Duplication and Whorl-Specific Down-Regulation of the Obligate AP3-PI Heterodimer Genes Explain the Origin of Paeonia lactiflora Plants with Spontaneous Corolla Mutation.

PubMed

Gong, Pichang; Ao, Xiang; Liu, Gaixiu; Cheng, Fangyun; He, Chaoying

2017-03-01

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a globally important ornamental plant. Spontaneous floral mutations occur frequently during cultivation, and are selected as a way to release new cultivars, but the underlying evolutionary developmental genetics remain largely elusive. Here, we investigated a collection of spontaneous corolla mutational plants (SCMPs) whose other floral organs were virtually unaffected. Unlike the corolla in normal plants (NPs) that withered soon after fertilization, the transformed corolla (petals) in SCMPs was greenish and persistent similar to the calyx (sepals). Epidermal cellular morphology of the SCMP corolla was also similar to that of calyx cells, further suggesting a sepaloid corolla in SCMPs. Ten floral MADS-box genes from these Paeonia plants were comparatively characterized with respect to sequence and expression. Codogenic sequence variation of these MADS-box genes was not linked to corolla changes in SCMPs. However, we found that both APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) lineages of B-class MADS-box genes were duplicated, and subsequent selective expression alterations of these genes were closely associated with the origin of SCMPs. AP3-PI obligate heterodimerization, essential for organ identity of corolla and stamens, was robustly detected. However, selective down-regulation of these duplicated genes might result in a reduction of this obligate heterodimer concentration in a corolla-specific manner, leading to the sepaloid corolla in SCMPs, thus representing a new sepaloid corolla model taking advantage of gene duplication. Our work suggests that modifying floral MADS-box genes could facilitate the breeding of novel cultivars with distinct floral morphology in ornamental plants, and also provides new insights into the functional evolution of the MADS-box genes in plants. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Chemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of the Oil from Peony Seeds (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.)

PubMed Central

Yang, Xin; Song, Li-min; Xu, Qian; Li, Hong

2017-01-01

Peony seed oil (PSO) is a novel vegetable oil developed from the seeds of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. The present study aimed to make an overall investigation on the chemical profile and antioxidant activities of PSO for reasonable development and utilization of this new resource food. Chemical analysis revealed that PSO was characterized by an uncommon high portion of α-linolenic acid (>38%), fairly low ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.69), and much higher content of γ-tocopherol than various conventional seed oils. In vitro assay indicated that PSO is a more potent scavenger of free radicals than extra virgin olive oil. Moderate intake of PSO exhibited obvious protection against various oxidative damages such as tetrachloromethane-induced acute liver injury in mice and diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The changes in the key indicators of oxidative injury and fatty acid composition in the liver caused by PSO administration were measured, and the results demonstrated that antioxidant properties of PSO are closely related to their characteristic chemical composition. Consequently, the present study provided new evidence for the health implications of PSO, which deserves further development for medical and nutritional use against oxidative damages that are associated with various diseases. PMID:29081895

Differential expression proteins associated with bud dormancy release during chilling treatment of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa).

PubMed

Zhang, Y X; Yu, D; Tian, X L; Liu, C Y; Gai, S P; Zheng, G S

2015-01-01

Endo-dormant flower buds of tree peony must have sufficient chilling duration to reinitiate growth, which is a major obstacle to the forcing culture of tree peony in winter. We used a combination of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight/time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF MS) to identify the differentially expressed proteins of tree peony after three different chilling treatments: endo-dormancy, endo-dormancy release and eco-dormancy stages. More than 200 highly reproducible protein spots were detected, and 31 differentially expressed spots (P < 0.05) were selected for further analysis. Finally, 20 protein spots were confidently identified from databases, which were annotated and classified into seven functional categories: response to abiotic or biotic stimulus (four), metabolic processes (four), other binding (three), transcription or transcription regulation (two), biological processes (one), cell biogenesis (one) and unclassified (five). The results of qPCR of five genes were mainly consistent with that of the protein accumulation analysis as determined by 2-DE. This indicated that most of these genes were mainly regulated at transcriptional level. The activity of nitrate reductase and pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 was consistent with the 2-DE results. The proteomic profiles indicated activation of citrate cycle, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy production, calcium signalling and cell growth processes by chilling fulfilment to facilitate dormancy release in tree peony. Analysis of functions of identified proteins will increase our knowledge of endo-dormancy release in tree peony. © 2014 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

Phytochemical variation among the traditional Chinese medicine Mu Dan Pi from Paeonia suffruticosa (tree peony).

PubMed

Li, Shan-Shan; Wu, Qian; Yin, Dan-Dan; Feng, Cheng-Yong; Liu, Zheng-An; Wang, Liang-Sheng

2018-02-01

Mu Dan Pi is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat inflammation, cancer, allergies, diabetes, angiocardiopathy, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, the metabolome variation within Mu Dan Pi collected from 372 tree peony cultivars was systematically investigated. In total, 42 metabolites were identified, comprising of 14 monoterpene glucosides, 11 tannins, 8 paeonols, 6 flavonoids, and 3 phenols. All cultivars revealed similar metabolite profiles, however, they were further classified into seven groups on the basis of their varying metabolite contents by hierarchical cluster analysis. Traditional cultivars for Mu Dan Pi were found to have very low metabolite contents, falling into clusters I and II. Cultivars with the highest amounts of metabolites were grouped in clusters VI and VII. Five potential cultivars, namely, 'Bai Yuan Qi Guan', 'Cao Zhou Hong', 'Da Zong Zi', 'Sheng Dan Lu', and 'Cheng Xin', with high contents of monoterpene glycosides, tannins, and paeonols, were further screened. Interestingly, the majority of investigated cultivars had relatively higher metabolite contents compared to the traditional medicinal tree peony cultivars. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Paeonia delavayi Wild Population Flowers to Identify Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in Purple-Red and Yellow Petal Pigmentation

PubMed Central

Wang, Yan; Li, Kui; Zheng, Baoqiang; Miao, Kun

2015-01-01

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews) is a very famous traditional ornamental plant in China. P. delavayi is a species endemic to Southwest China that has aroused great interest from researchers as a precious genetic resource for flower color breeding. However, the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of flower pigmentation in this plant is limited, hindering the genetic engineering of novel flower color in tree peonies. In this study, we conducted a large-scale transcriptome analysis based on Illumina HiSeq sequencing of cDNA libraries generated from yellow and purple-red P. delavayi petals. A total of 90,202 unigenes were obtained by de novo assembly, with an average length of 721 nt. Using Blastx, 44,811 unigenes (49.68%) were found to have significant similarity to accessions in the NR, NT, and Swiss-Prot databases. We also examined COG, GO and KEGG annotations to better understand the functions of these unigenes. Further analysis of the two digital transcriptomes revealed that 6,855 unigenes were differentially expressed between yellow and purple-red flower petals, with 3,430 up-regulated and 3,425 down-regulated. According to the RNA-Seq data and qRT-PCR analysis, we proposed that four up-regulated key structural genes, including F3H, DFR, ANS and 3GT, might play an important role in purple-red petal pigmentation, while high co-expression of THC2'GT, CHI and FNS II ensures the accumulation of pigments contributing to the yellow color. We also found 50 differentially expressed transcription factors that might be involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. This study is the first to report genetic information for P. delavayi. The large number of gene sequences produced by transcriptome sequencing and the candidate genes identified using pathway mapping and expression profiles will provide a valuable resource for future association studies aimed at better understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying flower pigmentation in tree peonies. PMID:26267644

Simulating spatiotemporal variation in full-flowering dates for tree peonies (1955-2011) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, China: using a panel data model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, H.

2015-12-01

In China, the tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) is well known as the "king of flowers" since ancient times. The springtime flowering of it attracts a great number of tourists every year. Under the current background of rapid climate change, the flowering time of the tree peony has changed accordingly, which affected the travel arrangements of tourists. This paper is concerned with developing a panel data model to describe the relationship between full-flowering date (FFD) of the tree peony (Zhongyuan cultivar group) and relevant temperature change in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. Then FFD time series at 24 sites in the period 1955-2011 were reconstructed using the above-mentioned model. At last, spatial and temporal variations in FFD were analysed. The results showed that the panel data model could simulate the FFDs of the tree peony accurately, with explained variance (R2)>0.65 and the root-mean-square error (RMSE)＜4.0 in the steps of double cross-validation. The simulated 57-year mean FFDs in the distribution area generally followed the latitudinal gradient. The FFDs in this area have advanced by 6 to 9 days over the past 57 years, at the rate of 0.8 to 1.8 days/decade. Compared with the other sub-areas in this area, the eastern forelands of Taihang Mountains and Luliang Mountains showed clearer advances of FFD. These conclusions reflected the comprehensive impact of climate change and the foehn on phenophases and are helpful for historical climate studies and festival events management

Changes in soil microbial functional diversity and biochemical characteristics of tree peony with amendment of sewage sludge compost.

PubMed

Huang, Xiangdong; Xue, Dong; Xue, Lian

2015-08-01

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of sewage sludge compost application on functional diversity of soil microbial communities, based on carbon source utilization, and biochemical characteristics of tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa). Functional diversity was estimated with incubations in Biolog EcoPlates and well color development was used as the functional trait for carbon source utilization. The average well color development and Shannon index based on the carbon source utilization pattern in Biolog EcoPlates significantly increased with the increasing sludge compost application in the range of 0-45%, with a decreasing trend above 45%. Principal component analysis of carbon source utilization pattern showed that sludge compost application stimulated the utilization rate of D-cellobiose and α-D-lactose, while the utilization rate of β-methyl-D-glucoside, L-asparagine, L-serine, α-cyclodextrin, γ-hydroxybutyric acid, and itaconic acid gradually increased up to a sludge compost amendment dosage of 45% and then decreased above 45%. The chlorophyll content, antioxidase (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase) activities, plant height, flower diameter, and flower numbers per plant of tree peony increased significantly with sludge compost dosage, reaching a peak value at 45 %, and then decreased with the exception that activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase did not vary significantly.

Impact of different post-harvest processing methods on the chemical compositions of peony root.

PubMed

Zhu, Shu; Shirakawa, Aimi; Shi, Yanhong; Yu, Xiaoli; Tamura, Takayuki; Shibahara, Naotoshi; Yoshimatsu, Kayo; Komatsu, Katsuko

2018-06-01

The impact of key processing steps such as boiling, peeling, drying and storing on chemical compositions and morphologic features of the produced peony root was investigated in detail by applying 15 processing methods to fresh roots of Paeonia lactiflora and then monitoring contents of eight main components, as well as internal root color. The results showed that low temperature (4 °C) storage of fresh roots for approximately 1 month after harvest resulted in slightly increased and stable content of paeoniflorin, which might be due to suppression of enzymatic degradation. This storage also prevented roots from discoloring, facilitating production of favorable bright color roots. Boiling process triggered decomposition of polygalloylglucoses, thereby leading to a significant increase in contents of pentagalloylglucose and gallic acid. Peeling process resulted in a decrease of albiflorin and catechin contents. As a result, an optimized and practicable processing method ensuring high contents of the main active components in the produced root was developed.

Chemical Composition Analysis, Sensory, and Feasibility Study of Tree Peony Seed.

PubMed

Mao, Yingyi; Han, Jigang; Tian, Fang; Tang, Xue; Hu, Yonghong; Guan, Yan

2017-02-01

Eight wild species in Sect. Moutan DC (tree peony) of the genus Paeonia grown in natural habitats and 1 cultivated specie were investigated to analyze their fatty acid and bioactive phenolic compound profiles. For fatty acid composition, P. ludlowii contained the lowest α-linolenic acid (27.68%) and P. jishanensis contained the highest (51.96 %) content of the 9 species. For phenolic compounds, P. qiui contained the highest resveratrol (2.12 mg/g), P. delavayi contained the highest β-gentiobiosylpaeoniflorin (26.23 mg/g), and P. ostii contained the highest paeoniflorin (23.66 mg/g). P. ostii was selected to perform a feasibility study because of its relatively high level of α-linolenic acid 46.53%, low in ω-6 to ω-3 ratio of 1:2, and high level of the preferred bioactive phenolic compounds l including paeoniflorin and resveratrol. Physical pressing and refining process were conducted to obtain P. ostii seed oil. It exhibited bland sensory attributes described as slight grassy, very slight nutty, no painty or fishy aroma and slight grassy, slight nutty flavor with a very slight throat catch. Tocol results reported high level in tree peony seed oil 223.5 ± 13.65 mg/100 g with γ-tocopherol 70.1 ± 2.14 mg/100 g, and γ-tocotrienol 149.6 ± 15.83 mg/g. Because of the high total tocol, γ-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol levels, and tree peony seed oil exhibited better oxidation stability than flaxseed oil even with similar α-linolenic acid levels. In addition, high levels of γ-tocopherol and γ-tocotrienol can introduce therapeutic effects such as antiinflammation and antioxidation. Therefore, this study showed that tree peony seed oil has a great potential to be used in edible oil, nutraceutical supplement, and other health care products. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Effect of root length on epicotyl dormancy release in seeds of Paeonia ludlowii, Tibetan peony.

PubMed

Hao, Hai-ping; He, Zhi; Li, Hui; Shi, Lei; Tang, Yu-Dan

2014-02-01

Epicotyl dormancy break in seeds that have deep simple epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) requires radicle emergence and even a certain root length in some species. However, the mechanisms by which root length affects epicotyl dormancy break are not clear at present. This study aims to explore the relationship between root length and epicotyl dormancy release in radicle-emerged seeds of Tibetan peony, Paeonia ludlowii, with discussion of the possible mechanisms. Radicle-emerged seeds (radicle length 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm) were incubated at 5, 10 and 15 °C. During the stratification, some seeds were transferred to 15 °C and monitored for epicotyl-plumule growth. Hormone content was determined by ELISA, and the role of hormones in epicotyl dormancy release was tested by exogenous hormone and embryo culture. Cold stratification did not break the epicotyl dormancy until the root length was ≥6 cm. The indole-3-actic acid (IAA) and GA3 contents of seeds having 6 cm roots were significantly higher than those of seeds with other root lengths, but the abscisic acid (ABA) content was lowest among radicle-emerged seeds. GA3 (400 mg L(-1)) could break epicotyl dormancy of all radicle-emerged seeds, while IAA (200 mg L(-1)) had little or no effect. When grown on MS medium, radicles of naked embryos grew and cotyledons turned green, but epicotyls did not elongate. Naked embryos developed into seedlings on a mixed medium of MS + 100 mg L(-1) GA3. A root length of ≥6.0 cm is necessary for epicotyl dormancy release by cold stratification. The underlying reason for root length affecting epicotyl dormancy release is a difference in the GA3/ABA ratio in the epicotyl within radicle-emerged seeds, which is mainly as a result of a difference in ABA accumulation before cold stratification.

