bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer Cells and Vascular Tissue Distribution in the Vegetative Nodes of Rice
Authors: Zee S
Published: December 2005

The structure of the vascular bundles in the vegetative nodes of rice has been
studied in serial transverse sections. Three types of bundles are present in the vegetative
nodes: (1) elliptical bundles containing numerous xylem transfer cells; (2) diffuse
bundles; (3) tiny anastomosing bundles. The latter two types of bundles do not contain
any xylem transfer cells. In the vegetative nodes of rice, phloem transfer cells do not
occur and nodal plate bundles are absent. The significance of the distribution of the
vascular tissue and the transfer cells in the rice node is discussed in particular reference
to that reported earlier for wheat.
Vascular System of the Stem of the Wheat Plant. I. Mature State
Authors: Patrick JW
Published: December 2005

The courses of the various vascular bundles in the nodes of the main tiller of
Triticum aestivum L. have been reconstructed from anatomical observations of con-
secutive serial transverse sections. Of the bundles entering a node (n) from its attached
leaf, the first-formed and largest, the median, passes directly through the node to the
second node below (n-2), where it bifurcates and fuses with other strands. These
continue to node n- 3 before fusing completely with the nodal plexus. The next six
bundles to form (laterals) establish some links with bundles from higher leaves in the
node of entry, much more extensive connections in node n- 1, and fuse completely
with the nodal plexus in node n-2. The next four lateral bundles to differentiate are
more extensively linked in node n and fuse completely with the nodal plexus in node
n - I . The remaining 16-20 bundles from the leaf (intermediates) follow much the
same course but develop more extensive connections with other bundles. The extensive
plexus which develops in each node ensures vascular connections between most bundles.
The significance of these in transport is briefly discussed.
Perforation Plate Development in Knightia excelsa R. Br. : A Scanning Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Meylan BA , Butterfield BG
Published: December 2005

The development of perforation plates in the vessels of Knightia excelsa R. Br. is
described. The primary walls and middle lamella in the region of the perforation remain
intact late in the differentiation of the adjoining vessel members. Only after the secondary
wall has been laid down, forming prominent borders over this perforation partition, does
the latter show any sign of degeneration. The breakdown process involves a change in
the nature of the partition, which becomes granular in appearance. Small holes then
develop in it before its final disappearance.
Environmental Effects on Epicuticular Waxes of Brassica napus L
Authors: Whitecross MI , Armstrong DJ
Published: December 2005

Under controlled environmental conditions, seedling plants of Brassica napus L.
were subjected to three different temperature regimes and, by differential shading, to
three light levels. Marked changes in wax ultrastructure were observed within the
temperature range 15-27°C, varying from a pattern of single upright rodlets to one
of flat, overlapping, dendritic platelets parallel to the leaf surface. The wax type was
consistent at any particular temperature irrespective of light condition. The effect of
reduction in light intensity level was an apparent reduction in surface deposition of
wax. This was confirmed by gravimetric determinations of total yield of surface wax
per unit area and per leaf.
The Karyotypes of Glycine wightii and Pseudoeriosema borianii
Authors: Pritchard AJ
Published: December 2005

On the basis of measurements of length and arm ratios the chromosomes of G.
Wightii and P. borianii can be arranged in three groups, which are common to both
species. Most chromosomes can be individually recognized. These species do not
appear to be close!y related to G. max but are closely related to each other. Major
structural changes in chromosomes have not occurred in the evolution of the morpho-
logical forms of G. wightii. The tetraploid races of G. wightii are probably autotetraploid.
Multiple Pattern Analysis of a Woodland in South Central Queensland. I. The Original Trees and Shrubs
Authors: Walker J , Noy-Meir I , Anderson DJ , Moore RM
Published: December 2005

Multivariate analyses of vegetation data are normally restricted to a single scale of
sampling, but since the pattern of species populations may vary over a range of scales,
restriction to a single scale can result in a loss of potentially useful information. It is
possible to examine spatial variation for a single species or pairs of species by block size
variance (or covariance) analysis, but this is a somewhat cumbersome procedure when
more than a few species are involved. A method which combines block size variance
analysis with a multivariate (principal components) analysis is described and applied to a
woodland community in south central Queensland.
Contiguous site data, recorded as density scores for all tree and shrub species along
a transect 512 m by 20 m, were grouped into successively larger blocks. Variance
covariance matrices at each block size were calculated and added to form a combined
covariance matrix. This was subjected to a principal components analysis to obtain
species and sites coordinates. Each characteristic root was subsequently partitioned into
contributions from the various block sizes, and the partitioned roots plotted against block
size as in conventional pattern analysis.
The first two components represented macro-variation in the vegetation of the
transect (at scales of 120-250 m) and separated three macrocommunities which were
associated with soil types. Two subsequent components expressed compositional
differences at smaller scales (30-60 m) within these macrocommunities.
Cibotium tasmanense sp. nov., A fossil tree-fern from the Tertiary of Tasmania
Authors: Gould R.E.
Published: December 2005

