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Analyses Of Prairie Restorations At Rock Springs Environmental Center, Decatur, Illinois, Jennifer A. Ward

Masters Theses

Rock Springs Environmental Center was acquired in 1969 by the Macon County Conservation District. Several tracts totaling 1.6 hectares were developed as prairie restorations of varying ages on former farmland starting in 1977. During the summers of 1999 to 2001, 123 species were collected at Rock Springs. Of these, 56 species were collected within the sampling transects. The largest number of species (36 out of 56) was collected in the 1983 tract. The highest importance value of all tracts for any species was 42.6 for Andropogon gerardii. Sorensen's Index of Similarity between tracts ranged from 53.97- 72.97. The coefficient …

Vascular Flora Of The Allison Prairie, Lawrence County, Illinois, Brian R. Garrard

Masters Theses

Allison Prairie in Lawrence County, Illinois is a five acre recreation of a gravel prairie. The Allison Prairie Restoration is the largest and best remaining example of a sand and gravel prairie in the Wabash Border Natural Division of Illinois. A total of 112 species of vascular plants representing 35 families are known to exist at the Allison Prairie Restoration (Table 1). Heterotheca camporum (Greene) Shinners (golden aster), Melilotus alba Medic. (white sweet clover), and Sporobolus asper (Michx.) Kunth (dropseed) are dominants (Table 2 and 3). There is 1 gymnosperm species, Juniperus virginiana L. (red cedar), 30 monocot species and …

A Systematic Study Of The Native Geum L. Species Of Illinois, Michael B. Wenzel

Masters Theses

A systematic study of the seven species of Geum L. (Rosaceae) native to Illinois including G. aleppicum var. strictum (Aiton) Fernald, G. canadense Jaquin, G. laciniatum Murray var. trichocarpum Fernald, G. rivale Linnaeus, G. triflorum Pursh, G. vernum (Rafinesque) Torrey & Gray, and G. virginianum Linnaeus is presented. Early classification systems are briefly compared, especially regarding the topic of subgenera. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, distribution information including county citations, and identification keys were developed for this study. Two seperate keys, one for floral characters and the second for specimens in fruit are given for greater ease in proper identification.

Two …

Environmental Requirements For Sporocarp Germination In Marsileaceae, Kevin J. Kruep

Masters Theses

Experiments were conducted on sporocarps of Marsilea quadrifolia L. to determine whether temperature had any influence on the length of the reproductive period and initial sperm emergence from microgametophytes. Data were then compared to results of similar studies undertaken with the species M. vestita Hooker and Greville to determine whether there was any variation between them. A slight variation was recorded, ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours for initial emergence.

An additional set of experiments was performed with 58 year old sporocarps and approximately two-year-old sporocarps of M. quadrifolia. A difference of 2-6.5 hours for initial sperm emergence occurred between …

Biological Species Concepts In Eastern North American Populations Of Lentinellus Ursinus, Andrew N. Miller

Masters Theses

As part of a biosystematic study of the Lentinellus ursinus species complex, field and herbarium specimens from North America, Central America, and Europe were examined. Single basidiospore isolates from basidiomata collected in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Costa Rica, and Austria were crossed in all possible combinations to determine the mating system operating in each population. All populations exhibited bifactorial or tetrapolar mating systems. Tester strains were then crossed to identify intercompatible populations and to determine if morphological species in the L. ursinus species complex are congruent with biological species. Three biological species were recognized …

A Study Of The Lichens At Rocky Branch Nature Preserve, Clark County, Illinois, Eric B. Grunder

Masters Theses

In 1971, a graduate student at Eastern Illinois University, James E. Wiedman, studied the lichen flora of Rocky Branch Nature Preserve, Clark County, Illinois. During his study he collected, identified, and recorded a total of 64 lichen species. Since 1971, Rocky Branch Nature Preserve has experienced a dramatic increase in use by people and a concomittant decline in the quality of lichen habitats. In order to assess the decline of suitable lichen habitats and the reduction of lichen species a second study of the lichens at Rocky Branch Nature Preserve was undertaken. As part of this study, ten habitat sites …

