Terrestrial mosses as a substrate and potential host for cyanobacteria, green algae and diatoms.

Most studies of terrestrial bryophytes as natural substrates for photosynthetic microorganisms have been performed in the polar regions, where bryophytes are an important part of the ecosystem. As they remain green throughout the year, bryophytes may also be an ideal substrate for epiphytic organisms in temperate regions. The present study investigated the colonization potential and diversity of microalgae on selected plant species in riparian forest and spruce monoculture in a temperate region. It examines whether the presence of algae is related to substrate humidity, the micromorphology of gametophyte or the seasonal availability of substrate. The taxonomic diversity of algae was studied. Cyanobacteria and green algae were cultured on BG-11 agar medium, while diatoms were identified in permanent diatomaceous slides. The alpha- and beta-diversity indices were calculated, and the communities were compared using Bray-Curtis distances and multidimensional correspondence analyses. Our findings indicate that the largest number of alga species were diatoms; however, their presence was only observed in riparian forest and was associated with high humidity. Both aerophilic and freshwater taxa were noted, the latter carried by water from nearby aquatic ecosystem. Green algae were present in both phytocoenoses and humidity appears to have no substantial effect on the degree of colonization; their diversity was low and the group consisted of terrestrial taxa. In two bryophytes growing at the highest humidity, cyanobacteria were only identified in culture. The key factor influencing the degree of microalgae colonization was the humidity of the substrate, which was related to the distance from water.

Why Plagiotheciumsylvaticum (Brid.) Schimp. (Plagiothecium, Plagiotheciaceae) has priority over P.platyphyllum Mönk.?

Re-assessment of the lectotype of Hypnumsylvaticum Brid. (≡ Plagiotheciumsylvaticum (Brid.) Schimp.) (B 31 0915 01) showed that this specimen is characterised by dense, 6-10 cm long stems, pale green, yellowish-green to dark green and dull foliage; with complanate, ovate, not imbricate and not julaceous, 2.0-3.0 × 1.0-1.6 mm leaves; acute and denticulate, often eroded apices; 75.0-160.0 × 12.5-20.0 µm laminal cells at mid-leaf, which form diagonal rows, and decurrencies of 3-4 rows of rectangular to square, inflated cells, forming distinct auricules. Thus, this specimen represents the characteristics of the taxon currently referred to as Plagiotheciumplatyphyllum Mönk. Taking into account the above and the fact that the name H.sylvaticum was published first, the correct name for the species is Plagiotheciumsylvaticum. Whereas the later one (P.platyphyllum) is a synonym. Additionally, in this article for the name P.platyphyllum, a lectotype is designated and a new synonym (Plagiotheciumrutheif.submersum) is proposed for the resurrected P.sylvaticum.

Re-assessment of type material of Plagiotheciumnovae-seelandiae Broth. and descriptions of four new Plagiothecium taxa (Bryophyta, Plagiotheciaceae) from Australasia.

A re-examination of the original collection of Plagiotheciumnovae-seelandiae described by Brotherus in 1916 indicated that this material is not homogeneous. Re-examination of the diagnosis of this species and morphological analysis supports that two separate taxa should be distinguished - Plagiotheciumnovae-seelandiaevar.novae-seelandiae and P.novae-seelandiaevar.brotherivar. nov. Also, comparisons with the original collection of Hypnumlamprostachys (= P.lamprostachys) showed differences, which supported their treatment as separate taxa. Revision of the genus Plagiothecium from Australasia (CANB, CHR, HO, MEL, WELT) and types of other species described from this part of the world (P.funale and P.lucidum) supported by the study of their diagnoses, qualitative and quantitative characteristics as well as mathematical analyses (PCA, HCA) allowed the division of the examined material into six separate groups - six separate taxa. Thereby, three distinct taxa are proposed - P.cordatumsp. nov., P.semimortuumsp. nov., and P.semimortuumvar.macquariensevar. nov. All taxa mentioned above are described in detail, their current known distribution and ecological preferences are also included. In addition, images illustrating their most important taxonomic features, as well as an original key to distinguish individual taxa are presented.

