rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Biodiversity Research and Conservationhttps://sciendo.com/journal/BIORChttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6470d61a71e4585e08aa6bff/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/BIORC140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.2<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>A new hybrid within the <italic>Hippochaete</italic> subgenus of <italic>Equisetum</italic> genus, <italic>Equisetum</italic> ×<italic>meridionale</italic> (Milde) Chiov. was discovered in Poland during the research conducted in 2022 at two locations in Kotlina Żywiecka (the Żywiec Basin) and Beskid Wyspowy (Island Beskids – Western Beskids) in the anthropogenic habitats in close proximity to <italic>Equisetum ramosissimum</italic>. The identity of the hybrid was unequivocally confirmed by macro-morphological observations, microscopic analysis and flow cytometry. The most pronounced macroscopic characteristics of the hybrid were the intermediate size of the shoots and leaf sheaths, which are black with long black teeth. The microscopic observations revealed that the hybrid has silica tubercles in the form of cross-bands, similarly as in the case of <italic>E. ramosissimum,</italic> but not in the form of two rows as in the case of <italic>E. variegatum.</italic> The measurements of the nuclear DNA content (2C values) revealed that the putative hybrid had a nuclear DNA content intermediate to that of the parental species, i.e. <italic>E. ramosissimum</italic> (56.13 pg) and <italic>E. variegatum</italic> (63.80 pg) obtained in the present studies and within the values previously reported for <italic>E.</italic> ×<italic>meridionale</italic> (60.7-61.2 pg).</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.22023-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.3<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In the Algerian steppe (Rogassa) overgrazing led to the reduction of the surface of the pasture land and its biodiversity. The objective of this work was to highlight the importance of the protected land in maintaining biodiversity and preserving the degraded areas. A mixed sampling for the two different sites was adopted, where fifty floristic surveys were conducted using the Braun-Blanquet method. The analysis of the real biological spectrum of the unprotected land was marked by the strong dominance of the therophytes. However, in the protected land the chamaephytes dominated all of the biological types. The analysis of the biogeographic spectra revealed the reappearance of the endemic species (+3%). The Shannon Index was very important in this matter (2.43). The Student’s t-test of the biodiversity’s index showed a highly significant difference between the two sites. The ascending hierarchical classification revealed that the protected land is subdivided into four groups dominated respectively by: <italic>Macrochloa tenacissima</italic>, <italic>Lygeum spartum</italic>, <italic>Artemisia erba-alba</italic> and <italic>Hordeum murinum</italic>. The results of the Jaccard dissimilarity index indicated a strong difference of the order of 80% between the two areas.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.32023-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.4<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>An ethnobotanical study was carried out in the Naâma region to gather information on the traditional therapeutic uses of a plant of medicinal interest, <italic>Saccocalyx satureioides</italic>, practiced by the local population. Using 40 questionnaires, ethnobotanical surveys were carried out in the province of Naâma between January and April 2015. The analysis of the data collected in the field made it possible to identify 17 diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney problems, certain diseases of the digestive tract, in particular those of the colon and the stomach, treated with <italic>S. satureioides</italic>. The results show that different parts of the plant (leaves, flowers, fruits and roots) are used in the form of decoction, maceration; they are cooked and powdered in therapeutic preparations.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.42023-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.1<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Christisonia flavirubens</italic> J.Mathew &amp; P.M.Salim (Orobanchaceae), a new holoparasitic plant species from the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India, is described based on morphological data. The diagnostic morphological characters, distribution and images of the new species are presented. Images and comparative characters of the reddish yellow coloured <italic>Christisonia</italic> species of the south Western Ghats are also provided for its easy identification.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.14746/biorc.2022.68.12023-01-28T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Indigofera vicioides</italic> Jaub. &amp; Spach (Fabaceae) is a paleotropical species and a rarely found legume of the Southern India. This was the first time it has been recorded in the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu. This article provides a detailed description of this finding together with images and field notes.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00082022-11-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0010<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Two subspecies of <italic>Pteridium aquilinum</italic> (L.) Kuhn: subsp. <italic>aquilinum</italic> and subsp. <italic>pinetorum</italic> occurring in Poland have been studied with respect to their micromorphological traits, in order to facilitate their differentiation. The micromorphology of marginal sori typical to <italic>Pteridium</italic> are described. Differences were found in the width of the outer membrane of indusium, the features of its edge (straight/notched) and the size and shape of the indusium cells. Moreover, the differentiating features turned out to be the frequency and length of the cillia on the edge of the indusium.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00102022-11-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0009<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Vatica chinensis</italic> L. is an endangered Dipterocarp, sparsely confined to the west-coastal regions of the Kerala and Karnataka part of the Western Ghats, especially in the sacred groves and the agro-ecosystems. The current population structure and distribution of the species in the Western Ghats region is poorly studied. Hence, the study attempts to assess the status of the existing populations and their potential distribution by using the Ecological Niche Modeling (ENM). The results indicated that the populations of <italic>Vatica chinensis</italic> were present outside the forest areas, with a very scattered distribution. Three large populations were identified in the Malabar region, especially in the sacred groves of poyilkavu, muchukunukavu and in the premises of the parappanangadi railway station. The poyilkavu sacred grove showed a higher density (68) compared to the other two sites. The potential distribution prediction, using the ENM, showed a higher probability in the central part of the Western Ghats and a moderate one in the northern part of the Western Ghats region. Furthermore, the high habitat specificity, the restricted distribution along with the anthropogenic intervention (construction of roads and railway lines) has significantly reduced the existing populations of <italic>Vatica chinensis</italic>. Therefore, urgent interventions are required to restore the populations of this endangered species. As part of initiating the restoration activity we have identified the potential niches and also raised sufficient seedlings for the restoration.