Search Results (14)

Although fitness-related traits are expected to be under strong selection, traits related to reproduction are often quite variable within plant populations. We used data from two large greenhouse experiments to quantify phenotypic, genetic, and environmental variation, as well as genetic tradeoffs that might help explain the maintenance of within-population variation in four traits related to sexual or vegetative reproduction in tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima). The goldenrod population exhibited high levels of both phenotypic and genetic variation for capitulum (flower head) number and size, seed production, and rhizome growth. Significant negative genetic correlations were present between the number of capitula and size of capitula—but only at high-nutrient levels—and between seed production and rhizome growth when nutrients were more limiting. In total, negative genetic correlations may act to maintain variation in fitness-related traits in goldenrod populations—a phenomenon we suspect may be shared by other herbaceous plant species as their populations experience variation in environmental factors, such as nutrient levels, among sites or over the course of ecological succession within a site. Full article

Native and invasive plants of the riverain region undergo a range of environmental stresses that result in excess reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a relatively stable and quickly quantifiable way among different ROS. The herbaceous species including Artemisia princeps, Sicyos angulatus, and Solidago altissima were selected. The H₂O₂ and photosynthetic pigment of leaves were measured, soil samples were analyzed to quantify macronutrients such as total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and soil moisture, and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was also recorded at different observed sites of Arakawa Tarouemon, Japan. The H₂O₂ concentration of S. altissima significantly increased with high soil moisture content, whereas A. Princeps and S. angulatus significantly decreased with high soil moisture. In each species, H₂O₂ was negatively correlated with chlorophyll a (chl a) and chlorophyll b (chl a). When comparing different parameters involving TN, TP, PPFD, and soil moisture content with H₂O₂ utilizing the general additive model (GAM), only soil moisture content is significantly correlated with H₂O₂. Hence, this study suggests that H₂O₂ would be an effective biomarker for quantifying environmental stress within a short time, which can be applied for riparian native and invasive plant species vegetation regulation. Full article

Citizen science data are easily accessible, which has led to their wide use for scientific data collection such as mapping invasive plant species. However, the crowd-sourced nature of citizen science data has led to criticism over the quality of the data owing to the fragmented spatial distribution of the data collection points. Despite inherent limitations, an increasing collection of research indicates that, when appropriately corrected for data quality issues, the data collected by volunteers can serve as a reliable source for identifying and analysing biodiversity patterns. Prior to utilising citizen science data, it is essential to identify its inherent flaws and limitations to develop appropriate strategies for its effective application. One viable approach to validating such data is to compare it with datasets collected by experts, particularly in urban areas where volunteer participation is high. In our comparative analyses, we evaluated the usability of citizen science data (Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)) for mapping the occurrence density of five invasive plant species (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Solidago spp.) in urban cores and fringes in Hungary by comparison to maps obtained from spatially homogeneous data (EUROSTAT Land Use and Coverage Area Frame Survey (LUCAS)) collected by experts. The results showed that the volunteers collected valuable data on Ailanthus altissima, which is specific to urban areas, but they underestimated Robinia pseudoacacia, which is often planted for economic benefits. In addition, the volunteers collected much more data closer to urban cores. These results suggest that citizen science data may be suitable for mapping urbanophilic species in urban environments. Our research contributes to the assessment and scientific applicability of volunteer-collected data for mapping the distribution of invasive plant species. Full article

Invasive weed species exhibit both advantages, such as the potential for allelochemicals in bioherbicide development, and risks, including their threat to crop production. Therefore, this study aims to identify an allelochemical from Solidago altissima, an invasive weed species. The dose-dependent effects of S. altissima shoot and root extracts (SSE, SRE) on the signaling in the forage crop Trifolium repens and germination in various weed species (Echinochloa oryzicola, Cyperus microiria, Alopecurus aequalis, Portulaca oleracea, and Amaranthus retroflexus) were evaluated. The results showed that the T. repens seedlings treated with root extracts exhibited a significant decrease in plant height, dry weight, and chlorophyll content, along with an increase in H₂O₂ levels. Additionally, antioxidant activities, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase enzyme activities, were significantly elevated in T. repens treated with SRE. Moreover, SRE treatment significantly inhibited the seed germination of all tested weed species in a concentration-dependent manner. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of S. altissima root extract identified a high concentration of methyl kolavenate, a clerodane diterpene predicted to act as a phytotoxic agent. These findings highlight the potential of S. altissima for the development of crop-protective agents while emphasizing its potential risks in agriculture. Full article

