Surface Of Leaf Blade Research Articles

Eugenia (Myrtaceae) from Reserva Natural Vale, Espírito Santo, a center of plant endemism in the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest

Eugenia includes ca. 1,100 species worldwide and is the richest angiosperm genus of Brazilian flora with a remarkable biodiversity in the Atlantic Rainforest. In Espírito Santo state, the central-north region conserves the biggest forest fragment and is composed by the lowland coastal forests known as Tabuleiro. Considering the scarcity of studies approaching this vegetation and the high diversity of Eugenia species, this work presents a taxonomic treatment of Eugenia species from Reserva Natural Vale. The study area is located at the municipalities of Linhares and Sooretama, in the northern part of the coastal mesoregion of the state. For the taxonomic treatment, fieldwork was carried out between August 2015 and March 2019 and herbarium collections of BHCB, CVRD, CEPEC, ESA, HRCB, HPL, HUFSJ, ICN, K, MBM, MBML, RB, RBR, SORO, SP, SPF, SPSF, UB, UEC, and VIES were consulted, as well as images of nomenclatural types available online. This work points out the occurrence of 48 species of Eugenia within Reserva Natural Vale, encompassing 48% of the Eugenia species recorded in the Espírito Santo state. Six of them are presented as new occurrences for the reserve (Eugenia arenaria, E. disperma, E. florida, E. handroi, E. pachnantha and E. schottiana); two (E. pachnantha and E. schottiana) are first recorded for the state; E. adenophylla and E. infuscata are described as new. Eugenia adenophylla, E. atlantica, Eugenia cataphyllea, E. flavicarpa, E. hispidiflora, E. ochracea, E. penduliflora, and E. soteriana are endemic to Tabuleiro coastal forest, and E. handroi is the only record for Espírito Santo state. The most useful characters to distinguish the species are hair colours, especially in the floral structures, midvein on the adaxial surface of leaf blades, inflorescence type, connation and persistence of bracteoles, and the presence or absence of indumentum on the flowers’ hypanthia. Furthermore, morphological descriptions, distribution and phenology data, taxonomic comments, species illustrations, and an identification key for the species in the reserve are presented.

Cutinsomes of Malus Mill. (Rosaceae) leaf and pericarp: genesis, localization, and transport

New data were obtained on specific bionanostructures, cutinsomes, which are involved in the formation of cuticles on the surface of leaf blades and pericarp of Malus domestica Borkh (Malus Mill., Rosaceae)introduced to the mountains at the altitudes of 1200 and 1700 m above sea level. Cutinsomes, which are electron-dense structures of spherical shape, have been identified by transmission electron microscopy. It was demonstrated that plastids can be involved in the synthesis of their constituent nanocomponents. The greatest number of nanoparticles was observed in the granal thylakoid lumen of the chloroplasts in palisade mesophyll cells and pericarp hypodermal cells. The transmembrane transport of cutinsomes into the cell wall cuticle proper by exocytosis has been visualized for the first time. The plasma membrane is directly involved in the excretion of nanostructures from the cell. Nanoparticles of cutinsomes in the form of necklace-like formations line up in a chain near cell walls, merge into larger conglomerates and are loaded into plasmalemma invaginations, and then, in membrane packing, they move into the cuticle, which covers both outer and inner cell walls of external tissues. The original materials obtained by us supplement the ideas about the non-enzymatic synthesis of cuticle components available in the literature and expand the cell compartment geography involved in this process.

ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT AGROBIOLOGICAL STATE OF THE PROTECTED FOREST STRIPS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE

ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT AGROBIOLOGICAL STATE OF THE PROTECTED FOREST STRIPS OF THE RIGHT BANK FOREST STEPPE

First report of a rust fungus (Puccinia sp.) infecting lemongrass in Minnesota.

