Local Provenance Research Articles

Population genetics of Melaleuca irbyana (Myrtaceae) the ‘swamp tea tree’ and implications for its conservation and restoration

Habitat fragmentation is affecting greater numbers of species as human land use requirements increase. Melaleuca irbyana R.T.Baker (Myrtaceae) is an endangered tea tree which dominates critically endangered, south-east Queensland swamp tea tree forest. It is restricted to isolated populations in south-east Queensland. New disjunct populations have recently been found adjacent to gas pipeline developments in the Brigalow Belt in central Queensland. A population genetics study was undertaken on the species to investigate its diversity to advise conservation and restoration. Primers for microsatellite markers were developed and used to provide the genetic information for the study. M. irbyana was found to possess moderate levels of genetic diversity within populations but this was not correlated with patch size or isolation. However, inbreeding levels were moderately high in all populations, suggesting individuals may be self-fertilised as there was no evidence of clonality detected in this species despite evidence of resprouting. The disjunct populations in central Queensland were genetically distinct, which highlights their importance for conservation of the species. The northern NSW populations are potentially at risk as they are depauperate and genetically distinct. There is differentiation among populations between the geographic regions so care should be taken to consider local provenance in restoration plantings.

Pannóniai üledékképződés és szerkezeti mozgások az Északi-pikkely (Kelet-Mecsek) területén

The ’Northern Imbricates’ along the northern edge of the Eastern Mecsek Mts., SW Hungary, are a complicated, narrow, uplifted band of basement, partly covered by Neogene sediments. The area is heavily deformed, with young, post-Miocene tectonic movements. Pannonian (Upper Miocene) lacustrine sediments are most widely distributed around the village of Nagymanyok. Through their investigation it is possible to reveal the Late Miocene and subsequent evolution history. The present study concentrates on the temporary outcrops of Lake Pannon deposits created in 2015 south of Nagymanyok, accompanied with fossil collection from the individual strata. This ~120 m thick sedimentary successsion is atypical compared to other parts of the Mecsek Mts., with relatively fine-grained, fossil-rich clays to fine sands above the thin (<3 m), gravelly base sands of local provenance. The fauna is dominated by bivalves; however, gastropods, ostracods and fish and plant remains have also been found. The base sands belong to the Prosodacnomya dainellii - P. vutskitsi mollusc biozones, the finer sediments to the Congeria rhomboidea biozone. Through the joint interpretation of the litho- and biofacies the sedimentary environments and the age of deposition of the sediments were identified, while the evolution of the wider surroundings was delineated by adding the tectonic observations, borehole data and seismic sections to the previous information. Lacustrine sedimentation first started only in the northern foreland of the mountains, accummulating offshore marls, claymarls and silts (Szak Claymarl Fm.). The time of flooding is unknown in the trough directly at the foot of the mountains due to the lack of wells and paleontological data; the wide platform north of it became flooded no sooner than 8.9 Ma based on mollusc data. This was followed by the fine sands to clays of the Alpine-Carpathian delta system (Ujfalu Fm.), approx. 7.3 Ma ago, as indicated by molluscs belonging to the Prosodacnomya dainellii and P. vutskitsi littoral biozones. As no clinoforms are present on seismic profiles, the northern foreland must have been a shallow underwater high at that time.The Northern Imbricates in the mountains were dryland during most of the Late Miocene. Sedimentation started here approximately coevally with the arrival of the delta system at the foot of the mountains. Flooding ensued on a dissected topography. The delta sediments with dominantly sublittoral fauna above the thin littoral base sands indicate rapid transgression. Late Miocene sedimentation was accompanied by small-scale movements of strike-slip character. Stronger tectonic deformations followed afterwards: strike-slip to north-vergent reverse displacements happened along the northern master fault of the Mecsek and roughly parallel planes.

