Wild Onions Research Articles

Variation of the Montezuma Quail's Diet in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

The Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a game bird that inhabits oak-juniper-pine savannas of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, extending its range south into montane grasslands of Mexico. The species occurs within a complex matrix of public and private rangeland in which land management regimes and habitat quality are disparate. Given that food limitation can be a driver of wildlife populations, studies of the Montezuma quail diet can inform the management of its habitat. Our objective was to determine the composition and variation of the Montezuma quail's diet in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas by macrohistological analysis of crops (n = 175) collected in 2016−2020 during winter in all three states and during spring in Texas. We used Dirichlet regression to determine the effects of ecological factors on diet composition. Winter diet in Arizona was mainly represented by woodsorrel bulbs (Oxalis spp.; 35.22% of dry weight), sedge rhizomes and bulbs (Cyperus spp.; 30.92%), and acorns (Quercus spp.; 7.17%). Winter diet in New Mexico consisted mainly of sedge bulbs (64.13%), bushbean seeds (Macroptilium sp.; 15.82%), and Hall's panicum seeds (Panicum hallii; 10.11%). Winter diet in Texas was composed of sedge rhizomes and bulbs (28.17%), Texas snoutbeans (Rhynchosia senna; 22.49), Hall's panicum seeds (19.54%), and wild onions (Allium spp.; 8.58%). Spring diet in Texas included sedge rhizomes and bulbs (67.90%), woodsorrel bulbs (19.49%), and Texas snoutbeans (5.55%). Geographic variation in diet composition was related to climatic, ecological, and intrinsic factors. For instance, in addition to being consumed by males at a higher rate, woodsorrel bulbs were also consumed at a greater rate in hotter and wetter locations. Along with novel information about the Montezuma quail diet in Texas, our investigation will stimulate questions relevant to rangeland and wildlife management, including determinants of habitat quality and the effects of climate change on wildlife populations.

Front Cover: Tetrathiaporphyrine: A Novel Natural Product from Allium Subgenus Melanocrommyum (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 20/2023)

The Front Cover shows a new class of bloody-red sulfur compounds, so called tetrathiaporphyrines, which could be isolated from some wild onions (genus Allium L.). These plants are known as drumstick onions and belong to the subgenus Melanocrommyum. This pigment is formed enzymatically if plant tissue is injured. Now, the colour-giving tetrathiaporphyrine, representing a new class of chemical pigments, could be fully synthesized, using 2-thiocyanato-1H-pyrrole as starting block. The final structure of the pigment was confirmed by X-ray crystallography of the reddish, flat crystals. More information can be found in the Research Article by M. Keusgen et al.

Cloning and Expression Analysis of Onion (Allium cepa L.) MADS-Box Genes and Regulation Mechanism of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility.

Flower organ development is one of the most important processes in plant life. However, onion CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility) shows an abnormal development of floral organs. The regulation of MADS-box transcription factors is important for flower development. To further understand the role of MADS-box transcription factors in the regulation of cytoplasmic male sterility onions. We cloned the full-length cDNA of five MADS-box transcription factors from the flowers of onion using RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) technology. We used bioinformatics methods for sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression patterns of these genes in different onion organs. The relative expression levels of five flower development genes were compared in CMS onions and wild onions. The results showed that the full-length cDNA sequences of the cloned MADS-box genes AcFUL, AcDEF, AcPI, AcAG, and AcSEP3 belonged to A, B, C, and E MADS-box genes, respectively. A phylogenetic tree construction analysis was performed on its sequence. Analysis of MADS-box gene expression in wild onion and CMS onion showed that the formation of CMS onion was caused by down-regulation of AcDEF, AcPI, and AcAG gene expression, up-regulation of AcSEP3 gene expression, and no correlation with AcFUL gene expression. This work laid the foundation for further study of the molecular mechanism of onion flower development and the molecular mechanism of CMS onion male sterility.

New insights into the phylogenetic relationships among wild onions (Allium, Amaryllidaceae), with special emphasis on the subgenera Anguinum and Rhizirideum, as revealed by plastomes.

