Nomenclatural corrections in Mesoamerican Plantaginaceae and a new species of Tetranema from Honduras

Study of the Plantaginaceae for the Flora Mesoamericana project has resulted in five lectotypifications, a new combination in Rhodochiton, and the discovery of a new species of Tetranema from Honduras. This species, Tetranema michaelfayanum, is described here, a key to the species of Tetranema is provided, and the T. roseum complex is discussed.

Phylogenetic utility of more axillary growth (MAX4 ) - like genes: a case study in Digitalis / Isoplexis (Plantaginaceae)

We present the first assessment of phylogenetic utility of a potential novel low-copy nuclear gene region in flowering plants. A fragment of the MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 4 gene (MAX4, also known as RAMOSUS1 and DECREASED APICAL DOMINANCE1), predicted to span two introns, was isolated from members of Digitalis/Isoplexis. Phylogenetic analyses, under both maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference, were performed and revealed evidence of putative MAX4-like paralogues. The MAX4-like trees were compared with those obtained for Digitalis/Isoplexis using ITS and trnL-F, revealing a high degree of incongruence between these different DNA regions. Network analyses indicate complex patterns of evolution between the MAX4 sequences, which cannot be adequately represented on bifurcating trees. The incidence of paralogy restricts the use of MAX4 in phylogenetic inference within the study group, although MAX4 could potentially be used in combination with other DNA regions for resolving species relationships in cases where paralogues can be clearly identified.

Phylogenetic utility of MORE AXILLARY GROWTH4 (MAX4)-like genes: a case study in Digitalis/Isoplexis (Plantaginaceae)

We present the first assessment of phylogenetic utility of a potential novel low-copy nuclear gene region in flowering plants. A fragment of the MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 4 gene (MAX4, also known as RAMOSUS1 and DECREASED APICAL DOMINANCE1), predicted to span two introns, was isolated from members of Digitalis/Isoplexis. Phylogenetic analyses, under both maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference, were performed and revealed evidence of putative MAX4-like paralogues. The MAX4-like trees were compared with those obtained for Digitalis/Isoplexis using ITS and trnL-F, revealing a high degree of incongruence between these different DNA regions. Network analyses indicate complex patterns of evolution between the MAX4 sequences, which cannot be adequately represented on bifurcating trees. The incidence of paralogy restricts the use of MAX4 in phylogenetic inference within the study group, although MAX4 could potentially be used in combination with other DNA regions for resolving species relationships in cases where paralogues can be clearly identified.

Evolution of the sexual reproduction in Veronica (Plantaginaceae) : phylogeny, phylogeography and invasion

Die geschlechtliche Fortpflanzung ist ein universelles Merkmal und erlaubt es genetische Variation innerhalb von Blütenpflanzen zu schaffen. Die Evolution der sexuellen und reproduktiven Systeme wurde hier auf mehreren zeitlichen Ebenen, in verschiedenen Arten von Lebensraum studiert und mit fast allen möglichen Methoden im Labor, im Gewächshaus sowie im Feld untersucht. Drei Hauptteile sind in dieser Arbeit enthalten und entsprechen jeweils einem unterschiedlichen Niveau der Zeit: Gattung, Untergattung und Arten. Der erste Teil zeigt, dass die PO-Verhältnisse Untersuchungen systematisch in jeder Pflanzen-Gattung oder Untergattung untersucht werden müssen. Dieses güngstige, schnelle und leistungsstarke Werkzeug kann eine Vielzahl von Informationen über die Modi der Pflanzenreproduktion produzieren, ohne die Verwendung von teuren und langen Experimenten. Darüber hinaus könnte diese Maßnahme auch ergänzende Daten über die Taxonomie dieser untersuchten Gruppen geben. Das zweite Kapitel befasst sich mehr mit der Taxonomie der Ehrenpreis(Veronica)-Arten als die beiden anderen und zeigt, dass verschiedene Ereignisse der interspezifischen Reproduktion in einem der Hotspots der Artenvielfalt in Europa (der Balkan-Halbinsel) auftreten. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass morphologische und genetische Daten inkongruent sind und die Analyse der Taxonomie dieser Arten oder Unterart schwierig ist. Das letzteKapitel erzählt die Geschichte einer erfolgreichen Invasion, die während des letzten Jahrhunderts in Europa ablief trotz der Tatsache, dass die Arten obligate Fremdbefruchter sind und dass keine Samen-Produktion in der Region beobachtet wurde. Dieses Manuskript erläutert den Weg der Pflanze, um die “Baker-Regel“ zu umgehen. Diese Regel besagt, dass selbst-inkompatible Arten erfolgloser bei der Invasion neuer Lebensräume sind. Dennoch schafft es die hier untersuchte Art einen großen Teil der europäischen Rasen zu bevölkern und zeigt dabei genetische und morphologische Veränderungen auf diesem Weg.rnSchließlich wird in diesen drei verschiedenen Papieren versucht, die Verbindung zwischen der Mikro-und Makroevolution in der geschlechtlichen Fortpflanzun in Ehrenpreis (Veronica) unter Betracht verschiedener sexueller Systeme und der Stammesgeschichte, sowie der Migration zu klären.