Using Detrital Zircon Geochronology to Constrain Paleogene Provenance and Its Relationship to Rifting in the Zhu 1 Depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin, South China Sea

AbstractPaleogene syn‐rift successions in the South China Sea are poorly understood and systematic provenance analysis, which could provide clues to their history, is lacking. Here we report 409 new concordant U‐Pb ages from detrital zircons separated from the Paleogene Wenchang, Enping, and Zhuhai formations in the Zhu 1 depression, Pearl River Mouth Basin. The new data, combined with the published age data from the region, document changes in the provenance of syn‐rift successions. Detrital zircons from the Eocene Wenchang Formation are unimodal, with Jurassic‐Cretaceous (180–80 Ma) ages making up &gt;80% of grains. The ages are consistent with the geochronology of intrabasinal highs, dominated by igneous rocks emplaced during the Yanshanian orogeny, and suggest local provenance. By contrast, detrital zircons from the upper Eocene to lower Oligocene Enping Formation form three well‐recognized age‐clusters, with peaks at 150, 254, and 438 Ma that match documented tectonomagmatism in South China Block (SCB). Combined with increasing numbers of Precambrian zircons, the data suggest increasing influence of regional provenance of the SCB. Similar age peaks are also recognized from the limited number of zircons analyzed from the upper Oligocene Zhuhai Formation and comparability with modern shelf and river sediment indicates the unit was mainly sourced from the SCB and likely transported by a paleo‐Pearl River. We infer that the change in provenance, from local uplifts within the Zhu 1 to the SCB, is related to distinct phases of PRMB rift development; however, later changes are best explained by SCB drainage evolution.

Directional properties of glacial relief and sediments as an effect of multi-stage evolution: Case study of the Tczew Hump, northern Poland

This paper focuses on the upland territory south-west of the Gulf of Gdańsk characterized by the existence of numerous hills with distinct ordering of their crest-line orientation. Characteristic features of relief in the Tczew Hump were analysed using GIS-based tools. Directional properties and morphometric characteristics are not uniform throughout the study area. Therefore, subsequent detailed analyses were performed after dividing it into three zones: north-western (NW), central and south-eastern (SE). The highest hills are situated in the central part of the Hump. The landforms analysed are mostly elongated, but they show varying elongation ratios (1.0–4.05). In general a NE-SW orientation is observed, however, the azimuthal distribution of their crest-lines shows considerable variation (from N-S to E-W). Two main systems of the crest-line orientation are distinguished: System A (NNE-SSW) and System B (NE-SW/ENE-WSW).The landforms considered are covered with till consisting of two subunits, what reflects two subsequent ice-sheet movement periods in the Late Weichselian but without releasing the area from ice-sheet cover. The subunits can be identified by changes in their petrographic composition – up to ten times more erratics of local provenance in the upper one than in the lower one. Ice flow direction during deposition of both till subunits, based on the till fabric of each of the three analysed sections, coincides with System A of the crest-lines. However, most of the till-covered hills fit System B, which suggests that they retained their previous (older than Late Weichselian) orientation. The complex relief of the Tczew Hump has a palimpsest nature and its arrangement emerged in several stages: (1) formation of the primeval relief before the Late Weichselian (hills built of sediments of heterogeneous ages); (2) partial relief reshaping in subglacial conditions during the two, successive, ice-flow events in the Late Weichselian (till-covered hills, clear bipartition of the till); (3) development of additional landforms during deglaciation − typically not covered with till (or with flow till on the slopes only), showing an orientation determined by the crevasse system developed in the ice.

Differences in bud burst timing and bud freezing tolerance among interior and coastal seed sources of Douglas fir

Key messageThe Douglas fir provenance Three Valley was found most suitable for planting in mid-Sweden. Greenhouse tests can most likely predict how different Douglas fir provenances will perform in the field.The need for species that will grow well through ongoing climate change has increased the interest in Douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] in Sweden. One of the most common problems seen in plantations of Douglas fir seedlings is damage caused by late spring frost, known to be highly correlated with the timing of bud burst. The objective of this study was to investigate spring-related bud development under Nordic conditions of seven Douglas fir provenances and to compare data with a local provenance of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst). Results from a field trial and a greenhouse-based study were compared. The interior Douglas fir provenances exhibited an earlier bud burst than coastal provenances, both in the greenhouse and in the field trial. When comparing differences within the groups of interior and coastal Douglas fir provenances, no differences could be found. The local Norway spruce, only grown in the greenhouse, showed an intermediate bud development profile similar to the interior Douglas fir provenance Three Valley. We therefore suggest that Three Valley could be planted at the same locations as the investigated local provenance of Norway spruce in mid-Sweden. To avoid spring frost damage the Douglas fir seedlings need to be frozen stored and planted late in spring. Planting under shelterwood can also help protect the seedlings from spring frost damages. As similar results for bud development patterns of Douglas fir and Norway spruce provenances were obtained from the greenhouse and field trials, greenhouse tests could facilitate selection of provenances.