Effect of root length on epicotyl dormancy release in seeds of Paeonia ludlowii, Tibetan peony

PubMed Central

Hao, Hai-ping; He, Zhi; Li, Hui; Shi, Lei; Tang, Yu-Dan

2014-01-01

Background and Aims Epicotyl dormancy break in seeds that have deep simple epicotyl morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) requires radicle emergence and even a certain root length in some species. However, the mechanisms by which root length affects epicotyl dormancy break are not clear at present. This study aims to explore the relationship between root length and epicotyl dormancy release in radicle-emerged seeds of Tibetan peony, Paeonia ludlowii, with discussion of the possible mechanisms. Methods Radicle-emerged seeds (radicle length 1·5, 3·0, 4·5 and 6·0 cm) were incubated at 5, 10 and 15 °C. During the stratification, some seeds were transferred to 15 °C and monitored for epicotyl–plumule growth. Hormone content was determined by ELISA, and the role of hormones in epicotyl dormancy release was tested by exogenous hormone and embryo culture. Key Results Cold stratification did not break the epicotyl dormancy until the root length was ≥6 cm. The indole-3-actic acid (IAA) and GA3 contents of seeds having 6 cm roots were significantly higher than those of seeds with other root lengths, but the abscisic acid (ABA) content was lowest among radicle-emerged seeds. GA3 (400 mg L−1) could break epicotyl dormancy of all radicle-emerged seeds, while IAA (200 mg L−1) had little or no effect. When grown on MS medium, radicles of naked embryos grew and cotyledons turned green, but epicotyls did not elongate. Naked embryos developed into seedlings on a mixed medium of MS + 100 mg L−1 GA3. Conclusions A root length of ≥6·0 cm is necessary for epicotyl dormancy release by cold stratification. The underlying reason for root length affecting epicotyl dormancy release is a difference in the GA3/ABA ratio in the epicotyl within radicle-emerged seeds, which is mainly as a result of a difference in ABA accumulation before cold stratification. PMID:24284815

Genetic Structure of the Tree Peony (Paeonia rockii) and the Qinling Mountains as a Geographic Barrier Driving the Fragmentation of a Large Population

PubMed Central

Yuan, Jun–hui; Cheng, Fang–Yun; Zhou, Shi–Liang

2012-01-01

Background Tree peonies are great ornamental plants associated with a rich ethnobotanical history in Chinese culture and have recently been used as an evolutionary model. The Qinling Mountains represent a significant geographic barrier in Asia, dividing mainland China into northern (temperate) and southern (semi–tropical) regions; however, their flora has not been well analyzed. In this study, the genetic differentiation and genetic structure of Paeonia rockii and the role of the Qinling Mountains as a barrier that has driven intraspecific fragmentation were evaluated using 14 microsatellite markers. Methodology/Principal Findings Twenty wild populations were sampled from the distributional range of P. rockii. Significant population differentiation was suggested (FST value of 0.302). Moderate genetic diversity at the population level (HS of 0.516) and high population diversity at the species level (HT of 0.749) were detected. Significant excess homozygosity (FIS of 0.076) and recent population bottlenecks were detected in three populations. Bayesian clusters, population genetic trees and principal coordinate analysis all classified the P. rockii populations into three genetic groups and one admixed Wenxian population. An isolation-by-distance model for P. rockii was suggested by Mantel tests (r = 0.6074, P<0.001) and supported by AMOVA (P<0.001), revealing a significant molecular variance among the groups (11.32%) and their populations (21.22%). These data support the five geographic boundaries surrounding the Qinling Mountains and adjacent areas that were detected with Monmonier's maximum-difference algorithm. Conclusions/Significance Our data suggest that the current genetic structure of P. rockii has resulted from the fragmentation of a formerly continuously distributed large population following the restriction of gene flow between populations of this species by the Qinling Mountains. This study provides a fundamental genetic profile for the conservation and responsible exploitation of the extant germplasm of this species and for improving the genetic basis for breeding its cultivars. PMID:22523566

Proteomic analysis of tree peony (Paeonia ostii 'Feng Dan') seed germination affected by low temperature.

PubMed

Ren, Xiu-Xia; Xue, Jing-Qi; Wang, Shun-Li; Xue, Yu-Qian; Zhang, Ping; Jiang, Hai-Dong; Zhang, Xiu-Xin

Seed germination is a critical process that is influenced by various factors. In the present study, the effect of low temperature (4 °C) on tree peony seed germination was investigated. Compared to seeds maintained at 25 °C, germination was inhibited when seeds were kept at 4 °C. Furthermore, low-temperature exposure of seeds resulted in a delay in water uptake, starch degradation, and soluble sugar consumption and a subsequent increase in soluble protein levels. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) proteomic analysis identified 100 protein spots. Comparative analysis indicated that low-temperature exposure apparently mainly affected glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, while also significantly affecting proteometabolism-related factors. Moreover, low-temperature exposure led to the induction of abscisic acid, whereas the gibberellin pathway was not affected. Further comparison of the two temperature conditions showed that low-temperature exposure delays carbohydrate metabolism, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, respiration, and proteolysis and increases defense response factors. To further examine the obtained proteomic findings, four genes were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The obtained transcriptional results for the GAPC gene coincided with the translational results, thus further suggesting that the delay in glycolysis may play a key role in low-temperature-induced inhibition of seed germination. However, the other three genes examined, which included FPP synthase, PCNT115, and endochitinase, showed non-correlative transcriptional and translational profiles. Our results suggest that the exposure of tree peony seeds to low temperature results in a delay in the degradation of starch and other metabolites, which in turn affects glycolysis and some other processes, thereby ultimately inhibiting seed germination. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier GmbH.

Molecular identification and phylogenetic analysis of important medicinal plant species in genus Paeonia based on rDNA-ITS, matK, and rbcL DNA barcode sequences.

PubMed

Kim, W J; Ji, Y; Choi, G; Kang, Y M; Yang, S; Moon, B C

2016-08-05

This study was performed to identify and analyze the phylogenetic relationship among four herbaceous species of the genus Paeonia, P. lactiflora, P. japonica, P. veitchii, and P. suffruticosa, using DNA barcodes. These four species, which are commonly used in traditional medicine as Paeoniae Radix and Moutan Radicis Cortex, are pharmaceutically defined in different ways in the national pharmacopoeias in Korea, Japan, and China. To authenticate the different species used in these medicines, we evaluated rDNA-internal transcribed spacers (ITS), matK and rbcL regions, which provide information capable of effectively distinguishing each species from one another. Seventeen samples were collected from different geographic regions in Korea and China, and DNA barcode regions were amplified using universal primers. Comparative analyses of these DNA barcode sequences revealed species-specific nucleotide sequences capable of discriminating the four Paeonia species. Among the entire sequences of three barcodes, marker nucleotides were identified at three positions in P. lactiflora, eleven in P. japonica, five in P. veitchii, and 25 in P. suffruticosa. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed four distinct clusters showing homogeneous clades with high resolution at the species level. The results demonstrate that the analysis of these three DNA barcode sequences is a reliable method for identifying the four Paeonia species and can be used to authenticate Paeoniae Radix and Moutan Radicis Cortex at the species level. Furthermore, based on the assessment of amplicon sizes, inter/intra-specific distances, marker nucleotides, and phylogenetic analysis, rDNA-ITS was the most suitable DNA barcode for identification of these species.

Traditional Chinese medicine Guizhi Fuling capsule used for therapy of dysmenorrhea via attenuating uterus contraction.

PubMed

Sun, Lan; Liu, Lina; Zong, Shaobo; Wang, Zhengzhong; Zhou, Jun; Xu, Zhiliang; Ding, Gang; Xiao, Wei; Kou, Junping

2016-09-15

Guizhi Fuling formula, a well-known Chinese herbal formula recorded in the Eastern Han Dynasty, is composed of Cinnamomum cassia (L.) J.Presl (Cassia bark), Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (Poria), Paeonia suffruticosa andrews (Moutan Cortex), Paeonia lactiflora Pall (Herbaceous peony), and Amygdalus persica L.(Persicae Semen). It has clinical efficacy of activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis and is commonly used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. However, its therapeutic mechanism has not been clearly elucidated. The aim of this study is to reveal molecular mechanisms of action using in vivo and in vitro experimental models. The ICR mouse uterine contraction was induced by oxytocin exposure following estradiol benzoate pretreatment. Mice were given GZFLC (0.54, 1.08g/kg) by gavage. The levels of NO, PGF2α and Ca(2+) in uterine tissue were determined according to instructions. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and oxytocin receptor (OTR) proteins in uterine tissue were assessed by Western Blot. Mouse isolated uterus strips were mounted in tissue organ baths containing Locke's solution. The contractile responses were recorded with Power Lab recording system. The effect of GZFLC on spontaneous uterine contraction, and uterine contraction induced by oxytocin, PGF2α was observed. Myometrial cells were exposed to oxytocin (5U/L) to induce calcium release, and the effect of GZFLC and its components (PL, PGG, CA) on intracellular Ca(2+) was analyzed with fluorometry imaging. In vivo study demonstrated that GZFLC significantly reduced oxytocin-induced writhing responses with a maximal inhibition of 55%. It also decreased the levels of NO, PGF2α and Ca(2+) in oxytocin-induced mice uterine tissue. Moreover, Western blot analysis showed that COX-2 and OTR expressions in uterine tissue of dysmenorrhea mice were significantly reduced. GZFLC inhibited spontaneous uterus contractions in a dose-dependent manner, and the IC50 value was 0.99mg/ml. The IC50 values of GZFLC on PGF2α, oxytocin-induced contractions were 1.45mg/ml, 3.53mg/ml, respectively. Further in vitro studies indicated that GZFLC and its components (PL, PGG, CA) could restrain intracellular calcium levels in favour of uteri relaxation. Both in vivo and in vitro results indicated that GZFLC possessed a significant spasmolytic effect on uterine tetanic contraction. The present study provides in vivo and in vitro experimental evidence to support the use of GZFLC for the clinical treatment of primary dysmenorrheal (PD). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epicotyl dormancy of tree peony as an oil plant broken by cyanamide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Jiajie; Gong, Mingfu; Liu, Fang; Wu, Sanlin; Liu, Xiaojie; Zhang, Ya; Xu, Gaoyu

2018-04-01

This test materials is `feng Dan', an oil peony, or tree peony as an oil plant, growing in Yangtze river basin. Impact of cyanamide on oil peony epicotyl dormancy was represented with germination rate of peony feeds, a-amylase activity, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content and peroxidase (POD) activity. Results showed that hypocotyls' dormancy of peony seeds was significant breaken by 0.3% cyanamide concentration. Alpha-amylase activity, soluble sugar content, soluble protein content and POD activity in 0.3% cyanamide concentration treatment was significantly higher than other treatments. There was no significant difference between the rest treatments.

Identification of flavonoids and expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes in two coloured tree peony flowers.

PubMed

Zhao, Daqiu; Tang, Wenhui; Hao, Zhaojun; Tao, Jun

2015-04-10

Tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) has been named the "king of flowers" because of its elegant and gorgeous flower colour. Among these colours, the molecular mechanisms of white formation and how white turned to red in P. suffruticosa is little known. In this study, flower colour variables, flavonoid accumulation and expression of flavonoid biosynthetic genes of white ('Xueta') and red ('Caihui') P. suffruticosa were investigated. The results showed that the flower colours of both cultivars were gradually deepened with the development of flowers. Moreover, two anthoxanthin compositions apigenin 7-O-glucoside together with apigenin deoxyheso-hexoside were identified in 'Xueta' and 'Caihui', but one main anthocyanin composition peonidin 3,5-di-O-glucoside (Pn3G5G) was only found in 'Caihui'. Total contents of anthocyanins in 'Caihui' was increased during flower development, and the same trend was presented in anthoxanthins and flavonoids of these two cultivars, but the contents of these two category flavonoid in 'Caihui' were always higher than those in 'Xueta'. Furthermore, nine structural genes in flavonoid biosynthetic pathway were isolated including the full-length cDNAs of phenylalanine ammonialyase gene (PAL), chalcone synthase gene (CHS) and chalcone isomerase gene (CHI), together with the partial-length cDNAs of flavanone 3-hydroxylase gene (F3H), flavonoid 3'-hydroxylase gene (F3'H), dihydroflavonol 4-reductase gene (DFR), anthocyanidin synthase gene (ANS), UDP-glucose: flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase gene (UF3GT) and UDP-glucose: flavonoid 5-O-glucosyltransferase gene (UF5GT), and PAL, UF3GT and UF5GT were reported in P. suffruticosa for the first time. Their expression patterns showed that transcription levels of downstream genes in 'Caihui' were basically higher than those in 'Xueta', especially PsDFR and PsANS, suggesting that these two genes may play a key role in the anthocyanin biosynthesis which resulted in the shift from white to red in flowers. These results would provide a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms of flower pigmentation in P. suffruticosa. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Peptide Nucleic Acid Based Molecular Authentication for Identification of Four Medicinal Paeonia Species Using Melting Array Analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 Region.

PubMed

Kim, Wook Jin; Yang, Sungyu; Choi, Goya; Moon, Byeong Cheol

2017-11-07

Accurate taxonomic identification of plant materials in herbal medicines is important for product quality control. The genus Paeonia (Saxifragales) is the source of the herbal preparations Paeoniae Radix (Paeoniae Radix Alba and Paeoniae Radix Rubra) and Moutan Radicis Cotex. However, confusion has arisen regarding their contents due to linguistic and taxonomic ambiguities, similar morphologies and different definitions of Paeoniae Radix in the Korean and Chinese national pharmacopoeias, leading to the distribution of adulterated products. To develop a method for identifying the four Paeonia species used in these medicines, three fluorescently-labeled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes were designed against ITS2 sequences containing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and used in a real-time PCR melting curve assay. Each of the four Paeonia species was accurately identified using this analysis. The accuracy and analytical stability of the PNA melting curve assay was confirmed using commercially available samples of the four Paeonia species. This assay is a reliable genetic tool to distinguish between different Paeonia -derived herbal medicines and identify the botanical origins of Paeoniae Radix and Moutan Radicis Cortex. This technique may also contribute to quality control and standardization of herbal medicines by providing a reliable authentication tool and preventing the distribution of inauthentic adulterants.

