Taxonomic remarks on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum</Emphasis> L. and ×<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticosecale</Emphasis> Wittm.

The recent treatment of Triticum by Mac Key (2005) (broad species concept) is compared to the classical treatment by Dorofeev et al. (1979, English translation expected) (narrow species concept). A detailed infraspecific treatment was abandoned by Mac Key. Following his revision, names for many of the infraspecific taxa become obsolete. This is regarded to be a disadvantage for biodiversity and genetic resources studies. We propose maintaining ×Triticosecale Wittm. as a nothogenus, with ×T. rimpaui Wittm. for octoploid races, ×T. neoblaringhemii A. Camus for hexaploid races and ×T. semisecale (Mac Key) K. Hammer et A. Filat. (new combination) for tetraploid races.     

Are <Emphasis Type="Italic">Melilotus albus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">M. officinalis</Emphasis> conspecific?

The principal economic species of the genus Melilotus are white sweet-clover (Melilotus albus) and the extremely similar yellow sweet-clover (M. officinalis). Although they are widely recognized as distinct species, some influential references in North America reduce the former to a subspecific rank or even merely a conspecific synonym of the latter. Given their importance and the large numbers of germplasm collections, the doubt needs to be resolved. This review of relevant published evidence finds that in addition to the difference in floral colour, the traditional segregation of the two as distinct species is best supported by very strong reproductive barriers as well as divergent DNA sequences in three barcoding genes. Additional but weaker confirmation of separateness is provided by studies reporting differences in external morphology, biochemistry, seed protein profiles, karyotype and DNA microsatellites.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Arnica montana</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">atlantica</Emphasis>: Really a subspecies?

In Arnica montana L. (Asteraceae) two subspecies are described, A. montana subsp. atlantica (AMA), present only on the Iberian Peninsula and A. montana subsp. montana (AMM) with a very wide distribution area. The morphological differences between the two subspecies are small and variable. Therefore, this concept is sometimes questioned. To establish the genetic background of the two subspecies, populations of AMA and AMM together with herbarium samples and DNA Bank material of AMM were tested with 12 microsatellite markers. A. montana propagates by seeds or by clonal propagation of its rhizome. In AMA, clonality was frequent while in AMM only one case of clonality could be identified. Therefore, further results were clone-corrected. Genetically, AMA separated very well from AMM with a G_ST between the subspecies of 0.81, genetically justifying the subspecies concept of A. montana. Genetic variability in AMA (H_exp?=?0.28) was lower than in the AMM populations (H_exp?=?0.70). A somewhat higher fixation index of AMA (F_ST?=?0.17, compared to an F_ST?=?0.08 for AMM) may indicate that geneflow in AMA is a bit more restricted than in alpine AMM. However, the fixation index of AMA is not deviating from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. No inbreeding was observed for AMA (F_IS?=?0.10) and AMM (F_IS?=?0.08).     

The ‘Bavarian Turnip’ — a rediscovered local vegetable variety of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica rapa</Emphasis> L. em. Metzg. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">rapa</Emphasis>

The Bavarian Turnip (Bayerische Rübe, Brassica rapa L. em. Metzg. var. rapa) is a nearly lost crop today. Until 1900, this local variety was commonly grown in Bavaria for human consumption. The special and very distinct characters of this variety in comparison with recent breeds are preferred by the farmers families and assured the persistence and survival of this turnip in situ (on farm). In the region of Dachau and Freising, located north of Munich, only four farms are known, where this old crop is still grown and maintained. Urgent measures have to be taken to safe this cultural relict for future generations.     

Genetic mapping of the gene for brittle rachis in a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis>—<Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops triuncialis</Emphasis> introgression line

Aegilops triuncialis L. (2n = 4x = 28, genome formula UUCC) has been used to obtain one of the “Arsenal collection”, the distant hybridization of Triticum aestivum L. The introgression line 124/00ⁱ, which was derived from the cross of T. aestivum ‘Rodina' with γ-irradiated pollen of an accession of Ae. triuncialis. However, undesirable genes can be incorporated into the cultivated varieties from Ae. triuncialis. The spikes of Ae. triuncialis disarticulate from stems at a single node at the bottom of the spikes. It was defined as a synaptospermic diaspore. However, the spike of 124/00ⁱ unexpectedly disarticulate below each spikelet showing wedge type of disarticulation. The brittle rachis gene Br ¹²⁴ (B rittle r achis of 124 /00 ⁱ ) of 124/00ⁱ was allelic to Br2 located on the short arm of chromosome 3A. From the microsatellite mapping, the Br ¹²⁴ gene was bracketed by Xbarc19 (20.3 cM) and Xgwm779.1(14.3 cM) on the short arm of chromosome 3A. The present study suggested that the dominant mutation from synaptospermic diaspore to wedge type disarticulation occurred in the gamete of Ae. triuncialis when Ae. triuncialis pollen was treated with γ-irradiation.     