Colourless Roman glass from the Zadar necropolis: An exploratory approach

This paper presents the study of eighteen samples of colourless glass dated to the Roman period (1st to 3rd centuries C.E.) and that were unearthed in Zadar, Croatia. In this exploratory research, the chemical composition of the glass, which was determined by μ-PIXE, was divided into two main groups based on the alkali and alkali-earth contents: glass with low CaO and Al2O3, and high Na2O contents (Group 1), and glass with high CaO, Al2O3, and low Na2O contents (Group 2). The chemical composition from Group 1 is related to polygonal bottles and the composition from Group 2 to bell-shaped bottles, the latter being considered of local provenance. The analysis of MnO, Sb2O5 and Al2O3 contents and ratios suggests that only three samples from Group 1 were obtained from a primary glass source discoloured with Sb and the remaining fragments are the result of recycling activities, whereas all fragments from Group 2 were made using a different primary glass source discoloured with Mn. Finally, considering all the compositional characteristics of the analysed glass, it is proposed that the primary glass source of Group 1 was Egypt, and that glass from Group 2 came from the Levant region.

Sedimentary processes controlling ultralong cells of littoral transport: Placer formation and termination of the Orange sand highway in southern Angola

AbstractThis study focuses on the causes, modalities and obstacles of sediment transfer in the longest cell of littoral sand drift documented on Earth so far. Sand derived from the Orange River is dragged by swell waves and persistent southerly winds to accumulate in four successive dunefields in coastal Namibia to Angola. All four dunefields are terminated by river valleys, where aeolian sand is flushed back to the ocean; and yet sediment transport continues at sea, tracing an 1800 km long submarine sand highway. Sand drift would extend northward to beyond the Congo if the shelf did not become progressively narrower in southern Angola, where drifting sand is funnelled towards oceanic depths via canyon heads connected to river mouths. Garnet–magnetite placers are widespread along this coastal stretch, indicating systematic loss of the low‐density feldspatho‐quartzose fraction to the deep ocean. More than half of Moçamedes Desert sand is derived from the Orange River, and the rest in similar proportions from the Cunene River and from the Swakop and other rivers draining the Damara Orogen in Namibia. The Orange fingerprint, characterized by basaltic rock fragments, clinopyroxene grains and bimodal zircon‐age spectra with peaks at ca 0·5 Ga and ca 1·0 Ga, is lost abruptly at Namibe, and beach sands further north have abundant feldspar, amphibole‐epidote suites and unimodal zircon‐age spectra with a peak at ca 2·0 Ga, documenting local provenance from Palaeoproterozoic basement. Along with this oblique‐rifted continental margin, beach placers are dominated by Fe–Ti–Cr oxides with more monazite than garnet and thus have a geochemical signature sharply different from beach placers found all the way along the Orange littoral cell. High‐resolution mineralogical studies allow us to trace sediment dispersal over distances of thousands of kilometres, providing essential information for the correct reconstruction of ‘source to sink’ relationships in hydrocarbon exploration and to predict the long‐term impact of man‐made infrastructures on coastal sediment budgets.

PROPRIÉTÉS PHYSIQUES ET MÉCANIQUES DU BOIS DE TECK DE PROVENANCES TANZANIENNE ET LOCALE AU BÉNIN

Le teck (Tectona grandis L. f.) est une espèce ligneuse tropicale dont le bois est très demandé. Au Bénin, la provenance tanzanienne et la provenance locale sont les deux variétés de cette espèce les plus plantées. Pour contribuer à la caractérisa- tion du bois de teck du Bénin, nous avons déterminé et comparé, pour le bois de chaque provenance, les modules d’élasti- cité et de cisaillement, la longueur du fût, la circonférence et l’épaisseur d’écorce à hauteur d’abattage, le pourcentage de bois de cœur, la circonférence à une hau- teur de 1,30 m du sol et la masse volu- mique (ou la densité) à 12 % de teneur en eau. Les échantillons ont été préle- vés dans les plantations de la Lama sur des arbres de 20 à 25 ans (six billes de provenance locale et quatre billes de provenance tanzanienne). Les résultats obtenus sur la base de cet échantillon indiquent que, pour cette classe d’âge, les valeurs de ces propriétés pour le bois de teck de provenance locale sont supé- rieures à celles de la provenance tanza- nienne, sauf pour le pourcentage de bois de cœur. Sur la base de notre échantil- lonnage, le teck de provenance locale semble donc d’une certaine qualité, qu’il faut tendre à valoriser par la sélection bio- logique ou clonale des meilleurs sujets, aptes à s’adapter non seulement au chan- gement climatique mais aussi aux struc- tures des sols. Cela permettrait de favori- ser la production du bois de teck sur toute l’étendue du territoire national, voire de la sous-région. Toutefois, la mise en place d’une variété hybride conciliant les atouts des deux provenances pourrait aussi être une grande avancée dans l’amélioration des essences exploitées au Bénin.