车前科和苦苣苔科一些典型类群花对称性基因的进化发育生物学研究—兼论地黄属和崖白菜属的系统位置

在模式植物金鱼草中的花对称性分子发育与遗传学研究揭示出相关调控基因在花对称性形成过程中的功能和表达式样及其相互作用机制，但被子植物中花对称性的繁杂多样远非模式植物的表达模式所能概括。因此，我们选择车前科和苦苣苔科中与金鱼草较近缘的典型类群地黄属和非洲紫罗兰属作为研究对象，针对它们在花对称性形成方面区别于金鱼草的不同式样，开展这些类群中花对称性主控基因CYCLOIDEA(CYC)类基因的进化发育生物学研究。该研究旨在探讨CYC 类基因的功能和表达式样的变化在进化上的内在联系。 地黄花对称性基因的进化发育研究结果显示，地黄中CYC 类基因RgCYC 的表达模式与CYC 基因在金鱼草中和McCYC 基因在Mohavea 中的表达模式存在明显的差异。首先， RgCYC 基因在近轴雄蕊预期发生位置表皮细胞下的强烈表达与地黄近轴雄蕊的缺失密切相关。转录因子中的氨基酸替代所导致蛋白质功能的改变使RgCYC 基因对细胞周期基因cyclin D3b 抑制作用的增强可能是地黄中近轴雄蕊原基发生过程被彻底阻断的主要原因。由此看来，CYC 类基因的作用不仅导致近轴花器官生长缓慢或退化，而且可能与自然类群中花近轴器官丢失的现象有关。其次，同McCYC 基因在Mohavea 中的表达模式相似，RgCYC 基因的表达也从近轴雄蕊延伸到了两侧雄蕊，但是并没有强烈地抑制两侧雄蕊的发育，仅仅使得两侧雄蕊短于远轴雄蕊从而在地黄中形成二强雄蕊。这一现象可能是由于RgCYC 基因的表达与McCYC 基因的表达在时间和空间上的差异所造成的，并显示地黄中二强雄蕊的形成机制和金鱼草完全不同。第三，RgCYC 基因在近轴花冠裂片的表达没有象CYC 在金鱼草中一样明显促进它们的生长。此外，近轴花冠裂片明显的自身对称性显示在地黄中RgCYC 基因在两侧对称性形成方面可能单独对近轴花器官进行调控。地黄中RgCYC 基因的表达模式反映了广义唇形目中从五数花到四数花进化过程的一种新的进化机制。 两侧对称花向次生辐射对称花的反演进化机制在花对称性进化发育研究中倍受关注。我们在苦苣苔科中选择非洲紫罗兰栽培品种作为研究材料，通过 mTAIL-PCR 分别在两侧对称花和辐射对称花的栽培品种中分离出了包含完整的 ORF 的CYC 类基因：SiCYC1A 和SiCYC1B。这两个基因的完整序列在DNA 水平的相似性为88%，均包含了完整的TCP domain, R domain 和 5’ 端区段。令人意外的是SiCYC1A 和SiCYC1B 这两个基因的DNA 序列在两侧和辐射对称花品种中均完全一致。根据对导致辐射对称花产生机制的比较分析，我们认为在这两个栽培品种中的SiCYC1A 和 SiCYC1B 基因可能存在着某一共同的调节因子对其进行调控。其可能途径是该调节因子同时调控SiCYC1A 和 SiCYC1B 基因，这一共同的调节因子的改变导致了SiCYC1A 和 SiCYC1B 基因部分或完全失去功能，从而使两侧对称花转变为辐射对称花。 崖白菜属的花部器官发生研究显示其花萼和花冠裂片的发生顺序与毛地黄族和婆婆纳族相似，花冠裂片早期生长的迟滞和花冠裂片折叠式样介于毛地黄族和婆婆纳族之间。但是，近轴雄蕊的发育缺失完全不同于毛地黄族中的其它类群。对地黄属和崖白菜属以及它们近缘类群的ITS 或trnL-F 序列所构建的系统树的分析显示，地黄属和崖白菜属呈姊妹群。然而，分子系统学研究结果并不支持传统系统学和个体发育研究对这两个属科级系统位置的认识。毛地黄属与婆婆纳属和车前属构成一个单系分支，而地黄属与崖白菜属则形成另外一个独立的分支，并与泡桐属与透骨草科所形成的分支首先聚在一支。因此，毛地黄族可能并不是一个单系类群，地黄属和崖白菜属的科级系统位置可能需要重新考虑。

