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New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0
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New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Systematics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Classification".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 32707

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Vítězslav Plášek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology & Ecology, University of Ostrava, Chittussiho 10, 710 00 Ostrava, Czech Republic
Interests: taxonomy and ecology of bryophytes; phytogeography of epiphytic bryophytes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Bryophytes are the second largest group of land plants after angiosperms. Currently, due to the rapid development of molecular methods, major changes in bryophyte systems are taking place.

Due to climatic change, the areal distribution and size of the moss population are changing, many species are becoming rare and others benefit from these changes and their sites are significantly expanding. The observation of these changes in distribution and assessing their causes is very fascinating. This information is also reflected in the updating of the Red Lists and affects management in protected areas.

Bryophytes are used also as indicator species, erosion control, bioindicators of heavy metals in air pollution, aquatic bioindicators, radioactivity indicators, and others. Environmental quality is increasingly accentuated in all areas of biology. The role of bryophytes as biondicators is therefore considerable.

Despite the amazing amount of rapidly accumulating information, there are still open questions and challenges in this fascinating field.

Dr. Vítězslav Plášek
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • bryophytes
  • mosses
  • taxonomy
  • distribution
  • threatened species
  • bioindication

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 25992 KiB  
Article
Nuclear DNA Amounts in Chinese Bryophytes Estimated by Flow Cytometry: Variation Patterns and Biological Significances
by Dandan Li, Guangyu Luo, Shuiliang Guo, Ruoling Huang, Jun Yang, Tong Cao and Jing Yu
Plants 2023, 12(7), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071564 - 05 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1213
Abstract
There exists an obvious gap in our knowledge of the nuclear DNA amount of bryophytes, not only in terms of the low number of species represented, but also in systematic and geographic representation. In order to increase our knowledge of nuclear DNA amounts [...] Read more.
There exists an obvious gap in our knowledge of the nuclear DNA amount of bryophytes, not only in terms of the low number of species represented, but also in systematic and geographic representation. In order to increase our knowledge of nuclear DNA amounts and variation patterns in bryophytes, and their potential phylogenetic significances and influences on phenotypes, we used flow cytometry to determine the DNA 1C values of 209 bryophyte accessions, which belong to 145 mosses and 18 liverworts collected from China, by using Physcomitrella patens as a standard. We quantified the differences in DNA 1C values among different orders and families and constructed a phylogenetic tree of 112 mosses with four gene sequences (nad5, rbcL, trnL-F, and 18S-ITS1-5.8S-ITS2-26S). DNA 1C values were mapped onto the phylogenetic tree to test a potential phylogenetic signal. We also evaluated the correlations of the DNA 1C value with the sizes of individuals, leaves, cells, and spores by using a phylogenetically controlled analysis. New estimates of nuclear DNA amounts were reported for 145 species. The DNA 1C values of 209 bryophyte accessions ranged from 0.422 pg to 0.860 pg, with an average value of 0.561 pg, and a 2.04-fold variation covered the extremes of all the accessions. Although the values are not significantly different (p = 0.355) between mosses (0.528 pg) and liverworts (0.542 pg), there are variations to varying extents between some families and orders. The DNA 1C value size exerts a positive effect on the sizes of plants, leaves, and cells, but a negative effect on spore size. A weak phylogenetic signal is detected across most moss species. Phylogenetic signals are comparatively strong for some lineages. Our findings show that bryophytes have very small and highly constrained nuclear DNA amounts. There are nucleotype effects of nuclear DNA amounts for bryophytes at the individual, organ, and cell levels. We speculate that smaller nuclear DNA amounts are advantageous for bryophytes in dry environments. Significant differences in the DNA 1C values among some moss families and orders, as well as phylogenetic signals for some lineages, imply that nuclear DNA amount evolution in mosses seems to be unidirectional. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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20 pages, 3658 KiB  
Article
Marsupella lusitanica (Gymnomitriaceae, Marchantiophyta), a New Species of Sect. Ustulatae from Mountain Ranges of Portugal
by Ronald D. Porley, David Bell and Jan Kučera
Plants 2023, 12(7), 1468; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12071468 - 27 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1315
Abstract
A new species of Marsupella sect. Ustulatae Müll. Frib. ex R.M. Schust. is described following an integrated morphological and molecular–phylogenetic study which examined the recently found dioicous plants growing epilithically on acidic substrates in several mountain ranges of Portugal between Peneda-Gerês in the [...] Read more.