Az Endrődi Formáció kőzettani és palinológiai vizsgálata a Hódmezővásárhely–I fúrásban (Makói-árok) — őskörnyezeti és diagenezis-történeti értékelés

Munkánkban a Hódmezővásárhely–I fúrás 35. és 40. magfúrási szakaszaiból (5167,0–5183,0 m, illetve 5468,0–5486,0 m) kiválasztott, az Endrődi Formációba sorolt kőzeteket (Tótkomlósi Tagozat, mészmárga és homokkő) vizsgáltuk. A minták általános jellemzője, hogy mikrites–mikropátos kalcitot, agyagásványokat, továbbá kőzetliszt–homok méretű, szögletes törmelékszemcséket (monokristályos és polikristályos kvarc, muszkovit, biotit, klorit; karbonát törmelék, metamorf kőzettörmelék) tartalmaznak. A polimikt, éretlen üledékanyag lokális forrást jelez, ami a környező aljzatmagaslatok kőzeteinek eróziójára hívja fel a figyelmet. A fúrás válogatott mintáin palinológiai vizsgálatok készültek az egyes magszakaszok biosztratigráfiai és őskörnyezeti értékelése céljából. A vizsgált mintákból két biozónát: az idősebb Spiniferites bentorii oblongus és a fiatalabb Spiniferites paradoxus Zónát lehetett kimutatni. A Spiniferitesbentorii oblongus Zónára jellemző dinociszta-együttes egy a parthoz közelebbi környezetet és/vagy nagyobb tápanyagbeáramlást jelez, míg a fiatalabb együttesben több olyan alak található, ami disztális környezetre, a vízszint meg növekedésére és/vagy a szárazföldi eredetű törmelékbehordódás csökkenésére utalhat. A membrános dinociszták jelenléte a felszíni vizek ingadozó sótartalmára és bizonyos dinoflagellaták esetén a holoplankton életmódra való áttérésre utal, amit a vízoszlopban bekövetkező ideiglenes oxigényszegény állapotok tehettek szükségessé. Mindkét zónaegyüttes regionális, az egész Pannon-medencére kiterjedő előfordulása alapján a planktonközösségekben lejátszódó regionális folyamatokra és a víztestek kommunikációjára lehet következtetni. A palinomorfák falának színe és megtartása a bete -metődés során bekövetkező jelentős hőmérsékleti hatásra, valamint az üledékes szerves anyag nagyfokú érettségére utal. Az intenzív diagenetikus átalakulási folyamatokat mind az ásványtani, mind a petrográfiai vizsgálatok meg erő sítették. A korai diagenezis során bakteriális szulfátredukcióra utaló pirit, majd vasmentes kalcitcement vált ki, amit Fe-dolomit/ankerit továbbnövekedési cement követett. A laza szemcseilleszkedés a mechanikai kompakció alárendelt szerepét jelzi, a vázszemcsék korai mechanikai átrendeződésével, rotációjával párhuzamosan a karbonátos cementáció a rendelkezésre álló pórustérfogatot szinte teljes egészében redukálta (a vizsgált kőzetek makro- és mikroporozitása elhanyagolható). A mély betemetődési diagenezis során elkülönített események a kémiai kompakció (szerves anyagos/pirites nyomási oldódási filmek megjelenése), az agyagásványok illitesedése, dolomithelyettesítés a kalcitcementben, valamint késői pirit megjelenése.

