bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of the soil seed banks in the natural deciduous forest in the Białowieża National Park
Authors: Jankowska-Błaszczuk Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

Using the germination method, the species diversity, density of the soil seed bank and its relation to cover vegetation in a natural deciduous forest with primary and secondary tree stand were compared. It was found that the mean density and species composition of the soil seed bank in the forest with secondary tree stand that has spontaneously been overgrown over the last 90 years after clear-cutting does not differ from the soil seed bank derived from primeval forest (3167M-2 vs. 3827m-2). In both stands there were 46 species altogether and 36 were common and seed banks were dominated by herbs. The most abundant in this group were: Urtica dioica, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Geranium robertianum, Oxalis acetosella. In both cases it was found that the species structure of the herb layer was similar to that of the seed bank in about 70%. The seed banks of species absent from the herb layer or present there only sporadically were much more abundant. The seedlings of these species constituted more than one third of all seedlings that emerged in the samples from the secondary tree stand and only 5% those from the primary one. The analysis of seed bank in heavily rooted places under primary and secondary tree stands showed that in places with a totally distroyed herb layer the density of the soil seed bank in primeval forest was three times lower than in places with fully developed herb layer structure (102.60±22.61 vs. 307.0±206.5 per sample). This difference under secondary tree stand turned out to be much lower (415.8±137.8 vs. 358.2±126.0 per sample).
Micropropagation of selected Oenothera species and preliminary studies on their secondary metabolites
Authors: Thiem Barbara , Skrzypczak Lutosława , Lamer-Zarawska Eliza
Published: April 2013

A method was devised for the micropropagation of eight species of the genus Oenothera L. from shoot tips and shoot segments with nodes. Microshoot cultures were obtained from explants on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium enriched with IAA and BA. Numerous shoots developed properly after they had been transferred onto MS medium without BA. When they had rooted under the influence of auxins (IAA or IBA), shoots were transferred to pots and then to the soil, where they matured. In the seeds produced by these plants, the content of fatty acids was determined using the GC method. A preliminary analysis of flavonoid compounds and phenolic acids was made using the 2D TLC method (fingerprinting) in microshoots and leaves of soil plants regenerated in vitro.
Role of mycorhizal links between plants in establishment of liverworts thalli in natural habitats
Authors: Turnau Katarzyna , Ronikier Michał , Unrug Juliusz
Published: April 2013

Research on the development of arbuscular fungi within thalli of Conocephalum conicum and Pellia endiviifolia was carried out on the banks of a stream ravine in the Beskid Wyspowy Mts. (Southern Poland). The links via arbuscular fungi were observed between liverworts and plants as Dryopteris carthusiana and Oxalis acetosella. Glomus tenuis, a fine endophyte, was the dominating mycorrhizal partner of all the plant species investigated. Arum-type of mycorrhiza was observed in Oxalis acetosella while in the fern and liverworts Paris-type was found. The role of plant roots in the establishment of liverworts thalli (source of fungal inoculum, important mechanical support on unstable sand banks) is considered.
Cytological changes in meristematic cells of Allium cepa L. root tip treated with extracts from callus of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don
Authors: Pietrosiuk Agnieszka , Furmanowa Mirosława , Zobel Alicja , Kuraś Mieczysław , Michalak Agnieszka
Published: April 2013

The effect of an ethanolic extract from callus of Catharanthus roseus on Allium cepa root cells divisions was investigated. Two lines: white and green callus, were established on solid B5 medium with IAA 1 mg/l and kinetin 0.1 mg/l. The HPLC analysis of callus extracts showed the presence of indole alkaloids, however not known pharmacologically active alkaloids or derivatives used in semisynthesis (vinblastine, ajmalicine, serpentine, yohimbine, vindoline and catharanthine) have been found. The ethanolic extract of C. roseus callus inhibited the number of mitoses in Allium cepa root tip cells. Short (1-3 hours) treatment resulted in an increase in the index of late prophases, with characteristic light spaces, and the index of metaphases with twisted chromosomes forming an equatorial plate or irregular structures of c-metaphases. At the same time, the percentage of anaphases and telophases decreased significantly. Longer treatment of the root tip inhibited mitotic activity, stopping it completely already after 12 hours. Interphase nuclei became at first denser and homogeneous, eventually their structure became , partitioned into zones and formation of chromatin territories, with distinct large nucleoli has been observed. Electron microscope observations revealed well developed rough endoplasmic reticulum and thick, invaginating cell membrane.
Selected items of wheat variation - from palaeobotany to molecular biology
Authors: Kosina Romuald
Published: April 2013

The usefulness of data on ecotypes of wheat as well as of information about distribution of genes of hybrid necrosis for an interpretation of some questionable detections of fossil materials is emphasized. Variability of contemporary wheats is illustrated by means of morphology of lodicules, anatomical structure of caryopsis, morphology of embryo and features of epidermis of inflorescence bracts. These structures exhibit often a trend dependent on ploidy level. Discrimination of similar grains of fossil Triticum compactum and T. sphaerococcum is possible when traits of embryo are used. Wheat genomes are changed by numerous translocations and are spatially separated. This status may be detected by means of in situ hybridization of the genomic DNA. With such a spatial arrangement of the genomes the dominance of a caryopsis trait complex in hybrids between tetraploid wheats may be correlated. It may also create a part of new variation in wheat.
Organogenesis during plant regeneration in cotyledon culture of Trifolium michelianum Savi
Authors: Konieczny Robert
Published: April 2013

