Diversity of marine benthic algae from Cantabria (Eastern Cantabrian, Spain): a historical overview of research and publications

The macroalgal flora of Cantabria (north of Spain) has attracted the interest of many researchers on past occasions. Currently published information only reflects occasional collections from sporadic field visits to this region of the Spanish Atlantic coast. To overcome this, a historical overview of research and publications, encompassing collections and presence data recording, has been undertaken. This work lists the resultant taxonomic records and provides information about macroalgal flora of Cantabria. A total of 425 species (25 Cyanobacteria, 55 Chlorophyta, 81 Ochrophyta, and 264 Rhodophyta) were identified. The number of specific, infraspecific taxa, and stages is 437: 25 Cyanobacteria, 57 Chlorophyta, 89 Ochrophyta, and 266 Rhodophyta. The floristic character of flora from the Cantabrian coast is compared over time and with nearby regions applying Cheney’s ratio [(Rhodophyta+Chlorophyta)/ Ochrophyta, or (R+C)/O]. The present paper aims to provide an overview of the research that has been conducted in the Cantabrian coast, not only found in international publications but also in local publications as well as unpublished theses.

Dynamics of periphytic Bacillariophyta at different stages of operation of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant cooling pond (Ukraine)

The paper deals with the long-term dynamics of taxonomic composition of diatom periphyton in the Chornobyl nuclear power plant cooling pond (ChNPP cooling pond) at different stages of its operation: before the accident, after the accident and during the present period. The dominant complex of diatoms was marked by the highest diversity in the period after the accident, due to water temperature decreasing and new habitats appearing. The large-scale water-level drawdown in the present period caused the water table to reduce, and the habitats became less diverse. Owing to this, the number of dominant species decreased. Studying the present-day taxonomic composition of periphytic algae in the ChNPP cooling pond by way of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy made it possible to identify 141 diatom species, represented by 143 infraspecific taxa, from 45 genera, 20 families, 12 orders and 3 classes. 14 species and infraspecific taxa of diatoms from genera Amphora, Cocconeis, Gomphonema, Hippodonta, Karayevia, Navicula, Placoneis, Planothidium, Psammothidium, Sellaphora are new for Ukrainian flora. High contamination of the ChNPP cooling pond with man-made radionuclides 90Sr, 137Cs and the large-scale water-level drawdown did not cause a significant degradation of diatom periphyton, which, in new ecological conditions, is distinguished by high taxonomic diversity and spatial heterogeneity.

Nomenclature and taxonomic placement of the infraspecific taxa recognised in the Malagasy Kalanchoe miniata (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) by Perrier de la Bâthie and Boiteau and Mannoni in the 20th century

The nomenclature that Perrier de la Bâthie and Boiteau & Mannoni successively published for the Malagasy K. miniata (Crassulaceae subfam Kalanchooideae) in the 1920s and 1940s, respectively, is analysed. New synonyms are recorded for K. miniata and designations not validly published are noted. The infraspecific names published in K. miniata by Perrier de la Bâthie and Boiteau & Mannoni are interpreted as referring to material that belong to three species, namely to K. miniata, K. pseudocampanulata, and K. pubescens. Several names are typified and a new combination, K. pubescens var. tsinjoarivensis, based on K. miniata var. tsinjoarivensis, is published.

Plastome and Nuclear Phylogenies of Dwarf Mistletoes (Arceuthobium: Viscaceae)

Abstract— Dwarf mistletoes are a lineage of morphologically-reduced stem parasites inhabiting Pinaceae and Cupressaceae throughout the northern hemisphere and equatorial East Africa. Though diagnosable by a suite of morphological traits, phylogenetic knowledge of species relationships has been limited to studies employing either comprehensive taxonomic sampling of one or two genes, or more sequence data from a limited number of individuals. We used data from genome skimming to assemble 3kb of the nuclear ribosomal cistron and up to 45kb of the plastome to clarify the phylogenetic root of the genus, monophyly of species, and relationships among infraspecific taxa. Genomic differentiation among terminal taxa was variable; however, we found strong support for reciprocally monophyletic New World and Old World lineages, congruent nrDNA and plastome topologies at the species level and below, and monophyly of most taxonomic sections and species. Plastome gene content was stable across the genus with minimal pseudogenization or loss, as in other hemiparasites, with the notable exception of cemA. These findings form the basis of our re-evaluation of historical biogeographical hypotheses, species- and subspecies-level taxonomy, and plastome evolution in Arceuthobium. More broadly, this work provides a foundation for future clade-focused comparative and biosystematics studies of Arceuthobium.