'Peony Nebula' Star Settles for Silver Medal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2008-01-01

[figure removed for brevity, see original site] [figure removed for brevity, see original site] Poster Version Movie

If our galaxy, the Milky Way, were to host its own version of the Olympics, the title for the brightest known star would go to a massive star called Eta Carina. However, a new runner-up now the second-brightest star in our galaxy has been discovered in the galaxy's dusty and frenzied interior. This image from NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope shows the new silver medalist, circled in the inset above, in the central region of our Milky Way.

Dubbed the 'Peony nebula' star, this blazing ball of gas shines with the equivalent light of 3.2 million suns. The reigning champ, Eta Carina, produces the equivalent of 4.7 million suns worth of light though astronomers say these estimates are uncertain, and it's possible that the Peony nebula star could be even brighter than Eta Carina.

If the Peony star is so bright, why doesn't it stand out more in this view? The answer is dust. This star is located in a very dusty region jam packed with stars. In fact, there could be other super bright stars still hidden deep in the stellar crowd. Spitzer's infrared eyes allowed it to pierce the dust and assess the Peony nebula star's true brightness. Likewise, infrared data from the European Southern Observatory's New Technology Telescope in Chile were integral in calculating the Peony nebula star's luminosity.

The Peony nebula, which surrounds the Peony nebular star, is the reddish cloud of dust in and around the white circle.

The movie begins by showing a stretch of the dusty and frenzied central region of our Milky Way galaxy. It then zooms in to reveal the 'Peony nebula' star the new second-brightest star in the Milky Way, discovered in part by NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope.

This is a three-color composite showing infrared observations from two Spitzer instruments. Blue represents 3.6-micron light and green shows light of 8 microns, both captured by Spitzer's infrared array camera. Red is 24-micron light detected by Spitzer's multiband imaging photometer.

Transcriptome sequencing of purple petal spot region in tree peony reveals differentially expressed anthocyanin structural genes.

PubMed

Zhang, Yanzhao; Cheng, Yanwei; Ya, Huiyuan; Xu, Shuzhen; Han, Jianming

2015-01-01

The pigmented cells in defined region of a petal constitute the petal spots. Petal spots attract pollinators and are found in many angiosperm families. Several cultivars of tree peony contain a single red or purple spot at the base of petal that makes the flower more attractive for the ornamental market. So far, the understanding of the molecular mechanism of spot formation is inadequate. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptome of the purple spot and the white non-spot of tree peony flower. We assembled and annotated 67,892 unigenes. Comparative analyses of the two transcriptomes showed 1,573 differentially expressed genes, among which 933 were up-regulated, and 640 were down-regulated in the purple spot. Subsequently, we examined four anthocyanin structural genes, including PsCHS, PsF3'H, PsDFR, and PsANS, which expressed at a significantly higher level in the purple spot than in the white non-spot. We further validated the digital expression data using quantitative real-time PCR. Our result uncovered transcriptome variance between the spot and non-spot of tree peony flower, and revealed that the co-expression of four anthocyanin structural genes was responsible for spot pigment in tree peony. The data will further help to unravel the genetic mechanism of peony flower spot formation.

Transcriptome sequencing of purple petal spot region in tree peony reveals differentially expressed anthocyanin structural genes

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yanzhao; Cheng, Yanwei; Ya, Huiyuan; Xu, Shuzhen; Han, Jianming

2015-01-01

The pigmented cells in defined region of a petal constitute the petal spots. Petal spots attract pollinators and are found in many angiosperm families. Several cultivars of tree peony contain a single red or purple spot at the base of petal that makes the flower more attractive for the ornamental market. So far, the understanding of the molecular mechanism of spot formation is inadequate. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptome of the purple spot and the white non-spot of tree peony flower. We assembled and annotated 67,892 unigenes. Comparative analyses of the two transcriptomes showed 1,573 differentially expressed genes, among which 933 were up-regulated, and 640 were down-regulated in the purple spot. Subsequently, we examined four anthocyanin structural genes, including PsCHS, PsF3′H, PsDFR, and PsANS, which expressed at a significantly higher level in the purple spot than in the white non-spot. We further validated the digital expression data using quantitative real-time PCR. Our result uncovered transcriptome variance between the spot and non-spot of tree peony flower, and revealed that the co-expression of four anthocyanin structural genes was responsible for spot pigment in tree peony. The data will further help to unravel the genetic mechanism of peony flower spot formation. PMID:26583029

Genetic diversity analysis of tree peony germplasm using iPBS markers.

PubMed

Duan, Y B; Guo, D L; Guo, L L; Wei, D F; Hou, X G

2015-07-06

We examined the genetic diversity of 10 wild species (populations) and 55 varieties of tree peony using inter-primer binding site (iPBS) markers. From a total of 36 iPBS primers, 16 were selected based on polymorphic amplification. The number of bands amplified by each primer ranged from 9 to 19, with an average of 12.88 bands per primer. The length of bands ranged from 100 to 2000 bp, concentrated at 200 to 1800 bp. Sixteen primers amplified 206 bands in total, of which 173 bands were polymorphic with a polymorphism ratio of 83.98%. Each primer amplified 10.81 polymorphic bands on average. The data were then used to construct a phylogenetic tree using unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean methods. Clustering analysis showed that the genetic relationships among the varieties were not only related to the genetic background or geographic origin, but also to the flowering phase, flower color, and flower type. Our data also indicated that iPBS markers were useful tools for classifying tree peony germplasms and for tree peony breeding, and the specific bands were helpful for molecular identification of tree peony varieties.

[Quality assessment of sulfur-fumigated paeoniae alba radix].

PubMed

Wang, Zhao; Chen, Yu-Wu; Wang, Qiong; Sun, Lei; Xu, Wei-Yi; Jin, Hong-Yu; Ma, Shuang-Cheng

2014-08-01

The samples of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Alba Radix acquired both by random spot check from domestic market and self-production by the research group in the laboratory were used to evaluate the effects of sulphur fumigation on the quality of Paeoniae Alba Radix by comparing sulfur-fumigated degree and character, the content of paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin sulfurous acid ester, and changes of the fingerprint. We used methods in Chinese Pharmacopeia to evaluate the character of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Alba Radix and determinate the content of aulfur-fumigated paeoniflorin. LC-MS method was used to analyze paeoniflorin-converted products. HPLC fingerprint methods were established to evaluate the differences on quality by similarity. Results showed that fumigated Paeoniae Alba Radix became white and its unique fragrance disappeared, along with the production of pungent sour gas. It also had a significant effect on paeoniflorin content. As sulfur smoked degree aggravated, paeoniflorin content decreased subsequently, some of which turned into paeoniflorin sulfurous acid ester, and this change was not reversible. Fingerprint also showed obvious changes. Obviously, sulfur fumigation had severe influence on the quality of Paeoniae Alba Radix, but we can control the quality of the Paeoniae Alba Radix by testing the paeoniflorin sulfurous acid ester content.

Discrimination and chemical characterization of different Paeonia lactifloras (Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra) by infrared macro-fingerprint analysis-through-separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Yang; Wang, Ping; Xu, Changhua; Sun, Suqin; Zhou, Qun; Shi, Zhe; Li, Jin; Chen, Tao; Li, Zheng; Cui, Weili

2015-11-01

Paeonia lactiflora, a commonly used herbal medicine (HM) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), mainly has two species, Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) and Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR), for different clinical applications in TCM. For expounding the chemical profile of RPA and RPR and ensuring the clinical efficacy and safety, an infrared macro-fingerprint analysis-through-separation method integrated with statistical pattern recognition was developed to analyze and discriminate the two Paeonia lactifloras. In IR spectra, the major difference between the two was in the range of 1200-900 cm-1: the strongest peak of RPA was at 1024 cm-1, while that of RPR was 1049 cm-1. The difference was magnified in second derivative spectra. The findings were further verified by investigating the separation process of total glucosides, stepwisely monitored by both of IR and UPLC-MS/MS. Simultaneously, the aqueous extracts of RPA and RPR had been separated continuously to acquire the comprehensively hierarchical chemical characteristics for undoubtedly identification and subsequently discrimination of the two herbs. Moreover, 60 batches of the two HMs (30 for each) were objectively classified by principal component regression (PCR) model based on IR macro-fingerprints.

Effects of the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa on mitochondria-mediated neuroprotection in an MPTP-induced model of Parkinson's disease.

PubMed

Kim, Hyo Geun; Park, Gunhyuk; Piao, Ying; Kang, Min Seo; Pak, Youngmi Kim; Hong, Seon-Pyo; Oh, Myung Sook

2014-03-01

Parkinson's disease (PD) is generally characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons projecting from the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) to the striatum that results in movement dysfunction, but also entails mitochondrial dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective effects of Moutan Cortex Radicis (MCE, Moutan peony) on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD-like symptoms and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, with a focus on mitochondrial function. In a rat primary mesencephalic culture system, MCE significantly protected dopaminergic neurons from the neurotoxic effects of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), an active form of MPTP. Additionally, in a subacute mouse model of MPTP-induced PD, MCE resulted in enhanced recovery from PD-like motor symptoms, including increased locomotor activity and reduced bradykinesia. MCE increased dopamine availability and protected against MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage. Moreover, MCE inhibited MPTP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and resulted in increased expression of phosphorylated Akt, ND9, mitochondrial transcription factor A, and H2AX in the SNpc. Mitochondria-mediated apoptosis was also inhibited, via the regulation of B-cell lymphoma family proteins and the inhibition of cytochrome C release and caspase-3 activation. These results indicate that MCE has neuroprotective effects in PD models and may be useful for preventing or treating PD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of absorbed dose in irradiated sugar-containing plant material (peony roots) by an ESR method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yamaoki, Rumi; Kimura, Shojiro; Ohta, Masatoshi

2015-12-01

The relationship between electron spin resonance (ESR) signal intensity of irradiated plant materials and sugar content was investigated by spectral analysis using peony roots. A weak background signal near g=2.005 was observed in the roots. After a 10 kGy irradiation, the ESR line broadened and the intensity increased, and the spectral characteristics were similar to a typical spectrum of irradiated food containing crystalline sugars. The free radical concentration was nearly stable 30 days after irradiation. The spectrum of peony root 30 days after irradiation was simulated using the summation of the intensities of six assumed components: radical signals derived from (a) sucrose, (b) glucose, (c) fructose, (d) cellulose, (e) the background signal near g=2.005 and (f) unidentified component. The simulated spectra using the six components were in agreement with the observed sample spectra. The intensity of sucrose radical signal in irradiated samples increased proportionally up to 20 kGy. In addition, the intensity of sucrose radical signals was strongly correlated with the sucrose contents of the samples. The results showed that the radiation sensitivity of sucrose in peony roots was influenced little by other plant constituents. There was also a good correlation between the total area of the spectra and the sucrose content, because the sucrose content was higher than that of other sugars in the samples. In peony roots, estimation of the absorbed dose from the ESR signal intensity may be possible by a calibration method based on the sucrose content.

Maxent modeling for predicting the potential geographical distribution of two peony species under climate change.

PubMed

Zhang, Keliang; Yao, Linjun; Meng, Jiasong; Tao, Jun

2018-09-01

Paeonia (Paeoniaceae), an economically important plant genus, includes many popular ornamentals and medicinal plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine. Little is known about the properties of the habitat distribution and the important eco-environmental factors shaping the suitability. Based on high-resolution environmental data for current and future climate scenarios, we modeled the present and future suitable habitat for P. delavayi and P. rockii by Maxent, evaluated the importance of environmental factors in shaping their distribution, and identified distribution shifts under climate change scenarios. The results showed that the moderate and high suitable areas for P. delavayi and P. rockii encompassed ca. 4.46×10 5 km 2 and 1.89×10 5 km 2 , respectively. Temperature seasonality and isothermality were identified as the most critical factors shaping P. delavayi distribution, and UVB-4 and annual precipitation were identified as the most critical for shaping P. rockii distribution. Under the scenario with a low concentration of greenhouse gas emissions (RCP2.6), the range of both species increased as global warming intensified; however, under the scenario with higher concentrations of emissions (RCP8.5), the suitable habitat range of P. delavayi decreased while P. rockii increased. Overall, our prediction showed that a shift in distribution of suitable habitat to higher elevations would gradually become more significant. The information gained from this study should provide a useful reference for implementing long-term conservation and management strategies for these species. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Identification of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs involved in fatty acid biosynthesis in tree peony seeds.

PubMed

Yin, Dan-Dan; Li, Shan-Shan; Shu, Qing-Yan; Gu, Zhao-Yu; Wu, Qian; Feng, Cheng-Yong; Xu, Wen-Zhong; Wang, Liang-Sheng

2018-08-05

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) act as important molecular regulators in a wide range of biological processes during plant development and seed formation, including oil production. Tree peony seeds contain >90% unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and high proportions of α-linolenic acid (ALA, > 40%). To dissect the non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) pathway involved in fatty acids synthesis in tree peony seeds, we construct six small RNA libraries and six transcriptome libraries from developing seeds of two cultivars (J and S) containing different content of fatty acid compositions. After deep sequencing the RNA libraries, the ncRNA expression profiles of tree peony seeds in two cultivars were systematically and comparatively analyzed. A total of 318 known and 153 new miRNAs and 22,430 lncRNAs were identified, among which 106 conserved and 9 novel miRNAs and 2785 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the two cultivars. In addition, potential target genes of the microRNA and lncRNAs were also predicted and annotated. Among them, 9 miRNAs and 39 lncRNAs were predicted to target lipid related genes. Results showed that all of miR414, miR156b, miR2673b, miR7826, novel-m0027-5p, TR24651|c0_g1, TR24544|c0_g15, and TR27305|c0_g1 were up-regulated and expressed at a higher level in high-ALA cultivar J when compared to low-ALA cultivar S, suggesting that these ncRNAs and target genes are possibly involved in different fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism through post-transcriptional regulation. These results provide a better understanding of the roles of ncRNAs during fatty acid biosynthesis and metabolism in tree peony seeds. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of "ultrasound-assisted dynamic extraction" and its combination with CCC and CPC for simultaneous extraction and isolation of phytochemicals.