Shoots of Trifolium michelianum Savi. could be induced directly from the cotyledonary petiole or through petiole-derived callus on EC6 medium (Mahewswaran and Williams 1984) supplemented with BAP at 4.4, 8.8 and 22.2 µM. The mode of caulogenesis highly depended on cytokinin concentration in the medium. Most of the shoots regenerated into mature plants when transplanted to half-strong MS (Murashige and Skoog 1962). The time of caulogenic determination was set for the first day of culture. The induction of determination for caulogenesis was accompanied by the loss of competence toward root formation. SEM studies revealed that caulogenesis was restricted to the distal end of the cotyledonary petioles, very close to but not at the site of excision. The sites of shoot regeneration were limited to abaxial and lateral surfaces of the petioles.
Greenhouse weeds in the Botanical Garden of PAS in Warsaw-Powsin
Authors: Galera Halina , Ratyńska Halina
Published: April 2013

Systematic studies carried out in the greenhouses of the Botanical Garden - Center for Biological Diversity Conservation of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw-Powsin revealed that the flora of weeds ras very rich there. A total of 243 taxa of vascular plants and 17 species of bryophytes were recorded. With regard to the division of the flora of vascular plants according to species origin and degree of naturalization, it was found that native plants (89 species), greenhouse-escapes (87 species) and permanently established aliens (48 species) co-dominated there. In addition, 10 species of garden-escapes, i.e. plants cultivated in the immediate neighbourhood of greenhouses, were recorded indoors. Noteworthy were two species that had been brought accidentally to the glasshouses together with plant material - this group of plants is least numerous but quite frequent in the study area. Observations made in the vicinity of Powsin greenhouses showed that relationships between the studied flora and the plants growing outside were unilateral. In Powsin no proved example of expansion of greenhouse plants to other parts of the Garden has been recorded. By contrast, influx of diaspores to the study area is observed frequently - the flora of greenhouse weeds is dominated by plants found also in the immediate neighbourhood (147 species). The most important factors affecting the composition of the weed flora of glasshouses include the flora of the surrounding areas and the mode of greenhouse management (e.g. the range of species cultivated there). The diversity of the flora is not related to greenhouse size.
Indirect semiquantitative determination of p34cdc2 levels in G1 and G2 cells of the carbohydrate-starved root meristems in Vicia faba var. minor
Authors: Polit Justyna
Published: April 2013

In eukaryotes, the 34kDa kinase (p34) encoded by the cdc2 gene is a key regulator of both the onset of DNA synthesis (G1 to S phase transition) and the onset of mitosis (G1 to M phase transition). Using mouse anti-human PSTAIRE and FITClabelled goat antibodies, indirect semiquantitative determination of p34cdc2 levels was performed in meristematic cells from the control (intact) and excised, carbohydrate-starved main roots of Vicia faba var. minor. No evident differences in the intensity of fluorescence was found either between the G1 and G2 cells or between the control cells and the cells arrested at both Principal Control Points by carbohydrate starvation. It seems thus, that the cell cycle block induced in meristematic cells of V. faba var. minor is not correlated with the absolute level of the key cell cycle enzyme responsible for phosphory-lution of cellular proteins, but primarily with the altered activity of p34cdc2.
Iridoid glucosides in Littorella uniflora (L.) Ascherson
Authors: Andrzejewska-Golec Emilia
Published: April 2013

In Littorella uniflora two iridoid glucosides already known from the Plantaginaceae family are present: aucuboside and catalpol. The present and an earlier study of sugars and sucrose alcohols indicate a biochemical relationships of Littorella to Plantago.
Oscillatory character of changes in ultraweak luminescence from Nitella cells
Authors: Jaśkowska Anna , Borc Robert , Dudziak Andrzej , Śpiewla Edward
Published: April 2013

Characteristics of changes in ultraweak luminescence of Nitella internodal cells under physiological conditions and after exposure to the action of biologically active substances are determined. The results presented here supplement the picture of oscillatory behaviour of Nitella cells worked out by us regarding changes in the electrical and transport properties.
Sclerification in the bark tissues of common fir (Abies alba Mill.)
Authors: Janakowski Sławomir , Golinowski Władysław
Published: April 2013

The sclerification process in bark tissues of common fir (Abies alba Mill.) has been described. The sclerification begins in 3 years old stems. Sclereids differentiate from cortical parenchyma cells and from secondary phloem parenchyma cells that do not contain phenolic deposits. The first single sclereids are formed at the interface of the cortex and nonfunctional phloem. Hereafter, a continuous layer of them is formed. Later, new sclereid layers are formed successively in nonfunctional secondary phloem and cortex. The consecutive layers are separated tangentially by phloem parenchyma cells, that accumulate large amounts of phenolic substances, and by compressed phloem cells. Laterally they are separated by phloem rays that except of some dislocations are continuous. Structural net of the cortical phloem ray cells and phloem parenchyma delineates the areas where the formations of sclereid layers occurs in nonfunctional secondary phloem. Older cortex contains more sclereid layers and the time period of their formation extends continuously.
Chromatographical analysis of phenolic acids in some species of Polygonum L. genus. Quantitative determination of the major components by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Authors: Smolarz Helena Danuta
Published: April 2013