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00092022-11-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0011<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Juniperus oxycedrus</italic> L. and <italic>Pistacia lentiscus</italic> L. are two taxa with a rigid or rigid enough structure caused by a solid pericarp resulting in a strong inhibition of the germination. The objective of this work was to test the effectiveness of certain pre-germinative treatments on the germination rate of the <italic>Juniperus oxycedrus</italic> and <italic>Pistacia lentiscus</italic> seeds with the aim of restoring perturbed ecosystems. In this context 180 seeds from each of the 2 examined species were tested in the laboratory (the number of repetitions is 5, to reach the degree of freedom 'ddl'). The seeds were divided into 4 groups of 20 seeds of each species and were treated as follows: 1) Immersion in the concentrated (95%) sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) for 10, 30 and 60 minutes; 2) Mechanical scarification with a scalpel; 3) Soaking in hot water (at 100°C) for 30 seconds, 60 seconds and 2 minutes; 4) Cold stratification at 5°C for 24 hours. There is also a control group of 20 seeds representing each of the two species, which remained neutral. In the case of the <italic>Juniperus oxycedrus</italic> seeds the results showed that the germination rate improves after the mechanical scarification with a scalpel (92%), followed by the cold stratification with water (86%) and a treatment with a concentrated sulphuric acid for 60 minutes (82%). The seeds were treated with H₂SO₄ for 10 and 30 minutes, respectively, soaked in hot water; the control lot did not germinate. The germination rate for the <italic>Pistacia lentiscus</italic> seeds is 88% after the mechanical scarification and 84% after the cold water stratification. On the other hand, the treatment with H₂SO₄ or after soaking in hot water does not allow for the germination of these seeds. The same result is observed on the control group (0% for 30 days).</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00112022-11-29T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0005<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In the article, new and historical locations of <italic>Carex brunnescens</italic> (Pers.) Poir. from Poland and the neighbouring regions are described. This species was found in 2019 at two stands in north-eastern Poland – on the peaty shores of two small lakes; one situated in the Suwałki Landscape Park and the other in the Augustów Forest. Three historical records, supported by the herbarium materials, from the turn of the 19^th and the 20^th centuries, were situated in the Lower Vistula region (north-central Poland), i.e. in the vicinity of Kielno, Nowe and Susz. The literature data indicates the existence of many stands in the historical Eastern Prussia, one of which was situated south of the Romnicka Forest in Poland and all the others in the Kaliningrad region. Moreover, numerous incorrect reports from the Sudetes and the Carpathians were discussed. As <italic>Carex brunnescens</italic> is probably extinct at all the historical locations in the present territory of Poland, the species deserves special attention and protection at the two recently indentified stands.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00052022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0007<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>A study on the importance of wind-induced canopy gaps was conducted in Kampinos National Park (Poland) between2018 and 2021. Two types of habitats were considered – dry mesotrophic oak forest and wet Scots pine forest (<italic>Molinio- Pinetum</italic>). Canopy gaps were characterized by higher plant species richness than in adjacent areas, and their effect was weaker in oligotrophic coniferous forest than in mesotrophic deciduous oak stand.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00072022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Between 2015 and 2020 a study was conducted on the diversity of ruderal vegetation of the <italic>Stellarietea mediae</italic> class on the territory of Ukraine. It was discovered that this class consists of 48 associations from 12 alliances and 5 orders (<italic>Aperetalia spicae-venti</italic>, <italic>Atriplici-Chenopodietalia albi</italic>, <italic>Eragrostietalia</italic>, <italic>Papaveretalia rhoeadis</italic>, <italic>Sisymbrietalia sophiae</italic>). Based on the results of ordination analysis it was found that the distribution of annual ruderal communities is determined by the variation of moisture, soil aeration as well as carbonate and nitrogen content.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00062022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0003<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The origins of scientific nature collections in Wielkopolska (Western Poland) date back to the seventeenth century. Their development was repeatedly disrupted by major events, including two world wars fought in Poland in the twentieth century. The rescued historical collections as well as specimens of algae, plants, fungi and animals systematically collected after 1945 are now stored under optimal conditions at the Faculty of Biology of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (FBAMU). The current collections include approximately 2.2 million pre-catalogued objects that document not only the biodiversity of Wielkopolska and Poland but also that of many regions of the world on all continents. Specimens included in the FBAMU are used extensively in taxonomic, biogeographic, phylogenetic, ecological and genetic studies. The collections also have significant educational value and help disseminate knowledge about biodiversity.