A silicified solenostelic tree-fern stem with persistent petiole bases, Cibotium
tasmanense sp. nov., described from the Tertiary of Tasmania and closely compared with
extant Cibotium, is apparently the first fossil record for stems of this genus. The occur-
rence substantiates interpretations of a warm and humid Tasmanian climate in the
Tertiary.
Morphology and development of the primary and accessory buds of Eucalyptus regnans
Authors: Cremer KW
Published: December 2005

The vegetative axillary buds of Eucalyptus regnans F. Muell. at various ages were
studied by light microscopy in serial sections and by direct observations in the field and
glasshouse.
All buds (except the very first apical bud) originated from axillary meristems, i.e.
from generative tissue which arose in the axils of primordial leaves and survived in a
meristematic condition for many years. Each axillary meristem normally produced one
emergent primary bud and then an indefinite sequence of concealed accessory buds.
The extensive dynamic shoot-system condensed within a primary bud comprised
secondary as well as tertiary axes and their respective appendages. All parts were present
throughout the year in a continuous sequence of maturation which extended also to the
expanding shoot. During winter, development appeared to be merely slowed down or
suspended. Primary buds which did not grow into shoots were shed after only a few
weeks.
The accessory buds were formed in a uniserial descending series at the base of and
abaxial to each primary axillary bud. The first of the accessory buds was initiated
within the primary bud, and the second within the expanding shoot. The first accessory
bud resembled young primary buds in structure, but subsequent accessory buds were
less and less complex. Keeping pace with the cambium, the axillary meristem formed a
radial trace of thick-walled parenchyma in the wood and accessory buds embedded in a
strand of thin-walled parenchyma in the bark. The distal portions of the bud strand
and the buds embedded in it were shed progressively with the decorticating bark.
Each of the bud strands which traversed the bark of 20-year-old E. viminalis
Labill. was found to contain six to 12 radial strips of meristematic tissue. When epicormic
growth was stimulated, several of these strips produced files of separate, new, condensed
shoots. Of the scores of shoots thus initiated throughout the length of the bud
strand, up to 10 or 20 of the distal ones emerged from the bark and grew into epicormic
shoots.
The buds of 20 other eucalypt species were examined by dissecting microscope
only. It appeared that their bud systems were essentially similar to that of E. regnans.
The widened concept of the axillary meristem shifts attention from individual
buds to the continuous generative powers of the axillary meristem and helps to explain
the outstanding capacity of the eucalypts to produce new shoots.
Soil Surface Lichens in Arid and Subarid South-Eastern Australia. I. Introduction and Floristics
Authors: Rogers RW , Lange RT
Published: December 2005

Lichens on soils in Australia have been neglected until recently. This paper
describes a study area of nearly 1 million km2 in south-eastern Australia, and the
methods used to determine the lichens found on the soil surfaces in that area.
In all, 343 locations were examined, 227 of which had soil surface lichens. From
the range of lichens encountered a total of 42 taxa were delimited, and in 36 cases
ascribed to previously described species or complexes; the remaining six were either un-
described, or depauperate forms which could not be placed.
The world phytogeographic implications of this study are discussed.
Tree root pattern in a mixed Eucalypt forest
Authors: Chilvers GA
Published: December 2005

In a number of cases, paper chromatography of ethanolic root extracts is
shown to distinguish between members of the eucalypt subgenera Symphyomyrtus
and Monocalyptus sensu Pryor and Johnson. Small exploratory roots sampled from
a wet sclerophyll mixed forest were identified by this technique and their distribution
mapped. The roots of two competing species were shown to intermingle and
penetrate close to opposing boles. The significance of this is discussed.
Partition of information
Authors: Williams WT
Published: December 2005

The classification of quantitative ecological survey data has in the past encountered
two serious difficulties: (i) no completely satisfactory information statistic model
has been devised for this purpose, and the theoretically most attractive - the "diversity"
model - appears usually to produce ecologically meaningless fusions; (ii) no satisfactory
partition of information between qualitative and quantitative components has
been known. The requirement is for an information statistic model which can be confidently
used for either qualitative or quantitative data, and which can be partitioned
into its qualitative and quantitative components. A new statistic is defined which meets
these requirements, and its application to a small-scale test example is illustrated.
Germination behaviour in beach spinifex (Spinifex hirsutus Labill.)
Authors: Harty RL , McDonald TJ
Published: December 2005