烟叶唇柱苣苔（Chirita heterotricha）两侧对称花的进化发育途径

被子植物菊亚纲原始类群的花为辐射对称花，伴随着适应性进化和传粉者的专性化，两侧对称花随之出现并快速进化和多样化。与花对称性相关的基因首先在模式植物金鱼草中被分离出来，它们包括TCP 基因家族的两个基因Cycloidea（CYC）和Dichotama（DICH），MYB 基因家族的两个基因Radialis（RAD）和Divaricata（DIV）。模式植物金鱼草的分子发育与遗传学研究初步揭示出在花对称性形成过程中相关调控基因的功能、表达模式及其相互作用机制。研究表明，金鱼草花中CYC 和DICH 基因只在背部表达，控制背部属性。DIV基因早期在所有部位表达，但只影响腹部属性。CYC 和DICH 通过激活与DIV具有颉抗作用的RAD 基因在背部的表达来抑制DIV 基因在背部的作用从而构建了金鱼草的两侧对称花。但是，被子植物繁杂多样的花对称性远非一种模式植物所能概括。此外，被子植物花对称性的演化也是一个悬而未决的问题。要全面了解被子植物花对称性的起源、多样化及其背后的决定机制，有必要进一步研究不同类群中花对称性相关基因的功能变化和进化式样。 苦苣苔科（Gesneriaceae）与金鱼草所属的车前科（Plantaginaceae）同属于菊亚纲的广义唇形目。研究表明广义唇形目的祖先已经具有了两侧对称花，苦苣苔科是广义唇形目的基部类群，具有与唇形目两侧对称花早期分化相关的各种两侧对称花类型。因此，在苦苣苔科选择两侧对称花代表类群开展花对称性的进化发育生物学研究十分有助于探讨苦苣苔科花对称性基因在两侧对称花类群的调控进化，从而揭示广义唇形目基部类群花对称性的进化发育模式。我们选择苦苣苔科两侧对称花类群烟叶唇柱苣苔（Chirita heterotricha）为主要研究材料。烟叶唇柱苣苔是苦苣苔科两侧对称性比较强烈的类群，主要体现在其只有腹部两枚雄蕊能育，背部和侧部雄蕊均败育，与金鱼草的近亲沙漠幽灵花（Mohaveae confertiflora）的形态类似。在沙漠幽灵花中CYC 类基因的表达从背部延伸到了侧部，但是在烟叶唇柱苣苔中是否遵循同一模式还是存在其他途径这是我们的主要研究目的。此外，我们发现在烟叶唇柱苣苔花序的顶花中偶尔会发生腹部化的辐射对称突变花。在金鱼草和柳穿鱼中，CYC 类基因的失活导致了辐射对称突变花的产生，而在豆科植物Cadia purpurea 中，CYC 类基因的活性从背部延伸到了侧部和腹部，导致了辐射对称花的形成。烟叶唇柱苣苔中的情形则值得我们关注。再者，革叶粗筒苣苔（Briggisia mihieri）是烟叶唇柱苣苔的近缘类群，但它具有四枚能育雄蕊（侧部和腹部各两枚）。苦苣苔科两能育雄蕊类群被认为起源于四能育雄蕊类群。我们在烟叶唇柱苣苔野生型两侧对称花和辐射对称突变花中开展花对称性基因的表达模式研究，结合在革叶粗筒苣苔中的研究，试图揭示烟叶唇柱苣苔两雄蕊类两侧对称花形成的分子机制和进化发育途径。 本研究从烟叶唇柱苣苔中分离到4 个CYC 类基因（ChCYC1C，ChCYC1D，ChCYC2A，ChCYC2B），2 个DIV 类基因（ChDIV1，ChDIV2）和2 个RAD 类基因（ChRAD1，ChRAD2）。从革叶粗筒苣苔中分离到4 个CYC 类基因（BmCYC1C，BmCYC1D，BmCYC2A，BmCYC2B），2 个DIV 类基因（BmDIV1，BmDIV2）和1 个RAD 类基因（BmRAD1）。序列和系统发育分析结果显示它们均为花对称性基因。进一步的表达分析显示结果表明：（1）不同拷贝CYC 类基因的表达存在着分化，与其氨基酸序列的分化一致；烟叶唇柱苣苔的CYC 类基因表达从背部延伸到了侧部而革叶粗筒苣苔的CYC 类基因仅在背部表达，与它们的形态分化密切相关。（2）DIV 类基因在种内两个拷贝以及种间的表达无明显的分化，在花的各个部位都有表达。（3）烟叶唇柱苣苔两个拷贝的RAD 类基因的表达存在分化；两个种的同类RAD 类基因的表达也存在分化。这些花对称性基因的表达模式分析揭示了它们在烟叶唇柱苣苔和革叶粗筒苣苔两侧对称花形态建成以及二者花形态的演化中具有重要作用。 同时，我们对烟叶唇柱苣苔的辐射对称突变花进行了自交和F1 代培育，但是F1 代没有出现稳定的辐射对称突变株。我们从辐射对称突变花中分离到的CYC 类、DIV 类和RAD 类基因的核苷酸序列与野生型的完全一致。说明突变体的产生与序列变异无关。RT-PCR 分析表明突变花中CYC 类基因全部失活，而DIV 类基因和在腹部表达的RAD 类基因的表达信号有所增强，这与其腹部化辐射对称的形态相一致。这进一步证实了花对称性基因在烟叶唇柱苣苔花形态建成中的作用。