PubMed

Zhang, Yuchi; Liu, Chunming; Li, Jing; Qi, Yanjuan; Li, Yuchun; Li, Sainan

2015-09-01

A new method for the extraction of medicinal herbs termed ultrasonic-assisted dynamic extraction (UADE) was designed and evaluated. This technique was coupled with counter-current chromatography (CCC) and centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) and then applied to the continuous extraction and online isolation of chemical constituents from Paeonia lactiflora Pall (white peony) roots. The mechanical parameters, including the pitch and diameter of the shaft, were optimized by means of mathematical modeling. Furthermore, the configuration and mechanism of online UADE coupled with CCC and CPC were elaborated. The stationary phases of the two-phase solvent systems from CCC and CPC were utilized as the UADE solution. The extraction solution was pumped into the sample loop and then introduced into the CCC column; the target compounds were eluted with the lower aqueous phase of the two-phase solvent system. During the CCC separation, the extraction solution was continuously fed in the sample loop by turning the ten-port valve; the extraction solution was then pumped into the CPC column and eluted by the mobile phase of the two-phase solvent system mentioned above. When the first cycle of the UADE/CCC/CPC was completed, the second cycle experiment could be carried out, and so on. Four target compounds (albiflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, paeoniflorin, and galloylpaeoniflorin) with purities above 94.96% were successfully extracted and isolated online using the two-phase solvent system comprising ethyl acetate-n-butanol-ethanol-water (1:3.5:2:4.5, v/v/v/v). Compared with conventional extraction methods, the instrumental setup of the present method offers the advantages of automation and systematic extraction and isolation of natural products. Crown Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Activities of the Flowers and Leaves from Paeonia rockii and Identification of Their Antioxidant Constituents by UHPLC-ESI-HRMSn via Pre-Column DPPH Reaction.

PubMed

Bao, Yating; Qu, Yan; Li, Jinhua; Li, Yanfang; Ren, Xiaodong; Maffucci, Katherine G; Li, Ruiping; Wang, Zhanguo; Zeng, Rui

2018-02-12

The genus Paeonia , also known as the "King of Flowers" in China, is an important source of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Plants of this genus have been used to treat a range of cardiovascular and gynecological diseases. However, the potential pharmacological activity of one particular species, Paeonia rockii , has not been fully investigated. In the first part of the present study, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid (ABTS), reducing power assays, and metal ion chelating assays were used to investigate the in vitro antioxidant activities of Paeonia rockii . In the second portion of the study, a mouse model of d-galactose-induced aging was used to validate the antioxidant effects of the flowers from Paeonia rockii in vivo. Lastly, potential antioxidant constituents were screened and identified by ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS n ) combined with the DPPH assay. Results indicated that the flowers and leaves exhibited stronger antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid in vitro. The therapeutic effect of Paeonia rockii was determined in relation to the levels of biochemical indicators, such as 8-iso-prostaglandin F 2α (8-iso PGF 2α ) in the serum, superoxide dismutase (SOD), protein carbonyl, malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) in the liver and brain, after daily intra-gastric administration of different concentrations of extracts (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) for three weeks. The levels of 8-iso PGF 2α ( p < 0.01) and protein carbonyl groups ( p < 0.01) were significantly reduced, whereas those of SOD ( p < 0.05) had significantly increased, indicating that components of the flowers of Paeonia rockii had favorable antioxidant activities in vivo. Furthermore, UHPLC-ESI-HRMS n , combined with pre-column DPPH reaction, detected 25 potential antioxidant compounds. Of these, 18 compounds were tentatively identified, including 11 flavonoids, four phenolic acids, two tannins, and one monoterpene glycoside. This study concluded that the leaves and flowers from Paeonia rockii possess excellent antioxidant properties, highlighting their candidacy as "new" antioxidants, which can be utilized therapeutically to protect the body from diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Antioxidant properties of selected Oriental non-culinary/nutraceutical herb extracts as evaluated in raw and cooked meat.

PubMed

Han, J; Rhee, K S

2005-05-01

Ethanol extracts of white peony (WP), red peony (RP), sappanwood (SW), Moutan peony (MP), rehmania (RE) or angelica (AN) were individually added to ground goat meat at 0.5-2.0% (g dry extract/100 g final meat sample), and raw and cooked samples were aerobically refrigerated for 0, 3 or 6 days. These extracts and rosemary extract (RO) were also individually added to salted or unsalted ground beef at 0.01-0.25% and refrigerated as raw or cooked patties. WP, RP, RE, SW and MP markedly reduced (P<0.05) lipid oxidation in cooked-stored goat meat. With 0.25% of WP, RP, SW, MP or RO in beef, lipid oxidation during storage was minimal in raw and cooked patties (plain or salted); raw patty redness values at day 6 were higher (P<0.05) for SW, WP, RP or MP than RO treatment or the control. At 0.01%, SW was more antioxidative (P<0.05) than the other extracts.

Monoterpene glycosides from Paeonia veitchii.

PubMed

Fu, Qiang; Tan, Mao-Ling; Yuan, Hai-Mei; Chen, Jiang; Fu, Jia

2017-01-01

The EtOH extract of the roots of Paeonia veitchii afforded two new monoterpene glycosides paeonidanin I (1) and paeonidanin J (2), and a new dimeric monoterpene glycoside paeonidanin K (3). Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic means and hydrolysis products.

Evaluation of the Influence of Sulfur-Fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba on the Quality of Si Wu Tang by Chromatographic and Chemometric Analysis

PubMed Central

Pei, Ke; Duan, Yu; Qiao, Feng-Xian; Tu, Si-Cong; Liu, Xiao; Wang, Xiao-Li; Song, Xiao-Qing; Fan, Kai-Lei; Cai, Bao-Chang

2016-01-01

An accurate and reliable method of high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint combining with multi-ingredient determination was developed and validated to evaluate the influence of sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba on the quality and chemical constituents of Si Wu Tang. Multivariate data analysis including hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, which integrated with high-performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint and multi-ingredient determination, was employed to evaluate Si Wu Tang in a more objective and scientific way. Interestingly, in this paper, a total of 37 and 36 peaks were marked as common peaks in ten batches of Si Wu Tang containing sun-dried Paeoniae Radix Alba and ten batches of Si Wu Tang containing sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba, respectively, which indicated the changed fingerprint profile of Si Wu Tang when containing sulfur-fumigated herb. Furthermore, the results of simultaneous determination for multiple ingredients showed that the contents of albiflorin and paeoniflorin decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and the contents of gallic acid and Z-ligustilide decreased to some extent at the same time when Si Wu Tang contained sulfur-fumigated Paeoniae Radix Alba. Therefore, sulfur-fumigation processing may have great influence on the quality of Chinese herbal prescription. PMID:27034892

Application of near-infrared spectroscopy for the rapid quality assessment of Radix Paeoniae Rubra

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhan, Hao; Fang, Jing; Tang, Liying; Yang, Hongjun; Li, Hua; Wang, Zhuju; Yang, Bin; Wu, Hongwei; Fu, Meihong

2017-08-01

Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with multivariate analysis was used to quantify gallic acid, catechin, albiflorin, and paeoniflorin in Radix Paeoniae Rubra, and the feasibility to classify the samples originating from different areas was investigated. A new high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated to analyze gallic acid, catechin, albiflorin, and paeoniflorin in Radix Paeoniae Rubra as the reference. Partial least squares (PLS), principal component regression (PCR), and stepwise multivariate linear regression (SMLR) were performed to calibrate the regression model. Different data pretreatments such as derivatives (1st and 2nd), multiplicative scatter correction, standard normal variate, Savitzky-Golay filter, and Norris derivative filter were applied to remove the systematic errors. The performance of the model was evaluated according to the root mean square of calibration (RMSEC), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), and correlation coefficient (r). The results show that compared to PCR and SMLR, PLS had a lower RMSEC, RMSECV, and RMSEP and higher r for all the four analytes. PLS coupled with proper pretreatments showed good performance in both the fitting and predicting results. Furthermore, the original areas of Radix Paeoniae Rubra samples were partly distinguished by principal component analysis. This study shows that NIR with PLS is a reliable, inexpensive, and rapid tool for the quality assessment of Radix Paeoniae Rubra.

Lipoxygenase-inhibiting phenolic glycosides and monoterpene glycosides from Paeonia lactiflora.

PubMed

Zou, Liang; Hu, Lin-Feng; Guo, Yi-Dong; Song, Yu; Fu, Qiang

2015-01-01

The EtOH extract of the roots of Paeonia lactiflora afforded a new phenolic glycoside paenoside A (1) and a new monoterpene glycoside paeonin D (2), and five known monoterpene glycosides. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic means and hydrolysis products. All compounds displayed inhibitory potential against enzyme lipoxygenase.

Vasodilatory effects of ethanol extract of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and its mechanism of action in the rat aorta.

PubMed

Jin, Song Nan; Wen, Jin Fu; Wang, Ting Ting; Kang, Dae Gill; Lee, Ho Sub; Cho, Kyung Woo

2012-06-26

Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is an important traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) commonly used in clinic for a long history in China. RPR is the radix of either Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. RPR has a wide variety of pharmacological actions such as anti-thrombus, anti-coagulation, and anti-atherosclerotic properties, protecting heart and liver. However, the mechanisms involved are to be defined. The aim of the present study was to define the effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. extracts on vascular tension and responsible mechanisms in rat thoracic aortic rings. Ethanol extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (EPL) was examined for their vascular relaxant effects in isolated phenylephrine-precontracted rat thoracic aorta. EPL induced relaxation of the phenylephrine-precontracted aortic rings in a concentration-dependent manner. Vascular relaxation induced by EPL was significantly inhibited by removal of the endothelium or pretreatment of the rings with N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) or 1H-[1,2,4]-oxadiazolo-[4,3-α]-quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ). Extracellular Ca²⁺ depletion or diltiazem significantly attenuated EPL-induced vasorelaxation. Modulators of the store-operated Ca²⁺ entry (SOCE), thapsigargin, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate and Gd³⁺, and an inhibitor of Akt, wortmannin, markedly attenuated the EPL-induced vasorelaxation. Further, the EPL-induced vasorelaxation was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with tetraethylammonium, a non-selective K(Ca) channels blocker, or glibenclamide, an ATP-sensitive K⁺ channels inhibitor, respectively. Inhibition of cyclooxygenases with indomethacin, and adrenergic and muscarinic receptors blockade had no effects on the EPL-induced vasorelaxation. The present study suggests that EPL relaxes vascular smooth muscle via endothelium-dependent and Akt- and SOCE-eNOS-cGMP-mediated pathways through activation of both K(Ca) and K(ATP) channels and inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ channels. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Pharmacological evaluation of insulin mimetic novel suppressors of PEPCK gene transcription from Paeoniae Rubra Radix.

PubMed

Juan, Yi-Chen; Chang, Chia-Chuan; Tsai, Wei-Jern; Lin, Yun-Lian; Hsu, Yi-Shin; Liu, Hui-Kang

2011-09-01

Paeoniae Rubra Radix (root of Paeonia lactiflora) has been frequently employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as and anti-diabetic therapy to enhance blood circulation and dissipate stasis. Previously, we identified a novel hypoglycemic action of a crude extract from Paeoniae Rubra Radix, which also suppressed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) gene transcription. Therefore, the current investigation intended to elucidate potential active bio-constituents of this herb and mechanisms of action. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) nuclear localization, the PEPCK messenger (m)RNA level, pregnane X receptor (PXR) mRNA expression, cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) serine phosphorylation and DNA binding were evaluated in dexamethasone (Dex) and 8-bromo-cAMP (CA)-stimulated H4IIE cells, while efficacy of agents was assessed in a stable cell line containing a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter driven by the PEPCK promoter. HPLC profiling, colorimetric assays, and NMR analysis were employed for chemical characterization purpose. An extract of Paeoniae Rubra Radix lacking the insulin mimetic compound, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-d-glucose (PGG), and termed the non-PGG fraction (NPF), consisting of tannin polymers, suppressed PEPCK expression in the presence of an insulin receptor antagonist (HNMPA-AM(3)), suggesting the action of this fraction is independent of the insulin receptor. Furthermore, Dex-stimulated GR nuclear localization and transactivation were prevented by the NPF. Similarly, CA-stimulated CREB serine phosphorylation and DNA binding were also inhibited by the NPF in H4IIE cells. Hence NPF antagonizes both signaling pathways that induce PEPCK gene transcription. In conclusion, the current study proposes that the potent suppressive activity on PEPCK gene transcription observed with Paeoniae Rubra Radix extract, can be attributed to at least two distinct components, namely PGG and NPF. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Data mining analysis of regularity of formulas containing Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Carthami Flos medicin pair in Dictionary of Chinese Medicine Prescription].

PubMed

Cui, Yi-Ran; Liu, Xin; Shen, Dan; Yang, Hong-Jun; Tang, Shi-Huan

2016-02-01

In this study, formulas containing Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Carthami Flos in the database of Dictionary of Chinese Medicine Prescription (DCMP) were extracted by using traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support system (TCMISS). The drugs pairs and formula composition rules were analyzed with data mining methods, such as association rules, improved mutual information method and complex system entropy clustering. Totally 39 formulas were included in this study and involved 280 Chinese medicines. The top 5 Chinese medicines most frequently used were Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), Baishao(Radix Paeoniae Alba), Taoren(Prunus persica) and Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Recens). Six core medicinal pairs were obtained through clustering analysis, namely Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma)-Honghua (Carthami Flos), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)-Honghua (Carthami Flos), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Danggui (A. sinensis)-Xiagnfu (Cyperi Rhizoma)-Honghua (Carthami Flos), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Danggui (A. sinensis)-Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)-Honghua (Carthami Flos), Honghua (Carthami Flos)-Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)-Danggui (A. sinensis), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)-Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)-Honghua (Carthami Flos)-Danggui (A. sinensis). The support degree was set at 11 (38.46%), with a confidence coefficient of 80%, and then 38 associated pairs were screened. These results suggested that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Carthami Flos is often combined with herbs for activating blood and promoting circulation of qi to treat gynecopathy, stasis blood pain syndrome, stroke and other syndromes. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Toxicological safety and stability of the components of an irradiated Korean medicinal herb, Paeoniae Radix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Young-Beob; Jeong, Ill-Yun; Park, Hae-Ran; Oh, Heon; Jung, Uhee; Jo, Sung-Kee

2004-09-01

As utilization of medicinal herbs in food and bio-industry increases, mass production and the supply of herbs with a high quality are required. As the use of fumigants and preservatives for herbs is being restricted, safe hygienic technologies are demanded. To consider the possibility of the application of irradiation technology for this purpose, the genotoxicological safety and stability of the active components of the γ-irradiated Paeoniae Radix were studied. The herb was irradiated with γ-rays at a practical dosage of 10 kGy, and then it was extracted with hot water. The genotoxicity of the extract of the irradiated herb was examined in two short-term in vitro tests: (1) Ames test in Salmonella typhimurium; (2) Micronucleus test in cultured Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The extract of the irradiated herb did not show mutagenicity in the Ames test of the Salmonella reverse mutation assay, and did not show cytogenetic toxicity in the culture of the CHO cells. HPLC chromatogram of paeoniflorin in the irradiated Paeoniae Radix was similar with that of the non-irradiated sample. The quantity of paeoniflorin did not change significantly with irradiation. These results suggest that γ-irradiated Paeoniae Radix is toxicologically safe and chemically stable.