Mediterranean Subspecies versus Californian Varieties: An Example from Acmispon (Leguminosae, Loteae)

The tribe Loteae of the family Leguminosae has major centers of diversity in the Mediterranean Region and California. It is used here to illustrate different traditions of taxonomic interpretation of infraspecific variation among researchers in different continents. Recent accounts of European and Mediterranean taxa commonly make an emphasis on recognizing subspecies. In contrast, accounts of North American Loteae recognize all infraspecific taxa as varieties. Harmonization of taxonomic concepts across continents is essential for a more accurate representation of data in global biodiversity databases. It is reasonable to use the rank of subspecies for geographically defined infraspecific units with localized zones of intergradation. Such subspecies may be at least partially compatible across continents and taxonomic groups. In the present paper, we discuss taxa traditionally included in or associated with Acmispon glaber (Vogel) Brouillet (=Syrmatium glabrum Vogel) and demonstrate a need for recognizing three species, of which one has three geographically defined subspecies. Required nomenclatural combinations are proposed. It is proposed that subspecies rather than varieties should be recognized in a number of other species of North American Loteae (and other plant groups). Inland subspecies of Acmispon glaber and A. maritimus offer an opportunity for comparative analysis in an eco-evo-devo framework.

Phytochemical Constituents, Antioxidant Activity, and Toxicity Assessment of the Aerial Part Extracts from the Infraspecific Taxa of Matthiola fruticulosa (Brassicaceae) Endemic to Sicily

In a project designed to investigate the specific and infraspecific taxa of Matthiola endemic to Sicily (Italy) as new potential sources of bioactive compounds in this work, the infraspecific taxa of Matthiola fruticulosa were studied, namely, subsp. fruticulosa and subsp. coronopifolia. HPLC–PDA/ESI–MS and SPME–GC/MS analyses of hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from the aerial parts of the two subspecies led to the detection of 51 phenolics and 61 volatile components, highlighting a quite different qualitative–quantitative profile. The antioxidant properties of the extracts were explored through in vitro methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and Fe2+ chelating activity assays. The results of the antioxidant tests showed that the extracts possess a different antioxidant ability: particularly, the extract of M. fruticulosa subsp. fruticulosa exhibited higher radical scavenging activity than that of subsp. coronopifolia (IC50 = 1.25 ± 0.02 mg/mL and 2.86 ± 0.05 mg/mL), which in turn displayed better chelating properties (IC50 = 1.49 ± 0.01 mg/mL and 0.63 ± 0.01 mg/mL). Lastly, Artemia salina lethality bioassay was performed for toxicity assessment. The results of the bioassay showed lack of toxicity against brine shrimp larvae for both extracts. The data presented indicate the infraspecific taxa of M. fruticulosa as new and safe sources of antioxidant compounds.

Synoptic Overview of Exotic Acacia, Senegalia and Vachellia (Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoid Clade, Fabaceae) in Egypt

For the first time, an updated checklist of Acacia, Senegalia and Vachellia species in Egypt is provided, focusing on the exotic species. Taking into consideration the retypification of genus Acacia ratified at the Melbourne International Botanical Congress (IBC, 2011), a process of reclassification has taken place worldwide in recent years. The review of Acacia and its segregates in Egypt became necessary in light of the available information cited in classical works during the last century. In Egypt, various taxa formerly placed in Acacia s.l., have been transferred to Acacia s.s., Acaciella, Senegalia, Parasenegalia and Vachellia. The present study is a contribution towards clarifying the nomenclatural status of all recorded species of Acacia and its segregate genera. This study recorded 144 taxa (125 species and 19 infraspecific taxa). Only 14 taxa (four species and 10 infraspecific taxa) are indigenous to Egypt (included now under Senegalia and Vachellia). The other 130 taxa had been introduced to Egypt during the last century. Out of the 130 taxa, 79 taxa have been recorded in literature. The focus of this study is the remaining 51 exotic taxa that have been traced as living species in Egyptian gardens or as herbarium specimens in Egyptian herbaria. The studied exotic taxa are accommodated under Acacia s.s. (24 taxa), Senegalia (14 taxa) and Vachellia (13 taxa). Identification keys for the studied genera, generic groups and species have been provided using different taxonomic criteria. For each taxon, the validated name with the first citation followed by relevant Egyptian citations, typification, synonyms, distinctive features, origin, ecology (when available), utilisation and selected specimens are provided. The study revealed the presence of 22 newly recorded taxa in Egypt. Additionally, a list of excluded, unvalidated and unresolved names is given.

Rotifer Species Diversity in Mexico: An Updated Checklist

A review of the Mexican rotifer species diversity is presented here. To date, 402 species of rotifers have been recorded from Mexico, besides a few infraspecific taxa such as subspecies and varieties. The rotifers from Mexico represent 27 families and 75 genera. Molecular analysis showed about 20 cryptic taxa from species complexes. The genera Lecane, Trichocerca, Brachionus, Lepadella, Cephalodella, Keratella, Ptygura, and Notommata accounted for more than 50% of all species recorded from the Mexican territory. The diversity of rotifers from the different states of Mexico was highly heterogeneous. Only five federal entities (the State of Mexico, Michoacán, Veracruz, Mexico City, Aguascalientes, and Quintana Roo) had more than 100 species. Extrapolation of rotifer species recorded from Mexico indicated the possible occurrence of more than 600 species in Mexican water bodies, hence more sampling effort is needed. In the current review, we also comment on the importance of seasonal sampling in enhancing the species richness and detecting exotic rotifer taxa in Mexico.