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The Phytogeography And Ecology Of The Coastal Atacama And Peruvian Deserts, P. W. Rundel, M. O. Dillon, B. Palma, H. A. Mooney, S. L. Gulmon, J. R. Ehleringer

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

The Atacama and Peruvian Deserts form a continuous belt for more than 3500 km along the western escarpment of the Andes from northern Peru to northernmost Chile. These arid environments are due to a climatic regime dominated by the cool, north-flowing Humboldt (Peruvian) Current. Atmospheric conditions influenced by a stable, subtropical anticyclone result in a mild, uniform coastal climate nearly devoid of rain, but with the regular formation of thick stratus clouds below I 000 m during the winter months. Where coastal topography is low and flat, the clouds dissipate inward over broad areas with little biological impact. However, where …

The Flora Of The Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, Mikio Ono

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

The Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands are an oceanic island group more than 1000 km from the Japanese Archipelago. As in other isolated islands of the Pacific Ocean, their flora is rich in endemic taxa. These endemics are mostly either schizo- or aneuendemics and have chromosome numbers that are either identical to or slightly different from those of their adjacent relatives. Three genera, Callicarpa (Verbenaceae), Crepidiastrum (Compositae), and Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae), are discussed as examples of adaptive radiation within the Bonin Islands. These genera are dispersed by birds, which swallow the seeds and later deposit them in new areas. Like plants with similar …

Wood And Stem Anatomy Of Convolvulaceae, Sherwin Carlquist, Michael A. Hanson

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Quantitative and qualitative features of wood and stem anatomy are presented for 44 collections of 16 genera and 35 species ofConvolvulaceae. Markedly furrowed xylem characterizes the genera of tribe Cresseae. Successive cambia occur in 11 of the genera studied. Large patches of axial parenchyma occur in many of these; only in one species was interxylary phloem (formed internally by the cambium) observed in the parenchyma patches. Intraxylary phloem at the periphery of the pith is universal in Convolvulaceae, but newly reported is the fact that in many species, cambial activity adds secondary phloem to the intraxylary phloem strands. These cambia …

Distribution And Evolution Of Forms And Types Of Sieve-Element Plastids In The Dicotyledons, Dietmar Behnke

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Sieve-element plastids may contain any combination of protein crystals (c), protein filaments (f), and starch grains (s), or none of these. All structurally distinct combinations (=forms) possible (s, cs, cfs, c, cf, fs, f, o) are recorded among the 2100 dicotyledons investigated so far with the transmission electron microscope (representing 381 of more than 460 families described). The six forms that include c and/or f define the P-type and are found in some 620 species, mainly confined to Magnolianae, Caryophyllanae, Vitanae, and Rutanae (Fabales, Linales, Rhizophorales). A detailed family-by-family analysis and quantitative form-by-form comparison suggests that form-Ss plastids give rise …

Steps Toward A Natural System Of The Dicotyledons, Uwe Jensen

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Nucleic acids and proteins provide useful characters for the elucidation of evolutionary relationships. Those protein molecules, e.g., legumins, which are subject to less influence of selection processes, have proven to be most valuable as diagnostic characters in phylogenetic studies. Three systematic investigations conducted using comparative serological legumin analyses are discussed as contributions aiding botanists' understanding of a natural system of classification.

Steps Toward A Natural System Of The Dicotyledons, Gertrud Dahlgren

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Embryological character states are mapped on the diagrams of dicotyledons (G. Dahlgren 1989). The often well-defined pattern of distribution forms a basis for discussing and clarifying phylogenetic relations. It is shown how numerous embryological characters, alone or in combinations, support certain systematic constellations, even if the character states may have arisen independently within a varying number of evolutionary lines. Characters presented are: anther wall formation; tapetum types; cells in pollen grains at dispersal; microsporogenesis; ovule morphology; ovule integuments; endothelium; obturator; parietal tissue; embryo sac formation; antipodal cells; hypostase, embryogeny; polyembryony; endosperm formation; persistence of endosperm; ruminate endosperm; endosperm haustoria; perisperm; …