Methylation mediated by an anthocyanin, O-methyltransferase, is involved in purple flower coloration in Paeonia

PubMed Central

Du, Hui; Wu, Jie; Ji, Kui-Xian; Zeng, Qing-Yin; Bhuiya, Mohammad-Wadud; Su, Shang; Shu, Qing-Yan; Ren, Hong-Xu; Liu, Zheng-An; Wang, Liang-Sheng

2015-01-01

Anthocyanins are major pigments in plants. Methylation plays a role in the diversity and stability of anthocyanins. However, the contribution of anthocyanin methylation to flower coloration is still unclear. We identified two homologous anthocyanin O-methyltransferase (AOMT) genes from purple-flowered (PsAOMT) and red-flowered (PtAOMT) Paeonia plants, and we performed functional analyses of the two genes in vitro and in vivo. The critical amino acids for AOMT catalytic activity were studied by site-directed mutagenesis. We showed that the recombinant proteins, PsAOMT and PtAOMT, had identical substrate preferences towards anthocyanins. The methylation activity of PsAOMT was 60 times higher than that of PtAOMT in vitro. Interestingly, this vast difference in catalytic activity appeared to result from a single amino acid residue substitution at position 87 (arginine to leucine). There were significant differences between the 35S::PsAOMT transgenic tobacco and control flowers in relation to their chromatic parameters, which further confirmed the function of PsAOMT in vivo. The expression levels of the two homologous AOMT genes were consistent with anthocyanin accumulation in petals. We conclude that AOMTs are responsible for the methylation of cyanidin glycosides in Paeonia plants and play an important role in purple coloration in Paeonia spp. PMID:26208646

Identification, characterization, and palynology of high-valued medicinal plants.

PubMed

Fazal, Hina; Ahmad, Nisar; Haider Abbasi, Bilal

2013-01-01

High-valued medicinal plants Achillea millefolium, Acorus calamus, Arnebia nobilis, Fumaria indica, Gymnema sylvestre, Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Peganum harmala, Psoralea corylifolia, Rauwolfia serpentina, and Vetiveria zizanioides were identified with the help of taxonomical markers and investigated for characterization and palynological studies. These parameters are used to analyze their quality, safety, and standardization for their safe use. Botanical description and crude drug description is intended for their quality assurance at the time of collection, commerce stages, manufacturing, and production. For this purpose the detailed morphology was studied and compared with the Flora of Pakistan and other available literatures. Here we reported the pollen grain morphology of Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Psoralea corylifolia, and Rauwolfia serpentina for the first time. Similarly the crude drug study of Gymnema sylvestre (leaf), Origanum vulgare (aerial parts), Paeonia emodi (tubers), and Peganum harmala (seeds) was also carried out for the first time.

Identification, Characterization, and Palynology of High-Valued Medicinal Plants

PubMed Central

Fazal, Hina; Ahmad, Nisar; Haider Abbasi, Bilal

2013-01-01

High-valued medicinal plants Achillea millefolium, Acorus calamus, Arnebia nobilis, Fumaria indica, Gymnema sylvestre, Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Peganum harmala, Psoralea corylifolia, Rauwolfia serpentina, and Vetiveria zizanioides were identified with the help of taxonomical markers and investigated for characterization and palynological studies. These parameters are used to analyze their quality, safety, and standardization for their safe use. Botanical description and crude drug description is intended for their quality assurance at the time of collection, commerce stages, manufacturing, and production. For this purpose the detailed morphology was studied and compared with the Flora of Pakistan and other available literatures. Here we reported the pollen grain morphology of Origanum vulgare, Paeonia emodi, Psoralea corylifolia, and Rauwolfia serpentina for the first time. Similarly the crude drug study of Gymnema sylvestre (leaf), Origanum vulgare (aerial parts), Paeonia emodi (tubers), and Peganum harmala (seeds) was also carried out for the first time. PMID:23844389

[Optimization of extraction technology from Paeoniae Radix Alba using response surface methodology].

PubMed

Jin, Lin; Zhao, Wan-shun; Guo, Qiao-sheng; Zhang, Wen-sheng; Ye, Zheng-liang

2015-08-01

To ensure the stability of chemistry components and the convenience of operation, ultrasound method was chosen to study in this investigation. As the total common peaks area in chromatograms was set to be evaluation index, the influence on the technology caused by extraction time, ethanol concentration and liquid-to-solid ratio was studied by using single factor methodology, and the extraction technology of Paeoniae Radix Alba was optimized by using response surface methodology. The results showed that the extracting results were most affected by ethanol concentration; liquid-to-solid ratio came the second and extraction time thirdly. The optimum ultrasonic-assisted extraction conditions were as follow: the ultrasonic extraction time was 20.06 min, the ethanol concentration in solvent was 72.04%, and the liquid-to-solid ratio was 53.38 mL · g(-1), the predicted value of total common peaks area was 2.1608 x 10(8). Under the extraction conditions after optimization, the total common peaks area was 2.1422 x 10(8), and the relative deviation between the measured and predicted value was 0.86%, so the optimized extraction technology for Paeoniae Radix Alba is suitable and feasible. Besides, for the purpose of extracting more sufficiently and completely, the optimized extraction technology had more advantages than the extraction method recorded in the monogragh of Paeoniae Radix Alba in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, which will come true the assessment and utilization comprehensively.

Bioinspired peony-like beta-Ni(OH)2 nanostructures with enhanced electrochemical activity and superhydrophobicity.

PubMed

Cao, Huaqiang; Zheng, He; Liu, Kaiyu; Warner, Jamie H

2010-02-01

Constructing complex nanostructures has become increasingly important in the development of hydrogen storage, self-cleaning materials, and the formation of chiral branched nanowires. Several approaches have been developed to generate complex nanostructures, which have led to novel applications. Combining biology and nanotechnology through the utilization of biomolecules to chemically template the growth of complex nanostructures during synthesis has aroused great interest. Herein, we use a biomolecule-assisted hydrothermal method to synthesize beta-phase Ni(OH)(2) peony-like complex nanostructures with second-order structure nanoplate structure. The novel beta-Ni(OH)(2) nanostructures exhibit high-power Ni/MH battery performance, close to the theoretical capacity of Ni(OH)(2), as well as controlled wetting behavior. We demonstrate that this bioinspired route to generate a complex nanostructure has applications in environmental protection and green secondary cells. This approach opens up opportunities for the synthesis and potential applications of new kinds of nanostructures.

Monoterpene derivatives from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora and their anti-proliferative activity.

PubMed

Li, Pan; Zhang, Ze-Ming; Li, Tao; Zhang, Yan-Bo; Sze, Stephen Cho Wing; Wang, Guo-Cai; Li, Yao-Lan; Ye, Wen-Cai

2014-10-01

An unusual nor-monoterpene with only nine carbons, nor-paeonilactone (1), two new monoterpenes, paeonisuffrone C (2), paeonilactone D (9), and a new monoterpene glucoside, paeonin D (3), along with ten known compounds were isolated from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis, including 1D and 2D NMR, and computational data. Compounds 4-14 were evaluated for their anti-proliferative activities against BT 483 human breast cancer cells and OVCA 429 human ovarian cancer cells by MTT assay. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Analysis of variation of monoterpene glycosides and polyhydroxy compounds in paeoniae radix alba during preliminary processing].

PubMed

Xu, Yuan; Liu, Pei; Yan, Hui; Qian, Da-Wei; Duan, Jin-Ao

2014-05-01

To investigate variation of monoterpene glycosides and polyhydroxy compounds in Paeoniae Radix Alba dried by different processing methods. The crude drugs were processed sequentially as washed, removed the head, tail, fine roots and dried. The samples were divided into eight groups by whether peeled and decocted or not. Each group was dried by 35, 45, 60, 80,100, 120 degrees C, sun-dried and shade-dried. HPLC-PDA method was adopted to determine the content of monoterpene glycosides compounds (paeoniflorin alibiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin), polyhydroxy compounds (catechin and gallic acid) and benzoic acid. Chromatographic conditions: Phecad C18 column (250 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microm). A principal component analysis (PCA) method was used subsequently to get data processed. The retained content of seven constituents decreased in those peeled crude drug, and after cooked, monoterpene glycosides and polyhydroxy compounds increased while the benzoic acid decreased. It was believed that rele- vant enzymes were inactivated while being cooked so that drying temperature showed little influence on the biotransformation. Contents of effective ingredients in Paeoniae Radix Alba are influenced by drying processing. The preferable method shows to be that crude drug should be cooked before being peeled and dried. As a matter of processing convtence, it is suggested to be peeled and sliced before being dried.

Bioassay-guided isolation of novel compound from Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews roots as an IL-1β inhibitor.

PubMed

Choi, Yun-Hyeok; Yoo, Hee-Jung; Noh, Ill Chan; Lee, Jeong-Min; Park, Jae Won; Choi, Wahn Soo; Choi, Jung Ho

2012-05-01

The inhibition of Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is of substantial interest for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Using an in vitro assay with RAW 264.7 cells, oxo-acetic acid 2-ethoxy-4-(3-hydroxy-2-oxopropyl) phenyl ester (1) was isolated from the roots of Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews as an inhibitor of IL-1β with an IC(50) value of 56 μM. Compound 1 is a novel phenylesteric compound from P. suffruticosa Andrews. Compound 1 was shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. Thus, a possible new action of novel compound is provided explaining the anti-rheumatoid arthritic properties of P. suffruticosa Andrews.

[Features of Professor Ma Kun's medication in treating ovulatory infertility].

PubMed

Tong, Ya-Jing; Zhang, Hui-Xian; Chen, Yan-Xia; Dong, Mei-Ling; Ma, Kun

2017-12-01

In order to analyze Professor Ma Kun's medication in treating anovulatory infertility, her prescriptions for treating anovulatory infertility in 2012-2015 were collected. The medication features and the regularity of prescriptions were mined by using traditional Chinese medicine inheritance support system, association rules, complex system entropy clustering and other mining methods. Finally, a total of 684 prescriptions and 300 kinds of herbs were screened out, with a total frequency of 11 156 times; And 68 core combinations and 8 new prescriptions were mined. The top three frequently used herbs by effect were respectively tonic herb, blood circulation promoting herb, and Qi-circulation promoting herb. The top three tastes were sweetness, bitterness and pungent flavor. The results showed 28 herbs with a high frequency of ≥100.The top 10 frequently used herbs were respectively Angelica Sinensis Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizome, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Cyathulae Radix, Taxilli Herba, Cuscutae Semen, Codonopsis Radix, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, Paeoniae Albaand Paeoniae Radix Alba. The association rules analysis showed commonly used herbal pairs, including Rehmanniae Radix Preparata-Chuanxiong Rhizome, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata-Angelica Sinensis Radix, Cuscutae Semen-Dipsaci Radix. In conclusion, Professor Ma has treated anovulatory infertility by nourishing the kidney and activating blood throughout the treatment course, and attached the importance to the relationship between Qi and blood and there gulation of liver, spleen and kidney in treating anovulatory infertility. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Peonies: Promoting Person-Centered Services for People with Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Karon, Sarita

2007-01-01

People who live at the margins of society--those living with physical, psychological or cognitive disability, low literacy, low income, domestic violence, or discrimination--inhabit a large but often disempowered part of US society. Several fields, including social work, nursing, and adult education serve people living at these societal margins.…

Peony glycosides reverse the effects of corticosterone on behavior and brain BDNF expression in rats.

PubMed

Mao, Qing-Qiu; Huang, Zhen; Ip, Siu-Po; Xian, Yan-Fang; Che, Chun-Tao

2012-02-01

Repeated injections of corticosterone (CORT) induce the dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in depressive-like behavior. This study aimed to examine the antidepressant-like effect and the possible mechanisms of total glycosides of peony (TGP) in the CORT-induced depression model in rats. The results showed that the 3-week CORT injections induced the significant increase in serum CORT levels in rats. Repeated CORT injections also caused depression-like behavior in rats, as indicated by the significant decrease in sucrose consumption and increase in immobility time in the forced swim test. Moreover, it was found that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex were significantly decreased in CORT-treated rats. Treatment of the rats with TGP significantly suppressed the depression-like behavior and increased brain BDNF levels in CORT-treated rats. The results suggest that TGP produces an antidepressant-like effect in CORT-treated rats, which is possibly mediated by increasing BDNF expression in the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

75 FR 65648 - Notice of Proposed Withdrawal Extension and Opportunity for Public Meeting for the Peony, Pole...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-10-26

..., Pole Pick, and Frank Burge Seed Orchards; Washington AGENCY: Bureau of Land Management, Interior... of Land Management (BLM) that proposes to extend the duration of Public Land Order (PLO) No. 6952 for... land from location and entry under the United States mining laws in order to protect the integrity and...

77 FR 66479 - Public Land Order No. 7805; Extension of Public Land Order No. 6952; WA

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-11-05

...-year period. The extension is necessary to continue protection of the tree improvement and forest... telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800- 877-8339... withdrawal was first made requires this extension to continue protection of the Peony, Pole Pick, and Frank...

Chemical constituents with anti-allergic activity from the root of Edulis Superba, a horticultural cultivar of Paeonia lactiflora.

