bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phyllotaxic diversity in Magnolia flowers
Authors: Zagórska-Marek Beata
Published: April 2013

Impermanent initials and thus the shift of the axis in the stochastic meristems are postulated to be responsible for ontogenetic phyllotactic diversity in plants. In the gynoecium of Magnolia acuminata the main Fibonacci pattern develops in much less than 50% of individual generative shoots. There is also an extremely wide spectrum of other patterns, among them even the rarest I, 3, 8, 11 ... pattern is present. Regarded sometimes as "impossible", the pattern has been documented in SEM for the first time. Beside the presence of various patterns, frequent ontogenetic transformations of phyllotaxis have been found in Magnolia. These are indicated by dislocations in the periodic distribution of carpel primordia. In other magnolias, exemplified by M. soulangeana, the Fibonacci pattern prevails, but not as much as in coniferous vegetative shoots, where, as demonstrated earlier, it reaches 95%. Other pattern numbers are also different. This suggests the involvement of the genetic factor and may be attributed to the higher frequency of discontinuous phyllotactic transformations in some species. The stochastic character of the meristem is perhaps more pronounced in some plants, which leads in turn to more frequent transitions and greater pattern diversity.
Plant regeneration from hypocotyl protoplasts of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Orczyk Wacław , Nadolska-Orczyk Anna
Published: April 2013

Protoplasts were isolated from hypocotyls of six breeding lines and two cultivars of winter oilseed rape (B. napus L.). Under presented culture conditions almost all of the protoplasts regenerated cell walls. Division frequency depended on the genotype and was from 50% to 64%. Shoot regeneration (also depended on the genotype) was induced with the frequency of 3.6% (for cv Bolko) on the medium containing IAA (0.1 mg•dm-3), zeatin (0.5 mg•dm-3) and BAP (0.5 mg•dm-3 ). All shoots were rooted on MS basal medium supplemented with sucrose 30 g•dm-3.
Use of the nutrient film technique as a method for assessment of plant response to salt stress in the cereals
Authors: Martin P. K. , Humble J. , Koebner R. M. D.
Published: April 2013

The nutrient film technique (NFT)/rockwool system was adapted for use as a method for assessing the response of wheat and barley to saline stress. Wheat plants grown by the NFT/rockwool system in 200 mmol NaCl were vegetatively more vigorous and were more fertile than when suspended over bowls containing the same saline nutrient solution. Signifcant intervarietal differential responses were observed in both wheat and barley for vegetative vigour under saline stress. By increasing the concentration of NaCI to 260 mM and growing seedlings in miniaturized rockwool plugs, a screening system for salt tolerance in wheat, which allowed substantial plant numbers to be tested, was made possible. Seedlings which survived 4 weeks of this treatment could be successfully rescued into soil, where they developed normally.
Aluminium effects on pyridine nucleotide redox state in roots of Scots pine
Authors: Lorenc-Plucińska Gabriela , Karolewski Piotr
Published: April 2013

After prolonged (3-9 weeks) hydroponic treatment of Scots pine seedlings with different concentrations (0.5-4.0 mM) of Al (AI(N03)3), the levels of pyridine nucleotides were determined in root homogenates. After 3 weeks of Al stress, a significant decrease of the anabolic reduction charge (ARC: NADPH/(NADP+ + NADPH)) and an increase of the redox status (NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+), catabolic reduction charge (CRC: NADH/(NAD+ + NADH)) and phosphorylation capacity expressed as NADP+/NAD+ ratio was found in the 4.0 mM Al treatment. After 6 weeks, Al at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mM induced an enhancement of the NADH level and a reduction of NADPH level, but the redox ratios were not changed significantly. After 9 weeks treatment with Al concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 4.0 mM, decreases of the relative level of NADP+, NADPH and NADH and increases of NAD+ were found. Consequently, the CRC, NAD(P)H/NAD(P)+ and NADP+/NAD+ ratios reached a minimum and ARC a maximum as compared to previous measurements.
Micropropagation of Oenothera biennis L. and an assay of fatty acids
Authors: Skrzypczak Lutosława , Skrzypczak-Pietraszek Ewa , Lamer-Zarawska Eliza , Hojden Barbara
Published: April 2013

The species Oenothera biennis L. was micropropagated in in vitro cultures. After transferring to the ground plants developed correctly and generated fruits with seeds. The content of oil and γ-linolenic acid in seeds was determined.
Dependence of amplitude oscillatory changes in potential and electrical resistance of Nitellopsis obtusa cell membranes on the stage of cell development
Authors: Śpiewla Edward
Published: April 2013

The amplitudes of oscillation changes of potential and electrical resistance of Nitellopsis obtusa cell membranes differing from each other in their individual evolution stages were determined. The first, third and fifth cells from the tops of the plants were collected for measurements and only those characterised by rhythmical changes in potential and electrical conductivity of membranes (which revealed one or simultaneously 2-3 types of oscillations) were selected. Visible dependence of the amplitude of investigated changes on developmental stages of the cells, correlating with the intensity of metabolic transformations, was established.
Ontogeny of trichomes in taxa of the genus Plantago subg. Psyllium (Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Andrzejewska-Golec Emilia
Published: April 2013

