Main Centres Of Diversity Research Articles

Fatty Acid and Metal Composition of the Seeds of Lathyrus sativus Varieties

Among the grain legumes from the Old World, we may single out two species of the genus Lathyrus (L. sativus L. and L. cicera L.), one species of the genus Trigonella (T. foenum-graecum L.), and three species of the genus Vicia (V. ervilia (L). Willd., V. monanthos (L). Desf. and V. narbonensis L.) on account of their current state of marginalization [1]. Lathyrus genus, which is in Leguminosea, is large, with 187 species and subspecies [2]. The main centers of diversity in the genus are around the Mediterranean region, Asia Minor, North America, and temperate region of South America [3, 4]. The widespread use of legumes makes this food group an important source of lipid and fatty acids in animal and human nutrition. Some publications dealing with the total lipid and fatty acid composition are reviewed by a few researchers [5–7]. Metal ions, metal complexes, and vitamins are materials that play an important role in vital functions of organisms [8]. The objective of the present study was to determine the fatty acid and trace elements of the seeds of Lathyrus sativus L. varieties. In addition, during the course of this study, we aimed to characterize the seed fatty acids used by animals in the field, to establish the nutritional value, and to make contributions as to the renewable resources of FA and other chemical patterns in these crops. The results of the fatty acid analysis are shown in Table 1, and the trace elements ara shown in Table 2. The fatty acid composition of some Lathyrus varieties used as feed crops from the Fabaceae family showed different saturated and unsaturated fatty acid concentrations. The total unsaturated fatty acids (TUSFA) of the studied Lathyrus varieties were found to be between 63.54 and 72.45%. Oleic acid (18:1) of these varieties ranged from 17.91 to 22.46%. Linoleic acid of these varieties ranged from 39.61 to 43.18%. A number of studies suggest that the unsaturated fatty acid component of Fabaceae seed oils resembles each other, and oleic and linoleic acid (18:3) were the main components in seed oil [9]. Oleic and linoleic acid are the principal component acids (about 65% of the total fatty acids). The percentages of these two acids are inversely correlated – some of the legume oils are rich in linoleic acid, whereas in others oleic acid is present in larger amounts [10]. Linolenic acid was also detected in the seed oil of Lathyrus varieties, but at very low levels in all of the patterns when compared with linoleic and oleic acid. For edible purposes, oil should have a minimal amount of linolenic acid since it is commonly thought to be the prime constituent responsible for reversion to undesirable flavors in stored oils and in food products containing vegetable oils [10]. Total saturated fatty acids (TSFA) of the studied Lathyrus varieties were found between 27.54 and 36.18%. In terms of the saturated acid components of the seed oils, palmitic acid was found abundant. These results were supported by other studies [11]. Saturated acid components of the seed oils revealed that the low-molecular-weight acids caproic (6:0), caprylic (8:0), and capric (10:0) acids commonly occur in all the investigated varieties. There is some evidence that the rarer fatty acids, like nonprotein amino acids, may be harmful to animals eating the seeds 12. The concentrations of the elements in the seeds are presented in Table 2. All data are averages of three measurements on each sample. The levels of metals were calculated on g/g dry weight. Eight elements (Cu, Mn, Mo, Na, Zn, Fe, Mg, and B) were detected in the crop seeds in different amounts. Magnesium is a critical structural component of the chlorophyll molecule and is necessary for the function of plant enzymes to produce carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. The high quantity of potassium, magnesium, and calcium together with the quantity of sodium plus the content of the essential elements iron, manganese, zinc, and copper allow the seeds to be considered as excellent sources of bioelements [12].

