100 Bookreviews H. A. Moo.~r~y et M. GODRON (eds.) DISTURBANCE A17D E C O S Y S T E M S Components of response Ecological Studies 44, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York and Tokyo 1983, 292 pp., Price US $ 49.70. The compendium on ecological disturbance Is divided into 5 sections which correspond to some extent to structural levels of the organization of live matter. Not only disturbance of ecosystems is dealt with but also auto-ecological disturbance (Section 4 -- species' physiological characteristics), disturbance of populations (Section 5). disturbance of ecosystems in the narrow sense (Section 3), disturbance of landscape (Section 2), and of the biosphere (section 1). The first section dedicated to global disturbance is very brief (WooI)W~LL G. M.: 2--10) and is focussed especially on the increase of CO2 in the biosphere since it may exert an important impact on life on the "Blue Planet". But this does not mean t h a t other anthropogenic impacts (pesticides, corrosion of gene pool etc.) are underestimated. The second section deals with landscape while Chapter 1 (GODRONM. and R. T. T. F o l ~ : 12--28) discusses the general characteristics of landscape as the "macroecosystem". Chapter 2 (WE~NS~EIN D. A. and H. H. S~[UG~T: 29--45) is concerned with ecological modelling of landscape dynamics. I t is worth mentioning t h a t the authors also deal with the simulation of impact of imisslons (SO2) on forests, more in relation to biocenosis (without the "subsystem" -- soil) t h a n to landscape, i.e. an integrated system of various ecosystems, including non-forest systems. The third section, "Ecosystem functions", seems to be the basic part of the book. I t begins with a chapter on characteristics of energy flows within natural and m a n altered ecosystems ( I ~ o ~ ' ~ . M.: 4 8 - 70), complemented by the third Chapter (I~E~ERS ~,V. A.: 83--98). The contribution on energetics is followed b y discussion of forest production (AVC~LR D.: 71--82) and problems of mixed versus monospecifie forests. This part is related to the chapter on disturbance of nutrient cycling in ecosystems (Ra_m, W.: 117-- 128) and to the contribution on mechanisms of ion leaching in natural and managed ecosystems (Vrrous~.x P. M.: 128 -- 144).This Section also includes the contribution on the water balance of ecosystems, especially of forest ecosystems (LEE R.: 99--116). Section IV is entitled Species Physiological Characteristics, however, two extensive parts have a synecological character. The contribution of SAVOI~ZRB. " P l a n t Growth and its Limitations in Crop and Natural Communities (p. 158-- 174) is focussed more on autecology while MILLEI~ P. C. (188--212) provides information on water balance characteristics of plant species in natural and modified ecosystems. The remaining two contributions deal with productivity of determinants of natural and man-modified communities (MooNEY H. A. and S. L. OuLMo~: 146--158) and patterns of nutrient absorption b y plants ( C ~ n ~ F. S.: 175--187). Section V concludes the book and Is concerned with population characteristics, i.e. the demecological aspects of disturbance. I t Includes the following contributions: G v o Y o ~ P. H. et al. (p. 214--225) -- Reproductive Strategies and Disturbance by Man (Thymus zadgaris and DacCylis glomerata are taken as examples); JACQUARD P. and G. I-I~x~ (p. 226--239) -- Demographic Strategies and Originating Environment; JAIN S. (p. 240--258) -- Genetic Characteristics of Populations, and F. A. B A z z ~ (p. 259--275) -- Characteristics of Populations in Relation to Disturbance in Natural and Man-Modified Ecosystems. The book is equipped with a detailed subject index (p. 277--292). Each contribution has a French summary (the book has been written b y French and USA authors). The publication has the perfect typographical display customary in this series of Ecological Studies. This book is to be recommended to theoretical or practical ecologists, and it may be considered an appropriate starting point for all studies on succession. V]~aosL~v SA~EK

Bookreviews

B. H U ~ L r Z and H. J. B. B m x s AN ATLAS OF PAST AND PRESENT Y E A R S AGO

POLLEN

MAPS FOR EUROPE:

0--13000

Cambridge University Press 1983, Price US $ 174.-I t was a happy idea of the authors to undertake such a significant and difficult work -- to compile the hitherto obtained results of palynological studies of the Quaternary Holocene sediments in order to reconstruct the vegetation in Europe during a time span of 13 000 years. This very meritorious activity led to the construction of isopoll maps for t h e individual plant genera and species identifiable b y pollen analysis. The maps show how the individual t a x a spread on the territory of Europe within this time span. The authors' work has been published in one volume of 667 pages w i t h a separate folder containing 34 overlay maps: 1--3 general geographic data, 4 - - surface sample distribution, 5--31 size distribution in the individual time spans of the Holoeens, 31--34 reconstructed ice-sheets in the individual intervals of the 13 000 years. These overlay maps offer thorough information facilitating the understanding and detailed use of the maps contained in the book. The maps cover the territory of the European continent. The data dengity is highest for Western and Central Europe. The book begins with: 1 -- List of overlay maps, 2 -- preface informing on the numerous coauthors who contributed to this work within the framework of the International Geological Correlation Program, Project 158, Subproject B, 3 -- terminology and nomenclature informing b y means of the table of " Q u a t e r n a r y stratigraphical and proposed correlation" on the u ~ d stratigraphical terms in connection with the radiocarbon method. The main part of the book consists of 6 chapters; an appendix and references are enclosed. I n the Introduction the authors acquaint the reader with the term palynology. This first chapter presents the method of mapping pollen maps and informs on the approach applied so far. I t explains the term isopoll maps used for the first time in Schaffer's contour maps. The application, interpretation of isopoll maps and the attendant problems are also dealt with. The method of construction of isopoll maps is described in detail. The authors discuss the problems of pollen sums, pollen representation factors and principal components analysis and vegetation reconstruction. Chapter 2. This chapter on mapping pollen data deals with the aim, source of the data and their application in further branches of science. Chapter 3.The methods by which the palynological datawore compiled and the maps constructed are treated. Then the problem of pollen sums and pollen representation factors is discussed. The palynological data are given with regard to results of the radiocarbon method. They were extracted at 500 radiocarbon year intervals for 0-- 13 000 BP. Fifty-five major pollen and spore t a x a were defined at the outset, and data were extracted for as m a n y of these as were recorded at each site. Chapter 4. Present-day pollen maps. The authors report on the methodology, approach and construction of modern isopell maps compiled for surface samples. At the close of this chapter they deal with the problem of numerical analysis of pollen of the individual taxa in dependence on the pollen production under various geological conditions. This chapter is accompanied by maps of the present-day distribution of the individual taxa. Chapter 5. The fundamental part of the work is represented by the fossil pollen maps. Isopoll maps have been compiled for the 46 major European pollen and spore taxa. These are listed in alphabetical order. -- I n addition to the pollen maps for the time span of 13 000 years, a brief account of the European Pleistocene record for the main tree pollen taxa is given. I t is followed by a description of the Late Glacial and Holocene isopoll maps and a discussion of the interpretat-