Vascular plants and mosses as bioindicators of variability of the coastal pine forest (Empetro nigri-Pinetum).

Empetro nigri-Pinetum is a unique sea coast plant community developing along the Baltic Sea from Germany to Lithuania. Our detailed field research of bryophytes and vascular plants has highlighted the regional diversity of the Empetro nigri-Pinetum typicum plant community throughout its range in Central Europe. Our study indicated that vascular plants and mosses effectively discriminate against the described phytocoenoses, thus it was possible to distinguish three variants of the coastal forest: Calluna-Deschampsia (from Germany), Vaccinium vitis-idaea (from Poland) and Melampyrum-Deschampsia (from Lithuania). Redundancy analysis indicated that the division is related to the habitat conditions of the analyzed areas, with humidity having the greatest impact on this differentiation. Kohonen's artificial neural network (i.e. self-organising map, SOM) confirmed the heterogeneous nature of the studied phytocenoses, and combined with the IndVal index enabled identification of indicator species for respective studied patches: Deschampsia flexuosa for Calluna-Deschampsia group; Aulacomnium palustre, Calluna vulgaris, Carex nigra, Dicranum polysetum, Erica tetralix, Oxycoccus palustris, Sphagnum capillifolium, Vaccinium uliginosum and Vaccinium vitis-idaea for Vaccinium vitis-idaea group; and young specimens of Betula pendula, Lycopodium annotinum, Melampyrum pratense and Orthilia secunda for Melampyrum-Deschampsia group. Thereby, our study showed that individual groups of species can be very good bioindicators for each of the studied phytocoenoses.

New taxa of Plagiothecium (Plagiotheciaceae) from Pakistan.

A revision of specimens of Plagiothecium deposited in the herbarium of Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) collected during a Japanese lead project on Cryptogams in the Western Himalaya (Pakistan) shows that the material consists of five taxa. Of the studied samples, the most common taxa were from the P.denticulatum complex, including Plagiotheciumdenticulatumvar.obtusifolium, new to Pakistan. Examination of the rest of the collection showed that it consists of specimens with a unique combination of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of their gametophyte. For example, for small plants, with small asymmetrical, folded leaves, gradually tapering into long, acuminate, not denticulate apex, whose leaf cells are long and narrow, making the cell areolation tight, the name Plagiotheciumfilifolium is proposed. For other plants with large leaves, loosely arranged on the stem, concave, symmetrical to slightly asymmetrical, with denticulate apex and long decurrency composed of rectangular and spherical, inflated cells, the name Plagiotheciumhiguchii is proposed. However, within this material, specimens differ in terms of the length and width of the leaf cells and therefore, within this taxon, two varieties are distinguished: Plagiotheciumhiguchiivar.higuchii and Plagiotheciumhiguchiivar.brevicellum.

Influence of phytocenosis on the medical potential of moss extracts: the Pleurozium schreberi (Willd. ex Brid.) Mitt. case.

The question was asked "whether plant phytocenosis has an impact on the medical potential of the extracts from Pleurozium schreberi". Moss samples were collected from four different phytocoenoses: mixed forest (oak-pine forest), a forest tract in pine forest, 5-15-year-old pine forest and 50-year-old pine forest. Chemical composition of the extracts, antioxidative capacity (FRAP and ABTS·+ assays), as well as biological activities including cytotoxicity for the mouse fibroblasts L929 line (MTT reduction assay), biostatic/biocidal effect against selected bacteria and fungi (broth microdilution method followed by culture on solid media), and regenerative properties on human fibroblasts HFF-1 line (scratch assay) were tested. The conducted research clearly proves that phytocenosis determines the quality of moss extracts. The analyses showed that in every examined aspect the IV-7 extract (obtained from a specimen collected in a Pinus sylvestris L. forest, monoculture up to 15 years old) exhibited the highest values and the strongest activity. Other extracts of the same species but growing in other phytocenoses-in a mixed forest (IV-5), a forest tract in a Pinus sylvestris monoculture forest (IV-6) and in a P. sylvestris forest of pine monoculture about 50 years old (IV-8) showed much weaker activity and lower values of the above-mentioned parameters. At the same time, none of the tested extracts exerted a pro-regenerative effect. The P. schreberi extracts were characterized by a varied total content of phenolic compounds in the range from 0.63 ± 0.02 to 14.01 ± 0.25 mg/g of plant material. UPLC/MS analysis showed a varied phenolic profile of the extracts, with caffeoylquinic acid and quercetin triglucoside predominating in all of them.