Nine major phenolic acids (protocatechuic, gentisic, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, synapic) were investigated in 9 species of the genus Polygonum L. The total amount of these compounds equated 65.8 µg/g of dry herb in Polygonum persicaria L., 61.2 µg in P. convolvulus L., 59.1 µg in P. lapathifolium ssp. nodosum (Pers.) Dans, 53.3 µg in P. bistorta L., 42.1 µg in P. mite Schrank, 38.2 µg in P. lapathifolium ssp. tomentosum (Schrank) Dans, 37 µg in P. anrphibium L., 33.2 µg in P. hydropiper L., 31.1 µg in P. aviculare L., and 14,1 µg in rhizome P. bistorta L. Among the analysed phenolic acids, synapic acid (28.6 µg/g) in P. persicaria L., protocatechuic acid (34 µg/g) in P. lapathifolium ssp. nodosum (Pers) Dans, and ferulic acid (21 µg/g) in P. bistorta L., were dominating.
The distribution of Nymphaea candida C. Presl (Nymphaeaceae) in Poland
Authors: Wajda Maciej
Published: April 2013

Nymphaea candida C. Presl is a rare species limited in its distribution to NE Poland. It has often been confused with N. alba L., a much more frequent species. It is probably a threatened species.
Application of the comet assay in studies of programmed cell death (PCD) in plants
Authors: Charzyńska Maria , Simeonova Ewa , Sikora Adam , Mostowska Agnieszka , Leśniewska Joanna
Published: April 2013

Programmed cell death (PCD) in plants is an intensively investigated process. One of the main characteristics of PCD in both animal and plant organisms is the non-random, internucleosomal fragmentation of nuclear DNA, usually analysed using total DNA gel electrophoresis or TUNEL method. In this paper we present application of the "comet assay" (Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis) for detection of nDNA degradation in studies of PCD during plant life cycle. We analyzed three types of tissue: anther tapetum, endosperm and mesophyll which were prepared in different ways to obtain a suspension of viable cells (without cell walls). The comet assay gives a possibility of examination of the nDNA degradation in individual cell. This method is significant for studies of the plant tissue differentiation and senescence especially in the cases when it is not possible to isolate large number of cells at the same developmental stage.
Micropropagation of phytoplasma-affected Limonium sinuatum Mill. plants
Authors: Gabryszewska Eleonora , Kamińska Maria , Korbin Małgorzata , Rudzińska-Langwald Anna
Published: April 2013

Healthy and AY-affected plants of L.sinuatum have been propagated in vitro for 12 months on the media with and without cytokinins. In the contrary to the healthy plants the phytoplasma affected statice showed abnormal proliferation of the axillary shoots, shortening of the internodes, smaller leaves and severe chlorosis. On the medium without cytokinins, diseased plants proliferated and formed 7.0 axillary shoots per explant but the healthy ones only formed 2.3 shoots; however, the fresh weight of them was similar. On the media with cytokinins, the multiplication rate and fresh weight of healthy shoots greatly in-creased, but of the diseased plants were on the same laevel or decreased. During tissue culture phytoplasma could be detected in symptomatic plants by PCR as well as electron microscope however, the phytoplasmas showed the symptoms of degeneration.
Activity ATPases during dormancy breaking in Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) seeds
Authors: Krawiarz Kazimierz , Szczotka Zofia
Published: April 2013

The activity of ATPases was studied in embryo axes and cotyledons of Norway maple seeds stratified at 3oC (dormancy broken) and 15oC (dormancy not broken). The activity of mitochondrial (F. III) and activity connected with all cellular membranes (F. Il) and soluble fraction (F. I) ATPases was investigated. It was found that mitochondrial ATPases are the most active. The activity of all types of ATPases is greater in seeds stratified at 3oC. It increases during seed dormancy breaking, particularly in the case of mitochondrial ATPases. The rise in the activity of mitochondrial and others ATPases in embryo axes of seeds stratified at 3oC is stepwise. In seeds stratified at 15oC ATPase activity generally decreases.
The influence of CO2, temperature and a-tocopherol on phospholipid changes in embryonic axes of field bean seeds during storage
Authors: Zalewski Kazimierz , Widejko Dorota , Górecki Ryszard J.
Published: April 2013

The paper presents the results of investigations of viability and phospholipids isolated from field bean seeds of different ages. Seeds were stored for seven years under controlled conditions in the Genes Bank in Radzików. No significant changes were detected in content or composition of phospholipids in seeds stored either at 4oC or in a CO2 atmosphere, which seem to have maintained high viability. In embryonic axes of seeds stored at 18oC in air the levels of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine declined, whereas those phosphatidic acid and unidentified fractions of the smallest polarity increased.
Phenetic variability of Aconitum lasiocarpum (Rchb.) Gáyer (Ranunculaceae): extension of taxonomic and geographic
Authors: Mitka Józef , Starmuhler Walter
Published: April 2013

