Disentangling parasitic vines in the tropics: taxonomic notes for an accurate identification of Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) and Cassytha (Lauraceae)

Rodriguésia ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Soares da Silva ◽  
Rosângela Simão-Bianchini ◽  
Ana Rita Giraldes Simões ◽  
Mihai Costea
Keyword(s):  
Current Practice ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Parasitic Plants ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Identification Guide ◽  
Macroscopic Observation ◽  
The Tropics

Abstract Parasitic plants are often associated with agricultural, forestry and grassland economic losses, but they are also keystone species in their natural ecosystems. Cuscuta (Convolvulaceae) and Cassytha (Lauraceae) are parasitic plants which have evolved similar stem habit and morphology, rendering them remarkably similar during the vegetative stage. Since both genera are common in the tropics, misidentifications are frequent, which is detrimental for understanding their geographical distribution, biology and ecology, as well as to the development of adequate control or conservation practices. We here present a practical identification guide for a clear and accurate distinction between Cuscuta and Cassytha, using stems and reproductive structures of both fresh plants and herbarium specimens, aimed at taxonomists and agricultural experts. An identification key, a comparative table, detailed descriptions and illustrations are included to facilitate genus recognition. The current practice of macroscopic observation of the filiform stems, on which many professionals rely, may not be enough to distinguish the two genera. The analysis of stem micromorphology, and/or of the flower or fruit morphology, are necessary for a conclusive identification.

The Biology of Invasive Alien Plants in Canada. 4. Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 569-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas A. Page ◽  
Ronald E. Wall ◽  
Stephen J. Darbyshire ◽  
Gerald A. Mulligan
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Invasive Plant ◽  
Leaf Shape ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Alien Plant ◽  
Invasive Alien Plant ◽  
Heracleum Mantegazzianum

Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed) is an invasive alien plant of management concern in southern Canada where it has escaped from horticulture and established and spread in natural, ruderal, and agricultural ecosystems. It poses a threat to natural ecosystems and human health, and is also a weed in agricultural and urban areas. It is a member of the Carrot family (Apiaceae) and is closely related to the native species Heracleum maximum Bartram (cow-parsnip). It is a monocarpic perennial, which generally flowers in its 3rd or 4th year. Large size, leaf shape, dark reddish pigments in patches on stems and petioles, and fruit characteristics readily distinguish H. mantegazzianum from other plants in Canada. It is increasingly common in riparian areas, floodplains, and forest edges in or near urban areas in southwestern British Columbia and southern Ontario. Based on herbarium specimens, H. mantegazzianum was first recorded in Ontario in 1949, British Columbia in 1964, Nova Scotia in 1980, Quebec in 1990, and New Brunswick in 2000. The development of dense stands of H. mantegazzianum can also reduce the richness of native plants. Contact with H. mantegazzianum can cause phytophotodermatitis, a serious skin inflammation caused by UV photo-activation of furanocoumarins present in the sap. Control methods include herbicide application, mechanical cutting, and animal grazing, but strategies to address seed dispersal and re-establishment from dormant seed must also be adopted. Widespread establishment in southern Canada suggests that eradication is unlikely. However, range expansion and rapid population growth can be prevented through strategic management including public education. Key words: Giant hogweed, Heracleum mantegazzianum, Apiaceae, HERMZ, invasive plant, weed biology, furanocoumarins

Lantana camara (lantana).

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah E. Thomas ◽  
Julissa Rojas-Sandoval ◽  
Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Biological Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Agricultural Weed ◽  
Successful Control ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Ornamental Shrub

Abstract L. camara is a highly variable ornamental shrub, native of the neotropics. It has been introduced to most of the tropics and subtropics as a hedge plant and has since been reported as extremely weedy and invasive in many countries. It is generally deleterious to biodiversity and has been reported as an agricultural weed resulting in large economic losses in a number of countries. In addition to this, it increases the risk of fire, is poisonous to livestock and is a host for numerous pests and diseases. L. camara is difficult to control. In Australia, India and South Africa aggressive measures to eradicate L. camara over the last two centuries have been largely unsuccessful, and the invasion trajectory has continued upwards despite control measures. This species has been the target of biological control programmes for over a century, with successful control only being reported in a few instances.

