- Email: [email protected]
The geophytic species of Othonna (Senecioneae, Othonninae): Taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships
346
Abstracts
growth rings in their wood, possibly the result of a short and mild dry season in the mountains of northern Madagascar. Andriana marojejyensis shows a combination of bark anatomical traits (narrow cortex with a single ring of secretory canals, presence of secretory canals in secondary phloem, radial dilatation of the secondary phloem) that has been considered as diagnostic for the Heteromorpheae. This species differs, however, from other members of the tribe by bottle-shaped epidermal cells with very thick cuticles. Unlike some Heteromorpheae (i.e. Heteromorpha and Polemannia), we did not find any traits of photosynthetic capacity of the bark in Andriana, such as translucent phellem and the presence of chloroplasts in phelloderm. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.094
The effect of BC204, a plant bio-stimulant, on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Solanum lycopersicum L. J. Loubser, P.N. Hills Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (J. Loubser) The plant growth-promoting effects of the bio-stimulant BC204 have been demonstrated previously, but no molecular data has been gathered to date. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the biochemical and genetic changes in A. thaliana and S. lycopersicum following the application of BC204. Plants were grown in soil and treated with three different concentrations of BC204 or a water control once a week, after which the fresh weight, dry weight, leaf number, and leaf surface area were measured. The growth experiments were repeated using only the optimal concentration (0.005% v/v) and the same physiological measurements were recorded, with the addition of photosynthesis rates. A hydroponic system was established for both species to analyse changes in root exudates via LC-MS following treatment with BC204. To elucidate the role of BC204 in root growth and development, expression of key regulatory elements were investigated via qPCR. Furthermore, tomato plants were grown to the fruiting stage while being treated with the optimal BC204 concentration and a water control. Tomato fruits were harvested at different times during fruit development to compare post-harvest longevity. The expression of anthocyanin- and ripening-related genes during tomato fruit development were also analysed using qPCR. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.095
Fire in savanna ecosystems affects tree cover by limiting the recruitment of tree saplings to adults. In this regard, fire regime is a major determinant of savanna vegetation compositional structure and dynamics. Acacia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso, family Fabaceae and sub family Mimosideae, commonly known as “sweet thorn” or “soetdoring” (Afrikaans), is a leguminous shrub common throughout southern Africa, ranging from the Southwestern Cape northwards into Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a pioneer species and has the ability to encroach rapidly into grassland grazing areas, and therefore, A. karroo is considered the most important woody invader of grasslands in South Africa. This study aimed on investigating the population ecology of Acacia karroo in the clay waterlogged site of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. Plant height, stem circumference, canopy cover, distance between individuals were taken and disturbance estimate were taken during the sampling. The results showed that the population of A. karroo display an adequate growth curve, thus we conclude that the population of A. karroo in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve is healthy and viable. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.096
How photosynthetic performance varies in melanic and non-melanic Lobaria pulmonaria T.C. Mafolea, R.P. Becketta, K.A. Solhaugb a School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa b Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, NO-1432 A°s, Norway E-mail address: [email protected] (T.C. Mafole) Lobaria pulmonaria is a green algal lichen with cyanobacteria in cephalodia. The green algae have a sensitive photosynthetic apparatus. L. pulmonaria is adapted to high light stress, in that following UV or high light exposure they display acclimation, often by the formation of photo-protective pigment(s) in the upper cortex. The present study was conducted to determine photosynthesis by Infra-Red Gas Analysis (IRGA) and Chlorophyll fluorescence to measure CO2 assimilation and the electron transfer rates respectively in melanic and non-melanic thalli. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed that the photobionts of melanised thalli are healthy as assessed by the relative electron transfer rates. However, light response curves derived from IRGA measurements of CO2 fixation indicated that melanisation reduces photosynthesis at lower light intensities. While melanisation is an effective strategy to reduce high-light stress in lichen photobionts. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.097
Population biology and ecology of Vachellia (Acacia) karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso, in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa M.G. Madilonga, M.H. Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M.P. Tshisikhawe Department of Botany, School of Mathematical and Natural sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (M.G. Madilonga) Plant populations are determined by many elements that impose demographic filters. Following disturbance in African savanna woodland, trees regenerate both sexually and vegetatively. Sexual regeneration is achieved through seed germination as well as establishment of seedlings and their recruitment into mature phases.