Recombination around the <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis> locus for long glume phenotype in experimental introgression lines of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum aestivum</Emphasis> – <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum polonicum</Emphasis>

A set of experimental introgression lines of Triticum aestivum L. cv. Novosibirskaya 67 (N67)—Triticum polonicum L. line IC 12196 was developed using a small-scale bulk breeding method. The linkage map in chromosome 7A was constructed using F₂ hybrids of N67/IC12196 and 34 microsatellite markers. The P gene was flanked by the centromeric markers, Xgwm890 (18.6 cM) and Xbarc108 (20.0 cM) on the long arm of chromosome 7A. Among 124 introgression lines, 118 lines were hexaploid (2n = 6x = 42), and 6 were tetraploid (2n = 4x = 28). Among hexaploid accessions, 68 were long-glumed, whereas 50 were normal-glumed. Thirty-four polymorphic microsatellite markers were scored for either the N67 alleles or IC 12196 alleles in 124 introgression lines derived from N67/IC 12196. The UPGMA dendrogram showed five clusters; Cluster 1 mainly contained hexaploid introgression lines with long glumes. Although the alleles around the P locus were recombined with IC1296 alleles, the distal end of the chromosome contained N67 alleles. Cluster 2 mainly contained normal glumed, hexaploid introgression lines. These predominantly had the N67 alleles on the long arm of chromosome 7A and the short arm proximal to the centromere. Cluster 3 contained long-glumed, hexaploid wheat lines with relatively high level of recombination. Cluster 4 contained non-parental alleles. Cluster 5 contained the group of tetraploid wheat lines. These tetraploid lines have IC12196 alleles on both arms of chromosome 7A. The frequency spectrum of parental alleles and chromosomal blocks among introgression lines suggested that T. aestivum – T. polonicum hybridization can rapidly give rise to a new landrace due to selective introgression of the P gene.     

Inflorescence-visiting insects of a functionally dioecious wild grapevine (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">sylvestris</Emphasis>)

The wild grapevine [Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (Gmelin) Hegi] is the Eurasian dioecious ancestral form of mostly monoecious domesticated cultivars (Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera). There are different hypotheses about grapevine pollination, varying from insect to wind pollination to spontaneous self-pollination. The aim of this paper is to update our knowledge on the biology of the wild grapevine by studying the insects visiting their inflorescences. During the fieldworks, floral visitors were observed, captured and identified. The most frequent insects visiting both sexes of wild grapevine were beetles (55%) followed by bees (45%). The present study shows that although in vineyards the wind may play a role in the cross-pollination, insects can contribute to the reproductive success of the wild grapevine. The knowledge of inflorescence-visiting insects, which potentially can act as pollinators may represent an important contribution to the conservation perspective of wild grapevine.     

Genetic diversity and relationship of Guinea yam (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioscorea cayenensis</Emphasis> Lam.–<Emphasis Type="Italic">D. rotundata</Emphasis> Poir. complex) germplasm in Benin (West Africa) using microsatellite markers

Guinea yam (Dioscorea cayenensis–D. rotundata complex) is an important tuber crop that highly contributes to food security and poverty alleviation in Benin. The knowledge and understanding of the extent of genetic variation of Guinea yam germplasm is important for planning of the genetic conservation, and the utilisation of this resource. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity and relationships of 64 yam landraces whose dried chips are considered as resistant to insect attacks using 41 simple sequence repeat. Among these primers, 13 were found to be polymorphic, giving 113 polymorphic alleles. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 4 (Ym50) to 13 (Ym29), with an average of 8.69. Unique allele was observed with some landraces (Singou and Tchakatchaka) and can be considered as unique gene and use in yam breeding program. The mean polymorphic information content values for all markers used was 0.76 and ranged between 0.58 and 0.91 in loci YM3 and YM32 respectively. The genetic distance of yam landraces ranged from 0.45 (Yasoubagarou) to 0.04 (Assinapeira and Alahina), indicating that the yam germplasm has a high degree of genetic diversity supported by an averagely observed heterozygosity of 0.78. Cluster analysis using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic average grouped the 64 yam landraces into two distinct clusters. This tendency was also observed in the principal coordinate analysis. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that 96 % of the variation was found within the population and only 4 % between the populations. Genetic diversity and relationship assessments among the 64 yam landraces of Benin could provide useful information for efficient use of these materials, especially for genetic improvement.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Samardala</Emphasis>: specificities and changes in the ethnobotanical knowledge about <Emphasis Type="Italic">Allium siculum</Emphasis> subsp<Emphasis Type="Italic">. dioscoridis</Emphasis> (Sm.) K. Richt. in Bulgaria

