Electronic Library of Scientific Literature


Biologia - Section Botany


Volume 58/4, 2003


Investigations on the Danube gravel-biofilm diatom-associated bacterial communities.

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 729-742, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088

Gravel samples were collected from the northern water gaining area of bank wall filtered wells of Budapest at the north-eastern shoreline of Szentendre Island, in the main arm of the Danube river. On the island there are rows of bank wall filtered wells, which supply with drinking water the capital of Hungary. Gravel washing fluid samples were plated onto three different algal media in order to isolate diatom-associated bacterial strains. Isolates were purified and representative strains were selected on the basis of cultural-morphological features, biochemical investigations, and ARDRA. Selected strains were identified by the Biolog phenotypic fingerprint method and by 16S rDNA sequencing. Our results have shown that besides the dominant Pseudomonas Gram-negative genera were Flavimonas, Flavobacterium, Mycoplana, Sinorhizobium, Afipia, Variovorax, Sphingomonas whereas the Gram-positive ones were Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, and Microbacterium. The bacteria isolated were able to utilize such sugars and amino acids as only carbon sources, which have been proved to be among extracellular products of diatoms. Thus it can be supposed that association between diatoms and bacteria is also based upon metabolic interactions.

Key words: biofilm, algal-bacterial interaction, 16S rDNA sequencing, the Danube river, Hungary.


Observations of the chrysophyte Bicosoeca turrigera in two old-river basin sites in Poland. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 743-747, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The colourless flagellate Bicosoeca turrigera was identified in two old-river basins located within Biebrzański National Park and Narew National Park in Poland. B. turrigera was a common component in waters overgrown with aquatic vegetation, containing large concentrations of humic substances, and relatively large amounts of low-molecular organic matter. The humic substances are considered one of the significant factors determining the development of this species.

Key words: Bicosoeca turrigera, heterotrophic heterocont flagellate, distribution, ecology, Biebrza river, Narew river, Poland.


Epiphytic diatoms of the spring fens in the flysh area of the Western Carpathians. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 749-757, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Epiphytic diatoms were studied at 56 localities on 21 dominant bryophyte species in the flysh area of the West Carpathians – borderland between the Czech and Slovak Republic. Samples of bryophyte tufts were taken and diatoms were washed out of them and fixed in the laboratory. A wide range of environmental parameters were studied and assessed together with qualitative and quantitative composition of diatoms. So far, 105 diatom species have been found on bryophytes at sloping springs of the West Carpathians.

Key words: diatoms, bryophytes, springs, rich fen, poor-rich gradient.


On the phylogeny of Radiococcus, Planktospheria and Schizochlamydella (Radiococcaceae, Chlorophyta). 

Biologia, Bratislava 58: 759-765, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The 18S rRNA gene sequences of three strains of Radiococcus polycoccus, one strain of Planktosphaeria gelatinosa and one strain of Schizochlamydella capsulata (Radiococcaceae, Chlorophyta) were determined and subjected to phylogenetic analyses. Cladistic as well as likelihood analyses indicated that Radiococcus polycoccus and Planktosphaeria gelatinosa are closely related within the Sphaeropleales (Chlorophyceae), while Schizochlamydella capsulata clustered with Amphikrikos spec. within the Oocystaceae (Trebouxiophyceae). Neither R. polycoccus nor P. gelatinosa or S. capsulata are related to Coenocystis inconstans, the only member of Radiococcaceae of which the 18S rRNA gene sequence was known earlier. The results give first impression that the Radiococcaceae could be a polyphyletic assemblage of coccoid mucilage forming chlorophytes.

Key words: 18S rDNA, Chlorophyceae, Chlorophyta, molecular systematics, Oocystaceae, Planktosphaeria, Radiococcus, Schizochlamydella, Sphaeropleales, Trebouxiophyceae.


Cladonia borealis, C. monomorpha and Physcia vitii (lichenized Ascomycota), new to Slovakia. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 766-771, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Cladonia borealis S. Stenroos, C. monomorpha Aptroot, Sipman & van Herk and Physcia vitii Nádv. are reported for the first time from Slovakia: C. borealis from Vysoké Tatry Mts, C. monomorpha from Nízke Tatry Mts and Vysoké Tatry Mts and Physcia vitii from Belianske Tatry Mts. Diagnostic characters, together with notes on distribution and ecology are given. The main distinguishing characters between these and related taxa are pointed out in keys. Illustrations of the two latter species are presented.