The geophytic species of Othonna (Senecioneae, Othonninae): Taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships S.L. Magoswanaa,b, J.S. Boatwrightb, A.R. Mageea,c, J.C. Manninga,d a Compton Herbarium, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa b Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa c Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstracts d
Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (S.L. Magoswana) Othonna L. is a polymorphic genus of ca. ±120 species of succulent or subsucculent perennial herbs or shrubs, concentrated in the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa but extending into southern Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe. The South African species of Othonna were last revised by Harvey in 1865. Consequently many species, particularly in the winter rainfall-region, remain poorly understood. As a start to a complete revision of the genus we focus here on the geophytic species, distinguished by a tuberous rootstock and annual stems. Following extensive field and herbarium studies we recognise 27 species of which four are newly described, and reduce 17 names into synonomy. The species are distinguished by a combination of habit, foliage shape, number of involucral phyllaries, pappus length and capitulum type (radiate vs. disciform), and fruit characters. The monophyly of the geophytic species was assessed through parsimony and Bayesian analyses of both nuclear ITS and plastid (rps16, trnL-F) regions for Othonna and allies. The geophytic species were recovered in two separate clades, corresponding closely with two informal morphological groups identified by Harvey (1865): Scapigerae (3 spp.) distinguished by the rosulate habit with short, condensed caudex, and Caulescentes (24 spp.) with a tuberous rootstock and well-developed stem with the leaves cauline. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.098
Checklist of Vhavenda useful plants K. Magwede, B.-E. Van Wyk Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (K. Magwede) Plant diversity and endemism in Soutpansberg mountain range are well known and have been highlighted by several authors. Less well recorded are the various ways in which the Vhavenda people residing along this mountain range had been using plants and plant-derived products to meet their daily needs. Data was gathered through a literature review and interviews conducted amongst Tshivenda speaking communities in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A checklist of plants useful to the Vhavenda was compiled, showing more than 495 plant species of importance in the sustenance of Vhavenda everyday life needs, especially in rural areas. Most plants are used as medicine, fruits, firewood, building material and vegetables but beverages, cereals, craftwork and other categories of use are also important. Families with highest number of useful species were (in decreasing order): Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rubiaceae, Solananceae and Apocynaceae. The most frequently mentioned and used plants include species of the genera Combretum, Aloe, Amaranthus, Searsia, Cucumis, Senna, Strychnos and Ficus. The species; Adansonia digitata L., Sclerocarya birrea Hochst., Momordica foetida Schumach., Bidens pilosa L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Obetia tenax (N.E.Br.) Friis and Syzygium cordatum Hochst. were particularly popular and important. Plant species with the highest diversity of uses include Annona senegalensis Pers., Sclerocarya birrea Hochst. and Landolphia kirkii Dyer. Some enigmatic Venda plants such as Mutavhatsindi (Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv.) and Muangaila (Millettia stuhlmannii Taub.) are facing local extinction because the traditional system of myths and taboos is no longer effective as
347
conservation measure. The checklist is a new and comprehensive document that covers all or most of Vhavenda useful plants. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.099
Evaluation and isolation of antimutagenic compounds from methanolic leaf extracts of Monanthotaxis caffra (Annonaceae) R. Makhuvelea,b, K. Foubertc, S. Apersc, L. Pietersc, L. Verschaeved,e, E.E. Elgorashia,b a Toxicology and Ethnoveterinary Medicine, Food, Feed and Veterinary Public Health Programme, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa b Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa c Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium d Laboratory of Toxicology, O.D. Public Health and Surveillance, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliet Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium e Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium E-mail address: [email protected] (R. Makhuvele) Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc. is a member of the Annonaceae family reported