Micromorphological Data Research Articles

Pollen morphology of Eremogone (Caryophyllaceae) in Türkiye

The palynological characters of 17 taxa belonging to genus Eremogone Fenzl (Caryophyllaceae) from Türkiye were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Eremogone pollen in Türkiye is found to have an average size of 31.31 μm (26.62‒36.65 μm), pore sizes ranging from 6.52 to 9.24 μm, inter-pore distances ranging from 9.07 to 12.57 μm, pore numbers varying from 5 to 14 and 5‒30 nanoechini distributed in an area of 10 × 10 µm. The ornamentation was identified as nanoperforate, nanoechinate, or nanofaveolate surface elements in various combinations. Clustering analysis and Principal Component Analyses do not show clear groups, although more similar taxa were brought together through the analysis of pollen micromorphological data rather, the nanoechinate base width, nanoechinate length, and pore diameter length are the most valuable variables for separating the examined taxa.

A new species of Croton sect. Geiseleria (Euphorbiaceae) from Brazil, supported by macro- and micromorphological data

Taxonomic studies on the genus Croton in the Midwest region of Brazil enabled the analysis of about 700 collections from all over the country. Three of these collections were identified as a new species, Croton piriquetifolius, which is described and illustrated here. We also give a preliminary evaluation of its conservation status, provide data on flowering and fruiting seasons, geographic distribution environmental preferences, as well as its systematic position. The new species is compared macro- and micromorphologically with C. adamantinus, C. glandulosus and C. eremophilus, with which it resembles or has been confused in herbaria. Morphological (e.g., presence, shape, and location of the acropetiolar nectaries, presence, and distribution of glands on stipules, presence, and size of pedicel on pistillate flower, integrity of styles, type, and location of trichomes) and anatomical (e.g., disposition of the stomata, contour of petiole and midrib, organization of vascular bundles, type of mesophyll, and types of trichomes) characters serve to differentiate the species studied.

Foliar epidermal micromorphology of genus Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) by using light and electron microscopy

The present study was conducted to compare both qualitative and quantitative characteristics of foliar epidermal micromorphology on some members of Glochidion in Assam. As taxonomic attributes, the foliar epidermal micromorphology study of nine taxa of both abaxial and adaxial surfaces was performed by using light microscopy (LM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The result showed both amphistomatic and hypostomatic types of leaf surfaces. On the same surface of the leaf, multiple types of stomata were observed such as anomocytic, anisocytic, hemiparacytic, and paracytic types. Significant diversity and variations were observed in stomatal number, size, area, epidermal cell number, subsidiary cells, and trichomes. The stomatal index, stomatal shape, epidermal cell shape, length and width of the stomata, and trichomes showed variation among the studied taxa. Glands were absent in all studied members. Papillae and epicuticular wax crystals were observed in some taxa. In addition, a taxonomic key was also provided based on foliar leaf epidermal characteristics using qualitative and quantitative data from LM and FESEM. Based on quantitative data of foliar leaf micromorphology, principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis were carried out to authenticate the micromorphological data. These would aid in the identification of taxa as well as in taxonomic delimitation.

A New Rupicolous Species from West of Türkiye: Stachys cuhacioglui (Lamiaceae)

Stachys is one of the most diverse genera of the family Lamiaceae and currently consists of 360 species. Here, we describe Stachys cuhacioglui (Lamiaceae) as a new species based on morphological and micromorphological data. The new species was discovered in İzmir province in west of Türkiye. Stachys cuhacioglui differs from S. annua complex by its perennial, chasmophyte habitus, cordate basal leaves, shorter campanulate calyx with recurved teeth, and shorter corolla. The description, etymology, phenology, geographical distribution, IUCN threat category and ecology of the new species are given.

Distinguishing between sheep and goat in archaeological fumiers through faecal lipid biomarkers: The case of Belmaco Cave (Canary Islands, Spain)

Lipid biomarker analysis focused on steroids has shown to have great potential for discriminating between animal faecal inputs in archaeology. This is particularly interesting when applied to stabling deposits to assess herding strategies and livestock composition. Here we present the results of a sedimentary faecal biomarker study conducted at Belmaco Cave, a pre-European archaeological site in La Palma (Canary Islands). The site was occupied by indigenous pastoralist groups over the course of five centuries prior to the first arrival of the Europeans in the 15th century. Previous soil micromorphological data indicates recurrent sheep and/or goat penning and periodic burning of the pen in the central area of the cave. We selected bulk sediment samples from unburned, charred and ashed dung layers and carried out sterol, stanol and bile acid analysis. Our results suggest that the main source of faecal matter is sheep. We also found that even though charred and dung ash layers contained lower concentrations of the biomarker compounds, these were still sufficient to provide information on the origin of the faecal remains. These data add to our current knowledge of the aboriginal Canary Island pastoralist economy.