Allium siculum Ucria is a perennial bulbous plant that occurs in Bulgaria as A. siculum subsp. dioscoridis (Sm.) K. Richt. The plant is locally known as “samardala”. Its herbage is used traditionally by local communities in Bulgaria as edible green and for preparation of salty spice mixtures. The study was focused on the documentation of traditional knowledge about samardala, covering local collection and cultivation practices, processing methods and consumption preferences. The respondents (aged 30–86 years, 50% over 65) were local producers and small-scale salesmen of the herbage and samardala-containing spices. To assess the health features of samardala spices the total phenol and flavonoid content was measured in home-consumed or marketed flavoured salts. Overall appreciation of the plant and related food products was found to be very high; presenting a considerable engagement of the locals in plant cultivation and gathering, laborious processing and consumption. Traditional ecological knowledge about the biology, phenology and ecology of the samardala plant and methods for its processing is still preserved by elderly people who rely mostly on their own cultivated plants. Although the introduction of modern appliances has altered the method of production, its main stages and the recipes are preserved. Modernization of the processing method has not affected the quality of the products and faster processing could be a contributing factor for the higher content of biologically active substances. Phenolic content was about twice as low as the flavonoid content, following the same pattern for all tested flavoured salts. Measures for better management of natural populations and promotion of cultivation practices of A. siculum subsp. dioscoridis would ensure the sustainable quality of traditional products as well as conservation of the natural plant resources.     

PCR based molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nepenthes khasiana</Emphasis> Hook. f.—pitcher plant

Nepenthes khasiana Hook. f. belonging to monotypic family Nepenthaceae is a rare, endangered, dioecious member of the carnivorous plant found in North-East India. The plant is endemic to the Indian state of Meghalaya and is distributed throughout the state from West Khasi hills to East Khasi hills, Jaintia hills and East, West to South Garo hills from 1,000 to ca. 1,500 m altitude. Multi-locus analysis using PCR based Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers were used for the first time to assess the genetic diversities of N. khasiana Hook. f. collected from different parts of Meghalaya. It was observed that RAPD analysis showed more polymorphism than ISSR fingerprinting in revealing genetic polymorphism in N. khasiana Hook. f. The result of cluster analysis by using UPGMA method showed that the groups based on pooled RAPD–ISSR genetic similarity were more similar than the groups based on RAPD. Furthermore, genetic similarity reveals variability within the population at Jarain of Jaintia hills, while between populations the Baghmara region differs from the others with at least 40% dissimilarity. The results show a broad range of genetic diversity within the populations of N. khasiana Hook. f.     

A simulation model of <Superscript>90</Superscript>Sr daily dynamics in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">soil</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">stand</Emphasis> system of deciduous forests

A simulation model of the ⁹⁰Sr dynamics in the soil and stand components of deciduous forest ecosystems with a 1-day step was developed; this model was used to conduct numerical experiments to clarify the mechanisms of the ⁹⁰Sr behavior. The algorithm allows one to take into account the effect of meteorological, phenological, and physiological factors on the behavior of the radionuclide and simulate different fallout conditions. The results of simulation can be used in the valuation of deciduous forest products. The model is applicable for studying the redistribution of calcium in the stand of deciduous forest ecosystems.     

Microsatellite analysis of Alpine grape cultivars (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.): alleged descendants of Pliny the Elder’s <Emphasis Type="Italic">Raetica</Emphasis> are genetically related

According to Pliny the Elder and other Greco-Roman geoponics, Raetica was a famous white grape as well as a white wine produced in Raetia, a Province of the Roman Empire. Does Raetica grape have modern descendants? Etymologically and geographically, the white ‘Rèze’ from Valais (Switzerland) would be the best candidate. Using available microsatellite data, we searched for relatives of ‘Rèze’ in our database containing over 1,700 genotypes of grape cultivars from all over the world. Twelve cultivars showing putative first-degree (parent–offspring or full-siblings) or second-degree (grandparent–grandoffspring, uncle–nephew or half-siblings) relationships with ‘Rèze’ were then analysed at 60 microsatellite markers. Calculation of allele sharing and likelihood ratios between competing relationship categories revealed that four cultivars had parent–offspring relationship with ‘Rèze’: ‘Cascarolo Bianco’ (Piedmont, Italy), ‘Arvine Grande’ (Valais, Switzerland), ‘Groppello di Revò’ and ‘Nosiola’ (Trentino, Italy). Given that some of these are also said to be Raetica descendants, we may well be on the tracks of Pliny the Elder’s Raetica grape. However, there is no evidence about the identity of Raetica. Analysis of ancient DNA of grape pips excavated from archaeological sites of the Roman times might provide key information. Our first attempts were unsuccessful, but analysis of additional samples and optimisation of the method could provide groundbreaking results about the identity of the grapes cultivated in classical antiquity.     