This paper is a continuation of the investigation of hair ontogeny in taxa of the Plantaginaceae family. The previous publication dealt with the development of hairs in representatives of the subgenus Plantago. The present paper concerns the investgation of 5 species of the subgenus Psyllium: Plantago squarrosa, P. arenaria, P. afra, P. webbii and P. arborescens. The development of three types of headed hairs and one type of headless hair has been studied. The hypotetic phylogeny of the hairs of the genus Plantago is presented.
Ultrastructure of Lobosphaera reniformis (Watanabe) Komárek et Fott (Chlorellales) from King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Authors: Massalski A. , Mrozińska T. , Olech M.
Published: April 2013

Lobosphaera reniformis (Wat.) Kom. et Fott (=Chlorella reniformis Wat.) so far known only from Japan, and Papua Island, was for the first time found in Antarctica (King George Island, South Shetland Islands). In laboratory cultures a complete life cycle was obtained, and most of its stages were followed by the electron microscopy. Reproduction is by morphologically different autospores. In some large vegetative cells two Golgi apparatuses lying side by side were observed.
Phyllotactic patterns in capitula of Carlina acaulis L.
Authors: Szymanowska-Pułka Joanna
Published: April 2013

Phyllotaxis of inflorescences in Carlina acaulis L. is spiral. In the majority of capitula it is represented by the main Fibonacci series. From the one thousand of specimens, that were examined, thirty five new phyllotactic series were found: eighteen monojugies, for instance (2,17), (4,11), (7,37) and seventeen multijugies, such as 2(8,9), 2(5,11), 8(2,3). The patterns had been identified on the basic of two or more consecutive numbers of phyllotactic series. Both, the continuous and discontinous transformations of phyllotactic patterns, as well as "deviations" from the parastichy group numbers were observed. The deviations were distinguished as the probable cases of the discontinuous transformations in which the sectorial change in the parastichy number occured, but the ultimate phyllotactic series could not be determined.
Effect of auxin precursors and chemical analogues on the growth and chemical composition in Chlorella pyrenoidosa Chick
Authors: Czerpak Romuald , Bajguz Andrzej , Białecka Bożena , Wierzchołowska Lidia E. , Wolańska Małgorzata M.
Published: April 2013

In this paper the authors present studies on the effect of auxin precursors and chemical analogues on the growth and biochemical composition in Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Chlorophyceae). Among auxin precursors tryptamine exhibited slightly higher stimulative activity in regard to fresh and dry weight, mineral substances, chlorophylls, carotenoids, monosaccharides (aldohexoses) and water-soluble proteins content in Ch. pyrenoidosa cells as compared to anthranilic acid. Among auxin analogues used phenoxyacetic acid and naphthyl-3-acetic acid had the strongest stimulative effect of the above-mentioned parameters. Their activity was significantly higher than that of auxin precursors. The activity of naphthyl-3-sulphonic acid was slightly lower than that of tryptamine, whereas the stimulation by 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was similar to that of anthranilic acid. In Ch. pyrenoidosa cells 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid and naphthyl-3-sulphonic reached their maximum activity at the latest (between the 15th or 16th day) of the culturing, whereas tryptamine, phenylacetic acid, naphthyl-3-acetic acid and indolyl-3-acetic acid - at the earliest (between the 8th or 12th) day.
The effect of NaCl salinity and sodium pyruvat on growth of cucumber plant
Authors: Abd El-Samad Hamdia M.
Published: April 2013

Salinity affected growth, the contents of chlorophyll, carotenoids, saccharides, nitogen content and some minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P) in cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus). Spraying the shoot system with sodium pyruvate greatly ameliorated the adverse effects of NaCl salinity. This counteraction was associated with an increase in the contents of saccharides, amino acids, proteins, Ca and P.
The genetic structure of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) population from the top of Szczeliniec Wielki Mt., Central Sudetes
Authors: Szweykowski Jerzy , Prus-Głowacki Wiesław , Hrynkiewicz Jerzy
Published: April 2013

The comparison of the genetic stucture of the population of Scots pine from Szczeliniec Wielki Mt. with the population of its progeny and three other populations from the same geographic region shows great similarity of both populations as far as the frequencies of genes and genotypes are concerned. Also other genetic parameters, such as heterozygosity, genotypic polymorphism indices and a number of alleles per locus were in both populations very similar. It seems that our data proved that the provenance trial experiments reflect rather closely the genetic structure of maternal populations. The fact that the population from Szczeliniec Wielki and its "replica" are genetically most similar to the geographically closest population from Bystrzyca Kłodzka leads to the conclusion, that these populations are of common origin. Though the relic character of the population from Szczeliniec can not be excluded. The morphological distinctness of the population from Szczeliniec is caused by a modifying influence of environmental conditions.
In vitro culture used for woody fern Cyathea australis (R. Br.) domin vegetative propagation
Authors: Goller Katarzyna , Rybczyński Jan J.
Published: April 2013

Experiments have been carried out on vegetative multiplication of Cyathea australis. Cultures were initiated from spores collected from sporangium of mature fronds. Spores were sterilized in 3% chloramine with Tween and sown on Anderson (1984) medium supplemented with 80.0 mg/l of Ads and solidified by 8.0 g/l of agar. After three months of spore germination overgrowth of prothallia was observed. Multiplication of prothallia was stimulated by MS (1962) medium supplemented with 0.25 mg/l BAP, 0.50 mg/l IBA, 0.50 mg/l IAA, 1.00 mg/l GA3, 40.00 mg/l Ads and sucrose 30.0 g/l. Small drops of water were placed on the basal part of gametophyte in order to help ovary fertilization. After the next few weeks the first very fragile, small and green crosier emerged from the base of gametophyte. Perlite culture stimulated root formation and plant hardening to soil conditions.
IAA in the control of photoperiodic flower induction of Pharbitis nil chois
Authors: Kulikowska-Gulewska Halina , Cymerski Mariusz , Czaplewska Joanna , Kopcewicz Jan
Published: April 2013