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FOLIA GEOBOTANICA ET PHYTOTAXONOMICA 20, 1985

ion of these maps. Each map is accompanied b y a detailed analysis of the individual taxa, carried out from various points of view. Chapter 6. Discussion and conclusion. I n the conclusion the authors summarized the principles on which the work is based. Although t h e y are aware of the variety and different qualities of the data used, t h e y conclude t h a t the broad-scale p a t t e r n has been obtained in the European pollen data for the last 13 000 years. In the following subchapter t h e y deal with the methodology applied to the interval of 2900--8000 years, and with t h a t of 9000--13000 years. The authors discuss here the results of a principal components analysis. I n the next subchapter, the results of vegetation reconstruction are summarized, and the rate of vegetation and climate changes in the individual phases of the Holoeeno are discussed. In the last subchapter considerations based on geological investigation are put forward concerning migration roads, changes in vegetational composition and refugia during the Holocene. The book is supplemented by a list of sites of the databases, from which it follows t h a t the authors have used only selected papers or t h a t the references used as a basis are incomplete. At the end of the b o o k , references are cited which are relatively scarce in relation to the large volume of the work. The present book will undoubtedly contribute to the fundamental palynological literature and will serve as a springboard for further palynologieal research. BLANKA PACLTOV~

J. SzuJ~:d-LAczA (ed.) THE

FLORA

OF

THE

HORTOB.~GY

NATIONAL

PARK

In: Z. KASZAB (ed.): Natural History of the National Parks of Hungary, No. 3. -- Akaddmiai Kiad6, Budapest 1982, 172 p., 152 Figs. ~ Photos, 17 Tabs. The majority of indigenous species of fauna and flora with great genetic richness is concentrated in national parks. The exploration and protection of these values are the primary tasks of the staff of the Hungarian Natural History Museum. Their first attention was given to the HortobAgy National Park (HNP), the area of which (64,000 ha) includes a very characteristic vegetation with special fauna and flora. The results of its inventarization are published in three volumes. The first two have described the fauna, while this third volume presents the flora of this interesting territory. A characteristic of the H N P is the mosaic distribution of habitats: rivers, canals, lakes, periodically drying ponds, meadows, pastures etc., but most characteristic and specific for this area is the dry halophytic and "loess vegetation". The investigation presented could serve as the basis for a future comparative study of changes of the flora both in space and time, as influenced by different natural and artificial factors. Therefore the inventarization was done in the H N P territory and two adjacent preserved thermophilous oak-forests which represent relics of the climax forest communities. The volume submitted contains a list of 1772 t a x a (see below). The data sources are varied: literature, field records and collections of various herbaria. Most of the data are results of threeyears' investigation (1974--76). Therefore the authors believe the list of the vascular plants might be more complete, while the number of species and localities concerning cryptogams is more influenced b y the number of visits (mostly valid for the microscopic organisms). Apart from t h a t , the present check-list has a new character, including all groups of plants. The localization is completed b y a grid code o{the system currently used in Central European flora mapping. Results of this huge work are 116 new findings for the whole Hungarian flora. Four new species are described: t h e alga Spirogyra kolae HAJDU and the fungi Agaricu~ bernardii]ormi8 Bon-~s, A. macrosporoides Bo~vs and Urocystis tothii V~zcxy; moreover four new macrofungi species remain to be described in the future. The total number of cryptogams (982) is higher t h a n t h a t of the vascular plants (774), but t h e latter are dominant, as usual. The present work contains 8 contributions b y authors: J. SzuJxd-LAcz~ (a history andnatural conditions), L. H x z n u and G. ZRUPX6 (aquatic algae), Zs. P. KO~s (soil algae), J. Gfzccz6v.

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103

and S. T6TH (microfungi), M. BA~os (macrofungi), K. P. V~sEolrY (lichen,a), S. OI~BAIr (bryophytes), J. SZUJK6-LACZA, G. FEFdCTA, D. KOVXWS, L. Szx~6 and Z. Sn~oxx {vascular plaaats). All these contributions contain lists of species and their localities, only the chapter concerning macrofungi includes also taxonomical and ecological remarks on selected species with interesting quantitative distributional relationship of precipitation and fruitbody production of halophiloua species Agaricus bernardii. The chapter dealing with vascular plants includes various information on species distribution and diversity. The mentioned volume is mainly concerned with listing plants. Unfortunately there is no detailed characteristic of this area which would emphasize its specificity (at least in the introduction). Data on ecology and phytocenology would be especially valuable, because t h e territory of the :H2qP is an exceptional area with unique phenomena. The work contains some inaccuracies or formal mistakes. The terms "'species" and " t a x a " are not well used in some cases. Some checklists are arranged in alphabetic order, others according to systematics (e.g. aquatic versus soil algae etc.). Some species are cited twice under different names ( e . g . p . 93: Bud//a punctilorm/s and B. punctata); on the other hand different species have identical numbers (e.g.p. 122: Fragaria vesca and ~ r a x i n u s angusti/olia; p. 132: l~umex acetosa and ~ . aoetosella). Some numbers in different places in t e x t and cover do not agree: total number of t a x a (cover: 1772 and p. 14: 1762), total number of soil algae (p. 50: 113, p. 14:131 new for the t t ~ P ! ) , incorrect sums on the p. 14 (last llne in text and in Tab. 1). The newly described alga ~pirogyra kolae (p. 14) is not listed on p. 29! Fig. 5 shows an aquatic community and not a "meadow" (p. 5). The t e x t contains a relatively large amount of spalling errors in nomenclature. These errors could have been avoided b y more careful editorial work. I n some examples modern nomenclature should have been used. Some groups of eryptogams (especially hepatics) include a low number of species (the discovery of some xerophytic species is probable). In spite of these inaccuracies the publication of this work is very valuable, because it deals with an area containing a significant part of the gene bank not only of Hungary. I t is especially necessary to emphasize the first elaboration of some groups of cryptogams. This is a welcome intention and it could be recommended for further areas in other countries. Future volumes of this series will deal with the results of the floristic and faunistic exploration of the Kiskuns~g National Park. Jrkf Ko~a~x J ~ LL~KA