In July 2021 and July - Oct. 2022, in a community garden near Mankato, Minnesota, rust disease was observed on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citriatus). In 2022, all 20 plants in the garden plot were infected. Lemongrass is used in some Asian cuisines and for tea or medicine. It is not hardy in Minnesota but is grown in gardens and outdoors in small-scale production. Uredinia were cinnamon-brown on the abaxial surface of leaf blades. Pustules were small (0.2 - 0.5 x .01 - .05 mm) and numerous, causing large necrotic lesions and leaf dieback (Fig. 1A). Severity ranged from 5 - 50% leaf loss. Urediniospores were finely echinulate, slightly ovular (22-25 x 20-23 μm), thick-walled (2.5-4 μm), with 3-4 roughly equatorial, sometimes scattered germ pores (Fig 1B; 1C). Clavate paraphyses were abundant. Other spore types were not observed. The pycnidia of a mycoparasitic fungus were present within the uredinia. The specimen was submitted to the Arthur Fungarium at Purdue University (PUR N24011). Primers ITS1rustF10d (Barnes and Szabo, 2007) and ITSRu1 (Rioux et al., 2015) were used to generate amplicons for the rust fungus, and ITS4 and ITSF+ (White, 1990) for the mycoparasite. Amplicons were sequenced on an Oxford Nanopore MinIon with R9 flow cells following manufacturer instructions. Reads (PRJNA802078) were filtered for quality (> Q13) and length (> 200 bp), mapped to reference sequences, aligned, and separated based on similarity. Consensus sequences were generated for the amplicons of the rust fungus and of two other fungi. BLASTn searches of the ITS sequences, OM442990 and OM442991, identified an Alternaria sp. (99.8% match (597/598) with MT548677) and Sphaerellopsis filum (syn. Darluca filum; 98.3% (529/538 bp) match with EF600974), a common rust mycoparasite. A BLASTn search of the rust fungal ITS sequence (OM442989) yielded 98.9% (549/555) and 98.6% (633/642) match with MT955206 and MT955207, respectively, both Puccinia cesatii on Bothriochloa ischaemum. The third closest match is P. cymbopogonis on C. citriatus (97.1% (595/613) with KY764115). Urediniospore morphology is consistent with that of P. cesatii (Cummins, 1971). Available evidence suggests the fungus is P. cesatii or a closely related species. Puccinia cesatii has been reported infecting Cymbopogon spp. (Stevenson et al., 1926; Dhar and Rekha, 1984), but lemongrass is not generally considered a host-possibly due to confusion of P. cesatii with P. cymbopogonis, a closely related rust pathogen of lemongrass that is morphologically very similar to P. cesatii. P. cymbopogonis has not been reported in the U.S. Rust diseases of lemongrass have been reported in three states: Hawaii (Gardner, 1985), California (Koike and Molinar, 1999), and Florida (Ploetz et al., 2014). In each case, the rust was identified as Puccinia nakanishikii. Urediniospores of P. nakanishikii are larger (26-36 μm long) (Cummins, 1971) and the ITS2 has no significant sequence similarity. P. cesatii is widespread in Eurasia, the southwest U.S., and Mexico (Cummins, 1971). Cummins lists three genera closely related to Cymbopogon as telial hosts of P. cesatii: Bothriochloa, Capillipedium, and Dicanthium. He lists nine rust fungi that infect Cymbopogon but does not list P. cesatii. Of these nine species, only P. cymbopogonis is morphologically similar. Further research is needed to investigate the potential impact of rust fungi on lemongrass production and to elucidate phylogenetic relationships of rust fungi infecting lemongrass.

Stipa baxoiensis (Stipeae, Poaceae), a new species from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China

Stipa baxoiensis (Stipeae, Poaceae), a new species from eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to S. sect. Regelia and is similar to S. subsessiliflora in the contracted and suberect panicles, but differs mainly by its densely hirsutulous leaf sheath and adaxial surface of leaf blade.

Микрорельеф поверхности листьев дикорастущей айвы Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae) лесных фитоценозов предгорий Дагестана

Cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used to study the micromorphology of the leaf surface of the wild-growing Cydonia oblonga Mill. (Rosaceae). The only habitat of wild-growing quince in Russia is the southern part of Dagestan. Mountain forest phytocenoses of Dagestan provide unique grounds for studying the adaptive potential of plants, since growing conditions change not only according to the change of seasons, but also directly depend on the altitude above sea level. The adaxial (upper) and abaxial (lower) surfaces of the studied samples have a number of micromorphological and microstructural features. The epidermis on the adaxial and abaxial sides differed not only in structural organization, but also in the specifics of surface micromorphology. The most striking feature of the micromorphology of the adaxial and abaxial sides of the leaf blade surface is cuticular folding in the form of microstrands on the main cells of the epidermis, as well as radial striations, peristomatic rings, and protrusions in the stomata region. Regardless of the habitat of fruit plants, their leaves were hypostomatous with anomocytic stomata of two types (primary and secondary), differing in qualitative and quantitative indicators. The primary stomata had a more prominent cuticular pattern and were also larger than the smaller secondary stomata. It should be noted that the presence of several types of cuticular folding, as well as stomatal polymorphism, are common features of other studied species of the subfamily Pyrinae, early Maloideae (Rosaceae). According to the data obtained, the identified features of cuticular folding are stable within the species and can be used as additional taxonomic characters.