Laccaria murina and L. pumila from Pakistan, a study based on SEM and nrITS molecular marker.

Two species of the genus Laccaria, are described as new reports for Pakistan. Laccaria murina has been collected from a Himalayan moist temperate forest in Khanspur, KP, while L. pumila was found in the moist temperate forests of Kumrat Valley in Dir Upper, KP, and at higher altitudes of the Deosai plains of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Phylogenetic analysis based on the nrITS region clustered the Pakistani species with L. murina sequences with other Asian collections and L. pumila from USA and Netherlands. SEM of basidiospores along with detailed micro-morphological data are provided. General distribution, habitat, ecology, and diagnostic features are also discussed. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: It has new reports from Pakistan, studies based on light, scanning electron microscopy, and nrITS molecular markers. These species have been described with detailed micro-morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. General distribution, ecology, diagnostic features, and comparisons with closely related specimens have been provided. Graphical representation of DNA extraction and geographical locations of sampling sites are also illustrated (Figures1 and 2). Very few members of this genus are already described from Pakistan.

Morphological and Micromorphological Investigations of Bidens frondosa L. from Flora of Krasnodar Region, Russia

Complex morphological and micromorphological studies have been made about bootjack bur (Bidens frondosa) growing on the territory of the Krasnodar region. The lamina is of dorsoventral type. The conduction system has fasciations, three closed collateral bundles, are present near the vein. The leaf is of amphistomatic type, stomatic apparats are present in a small amount. Anticlinical walls of the main cells of the epidermis are strongly flexuose. The lower epidermis if compared to the upper one has a large number of stomatic apparatus of anisocytic type. The trichomes are leggy, represented by multicellular hairs of different shapes and lengths. Micromorphological capabilities of bootjack bur’s transverse section of the caulis and leafstalk have been studied. Received micromorphological data is a fragment of complex pharmacognostic studies of the Bidens kind. For acquiring the anti-allergic medication in the future, it is necessary to make pharma-technological studies and come up with the necessary medical form in the shape of thick extract and also make pharmacological studies in acquiring this medical form.

Functional Role of Vitelline Glands and Mehlis Gland in the Process of Resistant Egg Shell Formation in Trematodes

The study of the functional morphology of the reproductive system of trematodes, as well as its individual parts, provides an opportunity to solve an important problem that plays a huge role in theoretical and practical terms as the directed regulation of the fecundity of endoparasites. The article is devoted to the study of the functional role of vitelline glands and Mehlis glands in the process of formation of resistant egg shells on the example of the Parastrigea robusta trematode. The functional mechanisms are revealed on the basis of histomorphological and ultrastructural studies, underlying the provision of trematode eggshell formation processes and the role of each of the mentioned departments. The sequence of appearance and maturation of shell material in the vitelline follicles during vitellogenesis has been determined. The role of the Mehlis gland is substantiated on the basis of electron microscopy methods and their functional morphological analysis of ultrastructural and micromorphological data. The obtained data reveals information on the structural and functional unity of the mechanisms underlying the formation of a resistant trematode eggshell, the role of vitelline glands, and Mehlis gland in providing a "large number of eggs". According to the results of histological and electron microscopic studies of vitelline glands and Mehlis gland of the Parastrigea robusta trematode, a general scheme of the formation of trematode eggshell was formed. As a result, the obtained knowledge on the peculiarities of the structure and maturation of the vitelline glands and Mehlis gland of Parastrigea robusta will significantly complement the knowledge on the structural features of the female reproductive system of trematodes and the fertility of endoparasites. The results of the work can be used for further research in the selection of anthelmintic agents that affect vitelline glands and Mehlis glands, which will lead to directed regulation of the fertility level of endoparasites.

