Two new species of the genus Chilobrachys (Araneae, Theraphosidae) from China

Two new species of the genus Chilobrachys Karsh, 1892 are described from China: Chilobrachys dominus Lin & Li, sp. nov. from Yunnan and C. jinchengi Lin & Li, sp. nov. from Tibet. Photos and a morphological description of the new species are given. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy (IZCAS) in Beijing.

The rediscovery of Carya poilanei (Juglandaceae) after 63 years reveals a new record from China

Despite having been first published in 1941, Carya poilanei (A.Chev.) J.-F.Leroy is only known from three collections in Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. It has not been recollected since then and was long suspected to have become extinct through repeated deforestation events. Here, we report the rediscovery, and meanwhile the first new record in China, of this extremely rare gigantic hickory species at Yunnan province 63 years after its last collection in 1958. Three small patchy subpopulations were found with a total of about 50 adult trees having diameter at breast height (DBH) larger than 60 cm, together with some seedlings and saplings, but the fruit set was low. Based on new and fresh material, we present a revised morphological description of C. poilanei, and an updated distribution map for the species. In addition, we also provide a key for the hickories in China. Lastly, we suggest C. poilanei should be listed as a Critically Endangered (CR) species according to the latest IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Cymbopleura huohuaensis sp. nov. (Cymbellaceae; Bacillariophyceae), a new species from Sichuan Province, China

Cymbopleura huohuaensis sp. nov. is identified as a new species and described from stone surfaces in Huohua Lake, Sichuan Province, China. A detailed morphological description of the new species is presented, based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Cymbopleura huohuaensis sp. nov. has the features that assign it to the genus Cymbopleura, including the raphe with dorsally deflected terminal fissures and ventrally curved central raphe ends, punctate-lineate striae, and the absence of apical pore fields and stigmata. There are five features that easily distinguish the new species from the other similar taxa within the genus: 1) linear-lanceolate central area, 2) mostly slit-like, partly T-shaped, V-shaped or irregularly-shaped areolae, 3) strongly reverse-lateral raphe, 4) slightly truncate to obtusely rounded ends and 5) the highest density of areolae (30–50 in 10 μm). Among the currently described species of Cymbopleura, the new species is in general most similar to C. subaequalis var. pertruncata in valve shape and possessing a reverse-lateral raphe, but is easily distinguished from that taxon by the size and shape of valve, shape of central area, and the degree of asymmetry about the apical axis and its notable lack of an intermissio. This species might be better placed in the C. austriaca group due to its lack of an intermissio. These findings increase our understanding the morphology and distribution of the genus Cymbopleura in China.

Evaluation of new onion variety in a hybrid plot in the conditions of the Central strip of Russia

Новые сорта и гибриды лука репчатого должны обладать необходимыми рынку хозяйственно ценными признаками, поэтому приоритетно направление по созданию гетерозисных гибридов этой культуры, проявляющих повышенную жизнеспособность, высокую и стабильную урожайность и выравненность, общую устойчивость к патогенам и хорошую лежкость. Цель исследований: изучение новых гибридных комбинаций лука репчатого по основным хозяйственно ценным признакам. Исследование проводили в 2019–2020 годах в отделе селекции и семеноводства ВНИИО – филиале ФГБНУ «Федеральный научный центр овощеводства» с постановкой опытов в открытом и хранилище с регулируемыми температурно-влажностными характеристиками (Раменский район Московской области). В опыте участвовало семь новых гибридных комбинаций лука репчатого, в качестве стандарта использовали гибрид F1 Премито (Monsanto) и отечественный сорт Форвард (совместной селекции агрофирмы «Поиск» и ВНИИО – филиала ФГБНУ ФНЦО). Посев проводили в III декаде апреля, из расчета 0,8 млн шт/га. В течение вегетационного периода вели фенологические учеты, биометрические измерения и проводили морфологическое описание согласно общепринятым методическим указаниям. Мероприятия по уходу за растениями проводили в соответствии с рекомендациями для зоны возделывания. Изучение морфологических признаков и биометрических показателей проводили по малой выборке (10 растений) каждого образца. Число зачатков определяли на поперечном разрезе луковицы. Интенсивность воскового налета на образцах оценивали визуально. Лук закладывали в хранилище с оборудованными холодильными установками, автоматически регулирующими температуру, влажность и циркуляцию воздуха. Для лучшей сохранности этой культуры поддерживали температуру в хранилище около 1–2 °C и относительную влажность воздуха – в пределах 75–80%. Результаты оценки новых образцов лука репчатого в условиях Московской области позволили выделить гибридную комбинацию 652/15 F1 (Шет × Ливингстон I3) с высокой урожайностью (59,5 т/га) и сохранностью в зимний период (84,7%), которая соответствует параметрам разработанной модели для условий региона и обладает конкурентными преимуществами. New varieties and hybrids of onion should have economically valuable characteristics necessary for the market, therefore, the priority is to create heterotic hybrids of this crop, showing increased viability, high and stable yield and alignment, general resistance to pathogens and good keeping quality. The purpose of the research: to study new hybrid combinations of onions according to the main economically valuable characteristics. The study was carried out in 2019–2020 in the Department of breeding and seed production of ARRIVG – branch of FSBSI FSVC with the staging of experiments in open ground and storage with adjustable temperature and humidity characteristics (Ramensky district of the Moscow region). Seven new hybrid combinations of onions participated in the experiment, the hybrid F1 Premito (Monsanto) and the domestic variety Forward (joint selection of the Poisk Agro Firm and ARRIVG – branch of FSBSI FSVC) were used as a standard. Sowing was carried out in the third decade of April, at the rate of 0.8 million pcs/ha. During the growing season, phenological records, biometric measurements were carried out and morphological description was carried out according to generally accepted methodological guidelines. Plant care measures were carried out in accordance with the recommendations for the cultivation zone. The study of morphological features and biometric indicators was carried out on a small sample (10 plants) of each sample. The number of rudiments was determined on a cross section of the bulb. The intensity of wax plaque on the samples was assessed visually. Onions were placed in storage with equipped refrigeration units that automatically regulate temperature, humidity and air circulation. For the best preservation of this culture, the temperature in the storage was maintained at about 1–2 °C and the relative humidity in the range of 75–80%. The results of the evaluation of new onion samples in the conditions of the Moscow region allowed us to identify a hybrid combination 652/15 F1 (Shet × Livingston I3) with high yield (59.5 t/ha) and preservation in winter (84.7%), which corresponds to the parameters of the developed model for the conditions of the region and has competitive advantages.

