1
|
Aziza N, Khaydarov K, Zamira D, Ochilov U, Dilshod M. Exploring microscopic pollen morphology in herbaceous Flora: Insights and analysis using scanning electron microscopy. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:1201-1209. [PMID: 38299712 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Microscopic techniques can be applied to solve taxonomic problems in the field of plant systematic and are extremely versatile in nature. This study was focused on the new approaches to visualizing the imaging, tool to cover the micro-structural techniques applied to the pollen study of flowers. The current research was proposed to evaluate microscopic pollen morphological attributes using light and scanning electron microscopy of herbaceous flora from Samarkand, Uzbekistan. A total of 13 herbaceous species, classified into 11 different families were collected, pressed, and identified, and then acetolyzed their pollen to visualize under light and scanning electron microscopy. Herbaceous flora can be characterized by small to very large-sized pollen morphotypes presenting four types of pollen shapes, prolate spheroidal (six species), spheroidal (three species) and prolate and oblate (two species each). The polar diameter and equatorial distance were calculated maximum in Hibiscus syriacus 110.55 and 111.2 μm respectively. Pollen of six different types was found namely tricolporate pollen observed in seven species, tricolpate and pantoporate in two species each, sulcate in Gagea olgae and hexacolpate pollen was examined in Salvia rosmarinus. Exine ornamentation of pollen was examined tectate perforate, verrucate-reticulate, micro-reticulate, reticulate, reticulate-cristatum, gemmate-echinate, echinate-perforate, perforate-striate, rugulate, rugulate-striate, bi-reticulate, reticulate-perforate and perforate-micro-reticulate showing great variations. Exine thickness was noted highest for Rosa canina 2.9 μm and minimum in Punica granatum 0.65 μm. This study of pollen imaging visualization of herbaceous flora contributes to the opportunity for the taxonomic evaluation of and fills knowledge gaps in studies of herbaceous flora identification using classical microscopic taxonomic tools for their accurate identification. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Pollen in unexplored herbaceous flora of the Samarkand region was studied with light and scanning electron microscopic pollen study. There is a high variation in observed pollen micromorphological characters. Pollen microscopic morphology has important taxonomic value for the identification of herbaceous species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nozimova Aziza
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Samarkand State University, University Bulvvar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Khislat Khaydarov
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Samarkand State University, University Bulvvar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Djumayeva Zamira
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Samarkand State University, University Bulvvar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Ulugbek Ochilov
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Samarkand State University, University Bulvvar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| | - Muminov Dilshod
- Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, Samarkand State University, University Bulvvar, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Coiro M, Roberts EA, Hofmann CC, Seyfullah LJ. Cutting the long branches: Consilience as a path to unearth the evolutionary history of Gnetales. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.1082639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Gnetales are one of the most fascinating groups within seed plants. Although the advent of molecular phylogenetics has generated some confidence in their phylogenetic placement of Gnetales within seed plants, their macroevolutionary history still presents many unknowns. Here, we review the reasons for such unknowns, and we focus the discussion on the presence of “long branches” both in their molecular and morphological history. The increased rate of molecular evolution and genome instability as well as the numerous unique traits (both reproductive and vegetative) in the Gnetales have been obstacles to a better understanding of their evolution. Moreover, the fossil record of the Gnetales, though relatively rich, has not yet been properly reviewed and investigated using a phylogenetic framework. Despite these apparent blocks to progress we identify new avenues to enable us to move forward. We suggest that a consilience approach, involving different disciplines such as developmental genetics, paleobotany, molecular phylogenetics, and traditional anatomy and morphology might help to “break” these long branches, leading to a deeper understanding of this mysterious group of plants.
