Phelodinium fensomei is a new species of organic-walled dinoflagellate cyst described from the Appian Way section of the Oyster Bay Formation, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Phelodinium fensomei sp. nov. differs from other species of Phelodinium in its unique combination of characters including an elongate epicyst, bilobate endocyst antapex, and microgranulate to verrucate surface ornamentation. The species occurs exclusively within Dinoflagellate Cyst Zone D4 of the Oyster Bay Formation along with the Danian indicator taxon Danea californica. This is also the first study to perform scanning electron microscopy and epifluorescence analysis on a specimen belonging to the protoperidinioid genus Phelodinium, revealing minute features and a negative response to ultraviolet light exposure, indicating a heterotrophic feeding strategy for the motile cell. Although P. fensomei sp. nov. occurs at markedly low relative and absolute abundances in the examined interval, it is restricted to strata of Danian age suggesting potential biostratigraphic utility.

We analyzed the pollen morphology of 13 Brazilian native species of Malvaceae s.l. from forest fragments of Cerrado belonging to nine genera [Bastardiopsis (K. Schum.) Hassl., Byttneria Loefl., Ceiba Mill., Eriotheca Schott & Endl., Guazuma Adans., Helicteres L., Heliocarpus L., Luehea Willd. and Pseudobombax Dugand] in search for characters that can expand the knowledge on the pollen morphology of species of the family that occur in areas of fragments. The pollen grains were acetolyzed, measured, described and photographed under light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The species studied were grouped into two pollen types based mainly on the type of aperture [simple aperture (3-porate or 4-colpate) and compound aperture (3-pororate or 3-colporate)], and the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. Details of apertures (planaperturate, angulaperturate, type of endoaperture, costa, aspis and atrium) and exine ornamentation (verrucate, microreticulate, microreticulate-echinate, reticulate and bireticulate) contributed as secondary data to the segregation of species in an artificial pollen key. The metric characters examined by multivariate analysis allow the distinction of groups of species, based on the length of the apertures and the diameters of the pollen grains. Our results allow the identification among genera and species of Malvaceae s.l. in Brazilian forest fragments.

Dinoflagellate cysts from the LB-5 core in the San Gregorio Formation (SGF) from the La Purísima area, Baja California Sur, Mexico, limit the age of the studied succession to Oligocene–Miocene (28–20Ma). Our results allow correlation of this core with the type locality and another well-dated sections of the SGF in the region, namely the nearby La Purísima section, with an unequivocal Oligocene–Miocene boundary (O/M – 23Ma). Lithology and dinoflagellate cyst data indicate mainly marine sedimentary environments, with a transgression from continental at the base to upper bathyal (200–500 m) in the O/M level (∼243 m), and a regression towards the top of the unit. Dinoflagellate cysts are virtually absent in some intervals, probably due to oxidation during diagenesis. The abundance of heterotrophic taxa during intervals with high cyst concentrations indicates that palynological preservation was adequate for quantitative analyses in the rest of the samples. Samples with dinoflagellate cyst concentrations >2000 cysts/gram of sediment (c/g sed), the abundance of heterotrophic taxa, and the presence of phosphoritic layers and diatomites indicate high biogenic productivity during the deposition of the SGF. Intense upwelling conditions in the area are probably associated with the cold events Mi-1 (∼23Ma) near the O/M and Mi-1a (∼21.7Ma) at ca. 170 m depth. Quantitative dinoflagellate cyst data in the LB-5 core suggest lower productivity (mean = 203 c/g sed) in the Oligocene than during the Miocene (mean = 848 c/g sed) interval. The absolute abundances of the Miocene intervals indicate similar dinoflagellate cyst concentrations in the LB-5 core and modern samples from the Pescadero Basin in the southern Gulf of California.