LIQuA_~ Z ~ o VEGETATION E C O L O G Y A/qD P O P U L A T I O ~ BIOLOGY O F F R 1 T I L L A R I A M E L E A G R I S L. A T T H E K U N G S - g , N G E N RESEI~VE, EASTERN SWEDEN

NATURE

Acta Phytogeographica Suecica 73, Uppsala 1983, Almqvist et Wiksell International, 92 pp., 45 Figs., 29 Tabs. The last issue of A P h S is devoted to the s t u d y of Fritillaria meleagris growing in a nature reserve near Upl~ala. Fritillaria is a bulbous perennial. This t y p e o f p l a n t has often been studied b y population biologists. The life history of bulbous perennials is relatively well known. One may ask why Fritillaria was chosen for this study. The answer is t h a t Fritillaria is an endangered species in the major p a r t of its distribution area in Europe due to the drainnage and fertilization of meadows, and t h a t irregular flowering is interesting from the viewpoint of plant biology. Z ~ G ' s s t u d y deals with various aspects of the life history: demography, life cycle, d r y m a t t e r allocation, seed biology. I t is very typical of Pritillaria t h a t it needs a very long time of vegetative growth to reach its reproductive age. The age of first reproduction is determined b y size of the bulb. Irregularities of flowering are probably controlled b y bulb size b u t some aspects are lml~nown at present. Fritillaria is able to transform reserves from the old bulb to t h e new one, being able to remain without above ground shoots for some years. This fact m a y complicate demographic studies based only on t h e counting of visible plants as in the Orchidaceae family. The s t u d y was performed on p e r m a n e n t plots situated along a water gradient.

104

~FOLIA GEOBOTANICA ET P~IYTOTAXONOM]CA 20, 1985

These plots were studied 40 years ago and since t h a t time hydrologic conditions have changed. This fact offered a good opportunity to s t u d y the direct influence of water condition changes on plant communities and on the distribution of Fritillaria. The present communities were studied b y various techniques and the results were compared with the situation 40 years ago. The change of water regime induced changes in both p l a n t communities p a t t e r n and composition and in the distribution of the Fritillaria population. Knowledge of this response may be very i m p o r t a n t for proper management of populations of Fritillaria. The importance of permanent plots which have a long tradition in Sweden has thus been clearly demonstrated. The reviewed s t u d y gave a clear picture of population biology of Fritillarla, of plant communities with this species in the close vicinity of Uppsala and of their abiotic conditions. The population and community dynamics induced by hydrological change were also studied. I n my opinion, we need more such studies to manage successfully a lot of endangered plants. FRANTI~EK KRAHULEC

J. D. BEWLEY, M. BLACK PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY GERMINATION

OF SEEDS

IN RELATION

TO

Vol. 2. Viability, D o r m a n c y and Environmental Control Springer Verlag, Berlin 1982, 275 pp. The second volume, on seed physiology and biochemistry, appeared four years after the first which, written b y the same authors, dealt with seed development, germination and subsequent growth. Four of the six chapters of the present work are devoted to seed dormancy, one to seed longevity and viability and the last one to ecological aspects of germination and its physiological control. The emphasis is on dormancy. Different types of seed d o r m a n c y are described and their morphological and physiological bases interpreted. Two case histories of complex d o r m a n c y (that of Sinapis arvensis and Xanthium pennsylvanicum) are dealt with in some detail. One chapter deals with release from dormancy and is focused on the effects of light mediated b y the phytoehrome system. The control mechanisms of d o r m a n c y are outlined in a special chapter. The authors have succeeded in providing an up-to-date, balanced and coherent picture of the subject. This has been achieved b y a recognition of the multiple character of the inducing factors and control mechanisms of dormancy, and by a comprehensive approach to the vast and diversified phcnomenology of the subject at the ecological, morphological, physiological and biochemical level. However, the authors always aim at analyzing the diversity of these phenomena against a common physiological background. Thus, when studying the role of phytochrome in release ~ o m dormancy, various mechanisms of reaching the critical level of Pit are described. I t is demonstrated t h a t some other factors t h a n llght, e.g. low and high temperature and]or a degree of imbibition m a y possibly operate t h r o u g h the same control mechanism or at least contribute to the same terminal effect. However, more a t t e n t i o n should have been paid to high irradiance reaction (HIR) syndromes in the control of d o r m a n c y as t h e y reflect situations in a natural e n v i r o n m e n t more clearly. This is the first time t h a t seed polymorphism in relation to d o r m a n c y is treated as a real physiological problem and is given broader consideration. There axe pitfalls inherent in the subject and the authors encounter t h e m when searching for a generally acceptable control mechanism of dormancy. The traditional choice is hormonal control and a shift in metabolic pathways, the fashionable one looks for changes in the state and function of membranes. However, it is difficult t o propose control mechanisms for proceases like germination which are not yet fully understood at the physiological level. The d a t a to he summarized are usually obtained from a mere handful of objects and a strictly limited number of experiments. Furthermore, it cannot at present be decided whether there exist parallel ways leading to the same key reaction responsible for d o r m a n c y control, or whether the control m a y he imposed on different events within the sequential chain. I t might he fair to say t h a t at this stage we do not posses enough data and knowledge for reliable gene-