Collapse
|
3
|
Mitchell N, Piatczyc NP, Wang DD, Edwards J. High-speed video and plant ultrastructure define mechanisms of gametophyte dispersal. APPLICATIONS IN PLANT SCIENCES 2022; 10:e11463. [PMID: 35495193 PMCID: PMC9039801 DOI: 10.1002/aps3.11463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Dispersal of gametophytes is critical for land plant survivorship and reproduction. It defines potential colonization and geographical distribution as well as genetic mixing and evolution. C. T. Ingold's classic works on Spore Discharge in Land Plants and Spore Liberation review mechanisms for spore release and dispersal based on real-time observations, basic histology, and light microscopy. Many mechanisms underlying spore liberation are explosive and have evolved independently multiple times. These mechanisms involve physiological processes such as water gain and loss, coupled with structural features using different plant tissues. Here we review how high-speed video and analyses of ultrastructure have defined new biomechanical mechanisms for the dispersal of gametophytes through the dissemination of haploid diaspores, including spores, pollen, and asexual reproductive propagules. This comparative review highlights the diversity and importance of rapid movements in plants for dispersing gametophytes and considerations for using combinations of high-speed video methods and microscopic techniques to understand these dispersal movements. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms is crucial not only for understanding gametophyte ecology but also for applied engineering and biomimetic applications used in human technologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora Mitchell
- Department of BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin–Eau ClaireEau Claire54701WisconsinUSA
| | - Nancy P. Piatczyc
- Biology DepartmentWilliams College, WilliamstownMassachusetts01267USA
| | - Darren D. Wang
- Biology DepartmentWilliams College, WilliamstownMassachusetts01267USA
| | - Joan Edwards
- Biology DepartmentWilliams College, WilliamstownMassachusetts01267USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kayani S, Hussain M, Ahmad M, Khan MA, Butt MA, Ahmed SN, Rashid S, Jamal Z, Nazir HM. Morpho-palynological investigation of gymnospermal flora from subalpine and alpine zones of northern Pakistan using LM and SEM. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 85:1465-1482. [PMID: 34894029 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The pollen morphology, with special reference to exine sculpture, of some species of the gymnosperms was assessed for the first time from the subalpine and alpine zones of western Himalayas northern Pakistan. The pollen of all these species is airborne and allergenic, so pollen morphology helps for identification of this allergenic pollen at specific level. Different morpho-palynological characteristics were analyzed including size range of pollen, polar and equatorial diameter ratio, exine ornamentation, sculpturing, exine thickness, pollen type, and shape. For accurate and quick identification of species, taxonomic key was made based on different morpho-palynological characteristics. The quantitative data were processed using SPSS software. Gymnospermal pollen includes inaperturate, rarely 1-colpate observed in (Cupressaceae), hexazonocolpate in (Ephedraceae), vesiculate, bissacate in (Pinaceae), and inaperturate in (Taxaceae). Different pollen shapes observed were prolate (4 spp), sub-spheroidal (7 spp), and oblate (1 spp). Variation was observed in exine sculpturing granular (4 spp), reticulate (1 spp), areolate-punctate (3 spp), and psilate (2 spp). This is based on the analysis of 10 plants belonging to four families of gymnosperms. Distinct pollen shape has emerged as the most diagnostic feature to separate some genera such as spheroidal in (Cupressaceae, Taxaceae), prolate and radiosymmetrical in (Ephedraceae), and bilateral in (Pinaceae). Exine thickness and sculpturing proved to be helpful at generic and specific levels. The results reinforced the significance of gymnospermal pollen morphological features which were used as aid for valuable taxonomic tool in plant systematics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Kayani
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Botany, Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic University, Sudhnoti, Pakistan
| | - Manzoor Hussain
- Department of Botany, Hazara University Mansehra, Mansehra, Pakistan
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mir Ajab Khan
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Akram Butt
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Botany, University of Kotli Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Kotli, Pakistan
| | - Sidra N Ahmed
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Botany, The Women University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Sofia Rashid
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.,Department of Bio Sciences, COMSATS University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zafar Jamal
- Department of Botany, Government Postgraduate College Abbottabad, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Hafiza Mamona Nazir