A new HPLC-DAD-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of major compounds in the crude extract of Lychnophora salicifolia Mart. (Brazilian arnicao) leaves: Application to chemical variability evaluation

Lychnophora salicifolia Mart., which occurs in the Brazilian Cerrado in the states of Bahia and Minas Gerais as well as in the southeast of the state of Goias, is the most widely distributed and also the most polymorphic species of the genus. This plant is popularly known to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. In this work, we have studied the variation in terms of polar metabolites of ninety-three Lychnophora salicifolia Mart, specimens collected from different regions of the Brazilian Cerrado. Identification of the constituents of this mixture was carried out by analysis of the UV spectra and MS data after chromatographic separation. Twenty substances were identified, including chlorogenic acid derivatives, a flavonoid C-glucoside, and other sesquiterpenes. The analytical method was validated, and the reliability and credibility of the results was ensured for the purposes of this study. The concentration range required for analysis of content variability within the analyzed group of specimens was covered with appropriate values of limits of detection and quantitation, as well as satisfactory precision and recovery. A quantitative variability was observed among specimens collected from the same location, but on average they were similar from a chemical viewpoint. In relation to the study involving specimens from different locations, there were both qualitative and quantitative differences among plants collected from different regions of Brazil. Statistical analysis revealed that there is a correlation between geographical localization and polar metabolites profile for specimens collected from different locations. This is evidence that the pattern of metabolites concentration depends on the geographical distribution of the specimens. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SEASONAL VARIATION OF THE MAJOR SECONDARY METABOLITES PRESENT IN THE EXTRACT OF Eremanthus mattogrossensis Less (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) LEAVES

The species Eremanthus mattogrossensis, known as "veludo do cerrado" (cerrado velvet), is native to the Brazilian Cerrado. Because the amount of metabolites present in plants may be influenced by biological and environmental factors, here we conducted an HPLC-DAD-MS/MS investigation of the metabolite concentrations found in the MeOH/H2O extract of the leaves of this species. The main compounds were identified and quantified, and the metabolites were grouped by chemical class (caffeoylquinic acids, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactone). Statistical analysis indicated a straight correlation between the quantity of metabolites and seasonality, suggesting that environmental properties elicit important metabolic responses.

