Kit Tan Research Articles

DNA barcoding of Campanula choruhensis Kit Tan & Sorger Endemic to Artvin (Türkiye)

DNA barcoding is the method of description of species based on gene diversity. In current studies, registration, genetic identification and protection of especially endemic plant species are carried out by DNA barcoding techniques. Molecular studies are based on the amplification and sequencing of the barcode gene region by the PCR method. Campanula choruhensis Kit Tan & Sorger is endemic and widespread in Artvin, Erzurum and around Çoruh valley passing through it. Roots of this species are used in medicinal and aromatic studies. Intense roadworks and dam constructions are carried out in and around the distribution area of this species. This situation harms the habitat of the species and comes across with its extinction. In this study, the plastid barcode gene regions (trnK-rps16 and trnL-rpl32) of the C. choruhensis was sequenced from five populations. To make the identification of this species quickly and accurately, gene sequence compared with sequences of other related Campanula L. species. In addition, gene sequences and phylogenetic relations were given.

COMPARATIVE LEAF ANATOMY OF SOME ASYNEUMA GRISEB. & SCHENK TAXA

Objective: The Asyneuma Griseb. & Schenk is represented by 34 accepted species worldwide and its native range covers a wide area from East Central Europe to Japan and Northern Indo-china. The plants of Asyneuma are characterized by herbaceous, simple or branched inflorescences, purple, violet or blue corolla and capsule fruits. Studies show that the Campanulaceae family contains bioactive compounds phenylethanoid (phenylproponoid), alkaloids, cyanogenetic heteroside, flavonoid, triterpene, anthocyanin, phenolic acid, essential oil, coumarin and polysaccharide. In addition, it is known that plants in the family have antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiobesity, expectorant antihepatotoxic, antitumoral, antiatherosclerotic, neuroprotective, antidepressant, tonic and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. In this study, the anatomical structures of Asyneuma limonifolium subsp. limonifolium, A. limonifolium subsp. pestalozzae (Boiss.) Damboldt, A. linifolium subsp. linifolium and A. linifolium subsp. nallihanicum Kit Tan & Yıldız leaves were examined. Material and Method: Asyneuma limonifolium subsp. limonifolium, A. limonifolium subsp. pestalozzae (Boiss.) Damboldt, A. linifolium subsp. nallihanicum Kit Tan & Yıldız were collected from Ankara. A. linifolium subsp. linifolium was collected from Antalya. Plant parts preserved in alcohol (70%). Microscopic sections were taken using a razor blade. Tissues were stained with Sartur's reagent and examined with a light microscope. Microphotographs were taken with a camera attached to a light microscope. Result and Discussion: The results showed that, the anatomical structures of the basal and cauline leaves of Asyneuma limonifolium subsp. limonifolium and A. limonifolium subsp. pestalozzae were similar. The leaves are bifacial and the palisade parenchyma 1-2 rows. In addition, the unicellular, non-glandular hairs and anomocytic stomata were observed on both epidermal surfaces. Besides, the leaf of A. linifolium subsp. linifolium is monofacial while that of A. linifolium subsp. nallihanicum is bifacial. Also, unicellular hairs were present on epidermal layer of A. linifolium subsp. linifolium while A. linifolium subsp. nallihanicum were not. The anomocytic stomata were determined on the upper and lower leaf surfaces of both subspecies.

Characterization of nuclear DNA content and chromosome numbers of Tulipa luanica Millaku, T. kosovarica Kit Tan, Shuka & Krasniqi and T. albanica Kit Tan & Shuka

The Balkan Peninsula is considered an important centre of native tulip species. Tulipa kosovarica and Tulipa luanica are new species recently discovered in Kosovo, and Tulipa albanica in Albania. The current study aims at the investigating the nuclear DNA content and chromosome number of these three tulipa species in order to provide for the first time data on their genome size and differences among these three Tulipa species. Analysis of nuclear DNA content was performed by flow cytometer (Partec CyFlow Space) in mature fresh leaves for each Tulipa species. Samples for chromosome analysis were taken from the root tip meristem of the bulbs. Results showed significantly higher amounts of nuclear DNA (2C) in T. luanica compared to T. kosovarica and T. albanica. The chromosome number for these three species was 2n = 2x = 24, while the chromosome sizes of T. luanica resulted larger, compared to that of T. kosovarica and T. albanica. A correlation between the nuclear DNA content and chromosome size was found among these tulipa species. Moreover, nuclear DNA content and chromosome sizes of T. luanica, T. kosovarica and T. albanica showed clear differences among these species.

