bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unusual Cells in the Mesophyll Zone of the Leaves of Araucaria
Authors: Bamber RK , Summerville R , Gregory J
Published: December 2005

Examination of unusual cells in the mesophyll zone of Araucariaceae leaves has been made. These
cells are confined to the genus Araucaria. The cells are characterized by the lack of cytoplasm and
the presence of numerous partitions in the lumen. The partitions divide the cell lumen into compart-
ments, and it is suggested that these cells be referred to as 'compartmented cells'. Histochemical
tests indicate that the partitions are pectinous.
Nutrient Cycling in a Eucalyptus obliqua (L'hérit.) Forest. II. A Study in a Small Catchment
Authors: Guthrie HB , Attiwill PM , Leuning R
Published: December 2005

The geochemical balance of cations (input in rainwater-output in stream-water) in a mature E. obliqua forest is shown to be dependent primarily on the amount of 'stream-water' leaving the
catchment at the weir. During the 3 complete years of the study, the annual balance of calcium was
positive, the annual balance of magnesium was negative, and there was either a net gain or net loss
of sodium and potassium depending on the amount of stream-flow. The order of mobility is
sodium > potassium > magnesium > calcium, in accord with physicochemical properties. More
calcium than sodium is returned annually from plant to soil by litter fall and leaching (biogeochemical
cycling), yet the rate of loss of calcium in stream-water is less than one-twentieth that of sodium.
The ecosystem is described as 'tight' in respect to calcium (the annual geochemical balance is con-
sistently small relative to the amount cycled biogeochemically) and 'loose' in respect to sodium
(the annual geochemical balance is highly variable with a range equal to the annual biogeochemical
cycle). The annual turnover in litter fall and leaching of calcium plus magnesium plus potassium
represents 9% of the amount of these elements in the above-ground biomass. The geochemical
balance, however, is only +0. 13 % of the amount in the biomass, and thus the biogeochemical
cycling of these elements in the mature forest appears to be at equilibrium.
Introduction
Suppression of Coastal Heath Vegetation by Eucalyptus baxteri
Authors: Moral RD , Willis RJ , Ashton DH
Published: December 2005

Eucalyptus baxteri produces a zone of suppression beneath its canopy when growing in coastal heath. Dominant species including Casuarina pusilla and Leptospermum myrsinoides are suppressed, but species such as L. juniperinum and Xanthorrhoea australis are not.
Investigations of shoot water potential, soil nutrient levels and shading failed to suggest suppression by competition. E. nitida produces a slightly deeper shade but fails to produce a similar pattern of differential suppression. Chemical inhibition (allelopathy) of Casuarina pusilla, Eucalyptus viminalis and Triticum aestivum by E. baxteri was shown to exist under laboratory conditions. Foliar leachates of E, baxteri are inhibitory in bioassays and contain gentisic and ellagic acids. Litter leachates are also inhibitory in bioassays and contain gentisic, gallic, sinapic, caffeic and ellagic acids. Both leachates also contain several unknown phenolic aglycones, numerous glycosides, and terpenoids. Topsoil extracts are also inhibitory and contain resins and, possibly, terpenoids. The suppression zone is associated with the allelopathic ability of E. baxteri, and is maintained either through the direct transfer of foliar leachates to leaves of suppressed species, through root absorption of foliar and litter leachates, or as a consequence of mycorrhizal inhibition by such leachates.
Taxonomic Variation in Stomatal Insertion Among Grass Leaves
Authors: Watson L , Johnston CR
Published: December 2005

Abaxial leaf epidermal preparations from 228 grass spp. (176 genera) reveal that in most festucoids, the guard cells are clearly overlapped by the adjoining interstomatals. In nearly all non-festucoids, the guard cells are either flush with the interstomatals or slightly overlap them.
Resistance of Potato Tubers (Solanum tuberosum) to Phoma exigua var. exigua and Phoma exigua var. foveata
Authors: Walker RR , Wade GC
Published: December 2005

A histological study of the development of lesions caused by P. exigua var. exigua and P. exigua var. foveata was made in immature tubers of potato cv. Brownell at 18, 10 or 2°C and in mature tubers of cv. Brownell and Bismark at 10°. At 10 and 18°, lesion development was arrested in both cultivars and maturities. Evidence
indicated that suberization and lignification are involved in the retardation and arrest of lesions.
Both rishitin and phytuberin were produced in response to infection by P. exigua var. exigua
and var. foveata. It is unlikely that rishitin and phytuberin are important in the resistance of tubers
to Phoma exigua varieties in cultivar Bismark or in immature tubers of cultivar Brownell. In mature
tubers of cultivar Brownell the concentration of phytuberin induced in response to P. exigua var.
exigua and var. foveata was c. 20-fold higher than the concentration of rishitin. The possible signifi-
cance of phytuberin in these interactions is discussed.
Infection of Australian Heathland Plants by Gigaspora margarita (a Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus)
Authors: Sward RJ
Published: December 2005

