Micromorphological Investigations Research Articles

Contributions to the taxonomy of Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae (Apocynaceae) in Türkiye based on fruit and seed morphology

In this study, the fruit and seed morphology of all the Periplocoideae (Periploca gracilis and P. graeca) and the majority of Asclepiadoideae (Araujia sericifera, Cionura erecta, Cynanchum acutum and Gomphocarpus fruticosus) taxa in Türkiye was evaluated from a taxonomic point of view using, for the first time, both light and scanning electron microscopy. Macro- and micro-morphological investigations were carried out on herbarium samples. An identification key for the examined Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae taxa, and expanded fruit and seed descriptions for each taxon were prepared. Numerical analysis showed that shape and size of follicle, size, shape and surface texture of seed were found to be effective in delimiting the studied Periplocoideae and Asclepiadoideae taxa at subfamilial and generic levels.

Enhanced seasonality of the East Asian monsoon indicated by prevailing hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite formation since 1.8 Ma

The seasonality of the East Asian monsoon is characterized by the coexistence of warm and humid summers and cold and dry winters. However, the current understanding of when and why the seasonality of the East Asian monsoon occurs is poor. Hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite (HIV), which is formed under conditions of low soil organic matter content, pH values between 4.6 and 5.8, and oxidizing states with frequent wetting‒drying cycles, may serve as a potential indicator of monsoon seasonality variation. In this study, we present detailed mineralogical and micromorphological investigations of HIV collected from an eolian sequence on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) to explore the evolution of East Asian monsoon seasonality. The mineralogical results deduced from X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy show that a transition from chlorite to HIV occurred at ∼1.8 Ma. Moreover, the authigenic origin of HIV, as indicated by the presence of many neatly arranged flakes in the SEM images and the presence of irregularly interstratified chlorite-HIV observed via transmission electron microscopy (TEM), collectively imply that HIV is the weathering product of chlorite. This transition from chlorite to HIV generally reflects an increase in monsoon seasonality on the CLP since ∼1.8 Ma, which may be caused by the contemporaneous uplift of the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, or global cooling in combination with La Niña-like sea-air interactions. Our study suggests that the HIV serves as an effective index for monsoon seasonality reconstruction, thus providing a new insight into Asian monsoon dynamics.

Untangling the Taxonomy of Rorida (Cleomaceae) in Iran

This work presents the first comprehensive revision of Iranian Rorida J. F. Gmel. based on extensive field surveys, herbarium visits, literature review, and micromorphological investigations. Our taxonomic assessment shows that these taxa can be delimited from each other by a combination of habit, leaf size and morphology, indumentum type, details of floral structure, fruit shape and size, and seed color. We recognize five species of Rorida for the flora of Iran and propose two new combinations: R. dolichostyla (Jafri) Khorasani & Naqinezhad and R. fimbriata (Vicary) Khorasani & Naqinezhad. Moreover, two new records of Rorida for the flora are reported, R. tomentella (Popov) Thulin & Roalson and R. droserifolia (Forssk.) Thulin & Roalson. An identification key to all Iranian Rorida, nomenclature, and comprehensive descriptions are provided for each species, along with notes on taxonomy and ecology (phytogeography, habitat, and conservation status), illustrations, and distribution maps.

Investigation of microstructural, micromorphology, and surface plasmon resonance characteristics in Ni/Al, Ni/Cu, and Ni/SS thin films.

As the first boundary between the environment and the material, the surface plays an important role in their interaction with each other, therefore, the use of appropriate tools and analysis to examine the mechanical properties and morphology of surfaces has particular importance in industry and research. In this research, a thin film of nickel was deposited on metal substrates made of aluminum, copper, and steel by using the RF magnetic cathode. Then, using a non-contact atomic force microscope, the morphological properties of the nickel film with static parameters, Minkowski functionals (MF's), fractal, and multifractal were extracted to be analyzed and studied. After that, using parameters such as root mean square (RMS) roughness, skewness, and kurtosis, it was determined how the surface roughness, distribution, and probability density of particles on the film surface alters with the change of the substrate. Next, by examining and analyzing the Δα and Δf parameters obtained from the multifractal section, the morphology of the produced film on the metal substrates was investigated. Then, the change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak position is changed for the prepared film in the range of the absorption spectrum due to the substrate effect and the microstructural properties of the formed film. HIGHLIGHTS: Ni film has been deposited by Rf magnetron sputtering. The effect of metal substrates on the topography, fractality, and optical properties was studied. Minkowski functionals were used to investigate the surface morphology of the samples. Substrate's material and the topography of the formed film can changed the surface plasmon resonance position.

