Molecular-phylogenetic analysis of the Cystopteridaceae family from North Asia based on plastid DNA loci

The results of molecular phylogenetic studies based on the sequencing of matK gene and trnG-R intergenic spacer of the chloroplast DNA and analysis of the concatenated data of these loci of North Asian representatives of the Cystopteridaceae family are presented. In the genus Gymnocarpium, a dryopteris-clade was distinguished including species without glandular pubescence of fronds – Gymnocarpium dryopteris. Species having glandular pubescent fronds have formed the robertianum-clade (G. robertianum and G. fedtschenkoanum), and 2 subclades, including G. continentale, G. jessoense, and G. tenuipes. In the genus Cystopteris, the analysis confirmed the separation of C. montana from other Cystopteris species, and the separation of C. sudetica from the C. fragilis-complex. This advocate the recognition of monotypic genus Rhizomatopteris including Rh. montana (≡Cystopteris montana), and allows to recognize the section Khokhrjakovia (with C. sudetica) within the genus Cystopteris. This analysis did not allow to separate the species of the type subgenus Cystopteris (C. fragilis-complex) from each other.

Eriophyoid mites from ferns: description of a new Leipothrix Keifer species (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae) from the Arasbaran forests (Iran) and a key to the world species

A survey of eriophyoid mites on ferns was carried out in the Arasbaran forests, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. A new species of the genus Leipothrix Keifer (Eriophyidae: Phyllocoptinae: Phyllocoptini) was collected on Polypodium vulgare L. (Polypodiaceae), named as L. pterisfolii, described and illustrated. It is the first record of a mite of the tribe Phyllocoptini on a Polypodiaceae plant. This mite species was found also on a plant of the family Cystopteridaceae, namely Gymnocarpium dryopteris (L.) Newman, and this is the first record of an eriophyoid mite associated with a plant of this family, too. In addition, it is the first report of a fern-inhabiting eriophyoid mite in Iran. A key to the eriophyoid mite species collected on ferns worldwide and a table summarizing information on their type host, type locality and habitus are provided.

Volatiles of French Ferns and “fougère” Scent in Perfumery

Six French ferns were investigated for volatile organic compounds (VOC) by GC-MS using organic solvent extraction. Seventy-seven VOC biosynthesized from the shikimic, lipidic and terpenic pathways, including isoprenoid derivatives, were identified from these putative natural resources. Asplenium trichomanes subsp. trichomanes contained mainly polyketides with an oily or waxy odor. ( E)-2-Hexenal and ( Z)-3-hexenol, responsible for the “green odor”, were found in high contents in Polystichum setiferum, Dryopteris dilatata and Phegopteris connectilis. In the last, 7.4% of coumarin with a cut hay scent was highlighted from the volatile fraction. ( E)-3-Hexenoic acid and ( E)-2-hexenoic acid, both with herbal and fruity notes, were identified in Gymnocarpium dryopteris and Pteridium aquilinum. 1-Octen-3-ol, well-known for its mushroom-like odor, was abundant in all analyzed French ferns. While the “fougère” fragrance is claimed by the perfumers to be a fantasy scent, coumarin, ( E)-2-hexenal, ( Z)-3-hexenol and 1-octen-3-ol are the main odorous components of the perfumes belonging to the fougère accord family. This suggests that the fougère scent from the perfumers’ imagination is a natural fragrance.