Comparison Of Sweet Corn Vigor With Ions And Sugars In Seed Leachate Of Five Isolene Pairs With Two Endosperm Types, Marla K. Faver

Masters Theses

Supersweet corn contains more sugar and less starch than traditional sweet corn which increases the sweetness of the kernel. Supersweet corn has increased in consumer popularity due to its sweeter flavor and ability to retain this sweeter flavor longer than traditional sweet corn. Two sweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa) endosperm types (traditional and shrunken-2) are popular with consumers. The problem growers face with supersweet cultivars (shrunken-2) is poor seed vigor as shown by low field emergence and non-uniform stands.

Field emergence of plants was compared to laboratory germination for 5 sweet corn isoline pairs (genetically identical except for …

Lichen Use By Larval Leucochrysa Pavida (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae), Penni Jo Wilson

Masters Theses

Leucochrysa pavida is a species of green lacewing (Neuroptera:Chrysopidae) that uses lichen fragments to build a larval debris "packet." The "packet" is eventually used to form a cocoon used during pupation. Only minute lichen fragments are harvested for formation of the packets which makes identification of the actual lichens utilized difficult using morphological characteristics. For this reason, thin-layer chromatography was employed. The thin-layer chromatographic process identifies acetone-soluble lichen chemicals that are formed in lichen thalli. By comparing the chemistry of lichen communities at Tower Rock Recreation Area in Hardin County, Illinois, with the chemicals identified during thin-layer chromatography of larval …

Effects Of Ozone During Soybean Seed Development On Seed Vigor, Karen A. Gerlach

Masters Theses

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv 'Essex', 'Forrest' and 'Clark') seed were obtained from Dr. Mulchi of the University of Maryland. Seed from 1989 and 1990 were from plants which were exposed to three regimes of ozone during seed development including charcoal-filtered (no ozone), non-filtered (ambient ozone), and non-filtered + 40 n11^-1 O₃. Seed from 1994 were developed with four pollutant regimes of ozone during seed development including charcoal-filtered (no ozone), non-filtered (ambient ozone), non-filtered + 40 n11^-1, and non-filtered + 500 u11^-1 CO₂. The objective of this study was to assess …

Anatomical And Sem Studies Of The Pericarp And Aleurone Layer Of Two Supersweet Corn Cultivars, Tufail Ahmed

Masters Theses

Supersweet corn (Zea mays L. var. rugosa.) which contain endosperm mutant shrunken -2 exhibits low seed vigor and poor field emergence especially when soil temperature is 10-15 °C. Based on their emergence in the field at low temperature, they can be divided into two groups as tolerant and sensitive cultivars. Two cultivars 'Illini Gold' (Tolerant) and 'Honey 'n' Pearl' (Sensitive) were studied to see any anatomical differences, holes and cracks in the pericarp and air pockets between pericarp and aleurone layer. Significant differences were found in the thickness of pericarp. 'Illini Gold' cultivar has thicker pericarp and thin walled aleurone …

The Effects Of Turf Compression On Plants Growth Regulator Efficacy, William Lyle Petersen

Masters Theses

A 150kg lawn roller was used in combination with various Plant Growth Regulators (PGR) (Embark & Event, Event & Oust, Embark & Oust, Escort & Oust, Telar & Oust, Event & Balan, Oust & Balan, and Balan) to evaluate its affects on the growth rate of rough turf at the Coles County Airport. The rolled plots were evaluated for height, reduction of seedheads, phytotoxicity, and weed control. Rolling was of no significance to treated or untreated turf. PGR combinations containing Oust were significantly better at reducing turf height than combinations lacking Oust. PGR combinations lacking Oust discolored turf significantly less …

Breeding Systems In Spiranthes Magnicamporum Sheviak, Christopher D. Loyet

Masters Theses

A study of the ecology, breeding systems, and pollinators of Spiranthes magnicamporum Sheviak was undertaken in fall 1992. An initial survey of three glacial drift hill prairies revealed sexual activity in this species via removed pollinia. Two hill prairie populations were used for pollination study. In each population, five individuals were randomly selected and crossed using autogamic, geitonogamic, and xenogamic methods. In addition, ten individuals were fitted with pollinator-exclusion bags. After capsule formation, all plants were harvested. They were examined in the lab for general morphology, the presence or absence of embryo formation, and the prescence of sexual or asexual …