Oreocharispolyneura, a new species of Gesneriaceae from southern Yunnan, China.

Oreocharispolyneura, a new species from southern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to O.rhytidophylla by having more obvious lateral veins forming a crosslinked network on the adaxial surface of leaf blades, but can be distinguished by having more lateral veins (12-15 pairs vs. 7-9 pairs) of leaf blades, shorter corolla tubes (the length ratio of corolla tube to corolla lobes = 1.2-2.9 vs. 3.4-6) and shorter pistils (6-8 mm long vs. 27-30 mm long). In addition, a detailed morphological description, a photographic illustration, the distribution and phenology of the new species are presented.

An update on the taxonomy of Calamagrostisnagarum (Bor) G.Singh and its allies (Poaceae, Agrostidinae): morphometrics and micro-morphology.

Calamagrostisnagarum, previously considered to be a poorly known species, has been reassessed taxonomically. It is a member of C.lahulensis-C.scabrescens complex and may be segregated by morphological characters such as the presence of pilose hairs on adaxial surface of leaf blades, spreading panicle branches, filiform awn and nerve prolongation of lemma. Besides, the micromorphology of adaxial surface of leaf blades, dorsal surface of glume and lemma differentiates Calamagrostisnagarum from its allies, C.lahulensis and C.scabrescens. It is known from Nagaland and Uttarakhand, India, and Bhutan. In this study, we have provided an emended description of the species, a discussion of its habitat and distribution, and taxonomic notes along with field photographs and photo plates for its correct identification. In addition, we also lectotypify the names C.lahulensis and C.scabrescens.

БІОМОРФОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ЛИСТКОВОГО АПАРАТУ ТРОЯНД ГРУПИ ФЛОРІБУНДА ТА ЇХ ЗНАЧЕННЯ ДЛЯ ДЕКОРАТИВНОГО САДІВНИЦТВА

The results of morphometric analysis of the leaves in floribunda roses varieties, such as Pomponella, Lovely Green, Carmagnola, Arthur Bell, Lilli Marleen, Westpoint, Minerva, Novalis, Goldelse, Rotkappchen, Friesia, Lavaglut, Iceberg, Santa Monika, Mathias, Bella Rosa, Cream Abundance, Hans Gonewein, Let's Celebrate and Gebruder Grimm, which have different origins and differ significantly in morphological and decorative characteristics are presented. The studies were conducted during 2018–2021 on the experimental plots of the Department of Landscape Gardening of Uman National University of Horticulture according to the generally accepted method. The description of the morphological traits of the varieties was carried out by the method of visual assessment using measurements and calculations. As a result of the research, it was found that the studied genotypes significantly differ in the biometric parameters of the compound leaf, features of the surface of leaf blades, their shape and size. The highest leaf blades areas were noted in the varieties Novalis 15.1 сm2, Rotkappchen 12.0 cm2 and Pomponella 11.8 cm2. The lowest biometric traits of the leaf were recorded in the varieties Santa Monika, whose compound leaf length is 9.2 cm, Mathias 9.1 cm, Bella Rosa 10.8 cm and Cream Abundance 9.8 cm. The size of the leaf, its shape, color and gloss, are important for the overall impression of the planting object and determine the decorative value of the respective variety. Of all the varieties, Westpoint, Rotkappchen, Hans Gonewein, and Gebruder Grimm have the glossiest leaves. The bright shine together with dark green color of the leaves of these varieties make their bushes more expressive and bright and, therefore, more attractive for use in ornamental gardening. The results of the study are of practical importance, since they make it possible to select varieties that are valuable for ornamental gardening, not only in decorativeness of the flower, but also in the characteristics of their leaf appearance.

Применение программного пакета Adobe Photoshop при измерении площади листовых пластин древесных растений

