Illicium Parviflorum Research Articles

Concluding Embryogenesis After Diaspora: Seed Germination in Illicium Parviflorum.

Albuminous seeds, dispersed with a minimally developed embryo surrounded by nutrient storage tissue, are pervasive across extinct and extant early diverging angiosperm lineages. Typically, seed ontogenic studies have focused on the time between fertilization and seed release, but in albuminous seeds, embryogenesis is incomplete at the time of seed dispersal. Here, I studied the morphological and nutritional relationships between the embryo and the endosperm after seed dispersal in Illicium parviflorum (Austrobaileyales). Seeds of I. parviflorum germinate over a period of three months. Different stages during the germination process were anatomically evaluated using a combination of histochemistry and immunocytochemistry. At dispersal, the seeds of Illicium contain a tiny achlorophyllous embryo with minimal histological differentiation, surrounded by copious amounts of lipo-protein globules stored in the endosperm within cell walls rich in un-esterified pectins. Six weeks later, the embryo expanded and differentiated the vascular tissues before the emergence of the radicle through the seed coat, as the stored lipids and proteins coalesced within cells. Six weeks later, the cotyledons contained starch and complex lipids intracellularly, and accumulated low-esterified pectins in their cell walls. The proteolipid-rich albuminous seeds of Illicium exemplify how woody angiosperms of the Austrobaileyales, Amborellales, and many magnoliids release seeds with high-energy storage compounds that are reprocessed by embryos that complete development during germination. Seedlings of these lineages thrive in the understory of tropical environments, which match with the predicted habitats where angiosperms evolved.

Scaling of phloem hydraulic resistance in stems and leaves of the understory angiosperm shrub Illicium parviflorum.

Recent studies in canopy-dominant trees revealed axial scaling of phloem structure. However, whether this pattern is found in woody plants of the understory, the environment of most angiosperms from the ANA grade (Amborellales-Nymphaeales-Austrobaileyales), is unknown. We used seedlings and adult plants of the understory tropical shrub Illicium parviflorum, a member of the lineage Austrobaileyales, to explore the anatomy and physiology of the phloem in their aerial parts, including changes through ontogeny. Adult plants maintain a similar proportion of phloem tissue across stem diameters, but larger conduit dimensions and number cause the hydraulic resistance of the phloem to decrease toward the base of the plant. Small sieve plate pores resulted in an overall higher sieve tube hydraulic resistance than has been reported in other woody angiosperms. Sieve elements increase in size from minor to major leaf veins, but were shorter and narrower in petioles. The low carbon assimilation rates of seedlings and mature plants contrasted with a 3-fold higher phloem sap velocity in seedlings, suggesting that phloem transport velocity is modulated through ontogeny. The overall architecture of the phloem tissue in this understory angiosperm shrub scales in a manner consistent with taller trees that make up the forest canopy. Thus, the evolution of larger sieve plate pores in canopy-dominant trees may have played a key role in allowing woody angiosperms to extend beyond their understory origins.

Saline Irrigation Affects Growth and Leaf Tissue Nutrient Concentration of Three Native Landscape Plant Species

Greywater is a renewable irrigation alternative to potable water; however, its use as an irrigation source is limited by the potential for salt injury to plants. Research was conducted to determine salt tolerance of three common landscape species, small anise tree (Illicium parviflorum), ‘Henry’s Garnet’ sweetspire (Itea virginica), and muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris). Two experiments were performed, one with high sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations and one with low NaCl concentrations. Plants received daily irrigation of tap water containing one of the following NaCl concentrations: 0 (tap water); 2000, 4000, 6000, 8000, or 10,000 mg·L−1 (high NaCl); or 0 (tap water), 250, 500, or 1000 mg·L−1 (low NaCl) for 15 weeks. Plants were harvested after 5, 10, or 15 weeks. Root dry weight (RDW) and shoot dry weight (SDW) were determined at each harvest; survival was determined at experiment termination. Leaf tissue was analyzed for tissue macronutrient [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and, magnesium (Mg)], sodium (Na), and chlorine (Cl) concentrations in the high NaCl concentration experiment. With high NaCl, RDW and SDW decreased with increasing NaCl for all species. Anise and sweetspire had low or no survival, respectively, at the highest NaCl concentration; muhly grass had 100% survival regardless of treatment. In general, leaf macronutrient, Na, and Cl increased with increasing NaCl concentration. With low NaCl, there was no effect of NaCl concentration on RDW or SDW for all species. All three species continued to grow between harvest dates in the lower NaCl concentration experiment, whereas only anise and muhly grass continued to grow with high NaCl. Anise and muhly grass were tolerant of saline irrigation that could be expected from greywater. Sweetspire exhibited symptoms of salt stress (necrotic leaves and leaf drop, visual observation) at all NaCl concentrations including the lowest (250 mg·L−1), and should not be irrigated with saline water.