Vegetation And Tree Survival In A Savanna Restoration Project, Vermilion County, Illinois, Mary Claire Hruska

Masters Theses

This study involved pre-burn and post-burn inventories of herbaceous and woody vegetation, a post-burn tree survival survey, the development and implementation of a management plan for the savanna restoration site and the development of general guidelines for savanna restoration. An herbarium collection was made, 242 species representing 64 families were found on the site.

There were several significant changes in the density and frequency of vegetation after the burn. The following herbaceous species increased significantly in frequency: Agalinis tenuifolia (Vahl.) Raf, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Carex spp., Cassia fasciculata Michx., Desmodium glabellum (Michx.) DC., Dichanthelium acuminatum (Sw.) Gould & Clark var. …

Corticolous Bryophytes Of East-Central Illinois, R. Korkut Canayakin

Masters Theses

Among the numerous factors that influence epiphytic corticolous bryophytes, inclination, "raintracks", aspect, and phorophyte seem to play important role.

In order to determine the effects of these factors, 203 forest trees located in five sites has been examined. The results were arranged in tables and charted.

Lichen Communities On White Oaks In East-Central Illinois, Michael R. Thon

Masters Theses

This study was conducted as a survey of epiphytic lichen communities occurring on white oak trees at Walnut Point State Park (Douglas Co.) and Fox Ridge State Park (Coles Co.). Using a system of cover classes to estimate lichen cover, quantitative data on the distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichens was obtained. These data were used to calculate summary statistics of each community including total cover, species richness, and Shannon diversity. A total of ten taxa representing six genera were found. The foliose lichen Physcia millegrana had the highest cover in the open canopy habitats while all other taxa had …

Evaluation Of Puccinia Convolvuli (Pers.) Cast. As A Biological Control Of Calystegia Sepium (L.) R. Br., Jonathan C. Beener

Masters Theses

A rapid detached leaf assay technique was developed to test various pathogens for biological control of hedge bindweed (Calystegia sepium). Detached leaves with complete petiole were excised, surface sterilized in 70% ethanol, washed with sterile distilled water, and placed in sterile petri plates with sterile filter paper moistened with 5ml sterile distilled water. Media, leaf size, temperature and light duration were then tested for conditions that would optimize maximal leaf longevity. The best conditions derived were: 12/12 hrs. light, dark, period, 30°C, sterile distilled water medium and leaves of any size. Twenty-five isolates recovered from bindweed lesions were grown on …

Leakage Of Solutes From Imbibing Seeds Of Supersweet Corn Cultivars That Differ In Tolerance To Low Germination Temperatures, Linda Kull

Masters Theses

Supersweet types of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var rugosa) with shrunken-2 endosperm are preferred by consumers because of their extra sweetness and postharvest retention of good flavor. However, their acceptance by growers is hindered due to reduced field emergence, especially in cold soils. This reduced emergence is related to seed quality. To examine differences between supersweet corn cultivars which are tolerant and sensitive to low temperatures, two cultivars were chosen based on their emergence in the field at low temperatures (10-15 C). 'Illini Gold' was chosen as the tolerant cultivar and 'Honey'n'Pearl' as the sensitive cultivar. Seeds …

A Biosystematic Study Of Panus Conchatus (Basidiomycetes; Agaricales), James Edward Johnson

Masters Theses

As part of a biosystematic study of Panus conchatus (Bull.: Fr.) Fr., North American and European herbarium specimens from the Field Museum and the University of Michigan were examined and a description of the taxon prepared. Tissue and single spore isolates were obtained from basidiocarps collected in Illinois. Single and polyspore isolates were obtained from a collection made in Switzerland by R. H. Petersen. Culture mat analyses were completed on several media and the taxonomic value of cultural characters assessed. Based on this study, the identification of somatic cultures by cultural characteristics is unlikely. Single spore isolates from the Illinois …