Parallelism, It's Evolutionary Origin And Systematic Significance, K. Kubitzki, P. Von Sengbusch, H. Poppendieck

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Parallelism as one of the forms of biological similarity is investigated in the light of recent findings from developmental and molecular biology. From the organismic point of view, functional constraints and evolutionary canalization are well established as causes of parallelism. To these may be added, from the molecular perspective, (a) erratic activations of repressed genes; (b) activations of alternative pathways under the influence ofhomoeotic genes; and (c) horizontal gene transfer, for which a simple mechanism is proposed. The control of gene expression through the action oftransposable elements, reversible to some degree, appears to be an evolutionarily important and frequent phenomenon, …

Germination Patterns In Dicotyledons, H. T. Clifford

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Seedlings of about 3500 species of dicotyledons were classified as exhibiting either phanerocotylar or cryptocotylar germination. The percentages of cryptocotylar species in the orders as circumscribed by Dahlgren (J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 80:91-124, 1980) were calculated and grouped into five classes whose distributions were plotted onto a bubble-diagram. The resulting pattern revealed a concentration of cryptocotyly in primitive families thereby supporting the view that within the dicotyledons, cryptocotyly is the primitive germination pattern.

An Essay: Geoedaphics And Island Biogeography For Vascular Plants, A. R. Kruckerberg

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

"Islands" of discontinuity in the distribution of plants are common in mainland (continental) regions. Such discontinuities should be amenable to testing the tenets of MacArthur and Wilson's island biogeography theory. Mainland gaps are often the result of discontinuities in various geological attributes-the geoedaphic syndrome of topography, lithology and soils. To discover ifgeoedaphically caused patterns of isolation are congruent with island biogeography theory, the effects of topographic discontinuity on plant distributions are examined first. Then a similar inspection is made of discontinuities in parent materials and soils. Parallels as well as differences are detected, indicating that island biogeography theory may be …

Genetic Variation In Endemic And Widespread Plant Species, Pamela S. Soltis, Douglas E. Soltis

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

Population genetic theory and methodology were applied to the study of endemic plant species. Levels of genetic variability were compared between endemic species and their more widespread relatives. Six of seven narrowly distributed taxa of Saxifragaceae had significantly reduced genetic diversity relative to species of Saxifragaceae with broader distributions. Two endemic species of the fern Polystichum maintained significantly lower levels of genetic variation than did their more widespread congeners. The implications of these data and those reported for other endemic plant species for designing management strategies are also discussed.

Xchiranthofremontia, An Intergeneric Hybrid Of Chiranthodendron Pentadactylon And Fremontodendron 'Pacific Sunset', James Henrickson

Aliso: A Journal of Systematic and Floristic Botany

x Chiranthofremontia lenzii, an intergeneric hybrid between Chiranthodendron pentadactylon and Fremontodendron 'Pacific Sunset' (Sterculiaceae: Fremontodendreae), was made artifically and is described as a hybrid genus. It shows distinctive intermediacy in floral (particularly androecial) characteristics between the parental taxa.

Evaluation Of Aposphaeria Amaranthi As A Bioherbicide For Pigweed (Amaranthus Spp.), A. S. Mintz, G. J. Weidmann

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Studies were conducted to determine the potential of the fungus, Aposphaeria amaranth!, as a bioherbicide for pigweeds (Amaranthus spp.). Experiments to establish the environmental parameters necessary for control of tumble pigweed (A. albus) demonstrated that an 8-hr dew period was sufficient for control of seedlings with four to six leaves, and that temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 C were conducive for disease development. Conidial concentrations as lowas 1x 10s conidia per ml also were sufficient for plant mortality. Host range tests demonstrated pathogenicity of A. amaranthi to several other species of Amaranthus, including biotypes resistant to triazine herbicides. Disease …

Tree Crops For Profit And Land Improvement, John Bartle

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Western Australian agriculture is deficient in good perennial species. The traditional segregation of agriculture and forestry has diverted attention from commercial wood producing trees as a potential perennial crop. Recently, scientists have made rapid progress in developing tree cropping systems suitable for extensive use in the wetter (more than 600 mm average annual rainfall) areas of the lower south-west. There is potential for a major industry based on fast-growing eucalypts for pulpwood. The foundations for this industry developed from work on agroforestry, forestry sharefarming and salinity control.