Antifeedant effect of commercial chemicals and plant extracts againstSchistocerca americana(Orthoptera: Acrididae) andDiaprepes abbreviatus(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

The deterrent effect of seven commercial compounds against Schistocerca americana (Drury) nymphs and Diaprepes abbreviatus L. adults, two important citrus pests, was investigated. Extracts of three Florida local plants were also tested as deterrents. Antifeedant activity was assayed using a leaf-disk bioassay in choice and no-choice tests. The residual activity of the commercial compounds that significantly deterred the insects was assayed by applying them to foliage of citrus plants exposed to three time intervals of sunlight. Sabadilla, azadirachtin and ryanodine effectively deterred S. americana, whereas rotenone, sabadilla and ryanodine reduced the feeding activity of D. abbreviatus. Methanol and methylene chloride extracts of Ceratiola ericoides Michaux deterred D. abbreviatus, but only methylene chloride extract dissuaded S. americana. Methanol extract of Ardisia crenata Sims functioned as a feeding deterrent against both S. americana and D. abbreviatus, but only the latter species was deterred by methylene chloride extract of A. crenata. Extracts of Illicium parviflorum Michaux ex Ventetat only dissuaded the insects in choice bioassays. Rapid loss of effectiveness was observed under field conditions. Sabadilla was the only compound that maintained its antifeedant properties in the field, but only against S. americana. Based on their deterrency, some of the commercial products and plant extracts have potential for use as substitute crop protectants against the pest species tested.

Clonal structure of wild populations and origins of horticultural stocks of Illicium parviflorum (Illiciaceae)

Habitat fragmentation is often assumed to result in limited genetic diversity across impacted plant communities. Central Florida has undergone extensive anthropogenic changes, while also harboring large numbers of endemic species. In this study, we assessed genetic structure and dependence on clonality in a central Florida endemic, Illicium parviflorum (Illiciaceae), as well as evaluated genetic diversity of this species in horticultural stocks. • Six sites were sampled across the geographic range of I. parviflorum. A PCR-based assay using intersimple sequence repeats (ISSRs) was used to assess genetic structure. • Results, based on 26 ISSR loci, suggest that clonal structure plays a role in all populations, with PD values ranging from 0.25 to 0.50. Only two populations exhibited unique genotypes, while the remaining four populations shared genotypes. Horticultural samples all shared one genotype, which can be traced back to a single natural population. • Clonal reproduction is an important factor in the maintenance of natural populations of I. parviflorum, although the degree to which this is true varies by population. Horticultural samples likely represent a single or very few collection events, indicating the need for greater genetic diversity within horticultural stocks. Further analyses using microsatellites are planned to confirm these results.

Drench Application of Cyclanilide Promotes Shoot Development in Containerized Woody Landscape Species during Nursery Production

Abstract Cyclanilide (CYC), a plant growth regulator with cytokinin-like properties, was applied as a substrate drench to containerized woody ornamentals to determine its effects on plant growth. At 70 days after treatment (DAT) in 2005, drench applications of 50 to 1,000 ppm CYC had increased shoot development 7 to 74% for ‘Alabama Beauty’ sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua ‘Alabama Beauty’), 63 to 205% for small anisetree (Illicium parviflorum), 21 to 74% for ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Snow White’), and 266 to 626% for ‘Sky Pencil’ holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’), when compared to control plants. Shoot counts the following spring, 270 DAT, increased from 16 to 101% for sasanqua camellia, 42 to 158% for small anisetree, 121 to 241% for Indian hawthorn, and 33 to 167% for ‘Firepower’ nandina, when compared to control plants. At 30 DAT foliar injury to sasanqua camellia, Indian hawthorn, and small anisetree increased with CYC concentration, and application of 500 or 1,000 ppm CYC resulted in severe injury or death of small anisetree and ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn. At 75 DAT in 2006, drench application of 25 to 100 ppm CYC had increased shoot counts of Eleanor Taber™ Indian hawthorn from 100 to 218%, when compared to controls, and quality ratings were highest at 130 DAT in plants drenched with 50 ppm CYC, although foliar injury ratings increased with CYC concentration at 75 and 130 DAT. At 60 DAT in 2007, application of 10 to 40 ppm CYC had increased shoot counts for ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn and ‘Sky Pencil’ holly 100 to 182% and 22 to 78%, respectively, and 96 to 171% and 30 to 63%, respectively at 90 to 110 DAT. In both species, quality ratings at 160 DAT increased with increasing CYC concentration. Single CYC drench applications were more persistent than previously reported single spray applications, effective at lower concentrations, and promoted shoot production in a species not responsive to single or multiple spray applications (Nandina domestica).