Taxonomic revision of the Plagiothecium curvifolium complex.

Supported by the examination of specimens from the entire range and by the analysis of type specimens and the diagnosis of individual names, morphological and genetic studies of the Plagiothecium curvifolium complex resulted in the conclusion that this taxon should be recognized as four separate taxa. In addition to P. curvifolium s.str., there is a variety that is proposed as a new combination-P. curvifolium var. recurvum; resurrection of the forgotten P. decursivifolium; and the description of a new species-P. imbricatum. The features that distinguish individual taxa focus primarily on: plant size; arrangement of leaves on the stem; the symmetry, dimensions, shape, concavity and folding of leaves; cell length; serration of the leaf apex; the shape of the decurrencies; the length of the sporophyte and the shape of the operculum. For all described taxa, the distribution, ecological preferences, key to their identification and detailed photographic documentation have been provided.

Comparison of discriminant methods and deep learning analysis in plant taxonomy: a case study of Elatine.

Elatine is a genus in which, flower and seed characteristics are the most important diagnostic features; i.e. seed shape and the structure of its cover found to be the most reliable identification character. We used a combination of classic discriminant methods by combining with deep learning techniques to analyze seed morphometric data within 28 populations of six Elatine species from 11 countries throughout the Northern Hemisphere to compare the obtained results and then check their taxonomic classification. Our findings indicate that among the discriminant methods, Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) had the highest percentage of correct matching (mean fit-91.23%); only the deep machine learning method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was characterized by a higher match (mean fit-93.40%). The QDA method recognized the seeds of E. brochonii and E. orthosperma with 99% accuracy, and the CNN method with 100%. Other taxa, such as E. alsinastrum, E. trianda, E. californica and E. hungarica were matched with an accuracy of at least 95% (CNN). Our results indicate that the CNN obtains remarkably more accurate classifications than classic discriminant methods, and better recognizes the entire taxa pool analyzed. The least recognized species are E. macropoda and E. hexandra (88% and 78% match).

Revision of the Original Material of Plagiothecium denticulatum var. obtusifolium (Turn.) Moore and New Synonyms for This Taxon.

Hypnum denticulatum var. obtusifolium was described by Turner in the early nineteenth century. This taxon, now known as Plagiothecium denticulatum var. obtusifolium, has not been studied in detail or received a detailed description. During the revision in the Natural History Museum (herbarium BM), a specimen described there as a type (BM000890810) was found, but a careful analysis showed that it is currently not a type specimen. On the other hand, the conducted research showed that the holotype of this taxon is the figure attached by Turner to the newly described taxon. However, because the holotype does not contain all taxonomically significant features, the specimen found was used to designate the epitype of this name (BM000890810). Therefore, this paper provides the first complete description of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of this taxon, which is today known as P. denticulatum var. obtusifolium. Forty qualitative and quantitative characteristics analyzed made it possible to make redescription of the examined taxon. Moreover, analysis of two morphologically similar, currently distinct taxa, P. sandbergii and P. denticulatum var. auritum, revealed no differences between them. Therefore, these taxa were proposed as new synonyms of P. denticulatum var. obtusifolium. Additionally, for both taxa mentioned above, lectotypes were proposed for P. denticulatum var. auritum, specimen PC0132639, and for P. sandbergii, specimen PC0132604, both from the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France (Herbarium PC).