The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Carnivores of Canada

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justin Kestler
Keyword(s):  
Species Identification ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Keystone Species ◽  
Wildlife Monitoring ◽  
Least Weasel ◽  
Mustela Nivalis ◽  
Identification Guide ◽  
Hair Samples ◽  
Mammalian Predators ◽  
Animal Hair

Mammalian predators are keystone species in any ecosystem. But many are elusive by nature and have territories that cover large areas of land, which makes them challenging to monitor. When tracks and signs prove difficult to interpret or are non-existent, hair samples recovered from the field offer a fantastic resource – one that is often overlooked. The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada provides a fully illustrated, up-to-date hair scale reference for all 25 of the terrestrial carnivorous mammals of Canada. From the tiny least weasel (Mustela nivalis) to the giant polar bear (Ursus maritimus), unique traits – as well as tricky similarities – can clearly be observed through hair scale patterns magnified at the medial portion of the hair impression. These scale patterns aid in species identification when hair is the only possible evidence available. This guide also outlines hair impression techniques for samples found in the field, assisting ecologists and technicians with wildlife monitoring studies on predatory mammals where additional identification is required. Including range maps and key identification characteristics for all species represented, as well as superb images of hair scale impressions at two magnification levels, this book is a comprehensive tool for animal hair ID.

The genus Waltheria in southern Africa

Bothalia ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 13 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 275-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. C. Verdoorn
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Southern Africa ◽  
Distinct Species ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
South West ◽  
The World ◽  
Northern Cape ◽  
South West Africa ◽  
The Tropics

Waltheria indica L., the only species of Waltheria represented in southern Africa, is revised. This species, which occurs throughout the tropics and substropics of the world, is found abundantly in the northern Cape, Swaziland, northern Natal, Transvaal and northwards through South West Africa/Namibia and Botswana. Thoughout its wide distribution the species is uniform. A scrutiny o f herbarium specimens revealed that what appeared as a distinct species or subspecies was without doubt an abnormality, probably caused by insect injury.

Could marine animal conservation laws be responsible for the decline or extirpation of macroalgal populations in Bermuda over the past century?

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Craig W. Schneider ◽  
Christopher T. Flook
Keyword(s):  
Early 20Th Century ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Marine Animal ◽  
Population Abundance ◽  
Protected Species ◽  
Animal Conservation ◽  
Macroalgal Species ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Tropics

AbstractUsing over 10,000 archival herbarium specimens from Bermuda, we compared the presence or absence of seaweeds from a century ago with our more than 5000 collections from the last 30 years. Populations of parrotfish, important herbivores of macroalgae in the tropics, have increased since the 1993 amendment to the Bermuda 1978 Fisheries (Protected Species) Order. A fish pot ban for Bermuda was put into effect in 1990 to protect a variety of fish including parrotfish and several species of grouper, important predators of parrotfish that were rarely seen in island waters at the time. Intertidal grazing West Indian top shells were reintroduced in 1982 to Bermuda, and since then, along with the rise in parrotfish populations, inshore populations of many macroalgae have dramatically changed. We suggest that several large and abundant Bermuda macroalgal species recorded in the early 20th century appear to have been extirpated or are greatly diminished in sizes of individuals as well as population abundance, and propose that marine animal protections over the past 35 years are a possible reason for the changes we are presently observing.

Waterbug Book

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Gooderham ◽  
Edward Tsyrlin
Keyword(s):  
Reliable Indicator ◽  
Basic Information ◽  
Freshwater Macroinvertebrates ◽  
River Health ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Science Book ◽  
Identification Guide ◽  
First Time ◽  
Signal Method

Freshwater macroinvertebrates provide a useful and reliable indicator of the health of our rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands. As environmental awareness within the community increases, there is an increasing interest in the need to assess the health of our local waterways and school curriculums are changing to reflect this important ecological trend. The Waterbug Book provides a comprehensive and accurate identification guide for both professionals and non-professionals. It contains an easy-to-use key to all the macroinvertebrate groups and, for the first time, high quality colour photographs of live specimens. It provides a wealth of basic information on the biology of macroinvertebrates, and describes the SIGNAL method for assessing river health. The Waterbug Book is full of practical tips about where to find various animals, and what their presence can tell about their environment. Winner of the 2003 Eureka Science Book Prize and the 2003 Whitley Medal.

scholarly journals - The genus Stylosanthes (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Dalbergieae) in South America.

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (3) ◽  
pp. 549-585 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo O. Vanni
Keyword(s):  
South America ◽  
World Wide ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
South American ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
New Synonyms ◽  
Brazilian Species ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Flora Of Argentina

The papilionoid genus Stylosanthes Sw. includes about 50 spp. distributed world wide in the tropics, approximately half of them grow in South America.The present study focuses on South American Stylosanthes. Based on examinations of herbarium specimens, as well as field observations, a total of 25 taxa (23 spp. and 2 varieties) are here described and identified with a key. Most of the species have been found to be more widely distributed than expected from the previous taxonomic literature, and the genus appears to be mainly concentrated in Brazil and Paraguay. Stylosanthes leiocarpa Vogel is new to the flora of Argentina and the presence of S. nervosa J. F. Macbr. is confirmed in Argentina. The nomenclature of S. guianensis (Aubl.) Sw. is analyzed. Clarifications are made about nine recently described Brazilian species. The names S. hispida Rich. and S. longiseta Micheli are resurrected. Lectotypes or neotypes for eight species and 18 new synonyms are proposed.