- Department of Statistics, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lu X, Ye X, Liu J. Morphological differences between anemophilous and entomophilous pollen. Microsc Res Tech 2021; 85:1056-1064. [PMID: 34726304 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In order to provide a palynological guide for the identification of insect-carrying pollen grains, we studied the pollen grains of 10 anemophilous species and 10 entomophilous species in the Beijing urban area using light and scanning electron microscopies. We found that anemophilous pollen grains are small, spheroidal, or oblate spheroidal, while entomophilous pollen grains are medium and oblate. Comparison of the exine thickness and surface ornamentation showed that anemophilous pollen grains have significantly thinner exine and smoother surface ornamentation than entomophilous pollen grains. The results also revealed pollen characteristics adaptive to different pollination types. Overall, our study indicated that pollen morphology might be helpful for preliminary identification of anemophilous and entomophilous pollen.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojian Lu
- College of Life Sciences and Academy for Multidisciplinary Studies, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiufen Ye
- Huludao City Teachers Training College, Huludao, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- College of Life Sciences and Academy for Multidisciplinary Studies, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Breygina M, Klimenko E, Schekaleva O. Pollen Germination and Pollen Tube Growth in Gymnosperms. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1301. [PMID: 34206892 PMCID: PMC8309077 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Pollen germination and pollen tube growth are common to all seed plants, but these processes first developed in gymnosperms and still serve for their successful sexual reproduction. The main body of data on the reproductive physiology, however, was obtained on flowering plants, and one should be careful to extrapolate the discovered patterns to gymnosperms. In recent years, physiological studies of coniferous pollen have been increasing, and both the features of this group and the similarities with flowering plants have already been identified. The main part of the review is devoted to physiological studies carried out on conifer pollen. The main properties and diversity of pollen grains and pollination strategies in gymnosperms are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Breygina
- Department of Plant Physiology, Biological Faculty, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (O.S.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hou C, Saunders RMK, Deng N, Wan T, Su Y. Pollination Drop Proteome and Reproductive Organ Transcriptome Comparison in Gnetum Reveals Entomophilous Adaptation. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10100800. [PMID: 31614866 PMCID: PMC6826882 DOI: 10.3390/genes10100800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gnetum possesses morphologically bisexual but functionally unisexual reproductive structures that exude sugary pollination drops to attract insects. Previous studies have revealed that the arborescent species (G. gnemon L.) and the lianoid species (G. luofuense C.Y.Cheng) possess different pollination syndromes. This study compared the proteome in the pollination drops of these two species using label-free quantitative techniques. The transcriptomes of fertile reproductive units (FRUs) and sterile reproductive units (SRUs) for each species were furthermore compared using Illumina Hiseq sequencing, and integrated proteomic and transcriptomic analyses were subsequently performed. Our results show that the differentially expressed proteins between FRUs and SRUs were involved in carbohydrate metabolism, the biosynthesis of amino acids and ovule defense. In addition, the differentially expressed genes between the FRUs and SRUs (e.g., MADS-box genes) were engaged in reproductive development and the formation of pollination drops. The integrated protein-transcript analyses revealed that FRUs and their exudates were relatively conservative while the SRUs and their exudates were more diverse, probably functioning as pollinator attractants. The evolution of reproductive organs appears to be synchronized with changes in the pollination drop proteome of Gnetum, suggesting that insect-pollinated adaptations are not restricted to angiosperms but also occur in gymnosperms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xingangxi Road No. 135, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Richard M K Saunders
- Division of Ecology & Biodiversity, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Nan Deng
- Institute of Ecology, Hunan Academy of Forestry, Shaoshannan Road, No. 6581, Changsha 410004, China.
- Hunan Cili Forest Ecosystem State Research Station, Cili 427200, China.
| | - Tao Wan
- Key Laboratory of Southern Subtropical Plant Diversity, Fairy Lake Botanical Garden, Shenzhen & Chinese Academy of Science, Liantangxianhu Road, No. 160, Shenzhen 518004, China.