A loess-paleosol record of climate and vegetation change during the past 27,000 years from South-East of the Caspian Sea, Iran

Loess and paleosols are valuable terrestrial archives of past climate change in arid and semiarid Asia, yet most of the available records are located in central Asia and China, with only few records from western Asia. Here we report on a loess-paleosol sequence retrieved from the Gorgan Plain Southeast of the Caspian Sea that extends back to ca. 27,000 years ago. By combining palynological and micromorphological data with granulometry and magnetic properties in different horizons, we infer past changes in soil formation and vegetation composition, and the related climatic conditions. In order to set up a more reliable chronological framework, we applied luminescence and radiocarbon dating. Our results suggest a dry and cold glacial period characterized by steppe vegetation and loess deposition until about 24,000 years ago. Climate conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum (19–23,000 years ago) were relatively wet followed by a drying trend towards the end of the deglaciation. Our record suggests a relatively wet early Holocene but remains inconclusive for the late Holocene due to concurrent anthropogenic impact. We argue that changes in wintertime temperature and precipitation have been decisive in shaping the vegetation and soil formation in our study area during the Holocene, whereas changes in the position of the westerlies together with sea-level fluctuations of the Caspian Sea controlled the regional climate during the last glacial period.

Paleogeographic and historical aspects of the ancient polis functioning on the example of the study of the «Orient» section of the Olbian necropolis

Paleogeographic and historical aspects of the ancient polis functioning on the example of the study of the «Orient» section of the Olbian necropolis

Social Buildings: Soil Geochemistry and Anthropogenic Patterns from Late Iron Age Finland

ABSTRACT We present geochemical data of soils sampled from two Late Iron Age (a.d. 550–1050) buildings at Bartsgårda on the Åland Islands, Finland. The houses had different constructions and use-patterns, one being an intensively used dwelling house, rich in finds, whereas the other, scarce in finds, had a more specialized character, linked to ceremonial rather than domestic activities. Systematic and targeted feature sampling was carried out to analyze 190 samples using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (ED-XRF) to 1) identify floor/activity levels in the houses based on vertical and horizontal geochemical anomalies; 2) compare the anthropogenic activity signals of the buildings; and, 3) test a rapid and cost-efficient ex situ analytical strategy for geochemical characterization of archaeological soils. Although the long-term use of the site as a livestock paddock introduced some complexities, based on the geochemical and micromorphological data, the houses had several activity levels and markedly different anthropogenic profiles.

Micromorphological analysis indicates reversion of sesame extrafloral nectary to flower-like structure with the onset of phytoplasma infection reflecting its evolutionary path

Plant pathogens are known to cause diverse symptoms in plants. Candidatus Phytoplasma (Class: Mollicutes), a phloem inhabiting bacterial pathogen is transmitted by sap sucking insects and is becoming a serious concern in sesame crops grown for oilseed, especially in the Asiatic region. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), a member of family Pedaliaceae, bears prominent extrafloral nectaries (EFN) at each node. Our aim was to investigate the morphological and micromorphological changes in EFN development in phytoplasma infected sesame plants with phyllody disease. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the micromorphological changes from freshly collected EFNs from healthy and phyllody diseased sesame plants. Observations revealed that the extrafloral nectary in sesame gets converted into flower (green in color) on phytoplasma infection. In diseased plants, this reversion was also seen in early stages of developing EFN primordia. Apart from the reversion, different variants were observed in EFN such as developed EFN showing indeterminacy but retaining the EFN structure or instead occasional morphological alterations were observed such as elongation or splitting of EFN tissue into halves, that often showed conversion to spatula shaped structures with leafy characters. In a few instances, inflated gynoecium like-structure emerged from the center of a split EFN. Rarely, deformed stalked flowers were also observed in place of EFN, with positional and structural abnormalities in stamens, gynoecium defects, leafiness of reduced petals and sepal narrowing cum elongation. Phytoplasma infection in sesame caused development of each EFN into a flower indicating that the EFN gland is a suppressed flower in sesame, the suppression of which is released on infection of the plant pathogen. Instead of solitary nature seen in most Sesamum indicum varieties, the cymose nature of inflorescence is thereby resumed. Phytoplasma-induced EFN conversion is a unique symptom among plant pathogens. In addition, EFNs from affected plant also showed indeterminacy and transition organs show leaf-like features indicating a shift of reproductive to vegetative developmental program on phytoplasma infection. Bushiness on affected sesame is mainly due to conversion of EFN to phylloid flowers, especially those with indeterminate nature. In addition, loss of EFN is suggestive of increased susceptibility of phyllody affected sesame to insect infestation. Further studies on anatomy of symptomatic parts will provide a deeper understanding of the conclusions derived from micromorphological data of phytoplasma associated sesame EFN reversion, presented in the current study.