The endogenous content of IAA in the cotyledons of Pharbitis nil is low before and during the first half of the inductive 16-h-long dark period. From the 8th to the 12th hour the level of IAA increased and then again was going down at the end of a dark period. Exogenous IAA applied to the cotyledones before and during the first half of the inductive dark period inhibits flower bud formation. The application of IAA to shoot apex also resulted in the inhibition of flowering. Experiments with TIBA, an auxin polar transport inhibitor, and PCIB, an auxin action inhibitor, have shown that auxin polar transport in cotyledones and long-distance auxin transport from cotyledones to shoot apex play an important role in IAA inhibition of flower bud formation. It suggests that auxins play their role not only at the level of floral induction in cotyledones, but also in the later events of floral evocation and differentiation in shoot apex.
How lead loses its toxicity to plants
Authors: Wierzbicka Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

This paper is a brief review of the problem of lead-in the environment, particularly constitutional tolerance to lead about which little is known. Taking Allium cepa L. roots as a model it has been shown that after an initial phase in which lead is toxic to cells, defence processes appear with the results that lead is no longer poisonous. The lead which penetrates into the root symplast is detoxified in vacuoles, cell walls and dictiosomal vesicles. Initial cells of the meristem (quescent centre) which play a basic role in the root regeneration processes are protected against lead penetration. This surprising result is in agreement with the absence of any symptoms of lead poisoning in plants growing in natural conditions, and suggests that there is a defence mechanism specific only for plant cells.
Intraspecific aluminium response in Suillus luteus (L.) s.f. gray., an ectomycorrhizal symbiont of scots pine
Authors: Leski Tomasz , Rudawska Maria , Kieliszewska-Rokicka Barbara
Published: April 2013

Ten isolates of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus luteus have been cultured on an aluminium containing growth medium in order to determine their in vitro aluminium tolerance. Five isolates originated from a site heavily polluted by acid rain with a high availability of aluminium in the soil. Five others were collected from a site free from direct pollution. Aluminium content in the sporocarps of S. luteus differed according to the site of origin and did not reveal symptoms of bioconcentration, although such phenomena were found when mycelium isolated from the sporocarps was submited to 100 mg/L Al in liquid culture. A clear relationship between Al accumulation in vitro and the site of origin of the isolate was not observed, although the highest amount of Al was found in the mycelium derived from the polluted soil. In a second experiment all isolates were grown in agar media containing 10, 100, 500 and 1000 mg/L-1 Al and the colony diameter during culture and the final colony dry weight determined. S. luteus appeared to be very tolerant to the presence of Al in the medium. Each of the parameters used to measure the metal tolerance of the fungus ranked the isolates in a slightly different order, but those originating from the polluted area showed some superiority over the others. In polluted soils this species seems to have been submitted to a selection for higher aluminium tolerance. The results are discussed with reference to the possibilities of transformating in vitro studies to situation in the forest ecosystem.
The occurrence of iridoids in plants
Authors: Andrzejewska-Golec Emilia
Published: April 2013

The occurrence of iridoids (iridoid glucosides, secoiridoids, valtrates, iridoids Plumeria) in the taxa of plants and their taxonomic significance are refered.
Immunological comparison of the NADH:nitrate reductase from different cucumber tissues
Authors: Marciniak Jolanta , Kłobus Grażyna , Buczek Józef , Stefaniak Tadeusz , Mazur Jarosław
Published: April 2013

Soluble nitrate reductase from cucumber roots (Cucumis sativus L.) was isolated and purified with blue-Sepharose 4B. Specific antibodies against the NR protein were raised by immunization of a goat. Using polyclonal antibodies anti-NR properties of the nitrate reductase from various cucumber tissues were examined. Experiments showed difference in immuno-logical properties of nitrate reductase (NR) from cotyledon roots and leaves.
Some aspects of interactions between heavy metals and plant mineral nutrients
Authors: Siedlecka Anna
Published: April 2013

Heavy metals are aggresive environmental pollutants. They are easily taken up by plants and they are strong stess factors for plant metabolism. Heavy metals influence includes also disturbances in plant mineral nutrition by competition with other nutrients. Typical symptoms of heavy metals toxicity are often similar or even the same like symptoms of some essential nutrients deficiency. The aim of this paper is to discuss mechanisms of some heavy metals uptake and possible ways of their influence on some basic and trace nutrients availability for plants. Attention is also paid to regulatory relationships among groups of heavy metals themselves. Moreover, possibilities and limitations in revitalization of heavy metal-treated plants by micro-, and macronutrient supply are discussed.
The ability of fruit and vegetable enzyme system to hydrolyse ester bonds
Authors: Mironowicz Agnieszka , Jarosz Bogdan , Siewiński Antoni
Published: April 2013