A. lasiocarpum has provoked a long-standing debate over its systematic and geographic status. Present taxonomic and chorological studies offer a proposal for the solution of these problems. In their result, a taxon described by Zapałowicz (1908) was rediscovered, now treated as A. lasiocarpum subsp. kotulae comb. nov. It occurs far beyond hitherto admitted borders of A. lasiocarpum subsp. lasiocarpum, reaching the Sanok-Jasło Basin, the Tatra Mts. and Babia Góra Mt. in the Western Carpathians, and Podolye on Ukraine. A hybrid between A. lasiocarpum and A. variegatum subsp. variegatum was also described for the first time. The nothospecies, A. x pawlowskii nothosp. nov., occurs in scattered localities in the Western Carpathians: in Poland (Beskid Niski, Tatras, Gorce Mts. and Babia Góra Mt.) and in Slovakia (Slovenské Rudohorie, Nizke Tatry Mts. and Muranska Planina Plateau), within the range of A. variegatum subsp. variegatum. The new (notho) taxa enable more precise shaping the geographical borders of both A. lasiocarpum subsp. lasiocarpum and A. variegatum subsp. variegatum in the Carpathians.
Anatomical traits of seven corn-inbred lines including two with gene brown midrib
Authors: Cebrat Jan , Królikowski Zygmunt , Adamczyk Józef
Published: April 2013

Anatomical investigations of the stem in seven Zea mays L. Inbred lines were performed on specimens bred in the Experimental Institute of Breeding and Plant Acclimatization in Smolice. Two of the lines (bm1 and bm2) including the gene brown midrib were characterized by a higher digestability. The remaining five lines (S215, S335, 5336, S336A and S339) were selective inbred lines used as components in hybrid breeding at the Institute in Smolice. The investigated lines were compared in respect to 50 anatomical traits of the stem. The comparisons were performed by means of the Wrocław dendrite method. The lines formed three distinct groups according to the degree of similarity. The first group consisted of two lines with the gene brown midrib (bm1 and bm2), the second of four lines (5215, S336, S336A and S339), and the third of line S335. The inclusion of both the lines with gene bm into one group was based on similarity regarding the set of traits of parenchyma, particularly of the peripheral part of the stem, as well as metaxylem and metaphloem traits. However, these lines differed considerably in respect to epidermis traits. It was peculiar that the stomata of the Amaryllis type occurred in one of the lines (S339). Each line made a specific mosaic of traits. The sets of traits characterizing the particular lines were specific in such a degree that they could be used, like a fingerprint, for their identification.
Isolation of furanocoumarins from Pastinaca sativa L. callus culture
Authors: Ekiert Halina , Kisiel Wanda
Published: April 2013

Four furanocoumarins: bergapten, xanthotoxin, isopimpinellin (linear furanocoumarins) and sphondin (angular furanocoumarin) were isolated for the first time from callus tissues of Pastinaca sativa L.(Apiaceae) cultured in vitro on solid medium. The compounds were identified using spectral methods. They are well-known secondary metabolites of the intact plant. This is the first report on the isolation of sphondin from in vitro plant cultures.
Succession of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in a deflation hollow of the Słowiński National Park, Poland
Authors: Tadych Mariusz , Błaszkowski Janusz
Published: April 2013

In the years 1994-1995, the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM) in eight successional stages of vegetation of a deflation hollow no. 12 of the Łeba Bar, Poland, was investigated. Early successional stages were colonized by members of the families Gramineae and Juncaceae, being gradually replaced by ericaceous plants in the middle and later stages and by trees in the most advanced stage corresponding to the Empetro nigri-Pinetum plant association. From the 96 soil samples collected, 21 species in three genera of AMF were recovered. The fungi most frequently found were members of the genus Acaulospora. The overall spore abundance, the species_ richness of AMF and the level of AM colonisation increased from stage 1 to reach a maximum in the middle stages and then gradually declined, being lowest in the forested stage 8. The values of the overall spore abundance and those of the abundances of the most frequently occurring AMF species strongly evidenced functioning in nature of the process of host-dependent differentiation of AMF communities. Of the five most numerously represented AMF species, the early colonizer and quickly diminishing in later successional stages was Glomus 107. The mid-late successor was A. koskei, and the latest - Glomus aggregatum. All measures of AMF presence negatively correlated with the content of organic C in the soil and most of them were negatively correlated with soil N-NO3 and P concentrations. In contrast, the occurrence of AMY and AM generally was positively correlated with soil pH and the K content of the soil.
Somatic embryogenesis in in vitro culture of Plantago asiatica L.
Authors: Makowczyńska Joanna , Andrzejewska-Golec Emilia
Published: April 2013

Early stages of direct somatic embryogenesis in Plantago asiatica were observed by light microscopy. In calli of Plantago asiatica two phenomena occurred simultaneously: somatic organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis.
New species and new combination in the fungal genus Octospora from Antarctica
Authors: Olech Maria , Mleczko Piotr
Published: April 2013

A new species of cup fungus, Octospora arctowskii Olech and Mleczko, from South Shetland Islands (Antarctica) is described in this paper. Octospora miniatopsis (Spooner) Olech and Mleczko comb. nov. is reported for the first time from South Shetland Islands. Brief notes on their ecology and distribution are also provided.
Population biology of Agropyron repens (L.) P. Beauv. around the copper smelter Legnica
Authors: Brej Teresa
Published: April 2013

