* Department of Botany, School of Biology, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki 54124 – Greece

Abstract: The structure and function of the glandular and non-glandular hairs, and also the yield and chemical composition of the essential oils in the winter and summer leaves of the seasonally dimorphic plant Thymus sibthorpii were studied. Glandular hairs comprise peltate hairs only (capitate hairs are missing). Peltate hairs are the sites of essential oil biosynthesis. They are more numerous in the winter leaves than in the summer leaves and consist of a 12-celled secretory head, a unicellular stalk, and an also unicellular epidermal foot. The essential oil of the winter leaves is mainly composed of linalool (42.4%), thymol (7.0%), p-cymene (5.8%), ß-caryophyllene (5.7%), borneol (5.6%), and terpinen-4-ol (4.8%). The oil of the summer leaves is principally constituted of p-cymene (25.0%), linalool (19.1%), terpinen-4-ol (8.5%) and borneol (8.3%). Non-glandular hairs proliferate in the summer leaves. They are conical in shape and consist of one basal epidermal cell and one apical pointed cell. Glandular and non-glandular hairs are implicated in the chemical and mechanical defense of the plant, respectively.

Key words: anatomy, leaf hairs, Thymus sibthorpii

* Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbaseya 11566, Cairo – Egypt

Abstract: The floral anatomy of Alpinia speciosa Schum. and Hedychium coronarium Koenig. (Zingiberaceae) was investigated for an understanding of the structure and nature of the labellum and epigynous glands. The observation presented in this study supported the classical view of the labellum as a double structure rather than a triple or five-parted structure, as were proposed previously. The dorsal carpellary bundles in the studied species only continue into the style, fade out in the stigmatic tissue without feeding sepals or labellum as suggested in the previous studies. The glands in both studied species are found with very prominent masses of vascular tissue. The presence of vascular tissue seems to be connected with the more organized nature of the gland. Furthermore, the present study appears that the glands are not merely epidermal emergence of the ovary and similar to nectarines which may be vascularized.

Key words: Zingiberaceae, Alpinia, Hedychium, floral anatomy, labellum, epigyny glands

* Sardar Patel University, Department of Biosciences, Vallabh Vidyanagar, 388120, Gujarat – India

Abstract:Light and electron microscopic studies were carried out on the secondary xylem of actively growing shoots of Hibiscus cannabinus treated with cellulose synthesis inhibitor 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB). Treatment with 20µM DCB induced differentiation of xylem fibres with thin secondary walls and parenchyma cells with abnormal wall thickening and lignification. At concentration above 50 µM resulted in the disappearance of cambial zone, inhibition of secondary wall deposition, lignification of primary walls, deformed vessel walls and dispersed lignin distribution in secondary walls. Transmission electron microscopic study revealed the initiation and formation of large intercellular spaces between the walls of differentiating xylem elements. Abnormal pattern of wall deposition and inhomogeneous lignin distribution was evident in fibres and vessel. The length and width of both fibres and vessel elements were reduced significantly even with lower concentrations of DCB.

Key words: 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile, secondary wall deposition, lignification, Hibiscus cannabinus

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SEEDS’ STUDY OF SOME SPECIES OF THE PLANTAGO L. GENUS
IFRIM Camelia*

* “Anastasie Fatu” Botanic Garden, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Dumbrava Rosie 7-9, 700487, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: Plantago genus includes many species, some of them known to be used in traditional and modern medicine. The most numerous information about the Plantago species usage in our country refers to the leaves, while information about seeds usage is sporadically reminded. Lately, there was a particular interest in the consumption of psyllium, the trade name used for the product from seeds of Plantago ovata, P. psyllium (P. afra) or P. arenaria. A special economic interest presents the seeds of these species as they are a cheap source of gelling agent for micro-propagation techniques.
The morphological study of the seeds from populations of different areas has been focused on issues of biometrics, testa micro-morphology and myxospermy. Observations have shown differences between species, and also between different populations of the same species. The myxospermy phenomenon (formation of mucilage) emphasizes individual characteristics for several taxa which may have practical uses. The achieved results have both theoretical (in order to clarify some taxonomic issues) and practical value (by capitalization in pharmaceutical or other similar domain).