Whole-Farm Planning : Success At Wilgi Creek, Kevin Shanhun

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Ian and Bev Lynch own Wilgi Creek, a 376 ha mixed farming property at West Mount Barker in the 700 mm rainfall zone. In 1983, they started a whole-farm plan to overcome the problems of declining production caused by waterlogging (their biggest problem), salinity and deterioration of the remnant native vegetation. Today, their property is an example of a successful, wholefarm land conservation plan based on agroforestry, timber production, water harvesting and improved pastures.

Revegetating Salt-Affected Land With Shrubs, Ed Barrett-Lennard, Fionnuala Frost, Steve Vlahos, Norm Richards

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The establishment of salt-tolerant shrubs such as saltbush and bluebush on salt-affected land reduces the risk of soil erosion, and can also fit into farm programmes as a profitable enterprise. Salt-tolerant shrubs can be used as forage for sheep in summer and autumn, when the availability of annual pastures is low or annual pastures are just beginning to emerge. This article describes three methods for establishing shrubs on salt-affected land and what affects shrub establishment.

The Greening Of Australia, Martine Scheltema

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Many urban Australians have little understanding of the problems of land degradation because it's an extremely slow process that doesn 't directly influence their day-to-day lives. Understandably, they would have trouble relating to sub-soil compaction, waterlogging, increased soil acidity and salinity. They also have trouble comprehending why fencing according to soil type is an important management tool for farmers, or what role contour banks, drainage systems, the addition of gypsum and planting trees have in reversing land degradation. But given that tree loss "has been at the core of almost every aspect of land degradation in Australia ", and that …

The Productivity Of Western Australia's Wheat And Sheep Industry, Tim Coelli, Ross Kingwell

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A popular economic lament is that Australian industries and workers are not as productive as they should be. Politicians and economic commentators preach the need for productivity improvement and workplace reform, and criticise inefficiency and lack of endeavour. Can such criticism be fairly levelled at farmers and agricultural scientists? What is productivity and how is it measured? What is the productivity of Western Australia's main agricultural industry — wheat and sheep farming? This article addresses these questions and shows that our wheat-sheep industry can be moderately proud of its productivity record

Biota Of Magazine Mountain (Ii): A Preliminary List Of The Macrolepidoptera Fauna, Robert T. Allen, Richard L. Brown

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Collections during the past three years have demonstrated a large and diverse Lepidoptera fauna on Magazine Mountain, Logan County, Arkansas. During the study, over 5,000 specimens were collected at ten different localities on the mountain. To date, 274 species of macromoths have been identified. Twenty-six of these species are new state records while four of the taxa appear to be new species. Localities and the approximate dates when the specimens were collected are reported.

Narrow-Winged Seeder Points Reduce Water Erosion And Maintain Crop Yields, Kevin Bligh

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Sowing crops without loosening the topsoil by tillage reduces water erosion. It can increase infiltration of rainfall into loamy soils, thereby reducing runoff and increasing potential crop yields. Crop yields were maintained after I1 seasons of seeding an Avon Valley loam near Beverley with minimum and no-tillage seeding operations. Infiltration increased significantly from 80 per cent of the 1983 growing-season rainfall under the traditional three tillage operations, to 87per cent under a single tillage operation using a combine seed drill. Infiltration increased further to 96 per cent under a no-tillage system using a triple^lisc drill. At Gnowangerup, 80 per cent …

Using Goats To Control Weeds, John Peirce

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Feral goats are common in the woodland and tall shrubland areas of arid Australia. They survive and reproduce despite regular shooting, capture and droughts. These goats are considered vermin in Western Australia because of their competition with sheep for forage and their reputation as destroyers of vegetation. Research elsewhere, however, has indicated that it is only the uncontrolled grazing by large numbers of goats that causes degradation, in the same way that uncontrolled grazing by sheep can cause erosion. To some people, however, feral goats are a valuable source of income. They have the potential for meat sales, and they …