Sedimentology of the Essaouira Basin (Meskala Field) in context of regional sediment distribution patterns during upper Triassic pluvial events

Upper Triassic continental clastics (TAGI: Trias Argilo-Greseux Inferieur) in the Essaouira Basin are largely restricted to the subsurface, which has limited analysis of the depositional environments and led to speculation on potential provenance of the fluvial systems. Facies analysis of core from the Meskala Field onshore Essaouira Basin is compared with tentatively time-equivalent deposits exposed in extensive outcrops in the Argana Valley, to propose a process orientated model for local versus regional sediment distribution patterns in the continuously evolving Moroccan Atlantic rift during Carnian to Norian times. The study aims to unravel the climatic overprint and improve the understanding of paleo-climatic variations along the Moroccan Atlantic margin to previously recognised Upper Triassic pluvial events.In the Essaouira Basin, four facies associations representing a progressive evolution from proximal to distal facies belts in a continental rift were established. Early ephemeral braided river systems are succeeded by a wet aeolian sandflat environment with a strong arid climatic overprint (FA1). This is followed by the onset of perennial fluvial deposits with extensive floodplain fines (FA2), accompanied by a distinct shift in fluvial style, suggesting increase in discharge and related humidity, either locally or in the catchment area. The fluvial facies transitions to a shallow lacustrine or playa lake delta environment (FA3), which exhibits cyclical abandonment. The delta is progressively overlain by a terminal playa with extensive, mottled mudstones (FA4), interpreted to present a return from cyclical humid-arid conditions to prevailing aridity in the basin.In terms of regional distribution and sediment source provenance, paleocurrent data from Carnian to Norian deposits (T5 to T8 member) in the Argana Valley suggest paleoflow focused towards the S and SW, not directed towards the Meskala area in the NW as previously suggested. A major depo-centre for fluvial sediments is instead located in the southern Argana Valley, possibly the Souss Basin. To effectively source the reservoir sandstones found in the Meskala Field, a more local provenance area has hence to be envisaged. Despite this, the direct comparison of the genetic evolution of sedimentary sequences in the Argana Valley and Essaouira Basin shows a similar progression from dominantly arid ephemeral depositional environments to humid perennial sedimentation, returning to prominent arid conditions. This suggests climatic control in both regions, where an enhanced humid signal drives perennial fluvial flow in otherwise arid dominated sequences. On a regional scale, this is suggested to record the impact of strong Triassic pluvial events previously recognised in other basins along the Central Atlantic margin during the Carnian to Norian periods.

Late Pliocene-Pleistocene environments and glacial history of the northern North Sea

Based on new geochronological (amino acids and Sr-isotopes) and lithological data combined with analyses of 3D seismic data, the Pliocene-Pleistocene development of the central northern North Sea has been investigated. At the start of the Plio-Pleistocene Transition the study area was dominated by a deltaic, shallow marine or tidal depositional environment with sediments mainly sourced from the west. These sand-rich sediments include green glauconitic grains that belong to the Utsira Sand with a local provenance. Directly above the base Quaternary (R2) a 60 m thick layer of mud-rich sediments of glacimarine origin were deposited at a rate of ∼12 cm/ka between ∼2–1.5 Ma and up to 80 cm/ka between 1.5 and 1.2 Ma possibly reflecting glacial ice advancing to the Norwegian coastline. The high rate of deposition in the Early Pleistocene occurred immediately before the initiation of the Norwegian Channel Ice Stream at ∼1.1 Ma. Following this, a large part of the sediment input from Fennoscandia seems to have been directed away from the study area to the shelf break. At the start of the Mid Pleistocene Transition (MPT), subaerial conditions allowed the formation of a >50 km long fluvial channel across the study area draining water from the east to the south west. The earliest evidence of grounded ice in the investigated area comes from mega scale glacial lineations formed during the MPT, at or just after ∼1.2 Ma. Following this, a regional unconformity (R4) was formed by one or more grounded ice advances across the study area possibly during or directly after the MPT and likely marks the boundary between the Early and Mid Pleistocene glacimarine sediments. The Mid to Late Pleistocene stratigraphy is dominated by glacimarine sediments and tills and is associated with multiple generations of tunnel valleys observed within the seismic data. A high shear strength till containing chalk clasts transported from the west and/or south of the study area was likely deposited during MIS6 and may have been more conducive to tunnel valley formation in comparison to lower shear strength tills deposited by later ice advances. A thick till unit overlain by a sand layer in the study area was deposited by grounded ice during the Last Glacial Maximum and subsequent drainage of an ice dammed lake in the southern North Sea during the last deglaciation (MIS2) of the study area. This study shows that much of the Quaternary age sediments within the northern North Sea were deposited relatively rapidly during short periods of time probably leaving significant hiatuses within the stratigraphic record. This finding has implications for previous studies that use a chronological framework assuming a relatively continuous sedimentation rate and record for the Early Pleistocene within the North Sea.

