BOTANICA SERBICA
Volume 44
Issue 1
2020

First finding of a genus Haslea Simonsen in Serbia and new diatom taxa for the country's flora in extreme and unique habitats in the Vojvodina Province
Danijela VIDAKOVIĆ, Miloš ĆIRIĆ and Jelena KRIZMANIĆ
Pages 3-9
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT:  Salt habitats are extreme and unique environments found from Austria through Hungary to the Vojvodina Province in Serbia. In our study, we investigated eight saline habitats (channeled salt marshes, moist salt meadows and saline ponds), from which we collected plankton, epipelic and epiphytic diatoms. Seventeen diatom taxa new for the Serbian diatom flora were recorded. In addition, the genus Haslea, with one species (H. spicula), was recorded for the first time in Serbia. The identified taxa were sporadic or rare in the samples.

KEY WORDS:  halophilic species, Haslea spicula, saline habitats

Cohabitant charophyte algal flora and its ecology in high-mountain lakes of the Artabel Lakes Nature Park (Gümüşhane, Turkey)
Bülent ŞAHIN, Bülent AKAR and Sophia BARINOVA
Pages 11-25
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT:  The composition of charophyte taxa and their habitat preferences in water bodies of the Artabel Lakes Nature Park were investigated on 15 August 2013 and 13 August 2016. A total of 73 taxa belonging to Conjugatophyceae (Zygnematophyceae) and Klebsormidiophyceae were recorded. The genera Cosmarium (37), Staurastrum (10) and Closterium (7) were most abundant. The partly unexpected presence of certain desmid taxa, i.e., taxa characteristic of eutrophic water, was recorded. Filamentous charophytes were represented by three taxa. The Willis curve for the distribution of species to genera had a trend line of R2 = 0.9123. Bioindication, statistical methods and comparative floristic results show that water in all of the studied lakes was fresh, of low-conductivity, circum-neutral and with little organic pollution. Four groups of lakes were identified as a result of statistical comparison of their environmental and biological variables. Bioindication results can be used as references for future monitoring of the lakes in protection of the species found in the Artabel Lakes Nature Park and can also be included in the National Water Quality Standard System of Turkey.

KEY WORDS:  Artabel Lakes Nature Park, high-mountain lakes, Charophyta, Turkey

Effects of salt on selected bryophyte species tested under controlled conditions
Marija ĆOSIĆ, Milorad M. VUJIČIĆ, Marko S. SABOVLJEVIĆ and Aneta D. SABOVLJEVIĆ
Pages 27-35
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT:  Bryophytes inhabit all ecosystems on the Earth except seas. Thus, it is commonly accepted to ask are there real halophytes among bryophytes? However, some species do inhabit salty grassland or even brackish waters. Not much research has been done on the physiological reaction of moss species to salt stress. In order to study these responses, we selected three moss species, two of which are considered to be halophytes−Entosthodon hungaricus (Funariaceae), Hennediella heimii (Pottiaceae) and the non-halophytic model moss Physcomitrella patens (Funariaceae) and tested salt effects on them in controlled conditions. The idea was to show if there is tolerance to salt in the selected moss species and to document it if there is a difference in salt tolerance among them. Established in vitro moss cultures of gametophores were used to test various developmental parameters for the selected moss species. Morpho-developmental parameters (secondary protonema diameter and the index of multiplication) and biochemical parameters (pigment content and antioxidative capacity) were analysed in relation to salt concentration and time of exposure. All of the tested moss species tolerated salt stress to some extent and during some time of exposure to it. Recovery after salt stress depended both on the concentration of salt and duration of the stress. The three tested moss species did not show similar patterns of response to salt stress.

KEY WORDS:  salt stress, mosses, Entosthodon hungaricus, Hennediella heimii, Physcomitrella patens

Micromorphology of an involucral bract and cypselae of the endemic and relict species Amphoricarpos elegans Albov (Asteraceae, Cardueae) from the Caucasus
Milan GAVRILOVIĆ, Núria GARCIA-JACAS, Alfonso SUSANNA, Arsena BAKHIA, Petar D. MARIN and Pedja JANAĆKOVIĆ
Pages 37-46
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: In this study, micromorphology of an involucral bract and inner and outer dimorphic cypselae of the relict Amphoricarpos elegans, endemic from western Caucasus, is examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and presented here for the first time. The middle involucral bract is nearly glabrous, with a reticulate-rugulose surface and an oblong-obtusate mucro. Both cypselae exhibit similar features, viz., narrowly oblong-cylindrical or obovate shape with more or less conspicuous longitudinal ribs, an adaxial detachment area, an asymmetrical carpopodium, absence of a pericarp crown and a barbate-aristate pappus made up of narrow, subulate, basally smooth and apically barbate bristles. However, some differences are evident. The outer cypsela is glabrescent and flattened, with an obscure outline of epidermal cells lacking an end wall and with a sunken periclinal surface and striatereticulate structure. Also, the outer cypsela has two entire, narrow, lateral wings, rounded above; and less numerous pappus bristles in one row. In contrast to this, the inner cypsela has a distinct outline of the epidermal cells, which are rod-shaped with a short acute end wall, a swollen periclinal surface and reticulate structure. The pappus of the inner cypsela possesses many more bristles organised in two rows (a biseriate pappus). Also, slightly pentagonal or round nectary remnants are found in the centre of the upper part of the inner cypsela. The taxonomic value of the analysed characters is briefly discussed.