The pulp of potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum), topinambur (Helianthus tuberosus) and apples (Malus silvestris) can hydrolyse totally, or almost totally, ester bonds in phenyl, α- and β-naphthyl, benzyl and cinnamyl acetates. In methyl 4-acetoxy-3-metoxybenzoate and methyl 2,5-diacetoxybenzoate as well as testosterone propionate and 16,17-acetonide of 21-acetoxy-6-fluoro-16α,17β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3,20-dione, the hydrolysis is selective towards the substrate and the bioreagent. In contrast, ethyl benzoate and cinnamate are resistant to hydrolysis.
Effect of cyclic AMP and acridine orange on the enzymatic reduction of usnic acid in the lichen Usnea aurantiaco-atra (Jacq.) Bory
Authors: Vicente C. , Pedrosa Mercedes M. , Mateos J. L. , Legaz Maria E.
Published: April 2013

A fluorescence-detection HPLC procedure has been applied to identify and quantify acridine orange in lichen samples. The dye accumulates in thalli of the lichen Usnea aurantiaco-atra and, in part, it is recovered from protamine-precipitated nucleic acids extracted from the samples. A supply of exogenous cyclic AMP reverses the uptake of acridine orange by thallus samples and its binding to nucleic acids. The dye impedes neither the loss of endogenously-produced cyclic AMP by thallus samples nor inhibits the uptake of that exogenously supplied. However, part of the endogenously produced cyclic AMP is secreted to the incubation medium in which phosphodiesterase activity has never been detected. Since the synthesis of D-usnic acid: NAD+(H) oxido-reductase is impeded by acridine orange, oxidative catabolism of usnic acid is inhibited in thalli floated on the dye. Cyclic AMP reverses this effect.
Remarks on taxonomy of some species of Elytrigia S.L. (Triticeae) in the light of embryo morphology
Authors: Kosina Romuald
Published: April 2013

Embryos of 21 accessions of the genus Elytrigia s.l. were studied. Characters of scutellum, coleoptile, coleorhiza and epiblast were taken into consideration. Correlation of characters proves an independence of epiblast organogenesis. Principal components analysis reveals high loadings of embryo axis characters in the component I. Length of embryo, width of coleoptile and width of epiblast base were chosen as the best discriminants to distinguish the species. Cluster analysis joins, among other things, Elytrigia intermedia and E. elongata, E. elongata and E. juncea as well as E. repens and E. pungens. PCA shows an intermediate position of E. nodosa and E. intermedia in relation to E. elongata and E. repens. E. geniculata is an intermediate between E.juncea and other species. Scattering of species in the PCA diagram is consistent with Löve's genomic system of the Triticeae taxonomy.
Cytological changes observed in the successive phases of the wheat rust caused by Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici after the treatment with Tilt 250EC
Authors: Brzezicka-Szymczyk Krystyna , Golinowski Władysław , Zamorski Czesław
Published: April 2013

The disease process of wheat (Triticum aestivum) cv. Parada caused by rust (Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm. f. sp. tritici) and the effect of applying the fungicide Tilt 250EC are described. The application of spraying at the time of inoculation, during incubation and at the beginning of the actual disease is most effective, thus attests to the highest pathogen susceptibility to that chemical agent at these phases of the disease. Tilt 250EC (propikonazole) inhibits the ergosterol biosynthesis in the fungus cells. Application of the preparation caused the inhibition of the development and necrosis of the intra- and extracellular mycelium. Observed were: irregular growth of intercellular hyphae, perforation of septas, homogenization of protoplasts and collapsing of cells. In the haustoria observed were: the thickening of the cell wall, modification of the perihaustorial space, protoplast degeneration and finally the haustorium obliteration.
Electrical potentials and its fluctuations in nodal cells of nitellopsis obtusa
Authors: Śpiewla Edward , Jaśkowska Anna , Segit Paweł , Tokarska-Schlattner Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

Using the liquid microelectrode technique, the electrical potentials of nodal cells and the with them internodal cells neighbouring, of Nitellopsis obtusa plants of the Characeae family were determined. A specific variation in the potential of nodal cells in the form of cacophony-type irregular disturbances was also found, indicating that the node is not a passive mechanical element controlled by internodal cells, but is a complex system of coupled-, and different metabolic oscillators.
Cellulose biosynthesis in higher plants
Authors: Kudlicka Krystyna , Brown, Jr R. M.
Published: April 2013

Knowledge of the control and regulation of cellulose synthesis is fundamental to an understanding of plant development since cellulose is the primary structural component of plant cell walls. In vivo, the polymerization step requires a coordinated transport of substrates across membranes and relies on delicate orientations of the membrane-associated synthase complexes. Little is known about the properties of the enzyme complexes, and many questions about the biosynthesis of cell wall components at the cell surface still remain unanswered. Attempts to purify cellulose synthase from higher plants have not been successful because of the liability of enzymes upon isolation and lack of reliable in vitro assays. Membrane preparations from higher plant cells incorporate UDP-glucose into a glucan polymer, but this invariably turns out to be predominantly β -1,3-linked rather than β -1,4-linked glucans. Various hypotheses have been advanced to explain this phenomenon. One idea is that callose and cellulose-synthase systems are the same, but cell disruption activates callose synthesis preferentially. A second concept suggests that a regulatory protein as a part of the cellulose-synthase complex is rapidly degraded upon cell disruption. With new methods of enzyme isolation and analysis of the in vitro product, recent advances have been made in the isolation of an active synthase from the plasma membrane whereby cellulose synthase was separated from callose synthase.
Comparison of regeneration potentials in tissue cultures of primitive and cultivated tomato species (Lycopersicon sp.)
Authors: Lech M. , Miczyński K. , Pindel A.
Published: April 2013

