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Copyright of Sultan Qaboos University Journal for Science is the property of Sultan Qaboos University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Nature / Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tarım & Doğa Dergisi is the property of Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam Universitesi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Crepis guioliana (Asteraceae) had previously been considered a serpentine endemic restricted to a few localities in NW Greece. It is now reported for the first time as a Balkan endemic from the serpentine massif of Lenie-Valamara in SE Albania. The total distribution of the species is mapped and the Albanian plants illustrated by several photographs. Several serpentine species from the Lenie-Valamara massif with southern extensions to NW Greece are listed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Linnaean name Crepis foetida is lectotypified with an illustration from the third volume of Morison's Plantarum historiae universalis Oxoniensis. While the designated lectotype can be identified with C. foetida s.l., it cannot be ascribed with certainty to any of the currently accepted subspecies of this taxon and is therefore considered demonstrably ambiguous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the chemical fingerprints and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activity of selected Crepis species collected in Greece, namely, C. commutata, C. dioscoridis, C. foetida, C. heldreichiana, C. incana, C. rubra, and Phitosia crocifolia (formerly known as Crepis crocifolia). For the phytochemical analyses, sample measurements were carried out by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Τhe extracts were evaluated both in vitro (radical scavenging activity: DPPH assay and total phenolic content: Folin–Ciocalteu) and in vivo (paw edema reduction and hypolipidemic activity: experimental mouse protocols). Among the tested extracts, C. incana presented the highest gallic acid equivalents (GAE) (0.0834 mg/mL) and the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.07 mg/mL) in vitro, as well as the highest anti-inflammatory activity with 32% edema reduction in vivo. Moreover, in the hypolipidemic protocol, the same extract increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by 48.7%, and decreased cholesterol (41.3%) as well as triglycerides (37.2%). According to fractionation of the extract and the phytochemical results, this biological effect may be associated with the rich phenolic composition; caffeoyl tartaric acid derivatives (cichoric and caftaric acid) are regarded as the most prominent bioactive specialized metabolites. The present study contributes to the knowledge regarding the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Crepis spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Crepis was the first model plant group in which chromosomal changes were considered to play an important role in speciation, their chromosome structure and evolution have been barely investigated using molecular cytogenetic methods. The aim of the study was to provide a better understanding of the patterns and directions of Crepis chromosome evolution, using comparative analyses of rDNA loci number and localisation. The chromosome base number and chromosomal organisation of 5S and 35S rDNA loci were analysed in the phylogenetic background for 39 species of Crepis, which represent the evolutionary lineages of Crepis sensu stricto and Lagoseris, including Lapsana communis. The phylogenetic relationships among all the species were inferred from nrITS and newly obtained 5S rDNA NTS sequences. Despite high variations in rDNA loci chromosomal organisation, most species had a chromosome with both rDNA loci within the same (usually short) chromosomal arm. The comparative analyses revealed several independent rDNA loci number gains and loci repositioning that accompanied diversification and speciation in Crepis. Some of the changes in rDNA loci patterns were reconstructed for the same evolutionary lineages as descending dysploidy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report genome size (C-values) estimated using flow cytometry for 18 taxa of Asteraceae from Turkey, 17 of which are here assessed for the first time. The studied taxa belong to the genera Achillea (one species), Anthemis (one subspecies), Tanacetum (four taxa) and Crepis (12 taxa). Additionally, chromosome numbers of nine taxa of Crepis are provided, four counts being new reports and the remainder confirming previous data. The 2C-values of the studied taxa range from 2.08 to 11.06 pg, which represent more than fivefold variation. The systematic and evolutionary significance of genome size is discussed within the framework of the results obtained in this study.