A new species of Marsupella sect. Ustulatae Müll. Frib. ex R.M. Schust. is described following an integrated morphological and molecular–phylogenetic study which examined the recently found dioicous plants growing epilithically on acidic substrates in several mountain ranges of Portugal between Peneda-Gerês in the north and Serra da Monchique in the extreme south. Employed molecular markers (plastid trnF–trnT region and nuclear ribosomal ITS) confirmed the distinctness of the lineage from other currently recognized species in the section, and furthermore, previously neglected diversity within M. sprucei (Limpr.) Bernet was signaled. Although not yet confirmed outside Portugal, the newly reported species is probably not rare in the region and has likely been overlooked as M. funckii (F. Weber & D. Mohr) Dumort. or M. profunda Lindb. in the past. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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38 pages, 6605 KiB  
Article
New Taxonomic Arrangement of Dicranella s.l. and Aongstroemia s.l. (Dicranidae, Bryophyta)
by Vladimir Fedosov, Alina Fedorova, Elena Ignatova and Jan Kučera
Plants 2023, 12(6), 1360; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12061360 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1725
Abstract
The recent molecular phylogenetic study of the families Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae, which resolved the genera Aongstroemia and Dicranella as polyphyletic, indicated the need for changes in their circumscription and provided new morphological evidence to support the formal description of newly recognized lineages. Following [...] Read more.
The recent molecular phylogenetic study of the families Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae, which resolved the genera Aongstroemia and Dicranella as polyphyletic, indicated the need for changes in their circumscription and provided new morphological evidence to support the formal description of newly recognized lineages. Following up on these results, the present study adds another molecular marker, the highly informative trnK–psbA region, to a subset of previously analyzed taxa and presents molecular data from newly analyzed austral representatives of Dicranella and collections of Dicranella-like plants from North Asia. The molecular data are linked with morphological traits, particularly the leaf shape, tuber morphology, and capsule and peristome characters. Based on this multi-proxy evidence, we propose three new families (Dicranellopsidaceae, Rhizogemmaceae, and Ruficaulaceae) and six new genera (Bryopalisotia, Calcidicranella, Dicranellopsis, Protoaongstroemia, Rhizogemma, and Ruficaulis) to accommodate the described species according to the revealed phylogenetic affinities. Additionally, we amend the circumscriptions of the families Aongstroemiaceae and Dicranellaceae, as well as the genera Aongstroemia and Dicranella. In addition to the monotypic Protoaongstroemia that contains the newly described dicranelloid plant with a 2–3-layered distal leaf portion from Pacific Russia, P. sachalinensis, Dicranella thermalis is described for a D. heteromalla-like plant from the same region. Fourteen new combinations, including one new status change, are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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15 pages, 1689 KiB  
Article
Thresholds in the Species–Area–Habitat Model: Evidence from the Bryophytes on Continental Islands
by Guangyu Luo, Ruoling Huang, Shuiliang Guo, Dandan Li, Jun Yang, Feng Zhang and Jing Yu
Plants 2023, 12(4), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040837 - 13 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1107
Abstract
Aim: To clarify whether (1) there are thresholds in the species–area–habitat relationship for bryophytes and potential mechanisms, (2) such thresholds vary among different bryophyte groups, and (3) choros is better than area or habitat alone in the prediction of SR. Location: Islands in [...] Read more.