The Effects Of Plant Growth Regulators With The Addition Of A Surfactant On Rough Turf, Jennie Rebecca Chlumsky

Masters Theses

Three plant growth regulators (Embark, Event and Oust) and two surfactants (crop oil and non-ionic surfactant) were evaluated for their effectiveness in controlling the growth of rough turf at Coles County Airport. The PGRs were evaluated for control of turf height, suppression of seedheads, phytotoxicity and weed control at two, four, six and eight weeks after spraying. Embark and Event were applied at a rate of 0.43, 0.64 and 0.86 kg/ha and Oust was applied at a rate of 0.01 and 0.02 kg/ha. The surfactants were applied at 1% of solution. All PGRs were more effective with a surfactant, but …

How Potassium Affects Emergence Of Five Supersweet Corn (Zea Mays L. Var. Rugosa) Cultivars With Low Temperatures, Nombasa Tsengwa

Masters Theses

Supersweet types of sweet corn (Zea mays L. var rugosa) are sensitive to low temperature during emergence and thus have difficulty in establishing stands in early spring. This study investigated how banded potash affected establishment of five supersweet cultivars of sweet corn in fields and growth chambers.

In the field, sweet corn cultivars were planted near Urbana, Il on April 18 and July 22, 1991 with three levels of potash (0, 45 and 90 kg/ha) banded at planting. Several parameters of growth and development were measured approximately 2, 4 and 6 weeks after planting. No significant effect of potash was …

The Effect Of Various Plant Growth Regulators On Rough Turf At Coles County Airport, Jay C. A. Harnack

Masters Theses

A field test was conducted to determine the effectiveness of various concentrations of selected plant growth regulators. All PGR's were applied at various rates and combinations on rough turf at Coles County Airport, Charleston, Illinois.

The dominant grasses in the test site were bluegrass (Poa pratensis Huds.) and fescue (Poa pratensis L.).

The plant growth regulators were evaluated at regular intervals for the reduction of biomass, reduction of height, seedhead suppression, and color relative to control.

One third ounce per acre Escort in combination with 4 ounces per acre Embark was the most effective in reducing biomass accumulation followed by …

Mechanisms Controlling Tolerance Of Lettuce Seed To High Temperatures At Germination And Emergence, Margaret A. Mnichowicz

Masters Theses

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seed germination is inhibited when temperatures are higher than 25-30 C. The extent of this thermodormancy is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. Lettuce seed of four seedlots of "Empire" produced in the summers and winters of two years were sown in the field in late summer and early fall at Yuma, AZ to determine stand establishment with high soil temperatures. The seedlots produced in the summer had higher percent field emergence than those produced in the winter. Also, seed of these four seedlots were germinated in petri dishes in a growth chamber at 20, …

The Bryophytes Of Knox County, Illinois, Kurtis J. Cecil

Masters Theses

Field and herbarium studies conducted over an eleven month period found 84 taxa of bryophytes in Knox County. Included in this list are one hornwort (Class Anthocerotae), 15 liverworts (Class Hepaticae), and 68 mosses (Class Musci). Eighty-two species are new county records. Six previously unreported taxa produced during herbarium studies and one previous report were not relocated in the field. An annotated list provides collection data, location of voucher, and frequency of those species located in Knox County. A presettlement vegetation map is included to illustrate the location of collection sites.

The Market Medicinal Plants Of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, Michael S. Nicholson

Masters Theses

The primary purpose of this study was to record the popular uses of various medicinal plants gathered in the vicinity of Monterrey, Mexico.

Two hundred medicinal plant specimens were collected from 11 hierberias of two mercados and two additional medicinal plant sources. Included is a total of 92 species in 86 genera of 50 plant families.

