Diverse Genus Research Articles

Monkeying around with monkeyflowers: Modeling pigmentation patterning mechanisms in Mimulus.

Mimulus (Monkeyflowers) is a diverse genus of angiosperms that produce many beautiful and unique pigmentation patterns. The basic mechanisms of pattern production have been tentatively described in certain species of Mimulus, and it is based on the reaction-diffusion system of a slow activator NEGAN (called a pre-pattern) and a fast inhibitor RTO. Such activator-inhibitor pair forms a Turing pattern, and we have shown that it generates various patterns in Monkeyflower petals. Using the modeling and simulation software VCell, the reaction-diffusion system can be spatially simulated with a series of differential equations. By changing the parameters of the math model or the shape of the pre-pattern, many different patterns emerge, corresponding to phenotypes observed in species of Mimulus. We aim to classify flower patterns, so they can be easily distinguished, and to identify key parameters and parameter regions that correspond to changes in patterns related to a mix of mutants in a plant, and trajectories in parameter space describing the lineage of patterns. (Supported by NIGMS grant R01 GM140092.)

Occurrence of Sex Chromosomes in Fish of the Genus Ancistrus with a New Description of Multiple Sex Chromosomes in the Ecuadorian Endemic Ancistrus clementinae (Loricariidae).

Ancistrus Kner, 1854, is the most diverse genus among the Ancistrini (Loricariidae) with 70 valid species showing a wide geographic distribution and great taxonomic and systematic complexity. To date, about 40 Ancistrus taxa have been karyotyped, all from Brazil and Argentina, but the statistic is uncertain because 30 of these reports deal with samples that have not yet been identified at the species level. This study provides the first cytogenetic description of the bristlenose catfish, Ancistrus clementinae Rendahl, 1937, a species endemic to Ecuador, aiming to verify whether a sex chromosome system is identifiable in the species and, if so, which, and if its differentiation is associated with the presence of repetitive sequences reported for other species of the family. We associated the karyotype analysis with the COI molecular identification of the specimens. Karyotype analysis suggested the presence of a ♂ZZ/♀ZW1W2 sex chromosome system, never detected before in Ancistrus, with both W1W2 chromosomes enriched with heterochromatic blocks and 18S rDNA, in addition to GC-rich repeats (W2). No differences were observed between males and females in the distribution of 5S rDNA or telomeric repeats. Cytogenetic data here obtained confirm the huge karyotype diversity of Ancistrus, both in chromosome number and sex-determination systems.

Unusual blooming of invasive ctenophore Beroe ovata (Bruguière, 1789) and geographical range expansion based on morphology and molecular analysis

The neritic ctenophore Beroe ovata (Bruguière, 1789) is a Beroida species frequently found along the western coast of the Atlantic, from northeastern USA to central Argentina. Here we report the geographical range expansion of Beroe ovata and its blooming from the Arabian Sea. In ctenophore the use of molecular tools to support conventional (morphological) identification offers a new perspective in the field of biogeography. The identification of this species is critical for both monitoring future blooms in the area and gaining a better knowledge of the genus diversity on a global scale. The density of the reported blooming was 189 ± 9 ind. m−3. The reported places for this taxon show that it has a subtropical and tropical affinity.

The revision of fossil big-eyed bugs suggests a peculiar evolutionary history of a peculiar true bug family (Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Geocoridae)

The fossil record of the lygaeoid true bug family, Geocoridae so far consisted of a compression fossil from the Florissant Formation, Geocoris infernorum, and a mould fossil from the Izarra Formation, G. monserrati. Here, we report the third taxon, Protogeocoris arcanus gen. et sp. nov. from Cenomanian Burmese amber along with revision of the two previously mentioned species. The study of the specimens resulted in erecting a new genus, Eocenogeocoris gen. nov. to accommodate G. infernorum [ = Eocenogeocoris infernorum (Sudder, 1890) comb. nov.], because of its unique combination of characters compared to extant geocorine true bugs. Furthermore, the interpretation of the novel morphological data acquired from the study of the fossil geocorids in the context of the knowledge on extant representatives of the family suggests that characteristic groups of the family may have been evolved until the mid-Cretaceous, whilst the species-level diversity of the nominotypical genus, Geocoris Fallén, 1814, and closely allied genera is possibly resulted by quick radiation event after a climatic changes at the Eocene-Oligocene boundary.

