Palynological Characters Research Articles

Pollen Morphologıes of Alyssum L. (Brassıcaceae) Genus Some Taxa

The present study evaluated the taxa A. linifolium Stephan ex. Willd. var. teheranicum Bornm., A. simplex Rudolph, A. trichocarpum T.R. Dudley & Hub.-Mor., A. armenum Boiss., A. praecox Boiss. & Bal., A. lepidoto-stellatum (Hausskn. &Bornm.) T. R. Dudley, A. sulphureum T. R. Dudley & Hub. - Mor., A. murale Waldst. & Kit. subsp. murale, A. pateri Nyar. subsp. pateri of the genus Alyssum L. from the family Brassicaceae in terms of palynological characteristics. Samples of these taxa were collected in field studies. 9 taxa from this genus were examined using light microscope (LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results of the study revealed some common characteristics such as tectate pollens, subprolate, prolate shapes of pollens, heteropolar symmetry. Aperture type was tricolpate. SEM microphoto also indicated that ornamentation structures were reticulate.

Bellevalia turcica sp. nov. (Asparagaceae): a new species from South Anatolia, Turkey

Bellevalia turcica was described as a new species in the Pozanti district, Adana province in the south of Turkey. The palynological, ecological, and phenological characteristics were determined. Bellevalia turcica is similar to Bellevalia fominii Woronow, but can easily be distinguished from the differences in the flower and leaf trait characteristics. Full description and detailed photographs of this new species were provided. The somatic chromosome number of B. turcica was determined to be 2n = 2x = 8. B. turcica was attributed into the “Vulnerable” category after assessment based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Categories. The distribution patterns of B. turcica and other related Bellevalia species were also presented.

Implication of light and scanning electron microscopy of foliar cuticular and palynological features in the correct identification of medicinal plants

Abstract Foliar epidermal anatomy and palynology of six medicinal plant species Catharanthus roseus., Carum carvi L., Trachyspermum ammi L., Anethum graveolens L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill. and Nigella sativa L. are commonly used for different medicinal uses Six medicinal species were used as an example and their foliar cuticular and pollen features were evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Features allied to pollen grains (pollen type, colpi,and sculpture type) and foliar cuticular features (epidermis, stomata, and trichome) were found to be important examined characters. Pollen grain morphology of these medicinal plants revealed that the pollen is the prolate and per-prolate type. Their foliar epidermal anatomy revealed the presence of an anomocytic type of stomata in C. roseus, C. carvi and N. sativa, dicytic type in F. vulgare and anisocytic type in A. graveolens. Keywords: Medicinal plants; Palynology; SEM; Taxonomic identification http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2018.700177

Stratigraphic interpretation of loess in the marginal zone of the Dnieper I ice sheet and the evolution of its landscape after deglaciation (Dnieper Upland, Ukraine)

Litho-, pedo- and palynological analyses constrained by radiometric dating of two loess–palaeosol sequences, Nahirne and Velyka Andrusivka, exposed in a cliff at the eastern edge of the Dnieper Upland, Ukraine, document regional environmental changes in the western marginal zone of the Dnieper lobe. The postglacial loess sedimentation cycle was initiated during MIS 8, immediately after the ice sheet recession. On the basis of palaeorelief analysis, subsequent morphogenetic stages of the original postglacial relief, associated with the modifying and masking role of the loess, and destructive slope processes were reconstructed. Periglacial steppe with consistently present scattered trees formed the Pleistocene landscape in the Middle Dniester area during the last three glacial periods. In such an environment, the following loess beds, correlated with marine isotope stages (MIS), were deposited: Dnieper ( dn ) – MIS 8, Tyasmyn ( ts ) – MIS 6, Uday ( ud ) – MIS 4 and Bug ( bg ) – MIS 2. During the last two warm periods: Kaydaky ( kd ) – MIS 7 and Pryluky ( pl ) – MIS 5, the landscape was not fully forested. As a result, the individual palynological features of these soils show a diverse character. The TL and OSL dates form a sequence with numerous inversions that are difficult to interpret. Although these data do not significantly influence the interpretation, they show that: 1) there are loesses that undoubtedly formed after the maximum extent of the ice sheet by short-distance transport of dust material from local fresh glacial deposits and the underlying Paleogene rocks; 2) date distortions result from the activities of an exceptionally rich pedofauna that has contaminated the material not only in the soil sections of the profile but also in the adjacent loess. It is possible to delimit a few stages of pedofaunal activity in each of the soil units.