Aim: To clarify whether (1) there are thresholds in the species–area–habitat relationship for bryophytes and potential mechanisms, (2) such thresholds vary among different bryophyte groups, and (3) choros is better than area or habitat alone in the prediction of SR. Location: Islands in central and southern Zhejiang, China. Methods: We investigated the species richness (SR) of five bryophyte groups (total bryophytes, total mosses, liverworts, acrocarpous mosses, and pleurocarpous mosses) and habitat types on 66 islands. By using four threshold models, the logarithmic and the power models, we quantified their SR–choros relationships (SKRs), species–area relationships (SARs), and species–habitat relationships (SHRs). We also conducted path analyses to detect the direct effects of area per se and habitat per se on the SR. Results: The AICc values of the SKR models were overall smaller than those of the respective SAR and SHR models. The left-horizontal two-threshold model was best for the SKRs. A phenomenon (the small-choros effect, SCE) in which SR independently varied choros below a given threshold was detected. The SCE thresholds were smaller in mosses than in liverworts and in acrocarpous mosses than in pleurocarpous mosses. No direct and positive effects of habitat per se on the SR were detected below choros thresholds for all five groups. Main conclusions: There were two thresholds and SCEs in the SKRs of all five bryophyte groups. The SCEs likely resulted from the elimination of the direct and positive effects of habitat diversity on the SR of the bryophytes on small choros islands. The SCE thresholds were high for species groups sensitive to environments. Choros was better than area or habitat alone in determining the SR of the bryophytes on continental islands. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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18 pages, 5367 KiB  
Article
Population and Conservation Status of Buxbaumia viridis (DC.) Moug. & Nestl. in Romania
by Sorin Ștefănuț, Constanța Mihaela Ion, Tiberiu Sahlean, Gabriela Tamas, Georgiana-Roxana Nicoară, Mihnea Vladimirescu, Ana-Maria Moroșanu, Florența-Elena Helepciuc, Miruna-Maria Ștefănuț and Constantin-Ciprian Bîrsan
Plants 2023, 12(3), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12030473 - 19 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1739
Abstract
The field survey made in the last 20 years revealed that large areas of Romania’s territory are still unexplored concerning moss distribution. The long-term research in natural and mature spruce forest habitats of this country shows that many sites are well protected, a [...] Read more.
The field survey made in the last 20 years revealed that large areas of Romania’s territory are still unexplored concerning moss distribution. The long-term research in natural and mature spruce forest habitats of this country shows that many sites are well protected, a status that is also confirmed by reports of Buxbaumia viridis. However, many other sites where this species was identified still lack legal protection. We also generated a potential distribution of the species based on an ensemble model, useful in guiding extensive field surveys and also management and conservation measures. In a country where the volume of wood cut by illegal logging is larger than the legal one, according to official data, it is very important that all habitats for B. viridis be included in protected areas. Our paper brings important data to aid in this goal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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17 pages, 4800 KiB  
Article
Temperature and Precipitation More Than Tree Cover Affect the Distribution Patterns of Epiphytic Mosses within the Orthotrichaceae Family in China and Adjacent Areas
by Lucie Fialová, Vítězslav Plášek, Ewelina Klichowska, Shuiliang Guo and Marcin Nobis
Plants 2023, 12(1), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010222 - 03 Jan 2023
Viewed by 2334
Abstract
Epiphytes, including vascular and non-vascular, constitute a large part of global plant biodiversity. Distribution of obligatory epiphytic bryophytes results from climate and local habitat conditions. The most important epiphytic bryophytes and at the same time poorly investigated and taxonomically problematic ones belong to [...] Read more.