Aspidistra lingchuanensis (Asparagaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China

The genus Aspidistra Ker-Gawler (1822: 628) (Asparagaceae) has its main centre of diversity in China and Vietnam. In recent years, many new species were discovered and described from that region, increasing the total number of species to over 120. In China, Aspidistra includes over 80 species and is mainly distributed in the southwest part of the country, especially in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (60 species) (Liang & Tamura 2000, Li 2004, Tillich 2005, 2008, Liu et al. 2011, Tillich et al. 2013, He et al. 2013, Lin et al. 2013a–b, 2014, Meng et al. 2014). When investigating medicinal plants in Qingshitan Natural Reserve, Lantian town, Lingchuan County, northeastern Guangxi in 2013, we collected an unusual Aspidistra specimen with linear leaves and urceolar perigone. In March 2014, we returned to the place for further observations of the species, the plant flowered regularly. After consulting herbarium specimens and relevant literature on Aspidistra, it became apparent that we had a new species at hand.

Vriesea(Bromeliaceae, Tillandsioideae): taxonomic history, and morphology of the Brazilian lineage1

The genus Vriesea Lindl. comprises about 290 species distributed into two sections: V. sect. Vriesea and V. sect. Xiphion. The genus is recognized as polyphyletic and is historically associated with Tillandsia L., differing from it mainly due to the presence of petal appendages. Here we focus our efforts on the Vriesea taxa in its main center of diversity in southeastern Brazil that are considered to constitute a monophyletic group based on molecular analyses as well as a total evidence approach. We present a morphological description of the species from the Brazilian lineage, and the taxonomic history of the genus. We based our results on extensive bibliographic research and morphological analyses of herbarium material and living specimens, as well as illustrations of the main taxonomic characteristics of the Brazilian lineage of the genus.

Evaluation of genetic diversity of wild-type barley (Hordeum vulgare L. sub sp. Spontaneum) based on storage proteins polymorphism

Today, most scientists have accepted that cultivated barley was originated from wild-type barley, Hordeum spontaneum. By the way, this is unclear whether domestication processes just occurred in Fertile Crescent or simultaneously in different areas all over the world. Additionally, there are disagreements in relation to center or main diversity centers of this plant. In the present study, in order to evaluate genetic and geographic diversity and also determining of barley populations phylogenic relations, 266 wild-type, H. spantaneum, from areas located in or out of Fertile Crescent and also 44 samples of cultivated barley from different world areas were studied. Barley samples storage proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE method and were assessed in three hordein groups including D, C and B. Genetic parameters, such as patterns number and genetic diversity index showed that by getting away from Fertile Crescent, barley genetic diversity was reduced, However, North Africa and East Asia could be considered as a secondary centers of diversity of the plant. The study of genetic distances showed that wild barley genotypes of Iraq and Turkey could be the nearest populations to modern cultivated barley samples. Based on these results, Fertile Crescent especially Iran, Iraq, South East of Turkey and Jordan could be main centers of diversity of wild barley H. Spontaneum.

Four New Species of Nepenthes L. (Nepenthaceae) from the Central Mountains of Mindanao, Philippines.

Together with the islands of Sumatra (Indonesia) and Borneo (Indonesia, Malaysia), the Philippines are the main center of diversity for carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus, Nepenthes L. Nepenthes are the largest of all carnivorous plants, and the species with the biggest pitchers are capable of trapping and digesting small amphibians and even mammals. The central cordillera of Mindanao Island in the south of the Philippines is mostly covered with old, primary forest and is the largest remaining cohesive, untouched area of wilderness in the Philippines. In a recent field exploration of two areas of the central cordillera, namely Mount Sumagaya and a section of the Pantaron range, four new taxa of Nepenthes were discovered. These four remarkable new species, N. pantaronensis, N. cornuta, N. talaandig and N. amabilis, are described, illustrated and assessed.

Diurnal butterfly pollination in the orchid Habenaria radiata

AbstractHabenaria is one of the largest orchid genera, with its main centers of diversity in Brazil, eastern Asia and central and southern Africa. In spite of its diversity, the pollinators of few Habenaria spp. have been studied, while most published reports indicate that Habenaria spp. are mainly pollinated by moths. Here we report that the diurnal skipper Parnara guttata can be at least one of the pollinators of Habenaria radiata. Skippers have generally been thought of as nectar thieves, transferring few pollen grains. However, orchids transmit their pollen grains in large groups within pollinia. Such innovation can probably render the skipper a pollinator of H. radiata.