There are a number of applied methods for determining morphometric parameters, including the area of leaf blades of woody plants: millimeter graph paper method, method of direct measurements, punching method, and planimetric method. The analysis and practical application of the methods in the test mode revealed their shortcomings related to inaccuracy of measurements, experiment duration, and equipment inaccessibility. Many researchers have successfully acquired digitized images. However, capturing the parameters of the considered structure from the monitor screen is often impossible due to the low availability of morphometric programs and their high cost. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of existing methods for determining the area of leaf blades on the example of the birch genus (Betula L.) trees and to accumulate the algorithm for determining morphometric parameters of birch leaf blades in the Adobe Photoshop software package. We have developed a method for determining morphometric parameters of leaf blades of woody plants using the Adobe Photoshop software package. The research subject is the leaf blades of birch trees. This method requires: blank A4 sheets; a ruler with an angle of 90°; transparent adhesive tape (scotch tape); and a scanner. We draw a reference square of random (but fixed) dimensions in a random corner of each sheet, step by 10 mm from its borders, on a blank A4 sheet using a ruler with an angle of 90°. The square is placed strictly parallel to the sheet borders. Then, leaf blades of the desired wood species are attached to the sheet with scotch tape. Using the scanner, we convert the workpiece into electronic form and upload the image to Adobe Photoshop. In order to receive morphometric parameters, you can use the following program tools: “ruler”, “magic wand”, “magnetic lasso tool”. At the same time, it is possible to automatically select the borders of the studied object, which helps to avoid subjective errors. The resulting measurements are displayed in pixels and then converted to the required units. The obtained data is verified using the reference square. Verification showed that the method accuracy is more than 99.9 %. The proposed method allows to perform fast and accurate measurements of morphometric parameters of leaf blades, without requiring the purchase of expensive equipment, which makes it available to any researcher who faces with the task of measuring the surface of leaf blades of woody plants. For citation: Babaev R.N. Application of the Adobe Photoshop Software Package in Leaf Blade Area Measurement of Woody Plants. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2021, no. 5, pp. 185–191. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2021-5-185-191

Ophelimus bipolaris sp. n. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), a New Invasive Eucalyptus Pest and Its Host Plants in China.

Eucalyptus species have become one of the most commonly planted trees worldwide, including China, due to their fast growth and various commercial applications. However, the productivity of Eucalyptus plantations has been threatened by exotic invasive insect pests in recent years. Among these pests, gall inducers of the genus Ophelimus of the Eulophidae family are among the most important invasive species in Eucalyptus plantations. We report here for the first time the presence of a new invasive Eucalyptus gall wasp, Ophelimus bipolaris sp. n., in Guangzhou, China, which also represents the first species of the genus reported from China. The identity of the new species was confirmed by an integrative approach combing biological, morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is described and illustrated. This wasp induces galls only on the leaf blade surface of four Eucalyptus species: E. grandis, E. grandis × E. urophylla, E. tereticornis and E. urophylla. Our preliminary observation showed that O. bipolaris could complete a life cycle on E. urophylla in approximately 2 months under local climatic conditions (23.5-30 °C). Considering the severe damage it may cause to Eucalyptus production, further investigations of its biology and control are urgently needed in China.

A new species of Plagiotrochus from China (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae: Cynipini) galling on Quercus glauce (Fagaceae).

A new gall wasp species, Plagiotrochus hepingensis sp. n. is described from Hunan Province, China that forms integral galls on the central vein on the abaxial leaf blade surface of Quercus (Cyclobalanopsis) glauca (Fagaceae). The morphological characters of the new species are described and photographed and data on the diagnosis, distribution, and biology are given. Additionally, a specific region of the COI gene was amplified using the primers HCO-2198 and LCO-1490 and compared for both the new species and Plagiotrochus masudai Ide, Wachi Abe.

Genetic Diversity of Taro Landraces from Côte d’Ivoire Based on Qualitative Traits of Leaves

Taro is an important crop species in Côte d’Ivoire. It is cultivated for its tubers and leaves. But its knowledge and genetic diversity and differentiation are very weakly documented. Several morphological types are found in rural area, but their identification is not very clear, and their agronomic potentiality is underexploited. In this context we initiated a survey and collected 213 accessions from 14 growing regions of Côte d’Ivoire. The diversity was evaluated based on seven qualitative traits of leaves (Shape of the base of the leaf, Predominant position (shape) of the leaf blade surface, Margin of the leaf blade, Leaf blade variegation, Profile of the petiolar junction, Shape of the leaf sheath, Shape of the appendix) during an experimentation conducted in rural area. The objective of this study was to characterize the collection of taros collected in different geographical zones of Côte d’Ivoire and identify the genera cultivated. Results of our study indicated that excepted margin of the leaf blade all traits are very discriminant. Several variants were observed for each of traits. According to observations and statistics analysis accessions were separated into two main groups. The characteristics of these groups indicate that taro cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire could belong to two genera: Xanthosoma and Colocasia.