The genus Allium, with over 900 species, is one of the largest monocotyledonous genera and is widely accepted with 15 recognized subgenera and 72 sections. The robust subgeneric and sectional relationships within Allium have long been not resolved. Based on 76 species of Allium (a total of 84 accessions), we developed a highly resolved plastome phylogenetic framework by integrating 18 newly sequenced species (20 accessions) in this study and assessed their subgeneric and sectional relationships, with special emphasis on the two subgenera Anguinum and Rhizirideum. We retrieved the three major evolutionary lines within Allium and found that the two subgenera Anguinum and Rhizirideum are monophyletic whereas others are highly polyphyletic (e.g., Allium, Cepa, Polyprason, and Melanocrommyum). Within the subgenus Anguinum, two strongly supported sublineages in East Asian and Eurasian-American were found. Allium tricoccum in North America belonged to the Eurasian clade. The distinct taxonomic status of A. ulleungense and its sister taxon were further determined. In subg. Rhizirideum, the Ulleung Island endemic A. dumebuchum shared its most recent common ancestor with the species from Mongolia and the narrow Korean endemic A. minus. Two Ulleung Island endemics were estimated to originate independently during the Pleistocene. In addition, a separate monotypic sectional treatment of the east Asian A. macrostemon (subg. Allium) and sister relationship between A. condensatum and A. chinense was suggested.

Safe as Lightning by Scudder H. Parker

Reviewed by: Safe as Lightning by Scudder H. Parker Patricia Carragon (bio) safe as lightning Scudder H. Parker Rootstock Publishing https://www.rootstockpublishing.com/rootstock-books/safe-as-lightning 134 pages; Print, $15.95 For someone who lived most of her life trapped in the hustle and bustle of filthy streets and subways, surrounded by noise and air pollution, and devalued by toxic work conditions that added to her generational karma, reading Scudder H. Parker's Safe as Lightning would have been daunting. However, it wasn't. In fact, it was spiritually enlightening. Having been through the COVID-19 lockdown for most of 2020, I shifted from political anger to being grounded—more open to oneness with nature and humanity, learning to forgive myself and others, putting the past on the shelf, and experiencing life in a haiku moment. Parker's approach is no-frills. His poetry has a forgotten wholesomeness seen in children's books or in movies like It's a Wonderful Life. His poems are honest, untainted by sentimentality. His simplicity and humility tell stories [End Page 145] of everyday life without urban drama: his boyhood to manhood, the family farm, living in Vermont, his marriage and family, and so forth. We get to laugh at the author's dilemma of feeding the cats. We learn how unruly broccoli can be and that he has an affection for toads. He introduces us to his grandson, his mother's art, and more. In his introductory poem, "The Poem of the World," Parker brings our senses to hear, see, and feel nature: a doe tapping its hoof to break the ice, purplish rust on forsythia leaves, red and blue potatoes drying in the sun, the lovemaking tickles of shared laughter, the singing of ocean pebbles, and a morning chorus of birds. The wanting to become part of the natural world. Each stanza is as exquisite as the first. The one that resonates the most is: The poem of the world wants me to wakein my own body; it is astonished I might letthese bones grow brittle. The author realizes that he is trapped in a body destined to age, but his environment leaves him in awe. He learns to live in the present, not to worry about the future. His call to serving the public and for Christ Conscientious humanizes Jesus Christ in "Early Memories of Jesus." He depicts Christ as his secret friend, rather than the iconic Savior on the Cross, in the Bible, or in a sermon: Though I never spoke his name,he was the friend who daydreamed with me … He could find wild gingerunder leaves bleached and frailed by winter;blue cohosh uncurling fingersthe color of evening in a maple woods.We found and ate wild onions, green flags,red bulbs flecked with loam,so spring would infect our breath. He goes on to say that Christ taught him how to enjoy the land and its riches, and share their echoes across the valley. The Crucifixion never entered their conversations. It was best left in the past. Parker believes that Christ wasn't [End Page 146] overcome by charity after leaving home, but finally reached God through sacrifice. Years pass, and their friendship endures. Christ has a small place on the edge of town, and they pick wild onions for soup, watch the night sky lighten: I asked if he had heard from God.He said he hadn'tand still missed him,but he understoodhow easy it is to get preoccupied. As we talked, the moon—the somewhat predictabletemporary moon—that tugstwice every day at our bodiesrose like a fragile eggin the denim sky. As an adult, Sutter retains his intimate friendship with the human Christ. Christ hasn't heard from God, possibly because God might be preoccupied. There is no malice or rancor, only a compassionate understanding as they watch the "fragile egg" moon rise in the "denim sky." The farm metaphors work, bring humility and acceptance to close the final stanza. In "Humility," Parker opens his wounds. It takes twenty-five years for him to learn from his land's rot within his...