New insights into taphonomic analysis of the Upper Pleistocene Ursus spelaeus bone deposit from Bàsura cave (Toirano, NW Italy)

ABSTRACTBàsura Cave (Toirano, NW Italy) became famous worldwide in 1950 for the discovery of prehistoric human footprints and of an impressive Ursus spelaeus bone deposit baptized by the first explorers ‘Cimitero degli Orsi’ (Bear Cemetery). Bear remains belonging to the deeper layer of the deposit have been left in situ and are now one of the principal attractions for visitors. A new research project aimed at re‐evaluating the legacy and collections from this important cave involved the taphonomic study of the bones, along with sedimentological and micromorphological analyses and new radiocarbon dates to understand the nature and chronology of the deposit. In the present study, element quantification and state of preservation of bone surfaces displayed by distinct skeletal elements were analysed to assess the origin of bone accumulation, the composition of the assemblage in terms of age and species, and the representation of the different portions of the carcasses. Bone sorting, the orientation of skeletal elements along with oxidation pattern and micromorphological data indicate intense reworking of sediments and bones. The site can be considered among those known in Europe as representative of the last populations of U. spelaeus before the demise of this species during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Seed micromorphology supports species delimitation of Orchis canariensis (Orchidaceae), an endemic orchid from the Canary Islands

Geographic isolation is one of the primary drivers of speciation, but islands remain a reservoir of overlooked and understudied endemic species. In this study, we collected seed micromorphological data from Orchis canariensis (Orchidaceae), a declining species occurring only on the Canary Islands (Spain), whose taxonomy was debated in the past decades. The aim of the study was to detect seed micromorphological traits in support of species delimitation by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. Seeds from a population on Tenerife resulted to be clavate with a cell number in the longitudinal axis varying from five to seven. Seeds showed straight to sinuous anticlinal walls and no ornamentations in the periclinal walls. The average seed length was 313.66 ± 44.78 µm and the average width 184.31 ± 30.26 µm, with a ratio of 1.72 ± 0.25, while the embryo length and width were 157.18 ± 35.21 µm and 125.43 ± 25.92 µm respectively. However, despite the affinities with the sister species, Orchis patens, quantitative and qualitative seed traits supported species delimitation recently proposed by means of molecular biology. Taken together, our results confirmed the importance of seed micromorphology in support of taxonomical studies.

Development of an argillic horizon in polygenetic paleosols in the Marília Formation (Maastrichtian), Brazil: Precautions for paleoenvironmental interpretation

A study of paleosols with argillic horizons found in the Marília Formation associated with Maastrichtian in the Cretaceous is presented herein. This study aims to investigate the polygenetic processes involved in argillic horizon formation under paleoclimatic conditions from arid to semiarid in the Brazilian Cretaceous and considers morphological soil attributes, such as evidence of cementation, macromorphological data (horizons, matrix color, structure, clay coatings, nodules, and bioturbations), micromorphological data (coarse/fine patterns, b-fabric, clay coatings, infillings, and nodules), and water table oscillation. Seven representative profiles of paleosols were selected in the São Paulo state, Brazil, and soil samples of lithified paleosols were collected to determine their macromorphological–micromorphological and chemical properties. Clay illuviation, carbonate accumulation, and gleization were dominant processes in the paleosols. Clay illuviation was identified from clay coatings along grain and ped surfaces. Carbonates occurred as nodules and rhizoliths and as coatings on peds. Red mottles, gray rhizohaloes with red oxidation rims, oxidic nodules, an iron-depleted matrix, and iron oxide depletion hypocoatings confirmed gleization. The argillic horizon polygenesis in the Marília Formation is usually interpreted as evidence of high-moisture events under arid/semiarid climates or climate change toward moister conditions than arid/semiarid. Thus, argillic horizon paleosols in the sedimentary records of the Marília Formation are not necessarily reliquial characteristics of wet paleoenvironments but are associated with changes in dominant granulometry, types of macroaggregates–microaggregates, carbonate accumulation in horizons, and/or water table oscillation. Thus, the presence of Bt horizons does not necessarily imply wet conditions with changes in the depositional system, as proposed by some authors.