Epiphytes, including vascular and non-vascular, constitute a large part of global plant biodiversity. Distribution of obligatory epiphytic bryophytes results from climate and local habitat conditions. The most important epiphytic bryophytes and at the same time poorly investigated and taxonomically problematic ones belong to the family Orthotrichaceae. Epiphytic mosses are also ideal organisms for species modelling, because of having no roots, they are highly dependent on external environmental conditions. For this purpose, we used the ecological niche modelling approach to define their potential distribution in China and adjacent areas and explore factors that shape this distribution. We used 617 occurrence records of 23 species from six genera within the Orthotrichaceae family. Our results suggest that the distribution of members of the Orthotrichaceae family is predominantly affected by bioclimatic variables, especially bio10 (mean temperature of the warmest quarter), bio15 (precipitation seasonality), bio18 (precipitation of the warmest quarter), bio19 (precipitation of the coldest quarter), bio9 (mean temperature of the driest quarter), and bio2 (mean diurnal range). However, the distribution of particular genera is ruled by a different set of those variables. The distribution of two genera (Leratia and Ulota) is also highly influenced by land cover (especially mixed/other trees), whereas human footprint shows a moderate contribution to models of three genera (Lewinskya, Orthotrichum, Nyholmiella). Based on the occupied climatic niche and distribution patterns, representatives of the studied family are divided into two groups. The ‘western-montane group‘ is characterised by lower temperatures and lower precipitation whereas the ‘eastern-lowland’ group‘ by more humid and warmer conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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13 pages, 2132 KiB  
Article
Quo Vadis, Orthotrichum pulchellum? A Journey of Epiphytic Moss across the European Continent
by Vítězslav Plášek, Lukáš Číhal, Frank Müller, Michał Smoczyk, Ivana Marková and Lucie Fialová
Plants 2022, 11(20), 2669; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202669 - 11 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1515
Abstract
Orthotrichum pulchellum is a species of epiphytic moss in which a significant expansion from the oceanic part of Europe to the east of the continent has been observed in the recent two decades. The improvement in air quality in Central and Eastern Europe, [...] Read more.
Orthotrichum pulchellum is a species of epiphytic moss in which a significant expansion from the oceanic part of Europe to the east of the continent has been observed in the recent two decades. The improvement in air quality in Central and Eastern Europe, but also climate change, probably plays a role in this. This study shows what direction of its spreading we can expect in the future. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is a widespread method to find out species niches in environmental and geographical space, which allows us to highlight areas that have a higher probability of occurrences of the studied species, based on identifying similar environmental conditions to those already known. We also made predictions for different future scenarios (CMIP5 climatology datasets for the years 2041–2060). Because we were not able to distinguish between historical and newly settled areas, and so, had to use some of the traditional approaches when modeling invasive species, we proposed to use niche clusters based on environmental layers to split the data of all known occurrences and make models separately for each cluster. This approach seems reasonable from the ecological species point of view because using all the morphologically same samples could be misleading. Altogether, 2712 samples were used from three separate niche clusters. For building the models, the Maxent algorithm was used as a well-tested, well-accepted, and commonly used method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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20 pages, 3596 KiB  
Article
The Utility of Ground Bryophytes in the Assessment of Soil Condition in Heavy Metal-Polluted Grasslands
by Kaja Rola and Vítězslav Plášek
Plants 2022, 11(16), 2091; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162091 - 11 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
Bryophytes are commonly used in biomonitoring heavy metal pollution, whereas the bioindicative value of bryophyte communities is a less known issue. The aim of the present study is to recognize the utility of the bryophyte community’s structure in the assessment of soil condition [...] Read more.
Bryophytes are commonly used in biomonitoring heavy metal pollution, whereas the bioindicative value of bryophyte communities is a less known issue. The aim of the present study is to recognize the utility of the bryophyte community’s structure in the assessment of soil condition in heavy metal-polluted, dry grasslands. The study plots are examined with respect to bryophytes; vascular plants; concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cd, and As in the soil; total nitrogen and organic carbon content in the soil; and soil pH. The results show that both bryophyte species richness and composition greatly depend on soil chemical characteristics, including heavy-metal pollution levels and soil pH. Three groups of species are distinguished: (1) species sensitive to pollution growing on acidic soils, (2) nonspecific species inhabiting a wide spectrum of heavy metal-polluted sites, and (3) species preferring polluted and alkaline soils. Our study reveals a gradual replacement of the bryophyte species alongside increasing soil pollution and alkalinity. This proves that bryophytes are highly responsive to soil factors and the changes in bryophyte composition may indicate the soil condition of a certain site. Furthermore, high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil and an alkaline pH positively affect bryophyte species richness. Consequently, such sites could be considered as biodiversity hotspots for terrestrial bryophytes in post-industrial landscapes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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21 pages, 6357 KiB  
Article
Stolonicaulon: A Section-Puzzle within Marsupella (Gymnomitriaceae, Marchantiophyta)
by Vadim A. Bakalin, Anna A. Vilnet, Yuriy S. Mamontov, Alfons Schäfer-Verwimp, Yulia D. Maltseva, Ksenia G. Klimova, Van Sinh Nguyen and Seung Se Choi
Plants 2022, 11(12), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11121596 - 17 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1911
Abstract
Marsupella sect. Stolonicaulon is not speciose and is a commonly neglected section within the genus, which currently includes three species with somewhat similar morphologies (wiry shoots with distanced leaves) and distributions in the mountains of tropical and subtropical regions (SE (Southeast) Asia, the [...] Read more.