The plant vendors at the hierberias were interviewed to determine the folk uses of the plants. The reports were reviewed in the literature for comparison with previously published citations. Collections are retained in the Ethnobotanical Herbarium, Room 107, Klehm Hall, Eastern Illinois University along …

Potential Mechanisms Related To Salt Tolerance In Bean Plants, Sandra Baumgartner

Masters Theses

Phaseolus vulgaris (navy bean) and P. acutifolius (tepary bean) were grown hydroponically and stressed with -0.25 MPa NaCl for 9 days beginning 22 days after planting. Chloride and sodium distribution in leaves and roots as well as percent ion leakage as an indication of membrane integrity in leaves were determined. Chloride levels in NaCl treated plants were significantly higher than in controls. Chloride levels were not significantly different between plant parts or between plant species. Sodium distribution differed significantly between the roots of navy and tepary but not between the leaves of the two species. Navy root tissue contained twice …

Effects Of Lake Management On Chemical, Physical, And Phycological Characteristics Of A Hypereutrophic Reservoir, Kaye J. Surratt

Masters Theses

Lake Charleston is a 1.1 billion gallon capacity side channel reservoir which was constructed in 1982 as a public drinking water supply for the City of Charleston in Coles County, Illinois. Past studies of the lake indicated an increase in eutrophication and the capacity to support large algal populations. Recent lake management practices include copper sulfate applications as an algicide and aeration to reduce flavor and odor.

In order to assess present lake status and to evaluate the effectiveness of lake management practices, two lake sites were sampled on a weekly basis from May to October, 1989. Chemical, physical, and …

The Effect Of Growth Regulators On Rough Turf At Coles County Airport, Salliana Ryan Erwin

Masters Theses

Twenty-five different combinations of plant growth regulators were evaluated with respect to their effectiveness in controlling rough turf at Coles County Memorial Airport (Illinois). Germination inhibition, control of plant height, suppression of seedheads, and phytotoxicity were considered. Postemergence applications were more effective than preemergence applications in the overall control of the vegetation present. Of the regulators tested, a combination of Escort (metsulfuron methyl; 1/3 oz/acre) and Oust (sulfometuron methyl; 1/4 oz/acre) provided the best postemergence control of both plant height and seedhead suppression, though associated phytotoxic effects were severe. Two other effective combinations were noted: Event (imazethapyr, imazapyr; 10 oz/acre) …

The Ethnobotany Of Sweet Flag, Acorus Calamus L., Timothy J. Motley

Masters Theses

One of the more interesting and attractive components of aquatic ecosystems is sweet flag, Acorus calamus L., a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Araceae, a primarily tropical family. Sweet flag is one of the few extratropical members.

The primary purpose of this work is to present a compilation of the various traditional and contemporary uses of sweet flag by various cultures.

Information regarding the known ethnobotanical and economic uses of the rhizome and aromatic essential oil as a flavoring agent is given, as well as its medicinal uses and value as an insecticide. In addition, a discussion of the …

Cyanogenesis In The Euphorbiaceae, Lucinda L. Horton

Masters Theses

Fresh samples of nine species included in the family Euphorbiaceae, Acalypha qracilens, Acalypha ostryaefolia, Acalypha rhomboidea, Acalypha virginica, Chamaesyce maculata, Chamaesyce supina, Cnidoscolus stimulosus, Euphorbia corollata, and Poinsettia dentata, were tested for the production of cyanide using the Feigl-Anger technique. Two of these taxa were tested for polymorphism of cyanogenesis by repeated testing of the same individuals within a population. Two of these nine species, Acalypha ostryaefolia and Cnidoscolus stimulosis, gave positive results, although not every individual tested was positive. One of the species tested for polymorphism, Acalypha ostryaefolia, …

River Birch (Betula Nigra L.) Forest Communities In Cass And Mason Counties, Illinois, Charles Anthony Uhlarik

Masters Theses

During the fall of 1988 and the spring of 1989, four stands of river birch (Betula nigra L.) were surveyed in Cass and Mason Counties, Illinois. All study areas were divided into quadrats 25 m on a side (0.154 acres) and the maximum number of quadrats were placed to completely survey each forest. The relative density, relative dominance, and importance value was calculated for each species (dbh greater than 10 cm) in each forest area. Also, seedlings (less than 2.5 cm dbh) and saplings (2.5-10.0 cm dbh) were recorded in each area. River birch is the dominant overstory …