BOOKR~VI~WS

105

ralization. The same, more or less, applies in some other developmental processes such as bud d o r m a n c y or flower initiation. There are necessarily some overlaps w i t h the control mechanism of d o r m a n c y being treated In three lifferent chapters of the book. I t is in this connection I feel t h a t the chapter on the perspective of d o r m a n c y might better be presented as a s u m m a r y of the preceding c h a p t e r on d o r m a n c y control. The chapter on seed longevity and viability presents a broad view of the p h e n o m e n a and provides a fair account of the metabolic changes t h a t correlate with seed deterioration under different conditions of storage. I t is also valuable for comparing different viability equations. The chapter on the environmental control of germination inevitably also deals with dormancy as it is sometimes impossible to distinguish the factors limiting germination from those imposing secondary d o r m a n c y (high temperature etc.). The problem of limiting and optimum ecological factors o f germination is analyzed (temperature, light, water availability), providing valuable material for phytogeographical considerations. Some general features of the book: the authors use examples t a k e n equally from cultivated and wild plants, which makes the book attractive for b o t h botanists and agronomists. The authors' critical a t t i t u d e to data, ideas and methods can be traced throughout the book and should be highly commended, as should their clear style. An author index, subject index and a glossary and index of English names are provided. Literature selections are given at the end of each chapter, making this reliable source book. This is the best book on dormancy I have read. Obligatory reading for students of plant development, an i m p o r t a n t work for lecturers in biology, research workers and advanced students. JAN KREKtFL]~

WILLY WERNER

UNTERSUCHUNGEN ZUM STICKSTOFFHAUSHALT PFLANZENBEST~.lqDE

EINIGER

Scripta geobotaniea 16. -- Verlag Erich Goltze G m b H u. Co. KG., G6ttingen, 1983. In dieser hreit aufgefassten, eingehenden Studie wurden in J a h r e v e r l a u f ftinf Hemikryptop h y t e n (Solidago canadensis, EpiJobium angusti/olium, Galamagrostis epigeios, Brachypodium pinnatum und M~inia coeru/ea) auf ihre gesamte Trockensuhetanz (TS: Biomasse + Streumasse) und ihron e x t e r n e n sowio internen StickstoR'haushalt untersueht. Die Messungon des Verfassers wurden parallel an Freilandfl~chen in der Umgebung yon G6ttingen und in Gartenland auf einer Ackerbraunerde (S0l/daqo) und in Grundwasserbecken (EpiloSium, Calamagrostis, Brachypodiura und Molinia) bei schwaeher und starker Diingung durehgefithrt. Die Zusammcnsetzung der Best/inde im Freiland wurde durch Vegetationsaufnahmen, die Bodeneigenschaften durch die Profilbeschreibung und die wichtigsteu Bodennkenwerte belegt. Die starke Abh~ngigkeit der Bioelementenkonzentratlonen von E n t w i c k h m g s z u s t a n d tier Pflanzen is~ schon yon der vorrigen Literatur gut bekannt. Die einzelnen untersuchten Pflanzenarten wurden dabei in siebcn bis acht ph/inologischen Stadien ober- und unterirdisch gecrntet, in verschiedene Pflanzenteile saint deren Streu zerlegt und die jeweilige Stickstoffkonzentration analysiert. Am natiirlichen S t a n d o r t wurde an H a n d von Stickstoffbilanzen der Best/i~de die Rolle der j~ihrlichen pflanzeninternen Stickstoffverlagerung beim Stickstoffhedarf der Pflanzenbest~nde quantifizicrt. Durch Kulturversuche soUte ausserdem geki/irt werden, ob s ich der innere Stiekstoffkreislauf dureh ~ussere l~T-Zufuhr steuern 1/isst. Die Entwicklung der Biomasse war bei allen u n t e r s u c h t e n A r t e n /ihnlich, je nach N/ihrstoffversorgung nur in der H6he abgestuft. Die unterirdische Biomasse wies ihre niedrlgsten Werte w/~hrend des W a c h s t u m s der oberirdischen Organe bls zum Bliiten und F r u c h t e n auf. Das Maximum der unterlrdischen Biomasse wurde am Ende der Vegetationsperiode, al s fast alle assimilierenden Organe abgestorben waren, festgestelit. Der gr6sste Ahbau an TS ware in der Monaten lq'ovember his Mai zu finden. W~hrend dieser Periode wurde die Streumasse und die unterirdische Biomasse stark abgebaut. I m Frtthjahr wurden d a n n wleder die geri ngsten Mengen an TS gemcssen.