Marsupella sect. Stolonicaulon is not speciose and is a commonly neglected section within the genus, which currently includes three species with somewhat similar morphologies (wiry shoots with distanced leaves) and distributions in the mountains of tropical and subtropical regions (SE (Southeast) Asia, the Venezuelan Andes, and the high mountains of SE Brazil). After studying materials that were found to be dissimilar to the “traditional” Marsupella that were collected in the last decade by the authors of this article, it was found that these plants belong to three new-for-science species, and all of these species should be included in Marsupella sect. Stolonicaulon. The newly described species have expanded the boundaries of morphological variability, not only for the section itself, but also for the genus based on two findings: (1) the leaves of Marsupella sect. Stolonicaulon can be either appressed and entire or spaced and deeply divided (thus, the plants could occasionally be similar to Cephaloziella or Anastrophyllum); (2) some species of the section possess regular underleaf production. The first discovery of regular underleaves in Marsupella, as noted in two of the three newly described taxa, is the main morphological novelty described in this paper. The development of regular underleaves is a presumable relict character that brings Marsupella closer to Nardia, which was recently transferred to the Gymnomitriaceae and occupies an isolated position within its own subfamily, Nardioideae. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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13 pages, 2253 KiB  
Article
The Response of Spore Germination of Sphagnum Mosses to Single and Combined Fire-Related Cues
by Shuayib Yusup, Sebastian Sundberg, Beibei Fan, Mamtimin Sulayman and Zhao-Jun Bu
Plants 2022, 11(4), 485; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040485 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Plants in flammable ecosystems have different response strategies to fire, such as increasing germination after exposure to smoke and break of dormancy through heat shock. Peatlands are ecosystems that are more likely to be disturbed by fire with increasing temperatures, but it is [...] Read more.
Plants in flammable ecosystems have different response strategies to fire, such as increasing germination after exposure to smoke and break of dormancy through heat shock. Peatlands are ecosystems that are more likely to be disturbed by fire with increasing temperatures, but it is not clear how fire affects spore germination of Sphagnum, the dominant plants in peatlands. Here, we hypothesize that Sphagnum spores respond positively to single and combined treatments of moderate heat and smoke (by increased germinability), while spore germinability decreases in response to high temperature. We exposed the Sphagnum spores of four selected species (S. angustifolium, S. fuscum, S. magellanicum and S. squarrosum) collected from peatlands in the Changbai Mountains to heat (40, 60 and 100 °C), on its own and combined with smoke-water treatments. Our results showed that a heat of 100 °C inhibited the spore germination or even killed spores of all species, while spore germination of three (Sphagnumangustifolium, S. fuscum and S. squarrosum) of the four species was promoted by 40 and 60 °C heat compared to the control (20 °C). Hollow species (S. angustifolium and S. squarrosum) showed a stronger positive responsive to heat than hummock species (S. fuscum and S. magellanicum). Sphagnumfuscum spores responded positively to the combined heat and smoke treatment while the other species did not. For the first time, we demonstrate the positive effects of heat on its own and in combination with smoke on spore germination in wetland mosses, which may be important for the establishment and persistence of peatmoss populations after fire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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11 pages, 983 KiB  
Article
How Does the pH of Tree Bark Change with the Presence of the Epiphytic Bryophytes from the Family Orthotrichaceae in the Interaction with Trunk Inclination?
by Markéta Kovářová, Petr Pyszko and Vítězslav Plášek
Plants 2022, 11(1), 63; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11010063 - 25 Dec 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3015
Abstract
The pH of tree bark is affected by many factors, amongst them epiphytic bryophytes changing in their active state environment. Thus, we hypothesized that bryophytes can change bark acidity, dependently of the inclination of the branches, as inclination affect the water regime and [...] Read more.
