bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beppo SAX X-Ray Observations of PKS 1934–63 and S5 1946+708
Authors: Woltjer L. , Risaliti G. , Salvati M.
Published: August 2003

X-ray observations of PKS 1934–63 and S5 1946+708 have been made with Beppo SAX lasting 100 and 40 ksec, respectively. Both sources were detected, and in both there is evidence (at 90% confidence) of a strong iron Kα line which would indicate that the nuclei are surrounded by Compton thick material (˜1 g cm−2).

For 1946+708 VLBI H I absorption data are available from the literature. With the condition that free–free absorption should be modest for the source to be observable a minimum radius of around 20 pc is derived for the absorbing torus. The torus is predominantly molecular with a density of 108 cm−3. The corresponding pressure is rather high. Observations with XMM have been requested to verify the large equivalent width of Kα with a better confidence level.

In 1934–63 no important H I absorption was previously detected and no nucleus has been seen in radio data at 8 GHz. If this is due to free–free absorption a molecular torus with a radius less than 5 pc could be responsible. The density would be 108 cm−3 or more.

The relatively low S/N ratio of our observations does not allow a fully convincing conclusion to be reached. But our discussion shows that the combination of X-ray and high resolution 21-cm absorption data can provide important information on the physical parameters in the absorbing ‘torus’.

Paper to appear in full in Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Compartmented cells in the mesophyll of Araucaria angustifolia (Araucariaceae)
Authors: Mastroberti Alexandra A. , Mariath Jorge Ernesto de Araujo
Published: August 2003

The compartmented cells of the immature and mature leaves of young and adult plants of Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O. Ktze. are characterised by the presence of pectinous partitions in the cell lumen, forming a system of compartments. The function of these cells is possibly related to water storage and translocation. The morphology of compartmented cells differs from that of immature and mature leaves: at the time of maturity the compartment system or secretion is more defined. These cells undergo the programmed cell death (PCD) process, because they are enucleated in adult plants. The compartmented cells' cytology and pectic composition are similar to the mucilage cells of Lauraceae and Cactaceae.
Using Banksia (Proteaceae) node counts to estimate time since fire
Authors: Wills Timothy J.
Published: August 2003

In Australia, numerous methods have been used to determine the time since the last fire at a given site. One method involves counting the number of annual growth nodes on Banksia spp. that are either killed by fire, or regenerate from surviving rootstocks, to determine above-ground plant age. Although a number of studies have used the Banksia node-count method to estimate plant and therefore site age, no published data assess the reliability of this method. This study attempted to determine the accuracy of the method, with shrub-form B. marginata individuals from five sites of different age, in a south-eastern Australian sand heath. A significant relationship was found between modal node (internode) counts and the known time since fire, with internode counts at four of the five sites accurate to within 1 year of actual site age up to 21 years (n > 50 individuals per site). The results suggest that the Banksia node-count method is a useful tool for determining site age up to 21 years. However, sample sizes need to be appropriate for the area sampled, given the potential error in counting nodes and the inherent site variability in age classes.
Molecular phylogenetics of the Australian acacias of subg. Phyllodineae (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae) based on the trnK intron
Authors: Miller Joseph T. , Andrew Rose , Bayer Randall J.
Published: August 2003

With over 960 species, Acacia is the largest genus of plants in Australia with all but nine of these species classified as subgenus Phyllodineae. DNA sequences for the chloroplast trnK region were sequenced for over 100 species to test sectional classification and survey species relationships within this subgenus. Only one of the seven recognised sections was found to be monophyletic; however, the close relationship of sect. Botrycephalae to certain racemose, uninerved species of sect. Phyllodineae is confirmed. Support is found for an expanded version of Vassal's Pulchelloidea, with the addition of sect. Lycopodiifoliae and several members of sect. Phyllodineae. These species, while morphologically distinct in adult foliage, possess similar seedling characteristics. The multinerved species are unresolved, indicating a rapid morphological radiation with little chloroplast sequence divergence among these species. The low levels of sequence divergence, large numbers of morphological species groups and the adaptive radiation of the group are discussed.
Possible consequences of fungal contamination on the RAPD fingerprinting in Miscanthus (Poaceae)
Authors: Chiang Yu-Chung , Chou Chang-Hung , Huang Shong , Chiang Tzen-Yuh
Published: August 2003

