Related Genera Research Articles

Challenges in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DNA Barcoding-Lessons from the Lamiaceae.

The potential value of DNA barcoding for the identification of medicinal plants and authentication of traded plant materials has been widely recognized; however, a number of challenges remain before DNA methods are fully accepted as an essential quality control method by industry and regulatory authorities. The successes and limitations of conventional DNA barcoding are considered in relation to important members of the Lamiaceae. The mint family (Lamiaceae) contains over one thousand species recorded as having a medicinal use, with many more exploited in food and cosmetics for their aromatic properties. The family is characterized by a diversity of secondary products, most notably the essential oils (EOs) produced in external glandular structures on the aerial parts of the plant that typify well-known plants of the basil (Ocimum), lavender (Lavandula), mint (Mentha), thyme (Thymus), sage (Salvia) and related genera. This complex, species-rich family includes widely cultivated commercial hybrids and endangered wild-harvested traditional medicines, and examples of potential toxic adulterants within the family are explored in detail. The opportunities provided by next generation sequencing technologies to whole plastome barcoding and nuclear genome sequencing are also discussed with relevant examples.

Breeding an underutilized fruit crop: a long-term program for Hylocereus.

This review describes three decades of introduction, agro-technology development, breeding and selection of Hylocereus species, known as pitaya or dragon fruit, as an example of a holistic program aimed to develop the horticultural potential of a perennial underutilized fruit crop. Interspecific homoploid and interploid crosses and embryo rescue procedures produced improved hybrids, some of which have been released to farmers. Molecular tools and morphological and phenological comparisons between the parental species and the resulting hybrids provided valuable information on dominant/recessive traits and on genetic relationships that could be exploited for further hybridizations. In addition, Hylocereus were crossed with species of the closely related genus Selenicereus, producing valuable intergeneric hybrids. In situ chromosome doubling resulted in the production of autopolyploid lines, from which an understanding of the effect of increased ploidy on fruit traits and metabolomic profiles was obtained. Gamete-derived lines were produced, adding to our biobank homozygote lines that were subsequently used for further hybridization. Spontaneous chromosome doubling occurred in haploid gamete-derived Hylocereus monacanthus lines and in interspecific interploid Hylocereus megalanthus × H. undatus hybrids obtained from an embryo rescue procedure, resulting in plants with double the expected ploidy. Challenging technical problems were addressed by the development of protocols for DNA isolation, flow cytometry, in situ chromosome doubling, androgenesis, gynogenesis and embryo rescue following interspecific and interploidy crosses. Current research leading to the development of genomics and molecular tools, including a draft genome of H. undatus, is also presented. Perspectives for further development of Hylocereus species and hybrids are discussed.

A new monoraphid diatom species from the genus Karayevia sensu lato (Bacillariophyceae: Stauroneidaceae) with remarks on taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus

A new monoraphid diatom, Karayevia chelonica sp. nov., is described from Nha Trang, Vietnam, isolated from marine littoral habitats. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial 18S rDNA and rbcL sequences places this species within the family Stauroneidaceae, and related to other monoraphid species. Karayevia chelonica sp. nov. differs from other species in the genus in stria density and a broad axial area on the rapheless valve. Morphology and taxonomy of the closely related genera Karayevia, Kolbesia and Madinithidium are discussed. Based on morphological characteristics, we conclude that these three genera might represent a single genus, however, further molecular investigation is required to clarify their taxonomic and systematic affinities.

Pollen morphology of Galactia P. Browne and related genera (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae), with emphasis on Brazilian representatives

Galactia is a pantropical genus, which is part of the Galactia clade, and together with the genera Betencourtia, Caetangil, Cerradicola, Collaea, Lackeya, Nanogalactia, and Rhodopis, it maintains a taxonomic relationship that has already been the focus of previous studies. However, the palynology of these groups has not been extensively studied, with gaps in pollen descriptions. Thus, a palynological study of 30 species belonging to Galactia and related genera was performed. For this purpose, pollen grains were acetolized using the standard methodology, subjected to scanning electron microscopy analysis, and then quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Generally, pollen grains of this genera are medium or large size, isopolar or heteropolar, 3-colporate, and may have microreticulate or reticulate exine. Pollen data for Rhodopis and Nanogalactia agree with the most recently proposed circumscription of these genera. Other genera exhibited similar pollen characteristics; however, the diameter of the lumen, associated with other pollen characteristics, proved to be important for the differentiation of the genera. Thus, the pollen morphology provided information that contributes to the description of the genera, mainly Brazilian representatives of Galactia and related genera.