Key words: lichenized fungi, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia monomorpha, Physcia vitii, The Western Carpathians.


Soil microscopic fungi in the Cabaj stream. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 773-779, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The quality of surface water in the Cabaj stream (Nitra District, SW Slovakia) was monitored monthly, from March 1999 to February 2001. The occurrence of microscopic fungi in surface water was used to determine the sources and a level of stream contamination. This group of fungi is of hygienic and ecological importance. Water of the Cabaj stream had continually been polluted by soil organic substances during the whole experimental period. Difficult degradable substances caused the pollution of water only in the second experimental period (from March 2000 to Feb. 2001). This influence was significant only with respect to samplings but not to the sampling points. There was a slight linear correlation between the occurrence of microscopic fungi and temperature of water, depth of stream and precipitation. Thirty one species of soil microscopic fungi were identified in the water of the Cabaj stream. The following representatives of the soil fungi were the most frequent with maximum values: Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Humicola sp. and Cladosporium sp.

Key words: surface water, agricultural contamination, soil, microscopic fungi, SW Slovakia.


New endemic hybridogeneous species of the genus Sorbus in the Western Carpathians. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 781–790, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The paper provides the taxonomic description of seven new hybridogeneous rosy-flowered species populations of the genus Sorbus L. emend. Crantz from the Western Carpathian high mountains, named S. zuzanae Bernátová et Májovský, S. haljamovae Bernátová et Májovský, S. montisalpae Bernátová et Májovský, S. salatini Bernátová et Májovský, S. caeruleomontana Bernátová et Májovský, S. atrimontis Bernátová et Májovský and S. diversicolor Bernátová et Májovský. Each of them is briefly characterized in terms of morphology, ecology and chorology, concluding that each might be regarded as narrow endemic of Western Carpathian high mountains or even a smaller region.

Key words: Sorbus, morphology, taxonomy, distribution, Western Carpathians, Slovakia.


Carex magellanica subsp. irrigua - a new taxon in the Western Carpathians. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 791–796, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Carex magellanica susbp. irrigua (Cyperaceae) is a plant taxon growing mainly in Northern Europe, while in Central Europe occurs rarely. Till now, it has been reported either from Slovakia or from the whole Western Carpathians. In 2001, we found this species in Oravská kotlina Basin (northern Slovakia) in the mire Surdíky eastwards of Oravská priehrada Dam. At the site, small and isolated population of C. magellanica subsp. irrigua grows in slightly elevated and less waterlogged habitats of floating fen.

Key words: Carex magellanica subsp. irrigua, Cyperaceae, Western Carpathians, Slovakia, ecology.


Karyological analyses of some Korean woody plants. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 797-804, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The paper deals with chromosome numbers of some woody plant species native in North Korea, which were introduced to Slovakian flora at least 20 years ago. Most of them have been successfully introduced to European conditions for the first time. The chromosome numbers for following 53 species were determined in native plants growing in collection of Arboretum Mlyňany (Slovak Academy of Sciences): Abies holophylla Maxim. (2n=24), Abies koreana Wilson (2n=24), Larix koreana Nakai (2n=24), Picea koraiensis Nakai (2n=24), Pinus densiflora Siebold et Zucc. (2n=24), Pinus koraiensis Siebold et Zucc. (2n=24), Thuja koraensis Nakai (2n=22), Acer ginnala Maxim. (2n=26), Acer palmatum Thunb. (2n=26), Acer pseudosieboldianum (Paxton) Kom. (2n=26), Actinidia arguta (Siebold et Zucc.) Planch. (2n=112), Actinidia polygama (Siebold et Zucc.) Maxim. (2n=58), Berberis koreana Palib. (2n=28), Alnus japonica (Thunb.) Steud. (2n=42), Alnus tinctoria Sarg. (2n=28), Betula dahurica Pall. (2n=56), Betula ermanii Cham. (2n=56), Betula microphylla Bunge (2n=56), Carpinus koreana Nakai (2n=16), Corylus heterophylla Fischer (2n=28), Buxus koreana Nakai (2n=28), Lonicera vesicaria Kom. (2n=18), Lonicera japonica Thunb. (2n=18), Lonicera sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai (2n=18), Sambucus coreana (Nakai) Kom. et Alisson (2n=36), Sambucus sieboldiana (Miq.) Schwer. (2n=36), Viburnum erosum Thunb. (2n=18), Viburnum wrightii Miq. (2n=18), Celastrus orbiculatus Thunb. (2n=46), Swida controversa (Hemsl. ex Prain) Moldenke (2n=20), Swida coreana (Wangerin) Moldenke (2n=22), Cornus officinalis Siebold et Zucc. (2n=18), Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi (2n=22), Castanea crenata Siebold et Zucc. (2n=24), Quercus acutissima Carruth. (2n=24), Benzoin angustifolium (M. Cheng) Nakai (2n=24), Benzoin obtusilobum (Blume) Kuntze (2n=24), Forsythia koreana Nakai (2n=28), Forsythia ovata Nakai (2n=28), Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance (2n=46), Syringa robusta Nakai (2n=46), Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge (2n=34), Malus baccata (L.) Borkh. (2n=34), Rubus crataegifolius Bunge (2n=14), Sorbus alnifolia (Siebold et Zucc.) C. Koch (2n=34), Sorbus amurensis Koehne (2n=34), Sorbus commixta Hedl. (2n=34), Rosa dahurica Pall. (2n=14), Rosa marrettii Lavallée (2n=14), Schisandra sinensis (Turcz.) C. Bailley (2n=28), Styrax japonica Siebold et Zucc. (2n=40), Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Nakai (2n=28), Vitis amurensis Rupr. (2n=38). For nine of these species the chromosome number was recorded for the first time.