rDNA cytogenetics and some structural variability in an <Emphasis Type="Italic">Avena barbata</Emphasis> Pott ex Link × <Emphasis Type="Italic">A. sativa</Emphasis> subsp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">nuda</Emphasis> (L.) Gillet et Magne amphiploid after 5-azaC treatment

The paper reports on the study of DNA methylation patterns in chromosomes of an octoploid selection obtained from an amphiploid Avena barbata × Avena sativa ssp. nuda, their alteration and plant structural changes induced by 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) treatment. Subtelomere/telomere regions and some chromosomes remained heavily methylated after this practise. The increased concentration of 5-azaC strengthened the demethylation process. NOR rDNA loci on five and 5S rDNA doubled loci on three pairs of chromosomes were detected. Some 5S loci were colocalised with NORs. The number of active NORs was increased by one homologous pair after demethylation and this was related to minor loci. The NORs were mainly located on A/D genomes. Patterns of nucleoli fusion varied between main and lateral roots and demethylation increased the number of uninucleolar nuclei. Seed germination was inhibited and plant growth decreased under demethylation. 5-azaC also induced distinct anomalies in endosperm development. Extensive parts of the tissue were composed of defected cells or remained empty. Polyploidised clones of starchy or aleurone cells were observed, as were aleurone cells exhibiting new rare phenotypes.     

Chromosome and genome composition of a <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thinopyrum</Emphasis> hybrid by classical and molecular cytogenetic techniques

Triticum–Thinopyrum amphiploids arose from the need to obtain forage grasses highly resistant to pest, drought, soil salinity and frost and they can be used as efficient bridges to transfer desired genes from wheatgrass species to wheat. One of them is trigopiro SH16 INTA, it was introduced in Argentina in 1947 but its genomic composition was unknown. The aim of this work was to determine the chromosome number and genomic and chromosome composition of trigopiro SH16 INTA in order to use it in breeding programs. The simultaneous use of the in situ hybridization technique with different probes (genomic DNA of Th. ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth et D.R. Dewey, pSc119.2 and pAs1) allowed us to conclude that the chromosome number of trigopiro SH16 is 2n = 42 and the genome composition would be: 14 chromosomes of the B genome, the 2D and 4D chromosome pairs of wheat, 14 chromosomes of the J genome of Thinopyrum and the remaining chromosomes probably belong to the A genome of wheat.     

Changes of gene expression in early generations of the synthetic allotetraploid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cucumis</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">hytivus</Emphasis> Chen et Kirkbride

Changes of gene expression played an important role in the evolution of plant allopolyploids. Frequency, time and type of the changes of gene expression between the first two self-pollinated generations (S₁ and S₂) of a synthesized allotetraploid Cucumis × hytivus Chen et Kirkbride and in its diploid parents was analyzed with cDNA-AFLP and reverse-Northern blot technique. Sequences similarity of genes involved in changed expression were also analyzed with BLAST package. The results from cDNA-AFLP analysis showed that 36 (3.37%) genes showed silencing (27) or activation (9) in allotetraploids. These changes initiated in S₁ or S₂ generation. The silenced/activated genes included rRNA and protein-coding genes. Further reverse-Northern blot analysis validated the results obtained. Thus four types of changes of gene expression were observed, including silencing of genes from both parents, maternal parent, paternal parent, and genes novel expression. The results indicate rapid changes in gene expression in early generations of C. × hytivus, which contributed to the evolution of this synthetic allotetraploid.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Manihot fortalezensis</Emphasis> Nassar,Ribeiro, Bomfim et Gomes a new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Manihot</Emphasis> from Ceará, Brazil

A new species of Manihot has been collected from Fortaleza, Ceará state, Brazil. It was grown at the living collection in the experimental station, University of Brasilia since 1980 and left for natural reproduction. It bred true during all these years giving rise to identical typical plants of the ancestor one. The closest species to it is M. glaziovii. Apparently this new species was formed by sporadic hybridization between M. glaziovii and cassava itself in its natural habitat, Ceará. It possesses morphological marker gene of the latter one which is ribbed fruit that is found only in cassava. Interspecific hybrids produced experimentally between M. glaziovii and cassava showed similar morphological markers. Exam of its ovules revealed formation of multiple embryos, an indicator of apomixis. Grafting it with common cassava was compatible, giving increased root size up to seven times.     

