established based on well-preserved fruiting units and associated pollen from the Early Cretaceous (Early or Middle Albian) Puddledock locality in the Potomac Group sequence of Virginia, eastern North America. Fruiting units are small, unilocular, and with a single, pendulous, orthotropous seed. The fruit surface is characterized by densely spaced unicellular spines with hooklike tips, which probably functioned in biotic dispersal. Pollen grains adhering to the stigmatic area of many specimens are monocolpate and tectate with granular to columellate infratectal structure, and are similar to dispersed grains assigned to Tucanopollis and Transitoripollis. Comparison of fossil Appomattoxia ancistrophora with extant plants reveals an unusual combination of characters that includes similarities with some magnoliid taxa, particularly Piperales (Piperaceae, Saururaceae) and Laurales (Chloranthaceae), as well as the monotypic ranunculid family Circaeasteraceae. Appomattoxia ancistrophora differs from extant Piperales in having a pendulous rather than erect ovule, and differs from extant Circaeaster in details of the fruit wall, as well as the presence of monosulcate rather than tricolpate pollen.

Seed Morphology of Hydrangeaceae and Its Phylogenetic Implications

Seed morphology of Hydrangeaceae was explored to describe the parameters of diversity, define characters and character states, and hypothesize monophyletic groups in the family on the basis of derived features. Eleven seed characters were defined that delimit four basic aspects of morphology, including (1) shape, (2) primary sculpture, (3) secondary sculpture, and (4) appendages. Character states could not be delimited readily in some aspects of diversity, including transectional shape and length of seeds. Despite continuous variation in seed length, when mapped on previous cladograms these data supported the hypothesis that seeds less than 1.0 mm long were plesiomorphic and that seed size had increased separately in different subclades. Seed size increased in association with wing loss in Fendlera, Fendlerella, and Whipplea. A shift from apical, interstylar dehiscence of fruits that produce a very limited gap for seed emergence in most members of the hydrangea clade to fruit wall fragmentation may have p...

Appomattoxia ancistrophora gen. et sp. nov., a new Early Cretaceous plant with similarities to Circaeaster and extant Magnoliidae

A new genus and species of fossil angiosperm (Appomattoxia ancistrophora) is established based on well‐preserved fruiting units and associated pollen from the Early Cretaceous (Early or Middle Albian) Puddledock locality in the Potomac Group sequence of Virginia, eastern North America. Fruiting units are small, unilocular, and with a single, pendulous, orthotropous seed. The fruit surface is characterized by densely spaced unicellular spines with hooklike tips, which probably functioned in biotic dispersal. Pollen grains adhering to the stigmatic area of many specimens are monocolpate and tectate with granular to columellate infratectal structure, and are similar to dispersed grains assigned to Tucanopollis and Transitoripollis. Comparison of fossil Appomattoxia ancistrophora with extant plants reveals an unusual combination of characters that includes similarities with some magnoliid taxa, particularly Piperales (Piperaceae, Saururaceae) and Laurales (Chloranthaceae), as well as the monotypic ranunculid family Circaeasteraceae. Appomattoxia ancistrophora differs from extant Piperales in having a pendulous rather than erect ovule, and differs from extant Circaeaster in details of the fruit wall, as well as the presence of monosulcate rather than tricolpate pollen.