- Sino-Africa Joint Research Centre, Chinese Academy of Science, Moshan, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Yingjuan Su
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Xingangxi Road No. 135, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fuster F, Traveset A. Evidence for a double mutualistic interaction between a lizard and a Mediterranean gymnosperm, Ephedra fragilis. AOB PLANTS 2019; 11:plz001. [PMID: 30800260 PMCID: PMC6379517 DOI: 10.1093/aobpla/plz001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of double mutualisms (i.e. two interacting species benefiting each other in two different functions, e.g. pollination and seed dispersal) have been reported, mainly from island ecosystems, although we still lack much information on how effective such species are in both processes. Here, we assessed the pollination effectiveness of a double mutualism between an ancient Mediterranean gymnosperm, Ephedra fragilis, and a lizard, Podarcis lilfordi. On the one hand, we assessed the lizard contribution to different fitness measures (seed set and germination success), relative to that of insects and the wind effect; on the other, we determined the lizards' seed removal rate (i.e. the quantity component of seed dispersal effectiveness). In both processes, we further tested for differences in their contributions among male, female and juvenile lizards. Ephedra fragilis showed to be mostly anemophilous, lizards and insects playing only a minor role on seed set. However, lizards qualitatively contributed to pollination success, as seeds coming from lizard-pollinated cones germinated at higher rates than those pollinated by wind or insects, although this was detected only for small seeds (<8 mg). The plant produced a low seed set (c. 23 %), which was compensated by a high seed germinability (c. 70 %). Adult male lizards were those most implicated in pollination, quantitatively more important than insects, and in seed dispersal. This work, thus, reports the importance of a lizard species in one of the few double mutualisms found in the World involving a gymnosperm, and it represents the first documentation of a double mutualism in the Mediterranean region. Our findings further contribute to highlight the role of both inter- and intraspecific differences in the effectiveness of mutualistic interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Fuster
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d’Estudis Avançats (CSIC-UIB), Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Anna Traveset
- Global Change Research Group, Institut Mediterrani d’Estudis Avançats (CSIC-UIB), Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nepi M, Little S, Guarnieri M, Nocentini D, Prior N, Gill J, Barry Tomlinson P, Ickert-Bond SM, Pirone C, Pacini E, von Aderkas P. Phylogenetic and functional signals in gymnosperm ovular secretions. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2017; 120:923-936. [PMID: 29045531 PMCID: PMC5710648 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcx103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gymnosperms are either wind-pollinated (anemophilous) or both wind- and insect-pollinated (ambophilous). Regardless of pollination mode, ovular secretions play a key role in pollen capture, germination and growth; they are likely also involved in pollinator reward. Little is known about the broad-scale diversity of ovular secretions across gymnosperms, and how these may relate to various reproductive functions. This study analyses the sugar and amino acid profiles of ovular secretions across a range of ambophilous (cycads and Gnetales) and anemophilous gymnosperms (conifers) to place them in an evolutionary context of their possible functions during reproduction. METHODS Ovular secretions from 13 species representing all five main lineages of extant gymnosperms were sampled. High-performance liquid chromatography techniques were used to measure sugar and amino acid content. Multivariate statistics were applied to assess whether there are significant differences in the chemical profiles of anemophilous and ambophilous species. Data were compared with published chemical profiles of angiosperm nectar. Chemical profiles were placed in the context of phylogenetic relationships. KEY RESULTS Total sugar concentrations were significantly higher in ovular secretions of ambophilous species than wind-pollinated taxa such as Pinaceae and Cupressophyta. Ambophilous species had lower amounts of total amino acids, and a higher proportion of non-protein amino acids compared with anemophilous lineages, and were also comparable to angiosperm nectar. Results suggest that early gymnosperms likely had ovular secretion profiles that were a mosaic of those associated with modern anemophilous and ambophilous species. Ginkgo, thought to be anemophilous, had a profile typical of ambophilous taxa, suggesting that insect pollination either exists in Gingko, but is undocumented, or that its ancestral populations were insect-pollinated. CONCLUSIONS Chemical profiles of ovular secretions of ambophilous gymnosperms show a clear signal of pollinator-driven selection, including higher levels of carbohydrates than anemophilous taxa, lower levels of amino acids, and the presence of specific amino acids, such as β-alanine, that are known to influence insect feeding behaviour and physiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Nepi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- For correspondence. E-mail:
| | - Stefan Little
- Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Laboratoire Écologie, Systématique, Évolution, CNRS UMR 8079, Université Paris-Sud, Orsay, France
| | | | | | - Natalie Prior
- Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Julia Gill
- Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Stefanie M Ickert-Bond
- UA Museum of the North and Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Cary Pirone