One spore type produced by a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus that was sieved from soils collected in a heathland area at Cranbourne in Victoria is that of Gigaspora margarita Becker & Hall, a non-sporocarpic member of the Endogonaceae. The large, white, bulbous-based spores of this fungus were germinated and cultured on artificial media and their growth patterns observed. Certain host species including Leptospermum juniperinum Sm. and Trachymene anisocarpa (Turcz) B.L. Burtt were infected in pot culture with the same fungus and the morphology and anatomy of the resulting association were studied. A variation on the mode of entry and spread of the fungus
within the root from that described for another vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal association is
discussed.
Cytoevolution in the genus Calotis R. Br. (Compositae: Astereae)
Authors: Stace HM
Published: December 2005

Calotis is a genus of about 26 species and subspecies, which are chiefly encountered in the arid and semiarid regions of eastern Australia. A cytological analysis of 21 species is reported here. There are two significant trends in the cytoevolution of the genus. Chromosome number reduction from the base number of n = 8 down to n = 4 is found mainly in arid zone annuals; some arid zone perennials are n = 7. Polyploidy occurs in two-thirds of the species, and it is as frequent in low-number annuals as in higher-number perennials. B chromosomes have been found only rarely. Forms of asexual reproduction occur in the genus, and at least one agamic complex involving polyploidy has occurred. Other species appear to be obligate outbreeders.
Progeny Trials in an Introgressive Hybrid Population of Anigozanthos Labill. (Haemodoraceae)
Authors: Hopper SD
Published: December 2005

The floral morphology and pollen fertility of progeny from open-pollinated plants in a hybrid population of A. manglesii and A. humilis were measured to investigate patterns of gene exchange occurring between hybrid and parental individuals. Introgression occurs where the
two species and F1 hybrids grow in close proximity in the population but the possibility of more
backcrossing to A. manglesii than to A. humilis remains an open question on present evidence.
The morphological effects of hybridization became cryptic in some cases within one and in most cases
within two generations of backcrossing. The possible evolutionary significance of natural hybridization
between A. manglesii and A. humilis is discussed in the light of these results.
Natural Hybridization and Morphometric Relationships Between Three Mallee Eucalypts in the Fitzgerald River National Park, W.A
Authors: Hopper SD , Coates DJ , Burbidge AH
Published: December 2005

The suspected occurrence of natural hybridization between Eucalyptus preissiana Schau, and E.
Buprestium F. Muell, near West Mount Barren was investigated through a study of morphometric
and reproductive parameters in allopatric and sympatric populations of these species. While E.
Preissiana and E. buprestium were morphometrically distinct in allopatry, a small number of intermediate individuals occurred in one of the two sympatric populations examined. These intermediates
set less fruit per plant than the parental species on average, a fact consistent with the hypothesis
that they were hybrids showing partial F2 breakdown. The demonstration that New Holland
honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novae-hollandiae) carried pollen of both parental species in a sympatric
population was interpreted as further evidence in support of the occurrence of hybridization.
The possible hybrid status of E. chrysantha Blakely & Steedman was investigated through determining its morphometric relationships in a multivariate analysis of E. sepulcralis F. Muell., E.
Preissiana and E. buprestium. E. chrysantha was intermediate between E. sepulcralis and E. preissiana,
and distinguishable from E. preissiana-E. buprestium hybrids in this analysis.
The taxonomic and evolutionary implications of the study are discussed.
Assortative Pollination by Red Wattlebirds in a Hybrid Population of Anigozanthos Labill. (Haemodoraceae)
Authors: Hopper SD , Burbidge AH
Published: December 2005

The specificity and spatial pattern of foraging movements of red wattlebirds (Anthochaera carunculata) were studied in a hybrid population of Anigozanthos manglesii D. Don and A. humilis Lindl in the shire cemetery at Gingin, W.A. Differences in phenology, nectar production, stem height and
floral dimensions between F1 hybrids and the two parental Anigozanthos species were also documented
to assess their influence on foraging behaviour and interspecific pollen flow.
The red wattlebirds showed a 97 % fidelity for A. humilis at its seasonal peak in August 1976 and,
a month later, an equally strong fidelity (97 %) for A. manglesii at its seasonal peak. Interspecific
foraging movements constituted only 1.2% of the total of 925 observed during these two study
periods. The spatial distribution of flowering individuals and plant stature appeared to be principal
factors determining assortative pollination, presumably because of their influence on the energetics
of foraging. It is suggested that the observed nearest-neighbour foraging pattern results in spatial
restrictions on pollen flow and may be responsible for the confinement of hybrids to ecotonal zones
where the parental species grow intermixed. Gene exchange between species is also restricted by
differences in pollen deposition/retrieval sites arising from the divergent floral structures of A. hurnilis
and A. rnanglesii.
It is proposed that honeyeaters have generated strong selective pressures influencing the stature,
floral structure and phenology of these kangaroo paws.
Environmental and Genetic Control of Reproduction in Danthonia caespitosa Populations
Authors: Hodgkinson KC , Quinn JA
Published: December 2005

