Research In Botany Research Articles

The anArchive taxonomic Checklist for Italian botanical data banking and vegetation analysis: Theoretical basis and advantages

In recent years, research in botany was increasingly related with the use of large data-sets and data banks, in order to address emerging issues such as the severe risk of species, habitats and biodiversity loss. In this frame, the anArchive taxonomic Checklist, an online synonymized list of botanical species names, developed to support the botanical data banking and vegetation analysis, is presented and discussed here. The benefits deriving from such a supervised and referenced tool are emphasized. They include the possibility to keep track of old and new species names, pointing out the latest reviewed accepted scientific name and its synonyms, and harmonizing different taxonomic points of view. Furthermore, the list is open access and expert qualified customers can collaborate to its improvement. The basic unit of the taxonomic Checklist is an object including the taxon name at specific or, when present, infraspecific level; the taxonomic frame stops at the level of family and ranks higher than genus are not treated hierarchically. Some technical features, the main taxonomic references and the current state of the art are reported.

Axel Elof Jäderholm (1868–1927) of Sweden: educator, hydrozoan zoologist and botanist

Axel Elof Jäderholm was born in Söderhamn, Sweden, on 24 July 1868. In 1888 he entered Uppsala Universitet, earning undergraduate (1892) and doctorate (1898) degrees. His doctoral dissertation was based on an anatomical study of South American Peperomia (Piperaceae). While a graduate student he commenced research on hydroids in collections at the university's natural history museum. A science teacher by profession, he served schools in Uppsala (1900–1901), Norrköping (1901–1905; 1913–1927), Örebro (1905) and Västervik (1905–1913). In addition to teaching, he undertook research in botany (especially mosses) and zoology (hydroids). A focus of work between 1903 and 1905 involved examination of hydroid collections at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet (Stockholm) and the Imperial St Petersburg Academy of Sciences (Russia). Jäderholm's field work dealt largely with bryophytes, although his scientific publications (21 of 28) were mostly on taxonomy of hydroids. His hydroid work was mainly on species from northern Europe, the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, southern regions of South America, and the western Pacific (especially Japan). He established two new genera and 69 new species of hydroids, a majority of the latter still being recognized as valid. Jäderholm was created a knight of the Order of the Polar Star (Riddare av Nordstjärneorden) in Sweden for accomplishments in science and education. After suffering a series of acute illnesses over the last two years of his life, he died in Norrköping on 5 March 1927 and was buried in Uppsala. Five species of hydroids have been named in his honour.

Citation analysis of doctoral theses in botany submitted to Kuvempu University, India: a case study

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the materials cited in doctoral theses of botany, submitted to the Kuvempu University during the years 2000‐2006, with the aim of improving the existing collection development of the library.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed descriptive research design. Theses submitted for the award of Doctoral degree from 2000 to 2006 to the Department of Botany, Kuvempu University were examined. The population of the study was all the theses submitted during the periods under study. Data were extracted from title page and references given at the end of each chapter. Extracted data were analysed using statistics.FindingsThe study reveals that journals are the most preferred sources of information used by the researchers in the field of botany, accounting for 74.77 per cent of total citations, although citations from books, proceedings, theses, reports and patents are also found. It is also observed those researchers are not taking much advantage of internet resources. The journal Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (USA) was ranked the first, with 158 citations, accounting for 7.57 per cent of the total journal citations. Further, Bradford's law of scattering was applied. It is observed that major citations come from journal literature. In addition, more cited materials were contributed by multi authors and degree of collaboration is 0.75.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper presents a sense of the importance of botany research, and as such informs that community, as well as researchers involved in citation analysis.Originality/valueThe outcome of the study is an original research work with citation analysis of doctoral theses in botany. It highlights the information materials available and used by researchers of the Botany Department for their research work and those which need to be added for a healthy collection.

Citation Analysis of Doctoral Research in Botany Submitted to Annamalai University

citations in the doctoral dissertations submitted between 1990-2010 in the Department of Botany, An- namalai University, India were analyzed for identifying their document types, authorship pattern, ranking of cited journals and subject wise distribution of citations. The finding reveals that nearly 69.09% citations were from journals and 14% from books. The subject wise distribution of theses reveals that Genetics, Microbiology, Eco- Toxicity, Plant Physiology, Remote Sensing, Agriculture, Air Pollution and Climate Change forms more than half of the total theses submitted during the period. USA, UK and India contributes 9062 (45.91%) of total citations. The authorship pattern study reveals that the highest number of journal citations from multi authors around 74.24% percent of total journal citations.