KEY WORDS:  dimorphic cypselae, SEM, Xerantheminae

Contribution to knowledge about genome size in members of the family Asteraceae from Turkey: first assessments in 17 taxa, with chromosome counts for nine taxa
Huseyin INCEER and Nursen AKSU KALMUK
Pages 47-53
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT:  n 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.
KEY WORDS:  Achillea, Anthemis, Compositae, Crepis, flow cytometry, Tanacetum

Pollen of Arbutus unedo: Effects of plant growth regulators
Zeliha GÖKBAYRAK, Hakan ENGIN, Arda AKÇAL and Hatice KIRAZ
Pages 55-59
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: Arbutus unedo is a species mainly used for landscaping purposes and lately for honey production. Its antioxidant characteristics have also been a subject of of research interest. The germination of pollen grains freshly collected from flowers was tested in vitro, and 30% sucrose gave the highest pollen germination. Subsequently, three growth regulators belonging to the categories of gibberellins and brassinosteroids [24-epibrassinolide (Ebl) and 22S,23S-homobrassinolide (Hbl)] were added to the growth medium singly or in double combinations (gibberellin + brassinosteroid), and the petri dishes were kept for 24 hours at 26±1°C. The results showed that the highest germination rates were obtained from treatments with 0.01 ppm Hbl (45.47%) and 0.001 ppm Hbl (26.74%). They were followed by treatments with 0.001 ppm Ebl, 25 ppm GA3 and 0.1 ppm Ebl. As the concentration of GA3 increased, the germination rate declined considerably. Statistical analysis of the combined treatments showed that combinations of growth regulators lowered the germination rates compared to their individual application. Moreover, action of the lowest GA3 concentration (25 ppm) best matched the effects of brassinosteroids, and increasing the GA3 concentration in combined treatments did not improve germination. The highest germination was obtained with 0.1 ppm Hbl, followed by all Ebl treatments. Brassinosteroids might be an inducer of pollen germination in plants depending on their type and concentrations. When individually included in the growth medium, the extent of this induction was greater with the homobrassinolide than with the epibrassinolide. Their interactions with gibberellins are shown to be mostly dependent on the concentration of gibberellic acid used. The tested epibrassinolide was more consistent than the homobrassinolide in maintaining higher germination levels. The findings of this study indicate that gathering more information from studies involving other plant species is needed to clarify the role of brassinosteroids in in vitro and in vivo germination.

KEY WORDS:  anther, epibrassinolide, flower, gibberellin, strawberry tree

Anatomy, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance in current-year and previous-year Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis Mill.) needles
Tomo TRSTENJAK, Jasenka ANTUNOVIĆ DUNIĆ, Selma MLINARIĆ, Lidija BEGOVIĆ, Marin ŠKORO, Vera CESAR and Hrvoje LEPEDUŠ
Pages 61-69
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) is a widespread Mediterranean woody species. Needles usually fall off the tree after the second year, which can be the reason for substantial crown defoliation under extreme environmental stress. The aim of the present investigation was to compare the anatomy, chlorophyll content and photosynthetic performance in current-year (CY) and previous-year (PY) Aleppo pine needles. Chlorophyll concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically, while photosynthetic performance was determined by measuring the increase in chlorophyll a fluorescence (the JIP test). The obtained results revealed that concentrations of chlorophylls a and b were almost twice as great in PY needles as in CY ones. The chlorophyll a to b ratio and values of the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) showed no statistically significant difference between CY and PY needles. However, the performance index (PIABS) was significantly higher in CY needles compared to PY ones. Analysis of PIABS components revealed that CY needles had increased electron transport beyond the primary electron acceptor, QA -, which was associated with a lower value of variable fluorescence at 2 ms (VJ) in comparison with PY needles. Also, some differences were observed in needle anatomy. Current-year needles had an increased proportion of mesophyll tissue, together with decreased proportions of vascular cylinder and resin duct areas. Also, many more starch grains were present in PY than in CY needles. Based on the presented results, it can be concluded that despite considerably lower chlorophyll content, CY needles exhibited photosynthetic performance better than that of older needles, which is an unusual phenomenon in woody species.
KEY WORDS:  Aleppo pine, chlorophyll a fluorescence, needle anatomy, needle development, Pinus halepensis, photosynthesis