Uplift sequence of the Andes at 30°S: Insights from sedimentology and U/Pb dating of synorogenic deposits

The South Central Andes at 30°S represent a key area to understand the Andes geodynamics as it is in the middle of the flat slab segment and all the morphotectonic units of the Central Andes are well developed. This work is focused in the proximal synorogenic deposits of the Western Precordillera, in the La Tranca valley, in order to unravel the uplift sequence of this belt. Nine facies associations were recognized; most of them represent piedmont facies with local provenance from Precordillera and were deposited in the wedge-top depozone, as is expected for proximal sinorogenic deposits. However there are intercalations of transference fluvial systems, which show mixed provenance indicating that Permo-Triassic igneous rocks were already exposed to the west (Frontal Cordillera). There are also lacustrine deposits which are interpreted as the result of damming by fault activity at east of the studied basin.Finally, two maximum depositional ages at ca. 11 Ma and 8 Ma of these deposits indicate that the onset of uplift of the Precordillera at 30°S is little older than 11 Ma. These data change two previous ideas about the evolution of the Precordillera: its uplift at 30° S is younger than proposed by previous works and it is nearly synchronous along strike.

Fragment of an Ottoman forged gold coin found near the train station Louny předměstí. Notes to forging activities focused on the Ottoman gold sultani during the Thirty Years War

In 2016, one half of a copper gilded coin was found single near the train station Louny předměstí (Louny district). Its prototype corresponds with an Ottoman gold denomination sultani struck under the Sultan Suleyman I (AH 926–974/AD 1520–1566). The name of the ruler and his father were identified, but the enthronization date and the mint-name are located out of the preserved area. The ED XRF analysis confirmed solid copper basis and process of gilding in fire. With high probability, the fake is connected with serious need of gold during the Thirty Years War (and the period closely after that), and it is very likely of the local (Central European) provenance. Bohemian, Moravian and Hungarian contexts of forging activities during the Thirty Years War are analyzed, relevant archaeological and numismatic evidence is summarized.

Seed provenance for changing climates: early growth traits of nonlocal seed are better adapted to future climatic scenarios, but not to current field conditions

AbstractThe urgency to repair degraded ecosystems is challenged by the need to future‐proof populations to deal with changing climates. Therefore, it is necessary to know if source gene‐pools are resilient to both current and future climatic conditions. We tested this question with the pioneer shrub Hardenbergia violacea (Fabaceae), an important species for restoration in eastern Australia. We evaluated in situ and ex situ performance of seed from eight provenances, two local and six from regions receiving hotter and wetter spring to autumn conditions and/or drier winters and we included wild and commercial collections. We compared survivorship of seedlings in climate‐houses that emulated current and predicted temperature and rainfall. In the field, we measured germination and seedling survivorship. We used neutral codominant markers to provide inbreeding and heterozygosity estimates to evaluate against health and survivorship. All provenances survived the current conditions, but local provenances were the poorest performers in the predicted hotter and wetter scenario compared with nonlocal provenances. No provenance survived more than a fortnight of a climate‐house simulated, but predicted, extreme weather event of a drought (35/22°C 12 hours day/night, 50 mL/week = 220 mm rainfall). Heterozygosity was positively associated with plant health in surviving plants, and plants in poor condition had high inbreeding estimates. In the field, nonlocal provenances performed poorly and most survivors were from local provenances. The contribution of individual genetic variation to stress tolerance will be an important consideration when selecting provenances for future climates.