Fungal contamination has been frequently reported in higher plants. In Miscanthus species, a wide range of fungal flora has also been recorded previously, including an investigation based on nrITS amplification. In order to understand the effects of the fungal genomes on the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting, callus specimens were obtained from the tissue culture of shoot apices of Miscanthus. RAPD fingerprinting with 60 oligoprimers was conducted with genomic DNA extracted from leaf tissue collected in the field and from the greenhouse, as well as callus derived from the same individuals. Extra bands were detected in the RAPD fingerprints amplified with 44 primers (84.6%) from the genomic DNA of both the field and greenhouse leaf tissue of most Miscanthus taxa examined, except for M. sinensis var. condensatus. Positive PCR amplification of organelle DNA non-coding spacers with both leaf and callus DNA ruled out the possibility that such DNA fingerprinting discrepancies were due to loss of organelles in the callus after consecutive subcultures. Among the 44 primers, one yielded no amplified fragments from the callus DNA, indicating that the amplified DNA fragments from leaf-tissue DNA were likely to be derived from fungi. The contaminating fungal DNA not only caused the overestimation of genetic diversity in the host plants, but also interfered with the phylogenetic inference. Systematic inconsistency occurred between the UPGMA dendrograms of leaf and callus DNA fingerprints. The detection of contaminating fungal DNA suggested that precautions are required for PCR-based fingerprinting when field materials are used for DNA resources. A method for quick screening of the contaminating fungal DNA with universal primers for the nrITS (internal transcribed spacer) region is suggested.
Corrigendum to: TURNER REVIEW No. 6 Genetic pollution of native eucalypt gene pools—identifying the risks
Authors: Potts B. M. , Barbour R. C. , Hingston A. B. , Vaillancourt R. E.
Published: August 2003

The contamination of native-eucalypt gene pools via exotic pollen is of concern as (i) pollen dispersal is believed to be much more widespread than seed dispersal, (ii) reproductive barriers are often weak between closely related species, (iii) European settlement has already had a major impact on Australia's eucalypt woodlands and mallee, (iv) there has been a rapid expansion of eucalypt plantations and restoration plantings in Australia and (v) Australia is the custodian of an internationally important genetic resource. Pollen flow between plantation and native eucalypt species has already been reported and implementation of strategies to minimise the risk and consequences of genetic pollution is important if Australian forestry is to be considered sustainable. The risks associated with the introduction of non-native species, provenances and hybrids include direct effects on the gene pool through genetic pollution as well as indirect effects on dependent biodiversity. In many cases, the risk of genetic pollution will be small due to strong barriers to hybridisation between distantly related species, differences in flowering time or poor fitness of hybrids. There is no risk of hybridisation between species from the different major eucalypt genera and/or subgenera (e.g. symphyomyrts, monocalypts, eudesmids, bloodwoods and angophora). The main plantation species are symphyomyrts and within this subgenus, the probability of successful hybridisation generally decreases with increasing taxonomic distance between species. The planting of non-local provenances or improved material within the range of native populations has the potential to have an impact on local gene pools to varying degrees, indicating the requirement for the adoption of management strategies to reduce this risk. Naturally small or remnant populations are at particular risk. A framework for assessment of the risk of genetic pollution is developed herein.
Pollen dispersal and gene flow by pollen in Araucaria angustifolia
Authors: Sousa V. A. , Hattemer H. H.
Published: August 2003

Araucaria angustifolia (Bert.) O.Ktze. is an economically important tree in southern Brazil. Indiscriminate exploitation is threatening this species with extinction. Conservation programs are urgently needed to save the remaining forest, and such programs must be guided by biological studies that genetically characterise the remaining populations. Pollen and seed dispersion patterns determine the distance of gene flow and directly influence genetic structure and effective population size. A. angustifolia is a wind-pollinated dioecious tree. For pollen-dispersal airflow, physical characteristics of pollen grain, such as size and shape, must be considered. The aim of this work was to determine the homogeneity of effective pollen clouds as well as to infer the physical characteristics of pollen. The homogeneity of pollen clouds of A. angustifolia was assessed for 70 trees of natural population in Brazil. Analysis of genetic variability and differentiation of the effective pollen clouds detected high diversity at the MDH-B and 6-PGDH-B loci. Heterogeneity G-tests indicated pollen pool heterogeneity in four of seven examined loci (GOT-B, PGM-A, SKDH-B and 6-PGDH-B). The pollen grains measured 61.50 μm. The floating rate ranged from 12.02 to 18.98 cm s–1. The physical characteristics of the pollen suggest that pollen dispersion is likely to be limited.
The representation of Proteaceae in modern pollen rain in species-rich vegetation communities in south-western Australia
Authors: Itzstein-Davey Freea
Published: August 2003

The Proteaceae family is a large Gondwanan plant family with a major centre of richness in south-western Australia. Modern pollen–vegetation relationships in the two areas of species richness in the northern and southern sandplains of south-western Australia were investigated to calibrate fossil-pollen studies concurrently conducted on Eocene, Pliocene and Quaternary sediment. Results indicated that the Proteaceae component in modern pollen rain can be quite high, contributing up to 50% of the count. Some sites showed a dominant type (such as Banksia–Dryandra), whilst others had up to six different genera represented. Exactly how and when the biodiversity of Proteaceae in south-western Australia developed is unknown. This work provides a benchmark for comparisons with studied fossil material to unravel patterns of diversity of this family in south-western Australia.
Geraldton wax (Chamelaucium uncinatum) flowers—looking beneath the epidermis
Authors: Klyne Anna M. , Plummer Julie A. , Growns Digby J. , Hall Douglas J.
Published: August 2003