106

FOLIA GEOBOTANICA ET PHYTOTAXONOMICA 20, 1985

Die Messungen der Stickstoffkonzentration ziegen eine Abstufung nach der N-Versorgung an. Die hSehsten N - K o n z e n t r a t i o n e n der oberirdischen Pflanzenteile wurden in zeitlichen Friihjahr, die niedrigsten zum Zeitpunkt der hSchsten oberirdischen Biomasse bestimmt. Die unterirdischen Pflanzenteile einschliesslich der Blattbasen der G1/iser, wiesen einer etwas anderen jahreszeitlichen Konzentrationsverlauf an -- bis zunehmender Vergilbung der oherirdischen Organe steigen die N-Gehalte an, im Friihjahr nach den Beginn des Wachstums der oberirdisehen Organe sie sanken wieder ah. Bei den untersuchten Arten miissten daher nicht nur die Rhizome und V u r z e l , sondern auch Blattscheiden und Blattbasen, die die Vegetationsruhe lehend itherdauern, als Stickstofi.speicherorgane betrachten werden. Die j~hrliche l~T-Aufnahme der Pflanzenbest/~nde als auch der einzeInen Kompartimenbe wurde aus der Difi.erenzen dor maximalen und minimalen N-Mengen der gesarnten TS errechnet und mit der N-Versorgung (N-Nettomineralisation im Freiland u n d Garten bzw. der Diingung in Becken) verglichen. Die Summe der l~-Aufnahrne der einzelnen K o m p a r t i m e n t e war bei aller Arten und Versuchsgliedern gr6sser als die N-Aufnahrne des gesamten Pflanzenbestandes. Auf Grund dieser l%ststellungen ditrfte der Autor als gesichert gelten, dass bei der untersuehten Pflanzenarten eine interne N-Verlagerung s t a t t g e f u n d e n hat. Die H6he der internen N-Verlagerung wiirde m i t zwei verschiedenen Berechnungsweisen eingegrenzt, die Ergebnisse wurden statistisch verglichen. Bei der e x a k t e n Bestimmung der Eingangs- und Ausgangsdaten des Pflanzenbestandes und der einzelnon K o m p a r t i m e n t e kann m i t beiden vorgeschlagenen Berechnungsweisen eine entsprechende Eingrenzung des Ausmasses der internen N-Verlagerun~re folgen. Aus den Analysen des Verfassers geht hervor, dass die interne N-Verlagerung eine hohe Beteiligung an der Deckung des j/ihrlichen N-Bedarfs der Pflanzenarten hat; bei schlechter Ern~hrungslagc ist ihr Anteil an der Deckung des N-Bedarfs grSsser als bei guter. Die festgestellten Ergebnisse sind yon Gesichtspunkt der gegenseitigen Konkurrenzbeziehungen der A r t e n d e r PhytozSnosen von grosset Bedeutung. I m Hinblick auf die Konkurrenzzusammenh&nge sollte in Zukunft der interne ~ - H a u s h a l t der Pflanzenarten der natiirlichen als aueh den bewirtschafteten PhytozSnosen, vor allem den Wiesen- und WeidengoseUschaften, untersucht wlrd. MIROSLAVA HUSOV~ ANNAMARIA Li~ND BIOSYSTEMATIC INVESTIGATIONS I1~ T H E F A M I L Y O F DUCKWEEDS ( L E M N A C E A E ) V O L . 3: D A S W A C H S T U M V O N WASSERLINSEN" (LEMNACEAE) IN ABH~-NGIGKEIT DES I~/~HRSTOFFAI~GEBOTS, I~SBESONDERE PHOSPHOR UI~D STICKSTOFF VerSfi.entliehungen des Geobotauischen I n s t i t u t e s der Eidg. Teehn. Hochschule, Stiftung Rill)el, in Zikrich. 80. Heft, 1983 Duckweeds (Lemnaceae) belong to the most studied families of water plants. Duckweeds occur all over the world. The cultivation of duckweeds is easy and it is possible to obtain their axenie or sterile clone cultures. Many physiologists or teachers use duckweeds as experimental material. Duckweeds have a high protein content and a suitable balance of aminoacids. A t t e m p t s have been made to use duckweeds as animal feed even within the framework of modern animal husbandry. Recently, the main interest is focussed on the use of duckweeds for wastewater t r e a t m e n t . Duckweeds can grow and accumulate nutrients even in highly eutrophic water. The botanical research should provide the basic data on the potential growth rate, n u t r i e n t uptake, stand dens i t y and optimal harvesting r~gime for each duckweed species in question. The Lemnaceae family comprises about 35 species in the world; 7 species occur in Central Europe. These species differ in their requirements for temperature, n u t r i e n t concentration im the water, alkalinity, etc. The aim of the reviewed s t u d y was t o estimate which of the Lemnaceae species occurring in Switzerland and in adjacent region would grow i t / n u t r i e n t - r l c h waters and how the nutrient concentrations would affect their growth. The tolerance limits of the species to the lowest and highest n u t r i e n t concentrations were also determined.

BOOKREu

107

I n the laboratory, t h e effect was tested of various concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen on the growth of S~irodela polyrhiza, Lemna minor, L. minuseula, L. gibba under controlled climatic conditions. The multiplication rate, frond size and root length were assessed within the following ranges o f concentrations: 3.2. 10-~ to 1 . 2 5 . 1 0 -1 r e e l . 1-1 of NH4NOa and 2 . 2 4 . 1 0 -s to 4 . 3 8 . 1 0 -a r e e l . 1- t K ~ 2 P O 4 . 3 H20. I n addition, various combinations of these two compounds were involved in the experiments. For the field s t u d y 79 localities were selected in the Swiss Midlands, northwestern Switzerland, n o r t h e r n and southern lowlands of the U p p e r Rhine and the lowlands of Po. Forty-nine localities were visited m o n t h l y during the vegetation season while the others were only once (in July) or twice during the growing season. A t all localities, the pH, conductivity and t h e concentration of NI~+, NOa-, PO4-P, Ca 2+, Mg2+, K +, Na +, species composition and s t a n d cover 9 f the duckweeds were determined. The results are presented in clearly arranged tables and figures. The role of the important nutrients was evaluated b y means of the correspondence analyses. I n this procedure, N'H4-N, NO3-N, PO4-P, K +, N a +, Ca a+ and Mg a+ were involved as the selected environmental factors. Differences were observed between the species. Lemna gibba and Spirodela polyrhiza w e r e reduced at such n u t r i e n t concentrations at which Lemna minor and Lemna minuaeula still g r e w nearly optimally. Lemna minor and L. minu.gcula were able t o grow at lower N- and P-concentrations t h a n did L. gibba and Spirodela polyrhiza. All four species died during t h e accommodation phase a t the highest concentration tested. Phosphorus proved t o be the prinqipal factor limiting the occurrence of the duckweeds. The limiting P concentration is about 3 tzg 1-1. Lemna minor was found t o tolerate the relatively lowest concentrations of P, N, Mg and K. Lemna gibba was observed in the relatively most eutrophlcated waters. Lemna triaulca occurred in the waters with r a t h e r high concentrations of calcium. U n d e r optimum conditions, all four species had the largest fronds and short roots. The length of the roots increased with b o t h increasing and decreasing n u t r i e n t concentration. The author has arrived at the following conclusions: Lemna gibba is sudtable for wastewater t r e a t m e n t because it can live only in water rich in nutrients. Lemna gibba can serve as animal feed and an indicator of eutrophic waters. Lemna minor and L. rninusctda have a rather broad tolerance range to b o t h high and low concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen. B?irodela polyrhiza and Lvmna tris~ca occur mainly in waters w i t h intermediate P and N concentrations and possess a rather limited tolerance to their extreme concentrations. The experiments were well designed for t h e given purpose. The d a t a on mineral n u t r i e n t contents in the water would have been more valuable if the corresponding d a t a on the mineral composition of the plants had been given as well: the plants' ability to accumulate nutrients is highly i m p o r t a n t for their employment in wastcwater t r e a t m e n t . I n such an outstanding study, irradiance should have been expressed in energy units and not only as light intensity in lux. I t is to be appreciated t h a t probably only one single inconsistency has slipped into the study: 10 -3 r e e l . 1~1 NH4NO3 contains 80 m g . 1--1 and n o t 40 m g . 1-1 17H4NO3 as it is stated in Table 3 on p. 14. The s t u d y provides a great wealth of original d a t a on the growth and mineral nutrition of duckweeds and m a y serve as a highly useful source of information on these plants to hydrobotanists, limnologists and anyone concerned with wastewater t r e a t m e n t . J~

POXORN~

A. LEUTERT EINFLUSS DER FLORISTISCHE

FELDMAUS, MICROTUS ARVALIS (PALL.), A U F D I E ZUSAMMENSETZUNG VONWIESEN-OEKOSYSTEMEN

VerSffentllchungen des Geobotanlschen I n s t i t u t e s der Eidg. Techn. Hochschule, Stiftung Riibel, in Ziirich 79. -- Ziirich 1983, 126 pp., 32 Figs., 17 Tabs. The author of the present s t u d y provides a comprehensive evaluation o f the influence of common vole on the vegetation of fertilized (Arrhenatheretum) and unfertilized (M~abramc~m) meadows in n o r t h e r n Switzerland.