to possess antitumoural properties. This study evaluated and isolated the antimutagenic compounds from the methanolic leaf extract of M. caffra. The crude extract was investigated in vitro for antimutagenic activity against aflatoxin B1 using the Vitotox, Ames and Comet assays. Thereafter, the crude methanolic leaf extract of M. caffra was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation. The results for the Ames and Vitotox assays showed that M. caffra possessed a strong antimutagenic effect (≥ 58%) against aflatoxin B1 at a concentration of 5 mg/ml while in the Comet test, no DNA damage was observed at all tested concentrations. Based on these results, extract of M. caffra was pursued for isolation of active compounds. Two antimutagenic compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of M. caffra and they were identified as crotepoxide and 5, 6-diacetoxy1benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. The genus Monanthotaxis has been reported to contain oxygenated cyclohexane such as crotepoxide, a compound known to exhibit tumour inhibitory activity. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.100
Metabolomic differentiation in wild and cultures populations of Cape medicinal plants N.P. Makunga Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] Sutherlandia (syn. Lessertia) frutescens and Dodonaea viscosa are known for their importance as traditional medicines and both species have a broad distribution in southern Africa, occurring in a variety of habitats. Due to their health benefiting properties, they are often used to in plant herbal mixtures to boost the immune-system. Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, profiles of amino acids and specialised metabolites associated with these plants have been studied
Abstracts
growth rings in their wood, possibly the result of a short and mild dry season in the mountains of northern Madagascar. Andriana marojejyensis shows a combination of bark anatomical traits (narrow cortex with a single ring of secretory canals, presence of secretory canals in secondary phloem, radial dilatation of the secondary phloem) that has been considered as diagnostic for the Heteromorpheae. This species differs, however, from other members of the tribe by bottle-shaped epidermal cells with very thick cuticles. Unlike some Heteromorpheae (i.e. Heteromorpha and Polemannia), we did not find any traits of photosynthetic capacity of the bark in Andriana, such as translucent phellem and the presence of chloroplasts in phelloderm. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.094
The effect of BC204, a plant bio-stimulant, on the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh and Solanum lycopersicum L. J. Loubser, P.N. Hills Institute for Plant Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (J. Loubser) The plant growth-promoting effects of the bio-stimulant BC204 have been demonstrated previously, but no molecular data has been gathered to date. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the biochemical and genetic changes in A. thaliana and S. lycopersicum following the application of BC204. Plants were grown in soil and treated with three different concentrations of BC204 or a water control once a week, after which the fresh weight, dry weight, leaf number, and leaf surface area were measured. The growth experiments were repeated using only the optimal concentration (0.005% v/v) and the same physiological measurements were recorded, with the addition of photosynthesis rates. A hydroponic system was established for both species to analyse changes in root exudates via LC-MS following treatment with BC204. To elucidate the role of BC204 in root growth and development, expression of key regulatory elements were investigated via qPCR. Furthermore, tomato plants were grown to the fruiting stage while being treated with the optimal BC204 concentration and a water control. Tomato fruits were harvested at different times during fruit development to compare post-harvest longevity. The expression of anthocyanin- and ripening-related genes during tomato fruit development were also analysed using qPCR. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.095
Fire in savanna ecosystems affects tree cover by limiting the recruitment of tree saplings to adults. In this regard, fire regime is a major determinant of savanna vegetation compositional structure and dynamics. Acacia karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso, family Fabaceae and sub family Mimosideae, commonly known as “sweet thorn” or “soetdoring” (Afrikaans), is a leguminous shrub common throughout southern Africa, ranging from the Southwestern Cape northwards into Namibia, Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is a pioneer species and has the ability to encroach rapidly into grassland grazing areas, and therefore, A. karroo is considered the most important woody invader of grasslands in South Africa. This study aimed on investigating the population ecology of Acacia karroo in the clay waterlogged site of the Nylsvley Nature Reserve. Plant height, stem circumference, canopy cover, distance between individuals were taken and disturbance estimate were taken during the sampling. The results showed that the population of A. karroo display an adequate growth curve, thus we conclude that the population of A. karroo in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve is healthy and viable. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.096