The present paper constitutes a background for the properties of couch grass tolerance for heavy metals previously recorded by the author. The tolerance for lead, zinc, copper and cadmium were described in couch grass on sites in the vicinity of the copper smelter Legnica. Most of the now presented results come from four-year field investigations, concerning four couch grass populations growing at different distances from the emitter. The over 50 year activity of the smelter affected specifically the traits and properties of the couch grass populations and their dynamics. This is expressed in the differentiated production of below and above ground biomass of couch grass and birth of aerial shoots. Further, recorded was also a different dynamics of origin and growth of rhizomes, and a retarded phenological development in populations localised nearest the smelter. The diverse population dynamics is expressed in different parameters, presented in the life tables. A change in growth strategy of couch grass, from querilla into phalanx, in result of ionic stress, was recorded in populations situated in the vicinity of the smelter.
Micropropagation of cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) by initiation of axillary shoots
Authors: Thiem Barbara
Published: April 2013

A method for micropropagation of the endangered Rubus chamaemorus L. (Rosaceae) from shoot tips was developed. Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with BA and IBA in different concentrations was used for axillary shoot development. The most effective was MS medium containing 0.88 µM BA and 0.49 µM IBA with value of pH = 4.0. Cultures of microshoots (up to 12 shoots from a single explant) developed into regular shoots on the same medium or after transferring them onto MS media with 0.44 µM BA, 0.49 µM IBA and 434 µM SA. The rooting of initiated axillary shoots proved extremely difficult. A two-step procedure for root induction was adopted. Auxin- treated shoots were put to medium devoid of plant growth regulators. Rooted shoots were then transferred to pots and grown in the greenhouse until planted in the ground of the Botanical Garden.
Qualitative changes in the proteins of cotyledons during cold and warm stratification of Acer platanoides seeds
Authors: Malinowski Tomasz , Szczotka Zofia
Published: April 2013

In Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) seeds, during dormancy breakage there appeared some qualitative changes in protein composition of the cotyledons. After 48h of soaking and in the first week of stratification, the number of different proteins decreased. This decrease in number of proteins was probably associated with the effect of hydration of embryo tissue. Protein patterns from imbibed seeds exposed to cold (3oC) and warm (15oC) treatments were not significantly different. The influence of temperature on protein patterns became visible in the third week of stratification, when a few new proteins appeared. One of them, designated B, appeared only during cold stratification before radicles protrusion. They were also present in seeds that had completed germination. These proteins are presumably associated with the process of dormancy breakage.
Alkylresorcinols in the family Fabaceae
Authors: Żarnowski Robert , Żarnowska Ewa D. , Kozubek Arkadiusz
Published: April 2013

The Fabaceae are a large family, members occurence of which is very common at various latitudes. The characteristic feature of this plant family is the symbiosis with the bacteria genus Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium. The analysis of acetone extracts from dried seeds of the subfamily Papilinioideae revealed the occurrence of alkylresorcinols in about 85% of the examined samples. Unfortunately, it was not possible to verify this observation in the second subfamily of Fabaceae-Caesalpinioideae. It was partly because there is merely one species belonging to this subfamily, in Poland.In reference to the common occurence of alkylresorcinols in Papilinioideae some interspecific differences were indicated. This survey is a basis for further studies on the Fabaceae family.
Immunologically related lectins from stems and roots of developing seedlings of Cucurbita ficifolia: purification and some properties of root and stem lectins
Authors: Lorenc-Kubis Irena , Łopuska Agnieszka , Kalinowska Magellan
Published: April 2013

Hemagglutinating activity has been found in acetate extracts from roots and stems of squash seedlings (Cucurbita ficifolia). The hemaglutinating activity changes during seeds germination and seedling development. Dot blot and Western blot techniques have shown that proteins from these vegetative tissues cross-reacted with antibodies raised against endogenous cotyledons lectin CLBa and Con A.Lectins were isolated from stems and roots of 6-day old seedlings by precipitation with ethanol, affinity chromatography on Con A-Sepharose, gel filtration on Bio-gel P100 and separated by electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gel. Three purified lectins (RLA1, RLA2, RLA3) were obtained from roots and four from stems (SLA1, SLA2, SLA3, SLA4). The purified lectins from roots and stems agglutinated all human red blood cells, but sheep erythrocytes were most sensitive to agglutination. The hemagglutination of the root lectins RLA2 and RLA3 was inhibited by a very low concentration of arabinose, while RLA1, of xylose and Ga1NAc. Arabinose and Xylose were also found to be the most effective inhibitors of all stem lectins.
Molecular cytogenetic studies in Chenopodium quinoa and Amaranthus caudatus
Authors: Małuszyńska Jolanta , Pando Luz Gomez , Kolano Bożena
Published: April 2013

Chenopodium quinoa Wild. and Amaranthus caudatus L., two plant species from South America, have small and numerous chromosomes. Looking for chromosome markers to distinguish pairs of homologous chromosomes double fluorescence staining, in situ hybridization with 45S rDNA and silver staining were applied. Fluorescent in situ hybridization with 45S rDNA has shown two sites of hybridization occurring on one pair of chromosomes in qunion genre (lines PQ-1, PQ-8). The number of RDA loci in Amaranth's caudate L. genre depends on the accession. Kiwicha 3 line has one pair of chromosomes with signals and Kiwicha Molinera cultivar two pairs. All observed rDNA loci were active. After chromomycin/DAPI staining in all cases, except Kiwicha Molinera cultivar, the CMA3 positive bands co-localized with signals of in situ hybridization with rDNA. In Kiwicha Molinera the number of CMA+ bands was higher than the number of 45S rDNA signals after FISH.
Glomus arenarium, a new species in Glomales (Zygomycetes)
Authors: Błaszkowski Janusz , Tadych Mariusz , Madej Tadeusz
Published: April 2013