Several noteworthy species of the genera Neoramularia and Ramularia (Mycosphaerellaceae) were recorded in August 2018 in the territory of Prypyat’-Stokhid National Nature Park (Volyn Region, Liubeshiv District, Ukraine). Neoramularia bidentis, a species so far only known from South Korea and Poland, was collected on withering leaves of Bidens frondosa (a new host species). Ramularia crepidis on Crepis tectorum was recorded only for the second time in Ukraine since the 1950th and R. gnaphalii was found on a new host plant, Laphangium luteoalbum. The latter species was so far known from Ukraine only on Omalotheca sylvatica (Gnaphalium sylvaticum) and Gnaphalium uliginosum from Kyiv Region collected about 45 years ago. The plant pathogenic fungus R. lysimachiae on leaves of Lysimachia vulgaris was found to be abundant in Volyn Region. All species are described, illustrated with original scanning electron microscope micrographs, supplemented with host range, distribution data and comments.

This study was designed to evaluate the chemical fingerprints and the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic activity of selected Crepis species collected in Greece, namely, C. commutata, C. dioscoridis, C. foetida, C. heldreichiana, C. incana, C. rubra, and Phitosia crocifolia (formerly known as Crepis crocifolia). For the phytochemical analyses, sample measurements were carried out by using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Τhe extracts were evaluated both in vitro (radical scavenging activity: DPPH assay and total phenolic content: Folin–Ciocalteu) and in vivo (paw edema reduction and hypolipidemic activity: experimental mouse protocols). Among the tested extracts, C. incana presented the highest gallic acid equivalents (GAE) (0.0834 mg/mL) and the highest antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.07 mg/mL) in vitro, as well as the highest anti-inflammatory activity with 32% edema reduction in vivo. Moreover, in the hypolipidemic protocol, the same extract increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) by 48.7%, and decreased cholesterol (41.3%) as well as triglycerides (37.2%). According to fractionation of the extract and the phytochemical results, this biological effect may be associated with the rich phenolic composition; caffeoyl tartaric acid derivatives (cichoric and caftaric acid) are regarded as the most prominent bioactive specialized metabolites. The present study contributes to the knowledge regarding the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Crepis spp.

In this paper, Crepis setosa subsp. topaliana (Asteraceae), which is known as endemic to Greece, is recorded as a new taxon for the flora of Turkey. It grows in scrub and in cultivated and grassy roadside places in the northwest and western parts of Turkey. An extended description of C. setosa subsp. topaliana is presented here, together with an identification key. The conservation status of this subspecies and its chromosome number are indicated.

Although Crepis was the first model plant group in which chromosomal changes were considered to play an important role in speciation, their chromosome structure and evolution have been barely investigated using molecular cytogenetic methods. The aim of the study was to provide a better understanding of the patterns and directions of Crepis chromosome evolution, using comparative analyses of rDNA loci number and localisation. The chromosome base number and chromosomal organisation of 5S and 35S rDNA loci were analysed in the phylogenetic background for 39 species of Crepis, which represent the evolutionary lineages of Crepis sensu stricto and Lagoseris, including Lapsana communis. The phylogenetic relationships among all the species were inferred from nrITS and newly obtained 5S rDNA NTS sequences. Despite high variations in rDNA loci chromosomal organisation, most species had a chromosome with both rDNA loci within the same (usually short) chromosomal arm. The comparative analyses revealed several independent rDNA loci number gains and loci repositioning that accompanied diversification and speciation in Crepis. Some of the changes in rDNA loci patterns were reconstructed for the same evolutionary lineages as descending dysploidy.