<p><strong>A new critically endangered species of <em>Bertolonia</em> (Melastomataceae, Bertolonieae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil</strong></p>

We describe here Bertolonia lucernula, a new endemic species from the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. It is only known from one locality, the “Área de Proteção Ambiental Mestre Álvaro”, in the municipality of Serra. The new species can be recognized by the branches and petioles covered with sessile and short-stalked glands and scattered unbranched trichomes, flat leaf blade surfaces covered only with sessile and short-stalked glands, small flowers with a widely campanulate hypanthium covered with the same trichomes as the petioles, calyx with membranaceous, truncate sepals, and short, triangular external teeth, asymmetric and obovate petals, with the apex covered with sessile and short-stalked glands on the adaxial surface. According to IUCN criteria, Bertolonia lucernula should be classified as Critically Endangered (CR).

Wettability, water absorption and water storage in rosette leaves of the dragon tree (Dracaena draco L.)

Main conclusionLeaf surfaces of Dracaena draco are wettable and can absorb water. The thick, basal leaf part could act as a water reservoir that changes in volume with plant hydration.Rosettes of leaves of Dracaena draco play an important role in directing fog water through leaf axils into the stem tissues, where it can be stored for further use. However, how water is intercepted and collected by the leaves remains unclear, especially since leaf blade surfaces are considered hydrophobic. Based on the observations of D. draco individuals growing in Spain and in glasshouse conditions in Poland, we hypothesised that their long leaves (~ 70 cm) are able to absorb water along the whole leaf blade, but leaf age affects this process. We used water droplet contact angle measurements, anatomical analyses of leaf cross sections along the age gradient and dye tracer experiments to test this hypothesis. The data showed that the leaf surfaces of D. draco are wettable. In general, the mature leaves of the rosette are more wettable than the young ones. Water can be absorbed both through the adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The hydrenchyma is not uniformly distributed along the leaf, it is especially abundant towards the leaf base where it forms a massive water reservoir, which changes in volume depending on plant water status. The results of these studies shed light on the role of rosettes in water absorption by D. draco, and broaden our understanding of the functioning of this vulnerable species.

A new species of Bredia (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae) from Sichuan, China.

Bredia hispida (Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), a species occurring in southeastern Sichuan, China, is newly described based on morphological and molecular data. The generic placement of B. hispida is well supported by phylogenetic analysis and morphological characters, including basally cordate, hairy leaf blade, cymose inflorescence, basally gibbous anthers and enlarged ovary crown enclosing an inverted frustum-shaped depression. Both molecular and morphological divergence showed that B. hispida is well separated from its close relatives, justifying its recognition as a distinct species. The new species resembles B. repens, B. changii and B. guidongensis in the prostrate habit and isomorphic stamens but differs markedly in the unequal opposed leaves, the 2–4 mm long, stout bristles on the adaxial surface of leaf blade and acuminate leaf apex. Bredia hispida co-occurs with B. esquirolii in the wild. No morphologically putative hybrids between them were observed despite their overlap in flowering season. The isolating mechanism remains unclear, pending further investigation.

Micromorphological alterations induced by simulated acid rain on the leaf surface of Joannesia princeps Vell. (Euphorbiaceae)

Acid rain has been detected in natural protected areas of the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil. We evaluated the effects of simulated acid rain on the leaf blade surface of Joannesia princeps, aiming to assess the species potential as biosensor of acidic precipitation. Seedlings were subjected to simulated rain prepared with pH 4.5 H2SO4-acidulated water and, in the control treatment, pH 6.0 deionized water. Severe microstructural damage was detected in the youngest leaves, consisting in wilting of epidermal common cells, which resulted on alteration of the epidermal relief due to formation of grooves among these wilted cells. Stomatal guard cells were also structurally altered, no longer presenting the turgid aspect which was visible in the control treatment. Epidermal microrelief is characterized by the presence of cuticular striae, which might have been crucial to determine the species susceptibility due to increased roughness and decreased wettability. The implications of this hypothesis are further discussed in light of recent research addressing the responses of native tree species to acid rain. The micromorphological alterations found occurred prior to the onset of visible symptoms, and therefore suggest the use of J. princeps as a biosensor of the impact by acid precipitation.