Interactive Effects of Pruning and Cyclanilide Application on Growth of Woody Nursery Crops

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the effects of pruning on plant response to cyclanilide (CYC), a bioregulator that promotes lateral branching of fruit trees and selected woody nursery crops. In April 2004, non-pruned ‘Elizabeth Ann’ Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica L.) and small anisetree (Illicium parviflorum Michx. ex Vent.) received a single foliar application of 0, 25, 50, 100 or 200 ppm CYC, while the same species received a foliar spray of 0, 50 or 100 ppm CYC following uniform pruning. In June 2006, a single foliar application of 0, 100 or 200 ppm CYC was made to plants of ternstroemia (Ternstroemia gymnanthera Thunb.), ‘Sky Pencil’ holly (Ilex crenata Thunb.) and ‘Jennifer’ azalea (Rhododendron L.) that were either not pruned or uniformly pruned before CYC treatment. At 30 and 60 days after treatment (DAT), non-pruned, CYC-treated plants formed more shoots than pruned CYC-treated plants, however quality ratings at 120 DAT were generally higher in plants pruned prior to CYC treatment. In a third experiment, the effects of 200 ppm CYC on branching of ternstroemia, ‘Sky Pencil’ holly, ‘Jennifer’ azalea and ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn were ascertained when applied at three stages of lateral shoot development following pruning: immediately after pruning [developmental stage 1 (DS 1)], when new shoots were 1.3 to 2.6 cm (0.5 to 1 in) in length (DS 2), or when new shoots were 2.6 to 5.1 cm (1.0 to 2.0 in) in length (DS 3). At 60 days after pruning (DAP), shoot counts in ternstroemia and ‘Sky Pencil’ holly treated at DS 3 and ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn treated at DS 2 were greater than those of pruned controls. Shoot counts in ‘Jennifer’ azalea were not affected by plant developmental stage at the time of CYC application. Relatively minor injury was evident at 60 and 120 DAP in all species except ‘Jennifer’ azalea, and was most pronounced in ternstroemia and ‘Sky Pencil’ holly treated at DS 3 and in ‘Snow White’ Indian hawthorn treated at DS 2. Quality ratings were similarly high for plants of all species and treatments, except in ‘Sky Pencil’ holly in which quality ratings of plants treated with CYC at DS 1 or DS 3 were higher than those of pruned controls.

(362) Assessment of Woody Ornamental Plants for Resistance to Three Meloidogyne Species

Plants infected with Meloidogyne spp. (root-knot nematodes) often are stunted and lose aesthetic value due to chlorosis, wilting, and leaf margin necrosis. We assessed reproduction of three root-knot nematode species, Meloidogyne arenaria, M. incognita, and M. javanica, on five plant taxa native to the southeastern U.S. The plant taxa included were: Hydrangea quercifolia `Oakleaf', Viburnum obovatum `Densa', Itea virginica `Little Henry', Illicium parviflorum, and Clethra alnifolia `Ruby Spice'. Three commonly grown non-native shrubs, Ligustrum japonicum `Texanum', Ilexcrenata `Compacta', and Buxus microphylla `Wintergem', also were included in the study to serve as susceptible, positive controls. Highest gall rating (10) was observed on roots of I. crenata `Compacta' infected with M. incognita, but highest number of eggs (6397 eggs/g of roots) was observed in plants of this cultivar inoculated with M. javanica. Few or no galls were observed on roots of the five native plant taxa, and nematode eggs were recovered only from roots of I. virginica `Little Henry' inoculated with M. arenaria and M. javanica (13 and 20 eggs/g of roots, respectively). Fresh weights of shoots or roots were not affected by nematode inoculation. Due to lack of root gall development and little or no reproduction on the native taxa, we conclude that these are resistant or immune to the three species of Meloidogyne and might be suitable for planting in infested soil.