Phomopsis-Resistant Lupin Stubbles As Feed For Weaner Sheep, Colin Mcdonald, Keith Croker, Jeremy Allen

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The breeding of sweet, narrow-leafed lupins with increased resistance to Phomopsis leptostromiformis, the fungus that causes lupinosis in sheep, is a breakthrough for the summer nutrition of weaner sheep. The new resistant varieties, Gungurru for the medium (325 to 450 mm) rainfall areas and Yorrel for low rainfall areas (less than 325 mm), were released by the Department of Agriculture in 1988.

This article discusses progress in a four-year project which is examining liveweight and wool production of weaners grazing Gungurru stubbles.

Biota Of Magazine Mountain (I): An Outline Of The Natural History Of Magazine Mountain, Robert T. Allen

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

One plant and five invertebrate species are thought to be endemic to Magazine Mountain, Logan County, Arkansas. The mountain is the highest point in the Interior Highlands reaching 2,753 feet. Previous studies have recorded over 650 species of plants including (or in addition to) 27 fern species. The animal fauna is less well known. It is suggested that an inventory of the biota of the mountain could be completed within the foreseeable future. It is further suggested that such an inventory would be useful in answering questions relevant to understanding the evolution and biogeography of selected taxa in North America. …

Photosynthetic Efficiency Of Drought-Induced Leaves In Neviusia Alabamensis, Jennifer Martsolf, Robert D. Wright

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

Plants in one stand of Neviusia alabamensis Gray (Rosaceae), a rare shrub, became drought deciduous in July, 1990, and grew new leaves following rains in August. In September the photosynthetic efficiency of the new leaves was compared with that of old leaves in another stand of the same population. Although leaf area from regrowth was much less than old leaf area retained, photosynthetic efficiency in new leaves was about 3 times higher than in old leaves. This response is discussed in terms of compensation for drought-induced loss of leaves.

Survey And Annotated Checklist Of The Later Summer Flora Of The Moist Soil Units At Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, Stephen A. Walker, George P. Johnson

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

We conducted a floristic survey of 22 moist soil units at Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge during September and October of 1990. The moist soil units range in size from 0.4 to 9.7 ha and are depressions manipulated to provide food and shelter for waterfowl. In total, 60 taxa representing 24 families and 42 genera were identified and are compiled into an annotated checklist. The flora was dominated by the following families and genera in decreasing order of importance: Asteraceae (Xanthium), Polygonaceae (Polygonum), and Amaranthaceae (Amaranthus). The Poaceae and the Cyperaceae were well represented, but were of lesser importance. Twenty-three …

Vascular Flora Of Perry County, Arkansas; A Progress Report, Donald E. Culwell

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

No abstract provided.

Southwest Research-Extension Center, Field Day 1991

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Report of agricultural research from Southwest Research-Extension Center of Kansas State University.

Southwest Research-Extension Center Field Day 1991

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Each Field Day report consists of individual research reports on topics specific to the region, including cultural methods for most of the major crops grown in Kansas, mitigating the effects of weeds, insects, and disease associated with those crops, and irrigation. Research is conducted and reports written by staff of the K-State Research and Extension Southwest Research Extension Center.

Windbreaks Prove Their Worth, Tim Negus

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Strong winds in the south-west of Western Australia in April 1991 carted tonnes of top soil from stubbles, over-grazed pastures, and recently prepared cropping land. However, where there were windbreaks, downwind protection into the paddock was up to 10 to 20 times the height of the windbreaks. On May 1, 1991, the author inspected farm land for damage from Narrogin to the Dongolocking area, to Harrismith, up the rabbit-proof fence to West Corrigin and back to Narrogin via Kweda. He found the extent of soil erosion varied, and that some tree species planted in windbreaks gave better protection than others