How photosynthetic performance varies in melanic and non-melanic Lobaria pulmonaria T.C. Mafolea, R.P. Becketta, K.A. Solhaugb a School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa b Department of Ecology and Natural Resource Management, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 5003, NO-1432 A°s, Norway E-mail address: [email protected] (T.C. Mafole) Lobaria pulmonaria is a green algal lichen with cyanobacteria in cephalodia. The green algae have a sensitive photosynthetic apparatus. L. pulmonaria is adapted to high light stress, in that following UV or high light exposure they display acclimation, often by the formation of photo-protective pigment(s) in the upper cortex. The present study was conducted to determine photosynthesis by Infra-Red Gas Analysis (IRGA) and Chlorophyll fluorescence to measure CO2 assimilation and the electron transfer rates respectively in melanic and non-melanic thalli. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed that the photobionts of melanised thalli are healthy as assessed by the relative electron transfer rates. However, light response curves derived from IRGA measurements of CO2 fixation indicated that melanisation reduces photosynthesis at lower light intensities. While melanisation is an effective strategy to reduce high-light stress in lichen photobionts. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.097
Population biology and ecology of Vachellia (Acacia) karroo (Hayne) Banfi & Galasso, in the Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Limpopo Province, South Africa M.G. Madilonga, M.H. Ligavha-Mbelengwa, M.P. Tshisikhawe Department of Botany, School of Mathematical and Natural sciences, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou 0950, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (M.G. Madilonga) Plant populations are determined by many elements that impose demographic filters. Following disturbance in African savanna woodland, trees regenerate both sexually and vegetatively. Sexual regeneration is achieved through seed germination as well as establishment of seedlings and their recruitment into mature phases.
The geophytic species of Othonna (Senecioneae, Othonninae): Taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships S.L. Magoswanaa,b, J.S. Boatwrightb, A.R. Mageea,c, J.C. Manninga,d a Compton Herbarium, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Private Bag X7, Claremont 7735, Cape Town, South Africa b Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, Cape Town, South Africa c Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, Johannesburg, South Africa
Abstracts d
Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3209, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (S.L. Magoswana) Othonna L. is a polymorphic genus of ca. ±120 species of succulent or subsucculent perennial herbs or shrubs, concentrated in the Greater Cape Floristic Region (GCFR) of South Africa but extending into southern Namibia, Angola and Zimbabwe. The South African species of Othonna were last revised by Harvey in 1865. Consequently many species, particularly in the winter rainfall-region, remain poorly understood. As a start to a complete revision of the genus we focus here on the geophytic species, distinguished by a tuberous rootstock and annual stems. Following extensive field and herbarium studies we recognise 27 species of which four are newly described, and reduce 17 names into synonomy. The species are distinguished by a combination of habit, foliage shape, number of involucral phyllaries, pappus length and capitulum type (radiate vs. disciform), and fruit characters. The monophyly of the geophytic species was assessed through parsimony and Bayesian analyses of both nuclear ITS and plastid (rps16, trnL-F) regions for Othonna and allies. The geophytic species were recovered in two separate clades, corresponding closely with two informal morphological groups identified by Harvey (1865): Scapigerae (3 spp.) distinguished by the rosulate habit with short, condensed caudex, and Caulescentes (24 spp.) with a tuberous rootstock and well-developed stem with the leaves cauline. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.098