QPCR Assays for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Quambalaria Species from Plant Tissues.

Several species from the genus Quambalaria (order Microstromatales) cause diseases on eucalypts (Eucalyptus and related genera) both in plantations and natural ecosystems. We developed real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays to rapidly detect and distinguish five Quambalaria species. The design of the species-specific qPCR assay for each species, Q. pitereka (PIT), Q. coyrecup (COR), Q. cyanescens (CYN), Q. pusilla (PUS), and Q. eucalypti (EUC), was based on the ITS region and was evaluated for specificity and sensitivity. The PIT, COR, and CYN qPCR assays could amplify as little as 10 fg µl-1 from pure cultures, whereas PUS and EUC qPCR assays could amplify 100 fg µl-1 of their target species. The PIT, COR, and CYN qPCR assays were further validated using naturally and artificially infected samples of their plant host Corymbia calophylla. These assays will be used for rapid diagnostics and future experiments on the infection process.

Morphological and phylogenetic diversity of Pythium and related genera (Pythiaceae, Pythiales) from some areas in eastern Thailand

Morphological and phylogenetic diversity of Pythium and related genera (Pythiaceae, Pythiales) from some areas in eastern Thailand

New Middle Permian (Capitanian) fusulinid genera from the Karakaya Complex, central Anatolia, Turkey: Taxonomic remarks

The Karakaya Complex widely exposed in the north of Turkey can be differentiated into two units as the Lower Karakaya Complex and Upper Karakaya Complex. A tectonic slice composed of medium to thick-bedded limestone belonging to the Upper Karakaya Nappe is located to the south of Ankara near Gokcehuyuk village. A very diverse fusulinid fauna from this slice has two new taxa of Middle Permian (Capitanian) age. As a result of the study of the fusulinids from the strata of the Upper Karakaya Nappe, two new genera Postkwantoella and Kahlerinella are proposed as well as two subfamilies: Kwantoellinae subfam. nov. (Postkwantoella) and Kahlerininae (Kahlerinella). The new genus Postkwantoella differs from the similar genus Kwantoella by well-developed axial fillings and fewer volutions. Wall structure and completely straight coiling of these latter two genera indicates that they should be classified under the Kwantoellinae subfam. nov. The other new genus, Kahlerinella, is differentiated from the closely related genus Kahlerina by having lenticular early whorls, globular test shape and by the absence of chomata.

Inter-primer binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon markers provide insights into thegenetic diversity and population structure of carrots (Daucus, Apiaceae)

Studies of genetic diversity and population structure are essential as an initial step in conservation and breeding programs for modern crops. Carrot (Daucus spp.) is among the ten most important vegetables worldwide, however, its genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships are not totally deciphered. Here, we explored the utility of 21 inter-primer binding site (iPBS) retrotransposon markers to determine the genetic diversity and population structure of 38 accessions of Daucus and one accession of a related genus. The manual scoring revealed 309 bands based on their presence/absence. The dendrogram based on the UPGMA clustering algorithm and a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated the presence of four clusters. The Daucus species with 2n = 18 chromosome (subclade A´) separated from the other two species D. pusillus and D. muricatus, which were positioned into two individual clusters. The other clade includes the Daucus from the B group. It was also noticed that few accessions were intermixed amongst clusters. Different genetic diversity parameters were estimated based on the four clusters (populations) defined by STRUCTURE software, demonstrating that clusters 3 and 4 possessed the lowest and highest diversity values, respectively. AMOVA showed variation between and within clusters of 41.85% and 58.15%, respectively. The highest population divergence (Fst) was observed between clusters 2 and 3 (0.579), on the other hand, clusters 1 and 4 depicted the lowest Fst with 0.160. Our research highlighted that iPBS markers were successful and effective to study Daucus genetic diversity. These results will contribute to the genetic improvement of carrots and sustainable management of its diversity.