Chamelaucium uncinatum Schauer. (Geraldton wax) is well known as a garden and cut-flower species in Western Australia. The location of pigmented cells and the shape of the epidermal cells that interact with incident light can affect flower colour. This study examined the location of pigments within petals of three C. uncinatum cultivars, 'Purple Pride', 'CWA Pink' and 'Alba', which represent the range of colours found in this species. The white cultivar ('Alba') lacked coloured pigments in the petals while the pink ('CWA Pink') and purple ('Purple Pride') cultivars had pigmented vacuoles in petal epidermal and mesophyll cells. A waxy coating was present on petal epidermal cells of all cultivars and cells of the adaxial epidermis were found to be conical. Patterns in petals of 'CWA Pink' and 'Purple Pride' were due to cultivar-specific location of pigments.
Monocotyledonous geophytes: comparison of south-western Australia with other areas of mediterranean climate
Authors: Parsons R. F. , Hopper Stephen D.
Published: August 2003

Recent data on monocotyledonous geophytes from south-western Australia are compiled and compared with those from other areas of mainly mediterranean climate, especially California, Chile and Victoria, Australia. South-western Australia has a high monocot geophyte diversity of 496 species (7% of an estimated native flora of 7100 vascular species), like Victoria (12%) and the Cape region (14%). As in Victoria, orchids are by far the most important group, with c. 400 species, including those likely to be described once ongoing taxonomic research is completed. South-western Australia has higher geophyte numbers than Victoria in all families considered, but a lower geophyte percentage because of a much higher vascular species total. Among south-western Australian non-orchid geophytes, as in Victoria, the most common storage organ is tuberous roots, followed by corms then bulbs and rhizomes, whereas in California bulbs are by far the most common. The presence of microgeophytes with seed-like storage organs is a special feature seen in several phylogenetically unrelated lineages in the south-western Australian and Victorian geophytic flora, especially on granite outcrops. Divergent phylogenetic history is undoubtedly a major factor underlying striking differences between the monocot geophytes of mediterranean Australia, California, Chile, South Africa and Mediterranean countries. Further studies, particularly on the last two regions, will enable better elucidation of these patterns.
Diversity and host tree preferences of vascular epiphytes and vines in a temperate rainforest in southern Chile
Authors: Muñoz Alejandro A. , Chacón Paulina , Pérez Fernanda , Barnert Elizabeth S. , Armesto Juan J.
Published: August 2003

Vines and epiphytes contribute importantly to the biodiversity of temperate rainforests of southern South America. However, compared with their tropical counterparts, these functional groups have received less attention. We evaluated diversity, floristic composition and relative abundance of vascular epiphytes and vines within a humid temperate forest in northern Chiloé Island, southern Chile. We assessed whether epiphyte and vine species exhibit preferences among host tree species and tested whether species richness on tree hosts differs from that expected by chance, by comparing observed frequencies of occurrence (FO) and species richness with randomly simulated frequency distributions generated under the assumption of no epiphyte preferences. Finally, we tested for associations of epiphyte and vine species with host tree size (trunk diameter at breast height). Eleven species of ferns and nine angiosperms (seven vines, one epiphytic angiosperm and one shrub) were recorded growing epiphytically in a sample of 499 trees. The most abundant species were three vines, Luzuriaga polyphylla (Hook.) Macbr., Griselinia racemosa (Phil.) Taub. and Mitraria coccinea Cav., and five species of filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae). Most epiphytes and vines (65%) showed preference for one or two tree species, with seven species being overrepresented on Podocarpus nubigena Lindl. hosts and 10 underrepresented on Drimys winteri J.R. et G.Forster. Epiphyte and vine species richness was significantly lower than expected by chance on D. winteri and higher than expected on Nothofagus nitida (Phil.) Krasser. Three epiphytic ferns showed preferences for large-sized trees, while frequency of occurrence of three common vines was independent of host tree size.
Ecology and conservation of remnant Melaleuca ericifolia stands in the Tamar Valley, Tasmania
Authors: Bowkett L. A. , Kirkpatrick J. B.
Published: August 2003

Floristic and structural variation in Melaleuca ericifolia-dominated vegetation in the Tamar Valley, Tasmania, appears to be closely related to two major environmental gradients—drainage and soil fertility. Species-poor, dense and tall estuarine paperbark forest occupies fertile alluvial ground with gentle slopes close to the estuary. Sedgy paperbark forest occupies more sloping, but still relatively fertile ground. Coastal paperbark scrub occupies poorly drained ground of relatively low fertility. Grassy paperbark forest occurs in areas of better drainage and relatively high fertility. Size-class distribution data from 40 stands indicate that the trees in M. ericifolia forests and scrubs in large areas of continuous natural vegetation tend to be even-aged, indicating regeneration after burning, while those in more fragmented vegetation tend to have a variety of size classes, suggesting more continuous regeneration events. Stands close to sources of exotic disseminules have significantly higher exotic species cover than those more remote, with exotic cover also influenced by N and available P in the topsoil. The Native Point Nature Reserve and Asbestos Range National Park are two of the few places in the region where M.�ericifolia forest and scrub can be expected to survive in good condition. However, regeneration of M. ericifolia occurs even in fragmented stands with high exotic cover in the understorey.
Reproductive biology of the endangered Brachycome muelleri (Asteraceae), an endemic herb of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Authors: Jusaitis Manfred , Sorensen Birgitte , Polomka Lesley
Published: August 2003