Checklist of Vhavenda useful plants K. Magwede, B.-E. Van Wyk Department of Botany and Plant Biotechnology, University of Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] (K. Magwede) Plant diversity and endemism in Soutpansberg mountain range are well known and have been highlighted by several authors. Less well recorded are the various ways in which the Vhavenda people residing along this mountain range had been using plants and plant-derived products to meet their daily needs. Data was gathered through a literature review and interviews conducted amongst Tshivenda speaking communities in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A checklist of plants useful to the Vhavenda was compiled, showing more than 495 plant species of importance in the sustenance of Vhavenda everyday life needs, especially in rural areas. Most plants are used as medicine, fruits, firewood, building material and vegetables but beverages, cereals, craftwork and other categories of use are also important. Families with highest number of useful species were (in decreasing order): Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Poaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Rubiaceae, Solananceae and Apocynaceae. The most frequently mentioned and used plants include species of the genera Combretum, Aloe, Amaranthus, Searsia, Cucumis, Senna, Strychnos and Ficus. The species; Adansonia digitata L., Sclerocarya birrea Hochst., Momordica foetida Schumach., Bidens pilosa L., Amaranthus hybridus L., Obetia tenax (N.E.Br.) Friis and Syzygium cordatum Hochst. were particularly popular and important. Plant species with the highest diversity of uses include Annona senegalensis Pers., Sclerocarya birrea Hochst. and Landolphia kirkii Dyer. Some enigmatic Venda plants such as Mutavhatsindi (Brackenridgea zanguebarica Oliv.) and Muangaila (Millettia stuhlmannii Taub.) are facing local extinction because the traditional system of myths and taboos is no longer effective as
347
conservation measure. The checklist is a new and comprehensive document that covers all or most of Vhavenda useful plants. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.099
Evaluation and isolation of antimutagenic compounds from methanolic leaf extracts of Monanthotaxis caffra (Annonaceae) R. Makhuvelea,b, K. Foubertc, S. Apersc, L. Pietersc, L. Verschaeved,e, E.E. Elgorashia,b a Toxicology and Ethnoveterinary Medicine, Food, Feed and Veterinary Public Health Programme, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa b Department of Paraclinical Sciences, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa c Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium d Laboratory of Toxicology, O.D. Public Health and Surveillance, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Rue Juliet Wytsmanstraat 14, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium e Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium E-mail address: [email protected] (R. Makhuvele) Monanthotaxis caffra (Sond.) Verdc. is a member of the Annonaceae family reported to possess antitumoural properties. This study evaluated and isolated the antimutagenic compounds from the methanolic leaf extract of M. caffra. The crude extract was investigated in vitro for antimutagenic activity against aflatoxin B1 using the Vitotox, Ames and Comet assays. Thereafter, the crude methanolic leaf extract of M. caffra was subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation. The results for the Ames and Vitotox assays showed that M. caffra possessed a strong antimutagenic effect (≥ 58%) against aflatoxin B1 at a concentration of 5 mg/ml while in the Comet test, no DNA damage was observed at all tested concentrations. Based on these results, extract of M. caffra was pursued for isolation of active compounds. Two antimutagenic compounds were isolated from the methanolic extract of M. caffra and they were identified as crotepoxide and 5, 6-diacetoxy1benzoyloxymethyl-1,3-cyclohexadiene using nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy. The genus Monanthotaxis has been reported to contain oxygenated cyclohexane such as crotepoxide, a compound known to exhibit tumour inhibitory activity. doi:10.1016/j.sajb.2017.01.100
Metabolomic differentiation in wild and cultures populations of Cape medicinal plants N.P. Makunga Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa E-mail address: [email protected] Sutherlandia (syn. Lessertia) frutescens and Dodonaea viscosa are known for their importance as traditional medicines and both species have a broad distribution in southern Africa, occurring in a variety of habitats. Due to their health benefiting properties, they are often used to in plant herbal mixtures to boost the immune-system. Using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, profiles of amino acids and specialised metabolites associated with these plants have been studied