Pollen analyses of a 90cm deep lacustrine sediment profile from the Mahasamund District of Chhattisgarh State, central India demonstrated that between ca. 3600 and 2500cal yr BP (Neoglacial climate interval), open forest vegetation occupied the landscape in the region under a dry climate, probably indicating reduced monsoon (the Indian Summer Monsoon: ISM) rainfall. Further, the open forest vegetation was succeeded by a mixed tropical deciduous forest between ca. 2500 and 1650cal yr BP (∼550 BC to AD ∼300) under a warm and humid climate with increased monsoon rainfall. The warming period and an amelioration of climate (strong ISM condition) is comparable to the Roman Warm Period (RWP), recorded globally between 2500–1600cal yr BP (∼550 BC to AD ∼350), and also known as the ‘Golden Age of India’ owing to increased agricultural output, trade commerce and socio-economic prosperity in India. Subsequently, between ca. 1650 and 950cal yr BP (AD ∼300–1000), the existing mixed tropical deciduous forest transformed into an open mixed tropical deciduous forest under a warm and relatively less humid climate with reduced monsoon rainfall, correlatable with the Dark Ages Cold Period (DACP). Finally, between ca. 950cal yr BP to the present (AD 1000 onwards), mixed tropical deciduous forest again came into existence and occupied the landscape around the study area under a warm and relatively more humid climate with intensification of the monsoon rainfall, corresponds with the Medieval Warm Period (MWP), which is known between AD 740 and 1150 worldwide.

Unifloral honeys are highly valued, and their botanical and geographical characterization plays an important role in quality control. This work is an essential contribution to the limited knowledge of the unique resin spurge (Euphorbia resinifera) honey. Palynological and geographical characterization was performed on 29 unifloral resin spurge honey samples distributed along the protected geographic indication (PGI) area in the Middle Atlas Mountains (Morocco). The quantitative pollen analysis shows that resin spurge honeys were characterized by its low to very low pollen content (mean NPG = 1490/g honey) and honeydew indicator elements (mean HDE = 28/g honey). The most characteristic accompanying species are Ceratonia siliqua, Echium plantagineum, Olea sp., Plantago coronopus and Quercus. The proposed markers could further contribute as a useful tool to the quality control of the unique resin spurge honey and thus, guarantee its commercial value, both in the local and international markets. It also allows us to distinguish them from other unifloral honeys from highly related botanical origin, such E. officinarum subsp. echinus and E. regis-jubae honeys. The present characterization will allow further strengthen and protect the reputation of this honey especially since it is being registered in the EU list of protected products. Lastly, considering the lower percentage of E. resinifera pollen found in most of our resin spurge honey samples, we encourage for a revision of the established threshold and propose to lower it to 20% of pollen of E. resinifera to be considered as unifloral honey.

Among dinoflagellates, extant cladopyxidaceans may provide a missing link to better understand the first evolutionary transformations from ancestral configurations toward the more abundant and more derived patterns in Gonyaulacales and Peridiniales. A restudy of the extant, motile-defined Micracanthodinium setiferum using plankton samples from the Indian and Atlantic oceans and the Mediterranean Sea demonstrates that the correct plate formula is Po, Pt, X, 3′ + ^*4′, 4a, 7″, 7C, 4S, ?6‴, 0p, 2′‴. A ventral pore is found between 1′, 3′ and ^*4′. A restudy of the extinct, fossil-defined Cladopyxidium saeptum from the upper Paleocene of Delaware (USA), demonstrated the presence of an identical tabulation. A ventral pore (= porichnion) was positioned between ^*1′ and 7″. Cladopyxidium is morphologically closer to Micracanthodinium than to Cladopyxis. Since Cladopyxidium has been extinct since the middle Eocene, it is unlikely that Micracanthodinium and Cladopyxidium have a direct biological link; the close morphological similarity between them does, however, suggest an important phylogenetic relationship between them in the evolution of cladopyxidaceans.

In this article, the most representative dinoflagellate cyst genera and species recognised in the rich palynomorph assemblages of the upper Campanian–lowermost Maastrichtian succession of the Middle Vistula River section (central Poland) are treated taxonomically: in particular, six genera and 16 species are considered. Oligosphaeridium araneum sp. nov., which possesses processes with relatively long and slim stems and perforate or fenestrate terminations, is described as new. Glaphyrocysta pala comb. nov. and Hystrichosphaeridium brevispinum stat. nov. are proposed. Glaphyrocysta pala comb. nov. has a dorso-ventrally compressed central body and lacks mid-ventral processes connecting the central body with the membrane, suggesting its affinity with Glaphyrocysta, rather than Riculacysta; and H. brevispinum stat. nov. is raised to species rank on the basis of the distinct morphology of its processes. The tabulation pattern and plate arrangement are determined for the first time in Amphorosphaeridium and revised in Callaiosphaeridium. Both genera have a sexiform hypocystal configuration, L-type ventral organisation, and neutral torsion, which indicates their inclusion in the subfamily Leptodinioideae. The species-level taxonomy of the genera Hystrichosphaeridium and Samlandia is discussed. The transfer of Hystrichosphaeridium proprium to Hystrichokolpoma is rejected, and Hystrichosphaeridium? recurvatum is questionably left in Hystrichosphaeridium, although it is characterised by a commonly larger number of processes per plate and the lack of a preapical process.