A morphological, anatomical and palynological investigation on Delphinium cilicicumP.H. Davis & Kit Tanand D. petrodavisianum Ilarslan & Kit Tan

In the present study, the morphological, anatomical and palynological properties of endemic species Delphinium cilicicum P.H. Davis & Kit Tan and D. petrodavisianum İlarslan & Kit Tan belonging tothe genus Delphinium L., Ranunculaceae of Turkey were investigated. D. cilicicum and D. petrodavisianum are very similar morphologically. However, in our studies, it has been determined that there are some differences between the two species in terms of morphological, anatomical and palynological aspects. Based on the data obtained, the similarities and differences between two species were revealed. The cross-sections taken from the roots of two species have peridermis, cortex, vascular tissue and central region, in cross sections taken from the stem have epidermis, cortex, vascular bundle, and pith. In cross sections taken from the sepal and petal have lower and upper epidermis, parenchyma cells and tracheal cells. Through cross-sections of fruit, it was observed that there were two seeds in the fruit and the fruit wall was determined in two species. In palynological research, pollen size, P/E ratio, colpus size, intine-exine thicknesses, amb diameter and distance between colpus were measured. It was revealed that D. cilicicum and D. petrodavisianum had tricolpate, oblate-spheroidal pollen grains.The results obtained from the pollen grains were similar to each other in examined species. The fruits and seeds of two species were examined using SEM microscopy. Micromorphological differences and similarities were determined. The fruits of the species are follicle and globose. The seeds are yellowish brown, sub pyramidal and fine-grained ornamented. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 30(1): 77-88, 2023 (June)

Phytochemical Investigation, Antiulcer, Cyclooxygenase-2, and 15-Lipoxygenase Inhibitory Activities of Echinops erinaceus Kit Tan

Plants of the genus Echinop (Asteraceae) are traditional medicinal plants used to treat several GIT ailments, owing to their diverse bioactive secondary metabolites, including sesquiterpenoids, triterpenoids, phytosterols, phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. Echinops erinaceus Kit Tan is a wild perennial herb of the genus Echinops which is endemic to Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Currently, there are no previous reports exploring its anti-ulcer and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, few reports have described the chemical profile of E. erinaceus Kit Tan. In the current study, the CHCl3 fraction of the aerial parts of the plant was subjected to chromatographic isolation and spectroscopic identification via 1D and 2D NMR, and MS. The plant afforded two new compounds, designated erinaceolic acid (E3) and erinaceoside (E5), in addition to five known compounds, namely taraxasterol acetate (E1), taraxasterol (E2), apigenin (E4), stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (E6), and speranskoside (E7). The evaluation of the gastric ulcer protective activity of the total extract and successive fractions of E. erinaceus, using the in vivo ethanol-induced ulcer in rats model, revealed the significant effect of the tested extracts and fractions on the percentage of gastric ulcer protection and ulcer index (500 mg/kg) compared to antodine (20 mg/kg). The tested extracts and fractions also reduced the stomach contents of TNF-α and reduced IL-6 as compared to the untreated group. Histopathological examination of the gastric mucosal tissues of rats supportedprevious results. In addition, the main subfractions and their isolates were assessed for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 and 15-LOX enzymes. The new compounds erinaceolic acid (E3) and speranskoside (E7) exhibited strong inhibition against COX-2 (3.41 and 2.62 µg/mL) and 15-LOX (10.05 and 5.51 µg/mL), respectively. A molecular docking study was performed to reveal the binding interaction modes of the most active compounds against the binding sites of COX-2 (PDB ID 3LN1) and 15-LOX (PDB ID 1LOX) proteins. Speranskoside (E7) showed a dual binding affinity better than that of the cocrystallized references, celecoxib and (2E)-3-(2-oct-1-yn-1-ylphenyl)acrylic acid (RS7) against both enzymes. This study shed a light on the potential use of E. erinaceus in the protection and treatment of gastric ulcers.

Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum new subspecies for the flora of Kosovo

This paperwork provides data on the endemic taxa Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum Kit Tan, Shuka & Hallaçi, which is observed and identified for the first time for the territory of Kosovo. This taxon was found in Qafë Morine (Pass of Morina) within the locality of Devë, and Qafë Prush Municipality of Gjakova, on the road toward the border with Albania. Epimedium alpinum subsp. albanicum, is found in serpentine substrates which has a limited extent of presence in the investigated areas. This research includes the presence, description and distribution of this new taxa for the flora of Kosovo.

Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and In Vitro Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Echinops erinaceus Kit Tan

Wild plants are used by many cultures for the treatment of diverse ailments. However, they are formed from mixtures of many wanted and unwanted phytochemicals. Thus, there is a necessity to separate the bioactive compounds responsible for their biological activity. In this study, the chemical composition as well as antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of Echinops erinaceus Kit Tan (Asteraceae) were investigated. This led to the isolation and identification of seven compounds, two of which are new (erinaceosin C3 and erinaceol C5), in addition to methyl oleate (C1) and ethyl oleate (C2), loliolide (C4), (E)-p-coumaric acid (C6), and 5,7,3`,5`-tetrahydroxy flavanone (C7). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. The methanol extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity among the tested extracts and fractions. The n-hexane and EtOAc extracts showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against B. subtilus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and C. albicans. A cytotoxicity-guided fractionation of the most bioactive chloroform extract resulted in the isolation of bioactive compounds C1/C2, which showed significant cytotoxicity against HCT-116 and CACO2 cell lines (IC50 24.95 and 19.74 µg/mL, respectively), followed by compounds C3 (IC50 82.82 and 76.70 µg/mL) and C5 (IC50 99.09 and 87.27 µg/mL), respectively. The antioxidant activity of the bioactive chloroform fractions was screened. Molecular docking was used to explain the results of the antimicrobial and anticancer activities against five protein targets, including DNA gyrase topoisomerase II, enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase of S. aureus (FabI), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), β-catenin, and human P-glycoprotein (P-gp).

Two species of Brachyunguis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) new to Iran, and a key to the Iranian species of this genus

Brachyunguis dendrostellerae Kadyrbekov, 2014 and B. monstratus Kadyrbekov, 1999, both living on Diarthron lessertii (Wikstr.) Kit Tan. (Thymelaeaceae), are recorded for Iranian aphid fauna for the first time. The hitherto unknown alate viviparous females of B. dendrostellerae are described, and the little-known apterous viviparous females are redescribed. An identification key for apterous viviparous females of Brachyunguis species known from Iran is provided.

The complete chloroplast genome of Diarthron tianschanicum (Thymelaeaceae)

Diarthron tianschanicum (Pobedimova) Kit Tan (Thymelaeaceae), a perennial herb, has been used as counterfeit for Stellera chamaejasme in traditional Chinese folk medicine. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome sequence of D. tianschanicum is reported for the first time. The plastome, 172,119 bp in length, is quadripartite and circular. It contains a large single-copy (LSC) region (85,829 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (2828 bp), and two separate inverted repeat (IR) regions (41,731 bp). The overall GC content of the complete chloroplast genome is 36.8%. The genome contains 139 genes, including 93 protein-coding, 38 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic tree showed that all sampled species of Thymelaeaceae formed a monophyletic clade. D. tianschanicum was closely related to the congeneric D. linifolium and formed a monophyly with 100% support.

A new bellflower, Campanula dersimensis (Campanulaceae), from E Anatolia, Turkey

Campanula dersimensis Fırat & Yıldırım, a new species endemic to the E Anatolian region of Turkey, is described and illustrated. It is currently known from two localities in Tunceli province (Dersim). Campanula dersimensis shows similarities to C. quercetorum Hub.-Mor. & C. Simon and C. yildirimlii Kit Tan & Sorger. A close relationship of the three taxa is also supported by phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear-encoded ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed and compared with those of closely related taxa. Campanula dersimensis is easily distinguished from related species, especially by its retrorsely hairy stem and leaf surface, to 1 mm long calyx appendages and glabrous and light greenish yellow to yellowish white corollas. Citation: Fırat M., Özüdoğru B. & Yıldırım H. 2022: A new bellflower, Campanula dersimensis (Campanulaceae), from E Anatolia, Turkey. – Willdenowia 52: 167–177. Version of record first published online on 29 June 2022 ahead of inclusion in August 2022 issue.