Evolution of Angiosperm Pollen. 6. The Celastrales, Oxalidales, and Malpighiales (Com) Clade and Zygophyllales

Analyzing pollen morphological data on a contemporary phylogenetic framework can enhance our understanding of the distribution, diversity, and evolution of palynological characters. In this paper, the sixth in a series detailing pollen morphological characters across angiosperms, we focus on the Celastrales, Oxalidales, and Malpighiales (COM) clade and Zygophyllales, together comprising ca. 20,000 species in 47 families within fabids. We first examined pollen grains from 21 species with light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy, to illustrate pollen diversity within the COM clade and Zygophyllales. Second, based on a reexamination of previously published pollen data and our new observations, we optimized 21 pollen characters on a maximum likelihood (ML) tree of 169 genera in 45 families representing all four orders, using Fitch parsimony, ML, and hierarchical Bayesian inference. The pollen morphology of this group displays great diversity, particularly in size, aperture number, supratectal element shape, and tectum sculpture. Plesiomorphic states for 18 characters were inferred unambiguously under all methods for the COM clade, and over 300 character state changes were hypothesized by each analysis on lineages at different levels within the group. Changes of state were found to occur most frequently in the characters outline in polar view, pollen size, and tectum sculpture; changes of state occurred least frequently in the characters dispersal unit, symmetry, and tectum presence/absence. We identified diagnostic character states for several monophyletic clades and explored palynological evidence to shed light on some unresolved relationships. For example, the previously poorly resolved Malpighiales were found to be distinguished by a single pollen character state change (from annulus absent to present). Patterns of evolutionary change in several notable pollen characters, such as the number of pollen apertures (from three to other states) and tectum sculpture (from perforate to reticulate), were further confirmed, and their possible adaptive functions are proposed. Reflecting current interest in the relationship between pollen morphology and pollination syndrome, we conducted tests of correlated evolution between pollen morphology and pollination syndrome, with results demonstrating significant correlations between a thin exine and anemophily and, unexpectedly, between presence of supratectal elements and anemophily. Evidence for previously postulated evolutionary trends in aperture number (increasing), tectum sculpture (from perforate to reticulate), and infratectum structure (from columellate to granulate) is discussed. The relatively high frequency of state changes in presence or absence of supratectal elements may be linked to switches in pollination syndrome within this group.

Morphology, anatomy and palynology study on Turkish endemic species Saponaria karapinarensis (Caryophyllaceae)

Saponaria karapinarensis (Caryophyllaceae), an endemic species from Turkey, was studied from taxonomic point of view. Morphological, anatomical, and palynological characteristics of the species were examined. Morphology of stem, calyx, petals, and capsule are useful to distinguish the species. Anatomical features, such as the number of cortex layers and sclerenchymatic cell layers in stem, are of taxonomical importance. SEM Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) studies on the pollen grains have revealed that they are spheroideae and their exine ornamentation is granulatae, spinulate microechinatae- microperforatae. Seed micromorphological features were also given.

Systematic importance of morphological features of pollen grains of species from Erica (Ericaceae) genus.

The Erica genus has as yet not been investigated satisfactorily in terms of palynology. Its complicated taxonomic system, large number of species, as well as its extensive but disrupted range of occurrence, all contribute to the fact that few researchers have undertaken investigations of this species. It was assumed that the research results would be representative thanks to a complex comparative analysis of all diagnostical, morphological pollen features performed on properly selected plant material, representing the most important distinguished intrageneric taxons at the present time (45 species from all five subgenera and 22 sections), both discriminated pollen dispersal units (tetrads and monads) as well as the main centres of genus occurrence and diversification (species from Europe, the Republic of South Africa (RSA) and Madagascar). The study revealed that the diagnostic features of the pollen grains studied were: pollen dispersal unit, exine ornamentation, P/E ratio, tetrad diameter (D) and length of polar axis (P). On the basis of these traits, 14 Erica species (six creating monads and eight—tetrads) were distinguished which, in the case of pollen features, constitutes a significant number. Other heaths created small groups, usually containing two or three species, but up to seven species. The present study, based on the highest number of Erica species (45) analysed so far, corroborated the view that an examination of palynological features may assist in clarifying classification systems for the large and taxonomically very difficult Erica genus, in particular, at the level of the subgenus and section, but also at species level. The results obtained indicate the need to continue palynological investigations on the Erica genus.