This paper deals with threshing and seed germination studies on hand-harvested
beach spinifex (Spinifex hirsutus Labill.). This work was carried out as part of a
detailed study of the autecology of beach spinifex, an important pioneer sand stabilizer
on beaches and dunes along the coast of eastern Australia.
Hammer-milling was suitable for threshing out caryopses from beach spinifex
inflorescences, but in the process the caryopses were excessively damaged. A barley
de-awning machine produced spikelets (caryopses enclosed in lemma, palea, and
glumes plus the base of the associated spine) which were free flowing and therefore
suitable for mechanical planting.
Laboratory germination experiments disclosed that the caryopses were
negatively photoblastic when germinated alone, or enclosed within the spikelet.
Alternating thermoperiods (10-25, 15-25, 20-25 ; 10-35, 15-35, 20-35�C) were
generally superior to constant thermoperiods (25, 30, 35") in the induction of
germination. The germination of caryopses from inflorescences harvested 2 months
previously agreed with an estimate of viability made by using tetrazolium chloride.
This indicated that beach spinifex seed has no pronounced after-ripening requirements.
The rate of germination of caryopses and their germinative capacity were
markedly increased when the caryopses were removed from the spikelets. It is likely
that germination in the spikelet is inhibited by a slow rate of gaseous exchange between
the embryo and the atmosphere. A sensitivity to anaerobic conditions was demonstrated
by soaking spikelets for varying periods up to 48 hr in distilled and sea water.
Such treatments led to a decrease in germination. Pot trials showed that in waterlogged
sand, no appreciable germination occurred below 3.75 cm. In sand held at field
capacity, some germination occurred down to the maximum depth tried (8.75 cm),
but the best germination was from 2.5 to 3 .75 cm. Soaking spikelets in distilled water
for 48 hr and testing the leachate on germinating lettuce seed failed to disclose the
presence of water-soluble chemical inhibitors in the spikelets.
Scalariform Perforation Plate Development in Laurelia novae-zelandiae A. Cunn. : A Scanning Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Butterfield BG , Meylan BA
Published: December 2005

The development of the scalariform perforation plates in Laurelia novae-
zelandiae A. Cunn. is described and illustrated with scanning electron micrographs.
The primary walls and middle lamella in the areas to be perforated remain intact
late in the differentiation of .the adjoining vessel members. After the secondary wall
has beenlaid down on other areas of the vessel member walls, the perforation partitions
are broken down by an enzymatic action on the surface of the partitions. This process
leaves a network of fibrils which later disappear, possibly by the action of the
transpiration stream.
Ecological Response of the Australian Native Species Acacia harpophylla and Atriplex nummularia to Soil Salinity : Effects on Water Content, Leaf Area, and Transpiration Rate
Authors: Gates CT
Published: December 2005

The water relations of the legume Acacia harpophylla (brigalow) and of the
chenopod Atriplex nummularia (old man saltbush) in response to salinity are described,
and also the response of At. Nummularia to associated water stress.
Both species tolerated salinities up to and beyond sea water concentration
under high insolation stress: viz. 10-400 m-equiv. sodium chloride per litre for At.
nummularia and 8-588 m-equiv.11, of the chlorides of sodium, potassium, calcium,
and magnesium in factorial combination, for Ac. harpophylla.
Development was not checked up to 400 m-equiv. chloride per litre in At.
nummularia but was in Ac. Harpophylla, as shown by differences in leaf area and
leaf number.
Both species benefited by the conservation of their water supply under high
salinity, the water content of their tissues being higher, especially that of the laminae,
and transpiration per unit of leaf area being reduced in both species. Reduced
symptoms of wilting and more rapid recovery from wilting than in controls accom-
panied high salinity in At. Nummularia. The water content of wilted plants, and the
proportion of whole plant water in their laminae, increased with salinity.
Potassium increased tissue hydration more than sodium did in Ac. harpophylla.
Salinity benefits water relations in these species, especially under drought
stress; this adaptation is a distinct ecological advantage.
Productivity of an arid zone shrub (Eremophila gilesii) community in south-western Queensland
Authors: Burrows WH
Published: December 2005

The above-ground biomass of a monospecific Eremophila gilesii shrub
community (69,200 bushes/ha including seedlings) had a mean value of 2106 kg/ha
(range 1502-2402 kg/ha) over a year of measurement. Above-ground primary
production (biomass increment and litter fall) averaged 0.23 g/m2/day. Rainfall
utilization represented 3700 g water/g above-ground dry matter produced. The
proportion of the total nitrogen and phosphorus pool incorporated in the organic
matter is high when compared with other Australian arid zone shrub vegetation of
similar biomass.
Litter production varied markedly throughout the period of measurement,
and was greatest following falls of rain. Average litter breakdown time was estimated
to be 20 months. Litter production and decomposition account for the release of
up to 0.33 kg organic phosphorus per hectare each year. About 53% of the
phosphorus content in green leaves is extracted before abscission for redistribution
within the plant. The intrinsic and extrinsic sources of organic phosphorus provide
well over half the phosphorus required for the above-ground production each year.
The results are discussed in relation to the possible centre of origin of
Eremophila and the adaptation of E. gilesii to its harsh abiotic environment.
A Flexible System for Automatic Generation of Special Purpose Dichotomous Keys, and Its Application to Australian Grass Genera
Authors: Watson L , Milne P
Published: December 2005

The key-generating program KEYGEN has been incorporated in a flexible system whereby special purpose dichotomous keys can be produced rapidly and cheaply from a single data base. The system is applicable to any taxonomic group for which suitable observational data are available. It is currently being applied to Australian grass genera, for which data are now available on 274 attributes representing 120 aspects of leaf morphology and anatomy, inflorescence form, spikelet, flower, and fruit structure. Grass genera are being recorded for variation at world level so that the data can be used (and if necessary extended) in order to make keys for other regions. Examples are given of early efforts at 'conventional' and 'vegetative-anatomical' special purpose keys, generated from the data via the system described here.
Relative Growth of Themeda Australis and Poa Labillardieri in Pots in Response to Phosphorus and Nitrogen.
Authors: Groves RH , Keraitis K , Moore cWE , Langer HJ
Published: December 2005