Modelling and analysis of spatiotemporal characteristics of plant invasion can help in mapping and predicting the spread of invasive plants. The aim of our research was to investigate the spatiotemporal variability of five common invasive plant species (Ailanthus altissima, Asclepias syriaca, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Solidago spp.) within different land cover (ecosystem)-type categories. The basis of the study was the National Geospatial Database of Invasive Plants (NGDIP) of Hungary, and the ecosystem types of the Ecosystem Map of Hungary (EMH). The GIS-based analysis of the detailed occurrence database of the invasive species (NGDIP) and the thematic land-cover (ecosystem)-type maps (EMH) examined allow us to answer the question of in which habitat types the occurrence and distribution of the given invasive plant has stagnated, decreased, or increased between 2006 and 2018. We developed a methodology with relevant data sources and demonstrated invasion variation, which can be used for future management planning and invasive biology research. Our results show that Asclepias syriaca and Robinia pseudoacacia are increasingly threatening grasslands and are also spreading more intensively in complex cultivated areas. The occurrences of Ailanthus altissima and Asclepias syriaca are declining in built-up areas due to the increasingly extreme environmental conditions of cities or modified urban planning. The spread of Solidago spp. is increasingly common in wetlands, threatening the biodiversity of floodplain (riparian) vegetation. Full article

Various methodologies, sensitivities, and types of interference affect the quantification of plant hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration. Modified ferrous oxidation xylenol orange (eFOX) assay and titanium sulfate (Ti(SO₄)₂ assay are relatively accessible methods. However, their correlation is unknown, for example whether we can get the same results for different species in different environments. Leaf samples of Ambrosia trifida, Solidago altissima, Artemisia princeps, and Sicyos angulatus were collected from a riparian vegetation zone on sunny days. The H₂O₂ concentration in the plant leaves was evaluated in two groups. Nonfrozen leaf samples were prepared for analysis soon after arriving at the laboratory, and frozen leaf samples were stored at −80 °C for 25 days and prepared afterwards. The eFOX assay can measure even lower fluctuations in H₂O₂ concentration than the Ti(SO₄)₂ assay. A substantial correlation was observed between nonfrozen and frozen samples in the eFOX (r = 0.879, p < 0.001) and Ti(SO₄)₂ assays (r = 0.837, p < 0.001). Sample weight did not affect H₂O₂ quantification. Each species showed a substantial correlation between the eFOX and Ti(SO₄)₂ assays in nonfrozen conditions (Ambrosia trifida (r = 0.767, p < 0.001), Solidago altissima (r = 0.583, p < 0.001), Artemisia princeps (r = 0.672, p < 0.001), and Sicyos angulatus (r = 0.828, p < 0.001)). Therefore, both methods can be utilized easily and rapidly to quantify oxidative stress using H₂O₂. Full article

Autopolyploidization has driven the successful invasion of Solidago canadensis in East Asia. However, it was believed that only diploid S. canadensis invaded Europe, whereas polyploids never did. Here, molecular identification, ploidy level, and morphological traits of ten S. canadensis populations collected in Europe were compared with previously identified S. canadensis populations from other continents and S. altissima populations. Furthermore, the ploidy-driven geographical differentiation pattern of S. canadensis in different continents was investigated. All ten European populations were identified as S. canadensis with five diploid and five hexaploid populations. Significant differences in morphological traits existed among diploids and polyploids (tetraploids and hexaploids), rather than between polyploids from different introduced ranges and between S. altissima and polyploidy S. canadensis. The invasive hexaploids and diploids had few differences in latitudinal distributions in Europe, which was similar to the native range but different from a distinct climate-niche differentiation in Asia. This may be attributed to the bigger difference in climate between Asia and Europe and North America. The morphological and molecular evidences proved the invasion of polyploid S. canadensis in Europe and suggest that S. altissima may be merged into a complex of S. canadensis species. Our study may be concluded that geographical and ecological niche differentiation of an invasive plant driven by ploidy depends on the degree of difference in the environmental factors between the introduced and native range, which provides new insight into the invasive mechanism. Full article

Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago altissima L. are native to North America and have naturalized many other continents including Europa and Asia. Their species is an aggressive colonizer and forms thick monospecific stands. The evidence of the allelopathy for S. canadensis and S. altissima has accumulated in the literature since the late 20th century. The root exudates, extracts, essential oil and rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis suppressed the germination, growth and the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of several plants, including native plant species. Allelochemicals such as fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols and their related compounds were identified in the extracts and essential oil of S. canadensis. The concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total saponins in the rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis obtained from the invasive ranges were greater than those from the native ranges. Allelochemicals such as terpenes, flavonoids, polyacetylene and phenols were also identified in the extracts, essential oil and the rhizosphere soil in S. altissima. Among the identified allelochemicals of S. altissima, the cis-dehydromatricaria ester may be involved in the allelopathy considering its growth inhibitory activity and its concentration in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, the allelopathy of S. canadensis and S. altissima may support their invasiveness, naturalization and formation of thick monospecific stands. This is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of both of S. canadensis and S. altissima. Full article