Taxonomic identification in the tribe Cynoglosseae (Boraginaceae) using palynological characteristics

The palynomorphological characteristics of 31 species belonging to 8 genera (Paracaryum, Mattiastrum, Microparacaryum, Rindera, Cynoglossum, Solenanthus, Trachelanthus and Lindelofia) of the tribe Cynoglosseae (Boraginaceae) were studied in detail. Palynological observation of the tribe revealed that shape of pollen grains was frequently prolate, subprolate, prolate spheroidal and preprolate. The similarity in some features of the pollen shape and apertural type has been found in several genera such as Cynoglossum, Trachelanthus and Lindelofia. The main ornamentation type was psilate-punctate, psilate-perforate, microgranulate, punctate-microreticulate, scabrate, reticulate, microechinate, punctate-perforate. The species were classified into two pollen types: (i) Rindera tetraspis type and (ii) Cynoglossum officinale type on the basis of aperture characters and surface ornamentation. In present research both genera and species were delimited in the tribe Cynoglosseae. Main objective of the present research is to study different palynological characters for the identification and species delimitation in the tribe Cynoglosseae (Borginaceae). The present findings of the palynological characters are of great interest for the taxonomists for the accurate identification of genera and species in tribe Cynoglosseae. The micro-morphological characteristics of pollen show many novel features for the correct taxonomic identification and species delimitations and this study provide many valuable information to plant taxonomists for further studies.

Misopates Raf. (Plantaginaceae), a firstly recorded genus for the Flora of China

Misopates orontium (L.) Raf. was firstly collected in Fujian province, China. It is the new record of the genus Misopates for the Flora of China. Morphological and palynological characters are described and imaged in detail. Molecular analysis based on 20 nrITS sequences testified the correct generic taxonomic identification.

Strobilanthes kannanii – a new species of Acanthaceae from the Western Ghats, India

Strobilanthes kannanii, a new species of Acanthaceae from southern Western Ghats is described and illustrated. It shows similarity to S. sessilis in some vegetative, floral and palynological characters. Notes on the habitat, distribution, and affinities are also provided along with color images and line drawings.

Systematics value of micromorphological and palynological characters in Stenocephalum Sch.Bip. (Vernonieae, Asteraceae)

Micromorphological and palynological characters of all Stenocephalum Sch.Bip. species (Vernonieae, Asteraceae) were analyzed to evaluate their reliability as taxonomic markers at generic level and discussed in relation to other genera of the subtribe Lepidaploinae. Characters such as pubescence of corollas and cypselae showed glandular and nonglandular trichomes allowing differentiation among related species. Apical appendages without glandular trichomes, caudate anthers, and carpopodium structure are common characteristics among Stenocephalum species. With the exceptions of S. megapotamicum and S. tragiaefolium, almost all species of the genus showed style bases without basal nodes for the first time. Crystals on the fruits wall were also observed for the first time in almost all the Stenocephalum species, with the exception of S. hystrix. However, the crystals would not constitute diagnostic features, since they vary widely among species. All the species showed type C pollen and the genus is considered stenopalynous. However, highly significant differences in palynological features among the species of the genus were observed. The different combinations of the micromorphological and palynological features of Stenocephalum here analyzed are valuable within genera to differentiate related species from one another. The value of all these characters could be increased if they are combined with other morphological or traditional data.

Contribution to the pollen morphology of Tragopogon (Asteraceae) in Turkey

The pollen morphology of 25 Tragopogon L. taxa (including four subspecies and four varieties) distributed in Turkey was studied under light and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed that pollen grains of the examined Tragopogon taxa are suboblate and oblate-spheroidal in shape, and 3-zonocolpororate with fifteen lacunae. The lenghts of the polar axes and equatorial axes range from 31.57 to 40.35 µm and 35.32 to 44.65 µm, respectively. Numerical analyses show that the length of equatorial axis and the pore length are the most valuable characters among nineteen palynological traits for separating the examined taxa. The general palynological characteristics of the examined taxa allow some taxonomical evaluations for the genus. However, the results of cluster and principal component analyses did not support the division of the genus at any subgeneric level; neither did the ligule colour, as reported in the literature.