Results are presented of a pot experiment on the responses of Themeda australis
and Poa labillardieri to increasing levels of substrate phosphorus and nitrogen. The
species were grown either alone or together. When grown alone both species responded
to increasing phosphorus and nitrogen and there was a significant interaction between
the two elements in shoot growth per half-pot. There was no effect of increasing
phosphorus without added nitrogen and no effect of increasing nitrogen without added
phosphorus.
At intermediate and high levels of substrate phosphorus there was a significant
competitive effect between the shoot weight per half-pot and the tiller number of
Themeda and Poa plants when grown together, irrespective of the nitrogen level.
Poa always had a greater shoot dry weight and more tillers when grown with Themeda
than when grown alone, and conversely Themeda a lower shoot dry weight and less
tillers when grown with Poa than when grown alone.
Chemical analyses of 22-week-old plant tissue showed that in Poa plants grown
with Themeda the phosphorus and nitrogen contents were significantly greater than in
Poa plants grown alone, at both intermediate and high levels of substrate phosphorus.
The enhanced ability of Poa plants to absorb nutrients and grow in response to a
low level of added phosphorus at the expense of Themeda plants when the two species
are mixed in pots is similar to their response in the field in southern New South Wales.
A description of the statistical treatment of the results, especially the competitive effect between Themeda and Poa when grown together, is appended.
The Invasion of Native Forest by Phytophthora cinnamomi. II. Post-Infection Vegetation Patterns, Regeneration, Decline in Inoculum and Attempted Control
Authors: Weste G , Cooke D , Taylor P
Published: December 2005

Further investigations of die-back in sclerophyll forest have shown that the
disease continued to spread, averaging 171 m per year over periods of 3 years.
Soil disturbance and gravel removal did not result in disease when no P. cinnamomi
was present. P. cinnamomi was isolated from areas showing disease symptoms,
but not from unaffected areas. The pathogen was confined to the A horizon of the soil
and did not penetrate the clay or B horizon. Susceptibility of eucalypts was experi-
mentally demonstrated at germination, at the seedling stage, and at maturity.
More than 40% of mature stringybarks (of three species) were killed on some
severely diseased sites. The eucalypts of the area were rated in order of susceptibility
or tolerance to the pathogen. A decline in the disease potential of infected soil
with time was demonstrated, and was associated with decreased population density
of the pathogen. Changes in both type and composition of the plant community were
noted. The sclerophyll forest with its woody understorey became a grassy woodland.
A number of woody shrubs disappeared and a variety of herbs, such as grasses,
bulbs, and composites, colonized the space made available by the death of woody
shrubs and die-back of the eucalypt canopy. The most successful control of the
disease was achieved by injecting infected areas with Vapam. This killed everything,
and a barrier zone 4 m wide injected with Vapam prevented the spread of infection
over a period of 18 months.
Die-Back Tolerance in Eucalypt Species in Relation to Fertilization and Soil Populations of Phytophthora cinnamomi
Authors: Marks GC , Kassaby FY , Fagg PC
Published: December 2005

The die-back tolerance of 16 fertilized (17/9/7 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium)
and unfertilized eucalypt and two conifer species was tested in the coastal forests of
east Gippsland on sites rated as of "high", "moderate", and "low" hazard on the
basis of previous damage, internal soil drainage, and infection by P. cinnamomi.
Measurements were made of the population density index (PDI) of P. cinnamomi, of
soil moisture, and of soil temperature. Supporting greenhouse and laboratory
experiments are also reported.
The high hazard site showed the most uniform infection and the greatest PDI,
the low hazard site the least uniformity in the infection pattern.
During the first year's growth, five renantherous eucalypt species showed
considerable sensitivity to root rot and die-back; the intensity of the disease and the
number of deaths were directly proportional to the hazard rating of the sites. The 11
species of Macrantherae tested were very tolerant to die-back.
The disease was aggravated by temporary waterlogging during a 7 day period,
but waterlogging did not cause die-back. The disease first appeared in the plots when
soil temperatures rose above 15°C. Greenhouse tests showed that P. cinnamomi was
most virulent at 22°, and visible injury became evident between 15 and 18°.
Fertilizers produced striking growth responses during the first year in both
subgenera of eucalypts on the low hazard site, with only minor differences between
the two groups. Similar responses were seen only on the Macrantherae on the
moderate and high hazard sites. The growth of the surviving renantherous
eucalypts was uneven, and fertilizers greatly increased their sensitivity to die-back
disease. The response to fertilization in both subgenera was directly related to the
disease hazard of the site and the intensity of infection by P. cinnamomi. Differences
in response to fertilization between the Macrantherae and the Renantherae were
directly proportional to the population density and distribution of P. cinnamomi in
the soils.
The initial tolerance to die-back of the two conifers, Pinus radiata and P.
Elliotii, was similar to that of the most resistant macrantherous eucalypts tested.
Studies in the Ecology of Nothofagus Cunninghamii Oerst. i Natural Regeneration on the Mt. Donna Buang Massif, Victoria
Authors: Howard TM
Published: December 2005