Key words: Plantago, seeds morphology, fructification, myxospermy, seed mucilage

A UNIQUE TYPE OF ENDOSPERM IN PANAX WANGIANUS S. C. SUN
VENUGOPAL Nagulan*, AHUJA Preeti*, LALCHHANHIMI*

* Plant Anatomy Lab, Department of Botany, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong-793022, Meghalaya – India

Abstract: Panax wangianus S. C. Sun (Araliaceae) is a critically endangered, medicinal plant of north-east India. The objective of this research was to study post-fertilization changes in embryo-sac of P. wangianus. A characteristic feature has been observed in the endosperm in P. wangianus in which both the nuclear and cellular endosperm remains together in the mature seeds. The embryo is present in the nuclear part of endosperm so that it can draw the nutrition easily. The embryo probably exerts some physical and physiological forces that prevent the nuclear endosperm to become cellular.

Key words: Panax wangianus S. C. Sun, medicinal plant, North-East India, post-fertilization changes, endosperm

IN VITRO RHIZOGENESIS IN PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAYA L.)
Jaime A. TEIXEIRA DA SILVA*

* Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, 761-0795 – Japan

Abstract: The seeds of two papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars ('Rainbow' and 'Sunrise Solo') were germinated on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 3% sucrose, and free of plant growth regulators. Papaya contains some important secondary metabolites such as papain, and there would be interest in the in vitro mass production of papaya tissue of uniform origin. The most obvious form would be through the induction of somatic embryos, but rhizogenesis, an unexplored method, could provide as-yet unknown advantages. In this study, with the objective of artificaially inducing rhizogenesis in vitro, young leaves of both cultivars were placed on MS basal medium exposed to 5 concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4 or 8 mg/l) of auxins (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid, 2,4,5-T; indole-3-acetic acid, IAA; indole-3-butyric acid, IBA; a-naphthaleneacetic acid, NAA; ß-naphthoxyacetic acid, BNOA) or phloroglucinol. All auxins could induce adventitious roots. Most roots (23/explant) formed with 2 mg/l NAA. The ability to induce only roots without any other intermediary organs such as callus or shoots provides an exclusive system for possible root-specific secondary metabolite production without the need for transgenic technologies such as Agrobacterium rhizogenes, or could provide a model protocol for more in-depth developmental studies on root development in papaya, an unexplored topic for this tropical plant.

Key words: leaf, Murashige and Skoog, paw-paw, roots, seeds

* Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai 608 502 – India

Abstract: An efficient protocol was established for in vitro clonal propagation for Rhizophora annamalayana Kathir. the only endemic mangrove species to India. Initially the explants were surface sterilized appropriately with 0.1% mercuric chloride for one minute, 70% ethanol for 30 seconds and 3% hydrogen peroxide for one minute. Then the explants were treated with three different antioxidants for reduction of phenol browning of the explants. Among the antioxidants, 10 mg/L ascorbic acid was found to be the best. Among the five different tissue culture media - B5, WPM, MS, SH and Y3- tested, MS medium was chosen to be the best for meristem culture. Among the growth regulators, cytokinins (benzyl adinine, kinetin and zeatin) used alone and in combination with auxins (naphthalene acetic acid, indole acetic acid, indole butyric acid), the shoot growth was better observed after 20 days when MS medium was incorporated with 3.0 mg/L of benzyl adinine and 3.0 mg/L of kinetin with coconut milk. This is the initial step of tissue culture for the recovery of the fast disappearing Rhizophora annamalayana Kathir. Further research is progressing on mass multiplication and field transfer.

