Turczaninowia

First report of Torenia concolor (Linderniaceae) from India and notes on typification of associated names

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Torenia concolor is a Southeast Asian species, originally described from Hong Kong, and is known to be distributed in China (incl. Taiwan), Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam. As a result of material revision at different herbaria, collections of T. concolor from Indian borders were found at CAL and GUBH, and therefore this species is reported from India for the first time. Lectotype of T. concolor is also designated here, along with typification of some associated names. Torenia rubens is synonymized as a junior synonym of T. diffusa.

Biosystematic and molecular genetic study of Berberis (Berberidaceae) from North of Iran

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

There are 500 species of Berberis in the Berberidaceae family, which are native to temperate and subtropical regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. The present study investigates molecular relationships and micromorphology of pollen and epidermis of the Berberis in North of Iran, since it is a very important medicinal plant. This study examined 15 individuals from the Chahar Bagh region of Golestan province belonging to four species and one interspecific hybrid. Leaf epidermis and pollen grains were studied using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In order to analyze the sequences of the ITS nuclear genome, various software programs were used. In the studied species, irregular, rounded, and polygonal epidermal cells were observed, along with anticline, smooth, and wavy wall patterns. In all species, the pollen is spherical and the pollen ornamentation are smooth in B. integerrima, granular in B. vulgaris, microperforate in B. orthobotrys, and microechinate in B. crataegina. Phylogenetic analysis shows high support for monophyly of Berberis species in the nrDNA ITS tree (PP = 1, ML BS = 100, MP BS = 100). Molecular and micromorphological features were found to be able to separate the five species in Chahar Bagh region. These results provide researchers with basic information to explore this valuable genus based on the findings of this study.

The diversity of bread wheat landraces from Asia and synthetic hexaploid wheat by alleles of loci linked to the SKr gene – a suppressor of crossability of bread wheat with rye

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Hybridization of bread wheat (BW) with rye is one of the ways to enrich its gene pool. The main control of crossability of BW with rye is carried out by the suppressor SKr. Previously, we demonstrated diagnostic efficiency of marker loci cfb341, TGlc2, gene12 and gene13, closely linked to SKr, for searching BW accessions in the VIR collection with high/low crossability, and identified new alleles of these loci in accessions from Eastern Siberia and Pakistan. In order to expand the search for rye-compatible accessions, a set of 108 BW landraces from Asia was studied. The accessions from Mongolia, Pakistan, India were the most polymorphic on marker loci, while the least polymorphic were from Turkey and Iran. In total, eight haplotypes were identified based on allelic composition of the loci, one of which was new. Accessions with haplotypes containing rare/new alleles were distributed into groups, which on their origin corresponded to the main routes of BW spread from Western to Eastern Asia. Rye-compatible forms were not only in China and Japan, but also in Pakistan, Mongolia, Afghanistan.

As a new source of diversity for BW, 30 synthetic hexaploid wheat (SHW) accessions were studied, in which the SKr gene was also involved in controlling crossability with rye. Many SHW had high crossability but were less polymorphic on marker loci than BW. However, the used DNA-markers were not as effective in identifying SHW with high/low crossability, that may point to the involvement also of other genes in controlling this trait.

Identified rye-compatible accessions BW and SHW with а allele-trait association can be used as new sources in fundamental research and in breeding.

Desert species Tribulus cistoides (Zygophyllaceae), rediscovery in India after 150 years

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Tribulus cistoides is rediscovered after 150 years in India from the Sikar district in the Rajasthan State. This study also reported first natural location of this species for flora of India since no one has reported its occurrence in wild in India. The species is closely allied to T. terrestris and T. rajasthanensis but differs in having larger flower with longer style and 2 larger and 2 shorter spines. The authors suggest calculating its IUCN status on the basis of IUCN red list criteria. For this purpose, more field exploration surveys with detailed studies are needed to know its status in India, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

The genus Tribulus belonging to family Zygophyllaceae is represented in India by 6 species and 3 varieties. The present paper envisages with its taxonomic description, photo plates, distribution map and identification key with their closely allied species for easy identification.

Nomenclatural notes on two Indian endemic Symplocos (Symplocaceae)

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Symplocos anamallayana and S. foliosa are endemic and threatened tree species of southern Western Ghats, India. In this paper, we clarify the typification of names of these two species to fix the identity and to avoid misapplication of names, because no original material was cited in the protologues of these taxa. Detailed taxonomic description of the two species with coloured photoplates is provided for easy identification. The recently described S. sisparensis is treated as a new synonym of S. foliosa.