Underground leaves of Philcoxia trap and digest nematodes

The recently described genus Philcoxia comprises three species restricted to well lit and low-nutrient soils in the Brazilian Cerrado. The morphological and habitat similarities of Philcoxia to those of some carnivorous plants, along with recent observations of nematodes over its subterranean leaves, prompted the suggestion that the genus is carnivorous. Here we report compelling evidence of carnivory in Philcoxia of the Plantaginaceae, a family in which no carnivorous members are otherwise known. We also document both a unique capturing strategy for carnivorous plants and a case of a plant that traps and digests nematodes with underground adhesive leaves. Our findings illustrate how much can still be discovered about the origin, distribution, and frequency of the carnivorous syndrome in angiosperms and, more generally, about the diversity of nutrient-acquisition mechanisms that have evolved in plants growing in severely nutrient-impoverished environments such as the Brazilian Cerrado, one of the world's 34 biodiversity hotspots.

Studio molecolare dei meccanismi dell'autoincompatibilità gametofitica in pero europeo (Pyrus communis)

Self-incompatibility (SI) systems have evolved in many flowering plants to prevent self-fertilization and thus promote outbreeding. Pear and apple, as many of the species belonging to the Rosaceae, exhibit RNase-mediated gametophytic self-incompatibility, a widespread system carried also by the Solanaceae and Plantaginaceae. Pear orchards must for this reason contain at least two different cultivars that pollenize each other; to guarantee an efficient cross-pollination, they should have overlapping flowering periods and must be genetically compatible. This compatibility is determined by the S-locus, containing at least two genes encoding for a female (pistil) and a male (pollen) determinant. The female determinant in the Rosaceae, Solanaceae and Plantaginaceae system is a stylar glycoprotein with ribonuclease activity (S-RNase), that acts as a specific cytotoxin in incompatible pollen tubes degrading cellular RNAs. Since its identification, the S-RNase gene has been intensively studied and the sequences of a large number of alleles are available in online databases. On the contrary, the male determinant has been only recently identified as a pollen-expressed protein containing a F-box motif, called S-Locus F-box (abbreviated SLF or SFB). Since F-box proteins are best known for their participation to the SCF (Skp1 - Cullin - F-box) E3 ubiquitine ligase enzymatic complex, that is involved in protein degradation through the 26S proteasome pathway, the male determinant is supposed to act mediating the ubiquitination of the S-RNases, targeting them for the degradation in compatible pollen tubes. Attempts to clone SLF/SFB genes in the Pyrinae produced no results until very recently; in apple, the use of genomic libraries allowed the detection of two F-box genes linked to each S haplotype, called SFBB (S-locus F-Box Brothers). In Japanese pear, three SFBB genes linked to each haplotype were cloned from pollen cDNA. The SFBB genes exhibit S haplotype-specific sequence divergence and pollen-specific expression; their multiplicity is a feature whose interpretation is unclear: it has been hypothesized that all of them participate in the S-specific interaction with the RNase, but it is also possible that only one of them is involved in this function. Moreover, even if the S locus male and female determinants are the only responsible for the specificity of the pollen-pistil recognition, many other factors are supposed to play a role in GSI; these are not linked to the S locus and act in a S-haplotype independent manner. They can have a function in regulating the expression of S determinants (group 1 factors), modulating their activity (group 2) or acting downstream, in the accomplishment of the reaction of acceptance or rejection of the pollen tube (group 3). This study was aimed to the elucidation of the molecular mechanism of GSI in European pear (Pyrus communis) as well as in the other Pyrinae; it was divided in two parts, the first focusing on the characterization of male determinants, and the second on factors external to the S locus. The research of S locus F-box genes was primarily aimed to the identification of such genes in European pear, for which sequence data are still not available; moreover, it allowed also to investigate about the S locus structure in the Pyrinae. The analysis was carried out on a pool of varieties of the three species Pyrus communis (European pear), Pyrus pyrifolia (Japanese pear), and Malus × domestica (apple); varieties carrying S haplotypes whose RNases are highly similar were chosen, in order to check whether or not the same level of similarity is maintained also between the male determinants. A total of 82 sequences was obtained, 47 of which represent the first S-locus F-box genes sequenced from European pear. The sequence data strongly support the hypothesis that the S locus structure is conserved among the three species, and presumably among all the Pyrinae; at least five genes have homologs in the analysed S haplotypes, but the number of F-box genes surrounding the S-RNase could be even greater. The high level of sequence divergence and the similarity between alleles linked to highly conserved RNases, suggest a shared ancestral polymorphism also for the F-box genes. The F-box genes identified in European pear were mapped on a segregating population of 91 individuals from the cross 'Abbé Fétel' × 'Max Red Bartlett'. All the genes were placed on the linkage group 17, where the S locus has been placed both in pear and apple maps, and resulted strongly associated to the S-RNase gene. The linkage with the RNase was perfect for some of the F-box genes, while for others very rare single recombination events were identified. The second part of this study was focused on the research of other genes involved in the SI response in pear; it was aimed on one side to the identification of genes differentially expressed in compatible and incompatible crosses, and on the other to the cloning and characterization of the transglutaminase (TGase) gene, whose role may be crucial in pollen rejection. For the identification of differentially expressed genes, controlled pollinations were carried out in four combinations (self pollination, incompatible, half-compatible and fully compatible cross-pollination); expression profiles were compared through cDNA-AFLP. 28 fragments displaying an expression pattern related to compatibility or incompatibility were identified, cloned and sequenced; the sequence analysis allowed to assign a putative annotation to a part of them. The identified genes are involved in very different cellular processes or in defense mechanisms, suggesting a very complex change in gene expression following the pollen/pistil recognition. The pool of genes identified with this technique offers a good basis for further study toward a better understanding of how the SI response is carried out. Among the factors involved in SI response, moreover, an important role may be played by transglutaminase (TGase), an enzyme involved both in post-translational protein modification and in protein cross-linking. The TGase activity detected in pear styles was significantly higher when pollinated in incompatible combinations than in compatible ones, suggesting a role of this enzyme in the abnormal cytoskeletal reorganization observed during pollen rejection reaction. The aim of this part of the work was thus to identify and clone the pear TGase gene; the PCR amplification of fragments of this gene was achieved using primers realized on the alignment between the Arabidopsis TGase gene sequence and several apple EST fragments; the full-length coding sequence of the pear TGase gene was then cloned from cDNA, and provided a precious tool for further study of the in vitro and in vivo action of this enzyme.