Genetic Diversity in a Worldwide Collection of Sainfoin Using Morphological, Anatomical, and Molecular Markers

ABSTRACTGenetic information on sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.), an important forage species, is highly limited. In this study, genetic diversity and trait relationships of 80 sainfoin accessions were evaluated using morphological, anatomical, and inter‐simple sequence repeats (ISSR) characteristics. Results of 2 yr of study indicated a wide range of variability in the germplasm using all three data sets. Based on morphological assessment, accessions were divided into three different groups that could be easily identified by traits such as palatability, resistance to powdery mildew, and percentage of plant shoot and leaf. On the other hand, great diversity was found for anatomical traits, especially vessel diameter, sieve diameter, width of phloem, and xylem/phloem ratio, possibly indicating different mechanisms of water and solute transport among populations. Results indicated that anatomical traits were less influenced by environmental constraints compared with agro‐morphological traits. Accessions with high vessel diameter and large xylem diameter were may be palatable. Result of ISSR markers showed that high genetic variation among accessions can be closely related to “Isolation by distance” model, resulting in accessions falling into two main clusters (Iranian and the exotics), each having four subclusters. Most of the genetic variance was found among the accessions and less among the geographical groups. Results suggested that Asia and Eastern Europe may be the main center of diversity for this species.

Micromorfología foliar del género Quercus (Fagaceae) en México

México es el principal centro de diversidad del género Quercus en el Hemisferio Occidental. A pesar de los avances recientes en el conocimiento de los encinos mexicanos, aún existe cierto grado de confusión taxonómica, particularmente dentro de algunos complejos de especies. En este estudio se utilizó microscopía electrónica de barrido para describir las estructuras micromorfológicas foliares (tricomas, ceras epicuticulares y estomas) de ambas superficies foliares (haz y envés) en representantes seleccionados de encinos mexicanos, con el objetivo de evaluar la utilidad taxonómica de estos caracteres. En total se examinaron 27 especies, pertenecientes a las secciones Quercus (encinos blancos) y Lobatae (encinos rojos y negros), incluyendo varios grupos de plantas cercanamente relacionadas con problemas de delimitación taxonómica, así como especies que presentan hibridación. Se encontraron varios tipos de tricomas, tanto los de tipo glandular (simples y bulbosos) como los no glandulares (solitarios, multirradiados, estrellados, estrellados fusionados y fasciculado estipitados). Las ceras epicuticulares se observaron en forma de capas, capas fisuradas, costras, gránulos, placas y placas en rosetas. Los estomas fueron elípticos y se encontraron elevados con respecto a la superficie foliar o al mismo nivel que ésta. Entre los tres tipos de estructuras examinadas, los tricomas fueron los más útiles para propósitos taxonómicos, seguidos por las ceras epicuticulares. Todas las especies tuvieron diferentes combinaciones de estados de carácter para estas estructuras micromorfológicas, lo que permitió la elaboración de claves para identificar a las especies dentro de los grupos problemáticos.

Phylogeny of the land snail family Clausiliidae (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