A new ectocarpic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal species, Glomus arenarium (Glomales, Zygomycetes), was recovered from maritime sand dunes of northern Poland. Glomus arenarium forms spores with a narrow and hyaline subtending hypha. Spores are orange to raw umber, globose to subglobose, (55-)97(-120) µm diam or ovoid, 65-105 x 95-140 µm. Their wall consists of three layers: a hyaline outermost layer present only in very young spores, a semiflexible, hyaline middle layer rarely present in mature spores, and a permanent, laminate, orange to raw umber innermost layer. No spore wall layers of G. arenarium reagent. This fungus formed spores and arbuscular mycorrhizae in single-species pot cultures with Plantago lanceolata.
Distribution and habitats of Chamorchis alpina (L.) Rich. (Orchidaceae) in Poland
Authors: Piękoś-Mirkowa Halina , Mirek Zbigniew , Miechówka Anna
Published: April 2013

Chamtorchis alpina (L.) Rich. is a rare high mountain species occurring in Poland exclusively in the Tatra Mts. Its distribution presented on the map and altitudinal range are based on the authors' own material collected in the field as well as on literature data supplemented by herbarium records. The orographic and edaphic factors as well as phytocoenoses in which the species occurs are characterised. Moreover, information on size of the Tatra populations is given and the threat category for Ch. alpina in Poland is discussed.
The realised and potential soil seed bank in the Potentillo albae-Quercetum community in the Białowieża Primeval Forest
Authors: Panufnik-Mędrzycka Dorota , Kwiatkowska-Falińska Anna Justyna
Published: April 2013

Seedling emergence from soil seed bank was studied during 3 growing seasons 1997-1999 in: 1) 60 plots in 3 parts of the Potentillo albae-Quercetum patch: A - with Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) present only in the herb layer (canopy cover ca. 50-60%), B - after tree felling, at present with hornbeam dominating the shrub layer (cover > 90%), C - invaded by hornbeam 30-40 years ago (cover ca. 90%), and in 2) 60 soil samples from objects A, B, C kept in an unheated glasshouse. The results suggest that the seed bank realised in natural conditions is poorer in species with high light requirements (the Ellenberg indicator values for light (L ≥ 6) and their seedlings in comparison with the potential seed bank estimated in glasshouse conditions (field: A- 24; B - 17; C- 7, glasshouse : 44; 38; 32 species / 2 m2, field: 321; 108; 14, glasshouse: 785; 1205; 177 seedlings / m2, respectively). Contrarily, more species and seedlings with moderate light demand (L = 3-5) appeared in the field plots (field: A- 26; B- 25, glasshouse: 20; 14 species / 2 m2, field: 1014; 310, glasshouse: 328; 71 seedlings / m2). The shading by hornbeam negatively influences the size of the seed bank (field: A - 1743; B - 1226; C - 680, glasshouse: 1547; 3274; 459 seedlings / m2) and its species richness (field: A- 55; B - 48; C - 19, glasshouse: 76; 59; 56 taxa / 2 m2). Nomenclature: syntaxa - Matuszkiewicz (1981), taxa - Mirek et al. (1995).
Variability in needle traits of Pinus mugo Turra in the Ukrainian Carpathians
Authors: Boratyńska Krystyna , Pashkevich Natalia Anatolivna
Published: April 2013

Two-year-old needles were collected from 131 trees in 4 localities in the Eastern Carpathians in Ukraine. The needles were analysed in respect to 15 morphological and anatomical traits. The most stable appear to be needle width and thickness, and the ratio of needle thickness to width, while the distance between vascular bundles, Marcet's coefficient and number of resin canals were the most variable. Some of the analysed populations differ significantly from each other in the thickness of epidermal cells, number of resin canals and numbers of stomata on adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the needle.
Changes in cell ultrastructure and morphology of Arabidopsis thaliana roots after coumarins treatment
Authors: Kupidłowska Ewa
Published: April 2013

The ultrastructure and morphology of roots treated with coumarin and umbelliferone as well as the reversibility of the coumarins effects caused by exogenous GA, were studied in Arabidopsis thaliana. Both coumarins suppressed root elongation and appreciably stimulated radial expansion of epidermal and cortical cells in the upper part of the meristem and in the elongation zone. The gibberellic acid applied simultaneously with coumarins decreased their inhibitory effect on root elongation and reduced cells swelling.Microscopic observation showed intensive vacuolization of cells and abnormalities in the structure of the Golgi stacks and the nuclear envelope. The detection of active acid phosphatase in the cytosol of swollen cells indicated increased membrane permeability. Significant abnormalities of newly formed cell walls, e.g. the discontinuity of cellulose layer, uncorrect position of walls and the lack of their bonds with the mother cell wall suggest that coumarins affected the cytoskeleton.
Morphological and karyological relationship within Alpine-Dinaric populations of the genus Iris L., Pallidae series (A. Kern.) Trinajstić (Iridaceae)
Authors: Mitić Bożena , Nikolić Toni , Liber Zlatko
Published: April 2013