The pH of tree bark is affected by many factors, amongst them epiphytic bryophytes changing in their active state environment. Thus, we hypothesized that bryophytes can change bark acidity, dependently of the inclination of the branches, as inclination affect the water regime and particle deposition. We measured the pH under bryophyte cushions and compared it to nearby naked bark. Additionally, we compared results with experimental bark covering with neutral cover. We found that the pH of naked bark declines with decreasing inclination of trunks. Although bryophyte cover did not generally change the pH of the bark, there was a significant interaction with inclination: with higher inclination, bryophytes decrease the pH reaction of bark, while with lower inclination they increase it. One possible explanation may lie in changes to alkaline particle deposition, or conversely in the acidification of the bark by leaching. In addition, an experiment with a neutral cover showed that naked bark covering would substantially increase pH. As, on average, bryophytes do not change the pH of bark, there can be mutual interference between the alkalizing effect of the bark cover itself and the acidifying biological effect of bryophytes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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14 pages, 48604 KiB  
Article
New European Discovery of Splachnum pensylvanicum (Bryophyta, Splachnaceae) in Lithuania, with Taxonomic Notes and a Review of Its World Distribution
by Ryszard Ochyra, Ilona Jukonienė, Vítězslav Plášek and Sigita Sprainaitytė
Plants 2021, 10(12), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122823 - 20 Dec 2021
Viewed by 2538
Abstract
Splachnum pensylvanicum (Brid.) Grout ex H.A.Crum is recorded for the first time in Lithuania and it is its fourth discovery at a third locality in Europe. It was found for the first time in 2000 in Kamanos mire, the largest peatland complex in [...] Read more.
Splachnum pensylvanicum (Brid.) Grout ex H.A.Crum is recorded for the first time in Lithuania and it is its fourth discovery at a third locality in Europe. It was found for the first time in 2000 in Kamanos mire, the largest peatland complex in the northern part of this East Baltic country. Targeted investigations at this site in 2017 resulted in the discovery of 14 populations and it is apparently the largest and most abundant locality of the species in Europe. Splachnum pensylvanicum is briefly described and illustrated along with some taxonomic notes and a detailed description of its habitat requirements. The global geographical distribution of S. pensylvanicum is reviewed and mapped. It is a Euro-Eastern North American temperate species and deeply penetrates into the Neotropics at montane stations in Venezuela and SE Brazil in South America. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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14 pages, 1539 KiB  
Article
Is Your Moss Alive during Active Biomonitoring Study?
by Paweł Świsłowski, Arkadiusz Nowak and Małgorzata Rajfur
Plants 2021, 10(11), 2389; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112389 - 05 Nov 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2290
Abstract
Biomonitoring was proposed to assess the condition of living organisms or entire ecosystems with the use of bioindicators—species sensitive to specific pollutants. It is important that the bioindicator species remains alive for as long as possible while retaining the ability to react to [...] Read more.