Plantas medicinales de los bajos alcalinos de la cuenca del arroyo del Azul (provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina)

El presente trabajo se llevó a cabo en 7 bajos alcalinos ubicados en el sector más llano de la cuenca del arroyo del Azul (centro de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). Dichos ambientes, debido a sus limitaciones edáficas, son destinados a la cría de ganado bovino. El objetivo del presente trabajo es analizar estas unidades del paisaje desde una perspectiva que permita valorizarlos aún más, a partir de la consideración de la gran diversidad de especies botánicas de valor medicinal que se desarrolla en ellos. Se identificaron 150 especies, de las cuales 81 (54%) resultaron con propiedades medicinales. La familia con mayor cantidad de especies con uso medicinal fue Asteraceae, seguida por Poaceae y, en menor medida, por Apiaceae y Plantaginaceae. El uso medicinal potencial más representado fue el diurético (30 especies), seguido por el digestivo (17 especies), el hepático (15 especies) y el vulnerario (13 especies). Por otro lado, más de la mitad de las especies encontradas (60,5%) presenta alguna acción vinculada con el sistema digestivo. Los ambientes analizados debieran ser considerados como proveedores de servicios ecosistémicos ya que es significativa la riqueza de su flora y la potencialidad de sus aplicaciones medicinales.