The current research aims to characterize the palynological features of members of the genus Cyclamen that are native to Turkey and to evaluate the similarities and dissimilarities between the palynologic and the taxonomic classification of the investigated Cyclamen taxa. In this context, 10 of 12 Cyclamen taxa (C. alpinum Dammann ex Spreng., C. cilicicum Boiss & Heldr., C. coum subsp. caucasicum (K. Koch) O. Schwarz, C. coum subsp. coum Mill. C. hederifolium Aiton, C. intaminatum (Meikle) Grey-Wilson, C. graecum subsp. anatolicum Ietsw, C. parviflorum Pobed., C. persicum Mill., C. repandum Sibth. & Sm.), were evaluated owing to their palynological features. While three of the investigated taxa (C. hederifolium, C. cilicicum, C. intaminatum) are in the vulnerable (Vu) category, four (C. cilicicum, C. intaminatum, C. alpinum C. parviflorum) are endemic to Turkey. Diversity was observed among the investigated taxa in terms of palynological characteristics such as pollen shape (oblate spheroidal, prolate spheroidal, prolate, subprolate and suboblate) and aperture type (colpate, colporate). Despite the observed variety of palynological features, the sculpturing pattern of the exine is uniform among the investigated taxa and defined as microverrucate. With regard to data from the PAST multivar-cluster analysis, the 10 taxa were seperated into two major groups based on palynological parameters. The first group includes C. graecum subsp. anatolicum, C. repandum, C. hederifolium and C. persicum, whereas the second comprises C. intaminatum, C. parviflorum, C. coum subsp. caucasicum, C. coum subsp. coum, C. alpinum and C. cilicicum. Although we expected the two subspecies of C. coum to resemble each other most closely, in fact the similarity of C. hederifolium to C. persicum was observed to be highest. As the taxonomic relationships of the genus Cyclamen are complex and unresolved, this research will be helpful in elucidating these relationships and providing insights for future phylogenetic research.

In this research, pollen micromorphology and ultrastructure of eight species belonging to genera including Alrawia, Bellevalia, Fessia, Muscari, Othocallis, Prospero, Puschkinia, and Zagrosia were investigated by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The pollen size varied among the studied species. Othocallis monanthos and Muscari neglectum had the largest and smallest pollen grains, respectively. Based on the Polar axis/Equatorial axis (P/E) ratio, Bellevalia saviczii had peroblate pollen shape and the rest were oblate. Exine ornamentation on the equatorial surface, sulcus margin exine ornamentation, and intine ornamentation in the sulcus membrane region of the pollen grains varied among the selected species of all genera. The exine layer in all genera had semitectate tectum, simplicolumellate infratectum, and discontinuous foot layer. There was discontinuous endexine in M. neglectum, Prospero autumnale, and Zagrosia persica. Alrawia bellii, P. autumnale, and Puschkinia scilloides had three intine layers in the sulcus membrane region, O. monanthos had two, and the rest of the species had one. Also, in those species with three layers in the sulcus membrane region, the outer intine layer had many channels. A dendrogram of the palynological characters grouped them into three pollen types and six pollen subtypes. The pollen types verified the phylogenetic relationships among the studied genera, whereas the pollen subtypes partly supported these relationships.

Quaternary palynology commonly requires the use of acids such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄), and hydrochloric acid (HCl) to extract pollen grains and spores. In some countries, restricted access to these acids makes fossil pollen studies challenging. Here, we propose an alternative pollen processing technique that does not require the use of acids. The methodology is mainly based on the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) as a humic acid remover, sodium metaphosphate (NaPO₃) and sodium pyrophosphate (Na₄P₂O₇) as a deflocculant, and zinc chloride (ZnCl₂) as a precursor for the flotation of the pollen grains. The techniques were tested and compared with a well-established and widely applied technique in palynology laboratories, which requires acids. For testing the techniques, 0.5cm³ of samples from three different sedimentary environments (peat, lake, and swamp) in Brazil were used. The technique using sodium metaphosphate was successful because the structure of the fossil pollen grains and spores showed no retention of extraneous organic matter, thus facilitating their morphological identifications. The pollen grain concentrations for the sample were equivalent to the treatment with acids. This protocol was developed to allow broader, safer, and cheaper access to palynological research, as the impediments represented by restrictions on reagent controls do not apply. This protocol also respects environmental protection policies.