Nutlets and foliar micromorphological investigation for some cultivated taxa of Lamiaceae Martinov

Nutlets and foliar micromorphological investigation for some cultivated taxa of Lamiaceae Martinov

MICROBIOTA FUNCTIONALITY AS THE MAIN SOIL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES IN EUTRICAMBOSOLS

The Eutricambosol are young soils with a simple morphological profile (A-Bv-C/R). Taking into account their genesis and location, there are two main problems concerning the „Eutricambosol classification“: they were classified, by mistake as Luvosols (due to the presence of an „alteration bed“); they were restricted to the zones with > 600mm precipitations.The researches focused on these two problems, detailing the characteristics of the „alteration bed“ on two profiles of Eutricambosols located in the Oriental Carpathian Mountains.The micromorphological investigation of the „alteration bed“ (which appears at the bottom of the two studied profiles) showed clay coatings, generated mainly by the skeleton grains weathering. The weathered products (clay+Fe+etc.) leached and reorganised on short distances, mobilized mainly by the laminar circulation of the soil solution.In what concerning the second mistake, the precipitations > 600mm is not a condition in the soil classification/taxonomy, it was inherited from the old (’60-s –‘70-s) „Pedology manuals‟, when both Cambisols (Eutricambosols and Districambosols) were included into the ˶Forest Brown Soils ̋ ̋, developing in the deciduous forests zone, with 632–1035mm precipitations.In reality, Eutricambosols are ubiquitous, being formed in a wide variety of landscapes: from tabular plain, to hilly and low mountains regions.In this respect, it would be desirable to know the concept and the correct classification of each soil, which leads to a correct management and further to the adequate conservation technologies, in order to preserved and/or improve the biota habitat for a better delivery of the soil ecosystem services.

THE WEATHERING PRODUCTS CREATING GOOD VITAL ENVIRONMENT TO BIOTA FOR BETTER DELIVERY SOIL ECOSYSTEM SERVICES

There is little information about the plasmic constituent intimate arrangement of the Phaeozem groundmass. In this respect, a micromorphological investigation of a Vertic Phaeozem (located in Perchiu Hill) was performed.The research results emphasise the presence of many types of striated birefringent fabric (b-fabric) in the groundmass of the pedogenetic horizons, induced by the swell-shrink processes (and representing criteria for the quantification of stress processes in Vertisols and vertic subgroups) as: porostriated and granostriated b-fabric, are rarely and weak developed; and both reticulate and parallel striated b-fabric developed on short distances. Into the pedogenetic horizons, rock fragments also appear in different degrees of weathering and integration into the groundmass, emphasising different evolution steps in the solification process. The linear and cross-linear alteration types of the rock fragments induced optical orientation of the clay domains similar to the different types of the striated b-fabric.It could be concluded, that the b-fabrics, which are generally used as criteria for the quantification of the swell-shrinking processes stress (that disturbed the plant roots development and the soil life environment) also formed in situ from the strong weathered rock fragments. Consequently, the striated b-fabric generated by the weathering process created a friendly environment in soil and underlined a less stress forces (during the swell-shrink processes) in the studied soil.The weathering products enriched the soils in the most precious constituents (the clay and nutrients) responsible for soil fertility, and further creating a good vital environment for biota to better delivery the soil ecosystem services.

Biota functionality in providing ecosystem services in a highly sensitive mountain soil environment

In the current context of the global climate changes, in the Romanian Carpathians strong pressures exercises on mountain ecosystems due to the massive and uncontrolled deforestation, expansion of the urban areas and land restitution (followed mostly by the land use changing). In these circumstances, the soils mountain sensitivity increased. The paper investigates the biota functionality in providing ecosystem services in a highly sensitive soil environment (with highly acidity and hydromorphic threats) located in Padurea Craiului Mountains. The studied area is an island of acid rocks located in a massive of limestones. The absolute altitude is 600 – 800 m and the land use is secondary grassland. The analytical results of the studied soil profile showed a very low (5.14 – 5.76) pH, as a result the vegetation is acidophilic. The organic matter content is low, as well as the N, P, K values. The micromorphological investigation showed textural, depleted, and redoximorphic pedofeatures generated by the strongly influence of the coastal spring water. In such a highly sensitive mountain soil, the biota (less studied in hydromorphic soils) is adapted to the hard environmental conditions, its functionality being limited and specialized. Consequently melioration is required to improve the environment and further biota functionality to provide higher-value ecosystem services.

Revealing the intricate microcosm: Advancing invasive species pollen analysis through scanning microscopy of ultra sculpture.