Endemik Stachys tundjeliensis Kit Tan & Sorger (Lamiaceae)’ in Uçucu Yağ Bileşenleri ve Kemotaksonomik Bir Yaklaşım

Bu araştırmada, Tunceli’ de doğal olarak yetişen endemik Stachys tundjeliensis Kit Tan & Sorger bitkisinin toprak üstü kısımlarından su distilasyonu ile elde edilen uçucu yağ bileşenlerinin tespiti yapılmıştır. Çalışma ile bitkinin uçucu yağ bileşenlerini tespit ederek tür ve cinsin taksonomisine katkıda bulunmak amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma materyali 2021 yılında Tunceli-Ovacık arasında çiçekli olarak toplanarak kurutulup hazır hale getirilmiştir. 100 g bitki örneğinden su distilasyonu yöntemi ile Clevenger aparatı kullanılarak 3 saat distile işlemi sonucu uçucu yağ elde edilmiştir. Analiz için GC/MS (Gaz Kromatografi/Kütle Spektrometresi) cihazı kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen uçucu yağda toplam 29 bileşen belirlenmiştir. Okaliptol (%28.9), timol (%14.3), 4 karvomethanol (%12.5), d-piperiton (%11.2), pinen (%6.3) ve terpineol (%5.7) yüksek orandaki bileşenlerdir. Bu bileşenlerden okaliptol/timol kemotip olarak düşünülebilir.

Isolation and Characterization of Rhizospheric Bacteria From Vuralia turcica Rhizospheric Soil

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria are highly active in soil ecosystems for legumes due to their biotic activities. Vuralia turcica (Kit Tan, Vural & Kucukoduk) Uysal & Ertugrul is a Turkish endemic legume plant with potential value for ornamental and food crops. However, reports of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in V. turcica rhizosphere are lacking in the literature. This study includes endophytic bacterial isolation from V. turcica rhizospheric soil. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize growth-promoting bacteria. V. turcica rhizospheric soils from four different locations of Central Anatolia of Turkey, namely L1 (Gölçayır, 38° 28´ 10.5´´ N/31° 21´ 04.4´´ E), L2 (Akşehir, 38° 28´ 17.328´´ N/31° 20´ 52.468´´ E), L3 (Dereçine, 38° 30´ 36.702´´ N/31° 17´ 56.702´´ E), L4 (Sultandağı, 38° 32´ 43.2168´´ N/31° 16´ 54.4728´´ E), were selected for bacterial isolation. Ten bacterial strains were isolated and identified through the comparison of the 16S rRNA and 16S-23S rRNA ITS region. Among them, 4 isolates belonged to Bacillus megaterium, 3 strains belonged to Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, 1 strain belonged to Rhodococcus erythropolis, 1 strain belonged to Xanthomonas albilineans, and the remaining 1 strain belonged to Lysobacter enzymogenes, respectively.

Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Methanol Extracts of Some Gypsophila L. Species

In this study, the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Gypsophila perfoliata L. var. perfoliata, Gypsophila perfoliata L. var. araratica Kit Tan, Gypsophila pilosa Hudson and Gypsophila osmangaziensis Ataşlar & Ocak plant extracts have been examined by using Allium Test method. Methanol extracts of plants have been prepared in 4 different concentrations (0.625 mg/ml, 1.250 mg/ml, 2.500 mg/ml and 5.000 mg/ml). After the onion roots were treated at these concentrations of plant extracts for 24 hours and 48 hours, mitosis preparations were prepared from these root tips. With the data being obtained by evaluating the preparations, mitotic index (%) and chromosome aberration (%) values have been calculated. Distilled water has been used as control group. It was found out that mitotic index and chromosome aberration values of all species showed significant differences compared to control group in the extract concentration range of 1.250–5.000 mg/ml. It has been determined that the most widely observed chromosome aberrations were disturbed metaphase, sticky metaphase, c-metaphase, disturbed anaphase and anaphase bridge.

Chemical and In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Assessment of Echinops erinaceus

Echinops erinaceus Kit Tan is a wild plant growing in the middle regions of Saudi Arabia. From the available literature, nothing has been reported on its chemical analysis or biological activity. In this study, various extracts of Echinops erinaceus were estimated for their total phenolics, and flavonoids contents. The extracts were also evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays. Furthermore, the enzyme inhibitory activity against cyclooxygenases and 15-lipoxygenase was performed. The results showed that the polar and semi-polar extracts demonstrated considerable in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.