The study of citrus plant evolution based on repetitive genomic elements, chloroplast genome, and 35S rDNA

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

In our study, we analyzed the repeatomes of 12 Citrus plants, including 4 ancestral species and 8 the most widespread cultivated species. We detected an atypically high content of “Athila” and “Sire” LTR retrotransposons for angiosperms. For these plants, phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the nuclear repeatome, plastome, and 35S rDNA cistron, using sequencing data from open databases and, for the first time, sequencing data from our collection. The analysis demonstrated that the plastome carries a strong phylogenetic signal, which is most consistent with the updated classification of the Citrus genus, showing a distinct pattern compared to the other two phylogenetic trees.

Three new vascular plant species in the flora of the Tyumen Region

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Three species of vascular plants: Actaea cimicifuga, Petrosimonia litwinowii, and Trichophorum alpinum, have been recorded for the first time in the Tyumen Region. For each species, the exact location is provided, along with the geographical coordinates of the finds and the description of the ecotopes. The most likely reason for the expansion of the distribution area of these species is the anthropogenic transformation of natural landscapes.

New records of cyanobacteria and algae for the territory of Russia and the Russian Far East. Part 2

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The article represents a continuation of the series devoted to the findings of new taxa of cyanobacteria and algae for the territory of Russia and the Russian Far East. An integrative approach was employed in the analysis of samples from architectural structures in Vladivostok and soils from the Jewish Autonomous Region and Sakhalin Region, resulting in the identification of three taxa: Inacoccus carmineus (Cyanobacteria) has been identified as new to Russia, while Pseudochlorella pringsheimii and Pseudomuriella schumacherensis (Chlorophyta) are new to the Russian Far East. A concise characterization of the morphology of the studied isolates and the general distribution of taxa is provided.

New findings of grasses for the flora of Kyrgyzstan

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

This article presents data on plant species of the family that are new to the flora of Kyrgyzstan. These new recorded species were identified as a result of the revision of herbarium specimens stored in the Herbarium of Institute of Biology KNAS (FRU). The new findings of grasses for the flora are supplemented with synonymy, distribution data, habitat information, taxonomic notes, pinpoint maps, and a list of studied specimens. Poa fragilis was collected in the Inner Tien Shan in the Kalboor River basin, and in Alaya in the Tegelek River basin. Poa urssulensis is a widespread species on the territory of Kyrgyzstan, the points for which are marked: Northern Kyrgyzstan, the Issyk-Kul region, the Western Tian Shan, the Fergana region. Deschampsia pamirica was collected in the Inner Tian Shan.

Identification of representatives of the genus Pulsatilla (Ranunculaceae) and their hybrids using convolutional neural networks

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The presence of a limited number of reliable morphological features and a high level of interspecific hybridization in representatives of the genus Pulsatilla Mill. complicates their identification. In this study, the authors made a successful attempt to identify hybrids using various artificial intelligence tools. The initial data included 50 images of basal leaf blades for P. multifida, P. turczaninovii, and 8 for hybrid plants. An established computer vision approach to solving the classification problem using pre-trained convolutional neural networks was applied. First, classifiers based on the ResNet50 model were trained, the F1-score for which was 0.99. Then, it was shown that tools such as Google Teachable Machine (TM) and Personal Image Classifier (PIC) can be used for rapid prototyping of such solutions with virtually no knowledge of artificial intelligence technologies and programming skills. All test samples of P. turczaninovii and P. multifida were classified correctly.

Chromosome numbers in some alien plant species of the Novosibirsk Region: post VII

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

This paper presents chromosome numbers (2n) for 11 alien species from the families Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, Brassicaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Iridaceae, Onagraceae, Poaceae, collected in the Novosibirsk Region. For Astragalus contortuplicatus (2n = 16), Chamaecytisus ruthenicus (2n = 48), chromosome numbers were determined for the first time on the material from Russia; for Cerinthe minor (2n = 18) – from Asian Russia; for Solidago gigantea (2n = 36) and Iris pseudacorus (2n = 34) – from Siberia. Chromosome numbers on the material from the Novosibirsk Region were revealed for the first time for Senecio vulgaris (2n = 40), Epilobium adenocaulon (2n = 36), Lolium perenne (2n = 14). The mitotic metaphase plates’ photos of 8 species are given. For all the species studied, brief notes on their general distribution and dispersal in the Novosibirsk Region are provided. The literature data on chromosome numbers from Russia are given. In cases, when the chromosome number was first determined on the Russian specimens, the corresponding references from other regions of the World where presented.

A revision of the lichen genus Protopannaria (Pannariaceae, Peltigerales, lichenized Ascomycota) in the Russian Far East with a new record to Russia

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

During the revision of the lichen genus Protopannaria in the Russian Far East an epiphyte lichen species new to Russia is reported. Protopannaria corticola previously known only from Sichuan Province of China (Himalayas) was found in montane coniferous and riparian deciduous forests on bark of conifer and deciduous trees in the northern and middle Sakhalin and the north-eastern Sikhote-Alin Mountain Range in the Khabarovsk Territory. The record of the species in the Russian Far East shows a rather major disjunction (ca. 4600 km) of the species area. Detailed original descriptions and distinctive features with illustrations for two representatives of the genus – Protopannaria corticola и P. pezizoides – are presented. One specimen of Fuscopannaria poeltii reported for Sakhalin earlier was reidentified as Protopannaria corticola, so the species was excluded from the lichen species list of Sakhalin and Russia.