FOLIA GEOBOTANICA ET PHYTOT.~XONOMICA, 20, 1985

108

During a three*year investigation the size, area, composition and s t a b i l i t y of vole colonies was estimated first, followed b y the evaluation of individual factors b y which these rodents influence the vegetation. First, the decrease of the s t a n d cover b y grazing and biting off, of the above- and underground plant organs is involved an/or the origin o f quite bare surfaces. Furthermore there is formation of humus b y scraping, enriching the soil in nutrients from faecos and food r e m n a n t s and b y changing moisture conditions of the h a b i t a t . The main purpose of the s t u d y was t o determine the changes in species composition of stands under investigation and the response of individual species b o t h t o direct impact of voles and to e n v i r o n m e n t a l changes associated w i t h their activity. The author's attention is paid to the time and space distribution of the species on b o t h types of meadows, to the stability of the species composition and to the s e t t l e m e n t of newly constituted mierohabitats. Furthermore, he evaluates different strategies of individual species from the point of view of their response to browsing and other types of damaging. Likewise, it would be of interest to pay more attention to the problems of cpizoochory and scraping out of buried seeds from the soil. Quite visible results were obtained by complex evaluation of phytosociologieal relev6s using PCA. In the discussion the findings on the influence of voles on the coexistence of plant species and meadow p r o d u c t i o n are summarized. I t was estimated t h a t at low to middle densities, i.e. less t h a n 500 voles/ha, the activity of voles could n o t be regarded as negative; a significant decrease in yields was not proved. F r o m t h e angle of nature conservation, the Influence o f voles is even considered as positive, because t h e y increase heterogeneity o f habitats, which is associated w i t h an increase in floristic diversity, particularly in unfertilized meadows. The s t u d y will be appreciated b y zoologists, too. I t is an additional i m p o r t a n t contribution to the still rare literature on the grazing preferences of voles. V/~A ZEr ~N~ T. P. BAYLrs-S~ITH THE

ECOLOGY

OF AGRICULTURAL

SYSTEMS

Cambridge Topics in Geography: Second Series, Cambridge University Press, London, NewYork, New Rochelle, Melbourne and Sydney 1982, 112 pp.; Price: s 6.95 (H/C), 3.25 (Pb). Energy analyses of ecosystems have recently become a very attractive and useful area of theoretical and applied ecology. I n this respect the analyses of land-use (considered as macroecosystems), especially of land used for agriculture are most important. This is the topic the author focussed on; the book does not deal with a broad stream of problems of agricultural systems, ae the title would suggest, but it characteriT~s energy flow in selected regions. Case studies of these regions present various geographical conditions (from the tropics to a mild zone) as well as different developmental stages of agriculture (pre-industrial systems up to full-industrial systems). Historical aspects of pre-industrial farming and full-industrial farming are analysed on the ease of Wiltshire in Britain from the 1820s to the 1970s, a very useful source of information. A brief s t u d y presents a lot of very interesting data on energetic parameters and energy flow in agricultural landscape. Analyses depict "sections" where energy is wasted. They suggest also how rich in energy agricultural wastes are and what is lost if they are not used rationally. Naturally, these analyses cannot express m a n y other aspects, first of all qualitative and hygienic values of food, social aspects, ecological parameters of the landscape (i.g. stability), its h u m a n hygienic state etc. Nevertheless, such studies are always very useful since t h e y form one of the important bases needed for rational land-use. The book is equipped with m a n y suggestive and well displayed illustrations and tables, and its typographical standard is very high (there are a few printer's errors which does not detract from the value of the publication). The book is very useful, especially for ecologists interested in tropical regions or tropical ecology, since the greatest part of the publication deals with these problems (/%w Guinea, a Polynesian Atoll, The Green Revolution in South India). I t is natural t h a t the agricultural and also the energetic strategy differs considerably in regions where large areas v~re available for agricultural use from those where soil becomes a limiting factor in the soeio-eeonomical development of the society. V~ROSLAV SAMEK

109

BOOKREVIEWS M. KIMURA (ed.) MOLECULAR EVOLUTION, NEUTRAL THEORY

PROTEIN

POLYMORPHISM

AND THE

J a p a n Scientific Societies Press, Tokyo and Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg and New York 1982, 363 pp., Price US $ 43.60. This book is the final product of the Japanese national project entitled "Elucidation of the mechanism of evolution, with special reference to molecular evolution". This project was started in 1978, when a s t u d y group was established under the direction of Prof. Kozo I~HOPU, and completed b y the publication of the 16 papers b y 30 authors in this volume three years later. I n the first chapter, the basic principles of the neutral mutation-random drift hypothesis (i.e. "neutral theory") are presented by M. KIMURA. This part of the book is the most comprehensive review of the neutral theory up to date but includes also new findings, supporting this hypothesis. This chapter may be regarded as a theoretical introduction for the remainder of the book. Some of the following chapters are also theoretical in nature. For example T. OlwrAsummarises his original research on the population genetieal treatment of multigene families, which represent extreme forms of gene dupplication. I n another chapter N. T~lrAWATA investigates the fixation time of recurrent null mutations occurring at duplicated loci by the numerical integration (by the differential equation method) of the Kolmogorov backward equation and b y the simulation (stochastic) method. The simulation approach to the solution of stochastic equations is also discussed in the paper written by T. MARUYAMA.I n this case, the method is applied to the multiple allele overdominance problem and linkage nonequilibrium in finite populations. A very frequently used method is the construction of phylogenotic trees from experimental data, e.g. from gene frequency data. This problem is non-linear in nature and therefore it has usualy more t h a n one solution. Y. TATENO investigates the "accuracy" of three different algorithms, commonly used for constructing phylogenetic trees. The soundness of algorithms is checked simply by using the data obtained from an apriori tree with known topology and then comparing it with t h e reconstructed trees. The distortion of reconstructed trees is examined b y statistical methods. The other chapters deal with experimental data. For example, the paper b y T. MvAg~ et al. summarises the results of numerous tests on Drosophila melanoga~ter. Genetic variability in a haploid liverwort, Conocephalum conicum, was examined by T. YA ~A z~xL I n the chapter written by T. GOJOBORI, the empirical relationship between the mean and variance of heterozygosity at each locus (for ])rosophila and A~o/is sp.) is compared with the theoretical prediction of the neutral theory. K. O.~IOTOstudies allelic diversity of h u m a n populations in the Asian-Pacific area. Five chapters are devoted to the study of molecular evolution on the molecular level, The molecules studied are hemoglobins, plant and halobacterial ferredoxins, cytochrome e, cytochrome oxidase and others. In summary, this book contains many stimulating ideas in the field of molecular evolution. The first chapter -- containing the description of the neutral theory -- is the most valuable one. A~fN

