William Cetzal-Ix

A New Species in Lophiaris (Orchidaceae, Oncidiinae), in the Lophiaris straminea Complex

ABSTRACT An undescribed species of Lophiaris Rafinesque (Orchidaceae, Cymbidieae, Oncidiinae) was detected while conducting a phylogenetic study of Trichocentrum Poeppig & Endlicher s.l. Lophiaris sierracaracolensis Cetzal & Balam is described from Sierra Caracol in the Central Depression of Chiapas, on the Pacific slopes of Mexico. The new species is illustrated, and its affinities are discussed. The novelty is related to L. straminea (Bateman ex Lindley) Braem, but the labellum isthmus is broader (to 3 mm wide), the claw of the dorsal sepal is very short (1.5 mm long) and wide, and the callus is 8-partite (vs. 5-partite in L. straminea).

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed: a review of physiological and biochemical properties and their genetic improvement

Discovering the complexity of seed structure and function along with a number of vital processes such as seed growth and development, germination are important factors in unlocking the secrets of consistent crop yield. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), a multi-purpose annual, dryland-adapted, forage, legume crop is cultivated in different parts of the world with great potential for introduction under suitable agro-climatic zones in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. Fenugreek seed is used extensively for its medicinal, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical properties. It is effective in the treatment of diabetes, hyperglycaemia (thyroxine-induced type) and hypercholesterolemia. This review discusses seed physiological processes and several important biochemical seed constituent, e.g., steroidal sapogenins (diosgenin), polysaccharide fiber (galactomannan), amino acid (4-hydroxyisoleucine), etc, with important medicinal and pharmacological characteristics impacting human and animal health. However, there are noticeable differences in the quality of several phytochemicals found in fenugreek seed possibly due to variations in plant genotypes and agro-climatic conditions under which the crop is grown. Hence, it is important to note that for consistent seed yield and quality of fenugreek cultivars there is an urgent need for continuing efforts in genetic improvements and in developing high yielding, disease and drought-resistant varieties suitable for different agro-climatic conditions. Therefore, in addition to the physico-biochemistry of fenugreek seed different approaches for genetic improvement have also been discussed.

A Combined Evidence Phylogenetic Re-Circumscription and a Taxonomic Revision of Lophiarella (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae)

Abstract We demonstrate, through separate and combined phylogenetic analyses of morphological characters, nucleotide sequences, and coded gaps of two DNA regions (plastid rpl32-trnL and nrDNA-ITS) using parsimony and Bayesian inference, that Lophiarella (Orchidaceae), as originally circumscribed, is polyphyletic. We re-circumscribe the genus to exclude one of the two species included in the original description and include two others, which requires two new combinations: Lophiarella splendida and Lophiarella flavovirens. As newly circumscribed, Lophiarella is strongly supported as a monophyletic assemblage within the Trichocentrum-clade, where it is sister to the (Cohniella, (Trichocentrum, Lophiaris)) clade. Lophiarella is easily diagnosable within the Trichocentrum-clade, among other characters, by the conduplicate yet rigidly fleshy-coriaceous leaves and the rigidly erect inflorescences with peduncles coated with a conspicuous, waxy film. In the context of a phylogenetic analysis, we discuss the evolution of several taxonomically, ecologically and biogeographically relevant characters, such as rostellum shape, vegetative architecture, labellum, and column structure. We also present a key to the genera of the Trichocentrum-clade and a taxonomic revision of the species of Lophiarella with keys, descriptions, nomenclature, iconography, discussion of affinities, ecological and biogeographical information, a distribution map, and full exsiccata citations.

Oncidium lacerum, an Older and Ignored Name for Cohniella stipitata (Orchidaceae, Cymbideae, Oncidiinae)

Cohniella lacera (Lindl.) Cetzal comb. nova is proposed here and Cohniella stipitata (Lindl.) Christenson is treated as its taxonomic synonym due to priority. Oncidium stipitatum Lindl. was incorrectly cited by various authors as validly published either in 1843 or 1844, when the correct date was 1846. In the meantime, Oncidium lacerum Lindl., previously considered one of its taxonomic synonyms, was described in 1844 and therefore has nomenclatural priority. I discuss the status and geographical distribution of Cohniella lacera comparing it with the morphologically similar species Cohniella nuda (Bateman ex Lindl.) Christenson. In addition, I include for each species a discussion of diagnostic characters, range of morphological variation, specimen citation, an illustration, and a distribution map. A key to distinguish the two species is also provided.