Micromorphological visualization of plant surface peculiarities provides valuable characters for the precise identification of plant species. Invasive alien species, introduced outside their native range, pose significant ecological, and health challenges. This study focuses on micromorphological investigations of selected invasive plant species belonging to the families Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, Moraceae, Crassulaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Commelinaceae, and Oxalidaceae. The study employs scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze the species micromorphology of pollen structure in depth to characterize the sculpturing patterns. Additionally, the study examines the pollen characteristics of these invasive plants, including shape, size, and fertility, along with exine sculpturing. The maximum polar diameter was observed for Senna tora (41.2 μm). The spines in Achillea fragrantissima were measured to have dimensions of approximately 1.91 μm in length and 2.11 μm in width. The findings shed light on the allergy-causing potential of these invasive species, providing crucial information for accurate identification and effective management strategies to safeguard the indigenous flora of the region. The study contributes to the knowledge base for botanists, taxonomists, policy makers, climate experts, and biodiversity specialists. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Integrating SEM to analyze the pollen of invasive species. Unveiling pollen micromorphology of invasive species. Exploring the microscopic realm of invasive pollen to accurately identify the species.

Exploring diversity within the genus Tulostoma (Basidiomycota, Agaricales) in the Pannonian sandy steppe: four fascinating novel species from Hungary

Steppe vegetation on sandy soil in Hungary has recently been revealed as one of the hot spots in Europe for the stalked puffballs (genus Tulostoma). In the framework of the taxonomic revision of gasteroid fungi in Hungary, four Tulostoma species are described here as new to science: T. dunense, T. hungaricum, T. sacchariolens and T. shaihuludii. The study is based on detailed macro- and micromorphological investigations (including light and scanning electron microscopy), as well as a three-locus phylogeny of nrDNA ITS, nrDNA LSU and tef1-α sequences. The ITS and LSU sequences generated from the type specimen of T. cretaceum are provided and this resolved partly the taxonomy of the difficult species complex of T. aff. cretaceum.

Effect of various Er:YAG laser conditioning energies on dentin surface: micromorphological investigation and dentin-resin shear bond strength test.

The aim of this study is to assess the influence of various Er:YAG laser energies on dentin surface micromorphology and dentine-resin shear bond strength (SBS). Eighty dentin specimens were prepared and divided randomly into ten groups: control group (CG), phosphoric acid-etched group (AG), four laser-conditioned groups treated with various pulse energies of 40, 60, 80, and 100mJ (L40, L60, L80, L100), and four laser-conditioned acid-etched groups (LA40, LA60, LA80, LA100). Two specimens from each group underwent scanning electron microscopy examination, while the remaining six were subjected to the dentin-resin SBS test. Statistical analyses included Welch's analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by post hoc Tamhane's T2 multiple comparisons test, Pearson's correlation, and Fisher's exact test. Pulse energies of 60, 80, and 100mJ fully exposed the dentin tubule orifices, although 100mJ lead to microcracks. Laser-conditioned surfaces exhibited smaller tubule diameters compared to acid-etched surfaces, and tubule diameters positively correlated with dentin-resin SBS. Laser-conditioned groups showed lower SBS values, while laser-conditioned acid-etched groups demonstrated higher SBS values. No significant relationship was observed between dentin surface roughness and SBS. The range of laser energies used for dentin conditioning had limited effects on SBS or failure modes. Laser conditioning with energies ranging from 40 to 100mJ effectively removes the smear layer from the dentin surface. However, to enhance dentin-resin bond strength, further acid etching of the laser-conditioned surface is necessary.

Feasting at a World Center Shrine: Paleoethnobotanical and Micromorphological Investigations of a Woodhenge Earth Oven

Feasting at a World Center Shrine: Paleoethnobotanical and Micromorphological Investigations of a Woodhenge Earth Oven

A new species in genus Abutilon (Malvaceae) from Pakistan

In this research paper, a newly identified plant species of the genus Abutilon Mill., namely Abutilon jafrii F. Naseer, A. Noor & A. Rahman, is described and illustrated for the first time in the province of Sindh, Detailed morphological descriptions of the species along with the micro-morphological examinations of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the mericarps, seeds and pollens are presented. Additionally, Macro morphological characteristics including photographs of the plant habit with flowers, fruits, seeds and mericarps are provided. Through gross macro-morphological and micro-morphological investigations such as plant height, leaves texture and colour, pedicel of fruits and flowers, flowers diameter, sepal’s size in flowers and fruits, number of seeds per mericarp, pollen tectum exhibit significant differences in characters, which indicate that, it is a distinct species. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 30(1): 43-51, 2023 (June)

Teucrium fruticans L., a Multi-Scale Study: From Trichomes to Essential Oil.