Clausiliidae is one of the most speciose and best-studied families of land snails. The family contributes to land snail diversity on a global scale, with three main centres of diversity: (1) western Eurasia (six subfamilies recognized), (2) East Asia (two subfamilies recognized) and (3) the neotropics (one subfamily recognized i.e. Neniinae). Despite a wealth of shell-morphological and anatomical studies, a well-supported phylogeny is lacking for the family.To provide a phylogenetic framework and reevaluate morphological and biogeographic observations on the family, we compiled a dataset consisting of partial 28S rRNA, histone H3 and histone H4 nucleotide sequences covering all clausiliid subfamilies, and 23 out of 25 tribes. Our analyses (MrBayes, BEAST, PhyML) divide the family into seven highly supported clades, which were retrieved by at least two of the three markers used, and which are more or less geographically confined. Three of these clades coincide with subfamilies recognized in the current classification (Alopiinae, Garnieriinae, Laminiferinae). The monophyly of four of the remaining six hitherto accepted subfamilies is not supported, with the New World subfamily Neniinae divided across two clades. All shell-morphological characters used in classical clausiliid classification were homoplasious at the subfamily level, with the exception of the type of shell aperture formation. In contrast to previous interpretations, our results suggest that the so-called ‘apostrophic’ aperture found in the neotropical clausiliids, and in a European (Laminiferinae) and a SE Asian (Garnieriinae) subfamily, is in fact the plesiomorphic condition among extant Clausiliidae. The widespread and fragmented geographic distribution of this type of aperture may therefore be considered relictual. Based on an inferred Late Cretaceous or Early Cenozoic European origin of the clade of extant Clausiliidae, the ancestor(s) of the neotropical Clausiliidae must have colonized the New World after the Atlantic Ocean had opened. A taxonomic revision is proposed.

Phylogenetic reconstruction of key traits in the evolution of ivies (Hedera L.)

The Mediterranean harbours the highest number of Hedera (Araliaceae) species, lineages, ploidy levels, and trichome morphologies of any area where the genus occurs. Previous molecular and cytogenetic studies identified two main centres of diversity for Hedera (Araliaceae), the eastern and western parts of the Mediterranean region. An explicit analysis of key traits was performed to investigate geographical patterns and ancestral character states of ivy lineages. Interestingly, the greatest diversity of Hedera was found in the western Mediterranean, including the three species of Macaronesia (H. azorica in the Azores, H. maderensis in Madeira and H. canariensis in the Canary Islands). Phylogenetic and phylogeographical analyses of the nrITS and plastid trnT-L sequences revealed multiple connections between the Mediterranean region and Asia, and suggest recurrent colonization between these two areas. Reconstruction of three important characters long used to distinguish members of the genus (trichome types, ploidy levels, and geographical areas) suggests that a diploid species with scale-like trichomes from the Mediterranean basin was the most recent common ancestor of the extant species of Hedera.

New β-carboline alkaloids from Galianthe ramosa (Rubiaceae)

Galianthe Griseb. (Rubiaceae, tribe Spermacoceae) is a genus comprising 50 endemic species in South America, its main center of diversity is located in central and southern Brazil. In our continuing chemical and biological investigations concerning Rubiaceae species from Cerrado, we report the isolation of new compounds 1 and 2, together with the known epi-catechin (3), ursolic and oleanolic acid. The alkaloid 2 inhibited the enzyme malato synthase from pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis wich is considered an important target since it is not found in human.

Padrões de distribuição geográfica das espécies de Chamaecrista sect. Chamaecrista ser. Coriaceae (Benth.) H. S. Irwin & Barneby, Leguminosae - Caesalpinioideae

An analysis of the geographic distribution of the 27 taxa belonging to 20 species of Chamaecrista sect. Chamaecrista ser. Coriaceae was carried out, based on maps depicting the known occurrences of the taxa. One species occurs in the Caribbean region, C. caribaea (Northr.) Britton, whereas the others are distributed in a main center of diversity, the Espinhaco Range, presenting two main patterns: 1) a continuous to disjunct occurrence through the Espinhaco Range and adjacent or disjunct areas, and 2) an endemic distribution in the southern region of that mountain range. Among the disjunctions, three species are noteworthy: one occurring in the Espinhaco and elevations of the Arco de Brasilia westwards Goias (C. cardiostegia H. S. Irwin & Barneby), other in the Espinhaco and in Espirito Santo State (C. mucronata (C. Sprengel) H. S. Irwin & Barneby), and a third one centered in the Espinhaco and in the Guyana Shield (C. roraimae (Benth.) Gleason). The distribution patterns are discussed, mainly as compared to data from other groups of angiosperms, and to a previous analysis of five species belonging to C. ser. Coriaceae. The results show a concentration of endemic species in highlands in the Cerrado Domain. They give additional support to the high degree of endemism already documented for other groups in the region. This analysis is an initial step allowing further studies to understand the processes responsible for the diversification of the group in the cerrado, specially in elevated areas.