Seedlings and older plants of five populations of Danthonia caespitosa from south-eastern Australia
were grown in controlled environments and in a transplant garden to determine the effect of day
length, temperature, and vernalization of floral initiation and inflorescence development. The
populations were selected from widely separated sites which spanned the latitudinal range (31-42°S.)
for the species and extended from a hot, semiarid environment in the north to a relatively cool and
moist temperature environment in the south.
Examination of herbarium specimens indicated that seed set could occur as early as mid September
at the northern limit for the species and not before mid January at the southern limit (Tasmania).
In a uniform transplant garden located at Deniliquin (latitude 35° 23′S.) plants from the northern
site reached anthesis 4 weeks earlier than plants from southern sites.
Controlled environment experiments revealed that D. caespitosa is a long-day plant. Northern
populations required a 9 . 5 hr day length or longer for floral induction compared with 11 hr or
longer for southern populations. The number of days in inductive conditions (outside, day length
13.5 hr) required for floral initiation was 5-7 for the three most northern populations and 21-25
days for the two southern populations. Inflorescence development (initiation to flag leaf stage)
was considerably slower in southern populations.
All but the most northern population responded to vernalization. Flowering was earlier in
temperatures that were optimal for plant growth. At high temperatures (36/31°C day/night) flowering
was not significantly delayed for the three most northern populations, but was for the two southern
populations, and florets contained caryopses in only the three northern populations.
These results suggest that in cool and moist temperate habitats reproduction of this species is
programmed by day length and temperature effects on floral initiation and development to coincide
with a predictable growing season, whereas in hot semiarid habitats this control is relaxed, which
permits opportunistic reproduction whenever soil moisture and temperature permit growth.
The Influence of Sheep on Pattern and Process in Atriplex vesicaria Populations From the Riverine Plain of New South Wales
Authors: Williams DG , Anderson DJ , Slater KR
Published: December 2005

The application of multiple pattern analysis (multiscale ordination) to a phase-differentiated sample
of perennial saltbush (Atriplex vesicaria) rangeland, along with assessments of the vegetative and
reproductive states of individual plants, served to indicate the importance of sheep in determining
some scales of distributional pattern in the shrub population. By comparison with conventional
pattern analysis, it is shown that multiple pattern analysis can be used to provide an economic
description of 'total' pattern in temporally related phases of a monospecific plant population. It is
demonstrated that the pattern-determining interaction between sheep and saltbush individuals is
dependent on plant size, sex and location with respect of other shrub individuals, in particular due
to the trampling of seedling and pioneer phases and the selective grazing of sexually mature shrubs
by sheep.
Vegetation history at Lake Curlip in lowland eastern Victoria, from 5200 B.P. to present
Authors: Ladd PG
Published: December 2005

The Lake Curlip swamp is part of the Snowy River flats and is covered mainly by Phragmites grassland and Melaleuca thickets. The land bordering the flats is generally cleared, but there are some open-forests dominated by eucalypts, and small patches of Acmena closed-forest occur in sheltered sites on the flats or in gullies. Sediments from a core taken from the swamp cover the period 5200 B.P. to present. From 5200 B.P. to about 1500 B.P., the pollen record shows very little change, but from 1500B.P. to the present, swamp plant pollen proportions undergo marked fluctuations. Most of the sediments under the Lake Curlip swamp were deposited under saline water; pollen and spores in the sediments were derived mainly from the Snowy and Brodribb Rivers, which flowed into a large common estuary. After 1700 B.P., the water over the core site became fresher, hydrosere succession followed, culminating in the growth of a Melaleuca ericifolia closed-scrub. Water-borne pollen and spores were eliminated from the site, but have recently been reintroduced with flood waters from the Brodribb Channel. The pollen record from Lake Curlip swamp suggests that there has been little change in the distribution of dry-land vegetation in this area. From this it must be concluded that the climate in the past 5200 years has been quite similar to that of the present.
Development of the Anther and Ovule in Capsicum L
Authors: Dharamadhaj P , Prakash N
Published: December 2005

The structure of the anther and ovule and the development of the male and female gametophytes
have been studied in seven cultivated varieties of Capsicum-C. annuum L. var. acuminatum Fingerh.
(long red cayenne), C. annuum L. cv. Floral Gem, C. annuum L, var. grossum (L.) Sendt. (giant bell),
C. annuum var. longum (DC.) Sendt. (long sweet yellow), C. baccatum L. var. pendulum (Willd.)
Eshbaugh, C. frutescens L, var. baccatum (L.) Irish and C. frutescens L, cv. Tabasco.
Marked differences in the development were observed between flower buds formed in summer
and in winter. In the anthers of winter flower buds of C. annuum var, acuminatum the pollen grains
show nuclear multiplication and pollens with all nuclear numbers between two and eight are
represented. However, 'pollen embryo sacs' as such are not formed. The normal viable pollen
grains are binucleate. The pollen fertility in summer is 93.6% while in winter, on the same
plants, it is only 31.3 %.
In the development of the ovule there are no marked differences amongst the varieties except
in size. Coexistence of mono-, bi- and tetrasporic embryo sac developments has been found in
C. annuum var. acuminatum in which monospory is dominant in summer but bispory in winter.
Monosporic and bisporic embryo sacs coexist in C. baccatum var. pendulum and C. frutescens var.
baccatum. The other varieties show only monosporic development.
Studies on the Status of Unburnt Eucalyptus Woodland at Ocean Grove, Victoria. II. The Differential Seedling Establishment of Eucalyptus ovata Labill. And Casuarina littoralis Salisb
Authors: Withers JR
Published: December 2005