Key words: chromosome numbers, woody plants, North Korea, introduced species, Arboretum Mlyňany, original data, Slovakia.


The effect of increased altitude on the growth and nitrogen use efficiency of Calamagrostis arundinacea and C. villosa

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 805-815, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The growth of aboveground shoots of Calamagrostis arundinacea was substantially reduced under the influence of climatic and soil factors associated with the acidification of environment at higher altitudes. No similar effect of environmental conditions was found on the growth of aboveground shoots of C. villosa, in which a reduction of aboveground shoot growth occurred under the influence of low soil moisture. No substantial differences were found in the average amounts of nitrogen accumulated in aboveground biomass of C. arundinacea and C. villosa at the maximal development of stands, i.e., 6.2 g N m-2 and 6.5 g N m-2 respectively. At the end of the growing season, higher amounts of not retranslocated nitrogen from aboveground biomass were found in C. arundinacea stands (5.0 g N m-2) than in stands of C. villosa (3.9 g N m-2). Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in the C. arundinacea stands increased with increasing altitude, while no relationship between altitude and NUE was found in the C. villosa stands. Rhizomatous grass C. villosa possessed effective mechanisms for the retranslocation of nitrogen from senescing shoots while in the tuft forming grass C. arundinacea prevailed mechanisms leading to a higher nitrogen productivity.

Key words: aboveground biomass, grasses, air pollution, altitude, nitrogen use efficiency.


The association Poo margilicolae-Primuletum hungaricae ass. nova in the Veľká Fatra Mts (Central Slovakia). 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 817-822, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

The newly described association Poo margilicolae-Primuletum hungaricae ass. nova was found at sheer to overhanging outcrops of marl limestone under the top of Borišov Mt. in the Veľká Fatra Mts. The species Poa margilicola is a constant component of this community. This narrowly endemic grass with monotopic occurrence and specific ecology was included into the Red Book of Slovak Republic and Czech Republic.

Key words: Poa margilicola, Potentillion caulescentis, syntaxonomy, outcrops of marl limestone, West Carpathians.


Functional interdependence between climatic factors, topographic processes and spatial patterns of species richness in mountain areas: a special case or the general pattern? 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 823-832, 2003: ISSN 0006-3088.

Altitudinal change in plant species richness is one of the most heavily studied environmental gradients. Although mechanisms affecting variation in species richness with increasing elevation could parallel those assumed to occur with increasing latitude, both relationships are poorely understood. Here we review two older comprehensive theories that are not widely cited but that can explain, in part, the spatial pattern of plant species richness both within altitudinal bands and along altitudinal and topographical gradients in mountains, particularly in alpine areas. (1) W.D. Billings used the term ”mesotopographic gradient” to characterize a series of smaller topographic gradients from ridge top to wet meadows and bogs in mountains apart from altitudinal macro- and microgradients. These gradients are superimposed upon the latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. He stressed the importance of the interactions of slope angle and direction, wind, blowing snow, and long-lasting snowdrifts in influencing plant growth and distribution in mid-latitude and arctic mountains. (2) The theory of the anemo-orographic systems introduced in the literature by J. Jeník is very similar in principle to Billings’ mesotopographic gradients. He agreed that topography and prevailing winds are essential environmental factors affecting species distributions in the mountains on the meso- or regional scale. He documented the spatial pattern of his anemo-orographic system: (1) windward funnel-shaped valley, (2) wind accelerating summit section (plateau and ridge top), and (3) leeward turbulent section. Both theories are compared with other approaches, especially with the species-pool model.