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>Two new species of <em>Nasa</em> (Loasaceae) from Andean South America</strong></p>

Two new species of the South American Genus Nasa , namely Nasa sanchezii and N. urubambensis are described as new to science. Both species are found in the Peruvian Andes. Nasa sanchezii occurs in the north, in the Amotape-Huancabamba zone, a diversity hotspot in general and the main center of diversity for the genus Nasa in particular. Nasa urubambensis is found in the southern Peruvian Andes (Department Cusco) an important secondary center of diversity of the genus. Both species are here formally described and notes on the distribution, habitat and affinities are given. A distribution map for both taxa and line drawings for each species are provided.

THE ROLE OF IRAN (PERSIA) IN APPLE (MALUS × DOMESTICA BORKH.) DOMESTICATION, EVOLUTION AND MIGRATION VIA THE SILK TRADE ROUTE

To shed light on the role of Iran in apple evolution and domestication, the relationships among a collection of 159 apple accessions including indigenous Iranian apple cultivars and landraces, selected wild species, and old apple scion and rootstock cultivars from different parts of the world were investigated. The accessions were assigned into six arbitrary populations for the purpose of generating information on genetic parameters and these were screened with nine simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci selected from previous studies in apple. The SSR allelic data were then used to determine the population structure using SRUCTURE 2.2 software and genetic relationships based on a phenogram constructed using POPGENE 1.32 software. The results showed good agreement between the population structure data and the phenogram, and demonstrated that Iranian cultivars and landraces have a closer genetic affinity with Malus sieversii from Central Asia (east of Iran) and M. orientalis native to Turkey and Russia, than with other Malus species. Also, old apple scion and rootstock cultivars were closely related to one another and grouped between M. sieversii/M. orientalis and the rest of the wild Malus species. The closer genetic and geographic affinity of the Iranian germplasm with M. sieversii and M. orientalis, together with their location on the Silk Trade Route, suggests that Iran could be one of the major hubs in apple domestication and transfer from Central Asia to the West via the Silk Trade Route. We propose that Iran could be a main center of diversity for domestic apples.

Multigene phylogenetic analysis of Lygodactylus dwarf geckos (Squamata: Gekkonidae)

The genus Lygodactylus is a group of small, diurnal geckos distributed mainly in Africa and Madagascar. A closely related, monotypic genus is Microscalabotes from Madagascar. We examined fragments of two moderate- to slow-evolving nuclear genes (RAG-1, RAG-2) and of two fast-evolving mitochondrial genes (16SrRNA, cytochrome b) to estimate phylogenetic relationships among 28 (of about 60) species (including Microscalabotes). Since cytochrome b provided little resolution for analysis of interspecific relationships in Lygodactylus, it was excluded from the concatenated Bayesian analysis. Our well-resolved Bayesian inference tree and its resulting clades confirm many previously suggested relationships among dwarf geckos based mainly on morphological characters, while several novel relationships lead us to regroup some species and to synonymize the genus Microscalabotes with the genus Lygodactylus. Our phylogenetic analysis well supports the monophyly of Lygodactylus (including Microscalabotes). However, it rejects monophyly of the Madagascan Lygodactylus. On the other hand, the data do not reject monophyly of the African forms. Though Africa is currently the main centre of diversity of Lygodactylus, our data suggest that the most parsimonious scenario would be a Madagascan origin, one dispersal to Africa, and one back to Madagascar.