V~x

•. ESSER, K. KUBITZKI, M. RUNGE, E. SCHNEPF and H. ZIEGLER (eds.) PROGRESS

IN BOTANY--

FORTSCHRITTEDERBOTANIK45

Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York et Tokyo 1983, 15 -~ 404 pp., 21 Figs., 3 Tabs.; Price DM 178.-- (US $ 69.10). The volume No. 45 of the above book serie presents in concise form up to date progress in plant morphology, physiology, genetics, taxonomy and geobotany. The most important data about the new botanical literature, mostly from 1979 to 1983, is given and summarized in five chapters (sections). The first chapter (edited b y E. ScH~.I'~) analyses progress in plant morphology (incl. anatomy and cytology). I t deals with general and molecular cytology (especially with some recent infer-

110

FOLIA GEOBOTANICA ET PHYTOTAXONOMICA, 20. 1985

mation on the general topic of cytoplasmic streaming and on the role of calmodulin), with t h e cytology and morphogenesis of higher plant ceils -- phloem, comparative morphology of vegetative organs and reproductive structures of flowering plants. The second chapter -- Physiology (edited by H. ZIEOLER) is devoted to the following questions: the process of solute transport by phloem, mineral nutrition (problem of salinity), photosynthesis research (mainly the mechanism of photosynthesis of green bacteria in relation to t h a t of other photosynthetic organisms, and the mechanism of oxygen evolution), metabolism of inorganic nitrogen compounds, carotenoid biosynthesis and growth. The third part on Genetics (edited by K. Ess~.R) reports new investigations from the following fields of research: DNA replication, recombination processes and mutations incl. polyploidy in higher plants, the function of nuclear genes in flowering plants, modern astmcts of the molecular biology of plastids and some of topical questions in population genetics -- enzyme polymorphism, selection components and demography, and coevolution. The following chapter (edited by K. KUB~TZK~) reports new results in plant taxonomy. I t is divided into two parts: the first one deals with recent progress in the field of evolution and classification of seed plants, the second with palcobotany. The last chapter (edited by M. RupeE) is devoted to geobotany. I t summarizes the most important information on progress in floristic goobotany, sociological and ecological geobotany. The book is completed b y a subject index. The information presented in this collective work is of great importance not only for botanists~ hut also for specialists in other branches working with plant material. ZDENKA NEUHAUSLOVk

DI~GT.~ H. and I-LEOM.t_~ J. P. (eds.): EVOLUTION

AND GENETICS

OF LIFE HISTORIES

Springcr-Verlag, New York, Heidelberg and Berlin 1982, X I I + 250 pp., 57 Figs. Cloth DM 89,--. The reviewed book is the product of a symposium entitled "Variation in Life Histories: Genetics and Evolutionary Processes" held in Iowa City in October, 1980; prominent evolutionary ecologists from North America took part. The book contains a short introduction, 12 chapters divided among six parts (each chapter contains one of the papers presented at the symposium), closing discussion and index. The part "Closing discussion" is a direct transcription of a tapv recording of a very lively discussion, which followed the presentation of papers. Although different chapters of the book have been written by different authors (and some of them are more population biologists while others are working in population and quantitative genetics), they form a quite consistent book. The first part (Theory) is devoted to theoretical background provided by population biology and quantitative genetics. Some of the basic ideas arc expressed in the form of mathematical models. In the following chapters, empirical and experimental studies deal with particular problems of the evolution of life histories and carried out on very different types of organisms (both plants and animals, however, animals predominate). In the second part, problems of physiological adaptation to abiotic factors (temperature, photoperiod) are treated. The third part (the most extensive) is entitled Modes of Reproduction. The genetic basis and genetic and evolutionary implications of different types of sexual and asexual reproduction are examined here. One chapter is devoted to the problems of life span evolution and to possibilities of titness contributions by individuals of postfcrtile ages. Of special interest for plant ecologists is the chapter by MEAOItEtt and ANTO.'~OVICSdealing with lifo history variation in dioecious plant populations. They emphasiT~ t h a t concern with sexual dimorphis,n in plants should not be limited to floral characteristics, but should be extended to life history traits. Parts four and live are devoted to life history variation within and among populations respectively. Special attention is paid to the problem of measurement of intensities of natural ~l~etion and to phenotypic and genetic covariance (or correlation) structure of life history traits and to methods for distinguishing genetic correlations from phenotypic ones.

BOOKI~EVIEWS

111

The whole book is written in an understandable and concise style. I t is useful not only for evolutionary ecologists, but for all ecologists dealing with problems of life historieB. I have found this book thought-provoking and I recommend it to readers of this journal. JAN Lm~