Traditional uses of dispersed trees in the pastures of the mountainous region of Tabasco, Mexico

The rapid deforestation in the state of Tabasco due to extensive livestock farming has resulted in the decrease of the original forest cover. Only 4% of the original vegetation remains and that vegetation is concentrated in the mountainous regions of the state. This destructive process continues due to support by the current government livestock policies. Under these circumstances, the traditional silvopastoral systems of dispersed trees can present an option for reversing and mitigating deforestation practices. The objective of this study was to generate information on the tree species common to silvopastoral systems of dispersed trees in the pastures for two mountainous areas in Tabasco. In the study, 64 tree species, representing 26 plant families were identified. All species were characterized as multipurpose, with at least three reported uses and a maximum of seven for each species. In total, nine categories of local uses were identified for the trees. The main category of use was fuel (firewood), followed by timber and shade for the livestock. Although leguminous species (Fabaceae) were dominant, these species were utilized for uses other than the provision of fodder. Since 12 of the total species identified were recognized as sources of food for animals; the assumption that livestock farmers do not recognize the utility of these species for improving production yields is apparent. The results suggest that there is potential need to expand research and offer further education on the subject in Tabasco.

What is Cohniella cebolleta? Recircumscription and New and Reinstated Species and Combinations (Orchidaceae)

Abstract A revision of the Cohniella cebolleta complex from northern South America and the Lesser Antilles is presented. Five species are recognized in this complex. As circumscribed here, Cohniella cebolleta is restricted to northern Colombia and northern Venezuela. We describe and illustrate a new species, Cohniella macrocebolleta, endemic to eastern Venezuela, and propose two new combinations: Cohniella juncifolia, endemic to the Lesser Antilles, and Cohniella ultrajectina from southern Venezuela and the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana). Detailed taxonomic descriptions are given for each species, including short accounts of their distribution and ecology, diagnostic characters, variational range, taxonomic comments, and material examined. Furthermore, a key, an appendix featuring diagnostic characters, and distribution maps for species complexes recognized in Cohniella and taxa recognized in the C. cebolleta complex are presented and discussed.

Perspective of Biofuel Production from Different Sources

Biofuel is an emerging agri-industry that has the potential to change the agricultural economics of both developed, as well as developing, and underdeveloped nations in the not so distant future. Biofuels are regularly replacing fossil fuels to generate power, heat, and chemicals. The extensive use of biofuels in the future for energy generation is of great interest since it has the potential to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and could serve as an important step toward establishing energy independence and open new employment opportunities globally. It is therefore important to understand the different sources of biofuel productions for long-term and sustainable use depending upon the nature and energy dynamics of the regional demands for biofuel. This review investigates the sustainability of biofuel production from different sources and their role in energy generation.

Traditional honey collectors in the Sunderbans region and their impact on the local mangrove ecosystem and biodiversity: a case study with particular reference to human–animal conflict

The majestic Sunderbans (see Figure 1), the world’s largest mangrove ecosystem located in South Asia at the mouth of the Bay of Bengal, represent a unique ecological habitat rich in both flora and fauna (see Figure 2). The mangrove ecosystems of Sunderbans are spread across two adjoining countries in South Asia, namely Bangladesh that represents almost two-thirds of the Sunderbans and India covering the remaining one-third (Figure 3). The natural (wild) honey produced by indigenous (native) bees (see Figure 4) from the nectar of flowers from various mangrove plant species present in this ecosystem, reach a very high consumer demand in the local, regional as well as international markets. This special honey from the Sunderbans is commonly known as ‘mangrove honey’ and India and Bangladesh are both well known internationally for exporting high quality mangrove honey. Given this wild honey is procured from the nectar of flowers of wild mangrove plants with no chemical sprays involved or little possibility of any synthetic chemical interference/contamination, it is regarded as ‘natural’ or ‘organic honey’. There are also no cultivated crop species within the process, unless intentionally adulterated by corrupt honey collectors, traders and exporters for increasing their profit margins. The mangrove honey is unique in its colour and taste and is reported to have both very high pharmacological and nutraceutical values, together with potential to earn rich foreign exchange for both India and Bangladesh. However, the socio-economic conditions of the wild/traditional honey collectors (nonprofessional, non-commercial honey collectors/gatherers) from the region need to be highlighted in order to understand the extreme hardships and dangers to which they are regularly exposed to when continuing to practice their traditional livelihood and how this is impacting the local ecosystem and the rich biodiversity of the Sunderban mangrove ecosystem. Unfortunately, indigenous/traditional honey collectors (both in India and Bangladesh) associated with the collection and processing of mangrove honey, travel deep inside the mangrove forests with or without permission from the relevant forest departments and local administration (see Figure 5). Lack of infrastructure in proper surveillance and monitoring of the forests on either side of the international border, high levels of corruption, lack of proper administrative initiatives in providing alternate livelihoods for the indigenous communities and forest fringe residents, heavily dependent on forest resources for their daily sustenance, together with the lack of education and awareness regarding the sensitive natural ecosystem in which they coexist have slowly been degrading the mangrove forests and eroding its resident biodiversity over the past five decades. Honey collectors are therefore exposed to numerous dangers to their life including attacks by resident Bengal tigers or saltwater crocodiles (see Figure 6) or moderate to highly poisonous indigenous snake species (see Figure 7) who thrive in the mangrove ecosystem. By moving deep inside the core areas of the mangrove forest, the traditional honey collectors expose themselves to high levels of risks both to their lives and livelihoods. It is quite unfortunate to note that every year a number of them lose their lives or are often seriously injured due to vicious attacks by local wildlife and other related dangers such as being harassed and/ or looted by secretive pirate and poaching groups actively operating in this highly fragile and sensitive ecosystem on either side of the international border. The region is also extremely vulnerable to rampart poaching, trafficking of wildlife and wildlife body parts and other major and minor forest resources, human and drug trafficking as well as illegal