- The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ettore Pacini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Patrick von Aderkas
- Centre for Forest Biology, Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Khan R, Ul Abidin SZ, Ahmad M, Zafar M, Liu J, Amina H. Palyno-morphological characteristics of gymnosperm flora of pakistan and its taxonomic implications with LM and SEM methods. Microsc Res Tech 2017; 81:74-87. [PMID: 29044806 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study is intended to assess gymnosperms pollen flora of Pakistan using Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for its taxonomic significance in identification of gymnosperms. Pollens of 35 gymnosperm species (12 genera and five families) were collected from its various distributional sites of gymnosperms in Pakistan. LM and SEM were used to investigate different palyno-morphological characteristics. Five pollen types (i.e., Inaperturate, Monolete, Monoporate, Vesiculate-bisaccate and Polyplicate) were observed. Six In equatorial view seven types of pollens were observed, in which ten species were sub-angular, nine species were Traingular, six species were Perprolate, three species were Rhomboidal, three species were semi-angular, two species were rectangular and two species were prolate. While five types of pollen were observed in polar view, in which ten species were Spheroidal, nine species were Angular, eight were Interlobate, six species were Circular, two species were Elliptic. Eighteen species has rugulate and 17 species has faveolate ornamentation. Eighteen species has verrucate and 17 have gemmate type sculpturing. The data was analysed through cluster analysis. The study showed that these palyno-morphological features have significance value in classification and identification of gymnosperms. Based on these different palyno-morphological features, a taxonomic key was proposed for the accurate and fast identifications of gymnosperms from Pakistan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raees Khan
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaidi -i- Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Sheikh Zain Ul Abidin
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaidi -i- Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan.,National Center for Natural Products Research, University of Mississippi, Oxford
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaidi -i- Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Zafar
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaidi -i- Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jie Liu
- Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Hafiza Amina
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaidi -i- Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zanatta F, Patiño J, Lebeau F, Massinon M, Hylander K, de Haan M, Ballings P, Degreef J, Vanderpoorten A. Measuring spore settling velocity for an improved assessment of dispersal rates in mosses. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2016; 118:197-206. [PMID: 27296133 PMCID: PMC4970359 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcw092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The settling velocity of diaspores is a key parameter for the measurement of dispersal ability in wind-dispersed plants and one of the most relevant parameters in explicit dispersal models, but remains largely undocumented in bryophytes. The settling velocities of moss spores were measured and it was determined whether settling velocities can be derived from spore diameter using Stokes' Law or if specific traits of spore ornamentation cause departures from theoretical expectations. METHODS A fall tower design combined with a high-speed camera was used to document spore settling velocities in nine moss species selected to cover the range of spore diameters within the group. Linear mixed effect models were employed to determine whether settling velocity can be predicted from spore diameter, taking specific variation in shape and surface roughness into account. KEY RESULTS Average settling velocity of moss spores ranged from 0·49 to 8·52 cm s(-1) There was a significant positive relationship between spore settling velocity and size, but the inclusion of variables of shape and texture of spores in the best-fit models provides evidence for their role in shaping spore settling velocities. CONCLUSIONS Settling velocities in mosses can significantly depart from expectations derived from Stokes' Law. We suggest that variation in spore shape and ornamentation affects the balance between density and drag, and results in different dispersal capacities, which may be correlated with different life-history traits or ecological requirements. Further studies on spore ultrastructure would be necessary to determine the role of complex spore ornamentation patterns in the drag-to-mass ratio and ultimately identify what is the still poorly understood function of the striking and highly variable ornamentation patterns of the perine layer on moss spores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Zanatta
- Department of Conservation Biology and Evolution, Institute of Botany, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jairo Patiño
- Department of Conservation Biology and Evolution, Institute of Botany, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium Island Ecology and Evolution Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), La Laguna, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Frederic Lebeau
- Biosystems Engineering Department, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Massinon
- Biosystems Engineering Department, Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, University of Liège, Gembloux, Belgium
| | - Kristofer Hylander
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Myriam de Haan