The reproductive biology of Brachycome muelleri Sonder (Asteraceae) was studied from 1995 to 1997 by using nursery and field experiments. Reproductive development and seed dispersal occupied approximately half of the 4-month growth cycle. Flowers of B. muelleri did not have any obvious self-incompatibility systems and were readily selfed to produce viable seed. It appeared that B. muelleri may be preferentially cross-pollinated under ideal conditions of pollinator visitation, but could revert to self-pollination in the event of outcross failure. Seed dispersal was assisted by the epinastic curvature of peduncles as fruit matured, bringing capitula into contact with the soil a short distance away from the parent plant. Slight wind-stimulated movement of the capitulum was sufficient to dislodge seed directly onto the soil surface. Seed was shed in the immediate vicinity of parent plants and although some short-range movement facilitated by rain splash, water flow and gravity was observed, no long-distance dispersal mechanisms were apparent. Annual seed production of the single extant population of B. muelleri in South Australia was estimated at about 5 million seeds. Immediately after dispersal, the soil seed bank in the vicinity of B. muelleri plants contained, on average, over 1700 germinable seeds m–2. Many of these seeds germinated or died within a year, the remainder persisting into a second or third year. Seed viability under field-burial conditions declined to less than 10% over that time. Population size did not appear to be limited by seed production, but rather by seed dispersal syndrome.
Utilisation of inorganic and organic phosphorus sources by isolates of Amanita muscaria and Amanita species native to temperate eastern Australia
Authors: Sawyer Nicole A. , Chambers Susan M. , Cairney John W. G.
Published: August 2003

Utilisation of orthophosphate, inositol hexaphosphate and DNA by isolates of Amanita alboverrucosa, A. conicoverrucosa, A. fuscosquamosa, A. muscaria, A. nauseosa, A. ochrophylla, A. pyramidifera, A.�roseolamellata, A. xanthocephala and six unidentified Amanita species from eastern Australian temperate sclerophyll forests was examined during growth in axenic liquid cultures. With the exception of A. nauseosa and A.�xanthocephala on DNA, isolates of all taxa were shown to utilise orthophosphate and both organic substrates as sole phosphorus sources. Considerable intraspecific variation in utilisation of the organic phosphorus sources relative to orthophosphate was observed for A. muscaria and the native Australian taxa. Overall the data suggest that Amanita spp. may contribute significantly to organic phosphorus mobilisation in Australian forest soils.
Aerial photographic interpretation of vegetation changes on the Bogong High Plains, Victoria, between 1936 and 1980
Authors: McDougall Keith L.
Published: August 2003

The vegetation of two areas on the Bogong High Plains in 1936 was compared with that in 1980 by using a point sampling technique on aerial photographs. Between 1936 and 1980, the cover of closed heathland, wetland and trees (Eucalyptus pauciflora) increased but the cover of grassland decreased. No change was detected overall in the cover of open heathland. The increase in closed heathland was not due to direct conversion of grassland areas. Most change was from grassland to open heathland and from open heathland to closed heathland vegetation. The increase in wetland vegetation may have been a response to the reduction in grazing pressure since the 1930s. The greater cover of trees in 1980 was due to expansion of existing patches rather than the establishment of new patches. This may have been attributable in part to regeneration following bushfires in 1926 and 1939. The possible role of higher mean temperatures associated with global warming in the increased tree and shrub cover is worthy of further investigation.
A new type of Kranz anatomy in Asteraceae
Authors: Peter Guadalupe , Katinas Liliana
Published: August 2003

The anatomical structure of the leaves and stems of the 13 species of Isostigma (Asteraceae: Heliantheae) has been examined by using light microscopy. All species of Isostigma have Kranz anatomy in their leaves, containing one or more Kranz units (=KU, the unit constituted by the vascular bundle/s, the parenchyma sheath and the surrounding mesophyll). It is demonstrated that there are the following two different types of Kranz anatomy in leaves of Isostigma: (1) Eryngiophyllum type, with one KU per leaf and with sclerenchyma tissue (I.�brasiliense, I. cordobense, I. crithmifolium, I. dissitifolium, I. peucedanifolium, I. riedelii, I. simplicifolium and I.�speciosum); and (2) Isostigma type, with more than one KU per leaf, without sclerenchyma tissue (I. acaule, I.�herzogii, I. hoffmannii, I. molfinianum and I. scorzoneraefolium). The stems of all 13 species of Isostigma show also Kranz anatomy, without variation among species. Until the present, the Eryngiophyllum and the Atriplicoid types were the only reported for Asteraceae. The Isostigma type is a new type for the family, characteristic of plants growing in humid places. The following evolutionary sequence of Kranz anatomy is hypothesised: Atriplicoid–Isostigma–Eryngiophyllum where numerous KUs become continuous to reach a unique, compound KU.
Pollen competition does not affect the success of self-pollination in Eucalyptus globulus (Myrtaceae)
Authors: Pound L. M. , Patterson B. , Wallwork M. A. B. , Potts B. M. , Sedgley M.
Published: August 2003