Pollen record from Golkow, Poland

Janczyk-Kopikowa (1966): The series of the organic deposits, developed in the vicinity of Golkow near Warsaw as oil shales and peats, was laid down in a grough valley and now rests on the deposits of the Middle Polish Glaciation (Riss). The organic deposits are overlain by the fluviale deposits of the North Polish Glaciation (Würm). The locality Golkow occurs beyond the extent of the continental glacier of this glaciation. Polen analysis completed by microfloristic examinations allows to determine the age of the organic series that is thought to be Eemian. The pollen diagram from Golkow does not call in question the stratigraphical position of the deposits investigated mainly due to its characteristic features such as minimum content of coniferous trees in the climatic optimum - about 5%, high percentage of Corylus - 77.5% and well developed phase of hornbeam. It may be well compared with other Eemian diagrams from the area of Poland and reveals much similar features. The development of vegetation at Golkow has depended upon the prevailing climate. At first, the cool climate brings about the development of plants having small thermal requirements. Here belong thin, park-like forests with pine and birch (Pinus, Betula) accompanied by the heliophilic plants such as Hippohäe and Ephedra. Improvement of climate that becomes warm and humid provides for development of deciduous forests prevailing in the climatic optimum, of the interglacial. Decrease of temperature causes a repeated change in the type of forest. This latter changes into coniferous forest with prevailing spruce (Picea) and fir (Abies) at the beginning, and then with pine (Pinus) and birch (Betula). During the Eemian Interglacial, the development of plants at Golkow terminates with a new and long-lasting predominance of pine-birch forests. However, such a longevity may be apparent only. Apparent character of this phenomenon is proved by a fact that the pollen spectra of the warm climatic periods have found their reflex in the oil shale that increased considerably slower than the layers off feebly decomposed peat evidencing the existence of cool pine-birch forests from the decline of the Interglacial. The water basin, in which the polen grains were laid down from surrounding plants is characterized by a calm sedimentation as proved by the occurrence of the oil shale. An insignificant water flow left behind some thin sand laminae. The not too deep basin becomes shallower owing to the growing water vegetation, and marshy vegetation. The growing of the plants causes a complete shallowing of the basin and formation of peat bog in situ, as proved by the peat beds occurring in the section. ---- Gadomska (1966): In the vicinity of Golków a series of organic deposits occurs amounting to 6.5-9.3 m in thickness, and consisting of oil shales, lacustrine silts and sands, as well as peats and peaty silts. The organic deposits fill up an old, small, but fairly deep lake basin, probably of finger-lake origin. It may be seen to-day as a slight lowering of the relief, filled up with soaked ground, stretching from north to south. On the basis of palaeobotanical examinations the organic deposits considered are of Eemian Interglacial age (Z. Janczyk-Kopikowa, 1063). The lower part of the organic series consists of a compact oil shale horizon, the maximum thickness of which may attain up to 8 m. The oil shales contain particularly in their upper part, numerous intercalations of arenaceous silts, dark grey or black in colour, or of sands mainly of lacustrine provenance. At the top of the oil shales are found peats, up to 2.5 m in thickness, covered by black, humus silts with numerous plant remains. The Eemian Interglacial deposits are covered by a series of fluviatile sands belonging partly to the Baltic Glaciation (bottom part of the series), partly to the Holocene (top part of the series). The thickness of the sands is 0.5-3.7 m. Higher up, there are found the Holocene and present-day deposits developed as clayey alluvion, or arenaceous slide rocks, or arenaceous-silty soil.

Pollen record and age determinations on four sites from Taymyr Peninsula, Russia

Pollen data from a Levinson-Lessing Lake sediment core (74°28'N, 98°38'E) and Cape Sabler, Taymyr Lake permafrost sequences (74°33'N, 100°32'E) reveal substantial environmental changes on the northern Taymyr Peninsula during the last c. 32 000 14C years. The continuous records confirm that a scarce steppe-like vegetation with Poaceae, Artemisia and Cyperaceae dominated c. 32 000-10 300 14C yr BP, while tundra-like vegetation with Oxyria, Ranunculaceae and Caryophyllaceae grew in wetter areas. The coldest interval occurred c. 18 000 yr BP. Lateglacial pollen data show several warming events followed by a climate deterioration c. 10 500 14C yr BP, which may correspond with the Younger Dryas. The Late Pleistocene/Holocene transition, c. 10 300-10 000 14C yr BP, is characterized by a change from the herb-dominated vegetation to shrubby tundra with Betula sect. Nanae and Salix. Alnus fruticosa arrived locally c. 9000-8500 14C yr BP and disappeared c. 4000-3500 14C yr BP. Communities of Betula sect. Nanae, broadly distributed at c. 10 000-3500 14C yr BP, almost disappeared when vegetation became similar to the modern herb tundra after 3500-3000 14C yr BP. Quantitative climate reconstructions show Last Glacial Maximum summer temperature about 4°C below the present and Preboreal (c. 10 000 14C yr BP) temperature 2-4°C above the present. Maximum summer temperature occurred between 10 000 and 5500 14C yr BP; later summers were similar to present or slightly warmer.