Regeneration capacities of two tomato cultivars: Potentat and Rutgers, and of three accessions of wild tomato species: Lycopersicon peruvianum PI 128650, L. peruvianum var. dentatum PI 128655 and L. glandulosum were studied using an universal medium suitable for regeneration of those plants from leaf pieces in tissue culture. Fragments of leaf blades were taken from plants raised in greenhouse conditions and placed on a modified MS medium containing 0.3 mg/l IAA and 3.0 mg/l BAP solidified with 1% agar. The explants were transferred every 4-5 weeks on fresh medium of the same composition. It was shown that all the three primitive tomato species revealed much higher multiplication coefficients than the two cultivars. Appropriate values were: 11 - for L. glandulosum, 8 - for L. peruvianum, 7 - for L. peruvianum var. dentatum, 4 - for L. esculentum cv. Potentat and 2 - cv. Rutgers. Completely regenerated plants were obtained from all the tested species, but organogenesis occurred almost two weeks earlier in wild tomatoes than in the culitivated varieties of L. esculentum.
In vitro gynogenesis in red beet (Beta vulgaris L.): effects of ovule culture conditions
Authors: Barański Rafał
Published: April 2013

In this paper the influence of factors affecting gynogenic response of red beet ovules is discussed. The ovule response frequencies were the highest in the following conditions: N6 (Chu 1975) mineral salts, 0.5 mg/l IAA, 0.2 mg/l BA, 27 or 32oC. The influence of genotype of donor plants was confirmed and it was found that the ovules excised from cultivar plants have a greater gynogenic ability than the ovules of hybrids or inbred lines.
Plastids and mitochondria comportment in dividing meiocytes of Psilotum nudum
Authors: Tchórzewska D. , Brukhin V. B. , Bednara J.
Published: April 2013

In prophase I meiocyte plastids and mitochondria were situated at random. By telophase I plastids and mitochondria were aggregated in an equatorial plane. The aggregation was differentiated into three layers, the middle layer formed mostly by mitochondria, the outer layers consisted largely of plastids. By telophase II the mitochondria layers separated the cell into four domains, while plastid layers were disaggregated. Inside the mitochondrial layer the cell plates were formed. During this process mitochondria layers gradualy disintegrated. During prophase I to telophase I numerous plastids seem to undergo divisions. The telophase I layer mitochondria seemed to give rise to small electron-lucent vesicles.
The selfcompatibility in Impatiens balsamina (a long-day variety)
Authors: Kulawiec Mariola , Teske Elżbieta , Śnieżko Renata
Published: April 2013

Pollination and seed-setting in Impatiens balsamina (a long-day variety, originated from the Frankfurt Botanical Garden) were studied. Flowers were isolated from insect pollinators, or were openly pollinated. Plants of both groups set seeds, but open pollinated had 10% more seeds. Microscopic analysis showed that flowers could be selfpollinated before anthesis. The pollen tubes grew to the ovary and fertilized the ovules. After selfing, the normal endosperm and embryo developed. The viability of seeds was similar to that after crosspollination.
Pollen tube branching in the ovary of five species of Oenothera
Authors: Śnieżko Renata
Published: April 2013

Flowers of Oenothera hookeri Torr. et Gray, Oe. brevistylis and Oe. lamarkiana de Vries were pollinated after anthesis by insects. Oe. biennis L., Oe. suaveolens Desf and sulfurea were selfpollinated in the buds. Pollen morphology was slightly different: Oe. hookeri have regular, triporated pollen, often germinating through two pores; in Oe. suaveolens many pollen grains had callose patches on the intine; in Oe. brevistylis tetraporated pollen were more often than in other species; in Oe. lamarckiana many pollen grains were empty; in Oe. biennis and Oe. suaveolens pollen grain size and viability varied. The pollen tube growth and fertilization were similar in 5 species and can be considered as typical for Oenothera. In the ovary pollen tubes branched and changed their growth direction. Near micropyle they formed short branches to the inner integument. In the nucellus the pollen tube became swollen.
Morphogenesis of propagules in viviparous species Bryophyllum daigremontianum and B. calycinum
Authors: Batygina T. B. , Bragina E. A. , Titova G. E.
Published: April 2013

The propagule development in two viviparous Bryophyllum species: B. daigremontianum and B. calycinum (Crassulaceae) has been found to proceed via embryoidogenesis (somatic embryo). In both species, all propagule organs arise from the dormant meristem derivatives, but there are morphogenetic differences at the latest developmental stages (in adventitious root initiation). In both species, the propagule genesis proceeds through the "globular", heartshaped and torpedoshaped stages. Comparative morphological and embryological analysis of propagules in the species in question and sexual embryos revealed a strong similarity in their developmental patterns not with standing their morphological variability. It has been suggested that two Bryophyllum species carry the "dormancy" gene. The present study has confirmed that vegetative propagules of the flowering plants can be either embryoids or buds.
Influence of hydroxyurea on cell divisions and microtubular cytoskeleton in Allium cepa root meristem
Authors: Zhang H. Q. , Li Y. Q. , Kuraś M. , Bednara J. , Cresti M.
Published: April 2013

