In the flora of Ukraine, 48 findings of the spontaneous spread of the alien species Nepeta racemosa Lam. were recorded: 30 records within the introduction centers and 18 outside the boundaries of cultivation. A brief morphological description of the plants is provided, and their ecological and biological features are investigated. It was found that all the habitats of this species in Ukraine were confined to synanthropic biotopes: decorative cultivated biotopes (parks, squares, lawns, flower gardens), residential and technotopes (biotope complexes of built-up areas, garbage and solid waste landfills). Most often, the plants grow in cracks in sidewalks and asphalt. According to time of introduction, N. racemosa belongs to neophytes, and according to method of introduction to ergasiophytes. The species requires further monitoring to assess the likelihood of its further spread within and beyond urban environments.
This study investigated the physiological and molecular responses of two common bean ( Phaseolus vulgari s L.) genotypes, “Balkız” and “Local Genotype”, which differ in their relative heat tolerance, with the “Local Genotype” being more tolerant than “Balkız”, to high-temperature stress during the seedling stage, aiming to identify genotype-specific physiological and biochemical responses and to determine reliable indicators of thermotolerance. Leaf relative water content (RWC), turgor loss, membrane damage, proline levels, total soluble protein (TSP), and the expression of heat shock proteins HSP23 and HSP60 were examined. The “Local Genotype” exhibited greater thermotolerance, with lower membrane damage while the temperature at which 50% injury occurs (LT50) was higher, despite the accumulation of less proline than “Balkız”. Genotype-specific variations detected in protein expression indicate distinct biochemical responses to heat stress. HSP23 showed a rapid, transient increase at moderate temperature (40 °C) in both genotypes, suggesting it has a role in early heat stress response. HSP60 levels were maintained near LT50 temperatures, supporting sustained stress adaptation, but declined at 48 °C, reflecting extreme stress rather than genotype-specific differences. These findings emphasize LT50 and HSP dynamics as key indicators of thermotolerance and provide insights for understanding heat stress responses in common bean seedlings.
This study reports the first discovery of Sisyrinchium micranthum in Tunisia, marking the species' inaugural record on the African mainland and along the southern Mediterranean coast. The paper provides a concise morphological description of the species, an account of its phenology, and detailed information on its distribution, habitat, and ecological context in Tunisia. Additionally, we present original photographs of this diminutive annual species. An updated key to the diversity of the Iridaceae family in North Africa is also included.
In this study, the cypsela features of eight Senecio species in Türkiye ( Senecio olympicus Boiss., S. paludosus L., S. tauricolus VA. Matthews, S. salsuginea H. Duman & Vural, S. castagneanus DC., S. fluviatilis Wallr., S. pseudo-orientalis Schischk., and S. racemosus (M. Bieb.) DC.) were investigated in detail using light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A very thick and darkly stained cuticle layer was observed on the epidermal cells of all the species examined. Papillae were observed only in epidermal cells of S. olympicus Boiss, and sclerenchyma cells were less developed in the cypsela. In the other seven species, well-developed sclerenchyma tissue was found along the pericarp wall in the form of a semicircle, in bundles, or around the secretory ducts. Although secretion ducts were observed along the cypsela wall in the mid-layer cells of S. olympicus , S. tauricolus , S. castagneanus , and S. fluviatilis , no secretion ducts were observed in the other four species. Although prismatic calcium oxalate crystals were observed in the intermediate (mid) layer of S. tauricolus, S. castagneanus , and S. pseudo-orientalis , no crystals were found in the other five species. Phytomelanin accumulation was found in the schizogenic spaces between the outer and intermediate layers of S. olympicus , S. paludosus , S. tauricolus , S. castagneanus , S. pseudo-orientalis , and S. racemosus , but not in S. salsuginea and S. fluviatilis .
A conspicuous wetland species, Lathyrus palustris L. with Holarctic distribution has been discovered as new for the flora of Slovenia, although the wetland flora and vegetation of the country is relatively well studied. We recorded the species in the area of the intermittent Lake Cerknica, growing in different herbaceous wetland plant communities. The ecology fits the data from the surrounding regions. Our finding fills an important gap in the distribution area between Southeastern and Central Europe, where the species’ rarity has resulted in it being declared endangered and accordingly protected.