Revisiting plant defense-fitness trade-off hypotheses using Solanum as a model genus

Plants possess physical and chemical defenses which have been found to deter herbivores that feed and oviposit on them. Despite having wide variety of defenses which can be constitutive or induced, plants are attacked and damaged by insects associated with different mouthparts and feeding habits. Since these defenses are costly, trade-offs for growth and defense traits play an important role in warding off the herbivores, with consequences for plant and herbivore growth, development and fitness. Solanum is a diverse and rich genus comprising of over 1,500 species with economic and ecological importance. Although a large number of studies on Solanum species with different herbivores have been carried out to understand plant defenses and herbivore counter defenses, they have primarily focused on pairwise interactions, and a few species of economic and ecological importance. Therefore, a detailed and updated understanding of the integrated defense system (sum of total defenses and trade-offs) is still lacking. Through this review, we take a closer look at the most common plant defense hypotheses, their assumptions and trade-offs and also a comprehensive evaluation of studies that use the genus Solanum as their host plant, and their generalist and specialist herbivores from different feeding guilds. Overall, review emphasizes on using ubiquitous Solanum genus and working toward building an integrated model which can predict defense-fitness-trade-offs in various systems with maximum accuracy and minimum deviations from realistic results.

Filling the gap in distribution ranges and conservation status in Ctenomys (Rodentia: Ctenomyidae)

Abstract South American subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae, tuco-tuco) are one of the most diverse genera among mammals. Recently described species, new taxonomic revisions, and new distribution range delimitation made the revision of distribution areas and conservation status of these mammals mandatory. Implementing the first part of the DAMA protocol (document, assess, monitor, act), here we compile updated sets of species distribution range maps and use these and the number of collection localities to assess the conservation status of ctenomyids. We integrate potential for conservation in protected areas, and levels of habitat transformation to revise previous conservation status assessments and propose the first assessment for all Data Deficient or not evaluated species of tuco-tucos. Our results indicate that 53 (78%) of these species are threatened and that 47 (69%) have little or no overlap with protected areas, emphasizing the urgent need to conduct conservation efforts. Here, 18 of 22 species previously classified as Data Deficient resulted in them being put in an at-risk category (VU, EN, CR). In addition, nine species that have not been previously evaluated were classified as threatened, with these two groups comprising more than 47% of the known species. These results posit that the Ctenomyidae are the rodent family with the greatest number of species at risk of extinction. Finally, a total of 33 (49%) species have been reported from three or fewer localities; all considered threatened through the approach implemented in this study. These geographically restricted taxa should be given more attention in conservation programs since the richness of this genus relies on the survival of such species.

Reevaluation of the Systematic Status of Branchinotogluma (Annelida, Polynoidae), with the Establishment of Two New Species

Branchinotogluma is one of the most diverse genera among the polynoids inhabiting deep-sea chemosynthetic environments. A total of 14 species have been described from the hydrothermal vents and cold seeps worldwide. Our phylogenetic analyses based on four genes (COI, 16S, 18S, and 28S rRNA) recovered the current Branchinotogluma as paraphyletic, with seven clades scattered in two main clades. The monophyly of the main clade composed of Branchinotogluma (except Branchinotogluma segonzaci), Branchipolynoe, and Peinaleopolynoe is supported by the presence of 20–21 segments with 9–10 pairs of elytra, ventral papillae starting from segment 12 in males, and arborescent branchiae. The monophyly of another main clade composed of B. segonzaci, Bathykurila, Lepidonotopodium, Levensteiniella, and Thermopolynoe is supported by the presence of usually 22–30 segments with 11 pairs of elytra and the lack of ventral papillae in females. In addition, our study recognized two new species, Branchinotogluma nanhaiensis sp. nov. and B. robusta sp. nov., based on specimens collected from the deep-sea cold seeps in the South China Sea. Both the morphology and molecular phylogenetic analyses support the validity of the two new species and the sister relationships between B. nanhaiensis and B. japonicus and between B. robusta and B. pettiboneae as well.