At Ocean Grove, Vic., Eucalyptus woodland which has remained unburnt for many years is being
replaced by Casuarina scrub. Neither poor germination or poor seed supply is responsible for the
lack of eucalypt regeneration. However, ants harvest substantial numbers of eucalypt seeds, but
not those of Casuarina. Furthermore, powdered cladode litter of Casuarina littoralis delayed germination of Eucalyptus orata substantially, but not that of its own seeds. Survival and establishment
of young eucalypts is prevented by the dense grass sward, while establishment of C. littoralis, C.
Stricta and Acacia pycnantha is not greatly hindered. Removal of the sward by firing promoted
establishment of eucalypts. Successful establishment of A. pycnantha seedlings in the sward is largely
due to vigorous early growth of roots and shoots as a result of its larger seed size. Survival of C.
Littoralis in the sward is not due to rapid early development of roots and shoots, but is probably
due to greater shade tolerance and/or drought resistance.
The Occurrence of Resurrection Plants in the Australian Flora
Authors: Gaff DF , Latz PK
Published: December 2005

A field examination of representatives of the vascular plants of xeric sites and shallow soils in Australia
disclosed about 25 species with foliage which can revive after dehydration. Most were grasses, or
ferns in the genus Cheilanthes. Only one dicotyledonous species was found. The protoplasmic
drought tolerance limits were predominantly in the range of water potentials equivalent to 0-5 %
relative humidity at 28°C. Most grass species were too low-growing to have agricultural potential.
The Late Pleistocene and Holocene Vegetational History of Hunter Island, North-Western Tasmania
Authors: Hope GS
Published: December 2005

Cave Bay Cave contains pollen-bearing sediments derived partly from weathering of the roof and
partly from intermittent human occupation. These span the periods c. 28,000-14,700 B.P. and
c. 8000 B.P. to the present. Pollen analysis of the Pleistocene sediments indicates that an initial open
shrubland was followed by grassland which became increasingly open with abundant composites.
Eucalypts occurred in the area but were probably very sparse. The Holocene section records a coastal
shrubland like that at present in the area. Intervals of occupation appear to have had little effect on
vegetation recorded at the cave, but fires occurred in the vegetation during unoccupied as well as
occupied phases. Comparison of the Pleistocene spectra with those from sites in near-coastal
Tasmania and south-eastern Australia suggest that an open grassland with scattered trees was
extensive from the Adelaide region down to the Bassian Plain. Some components of this cold steppe
formation may occur today in the treeline woodlands on the driest parts of the Tasmanian mountains,
but there may also be floristic affinities with arid steppe. The grassland probably reflects conditions
colder, drier and possibly windier than any represented in the area today.
Studies of marine algae in the lesser-known families of the Gigartinales (Rhodophyta). III. The Mychodeaceae and Mychodeophyllaceae
Authors: Kraft GT
Published: December 2005

The endemic Australian red algal families Mychodeaceae Kylin and Mychodeophyllaceae fam. nov.
are described and characterized in vegetative and reproductive detail. The Mychodeaceae is composed
of the single genus Mychodea and 11 species which are distinguished on habit features and vegetative
differences. Plants are uniaxial with a distinctive pattern of axial development, monoecious, zonately
tetrasporangiate, procarpic and polycarpogonial. Supporting cells of carpogonial branches function as
auxiliary cells which remain unfused to adjacent cells after diploidization and emit numerous
gonimoblast filaments towards the centre of the thallus. The gonimoblasts become secondarily pitconnected
to gametophytic cells which they lie next to and eventually appear to break up into isolated
groups of cells which both initiate additional carposporangial precursors and enlarge directly into carposporangia
themselves. Carposporangial initials can form secondary pit-connections to any type of
adjacent cell, which results in irregularly branched carposporangial clusters whose cells are frequently
attached to sterile gametophytic cells within and around the periphery of the cystocarp. Mature cystocarps
consist of a non-ostiolate pericarp and pockets of carposporangia isolated between persistent
sterile cells throughout the fertile region. The genera Neurophyllis Zanardini and Ectoclinium J. Agardh
are placed in synonymy with Mychodea, and all extra-Australian records of the group are discounted
or questioned.
A new family, the Mychodeophyllaceae, is created for Mychodeophyllum papillitectum gen. et sp.
nov. from Western Australia. Mychodeophyllum shares spermatangial and tetrasporangial features with
Mychodea, as well as sexual elements such as polycarpogonial procarps, lack of a fusion cell, and multiple,
inwardly growing gonimoblast initials. Gonimoblast filaments develop quite differently from
Mychodea, however, and carposporangia form radiating chains around the periphery of a central placenta
composed of mixed and secondarily connected gonimoblast and gametophytic filaments. Plants
of the genus are also apparently rnultiaxial.
The Mychodeaceae and Mychodeophyllaceae appear to be highly specialized in vegetative and carposporophyte
structure, and have given rise to no known higher lines of development. It is speculated
that both families may represent offshoots from ancestors at a level of carposporophyte complexit)
represented by present-day Rhabdoniaceae, Solieriaceae and Rhodophyllidaceae.
Suppression of the Infection of Jarrah Roots by Phytophthora cinnamomi With Application of Calcium Carbonate
Authors: Boughton TJ , Malajczuk N , Robson AD
Published: December 2005

Application of calcium carbonate to an acid sand (pH 4.5 in 1/5 0 . 01 M calcium chloride), which
increased the soil pH to 6.7, increased the fresh weight of tops of jarrah seedlings and decreased
the fresh weight of roots. Calcium carbonate markedly increased the proportion of fine roots and
almost suppressed infection of jarrah roots by P. cinnamomi.
Photosynthetic lamellae of Prochloron (Prochlorophyta) associated with the Ascidian Diplosoma virens (Hartmeyer) in the vicinity of Townsville
Authors: Van Thinh L
Published: December 2005