In onion roots, hydroxyurea (HU) causes a gradual depression of mitotic activity which ceases after 24-36 hrs. The effect is reversible; divisions begin after several hours of recovery and after 12-14 hrs about 90% cells undergo mitosis. Mitotic activity commences in the distal region of the apical meristem, and as a wave it spreads towards the apex. In the roots treated with HU for a short time, the tubulin immunofluorescence method reveals normal arrays of microtubules (MTs). After 36 hrs of HU treatment there are only cortical and endocytoplasmatic MTs. In the recovering roots, preprophase bands (PB) mitotic spindles and phragmoplasts appear. Some PBs are split into two parallel rings. These abnormal PBs mostly occur in elongated cells. Apart from this, HU does not appear to have any significant influence on microtubular organization.
Some new aspects of the pea (Pisum sativum L.) root nodule ultrastructure
Authors: Borucki Wojciech
Published: April 2013

Unequal cell divisions were observed in the meristem of pea root nodule. Since after such divisions only the bigger cells become infected then those divisions play a significant role in the formation of the three-dimensional structure of the bacteroidal tissue. In the infected cells of the young ineffective bacteroidal tissue the first host reaction to the incompatibility of the symbiotic system is the RER membranes aggregation. In effective symbiosis RER membranes form permanent sites of contact with the peribacteroidal membranes thus connecting all the symbiosoms in the cell. Possibly that ensures the synchronisation of the differentiation processes of the bacteroids and/or their simultaneous degeneration. The presence of membraneous structures in the form of rings is a characteristic feature of effective bacteroids. It is postulated that the structures are directly connected with nitrogen assimilation. Structures X and Y which are present in the bacteroids of the effective and ineffective symbiosis may be connected with the adaptation of bacterial cells to lowered oxygen pressure in bacteroidal tissue and their transformation (structures X) into bacteroids. The presence of the cytoplasm (or cytoplasmatic remnants) of the infected cells was observed in the intercellular spaces. It is sugested that it is a way, so far unknown, of the gas diffusion regulation in bacteroidal tissue.
Phyllotaxis diversity in Lycopodium clavatum L. and Lycopodium annotinum L.
Authors: Gola Edyta
Published: April 2013

In shoots of Lycopodium microphyllous phyllotaxis is extremely diverse. 24 various patterns were found in anisotomous L. clavatum and "only" 11 in isotomous L. annotinum. Spiral patterns expressed by k:(k+1 ) parastichy numbers were present together with typically whorled k:k patterns. In both species k number was higher in plagiotropic shoots than in orthotropic. It was also higher in L. clavatum than in L. annotinum. In the first species phyllotactic spectrum was wider with many patterns almost equally frequent, whereas narrow spectrum of L. annotinum showed clear dominance of only one pattern. The patterns, which are the most frequent in other plants, such as Fibonacci or Lucas, were uncommon in studied Lycopodium species. Discontinuous phyllotactic transitions occurred typically in two locations on the shoot: just below the dichotomic branching or above the borders, that separate the annual increments of the axis. Transitions were moderately frequent occurring in more than 7% of developmentally independent shoot segments. Dichotomous branching, resulting in variable shoot diameter, seasonal fluctuations of growth as well as a small size of microphylls relative to the shoot circumference are proposed to be the main factors contributing to the high phyllotactic diversity in studied species.
Plant regeneration from immature embryo culture of Trifolium michelianum savi. - histological observations on adventitious shoot induction
Authors: Konieczny Robert
Published: April 2013

Whole plant regeneration via organogenesis in immature embryo culture of Trifolium michelianum Savi. was obtained. The shoots were induced directly from the hypocotyl or indirectly through callus on EC6 medium supplemented with 0.5 and 5 mg/l BAP, respectively. Sporadically the callus formation was preceded by shoot regeneration. Both shoots obtained directly and via callus regenerated into plants when subcultured on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, free of growth regulators. Histological observations revealed that the shoots were induced directly from the ring of meristematic tissue which was formed at the periphery of the hypocotyl or indirectly from the superficial cells of the callus. Irrespective of the mode of regeneration the shoots were of multicellular origin.
Occurrence of crassulacean acid metabolism in leaves of Aristolochia bracteata Ritz
Authors: Deshumukh R. B. , Murumkar C. V.
Published: April 2013

Aristolochia bracteata Ritz. is a common weed of fallowlands of hot, semi-arid region of Baramati area. High succulence index was noticed in leaf tissues along with marked diurnal fluctuations in titratable acidity status, and pH of leaf sap. Stomatal behaviour also followed typical CAM pattern. All these findings conclude that Crassulacean Acid Metabolism is in operation in this species.
Cisovka - the relic population of Abies alba and its relationship to man-made silver-fir stands in Białowieża primeval forest
Authors: Mejnartowicz Leon
Published: April 2013