On the southern slopes of the Mt. Donna Buang massif, Nothofagus cunninghamii
occurs within the 60 in. isohyet between 1500 and 4000 ft. The occurrence of
N. cunninghamii as an understorey to eucalypts of various ages has been interpreted
as a post-fire succession towards a climax closed forest. The ability of N. cunninghamii
to coppice after fire is important in the re-establishment of this forest type.
Regeneration of N. cunninghamii in the mature forest is dependent on seedling
establishment under canopy gaps on decayed logs or firm soil. Failure of seedlings
to establish is related to loose surface soils which rapidly dry out, especially in
open situations; to inadequate illumination; and to the soil-scratching activities
of lyrebirds.
Studies in the ecology of Nothofagus cunninghamii Oerst. II. Phenology
Authors: Howard TM
Published: December 2005

After germination, seedling growth of Nothofagus cunninghamii results from
spring flushing of lateral buds, combined at 4-5 years of age with continuous growth
from an apical bud during summer. Adult trees all flush from lateral buds in spring.
In addition occasional sporadic flushes occur in autumn, but decrease in frequency
with increase in altitude.
Within the first 4-5 years of life of Victorian N. cunninghamii seedlings,
epicormic burl development with the proliferation of dormant buds commences.
This epicormic burl is poorly developed on trees in the Surrey Hills area of northwestern
Tasmania. It is suggested that burl formation may have been selected by
more constant burning in Victoria, where trees able to coppice after fire have both
higher growth rate and earlier seed production than seed-produced plants.
Flowering of N. cunninghamii in Victoria is annual and seed production is
generally high. Seed viability increases with tree age, and decreases with stand
altitude. The average viability at 3300 ft is 45-50%, and production may be as
high as 11 x 106 seeds per acre. The effective longevity in the field is 8-9 months,
though dry stored seed at room temperature may germinate, with some viability loss,
after 2½ years.
The fall of litter in an N. cunninghamii forest is 6.5 tonnes per hectare per year,
and the average annual rate of decay is 0.42. N. cunninghamii leaves live for just
over 3 years, falling in autumn after the spring growth has matured.
Host Range of Some Eucalypt Mycorrhizal Fungi
Authors: Chilvers GA
Published: December 2005

Various fungi are shown to form mycorrhizas with a wide range of host species
within the genus Eucalyptus. In general, the same fungi do not appear to be capable of
forming mycorrhizas with Pinus.
Variation in Chondrilla juncea L. in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Hill VJ , Groves RH
Published: December 2005

Three variants or forms of Chondrilla juncea L. (skeleton weed) are distinguished
in south-eastern Australia. The forms (designated A, B, and C) differ in inflorescence
morphology and fruit characters, but mainly in the shape of rosette leaves, for which
quantitative expressions of the differences have been developed. There were no significant
differences within each form in rosette leaf shape when grown in a wide range of
environments. First and second progenies of the three forms, presumably apomictic,
retained the identity of their parents, as did leaves of rosettes arising vegetatively from
the root system after removal of the parental rosette.
The geographical limits of distribution of the forms are given, based on results
from field observations and from plants grown in a glasshouse either from seed or clonal
material. Plants of form A are widespread and occur in south-eastern Australia over a
wide range of latitude, climate, and soil type. With one exception, the distribution of
plants of forms B and C in 1969 was restricted to central New South Wales, where the
forms are distributed sympatrically with plants of form A. Form B plants are confined
at present to an area bounded approximately by Young, Orange, Peak Hill, and
Marsden, though these boundaries are extending.
Leaf emergence rates, times to stem elongation, and times to flowering are
presented for the three forms. Differences between forms in these characters under
some conditions are shown to exist, as well as differences between forms in their
ability to regenerate vegetatively. Form C plants, at present more restricted geographically,
seem to have a greater potential for regeneration from rootstocks
than form A plants, already widespread throughout south-eastern Australia.
The variation described in this paper is discussed in relation to control of other
weed species, especially apomicts.
On the Identification of Sterile Acacias, and the Feasibility of Establishing an Automatic Key-Generating System
Authors: Pettigrew CJ , Watson L
Published: December 2005

Thirty-three morphological and microanatomical features have been used to
generate vegetative keys for the 23 acacias of the Australian Capital Territory. The
same attributes have proved capable of resolving a larger sample, incorporating a
further 26 species from Victoria. These and other attributes could be recorded for all
the Australian species, in order to establish an automated system for generating
special-purpose vegetative keys; and if conventional identificatory characters were
also included, a fully comprehensive key-generating system could be achieved.
The role of the covering structures in the germination of seed of Leucospermum cordifolium (Proteaceae)
Authors: Van Staden J , Brown NAC
Published: December 2005

It was found that as many as half the plump, apparently healthy seed of Leucospermum
cordifolium contained shrivelled embryos. Improved seed sorting to eliminate
such seeds resulted in 37% germination, compared with 25% in unsorted seed. This
small increase suggested that other factors may also contribute to poor seed germination.
Indications are that both the outer and inner pericarps play a major role in
this respect as their removal greatly increases germination. High oxygen tensions
significantly increase germination of intact seed, which suggests that the covering
structures exert their influence by acting as a barrier to oxygen diffusion to the embryos.
Frost Room Design for Radiation Frost Studies in Eucalyptus
Authors: Aston JM , Paton DM
Published: December 2005