Prochloron, the microscopic algae contained within the cloacal cavity of the ascidian Diplosoma virens; possesses fine structures similar to that of blue-green algae. However, the photosynthetic lamellae are composed of two appressed thylakoids, a feature slightly removed from the non-appressed thylakoids of prokaryotic blue-green algae.
A Comparison of Phytophthora cinnamomi Infection in Eucalyptus sieberi, a Susceptible Species, and Eucalyptus maculata a Field Resistant Species
Authors: Halsall DM
Published: December 2005

Zoospores of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands were attracted, in almost equal numbers, to seedling
roots of Eucalyptus sieberi (a susceptible species) and Eucalyptus maculata (a field resistant species).
Germinating zoospores penetrated and mycelium developed within seedling roots of both species.
The root and shoot growth of both eucalypt species were reduced by P. cinnamomi infection.
In E. sieberi the growth reduction was greater than in E. maculata seedlings and other symptoms of
infection were evident.
Cell-free extracts of P. cinnamomi were able to produce some of the symptoms of infection in
the absence of parasitism. Root growth of both eucalypt species was reduced at high extract dilutions
and seedling deaths occurred at low extract dilutions.
Seasonal Variation in Numbers of Chlamydospores in Victorian Forest Soils Infected With Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Weste G , Vithanage K
Published: December 2005

Chlamydospore numbers were counted for 2 years on replicated soil samples from three different
types of naturally infected Victorian native forest. Soil temperatures and soil water potentials were
recorded concurrently. A highly significant seasonal variation in chlamydospore numbers was
observed with maxima from summer to autumn and minima from winter to spring. There was little
variation either between replicates or between different forest soils in winter and spring counts, but
there was highly significant variation between different forest sites during the large summer and
autumn counts. At this period sandy soil contained five to 12 times the number of chlamydo-
spores found in other soils. For example, in autumn 1977,286 chlamydospores were recorded per
50 g sample from deep sandy soils compared with 31 for krasnozem and 17 for shallow duplex soils.
At this period soil temperatures were similar but the soil water potential for the duplex soil was
very low (-82 bars).
Kranz cells and mesophyll in the Chenopodiales
Authors: Carolin RC , Jacobs SWL , Vesk M
Published: December 2005

Kranz anatomies found in members of the order Chenopodiales are described except those found
in the family Chenopodiaceae which have been described previously. Illustrations are provided of
the gross anatomy of the leaf and of the ultrastructure of the Kranz cells. The structure of the meso-
phyll and the relative abundance of starch grains in mesophyll cells indicate that in some species
the mesophyll may be functionally differentiated. It is suggested that these species show partial
Kranz syndromes. Comments are made on the taxonomic significance of the Kranz syndrome
within the order.
The cytology of Brachycome. II. The subgenus Metabrachycome: a general survey
Authors: Carter CR
Published: December 2005

Chromosome counts for 12 of the 17 known species of Metabrachycome are reported. All species
have x = 9. Nine species are diploid (2n = 18), and the other three species show intraspecific
polyploidy on base x = 9. Two of these three have a sexual diploid within the complex. The
polyploids are probably apomictic. G. L. Davis recognized morphological 'varieties' within each
of the three polyploid species complexes, but the relationship of these varieties to the various ploid
levels is unclear.
Metabrachycome, which is primarily Western Australian, exhibits a wide range of morphological
and ecological diversity, yet it is chromosomally very conservative, with no change in chromosome
base number, and no obvious karyotype differentiation. This contrasts sharply with the primarily
eastern Eubrachycome which is extremely labile chromosomally, with base numbers ranging from
n = 2 ton = 15.
It is suggested that the more stable environment in Western Australia since the mid Tertiary
may have been less conducive to the establishment and maintenance of chromosomal rearrangements.
A Survey of Australian Solanum Plants for Potentially Useful Sources of Solasodine
Authors: Bradley V , Collins DJ , Crabbe PG , Eastwood FW , Irvine MC , Swan JM , Symon DE
Published: December 2005

The contents of solasodine and of solasodine-like alkaloids in samples of 85 native Australian Solanum species were determined. Leaf, stem and fruit of 74, leaf and stem of 7 and leaf only of 4 species were examined. Twenty-nine spp., but particularly S. aviculare, S. laciniatum and S. simile, contained appreciable amounts of solasodine. Tomatidine was isolated from S. dimorphospinum. S. callium contained appreciable quantities of the new alkaloids 25-isosolafloridine and solacallinidine. S. dunalianum, probably introduced into Australia from New Guinea, contained the new alkaloid soladunalinidine and small amounts of tomatidine.
Comparative Biochemical and Morphological Studies of Acacia sophorae (Labill.) R. Br. And A. longifolia (Andrews) Willd
Authors: Murray DR , Ashcroft WJ , Seppelt RD , Lennox FG
Published: December 2005

