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A study by Poulton, Koide, and Stephenson supports the novel and important prediction that mycorrhizal infection may be added to the growing list of external factors that affect pollen performance. Using tomato ([cf2]Lycopersicon esculentum,[cf1] Solanaceae), they found that the presence of mycorrhizae can alter pollen tube growth rates and siring success rates, as well as pollination success rates in the field. These data have important implications for mycorrhizal research in agriculture, forestry, and land reclamation. (see p. 1786)

Rodent pollination

Johnson, Pauw, and Midgley describe rodent pollination in the African lily (Massonia depressa, Hyacinthaceae), which grows in the semiarid Succulent Karoo region of South Africa. At least four rodent species, including two gerbils, visit Massonia nocturnally, lapping the jelly-like, sucrose-rich nectar presented at ground level in dull-colored flowers. This is the first record of pollination by gerbils and also extends the rodent pollination syndrome to include monocots. (see p.1768)

The science of plant morphology

Donald Kaplan presents a paper, based on his Jeanette Siron Pelton Award lecture given at the Botanical Society Annual Meeting in 1998, on the definition, history, and role of plant morphology in modern biology. He reviews the rich history of this discipline, initiated by Goethe in 1790, and discusses its importance and relevance in a modern context. (see p. 1711)

PIXE data characterize lichen partnership

Clark et al. address key issues in lichen ecophysiology=nwhere different elements accumulate and how they affect the mineral nutrition of the thallus. The authors use a number of techniques, including microbeam proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy with the Lawrence Livermore Nuclear Microprobe, which yields quantitative two-dimensional distribution maps for a number of elements, with micron-level spatial resolution. Dense accumulations of calcium oxalate at the junction of the medulla and algal layers were found and characterized. Their data support the interpretation of a mutualistic relationship between the mycobiont (fungal) and photobiont (algal) partners. (see p. 1742)

Seed bank persistence under volcanic ash

Tsuyuzaki and Goto report on the seed bank status in topsoil of the crater basin 20 years after burial under volcanic ash on Mount Usu, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan, located on Hokkaido Island. They present interesting data regarding natural storage of seeds under volcanic ash, extend longevity records for a number of species, and conclude that the seed bank will persist longer with soil water content between 20 and 40%, no light, and low temperature fluctuations. (see p. 1813)

This Article Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Search for Related Content