This study investigated whether pollen competition favours cross- over self-pollination in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. ssp. globulus. Controlled pollinations with self-pollen, cross-pollen and a mixture of self- and cross-pollen were conducted on three partially self-incompatible trees. The paternity of individual seeds resulting from mixed pollination was determined by isozyme analysis. No evidence for pollen competition was found. Instead, seed paternity reflected the level of self-incompatibility of each tree as determined by separate self- and cross-pollinations. Furthermore, the number of seeds set per capsule following mixed pollination was significantly less than that following cross-pollination in the two least self-compatible trees. These results suggest that both self- and cross-pollen tubes reach ovules following mixed pollination and that a late-acting self-incompatibility mechanism operates to abort a certain proportion of self-penetrated ovules.
Eucalyptus camaldulensis × globulus hybrids
Authors: Meddings Rachel A. , McComb Jen A. , Calver Michael C. , Thomas Sandra R. , Mazanec Richard A.
Published: August 2003

Controlled pollination techniques were used to produce hybrids between Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. globulus, with E. camaldulensis as the female parent. There were substantial barriers to hybridisation, with a 28% reduction in the percentage capsule set, a 78% reduction in the number of seeds produced per capsule, a 99% increase in the number of inviable abnormal seedlings and overall a 92% reduction in the number of normal seedlings produced per pollinated flower compared with outcrossed E. camaldulensis. The number of normal seedlings per pollinated flower varied from 0.1 to 4.7 and was most strongly affected by the source of the pollen. Selfing E. camaldulensis showed it to be partially self-incompatible, with a 29% reduction in the percentage capsule set and an 86% reduction in the number of seeds produced per capsule compared with outcrosses. One reciprocal combination of E. camaldulensis clones originating from Erudina and Broken Hill gave a very low seed�set.Cotyledon shape of the E. camaldulensis × globulus hybrids was intermediate between the two parents and an excellent way of checking that seedlings were hybrids. Shape and size of juvenile leaves did not distinguish the hybrids, but hybrid leaves started to change from being opposite and sessile to alternate and petiolate at a lower node than in the E. globulus parent, although not as quickly as for E. camaldulensis. In adult trees, although the hybrid leaves were longer than leaves of the parent species, it was difficult to identify the hybrids in the field on this basis. Flowers of the hybrid were more similar to E. camaldulensis, being in pedicellate clusters of 3–6. Flower size was intermediate between the parents (operculum height and width, stamen and style length). Fruits were also intermediate in size but valves were exserted as in E. camaldulensis. Hybrids were fertile and overlapped in flowering time with E. camaldulensis, so that if planted adjacent to natural stands of E. camaldulensis, some introgression may occur.
Heat and smoke effects on the germination of seeds from soil seed banks across forest edges between subtropical rainforest and eucalypt forest at Lamington National Park, south-eastern Queensland, Australia
Authors: Tang Y. , Boulter S. L. , Kitching R. L.
Published: August 2003

Physical changes and flows of energy at the interface between two contrasting ecosystems affect the distribution of species across the ecotone. The maintenance and stability of the, often abrupt, transition between Australian rainforest and non-rainforests is often attributed to fire. We use pre-germination treatments of smoke and heat on soil seed bank samples to determine plant distributions across the edge between subtropical rainforest and an adjacent eucalypt-dominated wet sclerophyll forest. Soil seed bank collections at 15 m within the eucalypt forest had both significantly higher density and diversity of seedlings than those at 30 m, at the edge itself or at any site within the rainforest. This response was most apparent when a pre-germination smoke treatment was applied. We suggest that smoke is an important germination trigger for species regenerating at this interface. Our results confirm the importance of fire in determining and maintaining the nature of this ecotone.
Isozyme variation in five provenances of Santalum album in India
Authors: Suma T. B. , Balasundaran M.
Published: August 2003

Santalum album L., the 'East Indian sandalwood', is among the oldest known perfumery material, highly acclaimed worldwide. Genetic diversity within and between five Indian sandal provenances, namely Marayoor (Kerala state), Bangalore, Mandagadde and Thangli (Karnataka state) and Javadis (Tamil Nadu state), was investigated by using metabolic enzymes, viz. peroxidase (PRX), shikimate dehydrogenase (SKDH), glucophosphate isomerase (GPI), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and esterase (EST). Ten of the eleven resolved loci (90.9%) were found to be polymorphic at least in one of the individuals analysed. Observed heterozygosity, both at the locus and provenance level, was higher than the expected heterozygosity in Hardy–Weinberg expectations. The average rate of gene flow between the provenances was found to be very low (0.069). An examination of the partitioning of genetic diversity within and between provenances indicated that 78.3% of the observed variation occurred between provenances and the rest of the variation within provenances. The genetic relatedness of the five provenances was revealed by the UPGMA dendrogram, which comprised of mainly two clusters. Bangalore and Thangli were the most genetically similar and Marayoor and Mandagadde were the most diverse provenances. The low degree of genetic variability within Santalum album provenances might be due to the fragmentation of a previously large original population, resulting in loss of genetic variation, least amount of gene flow between provenances and differentiation of population due to random drift.
Mycelial compatibility groups in Buenos Aires field populations of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Sclerotiniaceae)
Authors: Durman Sandra B. , Menéndez Ana B. , Godeas Alicia M.
Published: August 2003