Tamaño del genoma, características cariotípicas y tamaño del polen en especies argentinas de Spergula (Caryophyllaceae)

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar el contenido de ADN (2C) en cuatro especies de Spergula que habitan Argentina y analizar la variación del tamaño del genoma (Cx) en relación con las características cariotípicas y palinológicas. Se analizó por primera vez el contenido de ADN de cinco taxones y el tamaño del genoma de cuatro, que variaron muy poco entre las especies, desde Cx= 0,458 pg (S. salina, 4x) a Cx= 0,856 pg (S. arvensis, 2x). Se registraron dos nuevos recuentos cromosómicos para el género y el tamaño del polen varió de pequeños a medianos. Los coeficientes de regresión sugieren que el número de cromosomas varía de manera inversamente proporcional al tamaño del genoma, mientras que el tamaño del genoma presenta una baja relación con la longitud cromosómica total (LCT) del genoma diploide, aunque muestra una alta relación con respecto a la longitud cromosómica promedio (LCP). En tanto, el tamaño del polen varía independientemente con respecto al tamaño del genoma. La variación cariotípica detectada podría deberse a cambios numéricos y estructurales durante la evolución del género, mientras que el tamaño del polen podría estar relacionado con presiones de selección asociadas a estrategias de dispersión.

Palynological Studies of Three Taxa and One F1 Hybrid in the Genus Talinum Adans

Acetolysed pollen grains of Talinum paniculatum (Jacq.) Gaertn., Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. pink petals, Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. white petals and Talinum triangulare (Jacq.) Willd. pink and white petals F1 hybrid were studied in order to document their morphological structures and ascertain features of taxonomic significance among them. All the taxa have generic features which support their classification as a genus as well as distinct features which ascertain their individuality. Generic features include monad pollen unit, acolpate and monocolpate pollen grains as well as circular and ovate pollen shapes. The delimiting features include additional dyads pollen units in T. triangulare white petal and the F1 hybrid of T. triangulare pink and white petals, quadrangular pollen shape in T. paniculatum, bicolpate pollen grain in the F1 hybrid, tricolpate pollens in T. triangulare white petal and T. paniculatum, tetracolpate pollens in T. triangulare pink petal and T. paniculatum and pentacolpate pollen grains in T. paniculatum only. The shape of the pores in T. paniculatum also separated it from the varieties and hybrid of T. triangulare. Based on the pollen size, the pollens of T. paniculatum are Media (25 - 50 µm) while those of the two varieties of T. triangulare and their F1 hybrid are Magna (50 - 100 µm). The taxa of Talinum in this study can be separated based on their palynological features.

Pollen morphology of some Arenaria taxa (Caryophyllaceae)

Palynological characteristics of 11 taxa belonging to the genus Arenaria (Caryophyllaceae) have been examined. Pollen grains in the pollen slides, which were prepared according to the method of acetolysis, morphological features were determined with light microscope and also with SEM, then microphotographs of pollens were taken. Morphological examinations were performed on the part of the work carried out with light microscope, pollen sizes, pore sizes and numbers were observed to vary between taxa. The pollen type of the studied taxa is pantoporate (periporate), pollen shape is prolate spheroidal, exine structure is subtectate, the ornamentation is microechinate-perforate. The pores are covered with operculum and the surface of the operculum is microechinate. According to the results of the study, pollen definitions of the taxa were made. Based on different palyno-morphological characters, a taxonomic key was develop for quick and accurate identification. The results of the study corroborate that morphological features, such as axes, aperture number, Plg, and Plt diameter and distance between pores, show differences which can be taken into consideration in the systematic discrimination within the groups, and also for discrimination of the taxa in the genus Arenaria.

Pollen morphology of some Arenaria taxa (Caryophyllaceae)

Palynological characteristics of 11 taxa belonging to the genus Arenaria (Caryophyllaceae) have been examined. Pollen grains in the pollen slides, which were prepared according to the method of acetolysis, morphological features were determined with light microscope and also with SEM, then microphotographs of pollens were taken. Morphological examinations were performed on the part of the work carried out with light microscope, pollen sizes, pore sizes and numbers were observed to vary between taxa. The pollen type of the studied taxa is pantoporate (periporate), pollen shape is prolate spheroidal, exine structure is subtectate, the ornamentation is microechinate-perforate. The pores are covered with operculum and the surface of the operculum is microechinate. According to the results of the study, pollen definitions of the taxa were made. Based on different palyno-morphological characters, a taxonomic key was develop for quick and accurate identification. The results of the study corroborate that morphological features, such as axes, aperture number, Plg, and Plt diameter and distance between pores, show differences which can be taken into consideration in the systematic discrimination within the groups, and also for discrimination of the taxa in the genus Arenaria.