Two New Pseudoscorpion Species of the Coastal Genus Garypus L. Koch, 1873 (Garypidae) and an Updated Checklist of the Pseudoscorpiones of Taiwan.

Pseudoscorpions are predatory microarthropods that feed on even smaller animals, such as mites and springtails. While these organisms are generally considered terrestrial and live in the leaf litter or under barks or rocks, some pseudoscorpions live in the intertidal area, including species in the genera Anagarypus, Anchigarypus, and Garypus in the family Garypidae. This study describes two new species of the genus Garypus L. Koch from Southern Taiwan, Garypus wilsoni Lin & Chang sp. nov. and Garypus sanasai Lin, Huang & Chang sp. nov., reviews the pseudoscorpion fauna of Taiwan, and provides an updated checklist of the country. Specimens of the two new species were collected in seashore habitats and their status as new species were supported by both morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Our discovery marks the first new species of pseudoscorpions reported in Taiwan since 1937, as well as the first records of the family Garypidae in Taiwan and of Garypus in East Asia. Moreover, the discovery of these two new species in Taiwan fills the regional distribution gap between Garypus in Thailand and southward and its closely related genus Anchigarypus in South Korea and Japan. The location where Garypus sanasai Lin, Huang & Chang sp. nov. was found also represents the northernmost distribution of the genus Garypus in the West Pacific.

ПОДОЛАННЯ БІДНОСТІ: СУТНІСНІ ОЗНАКИ НАШЛЯХУ РЕАЛІЗАЦІЇ ЦІЛЕЙ СТАЛОГО РОЗВИТКУ

The article explores the concept of poverty from a philosophical and organizational anthropological perspective, with the aim of providing a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. The article analyzes the generic relationships between poverty and wealth within the wealth-poverty continuum and presents two levels of research on poverty, namely personal and organizational. The article argues that the modern Ukrainian information environment is dominated by myths and traps that distort the worldview of citizens and hinder their understanding of poverty and the ways to combat it. The article also highlights that abstract forms of thinking can lead to the distortion of social practice and culture, resulting in poverty and a homeless culture in consumer society. The article concludes by analyzing the conceptual and categorical analysis of poverty and wealth using systemic, integral, linguistic, and descriptive approaches. The article emphasizes the need for sustainable development and poverty alleviation in order to address the growing problem of poverty in society.

Advances of the phylogenetic relationships in gibbon

Gibbons are a family (Hylobatidae) of ape species endemic to the rainforests of the mainland and islands of Southeast Asia, including four well-recognized genera (Hylobates, Nomascus, Symphalangus, and Hoolock). Most gibbon species are known as considered “endangered” or “critically endangered” (IUCN 2009). This present article gives a review on the research progress of phylogenetic relationships between gibbon species and closely related genera utilizing a range of different traits (e.g., vocalization, morphology, karyotype, mtDNA, Y chromosomes, Autosomes, Alu, and whole genome). Our aim held great potential to clarify more directions in researches on identification of genetic relationship, to provide reference for molecular biology research and useful information for further gibbon research.

New perspectives of Microsentis wardae Martin & Multani, 1966 (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) from Gillichthys mirabilis Cooper in California, with scanning electron microscopy images and energy dispersive X-ray analysis.