Plagiotheciumtalbotii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, U.S.A.).

Plagiotheciumtalbotii sp. nov. is described from Attu Island, Alaska, U.S.A. The newly-described species is not similar in appearance to any Northern Hemisphere species; only the habit is similar to P.platyphyllum. However, it not only occupies a different habitat than that species, but genetically and morphologically, it is clearly distinct from it. The results of DNA sequencing, a detailed description of the morphological features, illustrations, ecological preferences and currently known geographical distribution of P.talbotii are presented. The most important distinguishing morphological features of this species are: the size of the plant; dimensions and symmetry of the leaves; dimensions of cells and their areolation; entire leaf apex; and long decurrencies with some inflated cells. Additionally, we propose to place P.talbotii in section Plagiothecium, which is confirmed by genetic analysis and morphological features.

Lectotypification, epitypification and history of the name Plagiotheciumneglectum Mönk. (Plagiotheciaceae).

In the protologue of Plagiotheciumneglectum, Mönkemeyer (1927) does not indicate any herbarium specimen as a type. The author only gave a short description and attached a figure illustrating selected features of this taxon. The original materials from the Mönkemeyer collection were deposited in the HBG herbarium; however, it is not currently possible to determine their location. Furthermore, one specimen of P.neglectum, currently known from the original Mönkemeyer collections, was found in the Herbarium B (B 30 0105646). The features given in the diagnosis of this taxon are consistent with those of the lectotype of Stereodonnemoralis Mitt.; only the leaf apex from Figure 207c (Mönkemeyer 1927) is different and thus suggests mixed material. According to Art. 9.1 of the Shenzhen Code, Figure 207c represents a holotype of P.neglectum. However, due to differences in the leaf apex and according to Art. 9.3 of the Shenzhen Code, the part representing the apex should be excluded from the holotype, and the remainder of Figure 207c is consequently designated as a lectotype of the name P.neglectum. However, because the lectotype does not include a complete set of significant distinguishing features, an epitype (B 30 0105646) was designated.

Plagiotheciumschofieldii, a new species from the Aleutian Islands (Alaska, USA).

Plagiotheciumschofieldii sp. nov. is described from the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, U.S.A. Some morphological features of this species correspond to P.lamprostachys (Southern Hemisphere species); however, Plagiotheciumschofieldii is genetically and morphologically different from this and other common Northern Hemisphere species e.g., P.denticulatum, P.platyphyllum, or P.ruthei. The most important distinguishing morphological features differentiating this species are: the arrangement of the leaves on the stem; dimensions, concavity and symmetry of the leaves; dimensions of cells and their areolation; orientation of capsules. Additionally, due to the strong concavity of the leaves, they are very often badly damaged under the microscope. We present the results of DNA research of the analyzed samples, and a detailed description of the morphological features. The new species is illustrated, and its ecological preferences and currently known geographical distribution are presented. Additionally, the authors propose to add this species to Plagiothecium section, which is confirmed by morphological features and genetic analysis.

Cytotoxicity, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of mosses obtained from open habitats.