Morphology and ultrastructure of Sphaeropteris spores (Cyatheaceae) from the Neotropics

Spores of species of Sphaeropteris genus from America were studied with TEM and SEM. Six species were quoted as growing in America (cf. Tryon, 1971; Windisch, 1977): Sphaeropteris brunei (Christ) Tryon, Sphaeropteris cuatrecasacansii Tryon, Sphaeropteris gardneri (Hook.) Tryon, Sphaeropteris horrida (Liebm.) Tryon, Sphaeropteris insignis (D. C. Eaton) Tryon and Sphaeropteris quindiuensis (Karst.) Tryon. The aims are to characterize the species through their spore morphology and sporoderm ultrastructure. Based on these results it speculates about the relationships of these taxa within the family Cyatheaceae. It was find out with SEM, three kinds of surfaces can be recognized. It was find out with TEM that the exospore and perispore have two layers. The perispore is composed of an inner layer with three strata and the outer layer has two strata. The palynological characteristics were important in the identification of a natural taxonomic group.

Evolution of Angiosperm Pollen. 5. Early Diverging Superasteridae (Berberidopsidales, Caryophyllales, Cornales, Ericales, and Santalales) Plus Dilleniales

This study, the fifth in a series investigating palynological characters in angiosperms, aims to explore the distribution of states for 19 pollen characters on five early diverging orders of Superasteridae (Berberidopsidales, Caryophyllales, Cornales, Ericales, and Santalales) plus Dilleniales. To illustrate the character states found in the pollen of this group, we examined pollen grains of 15 species exemplifying 15 families across all studied orders using light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. We reconstructed the phylogeny of the early diverging Superasteridae and related taxa with eight genetic markers for 172 genera, using maximum likelihood (ML) analysis. Nineteen pollen characters were coded for the genera used in this phylogeny and compiled into two morphological matrices using two coding strategies. The characters were then optimized on the newly generated ML tree plus two constrained trees differing in the position of Dilleniales, using three methods of inference. Taxa in this grade show a striking diversity of pollen morphologies, particularly in certain characters such as size, tectum sculpture, and aperture number. The plesiomorphic condition for the early diverging Superasteridae is unambiguously and consistently inferred to comprise monad-dispersed, isopolar, spheroidal, circular in outline, equatorially arranged, tricolpate pollen grains with granular aperture membranes, a smooth tectum, and endexine present. We identify diagnostic character states and synapomorphies for several monophyletic groups, and explore the palynological evidence that may shed light on some unresolved relationships. For example, the hypothesis that Dilleniales is sister to Superrosidae is better supported than alternative hypotheses, being consistent with a number of shared palynological state changes including transitions to presence of costae, reticulate tectum, and columellar infratectum structure. Across this part of the angiosperm phylogeny, most state transitions occur repeatedly, and their frequency varies among both clades and characters. We discuss the impact of optimization method, tree topology, and coding strategy upon ancestral state reconstruction.

Systematic studies (morphology, anatomy, palynology) of an economically important grass Sporobolus diandrus (Retz.) P. Beauv. (Poaceae)

Sporobolus diandrus (Retz.) P. Beauv, a medicinally important agrestal which is also considered as a fodder grass in eastern India. The species commonly used as green foliage; grazing and medicinal plants to local peoples. But the morphological study of this plant was very poor and there was no anatomical and palynological study. The present study deals with few systematic parameters viz. morphology, anatomy, palynology of Sporobolusdiandrus (Retz.) P. Beauv. The result shows some distinct morphological and anatomical as well as palynological characters. These characters are very important for proper and rapid identification.

Preliminary survey of the nutritional and palynological traits of honey bee-foraged pollen from Liguria (Italy)

It is known that the palynological features, and consequently the nutritional quality, of bee-foraged pollen vary according to several factors such as sampling site and period of year. In our two year study, carried out as part of the COLOSS CSI Pollen study between April and September in the eastern province of Genova (Italy), we explored the relationships between the palynological spectra and the protein content of corbicular pollen. We found that the differences are mainly driven by the collection season rather than by the site. This observation allowed us to employ the sample’s palynological traits for the identification of foraging seasons characterized by different protein content in pollen. The outcome of our study provides a useful tool for beekeepers, helping them to cautiously program certain apiary management practices. This work also provides suggestions for future monitoring programs, regarding the advantages of studying the seasonal pattern not only of the floral origin of pollen but also of its nutritional traits.