Fully developed, sexually mature small male and female acanthocephalans, Microsentis wardae Martin & Multani, 1966 (Neoechinorhynchidae) reaching only 2.25 mm and 2.42 mm, respectively, were collected from the rectum of longjaw mudsuckers, Gillichthys mirabilis Cooper, in the salty marches of Anaheim Bay and San Diego Bay, California. Our specimens were half the size of those reported in the original description from the same host in Scammon's Lagoon over 700 km to the south. The ratio of proboscis and receptacle size to trunk size was markedly higher in our specimens compared to the larger specimens measured in the original description. The anatomy of all structures in our specimens from Anaheim Bay was comparable to that of the larger Scammon's Lagoon specimens that have apparently realized more growth in the Scammon's Lagoon. We have observed more structures that are not reported in the original description, especially evident from our scanning electron microscopy images, which are not possible to observe in the original line drawings. In our specimens, the micropores were unusually widely spaced and the energy dispersive X-ray analysis showed longitudinal hook sections with high levels of sulphur and phosphorus and moderate levels of calcium, but the whole hooks showed highest levels of sodium and magnesium - the biochemical hook signature of this species. Sequences of the small subunit (18S) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA were generated and compared with acanthocephalan sequences available from GenBank. As M. wardae comprises a monotypic genus, therefore, phylogenetic analyses inferred from the 18S gene showed its relationship with other species of closely related genera of Eoacanthocephala. This is the first report of molecular data of M. wardae.

A Comprehensive Revision of the Genus Metaparia Crotch, 1873 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae) and Description of a New Genus

The genus Metaparia Crotch, 1873 is revised and its species illustrated. A brief systematic history is provided. Metaparia mandibuloflexa Sublett, Schultz, and Cook, new species and Metaparia prosopis Sublett, Schultz, and Cook, new species are described. Metaparia distincta (Jacoby, 1881) is transferred to Brachypnoea Gistel, 1848, new combination; Metaparia fulvicornis (Jacoby, 1890), Metaparia thoracica (Jacoby, 1881), and Metaparia violacea (Jacoby, 1890) are transferred to Spintherophyta Dejean, 1836, new combination; and Metaparia laevicollis (Jacoby, 1881) is transferred to Dispardentium Sublett and Cook, new genus, new combination. Spintherophyta fulvicornis (Jacoby 1890: 197), new combination is identified as a secondary junior homonym of Spintherophyta fulvicornis (Jacoby 1890: 185), and the replacement name Spintherophyta jacobyi Sublett and Cook, new name is proposed. The genus Dispardentium Sublett and Cook, new genus is described. Each taxon is accompanied by an indication of the type, a description, illustrations of diagnostic features, a diagnosis to separate it from similar taxa, a summary of the known distribution, and a list of specimens examined. Three newly reported characters to delimit Metaparia and three newly reported characters to separate its species are identified. Female diagnostic characters are identified and illustrated for the first time. Keys to Metaparia and related genera and to species of Metaparia are provided.

The origin of the genus Cannabis

Chloroplast markers (cp markers) are the useful instrument for cannabis (syn. hemp, Cannabis sativa L.) to study relationships of accessions between different geographic origins. In an alignment of three published plastomes 38 chloroplast polymorphisms were identified from which 8 cp markers were used to study relationships of 53 cannabis accessions by high-resolution-melting analyis (HRMA). The marker set could distinguish six haplotypes (‘A’ to ‘F’) in the cannabis collection, where haplotypes ‘A’ and ‘F’ dominated with 34% and 50% of the individuals, respectively. A majority of populations (37) were homogeneous regarding the haplotype, 12 accessions were constituted of two haplotypes and 4 accessions of three haplotypes. Most of the European fibre cultivars consisted of the ‘F’-type (e.g. ‘Fibrimon’, Fibrimon 21’, Juso 14’, ‘Fasamo’ and ‘Schurig’), some were mixed ‘A/F’-types (e.g. ‘Fibrimon 21’, ‘Superfibra’, ‘Lorrin 110’, ‘Futura’, ‘Havelländische’). The Italian ‘Carmagnola in Selezione’ was exceptional in being a pure ‘A’-type. In the heterogenous populations, expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.06 to 0.41. The populations were well differentiated by this marker set locating 79% of the variation among populations (AMOVA). By comparison with plastomes from the closest related genus Humulus, haplotype ‘B’ could be identified as haplotype of the common ancestor of both genera. The haplotype ‘B’ is rare with a frequency of only 4% in the populations analysed. Unfortunately, the true geographic origin of most samples was unclear. However, amongst all published plastomes, only two were classified as haplotype ‘B’, both pointing independently back to Yunnan province (China), indicating Yunnan as the region of origin of the genus Cannabis.