PubMed

Shi, Yan-Hong; Zhu, Shu; Tamura, Takayuki; Kadowaki, Makoto; Wang, Zhengtao; Yoshimatsu, Kayo; Komatsu, Katsuko

2016-04-01

The methanolic extract and its subfractions from the dried root of Edulis Superba, a horticultural cultivar of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, showed potent anti-allergic effect as inhibition of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated degranulation in rat basophil leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of 26 compounds, including a new norneolignan glycoside, paeonibenzofuran (1), together with 25 known ones (2-26). The chemical structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic and chemical evidences. Among the isolated compounds, mudanpioside E (5) with paeoniflorin-type skeleton and quercetin (16) showed potent inhibitory activity against a degranulation marker, β-hexosaminidase release with IC50 values of 40.34 and 25.05 μM, respectively. A primary structure-activity relationship of these components was discussed.

Review on Prescription Compatibility of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction and Reflection on Pharmacokinetic Compatibility Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescription Based on In Vivo Drug Interaction of Main Efficacious Components

PubMed Central

Bi, Xiaolin; Gong, Meirong; Di, Liuqing

2014-01-01

Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (SGD) derived from Zhang Zhongjing's “Typhoid Theory” is composed of peony and licorice, having the efficacy of nourishing liver, relaxing spasm, and relieving pain. Modern compatibility studies of SGD on chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics all demonstrate the reasonable compatibility of peony and licorice. However, the present research on pharmacokinetics is only descriptive and limited to the influence on in vivo dynamic process of certain ingredients; correspondingly, there is lack of studies on the essence of these efficacious substances' in vivo changes; that is, whether it is because there exists in vivo drug interaction in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of active ingredients that leads to the improvement of bioavailability. We herein take SGD as an example and suggest that it is necessary to study in vivo drug interaction of main efficacious components mediated by metabolic enzymes, transport proteins, or plasma protein binding in the course of ADME, which is helpful to illustrate the principle of pharmacokinetic compatibility from the essence leading to the changes of effective substances in vivo. PMID:25147573

Timing of herbaceous weed control in lower coastal plain loblolly pine plantations

Treesearch

Harold E. Quicke; Dwight K. Lauer

2006-01-01

Pine response to different post-plant herbaceous weed control timings was evaluated following mechanical (bedding) and chemical site preparation. Results indicate that sizeable productivity gains are possible with site-specific timing of herbaceous weed control treatments. For sites with > 20 percent cover in June of the first year, the best timing for herbaceous...

Effect of controlling herbaceous and woody competing vegetation on wood quality of planted loblolly pine

Treesearch

Alexander Clark; Richard F. Daniels; James H. Miller

2006-01-01

Southern pine plantations are increasingly established using herbicides to control herbaceous and/or woody competing vegetation to enhance growth, but little is known about the effect on wood quality. A study was established at 13 southern locations in 1984 to examine the effects of complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous competition for the...

Eleventh-year response of loblolly pine and competing vegetation to woody and herbaceous plant control on a Georgia flatwoods site

Treesearch

Bruce R. Zutter; James H. Miller

1998-01-01

Through 11 growing seasons, growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) increased after control of herbaceous, woody, or both herbaceous and woody vegetation (total control) for the first 3 years after planting on a bedded site in the Georgia coastal flatwoods. Gains in stand volume index from controlling either herbaceous or woody vegetation alone were approximately two-...

A standardized extract from Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus attenuates liver fibrosis induced by porcine serum in rats.

PubMed

Sun, Wu-Yi; Wang, Ling; Liu, Hao; Li, Xiang; Wei, Wei

2012-03-01

Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus are two popular traditional Chinese medicines, commonly used in Chinese herb prescription to treat liver disease. The extract prepared from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora and Astragalus membranaceus (PAE) demonstrated better hepatoprotective activity than the herbs used individually as shown in our previous studies. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of PAE on liver fibrosis induced by porcine serum (PS) in rats and to explore its possible mechanisms. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by injection with PS intraperitoneally. The rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a liver fibrosis model group and a PAE (40, 80, 160 mg•kg-1) treated group. After a 16-week treatment, PAE-treated rats showed significantly reduced liver damage and symptoms of liver fibrosis upon pathological examination. Administration of PAE significantly decreased serum HA, PC III levels, and content of hydroxyproline in the liver tissue of fibrotic rats. It also restored the decrease in SOD and GSH-Px activities and inhibited the formation of lipid peroxidative products during PS treatment. In vitro, PAE also significantly decreased [3H]-thymidine incorporation in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor-B subunit homodimer (PDGF-BB). Moreover, PAE significantly decreased the expression of PDGF receptor beta (PDGFR-β) and p-ERK1/2, p-p38, p-JNK. The results showed that PAE displays antifibrotic effects in rats induced by PS, the mechanism by which might be associated with its ability to scavenge free radicals, decreasing the expression of PDGFR-β, inhibition of HSC proliferation and MAPK activation. These findings indicate that PAE is a potential agent for the prevention of liver fibrosis.

Polyoxygenated Cyclohexenoids with Promising α-Glycosidase Inhibitory Activity Produced by Phomopsis sp. YE3250, an Endophytic Fungus Derived from Paeonia delavayi.

PubMed

Huang, Rong; Jiang, Bo-Guang; Li, Xiao-Nian; Wang, Ya-Ting; Liu, Si-Si; Zheng, Kai-Xuan; He, Jian; Wu, Shao-Hua

2018-02-07

Seven new polyoxygenated cyclohexenoids, namely, phomopoxides A-G (1-7), were isolated from the fermentation broth extract of an endophytic fungal strain Phomopsis sp. YE3250 from the medicinal plant Paeonia delavayi Franch. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic interpretation. The absolute configurations of compounds 1 and 4 were confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis and chemical derivative approach. All isolated compounds showed weak cytotoxic activities toward three human tumor cell lines (Hela, MCF-7, and NCI-H460) and weak antifungal activities against five pathogenic fungi (Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Pyricularia oryzae, Fusarium avenaceum, and Hormodendrum compactum). In addition, compounds 1-7 showed a promising α-glycosidase inhibitory activity with IC 50 values of 1.47, 1.55, 1.83, 2.76, 2.88, 3.16, and 2.94 mM, respectively, as compared with a positive control of acarbose (IC 50 = 1.22 mM).

Paeoniae alba Radix Promotes Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

PubMed Central

Huang, Kun-Shan; Lin, Jaung-Geng; Lee, Han-Chung; Tsai, Fuu-Jen; Bau, Da-Tian; Huang, Chih-Yang; Yao, Chun-Hsu; Chen, Yueh-Sheng

2011-01-01

The present study provides in vitro and in vivo evaluation of Paeoniae alba Radix (PR) on peripheral nerve regeneration. In the in vitro study, we found the PR caused a marked enhancement of the nerve growth factor-mediated neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells as well as their expression of growth associated protein 43 and synapsin I. In the in vivo study, silicone rubber chambers filled with the PR water extract were used to bridge a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rats. At the conclusion of 8 weeks, regenerated nerves in the PR groups, especially at 1.25 mg ml−1 had a higher rate of successful regeneration across the wide gap, relatively larger mean values of total nerve area, myelinated axon count and blood vessel number, and a significantly larger nerve conductive velocity compared to the control group (P  <  .05). These results suggest that the PR extract can be a potential nerve growth-promoting factor, being salutary in aiding the growth of injured peripheral nerve. PMID:19687191

Paeonia lactiflora Enhances the Adhesion of Trophoblast to the Endometrium via Induction of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor Expression

PubMed Central

Park, Mi-Ju; Lee, Kyu Sup; Yoon, Youngjin; Kim, Hyung Sik; Lee, Jun Hee; Kwon, Sang-Mo; Lee, Syng-Ook; Kim, Keuk-Jun; Baek, Jin-Ho; Ha, Ki-Tae

2016-01-01

In the present study, we investigated the role of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. extract on embryo implantation in vitro and in vivo. A polysaccharides depleted-water extract of P. lactiflora (PL-PP) increased LIF expression in human endometrial Ishikawa cells at non-cytotoxic doses. PL-PP significantly increased the adhesion of the human trophectoderm-derived JAr spheroids to endometrial Ishikawa cells. PL-PP-induced LIF expression was decreased in the presence of a p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 and an MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126. Furthermore, endometrial LIF knockdown by shRNA reduced the expression of integrins β3 and β5 and adhesion of JAr spheroids to Ishikawa cells. In vivo administration of PL-PP restored the implantation of mouse blastocysts in a mifepristone-induced implantation failure mice model. Our results demonstrate that PL-PP increases LIF expression via the p38 and MEK/ERK pathways and favors trophoblast adhesion to endometrial cells. PMID:26839969

Herbaceous production response to juniper treatment

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) has expanded and infilled into other plant communities the past 130 to 150 years in the semi-arid Pacific Northwest. The increase in juniper reduces herbaceous forage and browse provided by shrubs for livestock and big-game. We measured herbaceous prod...

Herbaceous response to type and severity of disturbance

Treesearch

Katherine J. Elliott; Craig A. Harper; Beverly Collins

2011-01-01

The herbaceous layer varies with topographic heterogeneity and harbors the great majority of plant diversity in eastern deciduous forests. We described the interplay between disturbances, both natural and human-caused, and composition, dynamics, and diversity of herbaceous vegetation, especially those in early successional habitats. Management actions that create low...

Phenology of mixed woody-herbaceous ecosystems following extreme events: net and differential responses.

PubMed

Rich, Paul M; Breshears, David D; White, Amanda B

2008-02-01

Ecosystem responses to key climate drivers are reflected in phenological dynamics such as the timing and degree of "green-up" that integrate responses over spatial scales from individual plants to ecosystems. This integration is clearest in ecosystems dominated by a single species or life form, such as seasonally dynamic grasslands or more temporally constant evergreen forests. Yet many ecosystems have substantial contribution of cover from both herbaceous and woody evergreen plants. Responses of mixed woody-herbaceous ecosystems to climate are of increasing concern due to their extensive nature, the potential for such systems to yield more complex responses than those dominated by a single life form, and projections that extreme climate and weather events will increase in frequency and intensity with global warming. We present responses of a mixed woody-herbaceous ecosystem type to an extreme event: regional-scale piñon pine mortality following an extended drought and the subsequent herbaceous green-up following the first wet period after the drought. This example highlights how reductions in greenness of the slower, more stable evergreen woody component can rapidly be offset by increases associated with resources made available to the relatively more responsive herbaceous component. We hypothesize that such two-phase phenological responses to extreme events are characteristic of many mixed woody-herbaceous ecosystems.

Fire and the herbaceous layer of eastern oak forests

Treesearch

Todd Hutchinson

2006-01-01

Across oak forest landscapes, the herbaceous layer supports the great majority of plant diversity. As the use of prescribed fire increases, it is important to better understand its effects on biodiversity. This paper reviews the current ?state of the knowledge? regarding fire effects on herbaceous layer vegetation. In typical dormant-season fires, direct heating...

Sampling to assess species diversity of herbaceous layer vegetation in Allegheny hardwood forests

Treesearch

Todd E. Ristau; Stephen B. Horsley; Larry H. McCormick

2001-01-01

The optimum frequency and time of sampling required to generate comprehensive diversity indices of herbaceous species in Allegheny hardwood forests was studied. Four 8-ha sites on the Allegheny National Forest were sampled monthly from May to August in 1992 and 1993 for herbaceous layer species composition and percent cover.

Variation in herbaceous vegetation and soil moisture under treated and untreated oneseed juniper trees

Treesearch

Hector Ramirez; Alexander Fernald; Andres Cibils; Michelle Morris; Shad Cox; Michael Rubio

2008-01-01

Clearing oneseed juniper (Juniperus monosperma) may make more water available for aquifer recharge or herbaceous vegetation growth, but the effects of tree treatment on soil moisture dynamics are not fully understood. This study investigated juniper treatment effects on understory herbaceous vegetation concurrently with soil moisture dynamics using vegetation sampling...

Eleventh-year results of fertilization, herbaceous, and woody plant control in a loblolly pine plantation

Treesearch

James D. Haywood; Allan E. Tiarks

1990-01-01

Through 11 years, fertilization at planting significantly increased the stemwood volume (outside bark) per loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) on an intensively prepared moderately well-drained fine sandy loam site in northern Louisiana. Four years of herbaceous plant control significantly increased pine survival, and because herbaceous plant control...

Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus storage across a growing season by the herbaceous layer in urban and preserved temperate hardwood forests

Treesearch

Michaeleen Gerken Golay; Janette Thompson; Randall Kolka; Kris Verheyen

2016-01-01

Question: Herbaceous plant communities in hardwood forests are important for maintaining biodiversity and associated ecosystem services, such as nutrient storage. Are there differences in herbaceous layer nutrient storage for urban park and state preserve forests, and is there seasonal variation? Location:...

Roots of forbs sense climate fluctuations in the semi-arid Loess Plateau: Herb-chronology based analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Songlin; Li, Zongshan; Wang, Hao; von Arx, Georg; Lü, Yihe; Wu, Xing; Wang, Xiaochun; Liu, Guohua; Fu, Bojie

2016-06-01

Growth of herbaceous plants responds sensitively and rapidly to climate variability. Yet, little is known regarding how climate warming influences the growth of herbaceous plants, particularly in semi-arid sites. This contrasts with widely reported tree growth decline and even mortality in response to severe water deficits due to climate warming around the world. Here, we use the relatively novel approach of herb-chronology to analyze the correlation between climatic factors and annual ring width in the root xylem of two perennial forb species (Medicago sativa, Potentilla chinensis) in the Loess Plateau of China. We show that warming-induced water deficit has a significant negative effect on the growth of herbaceous plants in the Loess Plateau. Our results indicate that the growth of forbs responds rapidly and sensitively to drought variability, implying that water availability plays a dominant role in regulating the growth of herbaceous plants in semi-arid areas. If warming and drying in the Loess Plateau continue in the future, further affects the growth of herbaceous plants, potentially driving regional changes in the relationship between herbaceous vegetation and climate.

Roots of forbs sense climate fluctuations in the semi-arid Loess Plateau: Herb-chronology based analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, S.