One-hundred and forty isolates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) DeBary were obtained in a 6500-km2 area of the Buenos Aires Province. These isolates were collected from soybean (60 isolates), lettuce (59 isolates) and sunflower (21 isolates) fields. Fifty different mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) were distinguished overall, 27 of which consisted of two or more isolates. Populations of S. sclerotiorum were made up by numerous MCGs and shared a similar frequency profile regardless the locality or the date of sampling. MCG occurrences differed among the crops, only two MCGs were shared by the three crops and approximately 60% of the MCGs were unique for each crop. The Shannon diversity index (Ho) of MCG for the whole region was 0.314 (Htot). Partition of total diversity (Htot) showed that 98.4% corresponded to variations of diversity within populations. Morphological characteristics were not significantly different among MCGs, except for the dry weight per sclerotium. On the basis of the detached celery petiole assay, there were no differences in aggressiveness between MCGs either. However, isolates collected from sunflower plants were more aggressive than those collected from soybean, regardless the MCG they belonged. Aggressiveness was positively correlated to colony radial growth. After principal component analyses (PCA) were performed, it could be identified a main central group of isolates and two other smaller groups. Main contributors to the total variance were the percentages of large sclerotia, the dry weight per sclerotium and the percentages of medium and small sclerotia.
Floristic and structural characteristics of a coastal heathland exhibiting symptoms of Phytophthora cinnamomi infestation in the eastern Otway Ranges, Victoria
Authors: Laidlaw W. Scott , Wilson Barbara A.
Published: August 2003

The floristics and structure of heathland vegetation exhibiting symptoms of Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands infestation was assessed at two sites in heathlands at Anglesea, Victoria. There were significant effects in both floristics and structure. Thirteen heathland species were significantly less abundant in diseased areas and 23 species were more abundant. Diseased (infested) vegetation, when compared with non-diseased areas, had less cover of Xanthorrhoea australis and shrub species and a greater cover of sedges, grasses and open ground. Structural differences were observed between heights 0 and 0.6 m, with a decline in cover recorded in diseased vegetation. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination of the floristic data showed a clear separation of diseased and non-diseased vegetation and that changes in floristic composition post-infestation were similar at both sites. Although there was some evidence of regeneration of X. australis, the recovery capacity of other susceptible species at Anglesea is unknown. The long-term consequences of loss of species and structure in the eastern Otways mean that the vegetation is unlikely to return to former status, especially if the pathogen continues to reinfect.
Chromosome numbers of Norfolk Island endemic plants
Authors: Lange P. J. de , Murray B. G.
Published: August 2003

Documented chromosome numbers are reported for the first time for 11 (encompassing 11 genera and families) of the 49 endemic vascular plants from Norfolk Island. Confirmatory counts are provided for the endemic Achyranthes arborescens and Rhopalostylis baueri var. baueri. At least 11 of the taxa counted are probable polyploids, supporting the common cytological feature of oceanic island floras. In addition to these new counts, we also infer a base number of x = 5 for the recently reinstated monogeneric Pennantiaceae and query the generic placement of the two arborescent species of Achyranthes, A. arborescens and A. margaretarum.
Leaf epidermal microcharacters of the Old World species of Lotus (Leguminosae: Loteae) and their systematic significance
Authors: Stenglein Sebastián A. , Colares Marta N. , Arambarri Ana M. , Novoa María C. , Vizcaíno Claudia E. , Katinas Liliana
Published: August 2003

Some perennial species of Lotus L. (Leguminosae: Loteae) from the Old World constitute an important forage resource. The epidermal microcharacters of 15 species belonging to the Old World Lotus angustissimus L., L. corniculatus L., L. creticus L. and L. peregrinus L. groups were described to compute the phenetic relationships, and to compare these results with previous classifications and phylogenetic hypotheses. Data on epidermal cells, stomata, stomatal indeces and trichomes were recorded and summarised in tables and illustrations. To test the taxonomic value of epidermal features and to establish the phenetic relationships, two numerical analyses were performed. Phenograms by the unweighted pair-group method (UPGMA) of clustering were generated. Results of the numerical analysis using a basic data matrix (15 operational taxonomic units × 15 epidermal characters) suggested that epidermal characteristics make it possible to establish species' and species groups' relationships; however, they were not totally coincident with previous classifications. An additional analysis using epidermal characters plus other morphological characters from leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds led to establish species' and species groups' relationships. Results generated by the latter analysis demonstrated that epidermal traits, together with other characters, are useful and informative for testing species clustering. Phenetic results coincide with earlier classifications and chromosome-number studies and accord well with a previous phylogenetic hypothesis in showing the close relationship among species of the Old World Lotus groups included in this study.
Effects of soil water availability on water use efficiency of Eucalyptus cloeziana and Eucalyptus argophloia plants
Authors: Ngugi Michael R. , Hunt Mark A. , Doley David , Ryan Paul , Dart Peter J.
Published: August 2003