Regulation of macro,micro, and toxic element uptake by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salix</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">smithiana</Emphasis> using liming of heavily contaminated soils

Purpose

Willow cultivation in soils heavily contaminated by risk elements is a challenging issue due to phytotoxic effects that restrict plant growth. Liming reduces the mobility of some risk elements in contaminated soils and therefore can be a suitable measure for contaminated soils but can also affect availability of nutrients for planted willows. We investigate how liming affects concentrations of macro, micro, and toxic elements in the organs of willows planted in contaminated soils.

Materials and methods

We established a 3-year pot experiment with Salix × smithiana planted in weakly acid and alkaline soils anthropogenically seriously contaminated by As, Cd, Pb, and Zn. Soils were both untreated and treated with two doses of lime and dolomite in the first year before planting. We determined biomass production, mortality, and the concentration of macro- and micronutrients and toxic elements in the willows’ aboveground organs.

Results and discussion

Lime application increased biomass production in both soils; dose of lime played an important role for its increase only in alkaline soil. Lime in a higher dose was incompatible with the vitality of just-planted willows in both soils. Doses of dolomite significantly affected the biomass production and mortality of willows, where lower doses caused a permanent decrease of biomass production and mortality in weakly acid soil. The toxicity of Cd and Zn in leaves was recorded in both untreated soils; the latent deficiency of P and deficiency of Fe in leaves was only recorded in weakly acid untreated soil.

Conclusions

Lime application irrespective of dose with foliar Fe application seemed to be the most suitable measure for increasing biomass production and decreasing toxic elements, especially Cd and Zn, without decreasing the macro- and micronutrients in the aboveground organs of willows in weakly acid soil. In alkaline soil, only higher doses of lime had a positive effect on the studied parameters. Dolomite application is not a suitable measure for planting willows in both contaminated soils. Dolomite in a lower dose impairs the growth of willows in weakly acid soil.

     

Investigation of intergeneric crossability of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thermopsis turcica</Emphasis> Kit Tan,Vural et Küçüködük

An unilocular ovary is often observed in the Fabaceae family. Thermopsis turcica Kit Tan, Vural et Küçüködük is an endemic, rare plant species in Turkey that is distinguished by its multi-carpellary apocarpous ovaries. No research has been conducted on the crossing of T. turcica with other species to date. Vicia faba L. (fababean) (2n = 12), which is one of the oldest crops used for human and animal consumption, and Thermopsis turcica (2n = 18) were selected to explore the possibility of increasing yield in edible crops by intergeneric crossing. When T. turcica was used as a male parent, pollen germination and pollen tube growth appeared to be normal and globular embryo formation was observed, but hybrid seeds aborted due to post-fertilization barriers. In contrast, in all crosses in which T. turcica was used as a maternal parent, an embryo was not obtained, and viability of the pistil did not exceed 10 days after pollination. Also, in the samples left to free pollination, pistils died in a few days after anthers were removed just before pre-anthesis. Inability to obtain viable seeds by hybridization of Vicia faba and T. turcica should not be considered as a demonstration of complete incompatibility of the species in intergeneric crosses. The present report constitutes the first study on this issue.     

The introgression of 2× 1EBN <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum</Emphasis> species into the cultivated potato using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum verrucosum</Emphasis> as a bridge

Wild diploid Solanum species with an endosperm balance number (EBN) of one are a rich source of disease resistance, pest resistance, and tuber quality traits. They are not sexually compatible with 4× 4EBN or 2× 2EBN forms of the cultivated potato. In this study, the wild 2× 2EBN Mexican species S. verrucosum (ver) was used as a bridge species to access 2× 1EBN germplasm. Hybrids (V1) were created between ver as a female parent and the 1EBN species S. cardiophyllum, S. chancayense, S. commersonii, and S. trifidum. Most of the V1 hybrids were successfully crossed as females to cultivated 2× 2EBN clones. However, due to stylar barriers, reciprocal crosses were unsuccessful. Additional studies are underway to determine the effectiveness of ver as a bridge to introgress specific traits from 2× 1EBN germplasm into the cultivated potato.