Call of the wild: conservation of natural insect pollinators should be a priority

Natural or biological insect pollinators (such as honeybees, native bees, moths and butterflies, some species of beetles and flies) constitute an important and integral part of our diverse natural ecosystems across the planet. However, the farmer friendly, natural insect pollinators or in other words, biological pollinating agents, are being very seriously and negatively impacted by a number of factors such as environmental pollution, different parasitic diseases, changes in our land use patterns and agronomic practices over the past decades. Coupled with lack of suitable melliferous flora, as appropriate food and foraging resources, malnutrition and ecological stress (to mention only a handful), pollinators need our help. Among all the pollinator insects, bees; particularly the native (indigenous bee) as well as the honeybee, have been worst impacted. Hence, it is absolutely important to develop comprehensive, long term, sustainable, environmentally friendly conservation strategies to protect different species of insect pollinators. Establishing bee or pollinator sanctuaries (pollinator gardens or pollinator habitats) at strategic, ecologically suitable, undisturbed areas across different agro-climatic zones by planting suitable and locally adapted pollinator mixes of wildflowers, annual/perennial legumes and native and/or forage grasses could serve as an important starting point. Such pollinator habitats, gardens or sanctuaries will not only cater for successful pollinator (bee) conservation, but can also serve to enrich local biodiversity by developing into low cost and low maintenance, naturally sustainable, ecological units. Pollinators are important natural or biological agents that perform the task of cross pollination in higher plants (angiosperms) successfully. Different pollinators have evolved over time and are either generalist or specialist in nature; suggesting that some will visit a wide diversity of plants for securing pollination, while others are highly specific in their host plant choice. When we talk about pollinators, we mostly think about insect pollinators like bees (native bees, honeybees) (see Figure 1), moths and butterflies (see Figure 2) and some species of beetles and flies (see Figure 3). However, natural cross pollination in the natural world is not just successfully conducted by insects, but by several other animals such as some species of snails and slugs, some birds such as humming birds and mammals like bats. Researchers are currently working on several high canopy resident reptiles and amphibians from tropical and subtropical ecosystems that are also believed to play important role in cross pollination for some special plants with unique adaptations. Pollinators have coevolved along with their host plants for several millions of years; and have developed spectacular adaptations that make them highly efficient agents of natural cross pollination. It is however, important to note that cross pollination in some other plants is also achieved by non-biological agents like air and water too. Explosive growth of human populations across the planet together with rapid industrialisation and urbanisation; and the practice of non-sustainable extensive and intensive agriculture have been impacting natural ecosystems and the environment negatively. As a consequence, different pollinators have been impacted at various scales due to a number of anthropogenic factors; but the worst hit being bees and other insect pollinators. Environment pollution, drastic changes in the land use patterns, parasitic diseases, lack of proper foraging plants for nutrition, extinction of some pollinator friendly plants in natural ecosystems have been putting heavy pressure on different species of insect pollinators, especially bees. Rapid population crashes of these helpless environmentally friendly natural pollinating agents like bees may have significant negative impacts on our global crop and honey production in the future. Several crops, including food and commercial crops, are dependent on natural insect pollinators like bees for achieving

Nuevos registros de Gentianaceae y Lentibulariaceae para Honduras

New records of Gentianaceae and Lentibulariaceae for the Hondurean flora are presented. Utricularia endresii of the departments of Atlántida, Comayagua and Olancho, U. jamesoniana (Lentibulariaceae) of the departments of Atlántida, Comayagua, Gracias a Dios and Olancho, and Voyria truncata (Gentaniaceae) of the department of Comayagua. Furthermore, illustrations for the species and a distribution map are provided.