Volatile components and antimicrobial activity of the n-hexane extracts of Neomuretia pisidica (Kit Tan) Kljuykov, Degtjareva & Zakharova

The fruits, aerial parts and roots of Neomuretia pisidica (Kit Tan) Kljuykov, Degtjareva & Zakharova were extracted with n-hexane. Total of 18 compounds were characterised by GC analyses of the n-hexane extracts. Main volatile components of the n-hexane extract of aerial parts were characterized as 1,8-cineole (23.4 %), camphor (21.4 %), 2-ethyl hexanol (14.6 %), α-pinene (7.2 %), and verbenone (6.4 %). Methyl linoleate (19.3 %), 1,8-cineole (16.5 %), camphor (13.2 %), α-pinene (6.1 %) and 2-ethyl hexanol (4.9 %) were found in the n-hexane extract of roots. Whereas, 1,8-cineole (23.3 %), camphor (20.3 %), 2-ethyl hexanol (14.2 %), α-pinene (9.9 %), and limonene (4.1%) were the major components of the n-hexane extract of fruits. Antimicrobial activity were identified using a microdilution assay against selected human pathogenic strains. The most potent inhibitor activities with 156 µg/mL concentrations were detected against S. aureus and E. faecalis.

Effect of Cytokinins on In Vitro Propagation of Ajuga xylorrhiza Kit Tan (Critically Endangered), Endemic to Turkey

Ajuga xylorrhiza Kit Tan is a rare endemic perennial species growing in the stony habitats in Southeastern Anatolia region, Turkey. An efficient and reproducible protocol has been developed for micropropagation of endangered Ajuga xylorrhiza. Shoots were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) basal medium, supplemented with various concentrations of 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP), thidiazuron (TDZ), and kinetin (Kin). The optimal shoot formation was with the medium containing 0.125 mg L−1 BAP (7.91 shoots per explant), and 0.25 mg L−1 Kin (4.9 shoots per explant) was recorded. The best result in terms of shoot length (3.43 to 3.63 cm) was obtained from the Kin treatments. Kin parameters were more effective on shoot length and multiple shoot production than BAP and TDZ. For rooting, regenerated shoots were transferred to 1/4 strength MS medium containing two different concentrations of indole acetic acid (IAA) and α-naphthalenetic acid (NAA) at 0 (control), 0.5, or 1.0 mg L−1.The best results in terms of the number of roots per shoot were obtained from the medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L−1 IAA (3.10 roots per explant). Rooted plantlets were transferred to soil for acclimization with 100% success rate.

Wide‐scale evaluation of Origanum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger using different extraction techniques: Antioxidant capacity, chemical compounds, trace element content, total phenolic content, antibacterial activity and genotoxic effect

AbstractThis aim of this work was to investigate the various properties of Origanum munzurense Kit Tan & Sorger that are previously unknown. In this context, chemical compound, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol content, mineral and trace element composition, antibacterial activity and genotoxicity effects of its extracts and essential oil were widely analysed. The extracts and essential oil of Origanum munzurense were obtained by three different extraction methods. All contents of extracts and essential oil were analysed by GC‐MS and evaluated according to mass spectral libraries of GC‐MS. The identified compounds were evaluated according to literature to put forward their benefits on human health. The phenolic content analysis of Origanum munzurense was performed using the Folin‐Ciocalteu method. 178.59, 184.20, 231.17, 319.28 and 1051.94 mg GAE/100 g dry weight were determined for methanol, water, acetonitrile, ethanol and subcritical water extracts, respectively. DPPH and CUPRAC methods were used to determine antioxidant activity. The highest half‐maximal inhibitory concentration and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values were found as 0.110 mg mL−1 and 2.197 using water and tetrahydrofuran extracts, respectively. A total of 21 mineral and trace elements were detected in the ICP‐MS analysis of O munzurense using the wet digestion procedure. The effects of the extracts and essential oil on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and S aureus were examined using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. Essential oil exhibited the highest antibacterial activity. The essential oil was found to cause less DNA damage using the comet assay in Hep G2 cells compared with tetrahydrofuran extract.

Structural characterization of ITS2 and CBC species concept applications in the tribe Coluteocarpeae (Brassicaceae)