Key words: alpine belt, altitudinal gradient, anemo-orographic system, mesotopographic gradient, snow, species richness, topography, wind.


Developmental malformations of the protophloem sieve-element cell wall in oryzalin-treated roots of wheat. 

Biologia, Bratislava 58: 833-841, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Differentiating protophloem sieve elements (PSEs) in seminal roots of wheat, growing in the presence of 1 μM oryzalin in a time-dependent mode, were investigated by electron microscopy in order to determine any malformations caused by this plant specific anti-microtubule herbicide. The early effects of oryzalin were found to be the depolymerization of microtubules about 5 h after drug application and the unusually rough appearance of the wall surface, presumably caused by an uncontrolled fusion of Golgi vesicles with the plasma membrane. Differentiating PSEs stopped elongating and expanded isodiametrically. With increasing time of exposure to the drug, additional malformations were observed including a change in the orientation of cellulose microfibrils, which were deposited with a prevailing longitudinal orientation relative to the long axis of the root instead of the typical transverse of the controls. The pattern of wall development was seriously affected and unusual thickenings were deposited. Results are consistent with the notion of microtubule involvement in cellulose microfibril orientation and wall pattern development. Similarities and differences of oryzalin effects relative to other anti-microtubule drugs, especially colchicine, are discussed.

Key words: cell wall development, cellulose microfibrils, microtubules, oryzalin, protophloem sieve elements, wheat (Triticum aestivum).


Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from anther culture of Citrus aurantium and Citrus reticulata. 

Biologia 58: 843-850, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Establishment and maintenance of long-term somatic embryogenic material is highly important because of the biotechnological applications in Citrus breeding. Although in vitro Citrus anther culture is a method mainly used to produce haploids (Germanà, 1997), it can be also utilized to obtain somatic embryos (Germanà et al., 1994). A protocol for callus induction and plant regeneration from anther culture of two cultivars of Citrus aurantium L. (AA CNR 10 and AA CNR 23) and two cultivars of Citrus reticulata Blanco (MTC N.L. 19 and Avana) is described.
Anthers collected at the uninucleate stage were cultured, after a chilling (4 °C) pre-treatment on different media affecting callus induction for 10 days. Direct and indirect somatic embryogenesis after three to four months of culture was observed. Secondary embryogenesis and pseudobulbil formation were also observed. Embryogenic callus regularly subcultured to fresh media maintained the embryogenic ability for over three years.
Well-developed somatic embryos vigorously germinated (at 80-89 rate) on solid medium producing plantlets. Regeneration of plantlets from all the genotypes tested was obtained. Viable plants were successfully acclimatized in the greenhouse.
Chromosome number in roots of embryoids developed showed the diploid set (2n=2x=18). Isozyme analyses using PGI (phosphoglucose isomerase) and PGM (phosphoglucose mutase) showed the somatic origin of embryoids because of the genetic similarity between the mother plants and the regenerants.

Key words: Citrus, anther culture, somatic embryogenesis.


