No abstract

Chromosomes numbers of 17 species of the sectiorl 07zotropAe of Petralc and of one species of the section Der~nalolepis Petrali are given. The number 211 =31, believed to be primitive, is found in 11 species; lower numbers, presumably rcduccd from 31, are found in two groups of species of the O?iotropl~e. T h e tasono~ny and relationships of some species are discussed. A new species, Cirsiz~iic 10tzgistyl~~111 Moore & Frankton ( 2 n = 3 4 ) from Montana, is described.

This study investigated how to improve the recruitment of blood donors, their retention as active donors and their response to call-up. A total sample of 9,000 non-donors, lapsed donors and current donors was examined in three programmes to determine the sex, age and social profile of donors; the attitudes of the population to blood donation; the motivating forces prompting people to give blood; the de-motivating forces preventing them; the image of the blood donor in society and the image of the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS). The profile of blood donors, with small variations, reflects that of the population. The experience of blood donation is widespread with 27% of the population either current or lapsed donors. The image of both blood donors and the NBTS was found to be very positive. The main force motivating donors is an awareness of patient need complemented by awareness that the need may one-day be personal. NBTS strategy will concentrate on reinforcing the need for blood donors and enhancing the experience of donors at blood donor sessions.

The occurrence in Canada of Galium aparine sensu lato has been studied. It is concluded that two species are present: G. aparine L. sensu stricto (Cleavers) and G. spurium L. (False Cleavers). Although closely related and morphologically similar, these species differ morphologically, cytologically, and physiologically. The chromosome number of collections of G. aparine from Canada and the United States was found to be 2n = 66, that of G. spurium from the prairie provinces of Canada was 2n = 20. The latter species is an introduction from Eurasia and seems to be the more serious weed in fields of grain and rapeseed in western Canada. Galium aparine is believed to be native, as well as introduced from Eurasia, in North America. Galium aparine occurs usually in moist, shaded habitats, whereas G. spurium favors sunnier habitats. Both species have spiny or smooth fruits and these fruit variants have been recognized at various taxonomic levels. In this paper they are reduced to the rank of form.

Chromosome numbers of 40 taxa of nine genera of the Cynareae together with discussions of pertinent taxonomic problems are presented. Chromosome counts for 26 taxa are presented for the first time; the chief of these are: Carduus cernuus, n = 11; C. pycnocephalus and C. tenuiflorus, 2n = 54; Cirsium arachnoideum, C. obvallatum, C. pendulum, C. tricholoma, 2n = 34; Echinops (six species), 2n = 30; Notobasis syriaca, 2n = 34; Onopordum (two species), 2n = 34; Saussurea densa, 2n = 26; Silybum eburneum, n = 17. The morphology of the chromosome complements is discussed in relation to the interrelationships and phylogeny of these genera. Cytological evidence supports the retention of Notobasis and Chamaepeuce as distinct from Cirsium.