TAXONOMIC IDENTITY OF A RECENTLY NATURALIZED SENECIO SPECIES IN CALIFORNIA

A species of the diverse genus Senecio (Asteraceae), originally identified as the Australian S. quadridentatus Labill. and reported naturalized in Orange and San Diego counties, California, was determined to be correctly identified as the South African Senecio angustifolius (Thunb.) Willd. True Senecio quadridentatus is confirmed to be naturalized in southern California in Santa Barbara County, both in mainland coastal regions and on Santa Rosa Island. The two species differ in plant habit (perennial herb in S. quadridentatus, shrub in S. angustifolius), leaf length (60–130 mm in S. quadridentatus, 10–35 mm in S. angustifolius), head type (disciform in S. quadridentatus, discoid in S. angustifolius), and head shape and size (involucre narrowly cylindric and 6.5–10 mm in S. quadridentatus, involucre widely cylindric and 5–6 mm in S. angustifolius). Evidence for these determinations, a description for Senecio angustifolius, and a revision to the key to Senecio in California are presented. The eradication of these exotics in natural habitats of southern California is ongoing, but further monitoring is required.

Bacterial composition of a competitive exclusion product and its correlation with product efficacy at reducing Salmonella in poultry.

The mature intestinal microbiome is a formidable barrier to pathogen colonization. Day-old chicks seeded with cecal contents of adult hens are resistant to colonization with Salmonella, the basis of competitive exclusion. Competitive exclusion products can include individual microbes but are commonly undefined intestinal communities taken from adult animals and in commercial production is amplified in fermentator and sold commercially in freeze dried lots. While superior to single and multiple species probiotics, reducing Salmonella colonization by multiple logs, undefined products have limited acceptance because of their uncharacterized status. In this study, the bacterial composition of the master stock, preproduction seed stocks and commercial lots of a poultry competitive exclusion product, was defined by 16S rRNA sequence analysis, targeting the 16S rRNA variable region (V1-V3). The samples contained a diversity of genera (22-52 distinct genera) however, the commercial lots displayed less diversity compared to the seeds and the master stock. Community composition varied between seeds and the master stock and was not a good predictor of potency, in terms of log10 reduction in Salmonella abundance. While there was significant correlation in composition between seeds and their commercial lots, this too was a not a good predictor of potency. There was linear correlation between unclassified Actinobacteria, Peptococcus, and unclassified Erysipelotrichaceae, and Salmonella abundance (r 2 > .75) for commercial seeds. However, upon review of the literature, these three genera were not consistently observed across studies or between trials that examined the correlation between intestinal community composition and Salmonella prevalence or abundance.

Molecular analyses of pseudoscorpions in a subterranean biodiversity hotspot reveal cryptic diversity and microendemism