New and rare species of fam. Cruciferae for the flora of the Russian Far East

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The study is devoted to clarifying the geographical distribution of Barbarea arcuata, Camelina silvestris, Hesperis pycnotricha, Turritis borealis, and Velarum tzvelevii within the Russian Far East. With the exception of Turritis borealis, all the species are genetically elements of European flora. The results of this work are based on an analysis of the geographical distribution of the presented species and on a review of herbarium materials on them in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Siberia, Middle Asia, Kazakhstan and the Far East from the collections of LE.

Finds of new and rare plant species in Southern Siberia (Novosibirsk and Kemerovo Regions, Krasnoyarsk Territory)

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

In the course of field studies, analysis of previously published works and review of materials stored in the collection funds of NS, SSHZ, information on the distribution of rare alien and native plant species in the Novosibirsk and Kemerovo regions, Krasnoyarsk Territory was clarified. Allium × proliferum was discovered for the first time in the flora of Siberia, Cirsium alatum, Polygonum calcatum and P. patulum were noted for the first time in the flora of Novosibirsk Region, Carex nigra and Pilosella novosibirskensis were noted in the flora of Krasnoyarsk Territory. New locations were revealed and range boundaries were clarified for 8 rare alien species and the species encountered rare: Capsicum annuum, Carex vesicata, Citrullus lanatus, Echinocystis lobata, Echinops sphaerocephalus, Galega orientalis, Oxalis stricta and Solanum lycopersicum. For the first time in the Sayano-Shushensky Nature Reserve, Carex nigra, C. vesicata, Echinocystis lobata and Oxalis stricta were noted, and in the Shushensky Bor National Park – Capsicum annuum, Citrullus lanatus, Echinops sphaerocephalus, Solanum lycopersicum and Oxalis stricta.

Lichenicolous fungi growing on Myelochroa in the Far East of Russia

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

An augmented species concept is proposed for Arthonia pepei s. l. based on its finding on the new host genus Myelochroa. A brief description of Burgoa cf. angulosa, first found on Myelochroa and characterized by erumpent and mainly orange grey instead of superficial and whitish bulbils, is given. Plectocarpon diedertzianum, previously known only from India, is recorded from Russia. Lichenostigma alpinum s. l. is first recorded on Myelochroa. To date, 11 species of lichenicolous fungi are known to grow on Myelochroa, one of which was documented only on this host genus. Lichenicolous fungi were detected on 1 % of herbarium specimens of Myelochroa from the south of the Russian Far East.

New record of Pleurotus eryngii on the territory of the Tarbagatai National Park (Kazakhstan)

2025-10-14T10:12:38+07:00

New data on the distribution of Pleurotus eryngii in Kazakhstan are presented; the species is first reported for the Kazakh Altai, Tarbagatai State National Nature Park and the Abay Region. The exact location and description of the find are given. Additionally, photos in their natural habitat are presented.

Two new morphometric parameters proposed to classify CRENATE-phytoliths of the Pooideae Benth.

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The article proposes two additional morphometric parameters (L1 and L2) for classifying Crenate phytoliths of grass leaves into two submorphotypes: Crenate_lobate (CRE_LOB) and Crenate_sinuate (CRE_SIN). L1 characterizes the size of the lobe (wave), and L2 − the degree of its expression. Both morphometric parameters are calculated based on width and inscribed radius characteristics. The study examined 12 species of grasses belonging to three tribes (Poeae, Meliceae and Triticeae). Six species of grasses predominantly have CRE_LOB phytoliths, while the other six have CRE_SIN. Statistical data analysis revealed differences in the phytoliths of the Meliceae tribe based on classical morphometric characteristics (width and inscribed radius). The inscribed radius has similar values in the phytoliths of two closely related subtribes of Poeae (Agrostidinae, Aveninae). The two newly proposed parameters (L1 and L2) do not have obvious taxonomic affinity, but they do highlight the differences between the two submorphotypes. Based on our results, boundaries of these morphometric characteristics are proposed to separate the two submorphotypes explicitly. For L1, the critical values are: L1 > 2 for CRE_LOB and L1 < 1 for CRE_SIN. L2 is the most accurate morphometric characteristic for distinguishing submorphotypes, and an exact value for such classification is proposed: CRE_SIN < 1.35 < CRE_LOB.