Key words: mangroves, in vitro propagation, growth regulators, Rhizophora annamalayana

* Faculty of Agriculture and Graduate School of Agriculture, Kagawa University, Miki-cho, Kagawa, 761-0795 – Japan

Abstract: Smoke derived from the burning of plant material has been shown to stimulate seed growth of several species. In addition, several studies have reported that when smoke is condensed with water, smoke-saturated water (SSW) can also stimulate the germination of orchid seeds. In this study, SSW was derived from burning the aerial part of five grasses growing in the wild in Shikoku, Japan (Arundinella hirta (Thunb.) C. Tanaka var. hirta, Microstegium japonicum (Miquel) Koidzumi, Miscanthus sinensis Andersson, Paspalum thunbergii Kunth ex Steud., Themeda triandra Forssk. var. japonica (Willd.) Makino), all of which flower between August and October. SSW was added at three concentrations (1, 5, 10%, v/w) to solid, agarized Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium to assess the impact on in vitro organogenesis of hybrid Cymbidium, specifically on new protocorm-like body (neo-PLB) formation. The SSW of all five species strongly inhibited the formation of neo-PLBs at all concentrations relative to the control (no SSW added). Since PLBs are considered to be the equivalent of somatic embryos in orchids, and since SSW is able to stimulate the germination of zygotic embryos in other plant families, the mechanism of action is clearly different between zygotic and somatic embryos.

Key words: karrakinins, orchid, PLB, smoke-saturated water, Teixeira Cymbidium (TC) medium

* University of Academy of Sciences of Moldova, University Center Molecular Biology, Chisinau – Republic of Moldova

Abstract: Orobanchaceae is a dicot family, which consists of annual and perennial plants distributing from tropical to subarctic regions, predominately in temperate regions. Broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr. = Orobanche cernua Loefl.) is a parasitic angiosperm that has been causing a great deal of damage to sunflower production in many countries, including Republic of Moldova. This parasitic angiosperm depends entirely on the host for its supply of water and nutrients. A thorough understanding of its biology, including detailed knowledge of the specific mechanisms of parasitism, is needed in order to develop novel control methods. Some main developmental steps are described for the root parasites: seed conditioning and germination, haustorium formation, penetration into host tissues, maturation of the parasite plant, and seed production. All these stages were studied in artificial and natural conditions.

Key words: Orobanche cumana Wallr., holoparasite, host, exudate, appressorium, haustorium, attachments, tubercles, shoots, maturation, seeds

* “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi – “Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden, Dumbrava Rosie, 7-9, Iasi – Romania
** “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University – Faculty of Biology, Carol I, 20A, 700505, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the most common species with a large spreading in forests from Giumalau Massif. In this study the authors investigated the macromycetes species composition in two forest communities from Giumalau Massif: Hieracio transsilvanico-Piceetum and Leucanthemo waldsteinii-Fagetum. A total of 243 macromycetes species in 30 sampling areas have been identified. Changes in macromycetes species composition have been related to environmental factors (altitude) and vegetation (canopy cover, plant species diversity). The results suggest that variation in macromycetes species composition in the two forests types from Giumalau Massif is directly related to abiotic factors (altitude), woody species composition and plants communities’ structure.

Key words: altitude, fungi, diversity, tree species, vegetation, Giumalau Massif

DESCRIPTION OF THE CULTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME LIGNICOLOUS BASIDIOMYCETES SPECIES GROWN ON THREE SYNTHETIC MEDIA
PETRE Cristiana Virginia*, TANASE Catalin*

* “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University from Iasi, Faculty of Biology, Vegetal Biology Department, Carol I Blvd., no. 20A, 700505, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: A number of 12 species of lignicolous basidiomycetes were cultivated on potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar, incubated at 25 °C and carefully analyzed for a period of 5 weeks. Lignicolous basidiomycetes are fungi that produce potent enzymes and bioactive secondary metabolites which are successfully used in various industries: bioremediation of polluted environments, biodegradation of toxic substances, pharmacology or agriculture. The objective of this study was the description of the main characteristics of in vitro cultures of some lignicolous basidiomycetes species grown on synthetic media. The main characteristics followed were: the growth rate of the colonies, the general features of the mycelium: shape, color, surface aspect, reverse, the presence of fruiting bodies and exudates and the particular odor.