Biomonitoring was proposed to assess the condition of living organisms or entire ecosystems with the use of bioindicators—species sensitive to specific pollutants. It is important that the bioindicator species remains alive for as long as possible while retaining the ability to react to the negative effects of pollution (elimination/neutralization of hazardous contaminants). The purpose of the study was to assess the survival of Pleurozium schreberi moss during exposure (moss-bag technique) based on the measurement of the concentration of elements (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb), chlorophyll content, and its fluorescence. The study was carried out using a CCM-300 portable chlorophyll content meter, portable fluorometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, and a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. As a result of the laboratory tests, no significant differences were found in the chlorophyll content in the gametophytes of mosses tested immediately after collection from the forest, compared to those drying at room temperature in the laboratory (p = 0.175 for Student’s t-test results). Mosses exposed using the moss-bag technique of active biomonitoring were characterized by a drop in the chlorophyll content over 12 weeks (more than 50% and 60% for chlorophyll-a and chlorophyll-b, respectively). Chlorophyll content in mosses during exposure was correlated with actual photochemical efficiency (yield) of photosystem II (calculated value of Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient was 0.94—there was a significant correlation between chlorophyll a and yield p = 0.02). The highest metal increases in mosses (RAF values) were observed for zinc, lead, and copper after the second and third month of exposure. The article demonstrates that the moss exposed in an urbanized area for a period of three months maintains the properties of good bioindicator of environmental quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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19 pages, 6601 KiB  
Article
Undiscovered Biodiversity of the European Moss Flora: Neodicranella hamulosa (Aongstroemiaceae), a New Genus and Species from SW Portugal
by Ronald D. Porley, Vladimir Fedosov, Vítězslav Plášek and Alina Fedorova
Plants 2021, 10(11), 2289; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112289 - 25 Oct 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2350
Abstract
A new genus is described to accommodate Neodicranella hamulosa, a novel species resolved in the family Aongstroemiaceae, from the Monchiquense district in SW Portugal. Characterized by its small size, erect spreading to subsecund non-sheathing leaves, plane bistratose leaf margins, and rhizoidal gemmae [...] Read more.
A new genus is described to accommodate Neodicranella hamulosa, a novel species resolved in the family Aongstroemiaceae, from the Monchiquense district in SW Portugal. Characterized by its small size, erect spreading to subsecund non-sheathing leaves, plane bistratose leaf margins, and rhizoidal gemmae with slightly protruberant cells, it differs from all other European Dicranellaceae in the uniquely patterned distal peristome segments with backward-pointing papillae resembling hooked barbs. The species appears to be endemic to the sub-Mediterranean bioclimatic zone, in wooded biomes where humidity remains relatively high throughout the year. Morphological and molecular data strongly support the singularity of this new taxon. The species is illustrated by photomicrographs and SEM, and its ecology and conservation are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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Article
The Genus Plagiothecium Schimp. (Plagiotheciaceae, Bryophyta) in Eurasia: An Annotated Checklist with Distribution and Ecological Data
by Grzegorz J. Wolski, Samar Nour-El-Deen, Alicja Cienkowska, Daniel Bożyk and Wagieh El-Saadawi
Plants 2021, 10(5), 868; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10050868 - 26 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3412
Abstract
An annotated checklist of the pleurocarpous moss genus Plagiothecium in Eurasia is presented for the first time based on a thorough review of the literature. Data have been compiled from previous relevant works conducted on the genus over more than 70 years and [...] Read more.
An annotated checklist of the pleurocarpous moss genus Plagiothecium in Eurasia is presented for the first time based on a thorough review of the literature. Data have been compiled from previous relevant works conducted on the genus over more than 70 years and published up to the end of June 2020 for 107 Eurasian countries (and islands). Sectional classification is based on molecular phylogeny of the genus published recently. A total of 41 taxa are reported, including 29 species and 12 infraspecific taxa (nine varieties and three forms) belonging to eight sections. The highest numbers of taxa were found in China (20 taxa), the Russian Federation (20 taxa) and Japan (18 taxa), while the smallest numbers of taxa were recorded in the Middle East, Central Asia and the islands area. Not a single species of Plagiothecium was recorded in 26 regions, whereas P. denticulatum, P. nemorale and P. cavifolium turned out to be the most widespread species in the entire study area. They were recorded in most of the surveyed countries and islands. For each accepted taxon, information on relevant literature, synonyms, distribution within Eurasia and globally are provided. Comments on each taxon, ecological preferences, and notes on doubtful records are also included. Additionally, distribution maps for each recognised taxon are supplied. This checklist can enlighten and foster a better understanding of the distribution, diversity, and ecology of Plagiothecium in Eurasia and provides an incentive for future research on the genus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Knowledge in Bryology 2.0)
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