F. DI CASTEZ, E. W. G. BAKER and M. HADLEY (eds.) E C O L O G Y I N P I ~ A C T I C E , I., II. Cahill Printers Limited, Dublin 1984, X X +524 pp., 61 Figs., 32 Tabs. and X I X -}-396 pp., 73 Figs., 18 Tabs. This book consisting of two volumes is a collection of papers presented at the international scientific conference "Ecology in Practice -- Establishing a Scientific Basis for Land Management", held in Paris in 1981. This conference was sponsored b y Unesco and ICSU (International Council of Scientific Unions) and marked ten years of Unesco's programme on "Man and Biosphere" (MAB). The two volumes are entitled "Ecosystem Management" and "The Social Response". Each volume is further divided into sections dealing with the following problems: management of the humid and subhumid tropics, management of grazing and marginal lands, and ecosystem conservation (Part I) and ecological approaches to urban planning, use of scientific information for environmental education and some questions of decision-making on land management (Part II). Of the great number of interesting particular subjects, it is possible to mention, e.g., problems of logging the Amazonian forests, desertification, tropical rain-forest conservation or strategies of pasture management. The chapters dealing with social problems are also very interesting; cities as ecological systems, possibilities for environmental education and sociological comparison of migrant and sedentary populations are some topics. The structure and goals of the MAB programme and other international environment-oriented activities are easier to understand after one has read the book. Very important for Czechoslovak ecologists is the chapter on "Long-term Research in the Ti%bofi Biosphere Reserve, Czechoslovakia" writen by J. ,IE~IX and J. K v ~ . I t informs us on the natural factors, history, and some prognoses of the development of the whole T~ebofl region and on some results of the "Mokr~ Louky" project. This is an excellent example of research within the MAB programme. Despite the large scope of the book, its t e x t is very consistent; the case studies are framed by general chapters emphasizing the system approach. The book should not be overlooked b y ecologists and by others interested in environmental science. K-~RET, PRAC~

M. E. HALE, Jr. THE

BIOLOGY

OF

LICHENS

3rd ed., Edward Arnold, London 1983, 190 pp. Price s 8.95. The rapid progress in various branches of lichenohigy during the last decade is well reflected in this third edition of "The Biology of Lichens". I n comparison with former editions (1967 and 1974) the text has been completely rewritten to include contemporary knowledge. The structure of the work has been retained in its well-tried from. Contemporary contributions in topical biomonitoring studies have been incorporated in a new chapter "Lichens and air pollution". Greater emphasis has been placed on rapidly developing fields of lichenology: ultrastructure, physiology of symbiosis, lichen resynthesis, and lichenometry. The system of lichens has been revised in view of the progress in taxonomy. References have been re-arranged in accordance with the rewritten text, likewise new photographs (brilliant and very illustrative!) and graphs have been added or substituted. The text is synoptical and readable for the specialist as well as for the layman. Only one reproach could he made: the names of such comnmnities as Conizaeoidion,

F O L I A G E O B O T A N I C A ET PHYTOTAXONOMICA, 20, 1985

112

Olivaceion a n d Trichoterion (p. 85 a n d 87) are invalid according to t h e code of p h y t o c e n o l o g i c a l nomenclature. T h e q u a l i t y o f 1-1.~LE'S book is best d e m o n s t r a t e d b y t h e t h i r d edition. W e c a n felicitate t h e author heartily! JIf~i LI~KA

.~. L6VE FLORA

OF ICELAND

A l m e n n a b6kaf61agid, R e y k j a v i k , 1 9 8 3 : 4 0 3 p., 572 fig. Price: 20 U S $. F e w c o u n t r i e s h a v e so m a n y guides to t h e i r F l o r a as Iceland. LSVE'S F l o r a is t h e t w e l f t h since t h e y e a r 1830. I t is a t r a n s l a t i o n o f his " I s l e n z k ferdhaflSra" (1977) w i t h s e v e r a l n o m e n c l a t o r i c a l i n n o v a t i o n s a n d w i t h t w o additions, viz. Carex caryophyllea a n d Juncus gerardii, b o t h from S W . I c e l a n d . (The t o t a l n u m b e r of species is t h u s 518). /~SXEr.J. L 0 v ~ prefers v e r y n a r r o w g e n e r a as well as n a r r o w families. T h i s w a s e v i d e n t from t h e previous e d i t i o n s o f h i s Flora; n o w we find e.g. t h a t e v e n t h e g e n u s Saxi/radJa is divided i n t o

Micran~hus (nivalis), Spathularia (stellaris), Hirculus (ranunculoides), Saxi/raga (cernua), Mu~.caria (cespitosa), Lept~sea (aizoides), Antiphylla (oppositi/olia) a n d Chondrosea (paniculate). I s t h i s n e c e s s a r y , When t h e y h a v e so m a n y f e a t u r e s in c o m m o n ? A m o n g n e w c o m b i n a t i o n s we find Acetosdla multifida (L.) L6VE for A. tenui]olia. Cathartolinum suecicum (p. 272) is r i g h t l y said to be perennial, b u t t h e fig. 368 is a n a n n u a l p l a n t , i . e . C , catharticum. L 6 v ~ n a m e s t h e m a i n b i r c h species of I c e l a n d (and S c a n d i n a v i a as well) Betula pubescens Em~E. s u b s p , tortuosa (LEDEB.) NYMAN. A c c o r d i n g to ORLOVA (1978) LEDEBOU2t'S B. tortuosa is n o t identical w i t h t h e S c a n d i n a v i a n species of t h i s d e s i g n a t i o n , so its n a m e should be B. czerepanowii ORLOVX, Vestn. L e n i n g r . U n i v . 3: 5 6 - - 8 2 , 1978 resp. B. pubescens E ~ H . s u b s p , czerepanowii (ORLoVX). B u t it is v e r y p r o b a b l e t h a t t h i s c o m m o n species o f S c a n d i n a v i a h a s a n o t h e r valid n a m e , older t h a n B. czerepanowii. T h e whole b o o k is well printed. E a c h species is provided w i t h a n exellent i l l u s t r a t i o n b y DAONY TANDE-LID. I t b r i n g s a c c u r a t e i n f o r m a t i o n on t h e i n t e r e s t i n g F l o r a of t h i s island in t h e ~N'orth A t l a n t i c a n d we c a n c o n g r a t u l a t e t h e a u t h o r on t h i s e x e l l e n t work. EMIL HADA~

Erratum T l m r e w e r e s o m e m i s p r i n t s in t h e p a p e r b y B m , TI.( ( F o l i a G e o b o t . P h y t o t a x 19: 3 8 1 - - 3 8 5 ) . W e a p o l o g i z e f o r t h e m t o t h e a u t h o r a n d t o reoxters a n d we a s k r e a d e r s t o c o r r e c t t h e f o l l o w i n g points: I n t h e s e c o n d c o l u m n o f t h e T a b . 1 s y m b o l < s h o u l d be c h a n g e d to _+ ; in t h e r e f e r e n c e s , Br~ArIX 1965 s h o u l d r e a d 1966, a n d BHXTIX 1983 i n s t e a d o f 1982b.