Key words: lignicolous basidiomycetes, in vitro cultures, culture characteristics

* Qafgaz University Baku – Sumqayit Road 16-km Xirdalan, AZ0101, Baku – Azerbaijan
** Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, The Central Botanical Garden, Badamdar highway 40, AZ1073, Baku – Azerbaijan

Abstract: The Hirkan National Park consists of natural region of Talish Mountains characterized with their unique natural complex. This research was carried out from 2004 to 2007 in order to study the floristic and taxonomical composition of geophytes, elaborate optimal measures of biosafety and their sustainable use. According to floristic composition of the National Park it is a valuable forest which includes 150 endemic species of trees and bushes out of 435 species of trees and bushes. As a result of researches for the first time were found that more than 15 geophyte species are endemic plants of Caucasus or Azerbaijan. Some geophyte species are Allium lenkoranicum Miscz. ex Grossh., A. talyschense Miscz. ex Grossh., Bellevalia fominii Woronow, Ornithogalum hyrcanum Grossh., Fritillaria grandiflora Grossh., Crocus caspius Fisch. & C. A. Mey., Iris helena (C. Koch) C. Koch, Himantoglossum formosum (Stev.) C. Koch, Ophrys oestrifera M. Bieb., etc. among many others. Isolation of a geographical position of Talish, which vegetation differ a variety of life forms, allows considering geophytes as a group of independent bioecological value. 92 species of geophytes identified and registered in the Hirkan National Park is grouped into 21 families and 46 genera, including 33 rare and endangered species, of which 11 species are included into the “Red Data Book” of Azerbaijan.

Key words: Hirkan National Park, plant conservation, rare species, geophytes, tuber, rhizome, Central Botanical Garden

* “Anastasie Fatu” Botanical Garden of “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Dumbrava Rosie 7-9, 700487, Iasi – Romania
** “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Biology Department, Carol I 11, 700506, Iasi – Romania

Abstract: A numerical analysis of dwarf shrubs communities within Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea Eggler ex Schubert 1960 class, based on 181 relevés assigned to Loiseleurio-Vaccinion, Rhododendro-Vaccinion and a part of Pinion mugo is presented in this paper. An agglomerative hierarchical clustering (Flexible beta algorithm with Bray-Curtis dissimilarity) was performed. Six vegetal associations were distinguished and characterized: Cetrario islandicae-Loiseleurietum procumbentis, Empetro-Vaccinietum gaultherioidis, Rhododendro myrtifolii-Vaccinietum gaultherioidis, Campanulo abietinae-Juniperetum nanae, Campanulo abietinae-Vaccinietum myrtilli and Bruckenthalio-Vaccinietum myrtilli. Detrended correspondence analysis complementarily confirmed the hierarchical clustering. Main environmental factors influencing the floristic composition of clusters were analyzed by canonical correspondence analysis using altitude and Ellenberg indicator values of plants species as variables. Canonical correspondence analysis confirmed that altitude, light and temperature are the main factors influencing the floristic composition of the vegetal communities from Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea.

Key words: vegetation, Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea, diagnostic species, numerical classification

* University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology & Botanical Garden “D. Brandza”, Intr. Portocalelor 1-3, 060101-Bucharest – Romania

Abstract: Phemeranthus confertiflorus (Montiaceae) is reported as a new alien species to Europe. It is native to North America and used as decorative in rock gardens. The specimens of this plant were collected in Bucharest (Romania) and deposited in BUC. The mode of introduction of the plant is unknown, most likely escaped from cultivation. Data about habitat and population of the taxon are presented. One of the plants that accompany Phemeranthus confertiflorus is also an alien to Europe – Portulaca pilosa and this is the first record of this plant for Romania.

Key words: alien species, Europe, invasive plants, Phemeranthus, Portulaca, Romania

* “Babes-Bolyai” University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Taxonomy and Ecology, Republicii Street 42, 400015 Cluj-Napoca – Romania

Abstract: In this paperwork we presented a phytocoenologic study on the woody vegetation of the middle stream of the Niraj valley, part of Natura 2000 Special Protection Area from Romania. The territory is very important in terms of bird species conservation. The study provides a description of the woody vegetation on habitat types. Plant community of six associations was attributed to Salicetum triandrae, Salici-Populetum, Carpino-Fagetum, Carpino-Quercetum petraeae, Genisto tinctoriae-Quercetum petraeae subass. melicetosum uniflorae and Pruno spinosae-Crataegetum. One of the six habitat types are of Community Interests and requires designation of Special Areas of Conservation, according to the Habitats Directive.

Key words: biocoenology, protected area, species conservation, syntaxonomy