Intraspecific differentiation of Allium canadense var. canadense (Amaryllidaceae) across the North American Coastal Plain

AbstractPolyploidy increases genetic variation in plants, leading to adaptations allowing expansion into novel habitats and increased genetic differentiation among populations isolated by barriers to dispersal. Allium canadense var. canadense is a polyploid taxon distributed within the North American Coastal Plain (NACP) biodiversity hotspot. It is the only one of six varieties in a species complex of wild onions native to North America that exhibits bulbils responsible for vegetative reproduction, which may lead to low levels of genetic variation within populations. Despite its threatened/endangered status in the northeast United States and noxious weed listing in Arkansas, USA, little is known about intraspecific differentiation among populations which may be impacted by riverine barriers or seasonal latitudinal gradients. We used sequences of one nuclear (ITS) and two chloroplast (trnL‐F and rpl32‐trnL) DNA regions generated from eight populations in the NACP and one population in Kansas, USA to examine genetic diversity and population structure of A. canadense var. canadense. A total of 12 ITS ribosomal and 10 chloroplast DNA haplotypes were identified. Phylogenetic analyses indicated two major lineages which corresponded to the genealogical relationships identified in the population structure analyses. Significant genetic subdivision among populations was detected across all populations by analysis of molecular variance. Overall, geographic structuring is apparent among populations of A. canadense var. canadense and populations showed moderate levels of gene diversity. These findings are indicative of the complex nature of polyploids and their contribution to genetic diversity among populations with mating systems that might otherwise have no phylogeographic structure.

Composition of the Montezuma Quail’s Diet in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas

The Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) is a popular game bird and an indicator species of oak-pine savannas in the northern part of its range. In Arizona and New Mexico, USA, robust populations allow for a hunting season from mid-November through mid-February. However, there is no open hunting season for this quail in Texas, USA. Data on the Montezuma quail’s diet can provide new information and improve management of the species. Our objective was to analyze the diet composition of the Montezuma quail in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Specimens were collected by hunters in Arizona and New Mexico during 2016–2020 seasons and by researchers during 2018–2020 winter and spring seasons in Texas. We estimated the diet composition by macrohistological analysis of the collected quail crops. We found a high variety of food items: 178 items or morphospecies in crops (n = 175), from which 110 and 66 items were of plant and animal origin, respectively, and 2 unidentified items. We found an average (± standard error) of 5.89 ± 0.42 items/crop (range = 0–22) in Arizona (n = 107) samples, 4.15 ± 0.99 items/crop (range = 1–13) in New Mexico (n = 13), and 4.38 ± 0.40 items/crop (range = 1–12) in Texas (n = 55). Winter diet of Montezuma quail in Arizona was mainly represented by bulbs of Oxalis spp. (35.22% of dry weight), bulbs and rhizomes of Cyperus spp. (30.92%), acorns (Quercus spp.; 7.17%), and tepari beans (Phaseolus acutifolius; 6.50%). Winter diet in New Mexico consisted mainly of bulbs of Cyperus spp. (64.13%), beans of Macroptilium spp. (15.82%), and Panicum hallii grains (10.11%). In Texas, winter diet consisted mostly of rhizomes and bulbs of Cyperus spp. (28.17%), Rhynchosia senna beans (22.49%), P. hallii grains (19.54%), Allium wild onions (8.58%), and Cylindropuntia imbricata seeds (4.16%). The Montezuma quail’s spring diet in Texas consisted mainly of rhizomes and bulbs of Cyperus spp. (61.64%) and bulbs of Oxalis spp. (19.46%). The Montezuma quail diet changes in composition and proportion according to the site and season, but bulbs and rhizomes of Cyperus spp. are the predominant food items in all 3 states. This work provides novel information about the winter and spring diet of Montezuma quail in Texas. Information about Montezuma quail diet at several temporal and geographic scales will prove to be highly relevant to implement better management and conservation strategies in the northern edge of the species’ range.

