We examined the distribution, germination, growth and photosynthetic characteristics of two co-existing morphotypes of the pioneer tree Trema micrantha at the Barro Colorado Nature Monument (BCNM), Panama. Morphotypes differed significantly in distribution and in seed characteristics. A ‘large’-seeded morphotype (endocarp mass = 3.83 mg) was associated with treefall gaps in the forest interior,...

The spatial pattern of established seedlings yields valuable information about variation in fecundity, dispersal, and spatial structure of distributed recruits, but separating maternal and paternal contributions in monoecious species has been hampered by the "2 parent" problem. It is now possible to determine the maternal parentage of established recruits with genetic assay of maternally derive...

The almond, which is a member of the Rosaceae family, is the fruit of the almond tree (Prunus dulcis). It has a hard endocarp that contains a seed covered by a rough, brownish skin. Unlike other prunoid fruits, which have an edible mesocarp and an outer skin known as the epicarp, the almond fruit has an epicarp and a mesocarp that are diffi cult to separate and have no nutritional or commercial...

Surveys of yellowing viruses in plastic tunnels and in open field crops of melon (Cucumis melo cultivar catalupo), oriental melon (C. melo cultivar oriental melon), and cucumber (C. sativus) were carried out in two melon-growing areas in 2014, Korea. Severe yellowing symptoms on older leaves of melon and chlorotic spots on younger leaves of melon were observed in the plastic tunnels. The sympto...

Both short- and long-term effects of Mg deficiency on carbohydrate metabolism were investigated in 6-year-old clonal Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) trees cultivated in sand culture with an optimal supply of nutrients, except for Mg which was supplied at 0.203, 0.041 and 0.005 mM to provide optimal, moderately deficient and severely deficient Mg supply, respectively. Annual changes in c...

Plants with animal-dispersed fruits seem to overcome the barriers that limit their spread into new habitats more easily than other invasive plants and, at the same time, they pose special difficulties for containment, control or eradication. The effects of animals on plant propagules can be very diverse, with positive, neutral or negative consequences for germination and recruitment. Moreover, ...

Armeniacae semen (AS) has been considered a toxic herb in the Korean medicine as it contains hydrogen cyanide and amygdalin, especially in its endocarp. Therefore, prebrewed AS that is devoid of endocarp has been traditionally used. In the present study, amygdalin content of the prebrewed AS was significantly lower (2.73 ± 0.32 μg/ml; p < 0.01) than the content in the extract that contained the...