Effects of soil water availability on transpiration efficiency (WUET), instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEi) and carbon isotope composition (δ13C) were investigated in 7-month-old plants of humid coastal (Gympie) and dry inland (Hungry Hills) provenances of Eucalyptus cloeziana F.Muell. and in a dry inland provenance of E.�argophloia Blakely (Chinchilla), supplied with 100 (W100), 70 (W70) and 50% (W50) of their water requirements. At W100, WUET of the three provenances were not significantly different but as available soil moisture decreased, E. argophloia produced greater biomass and demonstrated significantly higher WUET than either E. cloeziana provenance. Midday WUEi was not significantly affected by watering regime within each provenance but was lowest in E. argophloia. A decrease in soil water availability caused a consistent increase in δ13C values in all three provenances; however, δ13C values of E. argophloia in all three water regimes were significantly lower than those of E. cloeziana provenances, which did not differ significantly from each other. For all three provenances, δ13C was not correlated with WUEi but height and root collar diameter were negatively correlated to δ13C. There was little evidence of differences in δ13C, WUET and WUEi between E. cloeziana provenances but clear differences between E. cloeziana and E. argophloia. The high WUET, low WUEi and low δ13C for E. argophloia may have implications in the selection of Eucalyptus provenances for commercial forestry in low-rainfall regions.
Variation in the Vigna lanceolata complex for traits of taxonomic, adaptive or agronomic interest
Authors: Lawn R.  J. , Holland A. E.
Published: August 2003

Variation was assessed in the endemic Australian herbaceous legume, V. lanceolata Benth., by using an extensive collection of accessions that sampled a wide range of geographically dispersed collection sites. Attributes were evaluated under natural conditions at the time of collection and in field-grown plants in coastal south-eastern Queensland. Qualitative and quantitative measures were taken of traits reflecting plant habit, floral, vegetative and reproductive morphology, phenology and stress reactions. On the basis of visual assessment, accessions were subjectively allocated into seven previously reported morphotypes. Analysis of the variation confirmed that there were large differences among the putative morphotypes relative to that among the accessions within morphotypes. Significant correlations between accession means for some traits provided further evidence that V. lanceolata is not a homogeneous species and has differentiated into forms with sharply defined aggregations of distinctive traits. In addition, correlations between some traits and the latitude or longitude of collection implied a geographic component to the differentiation among accessions and morphotypes. In some instances, these changes were associated with adaptive responses, but in others may reflect chance occurrence. Cluster analysis confirmed the authenticity of the morphotype groups and provided information on the levels of affinity between them. It is concluded that V. lanceolata is a 'complex' of related taxa and that taxonomic revision is warranted. The information documented through the study provides the basis for that revision and also identifies several attributes of adaptive and/or agronomic significance.
Regional divergence and inbreeding in Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Myrtaceae)
Authors: McDonald M. W. , Rawlings M. , Butcher P. A. , Bell J. C.
Published: August 2003

Eucalyptus cladocalyx F.Muell. is a widely cultivated tree in dryland southern Australia. It is grown for firewood, timber production and as a windbreak and ornamental species. Natural populations of E. cladocalyx are endemic to South Australia where they occur in three disjunct regions. This study assessed the mating system and patterns of genetic diversity in natural populations of E. cladocalyx by using allozymes. Populations had relatively low levels of genetic diversity (HE = 0.148) and high levels of genetic divergence (θ = 0.26) among populations, similar to other regionally distributed eucalypts. Populations clustered into three distinct groups, which corresponded to its disjunct natural distribution. Genetic differentiation among populations and between regions was highly significant. Relatively high levels of inbreeding (tm = 0.57) were detected in natural populations of E.�cladocalyx. Outcrossing rates were highly variable among families, ranging from 0 to 100%. One-third of families from four populations had outcrossing rates that were not significantly different from zero. The origins of three commercially significant, cultivated stands of E. cladocalyx were also assessed. Allozyme profiles of cultivated stands from Wail and Lismore in western Victoria suggested origins in the Wirrabara region of the southern Flinders Ranges, while a cultivated stand of E. cladocalyx var. nana Hort. ex Yates had an allozyme profile consistent with origins in the Eyre Peninsula region. The results are discussed in relation to the species' morphological variation, biogeography and the implications for its domestication and conservation.
An endophytic chitinase-producing isolate of Actinoplanes missouriensis, with potential for biological control of root rot of lupin caused by Plectosporium tabacinum
Authors: El-Tarabily Khaled A.
Published: August 2003