During light and scanning electron microscope observations of marine benthic diatoms on various substrates in the eastern Adriatic Sea and the western Black Sea, we discovered a peculiarly structured amphoroid diatom species. The species was characterised by semi-elliptic to semi-lanceolate valves with distinctly protracted capitate to occasionally rostrate apices, a dorsal valve side crossed by transapical slits, a wide dorsal marginal ridge, biseriate dorsal striae internally, and usually lacking ventral striae externally, except for one or two poroids at the apices. Following a search in the literature, this taxon could only be identified as Halamphora yundangensis, a recently described species from the southeastern coasts of China. Here we present the first verified observation of this species in the Mediterranean Region. After thorough analyses of the observed populations in scanning electron microscopy and a literature overview, we provide an emended description of the species, and additional information enabling/justifying its separation from similar taxa occurring in the Mediterranean Region. Notes on the ecology and distribution of the species based on the new observations are also given.
This study reports the isolation of two natural compounds, zearalenone and hyrtiosulawesine, from the endophytic fungus Penicillium chrysogenum isolate SR192 which is associated with the invasive plant species Solanum rostratum . In general, both isolated compounds exhibited a dose-dependent stimulatory effect on the growth of four weed species when concentrations ranging from 5 to 100 µg mL-1 were tested. However, suppressive effects were observed when the concentration was increased to 500 µg mL-1, suggesting a biphasic response. Our findings indicate that these compounds have the potential to be further investigated as environment-friendly plant growth regulatory agents.
This study presents the first records of Potamogeton compressus L. and P. friesii Rupr. in the Caucasus, where both are confined to Lake Tabatskuri, Georgia. Potamogeton compressus was identified from 1965 herbarium specimens found in TGM, while P. friesii was documented in 2023. These findings extend their known southern ranges, highlighting the importance of high-altitude lakes in preserving boreal aquatic flora in the South Caucasus.
Acalypha is a genus native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world and eastern North America and Asia, with some species considered as aliens in Eurasia. The European flora is reported to include four species, all occurring in Italy according to Plant of the World Online database. As part of the ongoing studies of the flora of Treviso Province (Veneto region, north-eastern Italy), we came across to a population of A. rhomboidea Raf. which represents not only the first record for Veneto and the second one for the Italian flora, but also the fifth discovery of the species out of its native range; a description of the species (the first one for Italy), ecological remarks, and a map of the European occurrences are provided.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used due to their specific physico-chemical properties, but their release in wastewater poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems. The microalga Chlorella vulgaris is often used as a model organism in toxicological research. Since this alga can switch from an autotrophic to a mixotrophic mode of life, we investigated whether glucose as an additional energy source can mitigate AgNP phytotoxic effects. Algae were cultivated in a nutrient medium with and without glucose and treated with a concentration of AgNPs allowing 60% cell survival. The effects were studied by monitoring oxidative stress and photosynthesis parameters. In the absence of glucose, AgNPs caused significant accumulation of reactive oxygen species, increased lipid peroxidation and carotenoid content with weak activation of antioxidant enzymes. In addition, reduced photosynthetic efficiency and ultrastructural damage were observed. The addition of glucose to AgNP treatments attenuated all negative effects by reducing oxidative stress and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, C. vulgaris cells exposed in glucose-enriched media showed recovered photosynthesis by exhibiting the photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of control algae. Ultrastructural analysis showed greater synthesis of lipid droplets and less structural damage. The study shows that glucose supplementation effectively mitigates the phytotoxic effects of AgNPs on C. vulgaris . By reducing oxidative stress, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and restoring photosynthetic function, glucose helps maintain cellular integrity and overall algal health in the presence of AgNPs, which suggests that mixotrophic cultivation may represent a protective strategy against nanoparticle-induced toxicity in aquatic microalgae.
dubia (L.) Pennell, a species of American origin, is reported for the first time from the South Caucasus. In 2023, a relatively large population of L. dubia was found in the Chorokhi River floodplain in the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Georgia, the South Caucasus. The species is considered to be intensively spreading around temperate and subtropical regions worldwide, commonly occupying disturbed wetland habitats. The new record further expands the introduced range of the species in the Caucasus, where it was first reported from rice-growing regions of the Krasnodar Territory in 2017.