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00032022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The paper describes the interfaces implemented in the AMUNATCOLL IT system, which enable access to and explorationand manipulation of data available in the database containing unique natural collections from the Faculty of Biology of Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (FBAMU). Data can be accessed using the two available interfaces: graphical and programming application interfaces. The first is implemented in two forms: a portal, which is the main interface for accessingthe data stored in the database, and a mobile application that complements functions related to field research and creating private collections. To deliver the required set of operations, the portal was equipped with simplified and advanced searching, statistical analysis and spatial processing (BioGIS). Data openness and the ability to collaborate with other solutions and systems are key elements in achieving synergies in conducting research on biodiversity. AMUNATCOLL IT offers an opportunity to respond to these challenges, enabling data export for independent processing with external tools related to portal functionality or giving access to data directly using an application programming interface. Graphical interfaces are subject to numerous requirements and restrictions reflected in the graphic design and accessibility issues related to the accommodation of disabled individuals. These interfaces must properly address both groups of target recipients, considering their different goals and level of knowledge, as well as adjusting the level of interaction due to the limitations of using the interface.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00022022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper describes the procedures and operational aspects related to the proper storage and handling of taxonomic, biogeographic and ecological data of biological specimens digitised under the AMUNATCOLL project. In the introductory phase of this process, the definition of the metadata is carried out, which is the formal handler of the structure, based upon the analysis of existing standards. The set of parameters derived from the standard is extended by data that is important according to the point of view of the specificity and functionality of the developed system. Subsequently, the database, as a key element in many IT systems, must be set up for data storage along with the suitable structure that reinforces efficiency. The process of preparing and casting a large amount of data requires automated procedures with dedicated tools attached. These approaches address a variety of processes starting from data preparation, where occasionally conversion must occur, aggregation and finally validation, which guarantees that data apply defined rules. Above all, dedicated operational procedures must be defined and applied to enable proper handling of the entire process.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00012022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-0004<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This paper describes a project aimed at digitizing and openly sharing the natural history collections (AMUNATCOLL) of the Faculty of Biology at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (Poland). The result of this project is a database (including 2.2 million records) of plant, fungal and animal specimens, which is available online via the AMUNATCOLL portal and on the Global Biodiversity Information Facility website. This article presents selected aspects of the “life cycle” of this project, with a particular focus on its preparatory phase.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2022-00042022-11-11T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The seedling quality is one of the most important factors for the success of reforestation programs. In this sense, this work aimed to evaluate the effects of substrate on the germination of cork oak acorns from El Aouana forest, located in the Jijel region of north-eastern Algeria, and on the performance of seedlings, particularly their growth. The experiment was performed in the nursery of the Tlemcen Forest Conservation. For this purpose, five substrates were used: S1 (sand), S2 (topsoil), S3 (potting soil), S4 (1/2 sand + 1/2 topsoil) and S5 (1/3 sand + 1/3 topsoil + 1/3 potting soil). Germination and survival rates, and seedling morphological traits: average height of seedlings, average root collar diameter, stem height/root collar diameter ratio (H/D), average number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf width and leaf area, were evaluated. Results obtained after 16 months of monitoring in the nursery showed high germination rates of 91.4%, with an average survival rate of 89.5%, and significant differences were recorded between the substrates tested. In terms of growth, the best results were obtained with the potting soil substrate (S3) for all parameters. The lowest yields were recorded in seedlings grown on sand alone (S1).</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-00082022-04-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-0009<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p><italic>Seidenfia manikathila</italic> J.Mathew, P.M. Salim &amp; Szlach. (Orchidaceae), a new species from the southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India, is described and illustrated based on morphological data. We demonstrate that the new species differs from other <italic>Seidenfia</italic> species both in vegetative and floral characters. The diagnostic morphological characters, distribution and images of the new species are presented in this paper. Images and key to the known species of <italic>Seidenfia</italic> coming under the section <italic>Seidenfia</italic> from India (<italic>S. densiflora</italic>, <italic>S. intermedia</italic>, <italic>S. malabarica</italic>, <italic>S. rheedi</italic>, <italic>S. versicolor</italic>) is also provided.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-00092022-04-22T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-0006<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Hot pepper (<italic>Capsicum annuum</italic> 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.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-00062021-12-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-0005<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>In the publication “Typifications, new combinations and new synonyms in Indian <italic>Impatiens</italic> (Balsaminaceae)” by Singh, R. K. <italic>et al</italic>. (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 <italic>Impatiens</italic> 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 <italic>et al</italic>. (2021) with scientific evidences based on illustrations from types and colour photographs from fresh collections.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-00052021-12-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-0007<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>An interesting specimen of <italic>Ficus</italic> L. was collected from the Idukki district of Kerala. Based on detailed examination with protologues, literatures and type specimens, the plant was identified as <italic>Ficus virens</italic> Aiton var. <italic>dispersa</italic> 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.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/biorc-2021-00072021-12-30T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1