Nested within the Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot, the Dinaric Karst of the western Balkans is one of the world’s most heterogeneous subterranean ecosystems and renowned for its highly diverse and mostly endemic fauna. The evolutionary processes leading to both endemism and diversity remain insufficiently understood, and large-scale analyses on taxa that are abundant in both subterranean and surface habitats remain infrequent. Here, we provide the first comprehensive molecular study on Croatian pseudoscorpions, a lineage of arachnids that is common and diverse in both habitats. Phylogenetic reconstructions using 499 COI sequences derived from 128 morphospecies collected across the Dinaric Karst show that: (i) occurrence in karstic microhabitats boosters speciation and endemism in the most diverse genera Chthonius C.L. Koch, 1843 (37 morphospecies) and Neobisium Chamberlin, 1930 (34 morphospecies), (ii) evidence for ongoing diversification is found in many species and species complexes through low optimal thresholds (OTs) and species delineation analyses, and (iii) landscape features, such as mountain ranges, correlate with patterns of genetic diversity in the diverse genus Neobisium. We present two synonymies: Protoneobisium Ćurčić, 1988 = Neobisium, syn. nov., and Archaeoroncus Ćurčić and Rađa, 2012 = Roncus L. Koch, 1873, syn. nov. Overall, our study suggests that karstic microhabitats promote diversification in soil- and cave-dwelling arthropods at all taxonomic levels, but also provide important refugia for invertebrates in past and present periods of environmental change.

Taxonomic revision of Sobralia section Racemosae Brieger (Sobralieae, Orchidaceae)

Sobralia Ruiz & Pav. is a large and morphologically diverse neotropical orchid genus. It can be divided into four sections and some informal groups of species based mainly on the inflorescence architecture. While most of the species have strongly abbreviated, compact raceme, the section Racemosae is characterized by an elongated inflorescence with distinct internodes between flowers. Although the group is well-defined and easily distinguishable in terms of morphology, its species are often similar to each other and may be easily misidentified. Identification is especially difficult when considering herbarium specimens. Here, a taxonomic revision of Sobralia section Racemosae is presented. Apart from particular species’ morphological characteristics, keys for identification, ecological data, and distribution maps are presented. Sobralia gambitana is described as a species new to science. A neotype for S. hoppii Schltr. is proposed.

Aureobasidium spp.: Diversity, Versatility, and Agricultural Utility

The black yeast-like fungi Aureobasidium spp. are ubiquitous microorganisms found in a wide variety of extreme and benign environments as saprophytes, endophytes, and pathogens. Since this diverse genus includes species with potential uses in agriculture and the food industry, it is important that we explore their evolution and spread in the context of climate change. Aureobasidium spp. are known to be capable of producing a plethora of various metabolites, many of which find applications in the field in the control of plant pathogens. The present review aims to explain how these microorganisms can provide ecological and safe strategies that might be adopted in agricultural production systems and food processing. The versatility and potential of the Aureobasidium genus lie perfectly within the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2021–2030 by opening new horizons that are respectful to the environment and human health.

Cestode parasites of the Australian bustard, Ardeotis australis (Gray) (Aves: Gruiformes)

ABSTRACT Examination of museum collections of cyclophyllidean cestodes (families Paruterinidae and Davaineidae) from the Australian bustard, Ardeotis australis (Gray) (Aves: Gruiformes), revealed the presence of five species not previously reported from Australia: Ascometra vestita Cholodkovsky, 1912, Idiogenes kolbei Ortlepp, 1938, I. kori Ortlepp, 1938, I. nana Fuhrmann, 1925 and I. otidis Krabbe, 1868. All are known from a variety of genera and species of bustards from Africa and Eurasia. Minor differences were noted in the morphology of I. kori and I. nana from published descriptions, but these differences may be due to intraspecific variation.

RAPD-markers assisted genetic diversity analysis and Bt-Cry1Ac gene identification in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Generic diversity (GD) screening helps to identify candidate genes involved in diseases, pests, or other stress resistance in plants. GD is crucial for maintaining vigor and healthy plant population. The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) is a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular marker, effective for screening genetic diversity in diverse plant species. In this study, we applied the RAPD-markers-assisted PCR approach to explore genetic diversity (GD) among 7 varieties of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) at DNA level. Further, we assessed the presence of Bt-Cry1Ac gene in those varieties using the PCR approach. The eggplants showed genetic diversity at the DNA level. The amplification with two RAPD primers (OPA-02, OPA-04) produced a total of 41 bands. The highest similarity showed 78.57% among sample 4 (Eggplant China) vs sample 7 (Purple king F1) and sample 1 (Eggplant Srilanka) vs sample 4 (Eggplant China), while the lowest was 28.57% among sample 7 (Purple king F1) vs sample 3 (Eggplant Chittagong-1). In addition, the PCR results for the Bt Cry1Ac primer did not show a considerable band in the expected amplicon size. The dendrogram showed the genetic variability and relationship among all seven eggplant varieties at the genetic level. The study formulated a simple marker-based method for an effective molecular protocol to study genetics in eggplants. It also reported the presence of the Bt gene in popular eggplant varieties.