Mosses are mainly the object of ecological and taxonomic research. This group of plants are still underestimated by scientists in other aspects of research. Recent research has shown that these plants contain remarkable and unique substances with high biological activity. Five species of mosses from a large urban ecosystem were identified for present study. In order to determine their biological potential, multifaceted studies were carried out, including: total phenolics content, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial and antifungal study, cytotoxicity evaluation, and scratch assay to assess pro-regenerative effect in the context of their possible use as the ingredients of biologically active cosmetics. Additionally, determination of individual phenolic compounds in selected extracts of the tested mosses was made. Research showed that Ceratodon purpureus and Dryptodon pulvinatus extracts had the greatest potential as antioxidants and antimicrobial activity. The cytotoxicity assessment indicated that the extracts from Dryptodon pulvinatus and Rhytidiadelphus squarossus exerted the strongest negative effect on mouse fibroblast line L929 viability at higher concentrations. While, the extract from Tortulla muralis best stimulated human foreskin fibroblast line HFF-1 proliferation and wound healing. The research on individual phenolic compounds content in the extracts tested indicated over 20 peaks on UPLC chromatograms. The conducted study has shown that mosses, especially so far unexplored species of open ecosystems, and e.g. epilytic habitats, may be a valuable source of biologically active substances and thus may constitute important medical and cosmetic possibilities.

Tea plantations and their importance as host plants and hot spots for epiphytic cryptogams.

Bryophytes and lichens are outstanding bioindicators, not only of the plant community in which they develop, but also the substrates on which they grow. Some epiphytic cryptogams, particularly the rare ones, are stenotopic and require a long habitat continuity, for example substrates such as old trees. It could also be a tea plantation, this is because the shrubs are not felled, and most of them may have several dozen years. In addition, the shrubs are not subject to sudden changes in microclimatic conditions as only the young leaves are harvested. As the importance of tea plantations as host plants for mosses and lichens has not yet been studied, the present study examines the species diversity of cryptogams of two tea plantations in Georgia (Caucasus). The study also examines the phytogeography, spatial pattern, environmental conditions and ecological indicators of the cryptogams. Thirty-nine cryptogam taxa were identified; typical forest taxa dominated, even in the absence of typical forest communities. Some of these species are obligatory epiphytes, rare or even critically endangered in most European countries (e.g., Orthotrichum stellatum, O. stramineum, Lewinskya striata). The fairly abundant record of such species on tea plantations indicates the importance of these phytocoenoses for the preservation of rare species, and indicates that these habitats are hot spots for these cryptogams in otherwise changed envirnonment. Additionally, as indicated the analysis of the species composition of individual plantations and the mathematical analysis made on this basis, plantations differ from each other. Another interesting result is also the spatial distributions of cryptogams on tea bushes resemble those of forest communities and lichens seems to be more sensitive than bryophytes to antropogenic changes of environment.

Lectotypification of Plagiothecium mauiense, a Hawaiian synonym of Plagiothecium longisetum (Plagiotheciaceae).

In 2020, Plagiothecium mauiense Broth. was recognised as a synonym of P. longisetum Lindb.; however, due to the inability to compare all known original material, the conducted taxonomic analysis was not completed with lectotypification of the name. Syntypes of P. mauiense were found in four American herbaria: Harvard University Herbarium (FH00220142), Miami University Herbarium (MU 000000546), New York Botanical Garden Herbarium (NY01256708) and Yale University Herbarium (YU 233890). Considering the condition of the found material and Articles 9.3, 9.11 and 9.12 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (Shenzhen Code) that is currently in force, a specimen NY01256708 was proposed to be the lectotype of P. mauiense.

The Genus Plagiothecium Schimp. (Plagiotheciaceae, Bryophyta) in Eurasia: An Annotated Checklist with Distribution and Ecological Data.

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.

A new synonym from Hawaii and lectotypification of Plagiothecium longisetum (Plagiotheciaceae).

Plagiothecium mauiense was first described in 1927 by V.F. Brotherus, based on materials from Hawaii. It has, so far been, treated as a separate species. A detailed analysis of the original material housed in the New York Botanical Garden Herbarium (NY01256708) found the specimen to be characterised by a lack of metallic lustre; concave, asymmetrical, lanceolate to lanceolate-ovate leaves, shrunken in their dry condition; a straight, not denticulate, acute to apiculate apex; elongate-hexagonal cells in irregular transverse rows, 101-131 × 15-21 µm at mid-leaf; very lax areolation, with decurrencies composed of three rows of cells. These characteristics indicate that this species is identical to the original material of P. longisetum (e.g. H-SOL 1563 011; PC0132572). Hence, we propose that P. mauiense should be recognised as a new synonym of P. longisetum. In addition, a review of P. longisetum syntypes found one (H-SOL 1563 011) to have the same date of collection as the protologue, and to possess a quite abundant gametophyte turf with well-preserved sporophytes, indicating it to be fertile. Considering the above, we propose that specimen H-SOL 1563 011 be designated the lectotype of P. longisetum.