- Department of Cryptogamy, National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium
| | - Petra Ballings
- Department of Cryptogamy, National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium
| | - Jerôme Degreef
- Department of Cryptogamy, National Botanic Garden of Belgium, Meise, Belgium
| | - Alain Vanderpoorten
- Department of Conservation Biology and Evolution, Institute of Botany, University of Liège, Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lora J, Hormaza JI, Herrero M. The Diversity of the Pollen Tube Pathway in Plants: Toward an Increasing Control by the Sporophyte. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2016; 7:107. [PMID: 26904071 PMCID: PMC4746263 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2016.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Plants, unlike animals, alternate multicellular diploid, and haploid generations in their life cycle. While this is widespread all along the plant kingdom, the size and autonomy of the diploid sporophyte and the haploid gametophyte generations vary along evolution. Vascular plants show an evolutionary trend toward a reduction of the gametophyte, reflected both in size and lifespan, together with an increasing dependence from the sporophyte. This has resulted in an overlooking of the importance of the gametophytic phase in the evolution of higher plants. This reliance on the sporophyte is most notorious along the pollen tube journey, where the male gametophytes have to travel a long way inside the sporophyte to reach the female gametophyte. Along evolution, there is a change in the scenery of the pollen tube pathway that favors pollen competition and selection. This trend, toward apparently making complicated what could be simple, appears to be related to an increasing control of the sporophyte over the gametophyte with implications for understanding plant evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lora
- Department of Subtropical Fruit Crops, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora – University of Málaga – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMálaga, Spain
| | - José I. Hormaza
- Department of Subtropical Fruit Crops, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea La Mayora – University of Málaga – Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasMálaga, Spain
| | - María Herrero
- Department of Pomology, Estación Experimental Aula Dei, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasZaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Hou C, Wikström N, Rydin C. The chloroplast genome of Ephedra foeminea (Ephedraceae, Gnetales), an entomophilous gymnosperm endemic to the Mediterranean area. Mitochondrial DNA A DNA Mapp Seq Anal 2015; 28:330-331. [PMID: 26713841 DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1122768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study presents the chloroplast genome of Ephedra foeminea, an entomophilous gymnosperm, sister to the remaining (wind-pollinated) species of Ephedra (Ephedraceae, Gnetales). Based on the reference-guided assembly, the length of the chloroplast genome was estimated to be 109 584 bp, comprising a large single copy region of 60 027 bp, a small single copy 8079 bp, and inverted repeat regions of 20 739 bp. In total, 118 genes were detected, including 73 protein-coding genes, eight ribosomal RNA genes, and 37 transfer RNA genes. The gene density is 1.076 (genes/kb) and the GC content is 36.7%. The genomic sequence of the entomophilous, Mediterranean species E. foeminea, differs from that of the anemophilous, Asian species E. equisetina by 1018 point mutations and 1334 indels. The detected variation is useful for future development of new plastid markers for phylogenetic purposes. Our phylogenetic analysis based on 55 protein-coding chloroplast genes resolve Ephedra as monophyletic and sister to a Gnetum-Welwitschia clade. The Gnetales are sister to Cupressophytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Hou
- a Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Niklas Wikström
- b Bergius Foundation, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Catarina Rydin
- b Bergius Foundation, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Rydin C, Bolinder K. Moonlight pollination in the gymnosperm Ephedra (Gnetales). Biol Lett 2015; 11:20140993. [PMID: 25832814 PMCID: PMC4424609 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Most gymnosperms are wind-pollinated, but some are insect-pollinated, and in Ephedra (Gnetales), both wind pollination and insect pollination occur. Little is, however, known about mechanisms and evolution of pollination syndromes in gymnosperms. Based on four seasons of field studies, we show an unexpected correlation between pollination and the phases of the moon in one of our studied species, Ephedra foeminea. It is pollinated by dipterans and lepidopterans, most of them nocturnal, and its pollination coincides with the full moon of July. This may be adaptive in two ways. Many nocturnal insects navigate using the moon. Further, the spectacular reflection of the full-moonlight in the pollination drops is the only apparent means of nocturnal attraction of insects in these plants. In the sympatric but wind-pollinated Ephedra distachya, pollination is not correlated to the full moon but occurs at approximately the same dates every year. The lunar correlation has probably been lost in most species of Ephedra subsequent an evolutionary shift to wind pollination in the clade. When the services of insects are no longer needed for successful pollination, the adaptive value of correlating pollination with the full moon is lost, and conceivably also the trait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina Rydin
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
| | - Kristina Bolinder
- Department of Ecology, Environment and Plant Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|