Application of sodium selenite in the growing technology of white lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

Lupinus is a very diverse genus with many species. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different methods of application of sodium selenite on the nutritional value of white lupine variety Degas. The highest effect on the content of crude protein was obtained by spraying vegetating plants before the beginning of the flowering phase. In this variant, a class 1 grain was obtained while meeting other requirements of the feed lupin quality standard. This study reveals that the use of selenium contributed to increasing the collection of crude protein at the harvest of white lupin. It is assumed that selenium stimulated the processes of nitrogen entering plants and its redistribution from vegetative to generative organs, as well as activated the synthesis of proteins and their accumulation in the grain of white lupin. It was found that the content of alkaloids in the resulting crop of white lupin did not exceed acceptable levels, which allows it to be used for feed purposes and the preparation of various types of feed. The use of selenium contributed to the increase in the collection of crude protein content at the harvest of above-ground plant mass as it stimulates nitrogen processes in plants and its redistribution from vegetative organs to generative organs, as well as the synthesis of protein compounds in the lupin grain.

Flora of Espírito Santo: Hiraeoide and Malpighioide clades (Malpighiaceae)

Abstract This is a taxonomic treatment of four genera and eight species of the hiraeoide and malpighioide clades (Malpighiaceae) in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. Hiraea and Mascagnia are the most diverse genera, with three species each, followed by Amorimia and Lophopterys, with one species each. Two species are listed as threatened: H. bullata and M. velutina. The main characteristics that can be used to identify the genera in Espírito Santo are epipetiolar or interpetiolar stipules, the indumentum on the branches, the inflorescence type, the number of elaiophores, and characteristics of the mericarps. Morphological descriptions, identification keys, taxonomic notes, geographic distribution maps, and photographic plates are provided for the species.

FLORA DIVERSITY IN THE PROPOSED DELACOUR’S LANGUR SPECIES AND HABITAT CONSERVATION AREA, HA NAM PROVINCE

The flora in the Proposed Delacour’s Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area is quite diverse with 562 species belonging to 373 genera, and 126 families of 6 vascular plant phyla. Of which, Angiospermae is the most dominant with 513 species (91.28%), 348 genera (93.3%) of 106 families (84.13%); the next Polypodiophyta with 38 species (6.76%), 18 genera (4.83%), 14 families (11.11%); the Lycopodiophyta has 5 species (0.89%) belonging to 3 genera (0.80%) of 2 families (1.59%) and the Gymnospermae has 4 species (0.71%) belonging to 2 genera (0.54%) of 2 families (1.59%); the last two Equisetophyta and Psilotophyta both have only one species, one genus of one family. In the Angiospermae, Dicotyledoneae is more dominant than Monocotyledoneae. The ten most diverse plant families have 215 species, accounting for 38.26% and the ten most diverse genera have 66 species, representing 11.75% of the total species in the study area. The forest plant resources in the Proposed Delacour’s Langur Species and Habitat Conservation Area have a high diversity of use values and can be classified into 15 different use groups. In the research site, there is a total of 41 threatened plant species that need to be preserved, including 21 species listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book, 27 species listed in Decree No. 84/2021/ND-CP, and 7 species listed in the IUCN Red List.