diatom species, despite their subtle morphological traits, play a pivotal role in harmful algal blooms (HABs) and mucilage formation, making their identification a critical challenge. This study combines molecular and morphological approaches to characterize diatom species associated with the extensive mucilage observed in Turkish coastal waters between 2020 and 2021. Among the findings, Minutocellus polymorphus (Hargraves & Guillard) Hasle, Stosch & Syvertsen and Fistulifera saprophila (Lange-Bertalot & Bonik) Lange-Bertalot whose molecular phylogenetic analysis was carried out by sequencing small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS), are reported for the first time in Turkish waters, expanding our understanding of local biodiversity. Additionally, Pseudo-nitzschia pungens (Grunow ex Cleve) G.R.Hasle was molecularly characterized for the first time in the Sea of Marmara using large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU rDNA) and ITS sequences. These results underscore the indispensable role of molecular techniques in uncovering the hidden diversity of diatoms and their potential contribution to HABs and mucilage events. By linking these findings to the ongoing mucilage phenomenon, this study offers significant insights into the ecological dynamics of the Sea of Marmara and highlights the need for integrative approaches in future research.
This study presents the first verified checklist of Carex taxa in Kosovo, based on field surveys (2022–2024), herbarium revisions and literature analyses. We recorded 52 species, including 19 subspecies and 1 variety, as well as 2 hybrids. Among them are 15 taxa newly reported for the flora of Kosovo. Most of the records come from the Sharri Mountains and the Albanian Alps of Kosovo, both national parks, although significant populations occur throughout the country. Several taxa are restricted to single localities, emphasising the urgent need for conservation efforts. These results refine the taxonomy and distribution of Carex in Kosovo and provide an important basis for future molecular and conservation studies in the Balkans.
archeri (Berk.) Dring, an alien saprotrophic fungus originating from Australia and New Zealand has been present in Europe for over 100 years. From its first observation in 1920 in France, it has spread all over Europe, and is among the better surveyed alien saprotrophic fungi with respect to its spread and distribution. Despite this, data about C. archeri in Croatia in the scientific literature are very scarce. To fill the current gap on the presence and distribu-tion of C. archeri in Croatia, we collected reliable available data on its presence, analysed several environmental factors (climate, soil acidity, topography) on those localities, and developed habitat suitability models using Maxent software. We found out that the fungus has been present in Croatia for over 20 years, so we synthesized information on 25 obser-vations, which were all but one placed in the Continental NATURA 2000 biogeographical region of the country. Locali-ties were situated between 104 and 532 m a.s.l., with mean annual temperatures ranging from 8.1 to 10.9 degrees C, and annual precipitation ranging between 815 and 1620 mm. On all localities acid soil reactions were present with pH values below 6.8. Although the current number of observations is moderate, in terms of its spatial distribution we can consider C. archeri a widespread alien fungus in Croatia. Based on the habitat suitability models developed here, and data about its ecology from the literature, we can expect more and spatially broader observations of C. archeri in the future.
Cenchrus setaceus (Forssk.) Morrone has been included in the list of invasive alien species of Union Concern (the EU list) since 2017. This means that the species can no longer be imported, cultivated, transported, commercialized, planted, or intentionally released into the environment in the whole of the European Union. Despite this, the species was recently found in the wild in Crete. The species was observed in 2024 along the route between the cities of Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, i.e. over a distance of more than 60 kilometers. Research into the presence of the species in Crete revealed that it was also known to occur on the western side of the island (Chania area) from 2020 onwards. Given the relative extent of the species’ local distribution area, it appears that the species is either a recent, very rapidly expanding weed, or that it has been overlooked for several years. It is especially alarming that the species is currently still being planted in new green areas, both public and private, and is therefore apparently still available for sale in the local horticultural trade, despite EU regulations. Details of these first records, including a distribution map and new illustrations, are presented.
The dioecious species Amaranthus tuberculatus (Moq.) J.D.Sauer, native to North America and a major weed of agricultural fields and riparian habitats, was discovered on the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River in the late summer of 2024, apparently for the first time in Portugal. The species occurs here in exceptionally large numbers, with probably tens of thousands of plants, and in numerous locations on the sandy and gravelly banks of the river in the Ribatejo area, roughly between Azambuja and Azinhaga, over a distance of about 60 kilometers. It may also occur further upstream, where no prospecting has been carried out but where suitable habitats are also available. Considering its current distribution and the number of plants observed, the species has either been present in the region for a long time but has been overlooked (although no older observations could be found on e.g. GBIF or iNaturalist, not even under other amaranth species names), or it is indeed a recent introduction that is spreading very rapidly. However, it can certainly be considered an invasive species. Here, the current naturalized range of the species in Europe and the Mediterranean area is critically reevaluated. Although the species is known from relatively many countries, it is currently only naturalized with certainty in Israel, Italy, Croatia, Serbia and now Portugal. The species is described and illustrated and a local distribution map is presented; notes on its ecology are also given.