Twenty-one streptomycete and 15 non-streptomycete actinomycetes were isolated from surface-disinfested lupin roots and evaluated for their potential to produce chitinase and to inhibit the growth of Plectosporium tabacinum, the causal agent of lupin root rot in Egypt. The most inhibitory isolate was identified as Actinoplanes missouriensis which produced relatively high levels of chitinase and degraded the hyphae of P.�tabacinum in vitro, causing extensive plasmolysis and cell-wall lysis. A crude culture filtrate of A. missouriensis exhibited antifungal activity and significantly (P < 0.05) reduced spore germination and germ-tube growth of the pathogen. The antagonist was recovered from inside the root at all samplings up to 8 weeks after inoculation, indicating that the roots of healthy lupin may be a habitat for the endophyte. A. missouriensis significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the severity of root rot under glasshouse conditions. An endophytic isolate of Actinoplanes italicus incapable of producing chitinase and a mutant strain of A. missouriensis that did not produce detectable levels of chitinase, did not lyse hyphae of P. tabacinum or reduce root rot in the glasshouse experiments, although colonisation of the lupin root by both these isolates was similar to that of the chitinase-producing wild-type isolate of A. missouriensis. This study is the first record of control of a soil-borne plant pathogen by a chitinolytic actinomycete, endophytic in plant roots.
Micropropagation of two threatened Tasmanian species of Calocephalus (Asteraceae), with comments on phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Sands Rebecca Jane , Brown Natalie Ruth , Koutoulis Anthony
Published: August 2003

Micropropagation systems were developed for Calocephalus citreus Less. and C. lacteus Less., two threatened Tasmanian members of the Asteraceae. Disinfected cold-treated capitula were used to initiate regeneration. For C. citreus, initiation was achieved on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 0.1�mg�L–1 or 0.5�mg�L–1 indoleacetic acid (IAA) and 1�mg�L–1 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) in 5�weeks, while for C. lacteus initiation was achieved on MS with α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (0.1�mg�L–1) in 3�weeks and on MS without any plant growth regulator (PGR) in 6�weeks. Multiplication was achieved in both species on MS with various concentrations of IAA (0.01–0.5�mg�L–1) and BAP (0.1–1�mg�L–1). In C. citreus, shooting in all treatments did not differ significantly from PGR-free MS, while in C. lacteus PGR-free MS was one of the better treatments. Multiplication media also initiated root formation in C. lacteus, thereby facilitating immediate planting out. Optimal root induction in C. citreus was achieved by using MS with 1�g�L–1 activated charcoal. Clear morphological differences between in vitro and ex vitro plants of both species were observed. This phenotypic plasticity was more pronounced in C. lacteus than in C. citreus. As C. lacteus has a wider distribution than C. citreus and C. lacteus was more responsive during many stages of the micropropagation process, it may be possible to use the culture-induced phenotype to provide insights into the ecology of plant species.
A handbook of protocols for standardised and easy measurement of plant functional traits worldwide
Authors: Cornelissen J. H. C. , Lavorel S. , Garnier E. , Díaz S. , Buchmann N. , Gurvich D. E. , Reich P. B. , Steege H. ter , Morgan H. D. , Heijden M. G. A. van der , Pausas J. G. , Poorter H.
Published: August 2003

There is growing recognition that classifying terrestrial plant species on the basis of their function (into 'functional types') rather than their higher taxonomic identity, is a promising way forward for tackling important ecological questions at the scale of ecosystems, landscapes or biomes. These questions include those on vegetation responses to and vegetation effects on, environmental changes (e.g. changes in climate, atmospheric chemistry, land use or other disturbances). There is also growing consensus about a shortlist of plant traits that should underlie such functional plant classifications, because they have strong predictive power of important ecosystem responses to environmental change and/or they themselves have strong impacts on ecosystem processes. The most favoured traits are those that are also relatively easy and inexpensive to measure for large numbers of plant species. Large international research efforts, promoted by the IGBP–GCTE Programme, are underway to screen predominant plant species in various ecosystems and biomes worldwide for such traits. This paper provides an international methodological protocol aimed at standardising this research effort, based on consensus among a broad group of scientists in this field. It features a practical handbook with step-by-step recipes, with relatively brief information about the ecological context, for 28 functional traits recognised as critical for tackling large-scale ecological questions.
Orchid species succession in rehabilitated bauxite mines in Western Australia
Authors: Grant Carl D. , Koch John
Published: August 2003

Twenty-three orchid species were recorded in Alcoa's permanent vegetation-monitoring plots in unmined and rehabilitated jarrah forest. Of these, 22 were identified in the unmined jarrah forest and 20 were recorded in rehabilitated areas of between 1 and 31 years old. Three species (Cyrtostylis ovata, Lyperanthus serratus and Prasophyllum elatum) were only recorded in the unmined forest and one species was only recorded in rehabilitated areas (Diuris carinata). The overall density of native orchids in the forest was 13 755 plants ha–1, 10 times greater than the density in rehabilitated areas (1381 plants ha–1). The most abundant species in the forest were Cyrtostylis robusta, Caladenia flava, Pterostylis nana and Thelymitra crinita, all with densities greater than 1000 plants ha–1. The most abundant species in the rehabilitated areas were Microtis media, Disa bracteata (an introduced species), Caladenia flava, Pterostylis nana, Diuris longifolia and Pterostylis vittata, all with densities greater than 60 plants ha–1. In rehabilitation older than 10 years, the density of orchids increased to 2685 plants ha–1. Burning in rehabilitated areas resulted in large increases in orchid densities. It is believed that orchid colonisation of rehabilitated bauxite mines is dependent on symbiotic mycorrhiza, which are in turn dependent on development of an organic litter component in the soil.