FLORA DIVERSITY IN DEO CA SPECIAL USE FOREST PHU YEN PROVINCE

The Deo Ca Special Use Forest flora is quite diverse with 492 species belonging to 329 genera and 117 families of 4 vascular plant phyla. Of which, Magnoliophyta is the most dominant with 453 species (92.07%), 302 genera (91.79%), and 95 families (81.2%); the next Polypodiophyta with 32 species (6.5%), 21 genera (6.38%), 17 families (14.53%); the Lycopodiophyta has 4 species (0.81%) belonging to 3 genera (0.91%) of 2 families (1.71%); the last Pinophyta has 3 species (0.61%) belonging to 3 genera (0.91%) and 3 families (2.56%). In the Magnoliophyta, Magnoliopsida is more dominant than Liliopsida. The ratio of Magnoliopsida to Liliopsida in terms of the species, genus, and family are 8.44, 7.16, and 4.94, respectively. The ten most diverse plant families have 161 species, accounting for 32.72% and the ten most diverse genera have 56 species, representing 11.38% of the total species in the study site. The forest plant resources in the Deo Ca Special Use Forest area have a high diversity of use values and can be classified into 15 different groups of uses. There is a total of 28 threatened plant species in the study area, of which 17 are listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book and 18 are listed in Decree No. 84/2021/ND-CP, which need to be preserved.

Diversity of diatoms in biological soil crusts of the northern region of the Urals on the basis of morphological and metagenomic approaches

We studied the diversity of diatoms in biological soil crusts which formed on cryogenic soils in the mountain tundras of the Polar, Subpolar and Northern Urals. We used the permanent Elyashev's medium and DNA metabarcoding for diatom species diversity. In total, 58 diatoms taxa (rank below the genus) identified based on morphological and metagenomic data analysis. The most diverse genera are Pinnularia, Eunotia, and Nitzschia.

Ruminal microbiome and blood parameters in beef cattle fed with high-grain diets buffered with Lithothamnium calcareum

Context and aims DNA metabarcoding strategy was used to sequence the 16S rRNA region of ruminal fluid samples from Nellore cattle fed with concentrate-rich diets in response to modulatory effect of buffering additives calcarea seaweed (Lithothamnium calcareum) and sodium bicarbonate. Methods Besides characterising the richness and diversity indices of rumen bacterial community, the impact of potentially acidogenic diets on rumen pH, blood parameters, and short-chain fatty acid profile (SCFA) was investigated for which four male Nellore cattle were used, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square (treatments × periods). Treatments comprised the same highly concentrated basal diet, and were as follows: T1, without additive (CON); T2, inclusion of 90 g of sodium bicarbonate (BIC); T3, inclusion of 90 g of L. calcareum (L90); and T4, inclusion of 45 g of L. calcareum (L45). Data were analysed in R, in which diversity and abundance at gender level were analysed using Friedman’s test, with means being adjusted by False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction. The analyses of pH, biochemical parameters and SCFA were analysed using Scott–Knott test and means were evaluated with a significance level of 10% (P < 0.10). Key results We identified 1474 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 52 genera and 16 phyla of bacteria domain. The results showed that bacterial microbiota were dominated by Firmicutes (44.12%), Bacteroidetes (28.29%), and Proteobacteria (5.88%). Animals fed with L90 demonstrated greater abundance and ruminal diversity for the Prevotella genus (P < 0.07% and P < 0.09% respectively), whereas cattle supplemented with L45 demonstrated greater diversity of the Fibrobacter genus (P < 0.05). There were differences in molar proportion for acetic (P < 0.07%) and valeric (P < 0.03%) acids in the period before feeding. Higher blood lactate concentrations were observed in animals supplemented with L45 (P < 0.06%), while animals that received treatments L90 and BIC presented lower levels of blood lactate. This metabolite was lower in animals fed with 90 g of sodium bicarbonate and L. calcareum daily. These treatments also reduced the concentration of acetic acid and increased that of valeric acid, and improved ruminal diversity. Conclusions and implications Our results supported this choice to improve ruminal function, with a great prospective of better weight-gain performance in Nellore cattle.