The epitypification of the Linnaean name Crepis bursifolia is discussed. An illustration from Boccone's Museo di piante rare della Sicilia, Malta, Corsica, Italia, Piemonte, e Germania was correctly designated as lectotype by Jiménez López & al. in 2013 according to Art. 7.11 of the ICN. However, this image lacks some of the important characters required for a critical identification of the species (i.e., hairiness of receptacle, length of achenes, number of ribs on the achene surface, and presence of a distinct apical beak on the achene). Following Art. 9.9 of the ICN, an epitype deposited at HFLA is selected to serve as an interpretative type of the lectotype of C. bursifolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Botanica Serbica is the property of University of Belgrade, Institute of Botany & Botanical Garden Jevremovac and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Botanica Serbica is the property of University of Belgrade, Institute of Botany & Botanical Garden Jevremovac and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Hymenonema (Compositae, tribe Cichorieae) together with the genera Catananche, Gundelia, and Scolymus forms the subtribe Scolyminae. It is endemic to Greece and consists of two species, Hymenonema laconicum and Hymenonema graecum, which occur in the south Peloponnisos and central Aegean area, respectively. The present contribution aims at a phylogenetic reconstruction of evolutionary relationships among the 12 species of the subtribe, focusing on the temporal and spatial framework for its evolution. The phylogenetic relationships among the members of Scolyminae were inferred from molecular data based on the multi-copy region of the nrDNA internal transcribed spacers ITS1 and ITS2, two intergenic spacers of the cpDNA (trnL-trnF, rpl32-trnL), and one single-copy nuclear region (D10). The gene trees were reconstructed using Bayesian phylogenetic methods. All gene trees support the monophyly of Hymenonema and the sister-group relationship with the genus Scolymus. The further sister-group relationship of this group (Hymenonema-Scolymus) with Catananche is also supported by nrDNA and cpDNA analyses. Finally, a species tree (inferred in a Bayesian coalescent framework) was reconstructed and dates the divergence time between the two Hymenonema species to the Pleistocene (around 1.3 Ma ago). Maximum likelihood-based biogeographical reconstructions suggest a Miocene (pre-Messinian) differentiation of the subtribe on the northern Tethyan platform, followed by Miocene/Pliocene dispersal events to the western Mediterranean and North-African platforms and final, small-scale vicariance events within the genera in the Pleistocene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The genus Crepis L. belongs to the Cichorieae tribe of the Asteraceae family. C. incana Sm. is a narrow endemic species of southern Greece. Crepis L. is well known for its abundance in sesquiterpene lactones. In total, from its aerial parts nine compounds were isolated for the first time, i.e. three guaianolides, grosheimin, crepiside E, crepiside D; two germacranolides, taraxinic acid and its 1′- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl ester, the nor-isoprenoid (3 S , 5R)-loliolide and three flavonoids, luteolin, luteolin 7- O -β- d -glucopyranoside and quercetin 3- O -β- d -glucopyranoside. Furthermore, the root extract afforded two triterpenes, oleanolic acid and lupeol. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by high-field NMR spectroscopy. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • First phytochemical investigation of Crepis incana Sm (Asteraceae). • Eleven secondary metabolites were isolated, mainly sesquiterpene lactones. • The study revealed that the main secondary metabolites were compounds: grosheimin and taraxinic acid and its 1′- O -β-D-glucopyranosyl ester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many wild species of the Asteraceae family are used as edible leafy vegetables. A distinctive trait characterizing these is the presence of sesquiterpene lactones, responsible of typical bitter taste and putative health-promoting effects against chronic-degenerative diseases. In this study, several edible leafy species of the Asteraceae family have been collected in the wild and characterized for their sesquiterpene lactones and 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid inositol derivatives content by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry. The following species were considered: “aspraggine” ( Helminthia echioides ), “barba di becco” ( Tragopogon pratensis ), “caccialepre” ( Reichardia picroides ), “cicoria” ( Cichorium intybus ), “dente di leone” ( Taraxacum officinale ), “erba grassella” ( Hypochaeris radicata ), “grespigno” ( Sonchus asper , Sonchus oleraceus ), “ragaggiolo” ( Chondrilla juncea ), “gallina grassa” ( Crepis vesicaria ), “pie di gallina” ( Crepis sancta ) and “radicchiello” ( Crepis leontodontoides ). A database containing retention times and selected m/z ions for the identification of fifteen sesquiterpene lactones and six 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid inositol derivatives was developed. Total sesquiterpene lactone content showed a remarkable variability among species (0.14-140.45 mg kg −1 of dry matter). The highest values were observed in Cichorium samples (94.29-140.45 mg kg −1 dm), that also showed higher lactucine contents. Six 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid derivatives were identified in Taraxacum officinale . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics of eighteen Crepis taxa from Turkey are here described for the first time. In all taxa examined the pericarp is composed of several layers of sclerenchymatous and parenchymatous cells. As for the achene, differences among taxa mainly concern the pericarp structure and its thickness and width. Stomata are present on both surface of the leaf in all studied taxa and all taxa have anomocytic type stomata. However, the dimensions (length and width) and density of the stomata differ significantly among the studied taxa. In addition, the dimensions of stomata are negatively correlated with stomata density. It is concluded that achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics are useful for delimitation of Crepis taxa and a key to taxa based on these characters is provided. However, based on achene anatomy and stomatal characteristics, we found no argument for an exclusion of the Lagoseris group from Crepis as has previously been proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crepis palaestina subsp. babcockii Inceer & Aksu Kalmuk subsp. nov. (Asteraceae, Cichorieae) is described and illustrated. It grows in shady places and red pine forest in southwest Anatolia, Turkey. The chromosome number of the new subspecies is 2n = 2x = 8. The diagnostic morphological characters that distinguish C. palaestina subsp. babcockii from morphologically similar taxa C. palaestina subsp. palaestina and C. pulchra are discussed, and a conservation status for the new taxon is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant diversity is decreasing mainly through anthropogenic factors like habitat fragmentation, which lead to spatial separation of remaining populations and thereby affect genetic diversity and structure within species. Twenty populations of the threatened grassland species Crepis mollis were studied across Germany (578 individual plants) based on microsatellite genotyping. Genetic diversity was significantly higher in populations from the Alpine region than from the Central Uplands. Furthermore, genetic diversity was significantly positively correlated with population size. Despite smaller populations in the Uplands there were no signs of inbreeding. Genetic differentiation between populations was moderate (FST = 0.09) and no isolation by distance was found. In contrast, large-scale spatial genetic structure showed a significant decrease of individual pairwise relatedness, which was higher than in random pairs up to 50 km. Bayesian analyses detected three genetic clusters consistent with two regions in the Uplands and an admixture group in the Alpine region. Despite the obvious spatial isolation of the currently known populations, the absence of significant isolation by distance combined together with moderate population differentiation indicates that drift rather than inter-population gene flow drives differentiation. The absence of inbreeding suggests that pollination is still effective, while seed dispersal by wind is likely to be impaired by discontinuous habitats. Our results underline the need for maintaining or improving habitat quality as the most important short term measure for C. mollis. For maintaining long-term viability, establishing stepping stone habitats or, where this is not possible, assisted gene flow needs to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hymenonema is a Greek endemic genus consisting of two species, H. laconicum and H. graecum, occurring in the lowlands of S Peloponnisos and on most of the C Aegean islands, respectively. Morphological investigation of 20 gatherings covering the entire distribution range revealed clear morphological differences between the two species, mainly in pappus, achenes, anther tube, ligules and basal leaf characters. A corresponding emended identification key to the species is given. Karyological investigation of 11 accessions included karyotypes, idiograms and karyological indices for both species. Six karyomorphological parameters were also statistically analysed. Populations with intermediate morphological characters between the two species are recorded for the first time and their relationship with the typical two species is discussed. The geographical distribution of the genus is mapped and doubtful locations are commented on. The cytotaxonomic data and the geographical distribution of the species support the characterization of H. laconicum and H. graecum as schizoendemics. The conservation status of both species is suggested as Vulnerable (VU) according to IUCN criteria. Citation: Liveri E., Bareka P. & Kamari G. 2018: Taxonomic study on the Greek endemic genus Hymenonema ( Asteraceae: Cichorieae), using morphological and karyological traits. - Willdenowia 48: 5-21. doi: Version of record first published online on 19 January 2018 ahead of inclusion in April 2018 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article includes the palynological study of pollen grains of Crepis albanica. The plant Crepis albanica is part of the Red List of Wild