Local maladaptation in a foundation tree species: Implications for restoration

Replanting native vegetation is a broadly accepted method for restoring degraded landscapes. Traditionally, seed used for restoration has been locally sourced to avoid introducing maladapted plants and to minimize the risk of outbreeding depression. However local adaptation is not universal and is disrupted by, for example, climate change and habitat fragmentation. We established a common garden experiment of ca. 1500 seedlings sourced from one local and two non-local provenances of Eucalyptus leucoxylon to test whether local provenancing was appropriate. The three provenances spanned an aridity gradient, with the local provenance sourced from the most mesic area. We explored the effect of provenance on four fitness proxies after 15months, including survival, above-ground height, susceptibility to insect herbivory, and pathogen related stress. The local provenance had the highest mortality and grew least. The local provenance also suffered most from invertebrate herbivory and pathogen related stress. These results provide evidence that no advantage would be gained during the establishment of Eucalyptus leucoxylon at this site by using only the local provenance from within the range we sampled. Our results suggest that incorporating more diverse seed mixes from across the aridity gradient during the restoration of Eucalyptus leucoxylon open woodlands would provide quantifiable benefits to restoration (e.g. 6–10% greater survival, 20–25% greater plant height, 16–45% more pathogen resistance during establishment). We demonstrated these restoration gains by embedding a common garden experiments into a restoration project, and we recommend this approach be more widely adopted because it provides an effective way to facilitate adaptive management options for restoration stakeholders based on empirical evidence.

Does restored plant diversity play a role in the reproductive functionality of Banksia populations?

AbstractVegetation structure and plant species diversity of restoration sites are predicted to directly affect pollinator attraction, with potential impacts on gene flow, reproduction, genetic diversity of future generations, and ultimately restoration success. We compared Banksia attenuata R.Br. (Proteaceae) in a low species diversity restoration site and an adjacent natural remnant. We assessed fecundity genetic diversity in adult plants and their offspring, mating system parameters and pollen dispersal using paternity assignment. Results were compared to an earlier study of reproductive functionality within a high species diversity restoration site that was restored in a similar manner, enabling us to investigate any association between plant species diversity and fecundity. Seed set data indicated no significant differences between restored and adjacent natural sites; however, seed set data between restoration sites was significantly different (2.08 ± 0.39 and 6.89 ± 1.12, respectively). The mean number of fruits (follicles) per inflorescence was not significantly different between restoration sites. Genetic diversity of adult plants and their offspring were comparable in all sites. Higher allelic richness and genetic differentiation in one restored site reflected sourcing beyond local provenance. Low correlated paternity indicated high levels of multiple siring of seeds and paternity assignment demonstrated strong genetic connectivity between sites. Reproductive functionality, as measured by fecundity and genetic diversity in the offspring of B. attenuata, is resilient to low species diversity within a restored plant community. We consider our results in the context of establishing seed production areas (SPAs) that maximize the quantity and genetic quality of Banksia seeds for restoration.

The combined use of spectroscopic techniques for the characterisation of Late Roman common wares from Benevento (Italy)

This paper reports the results of an archaeometric characterisation carried out on nineteen samples of Late Roman table and cooking ware by means of the combined use of spectroscopic techniques (colorimetry, FT-IR and μ-Raman). The study attempts at defining the technology adopted in the manufacturing of these ceramics, unearthed during archaeological surveys carried out within the “Ancient Appia Landscapes” project. Successful results were achieved and the reconstruction of the productive process was carried out. Second derivative profiles of IR spectra and μ-Raman analyses allowed defining the mineralogy of ceramic pastes, inferring the local provenance of raw materials and the low attention paid in their manufacturing. If good technological standards were achieved in the production of tableware, cooking ware shows colorimetric and mineralogical evidences of uncontrolled firing conditions, testifying a not-well standardized technological process.

Mineralogy and geochemistry of Palaeozoic black shales from Peninsular Malaysia: Implications for their origin and maturation