Genetic Diversity and Gene Exchange inPinus oocarpa, a Mesoamerican Pine with Resistance to the Pitch Canker Fungus (Fusarium circinatum)

Eleven highly polymorphic microsatellite markers were used to determine the genetic structure and levels of diversity in 51 natural populations of Pinus oocarpa across its geographic range of 3000 km in Mesoamerica. The study also included 17 populations of Pinus patula and Pinus tecunumanii chosen for their resistance or susceptibility to the pitch canker fungus based on previous research. Seedlings from all 68 populations were screened for pitch canker resistance, and results were correlated to mean genetic diversity and collection site variables. Results indicate that P. oocarpa exhibits average to above‐average levels of genetic diversity ($$A=19.82$$, $$A_{\mathrm{R}\,}=11.86$$, $$H_{\mathrm{E}\,}=0.711$$) relative to other conifers. Most populations were out of Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium, and a high degree of inbreeding was found in the species ($$F_{\mathrm{IS}\,}=0.150$$). Bayesian analysis grouped P. oocarpa into four genetic clusters highly correlated to geography and distinct from P. patula and P. tecunumanii. Historic gene flow across P. oocarpa clusters was observed ($$N_{\mathrm{m}\,}=1.1{\mbox{--}} 2.7$$), but the most pronounced values were found between P. oocarpa and P. tecunumanii (low‐altitude provenances) in Central America ($$N_{\mathrm{m}\,}=9.7$$). Pinus oocarpa appears to have two main centers of diversity, one in the Eje Transversal Volcánico in central Mexico and the other in Central America. Introgression between P. oocarpa and P. tecunumanii populations appears to be common. Pinus oocarpa populations showed high resistance to pitch canker (stemkill 3%–8%), a disease that the species has presumably coevolved with in Mesoamerica. Resistance was significantly correlated to the latitude, longitude, and altitude of the collection site but not to any genetic‐diversity parameters or degree of admixture with P. tecunumanii.

Fly pollination in Ceropegia (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae): biogeographic and phylogenetic perspectives

Ceropegia (Apocynaceae subfamily Asclepiadoideae) is a large, Old World genus of >180 species, all of which possess distinctive flask-shaped flowers that temporarily trap pollinators. The taxonomic diversity of pollinators, biogeographic and phylogenetic patterns of pollinator exploitation, and the level of specificity of interactions were assessed in order to begin to understand the role of pollinators in promoting diversification within the genus. Flower visitor and pollinator data for approx. 60 Ceropegia taxa were analysed with reference to the main centres of diversity of the genus and to a cpDNA-nrDNA molecular phylogeny of the genus. Ceropegia spp. interact with flower-visiting Diptera from at least 26 genera in 20 families, of which 11 genera and 11 families are pollinators. Size range of flies was 0.5-4.0 mm and approx. 94 % were females. Ceropegia from particular regions do not use specific fly genera or families, though Arabian Peninsula species are pollinated by a wider range of Diptera families than those in other regions. The basal-most clade interacts with the highest diversity of Diptera families and genera, largely due to one hyper-generalist taxon, C. aristolochioides subsp. deflersiana. Species in the more-derived clades interact with a smaller diversity of Diptera. Approximately 60 % of taxa are so far recorded as interacting with only a single genus of pollinators, the remaining 40 % being less conservative in their interactions. Ceropegia spp. can therefore be ecological specialists or generalists. The genus Ceropegia has largely radiated without evolutionary shifts in pollinator functional specialization, maintaining its interactions with small Diptera. Intriguing biogeographic and phylogenetic patterns may reflect processes of regional dispersal, diversification and subsequent specialization onto a narrower range of pollinators, though some of the findings may be caused by inconsistent sampling. Comparisons are made with other plant genera in the Aristolochiaceae and Araceae that have evolved flask-shaped flowers that trap female flies seeking oviposition sites.