Light quality and chemicals in a plant’s environment can provide crucial information about the presence and nature of antagonists, such as competitors and herbivores. Here, we evaluate the roles of three sources of information—shifts in the red:far red (R:FR) ratio of light reflected off of potentially competing neighbors, induced metabolic changes to damage by insect herbivores, and induced changes to volatile organic compounds emitted from herbivore-damaged neighboring plants—to affect metabolic responses in the tall goldenrod, Solidago altissima. We address the hypothesis that plants integrate the information available about competitors and herbivory to optimize metabolic responses to interacting stressors by exposing plants to the different types of environmental information in isolation and combination. We found strong interactions between the exposure to decreased R:FR light ratios and damage on the induction of secondary metabolites (volatile and non-volatile) in plants. Similarly, the perception of VOCs emitted from neighboring plants was altered by the simultaneous exposure to spectral cues from neighbors. These results suggest that plants integrate spectral and chemical environmental cues to change the production and perception of volatile and non-volatile compounds and highlight the role of plant context-dependent metabolic responses in mediating population and community dynamics. Full article

In a laboratory experiment, we studied the insecticidal effects of invasive alien plants on the rice weevil. The research was carried out in two parts. In the first part, we studied the insecticidal properties of seven different plant species, namely, Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia × bohemica), Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica), false indigo-bush (Amorpha fruticosa), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina), Canada goldenrod (Solidago canadensis), and giant goldenrod (Solidago gigantea). Mixtures of powders and wheat were prepared in two different concentrations, namely, 2.5 w% and 1.25 w%. The experiment was performed at temperatures 20 °C and 25 °C and at two humidity levels, 55% R.h. and 75% R.h. Very low mortality (below 8%) was found when using combinations with the higher relative humidity. No significant differences were observed between the effects of these concentrations. In the second part of the experiment, Norway spruce wood ash and diatomaceous earth (product SilicoSec®) were added to the powder obtained by milling leaves of four different invasive plant species (Canada goldenrod, staghorn sumac, tree of heaven, false indigo). In the independent application, wheat was added to the powder at a concentration 2.5 w%. In the treatments that involved mixtures of powder and wood ash/diatomaceous earth, we applied 1.25 w% plant powder and 1.25 w% wood ash or 1.25 w% plant powder and 450 ppm of a SilicoSec® preparation. The positive control was carried out as two separate treatments with 2.5 w% wood ash of Norway spruce and 900 ppm of the SilicoSec^® product, while untreated wheat represented the negative control. The experiment was performed at two temperatures (20 °C and 25 °C) and two R.h. values (55 and 75% R.h.). The mortality of beetles was recorded on the 7th, 14th, and 21st day after the start of the experiment. Higher mortality rates of rice weevil adults were found at the higher relative humidity, and an important factor of mortality was also the day of exposure, as a higher mortality was found when the exposure of individuals to the tested substances was for a longer time period. After 21 days at 25 °C and 55% R.h., the combinations in which the lower concentration of Norway spruce wood ash was added to the powder of invasive alien plants achieved more than 90% mortality of beetles. By adding the plant powder of invasive alien plants to wood ash, we achieved a greater insecticidal efficacy of invasive plants and lower concentrations of wood ash. Nevertheless, the results of our research do not indicate any great usefulness of the plant powder of invasive plants in suppressing the rice weevil. Additional studies should primarily focus on the insecticidal efficacy of powder from the genus Solidago, which in our study, displayed the greatest insecticidal potential among the tested invasive plants. Full article

Predictions of suitable habitat areas within a specific region can provide important information to assist in the management of invasive plants. Here, we predict the current and future potential distribution of Solidago altissima (tall goldenrod) in South Korea using climatic and topographic variables and anthropogenic activities. We adopt four single models (the generalized linear model, generalized additive model, random forest, and an artificial neural network) and a weighted ensemble model for the projection based on 515 field survey points. The results showed that suitable areas for S. altissima were mainly concentrated in the southwest regions of South Korea, where temperatures are higher than in other regions, especially in the winter season. Solar radiation and Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) were also positively associated with the occurrence of S. altissima. Anthropogenic effects and distances from rivers were found to be relatively less important variables. Based on six selected explanatory variables, suitable habitat areas for S. altissima have expanded remarkably with climate changes. This range expansion is likely to be stronger northward in west coastal areas. For the SSP585 scenario, our model predicted that suitable habitat areas increased from 16,255 km² (16.2% of South Korea) to 44,551 km² (44.4%) approximately over the past thirty years. Our results show that S. altissima is highly likely to expand into non-forest areas such as roadsides, waterfront areas, and abandoned urban areas. We propose that, based on our projection maps, S. altissima should be removed from its current margin areas first rather than from old central population areas. Full article