Vessels of Illicium (Illiciaceae): Range of Pit Membrane Remnant Presence in Perforations and Other Vessel Details

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of vessels from radial sections of Illicium wood showed a wide range of pit membrane remnant presence within any given species and within the seven species studied here. Earlier studies showed that dried specimens offer a reliable indicator of pit membrane presence. In all species, wide variation occurs, from intact pit membranes to perforations virtually free of pit membrane remnants. Illicium parviflorum has the largest number for the genus of perforation plates, with little or no pit membrane presence, although, in some plates, appreciable pit membrane presence was evident. Species differ in the forms taken by the pit membrane remnants: threads running axially in the perforations are common, but weblike conformations or pit membranes perforated by small circular to oval pores are other commonly encountered conditions. Artifacts attributable to handling and other factors are analyzed to obtain an image of pit membrane presence. Pit membrane remnant presence...

014 Effects of Preemergence Herbicides on Weeds and Eighteen Containerized Crops

Five preemergence herbicides (prodiamine 0.5 G, prodiamine 65 WDG, dithiopyr 0.27 G, thiazopyr 2.5 G, and oxyfluorfen + pendimethalin 3 G) were evaluated for weed control and crop safety on 18 plants (Acer rubrum, Agapanthus africanus, Asparagus densiflorus, Camellia sasanqua, × Cupressocyparis leylandii, Cycas revoluta, Galphimia gracillis, Gelsemium sempervirens, Illicium parviflorum, Lantana camara, Loropetalum chinense, Myrtis communis, Ophiopogon jaburan, Plumbago, Quercus virginiana, Rhododendron, Viburnum suspensum, and Zamia floridana. Herbicides were applied at 1.7 kg a.i./ha, except for oxyfluorfern + pendimethalin, which was applied at 3.4 kg a.i./ha. Treatments were applied twice at 4-month intervals. Untreated and weed-free controls were used to determine herbicide effects on weeds and crops, respectively. All herbicide treatments reduced weed growth (dry-weight basis) and weeding times. Major weeds were dogfennel [Eupatorium capillifolium (Lam.) Small], southern crabgrass [Digitaria ciliaris (Retz.) Koeler], yellow woodsorrel (Oxalis stricta L.), tasselflower (Emilia spp.), and hairy crabweed [Fatoua villosa (Thumb.) Nakai]. Based on weed dry weights, overall weed control for the first 4 months was higher for diazopyr, thiazopyr, and prodiamine G than for the combination treatment. At 8 months, weed growth was similar for all herbicide treatments. The combination treatment was acutely phytotoxicity to more crops than the other treatments; however, phytotoxicity varied with crop, active ingredient, and formulation.

Novel seco-prezizaane sesquiterpenes from north american illicium species

Three novel seco-prezizaane sesquiterpenes (1-3) were isolated from leaves of Illicium parviflorum (swamp star anise, yellow star anise), a species occurring endemically in central Florida. Compound 1, named cycloparvifloralone, possesses a hitherto unknown ring system with a cagelike acetal/hemiketal structure. Lactones 2 (cycloparviflorolide) and 3 (parviflorolide) which were obtained as an inseparable mixture, coexist in a hemiketal/keto equilibrium. It could be shown that a 4,7-hemiketal (4) occurs in an analogous fashion to pseudoanisatin 5, a known constituent of other Illicium species. From the fruits of Illiciumfloridanum the novel ortholactone 6 was isolated. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by interpretation of their 1D and 2D homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopic data. The modes of cyclization observed in 1, 2, 4, and 6 have not been described previously, and a biogenetic sequence is proposed for these compounds and further seco-prezizaane sesquiterpenes.

Acclimation and Low-temperature Tolerance of Eight Woody Taxa

Abstract Timing and rate of acclimation and maximum low-temperature survival of eight woody taxa were determined over six sample dates from 25 Aug. 1987 to 25 Apr. 1988. Four cultivars of Acer rubrum L. (red maple) acclimated at different rates and attained different levels of midwinter cold hardiness. ‘Red Sunset’ (RS) and ‘October Glory’ (OG), northern selections, acclimated at faster rates and attained greater degrees of cold hardiness than ‘Journalism Psychology’ (JP) and ‘Upright Crown’ (UC) selected from southern seed sources. Maximum cold hardiness levels were −8C (JP), −23C (UC), −29C (RS), and −29C (OG). Amelanchier arborea (Michx. f.) Fern, (downy serviceberry) and Quercus coccinea Muenchh. (scarlet oak) developed midwinter hardiness of less than −29C and −20C, respectively. Illicium floridanum Ellis (Florida anise) and Illicium parviflorum Michx. (small anise) developed −26C and −20C midwinter hardiness, respectively. According to our data, woody taxa should be evaluated for timing and rates of acclimation and low-temperature tolerances, since performance will vary from one geographic area to another, depending on photoperiod, the timing of fall freezes, and midwinter temperatures.