Recommendations for the conservation of the wild onions (Allium) gene pool in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia

Abstract. Relevance. Preservation of the plant genetic diversity is necessary for carrying out largescale breeding activities in order to improve existing economically important species and create varieties of cultivated plants. The priority method is the in situ conservation. Hence is the relevance of studies of vulnerable crop wild relatives (CWR) in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia (NWFDR) for designing recommendations on their in situ conservation.Materials. The materials used in the present work were the herbarium collections of the N.I. Vavilov All-Russian Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (WIR), of the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (LE), as well as the literature data, results of expeditionary surveys by VIR in 1946, 1948 and 1949, and from 2005 to 2020. The species included in the regional Red Data Books (RDB) were analyzed, data from GBIF and CWR open databases, and materials and maps of the Agroatlas used.Results and Discussions. Six species of the genus Allium, i.e. A. angulosum L., A. oleraceum L., A. schoenoprasum L., A. strictum Schrad., A. vineale L., and A. ursinum L. have been identified and proposed for conservation in the Northwestern Federal District of Russia. Maps have been built, numerous data sources, as well as the author’s own observations, analyzed. Conservation recommendations have been developed for each species based on their vulnerability.

Revealing the features of the formation of the properties of processed cheese with wild onions

Processed cheeses belong to food products of high nutritional and biological value. Bioflavonoids, which are widespread in higher plants and have a number of unique properties, are practically not found in traditional processed cheese chunks. Quercetin is most commonly found in plant flavonoids. Most studies have confirmed the following basic biological properties of quercetin: immunostimulating effect (increases the activity of phagocytes, T- and B-lymphocytes; increases the production of antibodies, reduces the manifestations of secondary immunodeficiency, the incidence of viral infections); oncoprotective effect due to a decrease in the damaging effect of oxygen radicals on the genetic apparatus; antioxidant protection; positive effect in cardiovascular diseases, etc. The cheapest, most bioavailable and frequently used plant raw materials are onions, which also contain bioflavonoids. The article explores the use of wild onions in the creation of functional processed cheese. In connection with the spread of coronavirus infection, it is necessary to strengthen the body's immunity with the help of nutrition. The experiments carried out have established the quantitative presence of flavonoids, vitamin K in processed cheese with wild onions. Inulin and saponins were found in the composition of wild onions, which also proves the advisability of using wild onions in food. The research results on the development of a technology for a new processed cheese and a method of adding wild onion filler in different variations: fresh and in the form of a powder are presented. It was found that fresh addition of Allium odorum imparts a sharp onion aroma, and when dried it imparts a slightly chalky aroma to the final product. The positive effect of the vegetable filler on the shelf life of processed cheese has been proven.

Crystallographic control of homeopathy influence on plant growth and aging

Currently, a large arsenal of stimulants is used for plant growth, mainly gibberellins, amino acids and mineral salts (“Gibbor-M”, “Ovary”, “Gibberross”, etc.). Growth stimulants increase the plant immunity against pests. Soaking seedlings in stimulant solutions during rooting and transplantation promotes stimulation of root formation and increased survival.
 
 Considering the aforesaid, an attempt of use of homeopathic medicine Arnica 3CH for increase in stability of fragments of bulbs of wild onions at reproduction has been made by division. The percent of death of plants was 60% less, than in control. Biosubstrata (juice of leaves) have crystallized under natural conditions by a technique of a classical crystalloscopy. The correctness of course of processes of crystallization was studied by means of assessment of extent of destruction of the crystalloscopic facies. [1] This parameter in skilled group remained above a similar indicator of control groups throughout all experiment. In control group of plants, the maximum destruction of the facies was registered.
 