This work represents the first multi-scale study on Teucrium fruticans L. cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Lombardy, Northern Italy), combining a micromorphological and a phytochemical survey on the plant's aerial parts. Micromorphological investigations, performed by Light Microscopy, Fluorescence Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy, highlighted the presence of five trichomes morphotypes, distinguished by a different distribution pattern: peltates, short-stalked and ball-like medium-stalked capitates, ubiquitous on the whole plant, medium-stalked and long-stalked capitates, exclusive to the floral whorls. Both peltates and medium-stalked capitates were recognized as the main terpene production sites. Phytochemical characterization focused on the essential oils (EOs), obtained by Clevenger-type hydrodistillation in February and April 2022 and characterized by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), which resulted mainly formed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The February EO profile was characterized by β-caryophyllene (28.30 %) and germacrene D (19.16 %) as main compounds, while in April β-myrcene was detected at high percentage (13.77 %), in addition to the previous two components (15.72 % and 11.55 %, respectively). Literature data, dealing with the biological activities of the main oil constituents, highlighted an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor potential, due to the high content in sesquiterpenes and, particularly, of β-caryophyllene and germacrene D.

Micromorphological soil assessment in abandoned quarry dumps of the Central Caucasus, Russia

This study compared the micromorphological and agrochemical metrics in soils from the quarry dumps and zonal soils, the Central Caucasus. Soil micromorphological investigations are important tool for evaluation of soil dynamics after anthropogenic impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. The results showed that the carbon content in the primary soil of the sand and gravel quarries was lower than that in the reference soil. The differences detected were statistically significant for both the Urvan plot soils (t = 11.95; p = 0.000) and the Progress plot soils (t = 18.73; p = 0.000). In contrast, in the quarry with clay bottom substrate (Gerpegezh), no significant difference was found between the reference and postmine soils. The reference soil around the sand and gravel quarries was slightly more acidic than the primary soil. In the clay quarry, the primary soil was more acidic with a strong acidic value, while the reference soil was neutral. The difference of nutrients (P, K, NH4+, NO3-) between the primary and reference soils were negligible. The only exception was the NO3- content in the reference soil of Progress settlement, where it was significantly higher (t = 4.19; p = 0.002) than in the original soil of the site. No difference was observed for the mineral component of the primary soil. Investigation of key zonal soils of the region. Zonal Caucasus soils: Phaeozem Gleiyc, Phaeozem and Umbric Retisol are different in terms of micro texture. Thus, Phaeozem Gleiyc characterizes by microstructure composed by primary angular mineral forms. Phaeozem and Retisol demonstrated formation of biogenic structure with alteration of mineral particles. Data obtained show that rapid self revegetation of the quarries results in initialization of primary soil formation and transformation of the soil microstructure and organization on the micro level.

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.

Leaf Stomatal Characteristics of Some Species in Bush Form Used in Kastamonu Urban Landscape

Nowadays, the rapidly increasing population has brought many problems such as building concrete structures everywhere, air pollution, and traffic congestion. It is known that parks and gardens, which are an important element for the urban landscape, not only balance the human-nature relationship in cities, but also improve urban living conditions. Parks and gardens that utilize urban areas in a functional and aesthetic way to meet the recreational needs of people, to recover the lost nature and to create healthy living spaces are extremely important. In this study, it was aimed to determine the leaf stomatal characteristics of Buxus microphylla Siebold & Zucc., Prunus laurocerasus L, Ligustrum delavayanum Har., Berberis thunbergii DC., Ilex aquifolium L., Euonymus japonicus Wall. var. aureomarginatus Rehder, Cotoneaster lacteus W.W.Sm., Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt., Pyracantha coccinea M. Roem. species, one of the species used in the park, garden and central landscaping studies in Kastamonu province. With micromorphological investigations, stomatal characteristics were determined by SEM on the species used in the study. With respect to stomatal density in the unit area on species, it was determined that Pyracantha coccinea species had the maximum stomatal density (81) while Cotoneaster lacteus species had the minimum stomatal density (10). Furthermore, it was determined that Prunus laurocerasus (34.82 µm) had mean the longest stomatal length and Mahoni aquifolium (7.183 µm) had the mean shortest stomatal length.