An absorber surface cooled with liquid nitrogen was used to control leaf temp-
eratures down to -70°C. A precision of ± 0.13°C with less than 0.3°C variation over
a 9 m2 area was attained. Since radiative cooling of the leaves was involved, the
experimental frosting closely simulates the conditions during a natural frost. The
results of a previous study where Eucalyptus plants were exposed to either convective
cooling or natural frosts were confirmed by means of this new facility.
Partition of Information: the Centperc Problem
Authors: Williams WT
Published: December 2005

Dale's CENTPERC-0 statistic for the classification of part-quantitative ecological data is briefly described and the problem of its partition into qualitative and quantitative components is examined. It is shown that the statistic cannot be partitioned in this way in its present form. A new, more general, statistic is defined which permits such partitioning. It is shown by examples that the CENTPERC-0 statistic is biased towards the quantitative component when the number of occurrences is low. This explains why this statistic tends to give unsatisfactory results in certain circumstances.
Seed development in Chondrilla juncea L
Authors: Cuthbertson EG
Published: December 2005

A study of material from unstressed plants of Chondrilla juncea L. revealed a genetically based sterility in 3-4% of the achenes. Embryogeny is of the Asterad type but the basal cell cb divides horizontally before the vertical division in ca. Polyembryony occurred but seems rare; probably only one embryo in each ovule reaches maturity. The endosperm was nuclear at first, becoming cellular after a number of free mitoses. The outer layers persist in the seed. The uniseriate endothelium develops a persistent cuticle on its inner face, which becomes closely appressed to the remaining endosperm layer as the endothelium degenerates. Endosperm formation was erratic and independent of embryogeny. Because of the presence of aborted embryos associated with a well-developed endosperm, it is suggested that the degeneration is the result either of later formation of the endosperm or of unusually early cutinization of the endothelium.
The Cytology, Breeding System and Flowering Behaviour of Panicum coloratum
Authors: Pritchard AJ , Lacy IHD
Published: December 2005

A collection of 47 accessions of Panicum coloratum was classified into five morphologically distinct
types. One of these was uniformly hexaploid (2n = 54) and another was diploid (2n = 18). The other
three were mainly tetraploid (2n = 36) but some pentaploid (2n = 45) plants and one septaploid
(2n = 63) plant were found. Meiosis was regular in all euploid plants but nine univalents were usually
present in the pentaploid plants. A variable number of accessory chromosomes were found in somatic
and generative cells in some plants of two of the types, and hybridization studies indicated a close
relationship between these. It is suggested that both tetraploids and hexaploids are allopolyploids
and that the hexaploid has two genomes in common with the tetraploids.
All accessions set adequate seed following open pollination, but shed seed readily at maturity.
There was variation in the degree of self-incompatibility both within and between types. In some
accessions up to 33% of the florets were capable of setting seed when self-pollinated.
P. coloratum grew best and flowered earliest in long days (I6 hr) and a day temperature of 27-30°C.
Leaf Marks in Medicago, With Special Reference to Their Inheritance in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Mccomb JA
Published: December 2005

Leaf marks in the genus Medicago are described and the anatomical basis and genetic control of
marks and flecks in M. truncatula analysed. The purple pigment in flecks or marks is confined to
the epidermal cells. Yellow marks are due to reduced chlorophyll in palisade cells, and white marks
to reduced chlorophyll, as well as larger air spaces between palisade cells and detached upper epidermis. White and yellow marks are controlled by a gene in which seven alleles were identified which
determine colour and position, white being dominant to yellow, and, in order of decreasing dominance,
upper, central, and basal positions along the midrib. Another gene, independent of the one controlling
yellow or white marks, controls both the production of a central purple mark and the purple borders
around marks. A comparison is made between the genetic control of marks in M. truncatula and
those reported for other Medicago and Trifolium species.
Variation in Some Central Victoria Populations of Eucalyptus viminalis Labill
Authors: Ladiges PY , Ashton DH
Published: December 2005

E. viminalis occurs over a wide range of rainfall conditions and soil types in south-eastern Australia
and exhibits considerable variation in form. A study of 11 populations in central Victoria shows that
at moist, well-drained sites mature trees are tall and smooth-barked, have three-budded inflorescences,
and produce large leaves and fruits. At drier sites trees are shorter and more rough-barked, sometimes have inflorescences with buds numbering from three to seven, and tend to produce smaller
leaves and fruits.
The results of a comparison of fruit collections made in successive years indicate that capsule size
can vary significantly at any one site. It is suggested that the size differences may be related to soil
moisture availability. Furthermore, within the crown of any one tree, leaf size was found to vary,
leaves from the upper part of the crown being significantly smaller than leaves from the lower crown.
A field transplant experiment involving five populations showed that environmental factors can
markedly affect seedling growth and leaf morphology. However, population differences in growth
rate, tolerance to drought and waterlogging conditions, and lignotuber development appear to be in
part genetically based.
Multivariate Analysis of the Semiarid Vegetation in South-Eastern Australia. II. Vegetation Catenae and Environmental Gradients
Authors: Noy-Meir I
Published: December 2005