 Root crops were used in the present study. Plants were grown in 3 different manners: organic farming methods, use of homeopathic medicines and the controls were plants grown with industrial techniques. The results showed significant difference between the groups of carrots, beets and potatoes grown with different techniques with thesiographic and crystallographic control [2]. Facies differed considerably relative to number and type of crystals and ratio. The crystalline structures on the facies of beets grown using homeopathy were very large, occupying a considerable area of the field. The crystalline structures on the facies of beets grown with organic methods had an elongated shape, and large amounts were located at the center of the facies. Crystal structures in beet-roots, grown industrially, have a compact form, with a much smaller size than that of beets, grown with using homeopathy and organics [3,4]. Conducted studies shown the effect of homoeopathic influence over root growing after single application by bedding in relation to control variants of this plants cultivation, which confirms the views on the electromagnetic wave nature of the homeopathic phenomenon introduced by Russian scientists in 2000 [5].
 
 Therefore, application of the crystallographic method to the study of the study of the effects of potentized medicines on plants has much potential, requiring systematic studies.

К биологии разных образцов лука черемши в условиях Башкирского Предуралья

Abstract. The purpose is to study the phenology, morphometry, reproductive biology, and propagation characteristics of the following species and samples of wild ramson onion: A. microdictyon Prokh. (Bashkir sample), A. victorialis L. (Moscow and Syktyvkar samples), A. ursinum L. (Moscow sample), A. ochotense Prokh. (Syktyvkar and Irkutsk samples). Methods. The study of wild ramson samples was carried out in 2016-2020 under the conditions of the culture in the South-Ural Botanical garden-institute of the UFRC RAS (Bashkir Cis-Urals, northern forest-steppe). The study of the seasonal rhythm of growth and development was carried out according to the method of phenological observations by I. N. Beideman and I. V. Borisova. Determination of winter hardiness and resistance to adverse weather conditions, pests and diseases, reproduction coefficient and seed productivity was carried out according to generally accepted recommendations. Results. According to the phenorhythmotype, the studied species are short-growing, spring-early-summer flowering. A. ursinum – ephemeroid, A. microdictyon, A. ochotense and A. victorialis – hemi-ephemeroid. The flowering phase occurs in late May-early June. The duration of flowering of wild ramson samples by year is 13-22 days. Seed maturation occurs in July. A. ursinum vegetation ends in July, the remaining samples-in August. The largest number of fruits and seeds are allocated samples of A. victorialis and A. microdictyon, the smallest – A. ursinum. Samples of A. microdictyon, A. ursinum and A. victorialis have a high percentage of fruit blooming. The weight of 1000 seeds of A. microdictyon is 3.6 g, A. ursinum – 5.9 g, A. victorialis – 6.3–6.7 g, A. ochotense – 7.9–8.5 g. Wild ramson seeds when sown in the open ground do not germinate in the same year: autumn sowing sprouts in 17–18 months, spring – in a year. To accelerate germination, it is recommended to stratify seeds for 2.5–3 months at a temperature of 0–3 °C. Scientific novelty. Research work on the study of wild ramson onions in the region of the Bashkir Cis-Urals has not yet been carried out. These species of onions have a wide resource value, which was caused by the high relevance of these studies.

Biochemical composition of vegetable raw materials and the impact of dosage on the properties of processed cheese

The object of research is the cream cheese, elaborated using vegetable raw materials.
 Investigated problem: This article provides information on the biochemical composition of leaves of A. odorum. The leaves of wild onions revealed a high content of vitamin C, macro- and microelements and other biologically active substances, indicating high nutritional and vitamin value and prospects of these species for use as fillers in the dairy industry.
 The main scientific results: A. odorum refers to green vegetable plants, rich enough variety of biologically active substances. Unlike other perennial species of onion, A. odorum characterized by low protein content (1.1–1.8 %) and a relatively high solids content (in the bulb up to 17 % in the leaves 10,5–11,3 %), sugars (10,9–12,1 %).
 The area of practical use of the research results: There will be researched a possibility of Allium odorum usage as an addition for new processed cheese production and an influence of plant raw material dosage on structure of the processed cheese.
 Innovative technological product: Products developed within the framework of integrated technology are distinguished by high quality, nutritional value, safety, preservation of special nutrients: essential amino acids, fatty acids, omega 6 vitamins, bioflavonoids. The recipe solutions about the elements of innovative complex technologies are reflected in the patents that are included in the Derwent database.
 Scope of the innovative technological product: Plant raw materials can be used both in pharmaceuticals to isolate saponins and to increase the nutritional and biological value of food products. In this article, we considered it in the production of processed cheeses, but it can be used as a seasoning for dishes. Content of inulin, quercetin, saponins, vitamin K, selenium, etc. makes this source very promising, it also has fungicidal properties and allows you to increase the shelf life of food products.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Root Colonizing Dark Septate Endophyic Fungal Associations in Urginea indica and Urginea wightii Accessions