scholarly journals Evaluation of rearing parameters of a self-limiting strain of the Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata(Diptera: Tephritidae)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaini Rachid ◽  
Romisa Asadi ◽  
Neil Naish ◽  
Martha Koukidou ◽  
Mazih Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Ceratitis Capitata ◽  
Fruit Fly ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Mediterranean Fruit Fly ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Pome Fruit ◽  
Accurate Identification ◽  
Effective Manner ◽  
The Mediterranean

AbstractThe Mediterranean fruit fly,Ceratitis capitata, (medfly) is an important pest of stone and pome fruit, causing significant economic losses worldwide. Current control is primarily based on insecticides, often mixed with protein baits. Chemical approaches are effective but there are label limits to avoid residues in fruits and harm to the environment and sustained use will lead to pesticide resistance in the medfly pest. In recent years, emphasis has been placed on environmentally friendly methods to control medfly.Oxitec has developed a self-limiting medfly strain (OX3864A) that demonstrates conditional female-specific mortality in the early life stages. Sustained release of OX3864A males offers a mating-based approach to medfly control, which should lead to significant economic benefits in area-wide programmes. Furthermore, a heritable fluorescent marker provides quick and accurate identification of released OX3864A males for efficient monitoring in the field.An important prerequisite of mating-based control programmes is the availability of adequate numbers of high-quality male flies in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. This paper summarises rearing optimisations for the OX3864A strain and the production of OX3864A males.

scholarly journals Climbing since the early Miocene: The fossil record of Paullinieae (Sapindaceae)

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0248369
Author(s):  
Nathan A. Jud ◽  
Sarah E. Allen ◽  
Chris W. Nelson ◽  
Carolina L. Bastos ◽  
Joyce G. Chery
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Fossil Record ◽  
Panama Canal ◽  
Herbarium Specimens ◽  
Western North America ◽  
Crown Group ◽  
Fossil Leaves ◽  
The Family ◽  
Cambial Variant ◽  
The Tropics

Paullinieae are a diverse group of tropical and subtropical climbing plants that belong to the soapberry family (Sapindaceae). The six genera in this tribe make up approximately one-quarter of the species in the family, but a sparse fossil record limits our understanding of their diversification. Here, we provide the first description of anatomically preserved fossils of Paullinieae and we re-evaluate other macrofossils that have been attributed to the tribe. We identified permineralized fossil roots in collections from the lower Miocene Cucaracha Formation where it was exposed along the Culebra Cut of the Panama Canal. We prepared the fossils using the cellulose acetate peel technique and compared the anatomy with that of extant Paullinieae. The fossil roots preserve a combination of characters found only in Paullinieae, including peripheral secondary vascular strands, vessel dimorphism, alternate intervessel pitting with coalescent apertures, heterocellular rays, and axial parenchyma strands of 2–4 cells, often with prismatic crystals. We also searched the paleontological literature for other occurrences of the tribe. We re-evaluated leaf fossils from western North America that have been assigned to extant genera in the tribe by comparing their morphology to herbarium specimens and cleared leaves. The fossil leaves that were assigned to Cardiospermum and Serjania from the Paleogene of western North America are likely Sapindaceae; however, they lack diagnostic characters necessary for inclusion in Paullinieae and should be excluded from those genera. Therefore, the fossils described here as Ampelorhiza heteroxylon gen. et sp. nov. are the oldest macrofossil evidence of Paullinieae. They provide direct evidence of the development of a vascular cambial variant associated with the climbing habit in Sapindaceae and provide strong evidence of the diversification of crown-group Paullinieae in the tropics by 18.5–19 million years ago.

scholarly journals A Photographic Diagnostic Guide for Identification of the Principal Cranberry Fruit Rot Pathogens

2013 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsay D. Wells ◽  
Patricia S. McManus
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Species ◽  
Fruit Rot ◽  
Economic Losses ◽  
Disease Complex ◽  
Identification Guide ◽  
Rot Disease

Many fungal species contribute to the cranberry fruit rot disease complex, the most devastating disease problem of cranberry crops, but the most significant economic losses can be attributed to a subset of five to seven species. Identifying these pathogens requires rotten cranberries to be culture on different microbiological media, where colony appearance differs. The objective of this report is to provide a photographic identification guide for each of the eight principal fruit rot pathogens when grown on different microbiological media. Accepted for publication 17 April 2013. Published 29 July 2013.

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