The relationships within the Alpine-Dinaric and cultivated populations of the genus Iris, Pallidae series, have been analysed by methods of multivariate statistics (Cluster, PCA and MST analyses). The bases for multivariate analyses were seven morphological characteristics (stem length, length of largest leaf, greatest width of the largest leaf, length of smallest leaf, greatest width of the smallest leaf, the number of leaves and the number of flowers) and relative chromosome length for 12 chromosome pairs. In spite of two similar looking isolated populations (Stara Baška and Konavle), the presence of four groups within the series was established, to which a species status can be ascribed: I. pallida Lam. separated as a horticultural species, /. cengialti Ambr. - endemic in Alpine region, /. illyrica Tomm. - endemic to the northern Adriatic Littoral and I. pseudopallida Trinajstić - endemic to the southern Adriatic Littoral. To differentiate the established groups, in PCA analysis the most significant features turned out to be: relative chromosome length of eleventh and tenth chromosome pairs, the length of the smallest leaf, relative chromosome length of the seventh chromosome pair and length of the stem.
The ecological structure of the bryoflora of Wroclaw's parks and cemeteries in relation to their localization and origin
Authors: Fudali Ewa
Published: April 2013

The ecological structure of the flora of 81 bryophytes found in 22 town parks and 6 cemeteries situated within the borders of the Wrocław town has been analyzed in relation to the localization of objects (within the center of the town and its suburbs) and their origin (parks set up in the place of ruins, those built on the site of old cemeteries, objects established within former forests, and parks set up in open, previously rural areas, often as gardens of mansions). In general estimation, the bryoflora of parks and cemeteries appears to be rather ecologically highly specializated - more than 50% of species occurred only on one type of substratum. Epiphytes s.s. occurred rarely. More often bryophytes were noted at the bases and on the trunks of trees, up to 30 cm. Some of the mosses, described in literature as epiphytes, have adapted to terrestrial-epiphytic sites and have been found only at the base of trees. In parks, epigeits were found in abundance on the ground around the base of trees and in shaded lawns. The presence of specialized epixylics was insignificant, although some of the typical forest epixylics were noted, namely Aulacomnium androgynum, Herzogiella seligeri and Dicranum scoparium. However, only parks situated in the suburbs show a high ecological variety of bryoflora, while objects established within the center of the town do not differ in species composition of bryophytes from surrounding built-up areas, despite their origin. Only in the parks situated in the suburbs there was a pronounced presence of forest and meadow species. The factor of park's origin seems to influence the bryoflora's ecological structure and the species richness on objects situated in the suburbs. In the cemeteries a positive correlation between the high number of species, age of monuments and the dimensions of object areas was stated.
Ultrastructural changes in aster yellows phytoplasma affected Limonium sinuatum Mill. plants II. Pathology of cortex parenchyma cells
Authors: Rudzińska-Langwald Anna , Kamińska Maria
Published: April 2013

In Limonium sinuatum Mill, plants with severe symptoms of aster yellows infection phytoplasmas were present not only in the phloem but also in some cortex parenchymas cells. These parenchyma cells were situated at some distance from the conducting bundles. The phytoplasmas were observed directly in parenchyma cells cytoplasm. The number of phytoplasmas present in each selected cell varies. The cells with a small number of phytoplasmas show little pathological changes compared with the unaffected cells of the same zone of the stem as well with the cells of healthy plants. The cells filled with a number of phytoplasmas had their protoplast very much changed. The vacuole was reduced and in the cytoplasm a reduction of the number of ribosomes was noted and regions of homogenous structure appeared. Mitochondria were moved in the direction of the tonoplast and plasma membrane. Compared to the cells unaffected by phytoplasma, the mitochondria were smaller and had an enlarged cristae internal space. The chloroplasts from affected cells had a very significant reduction in size and the tylacoids system had disappeared. The role of these changes for creating phytoplasma friendly enviroment is discused.
Long-term changes in the flora and vegetation of Lake Mikołajskie (Poland) as a result of its eutrophication
Authors: Solińska-Górnicka Barbara , Symonides Ewa
Published: April 2013