Flora of Albania. The material for the study is taken in National Herbarium in Tirana. For the palynological study of pollen grains of Crepis albanica is used acetolysis method and basic fuchsine. In order that the pollen grains stuck is used glycerin gelatin. The photos and the observation of palynological features are realized with light microscope with 1000X power. This study also includes the comparison of palynomorphological characteristics at Crepis albanica with Crepis dioscoridis, Crepis foetida, Crepis neglecta and Crepis aurea. From observation of pollen grains of Crepis albanica results that they are tricolporate. The shape of pollen grains from the outline is oblate spheroide. Exina appears thick, two- layers and with echinate sculpture of echinolophate type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faberia pinnatifida (Asteraceae; Cichorieae), a species occurring at high altitudes in Muli and Yanyuan Xian, Sichuan, China, is described as new based on morphological, palynological, and molecular phylogenetic data. The ITS data indicate that F. pinnatifida is closely related to F. glaucescens and F. thibetica, but it is easily distinguished from F. glaucescens by its scapigerous stem with only one or two leaves, and from F. thibetica in its much taller stature and elliptic to oblanceolate leaf blade. Faberia pinnatifida somewhat resembles F. ceterach in the scapigerous stem and pinnatifid leaves, but readily differs in its corymbiform synflorescence and nodding capitula bearing ca. 30 florets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youngia japonica, introduced accidentally in urban garden areas, is recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. It has maintained its presence in the place where it was first observed without expanding, and has reappeared over the following years. A possible means of introduction is along with Zoysia, species of grass used for forming lawns as an alternative to Bermuda grass.

Youngia jiulongensis Y. L. Peng, X. F. Gao & Li Bing Zhang, a new species of Asteraceae from western Sichuan, China, is described. This new species is similar to Y. mairei (H. Lév.) Babc. & Stebbins and Y. pilifera C. Shih in having blackish brown achenes, a white pappus, and fewer capitula, but distinct from the latter two in having a taller stature (28-50 cm vs. 8-30 cm), two or three well-developed, undivided caudical leaves, sparsely toothed leaf margins, acute leaf apices, long non-winged petioles, reduced pubescence on the whole plant, glabrous phyllaries, and midveins of all inner phyllaries plane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lactucinae or Lactuca alliance include approximately 200 species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and Africa. They were not recognised as a separate lineage until the late 20th century and their circumscription is still not fully settled. The generic classification of no other group of the Cichorieae has faced as many controversies as the Lactuca alliance and competing taxonomies coexist. This paper provides the first molecular phylogeny of the subtribe on a global scale as a major step towards its revised systematics. The sampling includes almost 60% of the species-level diversity and spans all species groups. Two datasets were created, one including the nrDNA ITS region, the other five concatenated non-coding plastid DNA loci. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference were used to produce a robust phylogenetic backbone. The diversification and expansion of the Lactucinae in a geohistorical context was reconstructed by estimating the age of their lineages using relaxed molecular clock dating and by inferring the ancestral areas using Bayesian binary analysis. The redelimited monophyletic Lactucinae are composed of seven lineages that also include Prenanthes, which is confirmed to have a single species, P. purpurea. The positions of two further lineages shift between Lactucinae and Crepidinae in the nuclear and plastid DNA phylogenies. Incongruence between the phylogenies suggests events of ancient reticulation or incomplete lineage sorting in the formation of these latter two lineages and in two of the seven other Lactucinae lineages. The phylogenetic results show a dilemma for Lactucinae systematics: most generic concepts proposed to date are highly artificial but the resolved phylogenetic lineages do not constitute practicable taxonomic entities with our current knowledge. Diversification of the subtribe is inferred to have taken place since the Middle Miocene. Biogeographic analysis proposes that the clade originated in the mountains of the landmass mediating between the European and Asian continents and delimited in the south by the Tethys Sea and in the north by the Paratethys Sea. Several independent migrations have occurred into various parts of Asia, Europe, tropical Africa and North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crepis japonica (L.) D.C. (Asteraceae), a weed with antioxidant, antiallergenic, antiviral and antitumor properties displays both medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study aims to assess the effects of a supplementation of blue light and UV-A radiation on the growth, leaf anatomical structure and phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Crepis