Biochemical as well as morphological differences justify the retention of Acacia sophorae (Labill.)
R.Br. as a distinct species rather than a variety of Acacia longifolia (Andrews) Willd. The seeds of
A. sophorae are larger, with a water content between 6 and 7 %. The water content of A. longifolia
seeds may be higher (6-10%). The seed coat accounts for c. 40% of the seed mass, but this value
also is more variable for A. longifolia (33-43 %). Although the salt-extractable protein content of the
seed is similar in both on a dry weight basis (12-13% whole seed, 19-20% embryo), qualitative
and quantitative differences are evident in the electrophoretic patterns of albumin and globulin
fractions, which were studied in a range of gels of different acrylamide contents (4.0-7.0%). Slopes
of mobility (as 100 x log10(RF x 100)) v. acrylamide content of gel were obtained for more than half
the protein bands observed. These data indicate that proteins of comparatively low molecular
weight (50,000-100,000) constitute a major proportion of the total protein stored in the cotyledons
of A. sophorae, whereas proteins of intermediate to high molecular weight occupy a much greater
proportion of the total reserve protein in A. longifolia cotyledons.
The globulin designated G6, of molecular weight c. 250,000, was found to exhibit differences
in subunit composition on s~s-polyacrylamide gel analysis. Subunits of molecular weight 72,000,
61,000, 45,000, 36,000, 31,000, 16,000 and 11,000 are present in apparently equal proportions in
the G6 globulin from A. longifolia. By comparison, the G6 globulin from A. sophorae lacks subunit
IV, consisting of subunits of molecular weight 72,000, 61,000, 45,000, 31,000, 16,000 and 11,000 in
the ratio 1/1/2/1/1/1.
No differences were observed in the profile of non-protein amino acids from the seeds. The
flavonoid composition of the seeds also appeared to be identical for both acacias, with five areas
resolved by two-dimensional chromatography for each. In contrast, the flavonoid composition of
the phyllode is more complex in A. sophorae; a maximum of 11 areas were resolved from extracts of
A. sophorae phyllodes, compared with only five areas for A. longifolia.
Effects of Certain Isolates of Bacteria and Actinomycetes on Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici and Take-All of Wheat
Authors: Sivasithamparam K , Parker CA
Published: December 2005

Five isolates each of actinomycetes, bacteria and fluorescent pseudomonads from the roots of wheat
were tested for antagonism against Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici on agar and in sterile and
unsterile soil. There was no apparent correlation between the tests. Effects on the growth of the
take-all fungus (TAF) on agar ranged from nil to various degrees of colony deformation and/or
inhibition. In a sterile sandy subsoil growing wheat seedlings, all except one isolate had no effect
on disease production by a straw inoculum of the TAF. In an unsterile soil, however, measurements of
shoot weight indicated that disease was reduced by all five isolates of bacteria singly and in mixture
and by four of the five isolates of actinomycetes and a mixture of all five. Although a mixture of all
five isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads reduced the disease, none of them produced a similar
effect when tested singly. In the absence of the pathogen none of the test organisms significantly
increased the shoot weight of wheat.
Chromoplast Ultrastructure in Fruit of Solanum pseudocapsicum and Fruit and Sepals of Physalis alkekengi
Authors: Simpson DJ , Baqar MR , Lee TH
Published: December 2005

The chromoplasts of ripe fruit of Solanum pseudocapsicum contain mostly β-carotene, with lesser
amounts of lutein, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, mutatochrome and violaxanthin. The ultrastructure
of these plastids reveals that the carotenoids appear to crystallize out from the plastoglobules into
many small slabs. In addition, fibrils are also present and develop from plastoglobules. In fruit
from wild plants, they consist of a single microfibril with a diameter of 21.3 ± 1.4 nm ( ± SD), while
those from an ornamental cultivar, Solanum Christmas Cherry Jubilee, contain fibrils consisting of
several small microfibrils, with an average centre-to-centre distance of 4.9 ± 0.5 nm (±SD).
The chromoplasts of ripe fruit of Physalis alkekengi are remarkably similar to those of S. pseudocapsicum with respect to their ultrastructure, although they contain mainly zeaxanthin dipalmitate
and β-carotene. Fruit from one plant contain the electron-transparent crystalloids described for
S. pseudocapsicum, as well as fibrils consisting of one or more large microfibrils. Fruit from a second
plant contain crystalloids and the short, small fibrils composed of several microfibrils with a centre-
to-centre distance of 4.1 ± 0.2 nm (± SD ) .
Treatment of mature green fruit of S. pseudocapsicum with CPTA, which inhibits β-carotene
accumulation, prevents the formation of crystalloids and both types of fibrils. It is suggested that
the crystalloids are the site of β-carotene deposition in S. pseudocapsicum, and of zeaxanthin di-
palmitate in P. alkekengi. Furthermore, it is postulated that there are different types of plasto-
globules, one type generating crystalloids and the other fibrils.
Studies on the Status of Unburnt Eucalyptus Woodland at Ocean Grove, Victoria. III. Comparative Water Relations of the Major Tree Species.
Authors: Withers JR
Published: December 2005