Palaeozoic black shale-bearing formations comprise 25% of the sedimentary cover in Peninsular Malaysia. However, nothing has been published regarding their geology, composition and maturation. Representative samples from different ages and localities of the black shales were subjected to detailed mineralogical and geochemical investigations during this study to determine their origin. These investigations also provide an opportunity to trace the changes in depositional environments and paleoclimate during the Palaeozoic as well as the nature of unknown and hidden basement rocks in Malaysia.This paper reports nineteen Palaeozoic formations in Malaysia that contain black shales that are classified into seven categories based on their age. These are the Cambrian-Ordovician, Ordovician-Devonian, Silurian-Devonian, Devonian, Carboniferous, Carboniferous-Permian and Permian black shales. Although illite was identified in all black shales, other clay minerals including kaolinite and smectite-illite mixed layers show significant variations among the studied samples. The Al2O3/TiO2 ratios (13–33), SiO2 contents of probable magmatic source rocks (54–69wt.%) and Zr-TiO2 bivariate diagram suggest a mixture of felsic and intermediate source rocks for the studied black shales. This indicates that the hidden basement rocks in Malaysia are dominated by felsic igneous rocks. Variations in clay minerals, SiO2 and Al2O3/TiO2 ratios and upper continental crust (UCC)-normalized REE patterns suggest a local provenance for each locality rather than regional and common source rocks for all black shales. Al2O3/SiO2 ratios vary from one age to the other ranging between 0.09 and 0.37. This indicates changes in the degree of weathering of the sediment-source rocks of these shales and suggests climate changes in the Peninsular Malaysia during the Palaeozoic from relatively wet conditions during the Cambrian to relatively dry conditions during the Ordovician followed by relatively wet conditions extends from the Silurian to the Carboniferous, which followed by relatively dry conditions during the formation of Carboniferous-Permian black shales and finally to relatively wet conditions during the Permian. The V/Ni, V/(V+Ni) and V/(V+Cr) ratios as well as the positive Ce anomalies indicate that these black shales were deposited under reducing conditions. The high V/Ni ratios (>3) also suggest a purely marine source input for the organic matter. Devonian black shales show relatively high concentrations of redox-sensitive elements, which may suggest the possible existence of Devonian anoxia as well as the Devonian-Carboniferous (D-C) boundary in Malaysia. Based on the abundance of illite (>85%) and illite crystallinity (IC) values (27–46°Δ2θ), the majority of the Palaeozoic black shales in Peninsular Malaysia are probably anchimetamorphic and over-matured.

Early Islamic pigments at Nishapur, north-eastern Iran: studies on the painted fragments preserved at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Pigments appearing on ninth–twelfth-century AD-carved stucco, wall painting, and terracotta friezes excavated at Nishapur in north-eastern Iran were investigated by optical reflectance spectroscopy, micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (μ-XRF), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), micro-Raman spectroscopy (μ-Raman), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Many of the pigments identified including vermilion, red lead, hematite, limonite, carbon black, atacamite, calcite, and gypsum have been identified in previous studies of pigments used in later Islamic periods. However, a series of unusual pigments such as wulfenite, pyromorphite, phoenicochroite, and jarosite were also found in the present study. The association of kaolinite and alunite with limonite and other Fe-bearing yellow pigments points to a local provenance for these pigments. In addition, the presence of orpiment in the vermilion may be indicative that the vermilion was artificially manufactured. These findings suggest that pigment use and manufacturing during the ninth to eleventh centuries in Nishapur was still in a trial-and-error stage and the palette known from the twelfth century onwards had not yet been systematized.

Diet and mobility among Mesolithic hunter-gatherers in Motala (Sweden) - The isotope perspective

Recent excavations at the sites of Strandvägen and Kanaljorden in Motala, Eastern Central Sweden, have unearthed complex and varied funerary remains from the Mesolithic. The two sites are situated on opposite banks of the river Motala Ström. While geographically close and roughly covering the same time span (c. 8000–7000cal. BP), the funerary remains reveal differences and similarities in the treatment of the dead between the two localities. While at Strandvägen human bones were mostly found either scattered along the river bed or in inhumation graves, Kanaljorden contains wetland depositions of disarticulated skulls. We have conducted multi-isotope analyses of δ13C, δ15N, δ34S and 87Sr/86Sr of human and animal remains with the aim of reconstructing the dietary patterns, geographic provenance and mobility of the interred. A series of faunal reference samples and, in the case of 87Sr/86Sr, soil samples have been analysed in order to establish relevant isotopic baselines. The results show a protein intake dominated by aquatic resources, probably consisting of both freshwater and marine fish in varied proportions. The strontium isotope data indicate an interesting distinction between the individuals buried on either side of the river Motala Ström. Five out of six sampled individuals from Strandvägen have isotope ratios consistent with a local provenance, whereas ratios from seven out of eight Kanaljorden individuals indicate a non-local origin. The δ34S analysis proved problematic as a majority of the samples appear to be affected by diagenesis. This is probably the result of contamination by exogenous sulphur from surrounding fluvial and lacustrine sediments, as has previously been reported from other waterlogged sites.