In Białowieża Primeval Forest, in 1823 Stanisław Górski discovered on the Cisovka Hag, a relic population of European silver-fir (Abies alba Mill.). This population is isolated and most away, 120 km to the North-East, from the border of European-silver-fir distribution. Besides the natural population Cisovka, there are also man-made silver fir stands and clumps in the Polish and Belorussian part of Białowieża Primeval Forest. In the Polish part there are four such artificial stands. If the seed-producing silver-fir stands really originated from the Cisovka population, then they are a very valuable part of the declining population and an easy accessible seed source. However, if these populations were introduced to the Białowieża Primeval Forest, then they are a potential source of dangerous genetic pollution of the Cisovka population. The relationship of the genetic structure of the Cisovka population to man-made silver-fir-stands in Białowieża Forest was investigated with the help of 17 loci of 1 1 enzyme systems. Genetic diversity of Cisovka population is characterized by the smallest mean number of alleles per locus (Mal= 1.353, includes all loci studied and per polimorphic locus Malp = 2.00). In Cisovka population there is very low-grade of polimorphic loci (Pp = 11.765 with the mean 37.255 for all studied populations). Expected heterozygosity, He = 0.079 revealed very low-grade of genetic diversity in the population. The observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.123) was similar to this characterictic in other populations. A dendrogram based on Neis genetic distance coefficient (D) among 9 silver-fir populations was constructed. Cisovka in the UPGMA dendrogram is a distinct population separated from other ones by a very great genetic distance (D = 0.06). Also two man-made silver-fir (B I and 132) stands are separated from others. Only populations B3 and B4 are combined into one subgroup linked to the population Tomaszów Lubelski. Basing on the received results one should decide that all the four studied artificial stands were introduced to Białowieża Primeval Forest from beyond of this geographical regions. There is some reason to assume (on the GDH2 allele frequency) that man-made silver-stands in compartments 453Aa and 498Cg are of eastern provenance. It is rather certain that these stands are not of offspring of Cisovka populations.
Genetic variability of rye-xenic-hybrid traits
Authors: Grochowski Lechosław , Kaczmarek Jan , Kadłubiec Władysław , Bujak Henryk
Published: April 2013

In field experiments performed in two localities (Smolice, Wrocław) 18 xenic hybrids of winter rye, two testers and standard cultivar Dańkowskie Złote, were analysed. The objects of detailed evaluations were 11 traits. For six of them arithmetic means (x), standard deviations (S), coefficients of variation (cv), coefficients of genetic diversity (h2), correlation coefficients were calculated. Moreover, analyses of variance were carried out and the effects of general (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability were estimated. The existence of quantitative xenia in hybrids was confirmed. It was shown that xenic hybrids, in respect to most of the analysed traits, were insignificantly inferior to the testers and the standard cultivar. However, the decrease of plant height has shown to be significant and a tendency to higher yield was observed.
Differentiation of vegetation in a saline grassland in the vicinity of Inowrocław soda plants at Mątwy
Authors: Piernik Agnieszka , Kaźmierczak Ewa , Rutkowski Lucjan
Published: April 2013

In the course of two growing seasons (1992 and 1993) there was investigated the zonation of vegetation with reference to soil conditions at the saline grassland in the vicinity of Inowrocław Soda Plants at Mątwy town. In data analysis there were used: classification method - hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis and as well as two ordination techniques: Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). As a result of the classification analysis five vegetation zones were distinguished, related to the following communities: community with Festuca rubra, Potentillo Festucetum arundinaceae, community with Euphorbia lucida and Phragmites australis, Triglochino-Glaucetum maritimae and Puccinellio distantis-Salicornietum brachystachyae. The ordination techniques used in the analysis have demonstrated that out of the measured soil properties the most essential part, in the formation of the grassland vegetation zonation, played the content of chloride ions (which was used here as the main salinity measure), while moisture and pH were of minor importance. All the measured environmental factors accounted for only a low percentage (26.5% in 1992 and 17.2% in 1993) of the total vegetation variation, what might suggest that besides chloride ions another factor might have affected the development of zonation.
Mougeotia ag. and Spirogyra Link (Zygnemaceae) - new species for the European flora
Authors: Kadłubowska Joanna Z. , Langangen Anders
Published: April 2013

In samples collected in Norway the following species new for Europe, Mougeotia olivacea Y.J. Ling, Mougeotia mysorensis Iyengar, Spirogyra reflexa Transeau and Spirogyra schmidtii W. et G.S. West, are identified. The diagnosis of M. olivacea has been supplemented with data on the dimensions of vegetative cells and zygotes and the number of pyrenoids. The diagnosis of M. mysorensis has been supplemented with data on the number and distribution of pyrenoids and, often curved, vegetative filaments. The sites of M. olivaceas and M. mysorensi's occurrence are the second one in the world. Morphological features and dimensions of S. reflexa and S. schmidtii are congruent with those given from other non-European sites.
Pollen morphology of the Polish species of the family Caprifoliaceae. Part 1
Authors: Maciejewska Irmina
Published: April 2013

This paper contains results of studies on pollen morphology of 5 Polish species of the family Caprifoliaceae (genera Sambucus and Viburnum). The pollen has been examined with LM and SEM. Besides detailed descriptions, series of microphotographs are presented. All examined species have small to medium-sized grains, with prolate polar axis, reticulate ornamentation (at least in mesocolpia), relatively long ectoapertures and with often visible equatorial bridges. Extent of fusion of capita in muri allows to divide observed pollen grains into 2 subtypes: one for examined Sambucus species and for V. opulus, the second for V. lantana.
Effects of water deficit stress on membrane properties, lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide metabolism in the leaves of barley genotypes
Authors: Bandurska Hanna , Stroiński Andrzej , Zielezińska Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