Sequencing and annotation of the chloroplast genome of Amblyopyrum muticum (Poaceae)

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The complete chloroplast genomes of two Amblyopyrum muticum (syn. Aegilops mutica) accessions, k-3979 and k-3981, were sequenced, measuring 136911 and 136907 bp, respectively. Alignment and analysis of the nucleotide sequences of chloroplast genomes from different representatives of the Triticeae tribe showed similarities between the plastomes of A. muticum and Aegilops umbellulata from the section Aegilops, reaching 99.74 %. A phylogenetic tree constructed based on the alignment of complete chloroplast genomes showed that A. muticum is phylogenetically distinct from species of the section Sitopsis but not from all representatives of the genus Aegilops.

Population genetic analysis of Fagus orientalis with biogeographical notes

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The genetic structure of 39 populations of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) from the territory of Crimea, the Caucasus, Asia Minor, and Alborz was studied based on the polymorphism of microsatellite, or single sequence repeats (SSR). Tests for isolation by distance (IBD) conducted in the GenePop program showed a high correlation of genetic differences and the logarithm of the geographic distance in units of geographic coordinates at the level of 0.91. Interpopulation genetic differentiation of Fagus orientalis (Fst) ranged from 0.01 to 0.67. The putative relationship of the species populations by the area is presented. A possible prochoresis of the ancestors of F. orientalis is reconstructed; probable paths of the formation of the modern area of the species are considered, including the effects of glaciation and volcanism in the Caucasus. Along with refugial populations, examples of Holocene recolonization of the highlands of the Greater Caucasus are given. The observed similarity at the upper boundary of the beech belt in different regions of the Caucasian Isthmus indicates parallelism in the development and establishment of high-mountain populations of the species, or repeated colonizations.

Addition to the flora of Uzbekistan

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Noteworthy findings of the 2025 field season in Uzbekistan are presented in the communication. One genus (Braya) and nine species (Androsace fedtschenkoi, A. lactiflora, Braya rosea, Draba lasiophylla, Oxytropis talassica, Potentilla biflora, Salix caesia, S. karelinii, Veronica luetkeana) are added to the list of natural flora of the country. Olimarabidopsis umbrosa is a novelty for the flora of Tian Shan, Cardamine impatiens is newly found in Uzbekistanian part of Pamir-Alai, and Aquilegia atrovinosa is for the first time recorded from Uzbekistanian part of Tian Shan. Records of some other species rare in Uzbekistan are also given. Besides, distribution of Braya rosea in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan is updated.

The first record of Najas tenuissima (Hydrocharitaceae) in West Siberia

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

Supplement to the flora of the Altai Territory is presented. For the first time for West Siberia and the Altai Territory, Najas tenuissima, a species from the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, is reported. Factors underlying the rarity of Najas tenuissima throughout its distribution area are discussed. Due to its rarity and specific ecological preferences, it is recommended to be included in the Red Data Book of the Altai Territory with the status of “Vulnerable”.

A new species Astragalus (sect. Cystium, Fabaceae) of genus Astragalus from the Eastern Caucasus

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

It is noted that one of the collections used by Alexander von Bunge in describing the Astragalus biebersteinii Bunge (section Paracystyum Gontsch.) (Bunge, 1868, 1869) “... supra Altyagatsch. 21 VII 1855 [Seidlitz]”, differs sharply from the lectotype of this species “...circa Kurt Bulak, 1796”, but quite similar to A. massalskyi Grossh. (section Cystium Bunge), differing from the latter in leaflet shape and pods pubescens. Identical specimens have been identified in herbarium collections of LE and DAG. A new species A. cordigerus Knjaz., Laktionov et Murtaz., sp. nov. is described. An original key for the identification of A. cordigerus and some similar species of sections Cystium and Paracystium is given.

System of the genus Pulsatilla Mill. (Ranunculaceae)

2025-10-13T14:59:16+07:00

The genus Pulsatilla (Pasqueflower) is a taxonomically complex object of study. Previous works on the creation of the genus system were based mainly on either the morphology of basal and cauline leaves or on genetic data. In our study, the system of pasqueflowers was revised taking into account an additional set of data, including palynological, morphological, molecular-genetic and some biological characteristics. For this purpose, the morphology of peduncles, fruits, basal and whorled leaves was described, details of the pollen grain surface were studied and genetic data for some species were supplemented. The most significant features in the revision of the genus system were the morphology of pollen grains, whorled leaves, androecium: the presence or absence of staminodes and the color of the anthers. According to the results obtained, we proposed to consider the genus Pulsatilla consisting of 5 subgenera. We have accepted the subgenera Kostyczewianae and Preonanthus in their traditional volume. From the subgenus Pulsatilla we have separated two more subgenera – Bungeanae, Albanae, and new sections were also identified: Magadanenses, Tenuilobeae.