Lectotypification of the name Stereodon nemoralis Mitt. (Plagiotheciaceae), a basionym of Plagiothecium nemorale (Mitt.) A. Jaeger.

In 1859, William Mitten described Stereodon nemoralis (≡ Plagiothecium nemorale) based on the gathering of Sir J.D. Hooker from India. However, the protologue did not indicate any specific specimen or illustration. For the past 50 years, the original material (NY 913349) deposited at the NY Herbarium has been considered as the holotype. However, this assumption has since been found to be incorrect, because in the Herbarium of The Natural History Museum exists other original material of this species (BM 1030713), collected by Hooker. In addition, the specimen from NY Herbarium is in poor condition and its most important diagnostic characters are not visible. In contrast, the material from BM Herbarium is in very good condition, and therefore it is herein designated as the lectotype. Also, the paper describes the resolution of this type, a process complicated by changes that had occurred in the provisions of subsequent botanical Codes.

Resurrection of the Plagiothecium longisetum Lindb. and proposal of the new species-P. angusticellum.

Plagiothecium longisetum was described by Lindberg in 1872, based on Maximowicz materials from Japan. In the 1970s, this species was synonymized with P. nemorale. However, a polyphasic approach applied to the investigation of the P. nemorale sensu lato showed a clear separation between the specimens of former P. longisetum and the type of P. nemorale. Morphological features and molecular analyses provide evidence that those two groups are distinct, as well as allowed to describe the new species. The results are strongly supported by the statistical analyses of morphometric features and phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated nuclear and chloroplast DNA markers. The maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses of ITS, rps4 and rpl16 regions place both species outside the P. nemorale group. The distinctions between individual species, reflected by the morphological features-easy to observe-and the molecular data, provide a scientific foundation for the resurrection of P. longisetum Lindb. and establishment of a new species-P. angusticellum sp. nov.

Restoration of floodplain meadows: Effects on the re-establishment of mosses.

Vascular plants serve as target species for the evaluation of restoration success as they account for most of the plant species diversity and vegetation cover. Although bryophytes contribute considerably to the species diversity of meadows, they are rarely addressed in restoration projects. This project is a first step toward making recommendations for including mosses in alluvial floodplain restoration projects. The opportunity to assess the diversity and ecological requirements of mosses on floodplain meadows presented itself within the framework of a vegetation monitoring that took place in 2014 on meadows located along the northern Upper Rhine. In this area, large-scale meadow restoration projects have taken place since 1997 in both the functional and fossil floodplains. Other studies have shown that bryophytes are generally present in green hay used in restoration, providing inadvertent bryophyte introduction. We compared bryophyte communities in donor and restored communities and correlated these communities with environmental variables-taking into account that the mosses on the restoration sites possibly developed from green hay. This analysis provided insights as to which species of bryophytes should be included in future restoration projects, what diaspores should be used, and how they should be transferred. Data on bryophyte occurrence were gathered from old meadows, and from restoration sites. We found distinct differences in bryophyte composition (based on frequency) in restored communities in functional flood plains compared to donor communities. Generally, restoration sites are still characterized by a lower species-richness, with a significantly lower occurrence of rare and red listed species and a lower species-heterogeneity. In conclusion, our research establishes what mosses predominate in donor and restored alluvial meadows along the northern Upper River, and what microsite conditions favour particular species. This points the way to deliberate introduction of moss diaspores for more complete alluvial meadow restoration.