Misinterpretations and plagiarism in a publication about Himalayan Impatiens: polemics with the paper of Singh R.K. et al. 2021

In the publication “Typifications, new combinations and new synonyms in Indian Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)” by Singh, R. K. et al. (2021), the authors used pseudoscientific theoretical background, utilized material collected by other persons without citing the source of data in support of their claims, and made serious errors in the determination and delimitation of Impatiens taxa occuring in Himalayas and adjacent areas. They proposed new combinations and statuses without sufficient field and literature studies and failed to show convincing evidences in their treatments. Their documentation lacks important details, like authorship of the published pictures, locations and dates of pictures, or measurements of plant parts; the whole documentation has geographically biased gaps – in case of Western Himalayan or Sikkimese taxa, there is almost no original illustrative material. Finally, they falsely claimed extensive field studies in Western Himalaya. This paper reinstates 19 species and 1 variety synonymised by Singh et al. (2021) with scientific evidences based on illustrations from types and colour photographs from fresh collections.

Assessment of genetic diversity and wilt disease resistance in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) germplasm from Ethiopia

Hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important crop in Ethiopia. Wide variability in hot pepper germplasm in Ethiopia is expected due to the presence of diverse environmental conditions and variation in farming systems. The present study was carried out to evaluate the resistance of 75 hot pepper accessions to wilt disease and assess their genetic diversity using SSR markers. Out of 75 accessions tested, the present study identified 23 accessions that showed resistance (R) with the value of 1-10% disease incidence. The genetic diversity assessment using 13 polymorphic SSR markers allowed the detection of 111 clear and scorable bands. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 5 to 13, with an average of 8.54. The PIC value ranged from 0.27 to 0.87 with an average of 0.59. The gene diversity indices were highly variable across SSR loci and ranged from 0.29 to 0.88 with mean genetic diversity of 0.62. Observed heterozygosity was also highly variable between loci (0.01-0.45) indicating that the accessions were not fixed to homozygosity. Furthermore, genetic diversity parameters were estimated among populations by grouping accessions based on their origin. Within populations, the PIC value ranged from 0.31 to 0.77. The genetic distances among the eight populations ranged from 0.15 to 0.48. The observed highest genetic diversity (0.80) in the Amhara region (Gojam) may indicate this area as the primary site for designing in situ conservation for this crop in Ethiopia. The research findings provide baseline information on disease resistance germplasm sources to be used for the breeding program, as well as the status of genetic diversity of the accessions for efficient conservation and proper utilization of the existing genetic resources in the country.

Ficus virens Aiton var. dispersa (Moraceae): a new record for India

An interesting specimen of Ficus L. was collected from the Idukki district of Kerala. Based on detailed examination with protologues, literatures and type specimens, the plant was identified as Ficus virens Aiton var. dispersa Chantaras. This is the first report on the occurrence of this taxon in India. A detailed description, photographs, illustrations, comparison with allied taxa and identification key are provided.

Rediscovery and range extension of the rare species Diospyros truncata Zoll. & Mor. (Ebenaceae) in the State of Manipur, northeastern India

Diospyros truncata Zoll. & Mor. is a rare species rediscovered in northeastern India after seven decades. A new locality of D. truncata was found in the state of Manipur, which indicates its range extension. A detailed taxonomic description, photographs and location map of this species are provided for easy identification.

Contribution to the taxonomic revision of Brachycorythis-complex (Orchidaceae, Orchidoideae)

The aim of this paper is to present materials towards the taxonomic revision of Brachycorythis-complex (Orchidinae, Orchidaceae), which constitutes seven terrestrial genera and forty-eight species distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and SW Asia. The detailed morphological descriptions, together with distribution data and ecological preferences for particular taxa are provided. Artificial keys for taxa identification were prepared. A molecular timescale for Brachycorythis species on a background of the subtribe Orchidinae was reconstructed using nuclear and plastid molecular markers. The results show that representatives of Brachycorythis separated from its last common ancestor presumably ca 20 Mya and the youngest taxa within the group seem to be its Asiatic representatives.

Begonia limprichtii Irmsch. (Begoniaceae) – a new record for India

Begonia limprichtii (Begoniaceae) is reported from India for the first time. It belongs to the section Platycentrum and is similar to B. thomsonii, but is overall less hairy with ovary nearly glabrous (versus villous) and upper ovary wing beaked and rounded (versus triangular).

Typifications, new combinations and new synonyms in Indian Impatiens (Balsaminaceae)

One neotype, three second-step lectotypes and fourty lectotypes are designated for fourty four names in Indian Impatiens to fix the identity and to avoid the misapplication of names. Thirty nine names are synonymized, after a detailed ecological study of live plants in the field and examination of herbarium specimens including types. Six new combinations with change in their status are proposed for six taxa.

Reintroduction of Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. – experiences and suggestions

Groenlandia densa (L.) Fourr. is a native species in Poland of evergreen hydromacrophyte occurring in water-sources or groundwater-fed watercourses. It is a critically endangered taxon which requires active protection. To increase the chance of preserving G. densa population in Western Pomerania, this plant was introduced to the Grabowa and Radew river systems in the Natura 2000 areas PLH 320022 “Radew, Chociela and Chotla Valley” and PLH 320003 “Grabowa Valley”, on a total of 33 sites. In the Radew and its tributaries (Chociel, Zgniła Struga), 6 out of 20 sites were maintained, where reintroduction was successful, while in the Grabowa and its tributaries (Błotnica, Biegała), only 3 out of 13 reintroduction sites survived, and reintroduction in the remaining ones did not bring expected results. Favorable conditions for G. densa were found in initial stages of Beruletum submersae Roll 1938 plant community.

Impact of the exploitation of medicinal plants on biodiversity conservation in Saida and El Bayadh regions, Algeria

The aim of this study was to establish an overview of medicinal plants in the Saida and El Bayadh regions through a survey of herbalists. Our survey included more than 60 herbalists spread over the territory of two Wilayas (provinces), in an area representing more than 3% of Algerian territory. At the same time, and when conditions permitted, families were interviewedand their answers most often guided our survey. In addition, we collected information on: traditional herbalists, the most exploited species, areas of origin, periods and quantities exploited, as well as the influence of this mode of exploitationon present and future biodiversity in these regions. Analysis of the data showed that threats to the biological diversity of medicinal plants mainly included human actions and natural changes. Herbalists practise this trade mostly by inheritance and they are willing to train in the field of herbalism. The frequency of use of medicinal plants as alternative medicine is very important in the social life of populations.

Man-made changes in flora and vegetation: a sketch to a scientific portrait of Professor Herbert Sukopp

The changes in plant cover have been the subject of regular geobotanical research for over 150 years. For several decades, one of the most outstanding researchers of this process has been Professor Herbert Sukopp from the Technische Universität Berlin. This paper discusses the main concepts and most important results of his empirical research. Based on the analysis of international scientific information database resources (Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar), the worldwide impact of Sukopp’s publications on the development of research in the field of anthropogenic changes in flora and vegetation was illustrated.