Flower morphology is correlated with distribution and phylogeny in Bertolonia (Melastomataceae), an herbaceous genus endemic to the Atlantic Forest

Several centers of endemism have been proposed for Melastomataceae, particularly in Amazonia and Atlantic Forest. Despite the high degree of human-caused degradation in the last 500 years, the Atlantic Forest still presents some of the largest levels of diversity and endemism across all angiosperms. With several recently described species in the last decade, the knowledge on Bertolonia’s distribution and morphological characterization has changed, with most new species found in northern Atlantic Forest and with different flower color patterns than the species from southern Atlantic Forest. We first tested the monophyly of the genus sampling over 85% of its species to generate a reliable phylogenetic hypothesis. Afterwards, we used Bertolonia as a model group to study distribution patterns and morphological evolution of lineages in the Atlantic Forest. Bertolonia is particularly interesting to address such questions because it is endemic to this domain, with species distributed either in the southern, central or northern portions of the Atlantic Forest. The second step of our work aimed to respond (1) Do closely related species endemic to Atlantic Forest tend to have similar distributions and share similar morphological traits? and (2) Are floral traits more conserved within clades than vegetative characters? We hypothesize that both (1) and (2) are true due to the low dispersal ability and consequent microendemic distribution of most species in the genus. Our results confirm the veracity of the proposed hypotheses. Three major groups were recovered in our analysis: marmorata, formosa and nymphaeifolia clades. Most species that occur in northern Atlantic Forest were recovered in the marmorata clade. Most species distributed in central Atlantic Forest were recovered in the formosa clade, and the ones from the southern Atlantic Forest in the nymphaeifolia clade. A similar pattern was recovered with reproductive characters reconstructed across the phylogeny. Generally, species with pink petals and cream-colored anthers with an extrorse pore occur in northern Atlantic Forest, and species with white petals and yellow anthers with an introrse or apical pore tend to occur in southern Atlantic Forest. Some vegetative characters also have evolutionary congruence and are restricted to one or few lineages, while other characters, such as the texture of the leaf blade surface, have a strong taxonomic value and are useful to identify species, but are not homologous. Our analysis also indicates that the division between southern and northern Atlantic Forest could also be related to ancient events, not only linked with recent phylogeographic patterns. Moreover, we suggest that the orientation of the anther pore in Bertolonia could be related with diversity of species and stability of its populations. In summary, we corroborate, based on the evolutionary history of Bertolonia, that closely related species endemic to Atlantic Forest tend to have similar distributions and share similar morphological floral traits.

Особливості функціонування фотосинтетичного апарату листя дерев перспективних сортів і форм сливи (Prunus domestica L.)

The influence of the photosynthetic apparatus on the formation of the economic and biological traits of the plum 13 cultivars and 10 elite forms of different ripening terms was evaluated at the L.P. Symyrenko Research Station of Pomology and in the Laboratory of the Plant Physiology and Microbiology of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine. Those cvs and forms were bred inland and abroad. The morphological physiological indicators – the leaf blade surface, specific leaf surface density, content of water as well as of the chlorophylls a and b were used in order to analyze the leaf apparatus organization. The close correlation was revealed of pigments amount variability and above mentioned chlorophylls ratio, on the one hand, and negative correlation (r = -0,85) between chlorophyll b content and ratio of the both mentioned chlorophylls, on the other hand. That confirms the high adaptive capacity and regulatory possibilities of the plum trees leaves chloroplasts pigment systems concerning the light regime changes in the crown. The researches have shown that the correlation between the water content and leaf surface (r = 0,35) is not significant. Thus, leaves with the more intensive metabolism are characterized with somewhat strained water homeostasis. During the investigations years in the group of the early ripening the varieties Oda and Herman distinguish themselves for the highest yield (13,68 t/ha and 14,03 t/ha respectively), among middle-ripening the cultivars Cacakska Najbolia (17,57 t/ha), Yantarna Mliivska (17,40 t/ha), Zamanchyva (15,89 t/ha) and the hybrid form № 12516 (15,66 t/ha), late-ripening cv Bluefree (16,35 t/ha) and the hybrid № 8124 (Prestige – 16,18 t/ha) under the similar cultivation conditions.

Drymonia croatii (Gesneriaceae), a new species from the Pacific slopes of the Colombian Andes

Drymonia croatii, a new species of Gesneriaceae from the Pacific slopes of the Colombian Andes (department of Valle del Cauca) is described and illustrated. Drymonia croatii is similar to D. ovatifolia and D. foliacea; it is differentiated by the following characters: indument on stem and leaves composed of a combination of simple (septate and non-septate) and glandular hairs; peltate glandular hairs on the abaxial surfaces of leaf blades, inflorescence bracts and calyx; corolla tube white with purple veins outside and a yellow ventral canal inside, basal third of the corolla tube narrow, corolla lobes purple with fimbriate margins; and a fleshy capsule with reflexed valves that are light yellow with brown dots adaxially.