japonica. Plants were grown under two light treatments: W (control – white light), W + B (white light supplemented with blue light) and W + UV-A (white light supplemented with UV-A radiation). We recorded the length, width, and weight of fresh and dry leaves, the thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll, and stomata density. The phenolic profiles of the aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. There was an increase in the leaf size, stomatal density, and phenolic production, and a thickening of the mesophyll and epidermis. UV-A radiation increased the phenolic production more than blue light. Blue light and UV-A radiation both improved the production of caffeic acid by about 6 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison to control. This compound was first reported as a constituent of the extract from the aerial parts together with caftaric acid. UV-A also promoted the production of chlorogenic acid (about 1.5 times in comparison to the control). We observed that the morphological and chemical parameters of C. japonica are modified in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, which can be used as tools in the cultivation of this species in order to improve its medicinal properties and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban ecosystems are relatively recent and heavily human-altered terrestrial ecosystems with a surprisingly high diversity of animals, plants and other organisms. Urban habitats are also strongly fragmented and subject to higher temperatures, providing a compelling model for studying adaptation to global change. Crepis sancta (Asteraceae), an annual Mediterranean wasteland weed, occupies fragmented urban environments as well as certain unfragmented landscapes in southern France.We tested for shifts in dispersal, reproductive traits and size across a rural-urban gradient to learn whether and how selection may be driving changes in life history in urban and fragmented habitats. We specifically compared the structure of quantitative genetic variation and of neutral markers (microsatellites) between urban and rural and between fragmented and unfragmented habitats. We showed that fragmentation provides a better descriptor of trait variation than urbanization per se for dispersal traits. Fragmentation also affected reproductive traits and plant size though one rural population did conform to this scheme. Our study shows the role of fragmentation for dispersal traits shift in urban environments and a more complex pattern for other traits. We discuss the role of pollinator scarcity and an inhospitable matrix as drivers of adaptation. This article is part of the themed issue 'Human influences on evolution, and the ecological and societal consequences'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this contribution, the conservation status assessment of four vascular plants are presented according to IUCN categories and criteria. It includes the assessment at global level of Crepis lacera Ten subsp. titani (Pamp.) Roma-Marzio, G.Astuti & Peruzzi and Anthyllis hermanniae L. subsp. sicula Brullo & Giusso and the regional assessment of Commicarpus plumbagineus (Cav.) Standl. (Spain and Europe) and Ambrosia maritima L. (Italy). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nomenclature and typification of Crepis gracilis Hook. f. & Thomson ex C.B. Clarke, C. atripappa Babc.,Youngia gracilis Hook. f. ex Babc. & Stebbins Youngia stebbinsiana S.Y. Hu and Y. atripappa (Babc.) N. Kilian are discussed. Y. atripappa (Babc.) N. Kilian is considered as correct name for the species following Kilian's observation. The status of remaining names is also ascertained. Typification of Crepis atripappa Babc. is analyzed and the name is lectotypified following provisions of the present Code. Information on the rediscovery of the species after 105 years from India as well as of its type locality is provided. Population estimation was carried out in three successive years, from 2013 to 2015. Detailed description, illustrations, field photographs with related data are also provided for proper circumscription and to facilitate its correct as well as easy identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the micromorphological structure of achene, pappus and style using scanning electron microscope (SEM), stomatal characteristics, anatomy of stem and achene together with chromosome number and nuclear DNA content of the Turkish endemic Crepis macropus Boiss. & Heldr. are provided in order to expand knowledge of its taxonomy. The SEM studies in this species show that dense spiny cells are found on the achene surface, the pappus bristle has 3-5 spikes and the style possesses slender papillae. The stem structure is composed of epidermis, collenchyma, parenchymatous cortex and pith. The species has anomocytic stomata in both the upper and the lower surface of the leaves. The pericarp of the achene is mainly composed of several layers of sclerenchymatous cells. In this species, the chromosome number is 2n = 2x = 8, karyotype consists of two submetacentric and six subtelocentric chromosomes and nuclear DNA content (2Cvalue) is 12.96 pg. These data are presented here for the fi rst time and their taxonomic values are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative reproductive interactions are likely to be strongest between close relatives and may be important in limiting local coexistence. In plants, interspecific pollen flow is common between co-occurring close relatives and may serve as the key mechanism of reproductive interference. Agamic complexes, systems in which some populations reproduce through asexual seeds (apomixis), while others reproduce sexually, provide an opportunity to examine effects of reproductive interference in limiting coexistence. Apomictic populations experience little or no reproductive interference, because apomictic ovules cannot receive pollen from nearby sexuals. Oppositely, apomicts produce some viable pollen and can exert reproductive interference on sexuals by siring hybrids. In the Crepis agamic complex, sexuals co-occur less often with other members of the complex, but apomicts appear to freely co-occur with one another. We identified a mixed population and conducted a crossing experiment between sexual diploid C. atribarba and apomictic polyploid C. barbigera using pollen from sexual diploids and apomictic polyploids. Seed set was high for all treatments, and as predicted, diploid-diploid crosses produced all diploid offspring. Diploid-polyploid crosses, however, produced mainly polyploidy offspring, suggesting that non-diploid hybrids can be formed when the two taxa meet. Furthermore, a small proportion of seeds produced in open-pollinated flowers was also polyploid, indicating that polyploid hybrids are produced under natural conditions. Our results provide evidence for asymmetric reproductive interference, with pollen from polyploid apomicts contributing to reduce the recruitment of sexual diploids in subsequent generations. Existing models suggest that these mixed sexual-asexual populations are likely to be transient, eventually leading to eradication of sexual individuals from the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taraxacum annetteae and Taraxacum croaticum, found in the N coastal part of Croatia, are described as species new to science and illustrated, and their known distributions are given. Both species belong to T. sect. Erythrosperma. Citation: Uhlemann I. 2016: New species of the genus Taraxacum ( Asteraceae, Cichorieae) from Croatia III. - Willdenowia 46: 225-232. doi: Version of record first published online on 28 July 2016 ahead of inclusion in August 2016 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Babcock and Stebbins coined the term agamic complex in their 1938 monograph of the North American Crepis agamic complex. Despite the historical role that this complex holds in the evolutionary literature, it has not been reexamined in over 75 years. We present a thorough reevaluation of the complex to test hypotheses proposed by Babcock and Stebbins about its origins and spread, the relationships of diploids, and the nature and origins of polyploids. METHODS: We used flow cytometry to infer ploidy of roughly 600 samples spanning the morphological and taxonomic diversity of the complex and a phylogenetic analysis of plastid DNA variation to infer maternal relationships among diploids and to infer maternal origins of polyploids. KEY RESULTS: We identified populations of all seven recognized diploids plus one new lineage. Phylogenetic analysis of plastid DNA variation in diploids revealed a well-resolved, but moderately supported phylogeny, with evidence for monophyly of the North America Crepis agamic complex and no evidence of widespread homoploid hybridization. Polyploids showed evidence of multiple origins and a pattern of frequent local co-occurrence consistent with repeated colonization of suitable sites. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings agree broadly with the distribution and variation of ploidy within and among species described by Babcock and Stebbins. One key difference is finding support for monophyly of North American species, and refuting their hypothesis of polyphyly. Our results provide an explicit phylogenetic framework for further study of this classic agamic complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Scorzonera with approximately 175 species is the largest genus within the Cichorieae tribe. This genus includes 55 species distributed in different parts of Iran, 17 species of which are endemic. Due to morphological similarity, the recognition of species is comparatively difficult, thus the anatomical characters can be taken into consideration. To study anatomical structure, the leaf samples were taken off from herbarium specimens and handmade cross-sections were prepared and stained with methyl green and carmine. Several slides were studied and photographed with light microscope. The results obtained from this research confirm the usefulness of leaf anatomy characters in the identification of most of the species studied. The study of anatomical characters of midrib and lamina of Podospermum and Pseudopodospermum subgenera confirms classification of the series and subgenera of this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Integrifolin was found in Pilosella officinarum. • Chemosystematic implications are discussed. • Occurrence of additional sesquiterpene lactones in Pilosella seems likely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]