Nova Biologica Reperta

Abstract Pollen respiratory allergies have been increasing in prevalence over the last two decades, partly as the result of the impact of climate change. For many allergenic trees, grass and weed species, increased pollen production and prolonged pollination period result in long-term increased abundance of pollen allergens in the atmosphere; earlier shifts of airborne pollen grains and prolonged exposure to respiratory allergens with important health effects on allergic individuals. The aim of this review paper was to investigate the impact of climate change and meteorological factors on pollen season indicators with a special focus on the main allergenic taxa worldwide. Main variables influencing flowering phenology such as location, climatic and meteorological parameters were identified, discussed and substantiated by published literature. Temperature, solar radiation, humidity, rainfall, wind speed and direction were identified among the most important meteorological parameters affecting the fluctuations of annual concentrations of allergenic airborne pollen grains. Although notable variations were observed according to allergenic species and studied geographical areas, temperature appeared to be the most important climatic parameter affecting flowering phenology and pollen season indicators, especially in tree species. Rising carbon dioxide levels also result in increased plant biomass, increased flowering intensity and pollen production in several tree, grass and weed allergenic species. In the light of this review, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the effect of climate change on the flowering phenology and pollen season indicators of a substantial number of allergenic ornamental and invasive plant species.

Abstract In the present study, two regulatory phytohormones, abscisic acid and auxin, were extracted from two different macroalgae, Sargassum muticum and Gracilaria corticata, for the first time. Sampling was performed each month with three replicates, from Bushehr Province shores located in the north region of Persian Gulf for six alternative months. The alteration of seaweeds biomass and the probable impacts of some environmental factors were measured. The extracted phytohormones were isolated employing HPLC method and identified by injection of standards. The highest amount of ABA phytohormone in the two species, occurred in November. Also, the highest amount of Auxin in Sargassum muticum was reported in May, while the highest amount of this hormone in Gracilaria corticata was observed in January. In January, the maximum mean biomass in Sargassum muticum was 679gr/m², while the minimum mean of 20.66gr/m² was observed in September. Moreover, the highest average biomass in Gracilaria corticata was 423/33gr/m² in March and the lowest mean of 158g/m² was reported in November. ANOVA and Chi-squared test results showed a significant difference in all samples. These phytohormones could be applied in preparing algae liquid fertilizer in future studies.

Abstract High-quality DNA extraction plays an important role to make sharp bands in the gel electrophoresis and also produces clean chromatograms. Usually, DNA extract is delivered using the modified CTAB method but this method cannot obtain high-quality DNA for molecular analysis from old dried leaves of Bellevalia due to having different chemical compounds which inhibit to obtain a clear DNA extraction. To solve the problem, in different phases of a modified CTAB protocol, activated carbon, phenol, potassium acetate, RNase and deionized water (instead of TE) were applied to eliminate contaminants and improve obtained high-quality DNA. The DNA absorption data from the modified method were compared with CTAB method in 260 and 280 nm wavelengths. The results showed a 15-80-fold change in the DNA concentration. This study suggests the modified method of extraction is more efficient in the quality of DNA obtained from the little amount of herbarium old leaves of Bellevalia than that of the CTAB method.

Abstract Piptatherum ferganense is recorded as a new grass species for the flora of Iran collected from Ghorkhod Protected Area and Aladagh Mountains in North Khorassan province. The core distribution range of the species is Eastern Irano-Turanian with a disjunction in northeastern Iran. The morphological characters of P. ferganense are illustrated and compared with the closely related P. latifolium. It can be distinguished from P. latifolium by its evenly arranged spikelets in the panicle, lanceolate fertile lemma, and shorter lemma awns. Notes on taxonomy, ecology, phytogeography, and conservation status of the recorded species are provided.

Abstract
Halimocnemis commixta is recorded as a new species for the flora of Iran from Pistacia vera woodland remnants in NE Iran. It grows on open salty soils with several typical halophytic plants. The new species record is illustrated and compared with the closely related species. It can be distinguished from H. gamocarpa by its clustered flowers and irregularly horned fruits and differs from H. pilosa by its entirely short and adpressed hairs. We provide some additional notes on the distribution, ecology, and conservation status of the newly recorded species.

Abstract Two new species of Cousinia are described from Iran. Cousinia bornmulleriana from the west that can be placed in sect. Haussknechtii based on some key characters such as flower numbers, phyllary numbers and the inflorescence form traits. This species can be also compared with its closest relative C. haussknechtii. and C. karkasensis. The second new species, C. semnanensis, from North East of Iran, belongs to the sect. Stenocephalae for its flower numbers, winged stem, and phyllaries shape, and is compared to C. alexeenkoana and C. glaucopsis as its close relative. Natural photos and distribution maps are presented.