In the past, Native Americans of North America had an abundant traditional herbal legacy for treating illnesses, disorders, and wounds. Unfortunately, much of the ethnopharmacological knowledge of North American Indians has been lost due to population destruction and displacement from their native lands by European-based settlers. However, there are some sources of Native American ethnobotany remaining. In this work, we have consulted the ethnobotanical literature for members of the Asteraceae used in Cherokee and other Native American traditional medicines that are native to the southeastern United States. The aerial parts of Eupatorium serotinum, Eurybia macrophylla, Eutrochium purpureum, Polymnia canadensis, Rudbeckia laciniata, Silphium integrifolium, Smallanthus uvedalia, Solidago altissima, and Xanthium strumarium were collected from wild-growing plants in north Alabama. The plants were hydrodistilled to obtain the essential oils and the chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The essential oils were tested for in-vitro antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The essential oil of E. serotinum showed noteworthy activity against C. neoformans with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 78 μg/mL, which can be attributed to the high concentration of cyclocolorenone in the essential oil. Full article

Rice husk has been exploited as a potential source of allelochemicals. In this study, four bioactive compounds including momilactone E (ME), 7-ketostigmasterol (7KS), momilactone A (MA), and momilactone B (MB) were isolated by column chromatography (CC) to yield 2.7, 0.3, 11.7, and 8.3 mg/kg rice husk, respectively. The structures of the isolated compounds were identified and confirmed by spectroscopic techniques consisting of ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization mass (ESI), high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) and infrared spectroscopy (IS). An advanced quantitative method for MA and MB was achieved to increase the detectable yields of MA and MB in rice husk to 51.96 and 42.33 µg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory activities of MA, MB, ME, and 7KS were examined on lettuce (Lactuca sativa), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli), and tall goldenrod (Solidago altissima) in bioassays. The allelopathic activities of ME and 7KS were compared with those of potent phytoalexin momilactones A (MA) and B (MB), and the standard p-hydroxybenzoic acid (pHA). Results showed that both MA and MB exhibited stronger inhibitory activity than ME and 7KS. MB exerted greater inhibitions than MA but the mixture of MA and MB (1:1, v/v) possessed a similar level of inhibition to MB. On the other hand, although ME and 7KS presented non-significant inhibition, their mixture of ME-7KS (1:1, v/v) displayed a remarkable inhibition on the growth of S. altissima. Findings of this study revealed that MA, MB, and the mixture ME-7KS had the potential to control the invasive plant S. altissima and the noxious paddy weed E. crus-galli in vitro, but their mode of actions should be further investigated. Full article

(1) Background: Plant roots respond to nutrients through root architecture that is regulated by hormones. Strong inter-specific variation in root architecture has been well documented, but physiological mechanisms that may control the variation have not. (2) Methods: We examined correlations between root architecture and hormones to seek clues on mechanisms behind root foraging behavior. In the green house at Beijing Normal University, hydroponic culture experiments were used to examine the root responses of four species—Callistephus chinensis, Solidago canadensis, Ailanthus altissima, Oryza sativa—to two nitrogen types (NO₃⁻ or NH₄⁺), three nitrogen concentrations (low, medium, and high concentrations of 0.2, 1, and 18 mM, respectively) and two ways of nitrogen application (stable vs. variable). The plants were harvested after 36 days to measure root mass, 1st order root length, seminal root length for O. sativa, density of the 1st order laterals, seminal root number for O. sativa, the inter-node length of the 1st order laterals, and root hormone contents of indole-3-acetic acid, abscisic acid, and cytokinins (zeatin + zeatinriboside). (3) Results: Species differed significantly in their root architecture responses to nitrogen treatments. They also differed significantly in hormone responses to the nitrogen treatments. Additionally, the correlations between root architecture and hormone responses were quite variable across the species. Each hormone had highly species-specific relationships with root responses. (4) Conclusions: Our finding implies that a particular root foraging behavior is probably not controlled by the same biochemical pathway in all species. Full article