There are many published items on guidance in scientific writing, and potential authors should not try to read too many of these to prevent information overload. This article aims to advise aspiring authors on producing scientific manuscripts for publication. It is particularly aimed at early career researchers in palynology and related topics who wish to publish their work in the peer-reviewed literature. It is vitally important that your manuscript makes a good initial impression with the journal editors. This means strictly adhering to the house-style (textual format) of the respective journal, and that your work is well-illustrated, well-structured and well-written. Despite the apparent complexity of the scientific publishing process, the system is primarily designed to allow several expert third parties to critically scrutinise your work in order to ensure scientific excellence. During the production of the first draft, authors are advised to anticipate issues that may be noted by peer reviewers. Consider carefully where to submit your work to. Specifically key metrics such as the impact factor, readership and scope of journals should be assessed. You will need to navigate an online submission process hence it is critical to organise your files effectively before submitting. It is possible, even likely, that you may be asked for more than one round of peer review. Moreover, you may have to recast your work and submit it elsewhere if it is declined by your first choice journal. Ethics in publishing are very important. For example you should invite colleagues to be co-authors only if they have materially contributed to the particular manuscript, and make strenuous efforts not to use the work of others unacknowledged. Remember that many more people will read your title, abstract and keywords than the main body of the paper so pay special attention to crafting these items optimally.

Several paleoecological studies over the last decade examining plant microfossils in Late Quaternary wetland sediment cores and dryland soil samples from multiple sites on Rapa Nui found three distinct spore forms, comparable to the class Anthocerotopsida. To our knowledge, hornwort spores have not been noted specifically as such in previous or to date subsequent, published paleoecological Rapa Nui studies. As the spore descriptions in the studies were brief, without images, and reported in several separate articles, here we provide detailed descriptions and photomicrography of the spores, and comment on their distribution and dating in the sampled substrates and suggest botanical affinities. We identify two native Rapa Nui hornwort taxa, with possibly localised distributions, and another, possibly introduced taxon with widespread Rapa Nui distribution. All three taxa are associated with major landscape disturbance by people. As we cannot find any other descriptive studies of hornwort spores from east of and including French Polynesia, this study provides a platform for subsequent similar research in the region.

The aim of this research is the palynological characterisation of all Vinca species naturally grown in Turkey. In this context, six Vinca (Apocynaceae) taxa from Turkey were investigated – V. herbacea Waldst & Kit., V. ispartensis Koyuncu & Ekşi, V. minor L., V. major subsp. major L., V. major subsp. hirsuta (Boiss.) Steam, and V. soneri Koyuncu – by a palynological approach, and palynological characters of the more closely related taxa (especially two new species and subspecies) were defined. Thus, pollen structures of the six taxa and their systematical relations could be discussed. The pollen type of the studied taxa was determined to be colpate and the sculpture psilate. The results confirm that palynological characters show minor differences between the investigated taxa of the genus. Nevertheless, these features can be used to discriminate among the taxa. PAST-multivar-cluster and principal component analysis were applied to the obtained data to compare the palynological characters of the six taxa and prove the similarities among their pollen. The results shed light on the relationship between two new Vinca species (V. soneri Koyuncu, V. ispartensis Koyuncu & Ekşi) and their closest taxa (V. herbacea). The statistical results determined the simmilarities of morphologically closer taxa (V. herbacea, V. ispartensis, V. soneri) and indicate that V. herbacea and V. ispartensis are much closer to each other compare to V. soneri, with regard to the palynological features. Also, the two subspecies (V. major subsp. major and V. major subsp. hirsuta) were observed to be most closely related to each other. In conclusion, with a few exceptional states, the palynological findings support the morphological classification. As the results demonstrate, palynological parameters can be helpful for taxonomical classification of plant taxa.