Urginea indica belongs to Hyacinthaceae family. It is also known as Indian squill, commonly called as wild Onions. The over exploitation and habitat degradation has resulted in the loss of habitat and it has caused genetic depletion and loss of genetic diversity. Immediate Measures have to be undertaken for conservation, to save this economically important medicinal plant. The present investigation is an attempt to highlight the occurance of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and Dark Septate Endophyte (DSE) fungal association found in the root bulbs of Urginea indica. 8 Accessions of Urginea was examined in Urginea indica kunth and Urginea wightii accessions, collected from various regions of Karnataka and South India. Fungal Symbiosis was present in all the accessions, with 100% root infection. Urginea has DSE fungal association and AM Association.
 This is the first report on the DSE fungal association in Urginea indica kunth. In addition to the prevalance of AM fungal symbiosis. The role of DSE is still in infancy. Though noclear relationship between AM and DSE fungal colonizations was recognized. Our studies suggests the coexistence of AM and DSE fungal colonizations are common terrestrial habitats especially the xerophytic environment. DSE-plant symbiosis should not be limited to nutritional uptake but mediates other parameters such as drought resistance, stress tolerance and herbivore resistance. Our results show 100% infection by AM and DSE fungal colonies. Infection levels were high throughout the year, the highest levels occurring in the most nutrient-stressed situations. Their occurrence and variaton in different accessions is discussed below.

Wild edible onions — Allium flavum and Allium carinatum — successfully prevent adverse effects of chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin

The objective of this study was to evaluate potential of two chemically characterized edible wild onion species, Allium flavum and Allium carinatum, to reduce side effects of cytostatic doxorubicin (Dox). Since Dox application is mainly limited due to its high cardiotoxicity, while there are no approved cardioprotective agents for the prevention of Dox adverse effects, new co-treatments are urgently needed. Here, we showed that methanol extracts expressed high antioxidant activity and synergistically increased Dox anticancer activity against human hepatoma (HepG2) and lung carcinoma (A549) cells, while protected normal human fibroblasts (MRC-5) from Dox cytotoxicity. Analysis of the antioxidative enzymes level (catalase and superoxide dismutases) showed that the catalase level was differently altered in cancer cells compared to normal cells upon applied treatments. In vivo toxicity evaluation in the zebrafish model revealed significantly lower toxicity of extracts compared to Dox, and no teratogenic effects at applied doses. We found that extracts successfully rescued the Dox-treated embryos of life-threating cardiomyopathy, while at the same time reduced developmental toxicity and neutropenia. Further analysis demonstrated that extracts had higher anti-angiogenic activity than sunitinib or auranofin, clinically used antiangiogenic drugs. In addition, angiogenesis was markedly more suppressed in Dox-extract cotreatments than upon single treatments.

Effect of species on total phenol, antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds of different wild onion bulbs

This study was focused on investigation of phenolic compounds, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activities of some wild onions (Crocus chrysanthus (SDA1), Hyacinthella campanislata (SDA2), Muscari armaniacum (SDA3), Ornithogalum armeniacum (SDA4), Gagea granatelli (SDA5), Hyacinthella heldreichii (SDA6), Muscari neglectum (SDA7), Ornithogalum lanceolatum (SDA-8). SDA-3 had the maximum total phenolic content, with the range of 88.19 mg/100 g, followed by SDA-1 (82.50 mg/100 g). SDA-1 (29.32%) exhibited the best antioxidant activity, followed by SDA-3 (27.92%). The major phenolic compound of SDA-3, SDA-4, SDA-5, SDA-6 and SDA-8 was (+)-catechin, with the ranges of 35.23, 30.76, 33.72, 44.42 and 50.85 mg/100 g, respectively. The dominant phenolic acid of SDA-1 (86.15 mg/100 g) and SDA-7 (22.07 mg/100 g) was determined as gallic acid. Additionally, SDA-2 contained the highest content of isorhamnetin (53.87 mg/100 g). Results indicate that the bulbs of studied plants are potential sources of phenolic compounds and their methanolic extracts have antioxidant activity.