2016-12-01

Growth of herbaceous plants responds sensitively and rapidly to climate variability. Yet, little is known regarding how climate warming influences the growth of herbaceous plants, particularly in semi-arid sites. This contrasts with widely reported tree growth decline and even mortality in response to severe water deficits due to climate warming around the world. Here, we use the relatively novel approach of herb-chronology to analyze the correlation between climatic factors and annual ring width in the root xylem of two perennial forb species (Medicago sativa, Potentilla chinensis) in the Loess Plateau of China. We show that warming-induced water deficit has a significant negative effect on the growth of herbaceous plants in the Loess Plateau. Our results indicate that the growth of forbs responds rapidly and sensitively to drought variability, implying that water availability plays a dominant role in regulating the growth of herbaceous plants in semi-arid areas. If warming and drying in the Loess Plateau continue in the future, further affects the growth of herbaceous plants, potentially driving regional changes in the relationship between herbaceous vegetation and climate.

Inhibitory effect of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas extract (PE) on poly (I:C)-induced immune response of epidermal keratinocytes.

PubMed

Choi, Mi-Ra; Choi, Dae-Kyoung; Sohn, Kyung-Cheol; Lim, Seul Ki; Kim, Dong-Il; Lee, Young Ho; Im, Myung; Lee, Young; Seo, Young-Joon; Kim, Chang Deok; Lee, Jeung-Hoon

2015-01-01

Epidermal keratinocytes provide protective role against external stimuli by barrier formation. In addition, kertinocytes exerts their role as the defense cells via activation of innate immunity. Disturbance of keratinocyte functions is related with skin disorders. Psoriasis is a common skin disease related with inflammatory reaction in epidermal cells. We attempted to find therapeutics for psoriasis, and found that Paeonia lactiflora Pallas extract (PE) has an inhibitory potential on poly (I:C)-induced inflammation of keratinocytes. PE significantly inhibited poly (I:C)-induced expression of crucial psoriatic cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, CCL20 and TNF-α, via down-regulation of NF-κB signaling pathway in human keratinocytes. In addition, PE significantly inhibited poly (I:C)-induced inflammasome activation, in terms of IL-1β and caspase-1 secretion. Finally, PE markedly inhibited poly (I:C)-increased NLRP3, an important component of inflammasome. These results indicate that PE has an inhibitory effect on poly (I:C)-induced inflammatory reaction of keratinocytes, suggesting that PE can be developed for the treatment of psoriasis.

Assessing tolerance of longleaf pine understory herbaceous plants to herbicide applications in a container nursery

Treesearch

D. Paul Jackson; Scott A. Enebak; James West; Drew Hinnant

2015-01-01

Renewed efforts in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) ecosystem restoration has increased interest in the commercial production of understory herbaceous species. Successful establishment of understory herbaceous species is enhanced when using quality nursery-grown plants that have a better chance of survival after outplanting. Nursery growing practices have not been...

Functional role of the herbaceous layer in eastern deciduous forest

Treesearch

Katherine J. Elliott; James M. Vose; Jennifer D. Knoepp; Barton D. Clinton; Brian D. Kloeppel

2014-01-01

The importance of the herbaceous layer in regulating ecosystem processes in deciduous forests is generally unknown. We use a manipulative study in a rich, mesophytic cove forest in the southern Appalachians to test the following hypotheses: (i) the herbaceous functional group (HFG) in mesophytic coves accelerates carbon and nutrient cycling, (ii) high litter quality...

Non-random species loss in a forest herbaceous layer following nitrogen addition

Treesearch

Christopher A. ​Walter; Mary Beth Adams; Frank S. Gilliam; William T. Peterjohn

2017-01-01

Nitrogen (N) additions have decreased species richness (S) in hardwood forest herbaceous layers, yet the functional mechanisms for these decreases have not been explicitly evaluated.We tested two hypothesized mechanisms, random species loss (RSL) and non-random species loss (NRSL), in the hardwood forest herbaceous layer of a long-term, plot-scale...

Response of herbaceous plant community diversity and composition to overstorey harvest within riparian management zones in Northern Hardwoods

Treesearch

Eric K. Zenner; Michelle A. Martin; Brian J. Palik; Jerilynn E. Peck; Charles R. Blinn

2013-01-01

Partial timber harvest within riparian management zones (RMZs) may permit active management of riparian forests while protecting stream ecosystems, but impacts on herbaceous communities are poorly understood. We compared herbaceous plant community abundance, diversity and composition in RMZs along small streams in northern Minnesota, USA, among four treatments before...

Simultaneous determination of bioactive components of Radix Angelicae Sinensis-Radix Paeoniae Alba herb couple in rat plasma and tissues by UPLC-MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution.

PubMed

Luo, Niancui; Li, Zhenhao; Qian, Dawei; Qian, Yefei; Guo, Jianming; Duan, Jin-Ao; Zhu, Min

2014-07-15

A highly sensitive and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of seven components in rat plasma and five components in rat tissues after oral administration of the extracts of different combination Radix Angelicae Sinensis-Radix Paeoniae Alba herb couple and has been applied to compare the different pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution properties of these bioactive components. The extracts of Radix Angelicae Sinensis (RAS), Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis-Radix Paeoniae Alba herb couple (RRHC) were orally administrated to rats, respectively. The concentrations of ferulic acid, caffeic acid, vanillic acid, ligustilide, paeoniflorin, albiflorin and oxypaeoniflorin in rat plasma and the concentrations of ferulic acid, vanillic acid, paeoniflorin, albiflorin and oxypaeoniflorin in tissues were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The plasma samples were pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol and the tissue samples were homogenated with water and pretreated by protein precipitation with methanol. Chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column using 0.1% formic acid-acetonitrile as mobile phase for gradient elution. A triple quadrupole (TQ) tandem mass spectrometry equipped with an electrospray ionization source was used as detector operating both in positive and negative ionization mode and operated by multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) scanning. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by DAS 2.0 program. The differences between each group were compared by SPSS 16.0 with Independent-Samples T-test. The pharmacokinetic parameters (such as Cmax, Tmax, T1/2, AUC0-T, MRT0-T, Vz/F or CLz/F) of all the detected components between the single herb (RAS or RPA) and herb pair (RRHP) showed significant differences (P<0.05). It indicated that the compatibility of RAS and RPA could alter the pharmacokinetics features of each component. Tissue distribution results showed that ferulic acid, vanillic acid, paeoniflorin, albiflorin and oxypaeoniflorin mostly distributed in liver and kidney both in herb couple and single herb distributed most in liver and kidney. Compared with single herb, RRHC could increase or decrease the concentrations of five components at different time points compared with the sing herb. The results indicated the method was successfully applied to the comparative study on pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of different combination of RRHC in rats. The compatibility of two Chinese herbs could alter the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution properties of major bio-active components in the single herb. The results might be helpful for further investigation of compatibility mechanism of RRHC. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on the herbaceous layer of a central Appalachian hardwood forest

Treesearch

Frank S. Gilliam; Anne W. Hockenberry; Mary Beth Adams

2006-01-01

Additions of nitrogen (N) have been shown to alter species diversity of plant communities, with most experimental studies having been carried out in communities dominated by herbaceous species. We examined seasonal and inter-annual patterns of change in the herbaceous layer of two watersheds of a central Appalachian hardwood forest that differed in experimental N...

Effects of herbaceous and woody plant control on longleaf pine growth and understory plant cover

Treesearch

James D. Haywood

2013-01-01

To determine if either herbaceous or woody plants are more competitive with longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) trees, four vegetation management treatments— check, herbaceous plant control (HPC), woody plant control (WPC), and HPC+WPC—were applied in newly established longleaf pine plantings in a randomized complete block design in two studies....

The Influence of Woody and Herbaceous Competition on Early Growth of Naturally Regenerated Loblolly and Shortleaf Pines

Treesearch

M. D. Cain

1991-01-01

Four levels of competition control were used to study the response of naturally regenerated loblolly and shortleaf pines (Pinus taeda L. and P. echinata Mill.) in southern Arkansas. Treatments included: (1) Check (no competition control), (2) woody competition control, herbaceous competition control, and (4) total control of nonpine vegetation. Herbaceous plants were...

Revegetating surface-mined lands with herbaceous and woody species together

Treesearch

Willis G. Vogel

1980-01-01

Herbaceous cover is required for erosion control on surface-mined lands even where forests are to be established. Where planted with trees, herbaceous species usually cause an increase in tree seedling mortality and retard tree growth, especially in the first few years after planting. Trees seem to be affected most by competition for moisture because their survival is...

Diagnosis of vegetation recovery within herbaceous sub-systems in the West African Sahel Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anchang, J.; Hanan, N. P.; Prihodko, L.; Sathyachandran, S. K.; Ji, W.; Ross, C. W.

2017-12-01

The West African Sahel (WAS) region is an extensive water limited environment that features a delicate balance of herbaceous and woody vegetation sub systems. These play an important role in the cycling of carbon while also supporting the dominant agro-pastoral human activities in the region. Quantifying the temporal trends in vegetation with regard to these two systems is therefore very important in assessing resource sustainability and food security. In water limited areas, rainfall is a primary driver of vegetation productivity and past watershed scale studies in the WAS region have shown that increase in the slope of the productivity-to-rainfall relationship is indicative of increasing cover and density of herbaceous plants. Given the importance of grazing resources to the region, we perform a wall-to-wall pixel based analysis of changing short-term vegetation sensitivity to changing annual rainfall (hereafter referred to as dS) to examine temporal trends in herbaceous vegetation health. Results indicate that 43% of the Sahelian region has experienced changes (P < 0.05) in herbaceous vegetation (dS). Areas with significant increases in dS are well distributed across the region, but with major concentrations in North-Central Senegal, South Western and Central Mali and South Western Niger. Positive dS is indicative of herbaceous vegetation recovery, in response to changing management and rainfall conditions that promote long-term herbaceous community recovery following degradation during the 1970-1980s droughts.

Restoration of three forest herbs in the Liliaceae family by manipulating deer herbivory and overstorey and understorey vegetation

Treesearch

Cynthia D. Huebner; Kurt W. Gottschalk; Gary W. Miller; Patrick H. Brose

2010-01-01

Research on herbaceous vegetation restoration in forests characterised by overstorey tree harvests, excessive deer herbivory, and a dominant fern understorey is lacking. Most of the plant diversity found in Eastern hardwood forests in the United States is found in the herbaceous understorey layer. Loss of forest herbaceous species is an indicator of declining forest...

Effects of herbaceous and woody plant control on Pinus palustris growth and foliar nutrients through six growing seasons

Treesearch

James D. Haywood

2005-01-01

To determine if either herbaceous or woody plants are more competitive with longleaf pine (Pinuspalustris P. Mill.) seedlings, two vegetation management treatments-herbaceous plant control (HPC, No or Yes) and woody plant control (WPC, No or Yes) were applied in newly established longleaf pine plantings in a randomized complete block 2 x 2 factorial...

Response of Foliage of Young Loblolly Pine to Woody and Herbaceous Plant Control

Treesearch

Bruce R. Zutter; James H. Miller; H. Lee Allen; Shepard M. Zedake; M. Boyd Edwards; Ray A. Newbold

1998-01-01

Woody and herbaceous weeds have been shown to have a significant negative impact on survival and/or growth of planted loblolly pine (Pinus fueae L.) in the southeastern United States (Nelson et al. 1981, Zutter et al. 1986. Bacon and Zedaker 1987, Miller et al. 1987, 1991). Most research studies have focttsed on the effects of controlling only herbaceous, only woody,...

Characterization of Combustion and Emission of Several Kinds of Herbaceous Biomass Pellets in a Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, S. Y.; Teng, H. P.; Jiao, W. H.; Shang, L. L.; Lu, Q. G.

Characterizations of combustion and emission of four kinds of herbaceous biomass pellets were investigated in a 0.15 MWt circulating fluidized bed. Corn stalk, wheat stalk, cotton stalk and king grass, which are typical herbaceous biomass in China, were chosen for this study. Temperature profile, emission in flue gas and agglomeration were studied by changing the combustion temperature between 750°C and 880°C. The combustion efficiencies are in the range from 97.4% to 99.4%, which are relatively high due to the homogeneous temperature profiles and good circulating fluidization of bed material. Suitable combustion temperatures for the different herbaceous biomass are mainly depended on the emission and bed agglomeration. SO2 and HCl concentrations in flue gas are in direct proportion to the sulfur and chlorine contents of the herbaceous biomass. Agglomeration at the cyclone leg and the loop seal is the main reason for defluidization in the CFB combustor.

Red River of the North Reconnaissance Report: Park River Subbasin.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-12-01

some paper birch. Common shrub species include snowberry, beaked hazel, chokecherry , high-bush cranberry, and Juneberry. Herbaceous plants consisted...developed shrub layer, which was represented by species such as chokecherry , gooseberry, and prickly ash. The light herbaceous cover was comprised of...fairly ~diverse and varies between 12 and 15 meters. The shrub s tratum is very dense with chokecherry . The herbaceous layer is relatively sparse. ’ii! 3

Capacities of Candidate Herbaceous Plants for Phytoremediation of Soil-based TNT and RDX on Ranges

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

ER D C TR -0 8- 8 Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Capacities of Candidate Herbaceous Plants for Phytoremediation ...Research and Development Program ERDC TR-08-8 September 2008 Capacities of Candidate Herbaceous Plants for Phytoremediation of Soil-based TNT and RDX...phytoextraction/plant-assisted phytoremediation capacity, both species of the uptaker/degrader type. Three other species were recommended for further

Savanna tree density, herbivores, and the herbaceous community: bottom-up vs. top-down effects.

PubMed

Riginos, Corinna; Grace, James B

2008-08-01

Herbivores choose their habitats both to maximize forage intake and to minimize their risk of predation. For African savanna herbivores, the available habitats range in woody cover from open areas with few trees to dense, almost-closed woodlands. This variation in woody cover or density can have a number of consequences for herbaceous species composition, cover, and productivity, as well as for ease of predator detection and avoidance. Here, we consider two alternative possibilities: first, that tree density affects the herbaceous vegetation, with concomitant "bottom-up" effects on herbivore habitat preferences; or, second, that tree density affects predator visibility, mediating "top-down" effects of predators on herbivore habitat preferences. We sampled sites spanning a 10-fold range of tree densities in an Acacia drepanolobium-dominated savanna in Laikipia, Kenya, for variation in (1) herbaceous cover, composition, and species richness; (2) wild and domestic herbivore use; and (3) degree of visibility obstruction by the tree layer. We then used structural equation modeling to consider the potential influences that tree density may have on herbivores and herbaceous community properties. Tree density was associated with substantial variation in herbaceous species composition and richness. Cattle exhibited a fairly uniform use of the landscape, whereas wild herbivores, with the exception of elephants, exhibited a strong preference for areas of low tree density. Model results suggest that this was not a response to variation in herbaceous-community characteristics, but rather a response to the greater visibility associated with more open places. Elephants, in contrast, preferred areas with higher densities of trees, apparently because of greater forage availability. These results suggest that, for all but the largest species, top-down behavioral effects of predator avoidance on herbivores are mediated by tree density. This, in turn, appears to have cascading effects on the herbaceous vegetation. These results shed light on one of the major features of the "landscape of fear" in which African savanna herbivores exist.