Unique spicules may confound species differentiation: taxonomy and biogeography of Melonanchora Carter, 1874 and two new related genera (Myxillidae: Poecilosclerida) from the Okhotsk Sea.

Sponges are amongst the most difficult benthic taxa to properly identify, which has led to a prevalence of cryptic species in several sponge genera, especially in those with simple skeletons. This is particularly true for sponges living in remote or hardly accessible environments, such as the deep-sea, as the inaccessibility of their habitat and the lack of accurate descriptions usually leads to misclassifications. However, species can also remain hidden even when they belong to genera that have particularly characteristic features. In these cases, researchers inevitably pay attention to these peculiar features, sometimes disregarding small differences in the other “typical” spicules. The genus Melonanchora Carter, 1874, is among those well suited for a revision, as their representatives possess a unique type of spicule (spherancorae). After a thorough review of the material available for this genus from several institutions, four new species of Melonanchora, M. tumultuosa sp. nov., M. insulsa sp. nov., M. intermedia sp. nov. and M. maeli sp. nov. are formally described from different localities across the Atlanto-Mediterranean region. Additionally, all Melonanchora from the Okhotsk Sea and nearby areas are reassigned to other genera; Melonanchora kobjakovae is transferred to Myxilla (Burtonanchora) while two new genera, Hanstoreia gen. nov. and Arhythmata gen. nov. are created to accommodate Melonanchora globogilva and Melonanchora tetradedritifera, respectively. Hanstoreia gen. nov. is closest to Melonanchora, whereas Arhythmata gen. nov., is closer to Stelodoryx, which is most likely polyphyletic and in need of revision.

A new species of Sabuloglossum (Geoglossaceae, Ascomycota) from montane areas

The fungal genus Sabuloglossum (earth tongues) was originally described as a monotypic genus based on the species Geoglossum (Microglossum) arenarium. It typically occupies sandy coastal habitats and forms mycorrhizas with Empetrum nigrum (Ericaceae). While studying material from central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany), ascomata morphologically very similar to S. arenarium were observed. They were ecologically limited to mid-altitudinal mountainous habitats and associated with Calluna vulgaris or Vaccinium sp. pl. (Ericaceae). The relationship to S. arenarium and related genera was evaluated using a combination of genetic (nrITS1–5.8S–ITS2 and the 28S nrLSU regions) and comparative morphological analysis. Macro- and micromorphological investigations revealed that mountain populations differ from typical S. arenarium in longer apical cells of paraphyses, more frequently septate ascospores, and the presence of inflated cells in the stipe squamules. In phylogenetic analyses, mountain populations appeared in sister position to S. arenarium in a strongly supported clade. According to these morphological and genetic analyses, in addition to ecological and host-type specificities, the mountain populations from central Europe are proposed here as a distinct species, S. monticola sp. nov. Our study indicates that the speciation of S. monticola may have been driven predominantly by a shift in ecology and mycorrhizal association.

Diversification of Stem Morphological and Anatomical Characteristics in Eleocharis and Related Genera (Cyperaceae, Monocotyledoneae)

Abstract— The genus Eleocharis (Cyperaceae, monocotyledons) is characterized by bladeless leaves, which are leaves having only leaf-sheaths. To study the evolutionary process through which Eleocharis species lost their leaf blades, we analyzed the outer morphological and anatomical characters of the representative Eleocharis species, plus species from nine phylogenetically related genera. From the analysis, we recognized eight characters and we optimized their character states on a recent molecular phylogenetic tree. As a result, we recognized five characteristics shared by Eleocharis species as follows: (1) the most apical internode is more than seven times longer than the next apical internode; (2) bladeless leaves having only leaf sheaths; (3) transversely septate aerenchyma in culms; (4) densely and peripherally located, slender, and square timber-shaped fiber bundles in culms; and (5) palisade chlorenchyma in culms. In these characteristics, (2) and (4) are synapomorphies of Eleocharis. These two apomorphic characteristics seemed to be adaptations for inhabiting running waters.