Wild plants for sale in the markets of Pécs then and now (Baranya, Hungary)

Based on ethnographic and botanical sources as well as observations between 2012 and 2015, we have data about the sale of 130 species of wild plants in the markets of Hungary’s fifth largest city. Most species, 98 of them, were sold as bouquets or wreaths, as ornamental plants. Sources reported sales of 67 wildflowers in the past, while between 2012–2015 they offered a total of 57 species in ornamental bouquets at the market but only 23 of the species sold in the past were among them. The main reason for changes in the wildflower species is that several species have become protected and hence their sale prohibited. Based on the available data, only 30 species of herbs and edible plants gathered in the wild were sold – 10 species as wild vegetables, 6 species as flowers, and 18 species as fruits. Today, of the edible wild species, mostly wild fruits and wild onions are available on a regular basis. Because the sale of medicinal plants became regulated very early on, their sale in the markets is not common, available mostly through wholesalers and already processed. Even today it is mostly edible herbs that are available in the market. During the 4 years of observation, they also sold 38 mushroom species in the markets of Pécs as forest products.

Book of the Generations

Book of the Generations Kelli Jo Ford (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution Beulah Springs, Oklahoma 1974 [End Page 145] 1 When Lula stepped into the yard, the stray cat Justine held took off so fast it scratched her and sent the porch swing sideways. Justine had been feeding the stray, hoping to find its litter of kittens in spite of her mother's disdain for extra mouths or creatures prone to parasites. She tried to smooth cat hair from her lap. She'd wanted everything to be perfect when she told her mom that she'd tracked down her father in Texas and used the neighbor's phone to call him. "That thing's going to give you worms." Lula dropped her purse onto the porch. She hadn't been able to catch a ride from work. With a deep sigh, she untucked her blouse and undid the long green polyester skirt she'd started sewing as soon as she'd seen the Help Wanted sign at the insurance office. She was a secretary now, and as she liked to tell Justine, people called her "Mrs." and complimented her handwriting. "I'll wash up," Justine said. She'd already decided today wasn't the day. Like yesterday. And the day before that. "At least let me say hi." Lula kicked off dusty pumps and let her weight drop into the swing beside Justine. The swing skittered haywire as Lula pulled bobby pins from her bun, scratching her scalp. Her long salt-and-pepper braid fell past her shoulder and curled under her breast. "Bless us, Lord," she said, the words nearly a song. She closed her eyes, and as she whispered an impromptu prayer, she touched the end of her braid to the mole on her lip that she still called her beauty mark. As a girl, Justine had pored over the pictures from Lula's time at Chilocco Indian School, trying to see her mother in the stone-cold fox who stared out from the old photographs. Lula's clothes hung loosely, even more faded than the other girls' in the pictures, but something about her gaze—framed by short black curls, of all things—made it seem as if she were the only one in the photo. If Marilyn Monroe had come of age in an Indian boarding school and had fierce brown eyes instead of scared blue ones, that would have been young Lula. Justine kept the old pictures in a box hidden in the top of the closet where she kept her Rolling Stones and a mood ring, other forbidden things. She hadn't thought of the pictures in ages, but she did now as she watched her mom in prayer. [End Page 146] Lula whispered "Amen," caught Justine staring at her. "Granny's out gathering wild onions with Aunt Celia," Justine said quickly. "Late in the year for it," Lula said. She unrolled her nylon stockings and wiggled her toes in the air. In the way of Cherokee women, Lula could still make you feel that she held down the Earth around her one moment and then seem almost like a girl the next. "Did you do your homework?" "I swept and did the rugs too." "My Teeny," Lula said, calling her the name that had stuck when Justine's middle sister hadn't been able to say her name. Together they pushed the swing back and let it fall forward. Justine closed her eyes. In the cool air that had come with the night's rain, her mother's warmth felt nice, which made the words she'd been practicing feel all the worse. "Evenings like this make me wonder how a body would want to set their bones anywhere other than these hills," Lula said. Justine opened her eyes. The two-bedroom house they rented with her Granny sat on the edge of Beulah Springs, the outer walls almost as much tar paper as asphalt shingle. She had her own room, now that her sisters had married themselves out of state, but her mother and Granny still split a room barely big enough for one. Hand-sewn curtains strung on...