Acanthodiaptomus tibetanus (Daday, 1908) (Calanoida, Diaptomidae) – a biogeographic relict in the water bodies of Baikal Rift Zone

A detailed morphological description of the copepod Acanthodiaptomus tibetanus and its geographic distribution on the territory of Irkutsk Region, Buryat Republic, Zabaikalsky Region and Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) within the limits of Baikal Rift Zone is presented for the first time. The authors provided information on the paleogeographic conditions of the territory these crustaceans inhabited and characterized their habitats in brief. An overview of the personal data and available literature on the geographic distribution of A. tibetanus is given. One of the major results obtained under this study was elucidation of the distribution patterns of A. tibetanus. In order to understand current distribution patterns of organisms, A. tibetanus in particular, in different basins, we carried out a historical analysis of the relief formation taking into account climatic aspects involved in these transformations.

Molecular inference of subgenus Hermodactyloides Spach for vascular flora of Iraq

Iris reticulata of sect. Reticulata from subg. Hermodactyloides in Iraq have been circumscribed based on morphological characters long time ago. Recent work, carried out in neighbouring countries (Turkey and Iran), added the new sect. Zagrica, which includes four new species. No molecular study has been performed yet to confirm the status of this subgenus. In this work, a phylogenetic study of the subg. Hermodactyloides was carried out by using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region as well as morphological traits, with the aim to examine this subgenus in Iraq. Molecular data indicate that a new section is diverged from Hermodachtyloides and should be added to vascular flora of Iraq as a second section named Zagrica. This outcome is consistent with the morphological description. This work also implies that leaf transverse section should be considered as main morphological characters to be taken into account to separate the Reticulata section from Zagrica which has the same taxonomical value as the position of ovary (above ground or subterranean).

Taxonomic revision and morphological delimitation of Oxalis sect. Ripariae (Oxalidaceae)

Phylogenetic studies indicate that several infrageneric taxa in Oxalis require taxonomic updates to attain monophyly. In this contribution, we update the morphological delimitation of the South American Oxalis sect. Ripariae and provide a taxonomic revision of the currently accepted species. The sectional delimitation was carried out by comparing micro- and macromorphological features of Oxalis sect. Ripariae, O. sect. Corniculatae, and O. sect. Myriophyllum. These sections share yellow flowers and aerial stems. Glandular hairs and larger seeds with the surface longitudinally crested and with projections are exclusive to Oxalis sect. Ripariae. We accept 11 species in the section, including three previously placed in Oxalis sect. Corniculatae (i.e., O. eriocarpa, O. niederleinii, and O. refracta), but excluding O. serpens and O. subvillosa, which are moved to O. sect. Corniculatae. We also describe a new species (Oxalis lourteiginana), propose a new name and status for O. bifrons subsp. littoralis (now O. pampeana), the synonymization of O. irreperta with O. riparia, six second-step lectotypifications, and one epitypification. For each accepted species we provide a morphological description, illustrations, ecological and taxonomic information, conservation status following IUCN, and a geographic distribution map. Most species occur in southern Brazil, but the section is widespread also in Argentina, Uruguay, and eastern Paraguay. Six species are categorized as threatened and further three as near threatened. Besides, we provide an identification key for the taxa of the section.

Première mention de Nomada barcelonensis Cockerell, 1917 pour la France (Hymenoptera : Apidae : Nomadinae)

First mention of Nomada barcelonensis Cockerell, 1917 for France (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Nomadinae) . - The authors relate here the discovery within Mediterranean fringe of metropolitan France, in the Var department, of a species of Nomada so far only known from Spain: Nomada barcelonensis Cockerell,1917. The ecology, biology and morphological description allowing its determination are presented as well as the conditions of capture of the specimen.

Table Grapes: There Is More to Vitiviniculture than Wine…

Table grapes are fruits intended for fresh human consumption due to their sensory attributes and nutritional value. The objective of this chapter is to review the existing knowledge about table grapes, including a description of different varieties, with particular emphasis on the new highly appreciated seedless varieties. Following an introductory note on the world distribution and production of table grapes, also considering the impact of climate change, selected varieties of table grapes will be characterized in terms of their physiology, postharvest features, and consumer preferences. A morphological description of each variety, with emphasis on grape skin, grape rachis and grape cluster will be included. A final note on the drying of table grapes into raisins, and the most appropriate varieties for drying, will be given. The major changes occurring throughout the growth, development, and ripening phases of table grapes production will be discussed, regarding both physical (skin color and skin and pulp texture) and chemical (phenolic compounds, sugar content and acidity) parameters, as well as growth regulators.