The emergence of habitual spaces in the Early Holocene Island Environment: Soil micromorphological investigation at the Neolithic Gosanri Site, Jeju, South Korea

The emergence of residential space can be ephemeral in archaeological records, despite its importance as an indicator of the degree of mobility and sedentism. With the discovery of a sunken feature filled with artifacts and an area encircled with postholes, the Gosanri site can provide a glimpse of domestic structures in the Early Holocene (10,000–8,000 cal. BP). This site documents the earliest pottery and grinding stone tool technology in Korea, indicating the peopling to Jeju Island. This paper presents a soil micromorphological analysis on this sunken feature as a pilot study to understanding its geogenic and anthropogenic characteristics. The results suggest that the sunken structure was modified by trampling activity, possibly indicating the earliest case for inhabitation of subterranean structures in Korea. Along with other archaeological evidence and environmental conditions, our study suggests that Gosanri was a camp for quarrying tuff from a nearby source, with stone tool production likely occurring during the less windy seasons. This raises the possibility that the early islanders seasonally moved between several base camps without permanent settlements across Jeju. This can be categorized as a ‘residential mobility pattern’, as conceptualized by L. Binford. This survey implies that the inhabitation structure, regarded as the key element in the niche construction process, began to emerge in the Early Holocene. Our pilot study lays the foundation for future geoarchaeological research at Gosanri.

Micromorphological Analysis of Archaeological Abenaki Pit Features from the Fort Odanak Site (CaFe-7), Québec, Canada

Built in the early 18th century on the banks of the Saint-François River (Quebec, QC, Canada), the fortified Jesuit mission of Saint-François-de-Sales was an important Abenaki centre during the colonial period. Between 2010 and 2021, archaeological excavations conducted by the Waban-Aki Nation led to the discovery of the mission’s remains at the Fort Odanak site (CaFe-7) in the historical centre of Odanak (Quebec, QC, Canada), and revealed numerous pit features likely used for storage or refuse disposal. A sedimentological and micromorphological investigation was undertaken in two areas of the site to identify the function and use of four pit features and to clarify site formation and evolution over time. Our study indicates that all pit features were used as refuse facilities prior to abandonment, but two of them were possibly used for storage. Chronological (14C) results indicate that Indigenous people frequented the site during the 16th century, before the establishment of the Jesuit mission, and that an initial domestic Abenaki occupation occurred during the second half of the 18th century in one of the sampled sectors. The use of traditional pit features by the Abenaki of Odanak seems to have persisted into the late 19th century.

Comparison of Epithermal Kaolin Deposits from the Etili Area (Çanakkale, Turkey): Mineralogical, Geochemical, and Isotopic Characteristics

AbstractHydrothermal solutions related to magmatic intrusions that occurred during the Oligo-Miocene resulted in advanced multi-stage alterations and, to varying degrees, kaolinization over a wide area of the Biga Peninsula. The most important formations in these kaolin deposits occurred along the NE–SW-trending Çan-Etili-Bayramiç fault zone. The Bahadırlı, Duman, and Çaltıkara quarries are well preserved kaolin deposits throughout these fault zones located within the Çan Volcanics. Mineralogical, geochemical, and isotopic analyses were performed to identify the environments of formation of kaolins and the origin of the hydrothermal solution that led to the formation of these deposits.The mineralogical assemblages of each of the quarries differ from each other. The Bahadırlı kaolin quarry comprises kaolinite + alunite ± quartz ± smectite ± plagioclase ± K-feldspar. The Çaltıkara kaolin deposits consist of kaolinite + quartz + alunite ± iron-oxide and ore minerals. The Duman kaolin quarry was considered in two different slopes as a hanging wall block and a footwall block, and the blocks contain kaolinite + quartz + plagioclase ± smectite and kaolinite ± alunite ± smectite ± quartz ± plagioclase ± K-Feldspar ± gypsum, respectively. During petrographic investigations, it was observed that kaolinization occurred generally in K-feldspar and plagioclase phenocrysts and partially in the matrix. Mineralogical and micromorphological investigations revealed that the kaolin group includes the dioctahedral minerals kaolinite and halloysite. According to the trace element contents of the kaolinites, the Çaltıkara and Bahadırlı deposits had a hypogene origin, while the Duman deposit had a supergene origin. δ18O isotopic values of kaolinites ranged from +10.3 to +18.3‰. δ34S isotopic values ranged from –17.2 to +20.2‰ of alunite, galena, and pyrite minerals, which indicate different formation environments for the kaolin quarries. 40Ar/39Ar dating of alunite revealed that the timing of acid-sulfate alteration was compatible with the magmatic intrusions. All these data revealed the mineralogical, chemical, and isotopic differences caused by the effect of different hydrothermal processes in three kaolin deposits located on the same fault zone, close to each other and similar in age.