Taxonomical clarification of Tetrix gibberosa (Wang amp; Zheng), a high-backed pygmy grasshopper species from eastern PR China (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae).

Tetrix gibberosa (Wang Zheng) is a high-backed pygmy grasshopper species from eastern PR China. Due to its reduced hind wings and pleomorphism (length changes of hind wings and the hind pronotal process, which is generally called macropterous and brachypterous morphs), the species have been described into different species which involve several taxonomically confused genera. This study clarifies its taxonomy and distribution and provides ecological information for the species. At the same time, we comment the relationships of related genera in the subfamily Tetriginae, including Tetrix Latreille, Exothotettix Zheng Jiang, Alulatettix Liang, Aalatettix Zheng Mao, Formosatettix Tinkham, and Formosatettixoides Zheng. Additionally, we report for the first time that nematodes can parasitize pygmy grasshoppers. New synonyms are proposed: Tetrix gibberosa (Wang Zheng, 1993) = Alulatettix bulbosus Zheng Zhong, 2001, syn. nov., = Exothotettix jiangxiensis Liang Jia, 2008, syn. nov., = Tetrix glochinota Zhao, Niu Zheng, 2010, syn. nov., = Alulatettix nigromarginalis Zhang, Deng Zha, 2014, syn. nov., = Alulatettix flavotibialis Zhang, Deng Zha, 2014, syn. nov..

Fungal Species Causing Maize Leaf Blight in Different Agro-Ecologies in India.

Foliar diseases of maize cause severe economic losses in India and around the world. The increasing severity of maize leaf blight (MLB) over the past ten years necessitates rigorous identification and characterization of MLB-causing pathogens from different maize production zones to ensure the success of resistance breeding programs and the selection of appropriate disease management strategies. Although Bipolaris maydis is the primary pathogen causing MLB in India, other related genera such as Curvularia, Drechslera, and Exserohilum, and a taxonomically distant genus, Alternaria, are known to infect maize in other countries. To investigate the diversity of pathogens associated with MLB in India, 350 symptomatic leaf samples were collected between 2016 and 2018, from 20 MLB hotspots in nine states representing six ecological zones where maize is grown in India. Twenty representative fungal isolates causing MLB symptoms were characterized based on cultural, pathogenic, and molecular variability. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GADPH) gene sequence-based phylogenies showed that the majority of isolates (13/20) were Bipolaris maydis. There were also two Curvularia papendorfii isolates, and one isolate each of Bipolaris zeicola, Curvularia siddiquii, Curvularia sporobolicola, an unknown Curvularia sp. isolate phylogenetically close to C. graminicola, and an Alternaria sp. isolate. The B. zeicola, the aforesaid four Curvularia species, and the Alternaria sp. are the first reports of these fungi causing MLB in India. Pathogenicity tests on maize plants showed that isolates identified as Curvularia spp. and Alternaria sp. generally caused more severe MLB symptoms than those identified as Bipolaris spp. The diversity of fungi causing MLB, types of lesions, and variation in disease severity by different isolates described in this study provide baseline information for further investigations on MLB disease distribution, diagnosis, and management in India.

Untold diversity of floral rewards inCypella(Tigridieae: Iridaceae) and related genera: distribution and anatomy

AbstractFloral rewards are important elements in plant–pollinator interactions and can play an essential role in the diversification of species. The identification of these rewards has been neglected in species of Tigridieae (Iridaceae), one of the few angiosperm groups to offer lipids, considered a specialized reward. We identify and characterize the secretory structures of floral rewards in Cypella and related genera (Calydorea, Catila, Herbertia, Onira and Kelissa). Our results reveal that there are trichomatic elaiophores in the tepals of Cypella, Kelissa, Onira and Herbertia and staminal nectaries in the connectives of the anthers of Cypella and Onira. There is an unusual combination of floral rewards in Cypella and Onira, demonstrating a unique pattern in Iridaceae of the American continent.