Picky Eaters Club

The article cites a study published online in the January 24, 2012 issue of the journal "Molecular Ecology," regarding botany research by ecologist Melissa McCormick of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater, Maryland, and colleagues. The four-year study, which investigated where mycorrhizal fungi grow and under what conditions they stimulate orchids to grow, found the fungi, like orchids, need specific environmental conditions to thrive.

The potential of South African plants in the development of new food and beverage products

A review is presented of the history and recent trends in the exploration and development of food plants in southern Africa. The opportunities for developing new crops and new products for local and international markets are discussed. More than 120 species with potential as new food and beverage products (including functional foods, herbal teas and new flavours) are listed and a subjective rating of the commercial potential is provided for each of them. Some noteworthy examples are discussed and illustrated, including several indigenous fruits and vegetables that are as yet poorly known. There is a growing awareness of the importance of indigenous plants in new product development and numerous new products are already being developed. Basic research in botany (to guide genotype selection), horticulture (to develop new crops), food science (to focus on nutritional analyses) and marketing (to understand and develop new marketing approaches) is mentioned as important priorities.

Noël Bernard (1874–1911): orchids to symbiosis in a dozen years, one century ago

Noel Bernard, the famous discoverer of the symbiotic germination of orchid seeds, died a one hundred years ago in 1911, at the age of 37. Here we remember his life, personality, training and contributions to science. He studied at the Ecole Normale Superieure and took courses on microbiology at the Pasteur institute. He was also an admirer of Darwin. We briefly summarize some of his inspiring research in botany, plant physiology and symbiosis, especially that on orchid seed germination and tuber formation, published over a period of only 12 years. We briefly consider his legacy and the research that has recently been published in Symbiosis, which extends the various fields of research that Noel Bernard pioneered.

The Perfect Stage of Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) of Beta vulgaris Found in Michigan

Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni DC [synonym E. betae {Vanha} Weltzien]) affects several different crops of Beta vulgaris, including sugar beet, Swiss chard, and table beet. The disease has been prevalent in many sugar beet-growing areas of the United States since the first major epidemic in beet in 1974 (3). Powdery mildew in the United States was primarily associated with the asexual stage of the pathogen until the perfect stage was found, first in western states such as Idaho and Colorado (2), then in more Midwestern states such as Nebraska, and most recently in North Dakota (1). Similar to North Dakota, powdery mildew has not been a major problem in the Michigan growing area. It does appear sporadically, particularly on sugar beets that have not been sprayed to control other foliar diseases. In 2010, powdery mildew infection on sugar beet was observed in late August in a field in the Saginaw Valley of Michigan. Plants were inspected periodically for the presence of the sexual stage. In early October, sugar beet and Swiss chard plants with heavy powdery mildew infection also were observed at the Michigan State University (MSU) Horticultural Demonstration Gardens in East Lansing and on sugar beet at the MSU Plant Pathology and Botany research farms. On both the Saginaw Valley sugar beet and Swiss chard on the MSU campus, ascomata were observed on a few leaves in mid-October. No ascomata were found on sugar beet at the other two locations. The majority of ascomata were dark brown to black when located, although a few light tan ascomata were observed on the Swiss chard. Ascomata varied from 70 to 100 μm in diameter. Asci contained one to four hyaline or golden yellow ascospores similar to those described in other growing regions on sugar beet (1,2). No ascomata had been detected on powdery mildew-infected sugar beet from either the Saginaw Valley or the MSU research farms the previous two years. These results appear to indicate a spread of the ability to form the perfect stage eastward from the western United States. This may be due to movement of one mating type because E. polygoni has been reported to be heterothallic on some crops (4). The presence of the perfect stage indicates that sexual recombination could occur in E. polygoni on Beta species in Michigan, creating the potential for more rapid development of new strains that might vary in fungicide sensitivity and response to host resistance.

Herbert Hurka: Research in Botany, particularly in the evolutionary systematics of Brassicaceae

Herbert Hurka: Research in Botany, particularly in the evolutionary systematics of Brassicaceae

Recent developments in laboratory automation using magnetic particles for genome analysis.

The majority of research for genome analysis has shifted from nucleic acid sequencing to the biological functional analysis of each gene. Based on past success, it may not be long before genome diagnostics becomes a widespread tool in human, veterinary and botany research fields. Genome analysis involves the processes of nucleic acid purification, amplification, labeling and signal detection (specific reaction, separation and signal counting). Except for the purification of nucleic acids, the other processes cannot be achieved without instruments, resulting in the advancement of automation processes. Since purification of nucleic acids can be done manually, automating this process has been delayed. However, because the purification of nucleic acids using magnetic particles is suitable for automation, its development has also been accelerated. The need for full automation for other processes is not as great because the majority of genome analysis is to identify the nucleic acid sequence and analyze genome expression. However, once useful diagnostic tools are generated, the desire for full automation will significantly increase. In order to develop realistic and practical automation, various technologies developed for each process in genome analysis have to be evaluated and only a few technologies, useful for automation, selected. The other key factor in automation is the development of methods to manage reagents and reaction mixtures precisely without any risks specifically related to genome handling, such as cross-contamination. Methods using magnetic particles, which have been used for the automation of nucleic acid purification and immunoassay, appear to be the most promising way to automate processes used in biological research.

