Three ecotypes of reed (Phragmites communis Trinius), swamp reed (SR), dune reed (DR), and heavy salt meadow reed (HSMR), growing in desert regions of northwest China were simultaneously investigated in their natural state for gas exchange patterns and the expression of three photosynthesis-related genes, cab (the gene for the light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b binding protein, LHC), psbA (the gene for the reaction centre D1 protein of photosystem 2, PS2), and 16S rDNA (the gene for plastid 16S rRNA). Stomatal conductance (gs) and intercellular CO2 concentration (ci) were markedly lower in the two terrestrial ecotypes (DR and HSMR) as compared to SR, paralleling a similar observed depression in net photosynthetic rate (PN). However, DR with the lowest measured gs and ci still exhibited a higher PN compared to HSMR. These results suggest that both stomatal and non-stomatal factors account for the comparatively low carbon assimilation in the terrestrial ecotypes. An increase in the expression of photosynthesis-related genes was observed in DR compared to SR, whereas the reverse situation was true in HSMR. The expression of photosynthesis-related genes may contribute to reed plants' photosynthetic capacity per leaf area under natural water deficits, but the levels of photosynthesis-related gene expression are not directly correlated with reed plants' general ability for survival and adaptation under water deficient conditions. and H. L. Wang ... [et al.].
The phylogenetic relationships of the three major species groups of Tribolium (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) were inferred using the simultaneous analysis of 642 bp of the most conserved part of mitochondrial DNA (mt DNA) cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 448-452 bp of mt 16S rDNA. High sequence divergence was observed for both genes even among sibling species. The analysis of the combined segments of COI and 16S rDNA sequences produced a phylogenetic tree with moderate level of confidence. The tree topology showed monophyly of the genus Tribolium whose species were separated into three groups: "brevicornis" group (with T. brevicornis as the only representative), "castaneum" group (with T. castaneum, T. freemani, T. madens and T. audax) and "confusum" group (with T. confusum, T. anaphe and T. destructor). Sibling species pairs T. castaneum - T. freemani and T. madens - T. audax are clearly resolved. The preliminary results presented here give moderate support to the previously proposed phylogeny based on morphological data.
Psocids of the genus Liposcelis (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) are stored product pests that are difficult to identify morphologically. A molecular method based on Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) of the PCR-amplified 16S rDNA gene was developed for the rapid discrimination of four common species (L. bostrychophila, L. entomophila, L. decolor, and L. paeta). Different developmental stages and populations (P.R. China and Czech Republic) were tested. One DNA fragment of about 500 bp in length was amplified from genomic DNA and the fragment was then digested using the restriction endonuclease DraI. Identification of the relevant banding pattern allowed all the developmental stages and both sexes to be discriminated in the species tested. The banding patterns of L. entomophila from all populations were identical, while the relevant restriction digests and sequence analysis confirmed that the Chinese and Czech populations of L. bostrychophila, L. decolor, and L. paeta differed. In conclusion, PCR-RFLP with one pair of primers (16Sar and 16Sbr) and one restrictive endonuclease, DraI, proved a reliable method for rapidly discriminating the Liposcelis species tested.
Long-eared bats of the genus Plecotus are widespread over most of temperate Eurasia, marginally reaching the African continent and Macaronesia. Previously, all African populations were assigned to one species, P. auritus, and later to P. austriacus. We analysed museum specimens of African long-eared bat populations using both morphologic and genetic techniques. Based on morphological evidence we recognise four well-defined allopatric populations in northern Africa. They differ in fur coloration, skull morphology and bacular traits. The molecular data support a division of the African populations into at least three well-separated evolutionary lineages. With a combination of these data we define three species of Plecotus occurring in Africa (incl. the Canary Islands) and describe a new subspecies. Small, very pale greyish-brown Egyptian long-eared bats (P. christii Gray, 1838) inhabit desert and semi-deserts habitats of eastern Sahara (Libyan Desert, Nile Valley of Egypt and northern Sudan). Smaller to medium-sized, dark brown Ethiopian long-eared bats (P. balensis Kruskop et Lavrenchenko, 2000) inhabit the Ethiopian Highlands above 2000 metres a. s. l. This form represents the only Afro-tropical species of Plecotus. Large, dark greyish Canarian long-eared bats (P. teneriffae teneriffae Barret-Hamilton, 1907) occur on the three western islands of the Canarian Archipelago. A medium-sized greyish-brown Gaisler’s long-eared bat, P. teneriffae gaisleri subsp. n., is described from the Mediterranean region of Cyrenaica, north-eastern Libya. Due to the lack of substantial morphological differences we preliminarily consider the Maghrebian population of long-eared bats to be consubspecific with P. teneriffae gaisleri subsp. n. The systematic position of the population of Cape Verde Islands remains uncertain.