Two barley genotypes, cultivar Aramir and line R567, were subjected to water stress for 24 hours by immersing their roots in polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000) solution of osmotic potential -1.0 MPa. The relative water content (RWC) in the leaves of both genotypes lowered under the stress conditions. Reduction of RWC led to membrane disorganization, which is evidenced by the injury index data. The injury index was lower in the leaves of cv. Aramir as compared with line R567. The level of lipid peroxidation decreased under stress conditions in the leaves of both genotypes. Hydrogen peroxide content also decreased in the leaves of stressed plants relative to the control ones. The decrease was higher in line R567 and was accompanied by a decrease in ascorbic acid level in the leaves of that genotype. In the leaves of cv. Aramir water stress did not affect the ascorbic acid content. The examined genotypes showed little or no changes in the activity of ascorbic acid peroxidase in the response to water stress. No evidence of an increase in the level of oxidative stress during water depletion in studied genotypes was seen. Water stress-induced decrease in the level of hydrogen peroxide without an increase in the activity of ascorbic acid peroxidase indicate that other mechanisms may be involved in the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide.
Accumulation of ixerin F and activities of some terpenoid bisynthetic enzymes in a cell suspension culture of Lactuca virosa L.
Authors: Stojakowska Anna , Malarz Janusz , Van der Heijden Robert , Verpoorte Robert
Published: April 2013

A cell suspension culture of Lactuca virosa L. (Asteraceae, tribe Lactuceae) is capable of synthesizing sesquiterpene lactones of which ixerin F is the main compound. The culture was characterized on growth (by dissimilation rates), on ixerin F accumulation (by RP-HPLC) and on some enzyme activities involved in early steps of terpenoid biosynthesis. Acetoacetyl-coenzyme A thiolase (AACT, E.C. 2.3.1.9) and 3S-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase (HMGS, E.C. 4.13.5) activities of the cells were assayed spectrophotometrically. HMGS activity increased during the culture period and reached a maximum during the stationary phase (190 pkat/mg protein), while AACT showed relatively high level of activity throughout the growth cycle, with transient decrease at the logarithmic growth phase and the beginning of stationary phase. Ixerin F accumulated inside the cells and the maximum concentration of 0.08% (on dry weight basis) was found in the early stationary phase of the growth cycle of the culture.
Extinction of flax-weeds in Sweden
Authors: Mirek Zbigniew
Published: April 2013

Basing on herbarium materials the extinction of four narrowly specialized flax-weeds Cuscuta epilinum, Lolium remotum and Spergula maxima in Sweden is documented.
The occurrence and development of peat mounds on King George Island (Maritime Antarctic)
Authors: Fabiszewski Jerzy , Wojtuń Bronisław
Published: April 2013

On King George Island, South Shetlands Islands, a type of peat formation has been discovered which has not previously been reported from the Antarctic. These formations are in shape of mounds up to 7x 15 m in area, with a peat layer of about I m thick. About twenty five cm below the surface there is a layer of permanently frozen peat. The mounds are covered by living mosses (Polytrichum alpinum and Drepanocladus uncinatus), Antarctic hair grass (Deschampsia antarctica) and lichens. Erosion fissures occurring on the surface are evidence of contemporary drying and cessation of the mound's growth. The initial phase of the development of the mounds began with a community dominated by Calliergidium austro-stramineum and Deschampsia antarctica, and their further development has been due to peat accumulation formed almost entirely by Calliergidium. The location of the mounds is near a penguin rookery, which clearly conditioned the minerotrophic character of these formations, as compared with the "moss peat banks" formed by Chorisodontium aciphyllum and Polytrichum al-pestre. Moreover, the peat mounds differ from the latter in several ways, e.g. rate of growth and floristic composition. Radiocarbon dating of peat from the base of one mound gave an age of 4090±60 years B.P. This suggests that the age of the tundra on King George Island is about 5000-4000 years.
Phyllotactic spectra in cacti: Mammilaria species and some genera from Rebutia group
Authors: Gola Edyta
Published: April 2013

Phyllotaxis of globular or hemispheric cacti from Mammillaria genus and from Rebutia group shows the significant differences between the two groups. An extremely wide spectrum of phyllotaxis with many infrequent patterns has been found in Rebutia group while in Mammilluria genus it appears to be quite narrow with the main Fibonacci pattern dominant. Therefore one of possible factors responsible for these differences might be a genetic one. Ontogenetic transformations of phyllotaxis both continuous (quantitative) and discontinuous (qualitative) have been found in studied cacti. These developmental events together with dichotomy frequently occurring in some taxa increase the level of phyllotaxis diversity. As more than one expression of the pattern occurred due to continuous transformations in many studied cacti - the numbers of opposite spirals can no longer be treated as a feature of the diagnostic value in cactus taxonomy. Because of intense developmental changes significant is rather a range of phyllotaxis diversity (phyllotactic spectrum) than a single pattern or its expression in a given taxon.
Allometric growth of Xanthium (Compositae) leaves
Authors: Maksymowych Roman , Orkwiszewski Joseph A.J.
Published: April 2013

When Xanthium lamina width is plotted versus leaf length during the entire period of growth, a straight line is obtained representing an allometric relationship with a regression correlation coefficient of 0.9973 a lamina width to length ratio of 0.502 ± 0.01 and chordate morphology. On the other hand, gibberellic acid treated plants yield a correlation coefficient of 0.9871 a lamina width to length ratio of 0.372 ± 0.0074 and lanceolate leaves. The fraction of leaf width to leaf length is a measure of lamina width reduction. Gibberellic acid alters the mechanism which controls the balance between the leaf length and the leaf width.