Changes in littoral flora as well as aquatic and swamp vegetation were analysed with increasing eutrophication of the mesotrophic Lake Mikołajskie. Over 30 years the habitat conditions of the lake deteriorated and the phy-tolittoral was reduced from a zone 6 metres wide to one of only 2 metres. In addition, the number of submerged macrophyte species decreased by 50% and the frequency of most of the remaining species declined severalfold. No new species were encountered. Species retreating from the lake littoral included all Chara species, Potamogeton obtusifolius, P. natans and Hydrocharis morsus-ranae. A significant lowering of the phytosociological diversity and species richness of aquatic and swamp communities was observed. By 1994, six of the 12 associations identified in 1964 and representing the submerged and floating-leaved vegetation (e.g. Nitellopsidetum ubtusae, Charetum asperae and Potamogetonetum compressi) were no longer present. In turn, 6 swamp communities from among the original 14 identified in the lake were lacking (e.g. Typhetum angustifoliae, Sugittario-Sparganietum emersi and Eleocharitetum palustris). At the same time, two new aquatic and swamp communities appeared (Ranunculetum circinuti, Myriophylletum spicati, Caricetum acutiformis and Caricetum distichae). In contrast there was an increase in the species richness of reedswamp communities due to an influx of marshland species. While the 1990s witnessed a distinct decrease in concentrations of nutrients in Lake Mikołajskie, the consequent increase in water transparency was not associated with an increase in the area of submerged macrophytes, or the species richness of aquatic vegetation.
Identification of Lycopersicon spp. hybrids on the basis of morphological and molecular (RAPD) properties as well as evaluation of resistance to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)
Authors: Rusinowski Zbigniew , Śmiech Mieczysław , Kamińska Maria , Niemirowicz-Szczytt Katarzyna
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to evaluate the plants obtained as a result of cultivated tomato crosses with wild species meant to transfer resistance to TSWV. Six viable plants were obtained from L. esculentum x L. chilense and L. esculentum x L. peruvianum crosses after the application of in vitro embryo culture. In terms of such morphological traits as growth habit of plants, size and shape of leaves, the length and colour of internodes in branching stems, the plants displayed intermediate traits, resembling, nonetheless, the wild form. RAPD analysis with 8 primers revealed that all the hybrids had bands typical of the paternal forms. This confirms the paternal component in hybrid development. As far as the resistance to Polish TSWV isolates is concerned, two hybrids exhibited a high level of resistance, similar to negative control, three hybrids - enhanced resistance and one hybrid was susceptible to TSWV infection.
Isoenzymatic and cytological studies of some Asiatic species of the genus Salsola
Authors: Wojnicka-Półtorak Aleksandra , Chudzińska Ewa , Shuiskay Elena , Barczak Hanna , Toderich Kristina , Prus-Głowacki Wiesław
Published: April 2013

The genetic and cytological variability of population of three Salsola species from Asia was investigated, using isozyme electrophoresis and haematoxylin staining. Eight enzyme systems, representing 14-17 loci, were examined: 6PGD, DIA, G6PD, GDH, GOT, MDH, PGM and PGI. Analysis of the chromosome number revealed that the three species have the same number of chromosomes: 2n=18. Parameters describing genetic diversity indicate a very low level of genetic variation of the studied populations. The isozyme data support hypothesis that strong directional selection can result in lower level of genetic variation of arid plant populations.
Substrate specificity of glucokinase and fructokinase of several conifer species
Authors: Bergmanni Fritz , Mejnartowicz Leon
Published: April 2013

Annual plant species were found to have several distinct classes of hexokinases which are specific for different hexoses, such as glucose, fructose and mannose. In conifers one isozyme of hexokinase could be found in genetic studies if only glucose was employed as substrate. If fructose was substituted for glucose, another isozyme zone different from the common hexokinase could be observed in zymograms of extracts from seed tissues of Norway spruce, Scots pine and silver fir. Hence these three conifer species possess at least two different hexokinases, glucokinase and fructokinase.
Intra- and interpopulation relationships and taxonomic status of Pinus nigra Arnold in Croatia according to morphology and anatomy of needles
Authors: Liber Zlatko , Nikolić Toni , Mitić Božena
Published: April 2013

Intra- and interpopulational relationships and taxonomic status of six natural black pine populations (Pinus nigra Arnold) from Croatia were analyzed. Special attention in this research was paid to the establishment of taxonomic status and distribution of stenoendemic Dalmatian black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. dalmatica (Vis.) Franco). Three morphological and twenty-one anatomical traits of needles were used as well as analysis by the methods of multivariate statistics. Most of the researched individuals showed strong population affiliation, whereas a clinal transition of morphological and anatomical traits of needles was determined among the populations. The opinion of the existence of three subspecies of black pine on the territory of Republic of Croatia (Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. nigra, Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. dalmatica (Vis.) Franco and Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. illyrica (Vid.) Fukarek) was confirmed. For each of the three subspecies new ranges were represented. Four Croatian populations were included in the stenoendemic subspecies of the Dalmatian black pine (Brač, Hvar, Grobnik and Pelješac), and a new distribution, broken in two, was suggested. Since the Dalmatian black pine has been reduced to several populations only, and there are some signs of continuous diminishing of its range, this research points out the need of making an action plan to preserve all natural populations of this subspecies.
Pollination biology of Heracleum sphondylium L. (Apiaceae): the advantages of being white and compact
Authors: Zych Marcin
Published: April 2013

Two questions were addressed in the present study: (1) What are the main pollinators of the two subspecies of H. sphondylium?, and (2) Do the studied plants share the pollinators' set or are they attractive for different groups of insects? The survey showed that among 40 insect taxa visiting both subspecies of H. sphondylium approx. only 53% carried significant pollen loads. However, the Pollinator Importance Coefficient (IC) calculated for each insect group, and based on observation of insects' abundance, within-umbel activity and pollen load revealed that only two taxa in case of H. s. ssp. sibiricum (Thricops nigrifrons, Eriozona syrphoides) and four in case of H. s. ssp. sphondylium (T. nigrifrons,E. syrphoides, Meliscaeva cinctella and Arge ustulata) were truly important pollinators. Although both subspecies were visited by similar insects, H. s. ssp. sphondylium, with its characteristic compact and white umbels, was visited more frequently by Diptera and Hymenoptera, while yellow-greenish loose umbels of H. s. ssp. sibiricum were preferred by Coleoptera. This paper indicates that the concept of faithful pollinators may also apply to a broader spectrum of Apiaceae, usually considered primitive in terms of pollination strategies, and suggests possible ways of differentiation in two closely related taxa.