ANALYSIS OF SURVIVAL STRATEGIES OF SPECIES ALLIUM L. IN THE RUSSIAN CAUCASUS

The aim. The main objective of this work is to analyze the survival strategies of 20 species of the Allium genus in the Russian part of the Caucasus (Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Ingushetia and Dagestan). Methods. Life strategies of wild onions have been considered within the concept of L. Ramensky and J. Grime, using the most significant feature markers at the organismal and population-ontogenetic levels. Re-

Iris yellow spot virus (Tospovirus: Bunyaviridae): from obscurity to research priority.

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is in the genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae, with a single-stranded, tri-segmented RNA genome with an ambisense genome organization. Members of the other genera in the family infect predominantly vertebrates and insects. IYSV is present in most Allium-growing regions of the world. Virions are pleomorphic particles of 80-120 nm in size. The particle consists of RNA, protein, glycoprotein and lipids. IYSV shares the genomic features of other tospoviruses: a segmented RNA genome of three RNAs, referred to as large (L), medium (M) and small (S). The L RNA codes for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in negative sense. The M RNA uses an ambisense coding strategy and codes for the precursor for the GN /GC glycoprotein in the viral complementary (vc) sense and a non-structural protein (NSm) in the viral (v) sense. The S RNA also uses an ambisense coding strategy with the coat protein (N) in vc sense and a non-structural protein (NSs) in the v sense. The virus is transmitted by Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Order: Thysanoptera; Family: Thripidae; onion thrips) and with less efficiency by Frankliniella fusca Hinds (tobacco thrips). HOST: IYSV has a relatively broad host range, including cultivated and wild onions, garlic, chives, leeks and several ornamentals. Some weeds are naturally infected by IYSV and may serve as alternative hosts for the virus. IYSV symptoms in Allium spp. are yellow- to straw-coloured, diamond-shaped lesions on leaves and flowering scapes. Diamond-shaped lesions are particularly pronounced on scapes. As the disease progresses, the lesions coalesce, leading to lodging of the scapes. In seed crops, this could lead to a reduction in yield and quality. Early to mid-season infection in bulb crops results in reduced vigour and bulb size. Resistant varieties are not available, but a limited number of accessions with field tolerance have been identified. Integrated disease management tactics, including sanitation, crop rotation, thrips management, maintenance of optimal plant vigour, soil fertility, irrigation and physical separation of bulb and seed crops, can mitigate the effect of the disease. Virus code: 00.011.0.85.009 Useful link: http://www.alliumnet.com/.

Midsummer, 1994

Midsummer, 1994 Jenna Bazzell (bio) She lets the darkness kneel beside her. Night pushes open the screen-door and my mother out of her body. She sits in a bass boat afloat on cinderblocks drawing the voices of her miscarried daughters through fishing line: train wheels squalling, six-foot snow drifts, a black walnut tree being uprooted. She hasn’t spoken in days. She’s afraid the stories she tells will repeat themselves— her father shooting a rattlesnake, a dream in which my bones turn to wire. She lifts my ribcage from my body and opens it like an exhibit. Bruise-colored clouds hang like weights and white moths flit in her flashlight beam that veers off into the backyard illuminating bands of wild onions, broken rock. A stolen road cone hides behind the shed. She cups her hand around her mouth, and repeats hello—is anyone there? [End Page 110] Jenna Bazzell Jenna Bazzell has an MFA from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. She holds three honorable mentions for her poems from the Academy of American Poets and has been published in Crab Orchard Review, cream city review, Hayden’s Ferry Review, Passages North, Naugatuck River Review, Southern Indiana Review, and Sou’wester. She is the associate editor of Cimarron Review. Copyright © 2014 University of Wisconsin Board of Regents