Breeding system and pollination of selected orchids of the genus Chloraea (Orchidaceae) from central Chile

The breeding system determines different ways whereby seeds will be produced, and the degree of dependency of plants on pollinators for seed set. The genus Chloraea (Orchidaceae) has its main center of diversity in southern South America. There is only poor knowledge concerning its breeding system and pollination. We determined the breeding system of C. crispa, C. chrysantha, C. galeata, and two color forms of C. bletioides (yellow- and white-flowered forms). None of the species in this study produced fruits through apomixis or autogamy, thereby indicating a complete dependency on pollen and pollinators. Geitogamy did not differ significantly with respect to xenogamy excepting in the yellow-flowered form of C. bletioides. Thus, the indexes of self-incompatibility for the white- and yellow-flowered forms of C. bletioides, C. galeata, C. crispa, and C. chrysantha, were 1.00, 0.56, 0.82, 1.09, and 0.81, respectively; indicating that, excluding the yellow-flowered form of C. bletioides which must be regarded as partially self-incompatible, all orchids assessed are totally self-compatible plants. Natural fruiting in the yellow-flowered C. bletioides, C. chrysantha and C. galeata was high, in spite of being nectarless orchids, since the availability of pollinators under natural conditions seemingly resulted unlimited. However, no pollinator was observed visiting C. chrysantha and C. galeata, whereas the yellow-flowered form of C. bletioides was visited by hymenopterans and coleopterans. At contrast , reproductive success of the white-flowered form of C. bletioides and C. crispa was pollen limited, the former being visited by hymenopterans, dipterans, and colepterans; and the latter by two hymenopterans.

A Synopsis of the Genus Cyrtopodium (Catasetinae: Orchidaceae)

ABSTRACT A synopsis is presented for the Neotropical genus Cyrtopodium. Type data, taxonomic status, geographical distribution, and nomenclatural and taxonomic notes are presented for each species. A total of 116 names have been proposed in the genus, of which 50 are accepted here (47 species and three subspecific taxa). The identity of five species in the list is unclear. Forty names are synonyms in the genus, five are nomina nuda, and 21 belong in other genera including Eulophia, Koellensteinia, Otostylis, Eriopsis, Tetramicra, and Oncidium. Brazil, with 39 species, is the country with the highest number of species, followed by Bolivia and Venezuela, with nine species each. The main center of diversity of the genus is the cerrado vegetation of central Brazil, were 29 taxa are found. Field and taxonomic research on the genus in the last 15 years has led to the description of 19 new and accepted species, most from central Brazil. Eight lectotypifications and one new synonym are proposed. Cyrtopodium flavu...

Bioactivity and cysteine sulphoxides of some wild Allium species from Central Asia

The very diverse genus Allium L. shows a nearly exclusive distribution across the northern hemisphere with a main centre of diversity in Southwest and Central Asia. Rhizomes or bulbs, extracts of those or green parts of several species are intensively used by the native population of Central Asia [1]. Investigations concerning radical scavenger activity and antibiotic activity were focused on the subgenera Allium, Rhizirideum, and Melanocrommyum. Remarkable high scavenger activity (larger than 100%, related to BHT standard) was reported for A. giganteum Regel, A. alaicum Vved. and A. komarowii Lipsky, all belonging to the subgenus Melanocrommyum. But also an extract obtained from A. pskemense B. Fedt., a close relative of common onion (A. cepa L.), exhibited a high radical scavenger activity. Cysteine sulphoxides of investigated species were also analysed and correlated with results for bioactivity testing. These substances might be responsible for radical scavenger activity but also other compounds must be considered. Antibiotic activity was visualized by an inhibition zone surrounding a filter paper soaked with ethyl acetate extracts. Of all tested samples, A. rosenorum was most active despite this species showed rather low (about 0.1%) cysteine sulphoxide content. Extracts of A. aff. cristophii were only active against Streptococcus pyogenes. A. hymenorrhizum Ledeb. was rich in cysteine sulphoxides and showed an antibacterial activity against most of the tested bacteria strains. Also antifungal and antialgal activities were found.