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.