Pyrogallol (PG) is a polyphenol naturally occurring in the leaves and fruits of various plants and is widely utilized as an active component in pharmaceuticals. Although the allelopathic activities of phenolic compounds are well-documented, the allelopathic effects of pyrogallol under heavy metal stress remain poorly understood. This study investigated the effects of PG on oxidative stress indicators, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant responses, and leaf gas exchange parameters in maize ( Zea mays L.) seedlings under arsenic (As) stress. The combined treatment with PG and As led to a significant 5-fold increase in arsenic accumulation compared to treatment with As alone. This application also caused excessive oxidative stress, which exceeded the antioxidant system’s capacity. Although the application of PG or As alone enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes, their combined application suppressed these enzymes, reducing total antioxidant capacity. Similarly, the combination of PG and As caused a significant decline in photosynthetic performance, further disrupting redox balance and physiological stability. These findings reveal the synergistic toxicity of PG and As, which severely impair plant metabolism. In As-contaminated soils, phenolic compounds like PG may intensify oxidative stress, influencing plant physiology, depending on the concentration. This study underscores the importance of careful management of phenolic compounds in agricultural systems exposed to heavy metal pollution.
This paper presents a phytosociological study of grassland communities in the transition zone between the Mediterranean and Temperate regions in the interior of southern Croatia. Thirty-two vegetation relevés were carried out according to the phytosociological approach of Braun-Blanquet. A new association belonging to the Saturejion subspicatae alliance and characterised by hemicryptophytic dominance, namely Saturejo subspicatae-Scabiosetum delminianae , including three subassociations – typicum , jurinetosum mollis and dalmatocytisetosum dalmatici is described and discussed from a floristic and ecological point of view.
Croceous glands are yellowish glands that occur exclusively in some species of Senega Spach (Polygalaceae). These glands are especially conspicuous in reproductive organs, such as the fruits, but their structure, origin, and secretion are still uncertain. The objective of this study is to determine the nature of the croceous glands in Senega from an analysis of the fruits of Senega longicaulis (Kunth) J.F.B. Pastore. Flowers and fruits at different developmental stages were analysed through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to investigate the origin, structure, and composition of the secretion of the glands. Croceous glands of the pericarp are cavities that originate early, while still in the ovary, through a schizolysigenous process. In addition, new glands are formed de novo during fruit development, and the persistent calyx observed surrounding the fruit, also has such cavities. The secretory tissue is constituted by a single layer of epithelial cells, lining a spheroidal lumen that stores the secretion. The exudate is composed of essential oils, indicating functions related to protection against herbivory and microbial attacks. Our results partially diverge from previous reports, and further comprehensive analyses of Polygalaceae glands are essential to understand the nature of croceous glands and the evolution of defence strategies within the family.
Cyanobacteria play important roles in soil fertility and soil productivity. Diverse filamentous cyanobacteria due to their ability to add nitrogen and organic carbon to soil and to maintain the physical properties of soil are undoubtedly one of the important groups of cyanobacteria. The present study aimed to understand the diversity of filamentous cyanobacteria (both heterocystous and non-heterocystous) obtained from saline/alkaline soils of Uttar Pradesh, India. Fuzzy cluster analyses of 47 filamentous cyanobacteria based on their cellular dimensions showed high inter-generic diversity among heterocystous cyanobacteria while in non-heterocystous cyanobacteria both inter- and intra-generic diversity was observed. The results of the present study indicated that the dimensions of vegetative cells and heterocysts can be useful for the identification and differentiation of cyanobacteria belonging to Hapalosiphon and Lyngbya. Physiological characterization also revealed a great deal of variation (5-15%) in salinity tolerance. Multiplex HIP fingerprinting revealed a higher genetic diversity in heterocystous (12-76% similarity) than in non-heterocystous cyanobacteria (13-90% similarity). Heterocystous cyanobacteria like Aulosira laxa O. Kirchner ex Bornet & Flahault, Hapalosiphon sp. and Nostoc sp. showed high intra-generic variability while among the non-heterocystous ones, Lyngbya was found to be genetically highly heterogeneous. The results of the present study highlight the importance of morpho-physiological and genetic analyses in deciphering the diversity of filamentous cyanobacteria for the understanding of their population structure, ecology and adaptations.