Chemical composition of the essential oil of Salvia bracteata Banks and the biological activity of its extracts: antioxidant, total phenolic, total flavonoid, antifungal and allelopathic effects
Melih YILAR, Yusuf BAYAR, Ahu Alev ABACI BAYAR and Nusret GENC
Pages 71-79
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: The present study was conducted with the aim of determining biological activities of the Salvia bracteata plant, activities such as its antioxidant, total phenolic, total flavonoid, allelopathic and antifungal effects. To this end, aboveground parts (flowers + shoots + leaves) of S. bracteata plants were collected in the province of Kırşehir, Turkey, during the flowering stage in 2018. As a result of GC-MS analysis, 23 constituents were identified, representing 96.21% of the essential oil. The major compounds of essential oil were identified as ledol (24.12%), camphor (15.54%) and valencene (5.64%). In ethyl acetate, methanol and hexane extracts of S. bracteata, total phenolic content was found to be 104.63, 121.66 and 20.97 mg of GAE/g of extract, respectively, while flavonoid content was 12.89, 10.85 and 1.13 mg of QE/g of extract, respectively. In addition to this, DPPH radical removal activity was identified and found to be at its highest in the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts. The TEAC (cation radical removal activity), FRAP (iron reduction power) and CUPRAC (copper reduction power) reduction activities of these plant extracts were also determined. The methanol extract of S. bracteata was found to have an allelopathic effect on Rumex crispus and Taraxacum officinale. This extract had a weak effect on development of the mycelium of Alternaria solani Sorauer, one of the most significant of plant-pathogenic fungi, but it was found to be ineffective on the Sclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogen.
KEY WORDS:  Salvia bracteata, antioxidant activity, total phenolic, flavonoid, antifungal and allelopathic effects

New records and noteworthy data of plants, algae and fungi in SE Europe and adjacent regions, 1
Marko S. SABOVLJEVIĆ, Gordana TOMOVIĆ, Marjan NIKETIĆ, Predrag LAZAREVIĆ, Maja LAZAREVIĆ, Jelena LATINOVIĆ, Nedeljko LATINOVIĆ, Eva KABAŠ, Sanja Z. DJUROVIĆ, Lado KUTNAR, Mitja SKUDNIK, Jovana PANTOVIĆ, Ivana STEVANOSKI, Snežana VUKOJIČIĆ and Milan VELJIĆ
Pages 81-87
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: The present paper gives new records of the following taxa in SE Europe and adjacent regions, together with significant data pertaining to them: the pathogenic fungus Arthrocladiella mougeotii; the liverwort Riccia frostii; the mosses Campylopus fragilis, C. introflexus and Tomentypnum nitens; the fern Allosorus persicus; the monocots Allium atropurpureum and Sisyrinchium montanum; and the dicots Calluna vulgaris and Santolina chamaecyparissus.
KEY WORDS:  new record, Allium atropurpureum, Allosorus persicus, Arthrocladiella mougeotii, Calluna vulgaris, Campylopus fragilis, Campylopus introflexus, Riccia frostii, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Sisyrinchium montanum, Tomentypnum nitens

New reports of Melampsora rust (Pucciniomycetes) on the Salix retusa complex in Balkan countries
Miloš STUPAR, Milica LJALJEVIĆ GRBIĆ, Jelena VUKOJEVIĆ and Dmitar LAKUŠIĆ
Pages 89-93
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: Melampsora epitea, known to cause rust on the complex of Salix retusa prostrate willows distributed in the subalpine and alpine belt of the mountains of Central Europe, is here documented for the first time in Montenegro and North Macedonia growing at six localities. It is not new for Serbia, but the records come from a newly reported host, namely Salix serpyllifolia. The pathogen’s distribution presumably is wider than initially believed, and further surveys need to be conducted
KEY WORDS:  plant pathogen, distribution, Melampsora epitea, basidiomycete, snow willows

New floristic and syntaxonomic data from rice fields in Bulgaria
Chavdar GUSSEV, Valeri GEORGIEV, Sonya TSONEVA and Rossen TZONEV
Pages 95-100
Full reference | Abstract | Full text PDF

ABSTRACT: The present work is a floristic and phytocoenological study of rice fields in the Thracian Lowland, South Central Bulgaria. Two species new to the Bulgarian alien flora were found as a result: Heteranthera reniformis (Pontederiaceae) and Rotala ramosior (Lythraceae). The class Oryzetea sativae is documented with phytocoenological relevés for the first time in Bulgaria.
KEY WORDS:  oryzicolous flora and vegetation, weeds, Oryzetea sativae  

List of reviewers for Botanica Serbica in 2019 — Acknowledgements

Pages 101-102
Full text PDF