A representative sample of the vegetation of semiarid south-eastern Australia was analysed by catenation, i.e, a multivariate method for detecting and defining compositional gradients or coenoclines.
Both floristic and dominance data yielded two catenae. The major one (A) gave the following
sequence: heath, temperate mallee, semiarid mallee, belah and pine woodland, shrub woodland,
pearl bluebush, bluebush, saltbush. The minor catena (B) differentiated eastern and western aspects of
the woodland and shrub woodland. Stepwise multiple regression on environmental variables showed
that most of the variation in catena A could be accounted for by a variable expressing the ratio of
rainfall to soil water capacity (= depth of wetting by prevalent rainfall). Further contributors to the
regression were the proportion of exchangeable calcium, the salinity, and the available phosphate.
This leads to the hypothesis that the composition of vegetation in the area is determined mainly by the
distribution of soil moisture between shallow and deep layers, and between easily available and
marginal (below - 15 bars) moisture. Both are affected by texture and salinity, and different groups of
species have adapted to each distribution. Catena B is related mainly to summer rainfall and to
exchangeable calcium.
Cytotaxonomy of Some Australian Species of Hibiscus Sect. Furcaria
Authors: Menzel MY , Martin DW
Published: December 2005

Chromosome numbers (2n= 108) and pairing are reported for eight species of the Australian alliance of Hibiscus sect. Furcaria. All are allohexaploids, the only natural hexaploids known in the section. Hybrids were obtained of H. heterophyllus with H. splendens, H. spinulosus, H. byrnesii, H. arnhemensis and H. menzeliae, and of H. splendens with H. spinulosus. Chromosome pairing was variable in the hybrids, but approached complete pairing in some samples of all combinations except H. splendens-spinulosus. Morphological and cytological similarities, geographical contiguity, and case of hybridization suggest that the species are closely related despite meiotic aberrations in some of the hybrids.
Hibiscus Section Furcaria (Malvaceae) in Australia
Authors: Wilson FD
Published: December 2005

Of the approximately 50 species in Hibiscus section Furcaria DC. emend. Hochr., 15 native and one
naturalized taxa are recognized in Australia. Thirteen of the 15 native taxa are endemic; four of
these are described as new (Hibiscus arnhemensis, H. bymesii, H. minutibracteolus and H. mustiae).
Of the other two species, H. meraukensis Hochr. is the only one that is wide ranging in Australia
proper, being distributed from the Kimberleys of Western Australia to south-eastern Queensland;
it occurs also in neighbouring southern New Guinea. The other one, H. diversifolius Jacq., is confined
to the east coast from southern Queensland to central New South Wales in Australia, but its total
distribution is pantropical. The single naturalized species, H. sabdariffa L., was introduced into
Australia in the 19th century and grown for its fleshy calyces, which were processed and marketed
as 'rosella jam'. Fourteen of the 15 native taxa form a morphologically coherent group within Hibiscus section Furcaria and are characterized by involucral bracteoles with entire apices and
calyx lobes without nectaries on the midrib. The nine taxa for which chromosome numbers are
available are also cytologically coherent (hexaploid: n = 54). H. diversifolius is set apart from
the other taxa by its calyces with nectaries, its octoploid (n = 72) chromosome number, and its
extra-Australian distribution. It most likely had a history in Australia distinct from that of the
endemic species.
New Species of Gossypium, Decaschistia, and Macrostelia (Malvaceae) From Australia
Authors: Fryxell PA
Published: December 2005

The following new taxa from Australia are described: Gossypium pilosum from the Kimberleys;
Gossypium nelsonii from near Alice Springs; Decaschistia byrnesii from near Darwin and D, byrnesii
subsp. lavandulacea from the northern Kimberleys; and Macrostelia grandifolia and M. grandifolia
subsp. macilwraithensis from the Cape York Peninsula.
These discoveries constitute the first reports of the genera Decaschistia and Macrostelia from
Australia. The former genus, which includes c. 15 species, centres in Indo-China; the latter has hereto-
fore been known only from three species endemic to Madagascar.
Resin production and glandular hairs in Beyeria viscosa (Labill.) Miq. (Euphorbiaceae)
Authors: Dell B , Mccomb AJ
Published: December 2005

Leaves of Beyeria viscosa secrete resin with components related to the gibberellins. Two-celled glandular hairs are well developed on the young leaf, and are coated with a thick layer of resin, which makes up almost half the dry weight associated with the young leaf. Plastids of the glandular hairs have poorly developed internal membranes but are enveloped in tubules, apparently derived from endoplasmic reticulum. As the leaf expands, resin secretion ceases; the resin layer is torn apart and is seen largely as caps over the hairs. Resin accounts for some 20% of the dry weight associated with the mature leaf. Resin components also accumulate in the epidermis and certain mesophyll cells. No significant changes take place in the chemistry of the secreted components as the leaves mature, as seen by thin-layer chromatography.
Temperature-Growth Relations and Genetic Diversity of A2 Mating-Type Isolates of Phytophthora cinnamomi in Australia
Authors: Shepherd CJ , Pratt BH
Published: December 2005