The taxonomic utility of internal transcribed spacer 2 ITS2 secondary structures in different plant groups, as well as in Brassicaceae, has been addressed by many studies. Although characterization and applications of ITS2 secondary structures for the members of main Brassicaceae lineages Lineages I, II, III, and expanded Lineage II have been studied, the utility of compensatory base change CBC species concept has not been the subject of any studies thus far. In the current study, the ITS2 secondary structures of 49 Coluteocarpeae expanded Lineage II specimens were investigated to determine relationships among the species. In addition to the utility of the CBC species concept, the availability of hemi-CBC and nonstructural substitutions NSTs , which are also used for generic and species delimitation, were tested and discussed. A maximum likelihood tree, based on the sequence-structural alignment of the 49 specimens, was constructed to test the different generic assumptions reported by different researchers in the literature. The structural analysis showed that the ITS2 secondary structures of all of the Coluteocarpeae members exhibited a 4-fingered hand model, which was common in the majority of the family members. No CBCs were observed, whereas hemi-CBCs and NSTs were common among the tribe members. Although hemi-CBCs and NSTs were useful for distinguishing most of the Coluteocarpeae species Noccaea aptera Velen. F.K. Mey., Noccaea aghrica P.H. Davis & Kit Tan M. Firat & Ozudogru, Noccaea fendleri A.Gray Holub subsp. glauca A. Nelson Al-Shehbaz & M. Koch, Noccaea griffithiana Boiss. F.K. Mey., Noccaea rubescens Schott & Kotschy ex Boiss. F.K. Mey., etc. , they were not effective for delimitating some problematic species, such as members of Thlaspiceras F.K. Mey. A phylogenetic tree based on the sequence-structural dataset of the ITS2 showed that generic delimitation of Al-Shehbaz was more acceptable due to the fact that Noccaea sensu Al-Shehbaz is monophyletic.

Comparative micro-anatomical investigation of genus Heliotropium (Boraginaceae) found in Turkey

The genus Heliotropium L., belonging to family Boraginaceae in Turkey comprises 16 species. The species of this genus occur in a diverse range of environments. In this investigation, we describe and compare the leaf and stem anatomy in seven Turkish Heliotropium (H) taxa, the species are H. bovei Boiss., H. dolosum De Not., H. myosotoides Banks & Sol., H. haussknechtii Vatke., H. samoliflorum Bunge subsp. erzurumicum Donmez., H. suaveolens M. Bieb., and H. thermophilum Kit Tan, A.Çelik & Gemici., using standard protocol for light microscopy. Three of these seven investigated species i.e., H. thermophilum, H. haussknechtii, and H. samoliflorum subsp. erzurumicum are endemic to Turkey. This is first investigation of most of these species and little is known about the vegetative anatomy in these taxa. Leaf and stem characters described here related to epidermis, cuticle, indumentum, crystals, stomata, mesophyll, papillae and vascular system. Findings have shown that epidermal cells number, stomatal size, number of layers of hypodermis, collenchyma, cortex cells, palisade and spongy layers, number of subsidiary cells, shape and structure of crystals, and trichomes are of taxonomic value for this genus, and are valuable for species identification. Nearly all species have single layer epidermis. Three types of calcium oxalate crystals: styloids, druses, crystals sands were observed in stems and leaves of these species. Leaves are amphistomatic and anomocytic stomata type were observed in all species. Although the investigated specimens represent a limited range of taxa, the results of this study highlight the importance of stem and leaf anatomical features in assessing the taxonomic similarities between Heliotropium species.

Breaking seed dormancy of Tulipa scardica Bornm. and Tulipa kosovarica Kit Tan, Shuka & Krasniqi by pre-chilling, plant growth regulators and some chemical treatments

Tulipa scardica and T. kosovarica are rare, endemic and endangered plants in Kosovo. This research was carried out to study the dormancy breaking treatment in Tulipa scardica and T. kosovarica seeds by pre-chilling and various concentration of potassium nitrate (KNO3), gibberellic acid (GA3), kinetin, thiourea and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The experiment was conducted with untreated seeds (without stratification) and with stratified seeds (8 weeks) and treated with different concentration of some chemicals and plant growth regulators. Results showed that the final germination percentage (FGP) of seeds without stratification at both Tulipa plant species was zero, while germination was enhanced by pre-chilling (stratification) especially after treatment of these seeds by above mentioned treatments. Both Tulipa species showed an increase in mean germination time (MGT), an indication of slower germination, as different chemicals or plant growth regulators increased. Depending on treatments, germination was ranging from 80 % to 90 %, the maximum germination was detected in seeds treated with KNO3, GA3, and their combination, while the minimum germination in seeds without treatments and treated with thiourea. The conservation of these plants in botanic gardens by cultivation or propagation for commercial use as ornamental plants could give an effective contribution to the conservation of these plants.Abbreviations: KNO3 – potassium nitrate; GA3 - gibberellic acid; H2SO4 – sulfuric acid; FGP – final germination percentage; MGT – mean germination time