At Ocean Grove, unburnt Eucalyptus woodland is being replaced by Casuarina scrub. Autecological studies were initiated to study aspects of the mechanism of replacement. C. littoralis seedlings are more drought-resistant than E. ovata seedlings. The drought resistance of C. littoralis is largely due to desiccation avoidance facilitated by efficient reduction of stomatal and cuticular transpiration. C. littoralis seedlings reduced their transpiration rate at high relative water contents and water potentials, and maintained a turgid condition for several days longer than E. ovata seedlings. Although there was a high rate of water loss from detached E. ovata leaves, the induced water saturation deficits were reversible over a wider range of water deficits than in C. littoralis. Hence E. ovata may be more desiccation-tolerant than C. littoralis. The greater desiccation-avoiding capacity of C. littoralis is partly due to its more xeromorphic foliage, its slower growth rates and to differences in tissue water relations. Both adult and juvenile cladodes of C. littoralis exhibited a more rapid decline in shoot water potential with decreasing water content than did E. ovata leaves. In field trials, more Eucalyptus than Casuarina seedlings died during the hot dry summers. Hence the differential survival of E. ovata and C. littoralis seedlings in the field may be
partly due to differences in their drought resistance.
Aspects of the Biology of Phytophthora cryptogea
Authors: Bumbieris M
Published: December 2005

Laboratory studies of Phytophthora cryptogea showed that the fungus was able to colonize dead
organic matter in soil in competition with other soil microorganisms. When mycelium of the fungus
was pre-exposed to various temperatures, the optimum pre-exposure temperatures for subsequent
production of sporangia under sterile and non-sterile conditions were 15° and 5°C respectively.
Production of sporangia by P. cryptogea was also influenced by aeration; numbers of sporangia
decreased sharply when the depth of liquid above culture discs of the fungus was increased from
6 mm to 13 mm. Encysted zoospores of P. cryptogea were able to germinate after 14 days in a
forest soil.
Chromosome Numbers and Genetic Systems in the Trigger Plants of Western Australia (Stylidium; Stylidiaceae)
Authors: James SH
Published: December 2005

Chromosome numbers for 116 taxa of the genus Stylidium in south Western Australia are reported. The primitive number is n = 15, but haploid numbers ranging from 5 to 16 occur, with polyploidy on 13, 14 and 15. This dysploid variation is associated with a widespread occurrence of recessive lethal factors which eliminate most of the products of self-pollination at or soon after fertilization while permitting a majority of the cross-pollination products to survive.
Biosystematic studies in the Stylidium crassifolium species complex (Stylidiaceae)
Authors: Banyard BJ , James SH
Published: December 2005

Stylidium elongatum Benth. (n = 13, 26) and Stylidium crassifolium R. Br. (n = 14, 28) have been restored to specific status and a morphologically intermediate species, Stylidium confluens sp. nov. (n = 14), is described. Polyploid entities in the complex have not been given taxonomic ranks although the tetraploid form of elongatum may be considered worthy of subspecific rank, as it is ecologically distinct and contiguously allopatric to its progenitor and to confluens, forming a buffer between these two diploid entities. Tetraploid populations in crassifolium occur within the distributional range of the diploid. All three species carry recessive lethal gene arrays which eliminate the products of self-pollination with great efficiency and result in crosses between close populations yielding seed more effectively than crosses within populations. There is evidence that interpopulational coadaptation may break down with increasing distance between populations. Polyploidy in crassifolium is probably a conservative response in the genetic system of a species where concentrations of lethal genes in small diploid populations became disadvantageous.
Stylidium ecorne (F.Muell. ex Erickson and Willis) comb. Et stat.nov.(Stylidiaceae)
Authors: Farrell PG , James SH
Published: December 2005

Stylidium calcavatum R. Br. (n = 11) and Stylidium ecorne (F. Muell. ex Erickson & Willis) comb.
et stat. nov. (syn. Stylidium calcaratum R. Br. var. ecorne F. Muell. ex Erickson and Willis) (n = 13)
are shown to be distinct species separated by chromosomal, morphological and reproductive discontinuities. The derived species, S. calcavatum, is distributed over a wider, often more arid, array of ecological conditions and exhibits a reduced interpopulational coadaptation indicated by low seed
set following interpopulational cross pollinations.
Studies on the Status of Unburnt Eucalyptus Woodland at Ocean Grove, Victoria. IV. The Effect of Shading on Seedling Establishment
Authors: Withers JR
Published: December 2005

The invasion of unburnt Eucalyptus woodland by Casuarina scrub has greatly reduced light penetration, hence seedlings encounter intense shading beneath the scrub and within the grass sward. Artificial shading experiments showed that Acacia pycnantha seedlings were the most shade-tolerant, followed by C. littoralis and C. stricta, while Eucalyptus
ovata seedlings all died under prolonged intense shading, apparently owing to Botrytis cinerea.
Shading (30% of full daylight) for 9 months (autumn-spring) increased the yield of A. pycnantha,
C. littoralis and C. stricta seedlings compared with non-shaded seedlings. Intense shading (less
than 8% of daylight) caused etiolation and decreased yields in all species. Chlorophyll a/b ratios
of E. ovata and C. littoralis were decreased by shading. The total chlorophyll content of E. ovata
plants was increased by shading, but that of C. littoralis was not affected. Shade tolerance of A.
pycnantha, C. littoralis and C. stricta was partly morphogenetic in origin (increased leaf area ratios
with shading) and partly due to resistance to fungal attack. All species had low compensation points.
Shaded A. pycnantha seedlings retained pinnae for much longer than non-shaded seedlings. The
differential survival of shaded E. ovata and C. littoralis seedlings is apparently not the result of
differences in their photosynthetic efficiency at low light intensities, as sun-grown seedlings of both
species had very similar light response curves. Prolonged shading significantly decreased the
root/shoot ratios of all species except C. littoralis; hence shading will reduce the drought resistance
of seedlings. The results from these experiments support the idea that the differential establishment
of E. ovata and C. littoralis at Ocean Grove is partly due to differences in their shade tolerance.
Some Conditions Governing Zoospore Production in Axenic Cultures of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands
Authors: Byrt P , Grant BR
Published: December 2005