Determinations of cardinal temperatures for growth on various media of 50 Australian isolates of
Phytophthova cinnamomi showed that growth did not occur outside the range 5-35°C. The range
of temperatures at which growth optima occurred varied according to the isolate and medium used
and encompassed the whole range of values reported by overseas authors.
Growth rates of 361 isolates on corn meal agar at 25°C varied within the range 4.7-10.5 mm/day.
There was no correlation between optimum temperature and whether isolates were slow- or fastgrowing
or their place of origin. Fast-growing isolates (6-11 mm/day) were obtained from all States,
but slower-growing isolates (<6 mm/day) were obtained only from southern and western regions of
Australia. Populations from different regions of Australia exhibited different growth rate parameters.
The variability of mycelial isolates in culture was studied by examining differences in growth
rate among replicated parent, single-zoospore, single-zoosporangium and single terminal-hyphal
isolates. Extensive variation was found among first generation single-zoospore progenies of field
isolates, with lesser variation among progeny of single zoosporangia, terminal hyphal cultures and
second and third generation zoospore derivatives. The origin of this variation is discussed and it is
suggested that field isolates are heterokaryotic, since zoospores proved to be predominantly uninucleate.
When various Phytophthora species were incubated at temperatures above those at which growth
was possible and then returned to 25°C, their subsequent ability to resume growth depended on the
particular time-temperature combination used. Considerable variation of response was found among
a number of isolates of P. cinnamomi and, following the establishment of single zoospore isolates,
the potential variability of field isolates was shown to persist through successive generations of
zoospore propagation. It is suggested that a cytoplasmic mechanism of inheritance may be responsible
for this variation.
The identification of some Tertiary pollen belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae
Authors: Martin HA
Published: December 2005

Five fossil pollen forms from Tertiary assemblages in southern New South Wales are shown to have botanical affinities with taxa in the family Euphorbiaceae. Careful comparison of all morphological features of fossil and extant reference pollen, and consideration of as many closely related taxa as possible has enabled these identifications to be made with confidence. The fossil pollen forms Tricolporopollenites endobalteus and Triorites introlirnbatus match the extant Macaranga-Mallotus, and possibly other related taxa. The fossil Polyorificites oblatus is identified with the extant Longetia pollen type, i.e. Austrobuxus (Longetia) buxoides and Dissiliaria tricornis. Most of the specimens of the fossil Malvacipollis divevsus fit the extant Tetracoccus pollen type, ie. Austrobuxus (Longetia) swainii and Dissiliaria baloghioides, and only a very few have malvaceous affinities. An analysis of the exine stratification and the base of the spine is a reliable way of distinguishing spiny pollen of the Euphorbiaceae from that of the Malvaceae. The presence of Micrantheurn-Neoroepera and Alchornea (Caelobogyne) is also established in the fossil record. Only one of the fossil taxa, Micrantheum-Neoroepeva, has living representatives in the temperate zone of Australia today, and the fossil occurs in Upper Tertiary assemblages which usually lack Nothofagus. The other four are Lower Tertiary taxa, found always in assemblages with abundant Nothofagus, and their living representatives are almost entirely restricted to the tropical phytogeographic zone of Australia. This distribution contrasts strongly with the fossil localities in southern New South Wales. Only the Alchornea fossil is a Tertiary tropical element.
Cytological studies of Australian mosses
Authors: Ramsay HP
Published: December 2005

The cytological features of 84 species from 56 genera and 33 families from almost 200 collections of Australian mosses are described. A wide range of chromosome numbers is recorded: n = 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22, 30, 48, and 52 ± 2. Variation in numbers occurred in both genera and species, and intraspecific polyploidy for 10 species and intraspecific aneuploidy for four species are reported. The investigations have shown that the same mechanisms of speciation, range of chromosome numbers, degrees of polyploidy and intraspecific variations occur here as in other parts of the world. The studies have contributed information on 62 species, 18 genera and five families not previously recorded and form the first survey of the cytology of Australian mosses.
A Review of Calophyllum L. (Guttiferae) in Papuasia
Authors: Stevens PF
Published: December 2005

The genus Calophyllum in Papuasia is reviewed. The variation of some of the characters used is
discussed and a key given for identification of the species recognized. Fifteen new species and one
new variety are described: C. acutiputamen, C. carrii var. carrii and var. longigemmatum, C. confusum, C. gaimanum, C. goniocarpum, C. heterophyllum, C. laticostatum, C. morobensis, C. obscurum
C. piluliferum, C. pseudovitiense, C. robusturn, C. streimannii, C. suberosum and C. vexans. Seven previously recognized species are reduced to synonymy. Brief details of the anatomy of the lamina are
given for all species; germination and the appearance of the seedling are described for eight species.
Mammea L. And Mesua L. (Guttiferae) in Papuasia
Authors: Stevens PF
Published: December 2005

Mammea and Mesua in Papuasia are reviewed. Keys are given to the species recognized. Three new
species of Mammea (M. cordata, M. grandifolia and M. veimauriensis) and one new species of Mesua
(M. coriacea) are described.
Vestured Scalariform Perforation Plate Openings in Neomyrtus pedunculata
Authors: Butterfield BG , Meylan BA
Published: December 2005

The occurrence of vestures in the corners of the last few openings at each end of the scalariform perforation plates in Neomyrtus pedunculata is recorded and illustrated with a scanning electron micrograph.