Microtubular cytoskeleton and organelles during sporogenesis of the homosporous fern Ophioglossum vulgatum. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 851-860, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Ophioglossum vulgatum (Ophioglossaceae) meiocytes in sporangia divide into tetrads after regular meiosis with simultaneous cytokinesis. Three typical configurations of microtubular cytoskeleton - investigated by immunofluorescence method - appear during sporogenesis: cortical cytoskeleton, meiotic spindles and phragmoplasts. The sporocyte organelles (observed in light and electron microscopes) are arranged in regular pattern during meiotic division.
The phragmoplast and organelle aggregation are formed in the undivided cytoplasm between the telophase I nuclei. During telophase I interzonal microtubules of the first meiotic spindle disappear, and new microtubular arrays extend from the nuclei towards the equatorial plane of the sporocyte. There, these microtubules form the phragmoplast. At the same time, the organelles migrate to the middle plane of dyad, where, in the form of a disc, they divide the sporocyte into two regions. The organelle aggregation is penetrated by tubular elements of the phragmoplast.
The second meiotic division takes place simultaneously on both sides of the equatorial organelle aggregation. At the end of telophase II, the equatorial organelle aggregation regroups in such a way, that it separates four posttelophase II nuclei. The microtubular arrays emanating from the telophase II nuclei form interconnections of all non-sister and sister nuclei. In the middle plane of these arrays and the organelle layers, the cell plates of the future tetrad are initiated.
These investigations suggest that both cytoskeletal configurations and organelles participate in the formation of nuclear-cytoplasmic regions (domains) of dividing sporocyte – mononucleate sporocyte, dyad, and four spore domains after the second meiotic division.

Key words: Ophioglossum, microtubular cytoskeleton, organelles, sporogenesis.


Total phenols and condensed tannins in the leaves of some Anthemideae species from Northeast Anatolia. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 861-865, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

In this study contents of total phenolics and condensed tannins in mature leaves of Anthemideae species from 5 genera different, namely, Anthemis L., Achillea L., Tanacetum L., Tripleurospermum Schultz Bip. and Artemisia L. collected from northeast Anatolia (Turkey) were studied. The highest contents of total phenolics and condensed tannins were found in leaves of Tanacetum coccineum ssp. chamaemelifolium (Sommier & Levier) Grierson (21.7 mg phenol eq/g dry wt) and T. sorbifolium (Boiss.) Grierson (159.3 mg phenol eq/g dry wt). Total phenolics content varied significantly (P = 0.01) among the species Tanacetum sorbifolium, T. coccineum ssp. chamaemelifolium, T. nitens (Boiss. & Noë) Grierson, T. argyrophyllum (C. Koch) Tzvelev, Tripleurospermum oreades (Boiss.) Rech. var. oreades and T. oreades var. tchihatchewii (Boiss.) E. Hossain. With regard to condensed tannins, the contents varied significantly (P = 0.01) in most of the studied Anthemideae species. Approximately, 33.3% of the studied species differed in total phenolic contents while all the species differed in condensed tannins content apparently due to their taxonomical relationships.

Key words: Anthemideae, condensed tannin, leaf, phenolics.


Photosynthetic pigments, chloroplast distribution and fine structure in vegetative buds of two spruce species. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 867-873, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Vegetative buds of spruce represent a developmental stage of the shoot. The rapid changes in anatomy and physiology of buds occur when the budding takes place. Chloroplast distribution and ultrastructure as well as the annual dynamics of photosynthetic pigments were investigated in two spruce species. It was found that chloroplasts inside the vegetative buds are distributed in the medulla and needle primordia. They contain a poorly developed thylakoid system and starch grains. The exposure of young needles to the environmental light did not cause the expected rapid increase in photosynthetic pigment content. The young needles needed a longer period of time (May to August) to reach the same level of photosynthetic pigments content as the needles formed in the previous season.

Key words: chloroplasts, P. abies, P. pungens, vegetative buds.


Cold induced changes in antioxidant enzymes activity in roots and leaves of two maize cultivars. 

Biologia, Bratislava, 58: 875-880, 2003; ISSN 0006-3088.

Chilling induced oxidative stress in plants has been a widely investigated object recently. In this study we focus on response of enzymatic antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase to low temperatures and to consequent re-exposure to optimal temperatures in maize. Samples from roots and leaves of two maize cultivars differing in chilling sensitivity (ULTRA and X0954D, obtained from Pioneer) cultivated in growth chamber in Hoagland nutrient solution were used for spectrophotometrical measurements of enzyme activities. The response of each analyzed antioxidant enzyme to chilling had different pattern. Differences were observed between the leaves and roots too. An induction of catalase and glutathione reductase activities in roots and SOD, APX and GR activities in leaves was observed during the chilling period. The results showed a rapid decline in SOD activity in roots and leaves during the early stages chilling period. Catalase and APX work in regulated co-operation in both tissues. Activities of SOD were coordinated with catalase, APX and GR in our experiments being induced uniformly after 5-day chilling treatment. Antioxidants response to chilling did not substantially correspond with chilling sensitivity of the two studied cultivars.

Key words: antioxidant enzymes, chilling, maize, Zea mays L., oxidative stress


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