A method for the production of zoospores from the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is
described. The use of siliconized cellulose pads as a hyphal support, which in turn allows shake-
grown mycelia to be used, results in the production of zoospores in concentrations of 107-108/litre.
It allows one person to produce the equivalent of 1-10 mg of zoospore protein per batch, which
is sufficient for a variety of biochemical studies.
Chromosomal and phenotypic stability during regeneration of whole plants from tissue cultures of Brachycome dichromosomatica (2n=4)
Authors: Gould AR
Published: December 2005

A system has been established for the regeneration of flowering plants from callus cultures of B. dichromosomatica, an Australian composite characterized by its diploid complement of only four chromosomes. After a year of subculturing, the callus will still give rise to plants which are perfect diploids and which exhibit distinctive chromosomal and phenotypic markers originally observed in the plants from which callus lines had been derived.
Optical Diffraction Analysis for Estimating Foliage Angle Distribution in Grassland Canopies
Authors: Smith JA , Berry JK
Published: December 2005

A non-destructive, rapid technique utilizing horizontal in situ ground photographs for estimating
foliage angle distributions is discussed. Optical diffraction patterns generated from orthogonal
photographs are analysed for angular bias by wedge sampling. Probability distributions for planar
projections of foliage orientations are derived from these measurements and mathematically convo-
luted to determine the actual three-space probability distribution function for foliage angles. The
method is particularly appropriate for dense canopies which are difficult to measure by other tech-
niques. The diffraction technique is evaluated for abstract canopies and for a canopy of Western
wheat grass (Agropyron smithii). It also yields physically consistent interpretations for the phenolo-
gical development of domestic Satanta wheat (Triticum aestivum).
Estimation of above-ground biomass of trees and shrubs in a Eucalyptus populnea F. Muell. woodland by regression of mass on trunk diameter and plant height
Authors: Harrington G
Published: December 2005

An estimate of the above-ground biomass of leaf and wood in the shrubs and trees of Eucalyptus populnea woodland near Cobar, N.S.W., was made, by regression of leaf and wood weight on height or trunk diameter of the most common species. A new double regression technique was used for E. populnea to avoid destructively sampling whole trees. The mass of branches was regressed on primary branch diameter and these equations were used to estimate the total mass of crowns of trees. The estimated crown mass was then regressed on trunk diameters. Regression equations for estimation of mass of wood and leaf are provided for Geijera parvifora, Cassia nemophila, Dodonaea viscosa, Eremophila mitchellii, E. sturtii, E. bowmanii, Myoporum deserti and young Acacia aneura. The error of the estimates varied between 3 and 18% for different species. Log transformation of the data usually improved the correlation coefficients obtained but sometimes increased the standard error of the estimate. Estimates based on canopy measurements were rarely more accurate than those from height or trunk diameter. The overall estimate of biomass was 3.4 t of leaf and 51.4 t of wood per ha with a standard error of < 15%.
Litter Accumulation After Fire in a Eucalypt Forest
Authors: Fox BJ , Fox MD , Mckay GM
Published: December 2005

The rate of accumulation and the composition of the forest floor litter were studied in an open eucalypt forest at Seal Rocks, New South Wales. The forest is subject to frequent fires and its recent fire history is well documented. The height of the understorey vegetation was shown to be a good indication of the time since fire. Litter accumulation in eucalypt forests can be adequately described by a modified exponential equation with two parameters, steady-state accumulation (Χss) and rate of accumulation (k). Both parameters are functions of the annual litter fall, which is assumed to be continuous in this model. The steady-state accumulation of litter in the Seal Rocks forest was found to be 1.67 kg m-2, reached after c. 10 years. The model should be recognized as a gross simplification of the many factors which affect litter accumulation, in particular the assumption of a constant value for k. The components of the litter on the forest floor change in relative importance with time owing to differing rates of accumulation and decomposition.
Past and Present Vegetation on the Delegate River in the Highlands of Eastern Victoria. I. Present Vegetation
Authors: Ladd PG
Published: December 2005

Swamp and forest vegetation on the Delegate River near Bendoc, at about 900 m above sea level
in the highlands of eastern Victoria, was analysed by two different computer strategies-one agglomerative polythetic (MULTBET) and the other divisive monothetic (DIVINF). Classification of the
species with respect to sites by DIVINF (inverse) produced 10 meaningful species groups and a residue
of relatively rare species. MULTBET (normal) produced the more satisfactory classification of swamp
and forest sites with respect to species, enabling 10 communities to be recognized: these are
mapped and described. In general, the communities are characterized by a number of species
groups and some groups are confined to particular parts of the study area.
The main environmental features affecting the distribution of communities appear to be altitude
above the valley floor and aspect for the forest and, for the swamp, aeration and drainage of the soil,
flooding (degree and duration) and low temperature.