Pedosedimentary and microbial investigation of a karst sequence record

A 3-m thick sediment sequence, found in a limestone mine located in the south of Italy at a depth of ca. 25–30 m from the current ground level, was investigated. Samples from 5 layers were analysed by X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and micromorphology. Microbial DNA was analysed by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. The main mineral compounds found in the 5 layers were calcite (70–80%) and clay minerals in layers #1 and #5, goethite (75%) and hematite in layer #2, manganese (66%) and iron oxides in layer #3, and almost exclusively goethite in layer #4. Micromorphology data allowed to shed light in understanding whether these sediments formed by subsequent weathering of carbonates and silicates or by migration of soil sediments from the surface, or also by the accumulation of shallow marine sediments occurring between the middle Pliocene and the lower Pleistocene, when the extreme western sector of this area underwent strong subsidence. From the microbiological point of view, upon the 16S rRNA gene analysis, these 5 layers appear to cluster in three groups. Overall, such a distribution suggests that, both in the top (#1) and in bottom layers (#4 and #5), different communities would have undergone in situ reproduction and colonization exploiting metabolically the substrate, whereas the two mid layers would have received bacterial convection by passive transport of percolating waters. At the same time, micromorphological data show that each layer preserved its distinct features to be related to the environmental condition at the time of deposition. The chemical, mineralogical and micromorphological features of the layers and the known physiology of the microbial taxa thereby encountered highlight the possible role of the latter in elucidating the occurrence of certain mineral species as well as the biogeochemistry of elements like Mn and Fe in sediment layers.

Pluteus lauracearum (Agaricales, Basidiomycota), a new species of Pluteus sect. Hispidoderma from thermophilic Laurus forests

Pluteus lauracearum, a new species of Pluteus sect. Hispidoderma, is described and illustrated based on macro- and micromorphological data and phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear rDNA sequences of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. Morphologically, this novel species is characterized by small basidiomata having whitish to dark brown pileus colour, with finely to distinctly granulose surface, a white and translucently striate pileus margin, and mostly narrowly fusiform to lageniform pleurocystidia with long narrow necks and a distinctly subcapitate to capitate apex. This new species is described based on collections made in Turkey (Kuşadası) and Portugal (Madeira), where they were growing on well-rotten wood in thermophilic Laurus forests. Pluteus lauracearum is compared with taxa in Pluteus sect. Hispidoderma that are morphologically similar and/or phylogenetically related.

Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Podagrostis (Poaceae, Pooideae, Poeae)

A taxonomic revision of the genus Podagrostis (Griseb.) Scribn. & Merr. is presented, including two new combinations: P. meridensis (Luces) A. M. Molina & Rúgolo and P. novogaliciana (McVaugh) A. M. Molina & Rúgolo. Podagrostis bacillata (Hack.) Sylvester & Soreng constitutes a new report for Colombia. Information regarding synonymy, geographical distribution, habitat, iconography, and vernacular names is provided along with complete illustrations and a list of additional specimens examined. A key for the identification of the species is included as well as a comparative table based on macro- and micromorphological data. The anatomical character of Trichodium net on lemma epidermis, as well as its diagnostic value, is discussed in species of Podagrostis and most related genera (e.g., Agrostis L., Chaetotropis Kunth, and Polypogon Desf., among others).

A giant among the giants: Arthrocereus grandiflorus (Cactaceae, Cactoideae), a new species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Arthrocereus grandiflorus sp. nov. is described on the basis of field surveys, macro- and micromorphological (pollen grains) data, and analysis of literature. The new species is endemic to the Brazilian Cerrado and its two subpopulations were found in the municipality of Diamantina, Minas Gerais State. Comments on its morphological affinities with related taxa, geographical distribution, phenology, habitat, conservation status, and original photographs of living specimens are provided. In terms of conservation, it was assessed according to IUCN criteria as Critically Endangered (CR).

Weathering and pedogenesis of mafic rock in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The effects of parent material on soils tend to be stronger than those of temporal and environmental conditions that interfere with weathering and pedogenesis. The main objective of the present study was to characterize and evaluate rock weathering and pedogenesis in the toposequence of gabbro-derived soils using geochemical and micromorphological data. Four profiles were sampled from a toposequence in the highlands of the Atlantic Forest region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. We carried out chemical and physical characterization of samples from disturbed soil horizons, followed by soil classification. Samples from undisturbed soil horizons were subjected to mineral weathering and micromorphological analyses, and scanning electron microscopy was used for microanalyses. We determined the total content of elements (SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, TiO2, CaO, MgO, Na2O, K2O, Mn, P2O5, and Zr) and calculated the following weathering indices: chemical alteration index, chemical weathering index, and weathering index scale. We observed the progressive alteration of olivine into chlorite, weathering of clinopyroxenes and plagioclase, and neoformation of clay minerals such as kaolinite and iron oxyhydroxides such as goethite and hematite. The weathering of magnetite and ilmenite resulted in hematite and leucoxene, respectively. The high quantities of Si and Al in the soil matrix and the presence of iron oxyhydroxides and nodules indicated that fersialitization was the predominant pedogenetic activity associated with soil formation. Moreover, partial hydrolysis favored the formation of 2:1 clay minerals. Other processes included eluviation and illuviation, evidenced by the micromorphological analysis that indicates clay coating on pores, cavities, and aggregates.