A COMPARISON OF HERBICIDE REGIMES FOR WEED CONTROL IN FIBRE FLAX

Annals of Applied BiologyVolume 108, Issue S1 p. 88-89 A COMPARISON OF HERBICIDE REGIMES FOR WEED CONTROL IN FIBRE FLAX A.D. Courtney, A.D. Courtney Department of Agriculture for N. Ireland, Agricultural Botany Research Division, Belfast BT9 5PX.Search for more papers by this author A.D. Courtney, A.D. Courtney Department of Agriculture for N. Ireland, Agricultural Botany Research Division, Belfast BT9 5PX.Search for more papers by this author First published: April 1986 https://doi.org/10.1111/aab.1986.108.s1.88AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume108, IssueS1April 1986Pages 88-89 RelatedInformation

MARINE BOTANY AND ECOLOGY AT STAZIONE ZOOLOGICA

For 108 years marine botany research has been an important component of the research conducted at the Stazione Zoologica of Naples. The first researchers at the Naples Institute were German guests who proceeded with descriptive ecological and taxonomic studies and provided a foundation for the later physiological, cytological, life cycle, and biochemical studies conducted at the Stazione. During a major period (47 yrs.) Prof. G. Funk contributed ecological work giving the botanical research at Naples a continuity which extended into the late 50's. From 1960 onwards, the marine botany laboratory assumed a different direction and recently has returned to a physiological-ecological orientation. The lasting impact of marine botany has been the contribution of an ecological dimension from which other studies grew and found support.

Genetics of male sterility in rice

Journal Article Genetics of male sterility in rice Get access K. PAVITHRAN, K. PAVITHRAN Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Botany, University of CalicutKerala, India Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar C. MOHANDAS C. MOHANDAS Department of Post-Graduate Studies and Research in Botany, University of CalicutKerala, India Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Journal of Heredity, Volume 67, Issue 4, July 1976, Page 252, https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.jhered.a108724 Published: 01 July 1976

Teaching and Research in Botany in the United Kingdom

Sir Frank Engledow, in common with many other botanists, is concerned that his subject is not attracting sufficient students, and that botanists are not being given the jobs they deserve. In this article he calls for changes to put the situation right. Following this article, several other botanists add their comments to those of Sir Frank.

The New Botanical Building at the University of Toronto

THE University of Toronto owes much to the able and wise administration of the retiring president, Sir Robert Falconer: by the part he played in securing adequate provision for teaching and researchin botany he has earned the gratitude of all who are interested in that branch of biology. One of his last acts in Commencement Week of this year was to assist at the formal opening of the new Botanical Department on June 8. After an informal luncheon given to the visiting botanists, the Chancellor of the University, Sir William Mulock; the Prime Minister of Ontario, Mr. G. S. Henry; the President, Sir Robert Falconer; his successor, the Rev. Dr. Cody, chairman of the Board of Governors, and others, walked in procession to the new building, which was opened by the Prime Minister.

University and Educational Intelligence

CAMBRIDGE.—The Walsingham Medal, given by the Lord High Steward, for original research in botany, geology, zoology, or physiology, is open to all graduates of the University under the standing of M. A. Monographs for the ensuing year are to be sent to Prof. Newton, Magdalene College, by October 10, 1898

Opportunities for Research in Botany Offered by American Institutions

Next article FreeOpportunities for Research in Botany Offered by American InstitutionsPDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Volume 23, Number 2Feb., 1897 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/327471 Views: 83 Citations: 2Citations are reported from Crossref Journal History This article was published in the Botanical Gazette (1876-1991), which is continued by International Journal of Plant Sciences (1992-present). PDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Jeffrey K Aronson Journal Clubs: 1. Origins, Evidence Based Medicine 22, no.66 (Nov 2017): 231–231.https://doi.org/10.1136/ebmed-2017-110860Emanuel D. Rudolph INVITED SPECIAL PAPER: History of the botanical teaching laboratory in the United States, American Journal of Botany 83, no.55 (May 1996): 661–671.https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1537-2197.1996.tb12752.x