A taxonomic account of Paspalum in Egypt is provided. Paspalum vaginatum is newly recorded for the Flora of Egypt in addition to the three previously known species: P. dilatatum, P. distichum and P. racemosum. Paspalum vaginatum can be distinguished from other Paspalum species by the absence of lower glumes, smooth upper glumes and lack of ciliate fringes on its spikelets. The taxonomic synopsis includes information on nomenclature, distribution, a key to the species of Paspalum in Egypt and a list of selected specimens examined. In addition, a line drawing and photographs of the newly recorded species are presented.

NULLA palynological and multivariate study of six species of Tamarix L. distributed in Egypt was carried out. Pollen morphology was examined by Light Microscope (LM) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The systematic study of these species was conducted by means of numerical analysis using UPGMA clustering and PCO analysis based on 33 morphological characters, including life form, vegetative parts, fruits, floral characters, seeds and pollen grains. Pollen grains were found to be monads, radially symmetrical, isopolar, small-sized and homocolpate. Tamarix nilotica can be easily separated from other taxa by its subprolate pollen shape. Two major clades were identified by multivariate analysis of morphological characters; one of them included three species, namely T. amplexicaulis, T. passerinoides and T. macrocarpa. Our results indicate that there is a wide range of morphological similarity among the species of section Polyadenia. The other clade included T. aphylla, T. tetragyna and T. nilotica from section Tamarix and section Oligadenia.

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The applications of organic matrices for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) are reviewed. Recent advances of MALDI-MS using organic matrices, including the applications of ionic liquids matrices (ILMs) and organic matrices modified/conjugated nanoparticles, are covered. Organic matrices are applied for many other applications such as derivatization or capping agents of nanoparticles, eluent for chromatography, internal standard for quantitative analysis and as reagents for the synthesis of eco-friendly solvents (ILMs). Within the field of nanotechnology, organic matrices@nanoparticles have a dominant position, and the last decade has seen remarkable growth for these hybrid materials. Selection of the optimum organic matrices is paramount important and critical for the analysis using MALDI-MS. Factors such as additives, instrument set up and sample preparation affect greatly the results of analysis. Advanced techniques using organic matrices are also highlighted.