[Seed quality test methods of Paeonia suffruticosa].

PubMed

Cao, Ya-Yue; Zhu, Zai-Biao; Guo, Qiao-Sheng; Liu, Li; Wang, Chang-Lin

2014-11-01

In order to optimize the testing methods for Paeonia suffruticosa seed quality, and provide basis for establishing seed testing rules and seed quality standard of P. suffruticosa. The seed quality of P. suffruticosa from different producing areas was measured based on the related seed testing regulations. The seed testing methods for quality items of P. suffruticosa was established preliminarily. The samples weight of P. suffruticosa was at least 7 000 g for purity analysis and was at least 700 g for test. The phenotypic observation and size measurement were used for authenticity testing. The 1 000-seed weight was determined by 100-seed method, and the water content was carried out by low temperature drying method (10 hours). After soaking in distilled water for 24 h, the seeds was treated with different temperature stratifications of day and night (25 degrees C/20 degrees C, day/night) in the dark for 60 d. After soaking in the liquor of GA3 300 mg x L(-1) for 24 h, the P. suffruticos seeds were cultured in wet sand at 15 degrees C for 12-60 days for germination testing. Seed viability was tested by TlC method.

Effects of Re-vegetation on Herbaceous Species Composition and Biological Soil Crusts Development in a Coal Mine Dumping Site

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yang; Zhang, Peng; Hu, Yigang; Huang, Lei

2016-02-01

Despite the critical roles of plant species' diversity and biological soil crusts (BSCs) in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, the restoration of the diversity of herbaceous species and BSCs are rarely discussed during the process of vegetation restoration of anthropogenically damaged areas in these regions. In this study, the herbaceous plant species composition, along with the BSCs coverage and thicknesses, was investigated at six different re-vegetation type sites, and the natural vegetation site of the Heidaigou open pit coal mine in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was used as a reference. The highest total species richness (16), as well as the species richness (4.4), occurred in the Tree and Herbaceous vegetation type site. The species composition similarities between the restored sites and the reference site were shown to be very low, and ranged from 0.09 to 0.42. Also, among the restored sites, the similarities of the species were fairly high and similar, and ranged from 0.45 to 0.93. The density and height of the re-vegetated woody plants were significantly correlated with the indexes of the diversity of the species. The Shrub vegetation type site showed the greatest total coverage (80 %) of BSCs and algae crust coverage (48 %). The Shrub and Herbaceous type had the greatest thicknesses of BSCs, with as much as 3.06 mm observed, which was followed by 2.64 mm for the Shrub type. There was a significant correlation observed between the coverage of the total BSCs, and the total vegetation and herbaceous vegetation coverage, as well as between the algae crust coverage and the herbaceous vegetation coverage. It has been suggested that the re-vegetated dwarf woody plant species (such as shrubs and semi-shrubs) should be chosen for the optimal methods of the restoration of herbaceous species diversity at dumping sites, and these should be planted with low density. Furthermore, the effects of vegetation coverage on the colonization and development the BSCs should be considered in order to reconstruct the vegetation in disturbed environments, such as mine dumpsites in arid areas.

Facilitation between woody and herbaceous plants that associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in temperate European forests.

PubMed

Veresoglou, Stavros D; Wulf, Monika; Rillig, Matthias C

2017-02-01

In late-successional environments, low in available nutrient such as the forest understory, herbaceous plant individuals depend strongly on their mycorrhizal associates for survival. We tested whether in temperate European forests arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) woody plants might facilitate the establishment of AM herbaceous plants in agreement with the mycorrhizal mediation hypothesis. We used a dataset spanning over 400 vegetation plots in the Weser-Elbe region (northwest Germany). Mycorrhizal status information was obtained from published resources, and Ellenberg indicator values were used to infer environmental data. We carried out tests for both relative richness and relative abundance of herbaceous plants. We found that the subset of herbaceous individuals that associated with AM profited when there was a high cover of AM woody plants. These relationships were retained when we accounted for environmental filtering effects using path analysis. Our findings build on the existing literature highlighting the prominent role of mycorrhiza as a coexistence mechanism in plant communities. From a nature conservation point of view, it may be possible to promote functional diversity in the forest understory through introducing AM woody trees in stands when absent.

Wintering bird response to fall mowing of herbaceous buffers

USGS Publications Warehouse

Blank, P.J.; Parks, J.R.; Dively, G.P.

2011-01-01

Herbaceous buffers are strips of herbaceous vegetation planted between working agricultural land and streams or wetlands. Mowing is a common maintenance practice to control woody plants and noxious weeds in herbaceous buffers. Buffers enrolled in Maryland's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) cannot be mowed during the primary bird nesting season between 15 April and 15 August. Most mowing of buffers in Maryland occurs in late summer or fall, leaving the vegetation short until the following spring. We studied the response of wintering birds to fall mowing of buffers. We mowed one section to 10-15 cm in 13 buffers and kept another section unmowed. Ninety-two percent of birds detected in buffers were grassland or scrub-shrub species, and 98% of all birds detected were in unmowed buffers. Total bird abundance, species richness, and total avian conservation value were significantly greater in unmowed buffers, and Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis), Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia), and White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) were significantly more abundant in unmowed buffers. Wintering bird use of mowed buffers was less than in unmowed buffers. Leaving herbaceous buffers unmowed through winter will likely provide better habitat for wintering birds. ?? 2011 by the Wilson Ornithological Society.

High-resolution MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of gallotannins and monoterpene glucosides in the root of Paeonia lactiflora

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bin; Bhandari, Dhaka Ram; Römpp, Andreas; Spengler, Bernhard

2016-10-01

High-resolution atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-SMALDI MSI) at 10 μm pixel size was performed to unravel the spatio-chemical distribution of major secondary metabolites in the root of Paeonia lactiflora. The spatial distributions of two major classes of bioactive components, gallotannins and monoterpene glucosides, were investigated and visualized at the cellular level in tissue sections of P. lactiflora roots. Accordingly, other primary and secondary metabolites were imaged, including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and monoterpenes, indicating the capability of untargeted localization of metabolites by using high-resolution MSI platform. The employed AP-SMALDI MSI system provides significant technological advancement in the visualization of individual molecular species at the cellular level. In contrast to previous histochemical studies of tannins using unspecific staining reagents, individual gallotannin species were accurately localized and unequivocally discriminated from other phenolic components in the root tissues. High-quality ion images were obtained, providing significant clues for understanding the biosynthetic pathway of gallotannins and monoterpene glucosides and possibly helping to decipher the role of tannins in xylem cells differentiation and in the defence mechanisms of plants, as well as to investigate the interrelationship between tannins and lignins.

High-resolution MALDI mass spectrometry imaging of gallotannins and monoterpene glucosides in the root of Paeonia lactiflora.

PubMed

Li, Bin; Bhandari, Dhaka Ram; Römpp, Andreas; Spengler, Bernhard

2016-10-31

High-resolution atmospheric-pressure scanning microprobe matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (AP-SMALDI MSI) at 10 μm pixel size was performed to unravel the spatio-chemical distribution of major secondary metabolites in the root of Paeonia lactiflora. The spatial distributions of two major classes of bioactive components, gallotannins and monoterpene glucosides, were investigated and visualized at the cellular level in tissue sections of P. lactiflora roots. Accordingly, other primary and secondary metabolites were imaged, including amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and monoterpenes, indicating the capability of untargeted localization of metabolites by using high-resolution MSI platform. The employed AP-SMALDI MSI system provides significant technological advancement in the visualization of individual molecular species at the cellular level. In contrast to previous histochemical studies of tannins using unspecific staining reagents, individual gallotannin species were accurately localized and unequivocally discriminated from other phenolic components in the root tissues. High-quality ion images were obtained, providing significant clues for understanding the biosynthetic pathway of gallotannins and monoterpene glucosides and possibly helping to decipher the role of tannins in xylem cells differentiation and in the defence mechanisms of plants, as well as to investigate the interrelationship between tannins and lignins.

[The metabolic fingerprint of the compatibility of Radix Aconite and Radix Paeoniae Alba and its effect on CYP450 enzymes].

PubMed

Bi, Yun-Feng; Zheng, Zhong; Pi, Zi-Feng; Liu, Zhi-Qiang; Song, Feng-Rui

2014-12-01

Using a UPLC-MS/MS (MRM) and cocktail probe substrates method, the metabolic fingerprint of the compatibility of Radix Aconite (RA) and Radix Paeoniae Alba (RPA) and its effect on CYP450 enzymes were investigated. These main CYP isoforms include CYP 1A2, CYP 2C, CYP 2E1, CYP 2D and CYP 3A. Compared with the inhibition effect of RA decoctions on CYP450 isoforms, their co-decoctions of RA and RPA with different proportions can decrease RA' inhibition on CYP3A, CYP2D, CYP2C and CYP1A2, but can not reduce RA' effect on CYP2E1. The metabolic fingerprints of RA decoction and co-decoctions with different proportions of RPA in CYP450 of rat liver were analyzed by UPLC-MS. Compared with the metabolic fingerprints of RA decoction, the intensity of diester-diterpenoid aconitum alkaloids decreased significantly, while the intensity of monoester-diterpenoid alkaloids significantly increased in the metabolic fingerprints of co-decoctions of RA and RPA. The results suggest that RA coadministration with RPA increased the degradation of toxic alkaloid and show the effect of toxicity reducing and efficacy enhancing.

Restoration of Mountain Big Sagebrush Steppe Following Prescribed Burning to Control Western Juniper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Davies, K. W.; Bates, J. D.; Madsen, M. D.; Nafus, A. M.

2014-05-01

Western juniper ( Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook) encroachment into mountain big sagebrush ( Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle) steppe has reduced livestock forage production, increased erosion risk, and degraded sagebrush-associated wildlife habitat. Western juniper has been successfully controlled with partial cutting followed by prescribed burning the next fall, but the herbaceous understory and sagebrush may be slow to recover. We evaluated the effectiveness of seeding perennial herbaceous vegetation and sagebrush at five sites where juniper was controlled by partially cutting and prescribed burning. Treatments tested at each site included an unseeded control, herbaceous seed mix (aerially seeded), and the herbaceous seed mix plus sagebrush seed. In the third year post-treatment, perennial grass cover and density were twice as high in plots receiving the herbaceous seed mix compared to the control plots. Sagebrush cover and density in the sagebrush seeded plots were between 74- and 290-fold and 62- and 155-fold greater than the other treatments. By the third year after treatment, sagebrush cover was as high as 12 % in the sagebrush seeded plots and between 0 % and 0.4 % where it was not seeded. These results indicate that aerial seeding perennial herbaceous vegetation can accelerate the recovery of perennial grasses which likely stabilize the site. Our results also suggest that seeding mountain big sagebrush after prescribed burning encroaching juniper can rapidly recover sagebrush cover and density. In areas where sagebrush habitat is limited, seeding sagebrush after juniper control may increase sagebrush habitat and decrease the risks to sagebrush-associated species.

Restoration of mountain big sagebrush steppe following prescribed burning to control western juniper.

PubMed

Davies, K W; Bates, J D; Madsen, M D; Nafus, A M

2014-05-01

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook) encroachment into mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Rydb.) Beetle) steppe has reduced livestock forage production, increased erosion risk, and degraded sagebrush-associated wildlife habitat. Western juniper has been successfully controlled with partial cutting followed by prescribed burning the next fall, but the herbaceous understory and sagebrush may be slow to recover. We evaluated the effectiveness of seeding perennial herbaceous vegetation and sagebrush at five sites where juniper was controlled by partially cutting and prescribed burning. Treatments tested at each site included an unseeded control, herbaceous seed mix (aerially seeded), and the herbaceous seed mix plus sagebrush seed. In the third year post-treatment, perennial grass cover and density were twice as high in plots receiving the herbaceous seed mix compared to the control plots. Sagebrush cover and density in the sagebrush seeded plots were between 74- and 290-fold and 62- and 155-fold greater than the other treatments. By the third year after treatment, sagebrush cover was as high as 12 % in the sagebrush seeded plots and between 0 % and 0.4 % where it was not seeded. These results indicate that aerial seeding perennial herbaceous vegetation can accelerate the recovery of perennial grasses which likely stabilize the site. Our results also suggest that seeding mountain big sagebrush after prescribed burning encroaching juniper can rapidly recover sagebrush cover and density. In areas where sagebrush habitat is limited, seeding sagebrush after juniper control may increase sagebrush habitat and decrease the risks to sagebrush-associated species.

Hippopotamus (H. amphibius) diet change indicates herbaceous plant encroachment following megaherbivore population collapse

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chritz, Kendra L.; Blumenthal, Scott A.; Cerling, Thure E.; Klingel, Hans

2016-09-01

Megaherbivores (>1000 kg) are critical for ecosystem health and function, but face population collapse and extinction globally. The future of these megaherbivore-impoverished ecosystems is difficult to predict, though many studies have demonstrated increasing representation of C3 woody plants. These studies rely on direct observational data, however, and tools for assessing decadal-scale changes in African ecology without observation are lacking. We use isotopic records of historical common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) canines to quantify herbaceous vegetation change in Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda following a period of civil unrest and poaching. This poaching event led to population collapse of two threatened African megaherbivore species: hippopotamus and African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Serial carbon isotope ratios (δ13C) in canine enamel from individuals that lived between 1960-2000 indicated substantial increases in C3 herbaceous plants in their diet (<20% C3 in the 1960s to 30-45% C3 in the 80s and 90s), supported by other observational and ecological data. These data indicate megaherbivore loss results in succession of both woody and herbaceous C3 vegetation and further reaching effects, such as decreased grazing capacity and herbivore biodiversity in the area. Given multiple lines of evidence, these individuals appear to accurately capture herbaceous vegetation change in Mweya.

75 FR 80490 - Pesticide Products; Registration Applications

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-12-22

..., ornamentals (herbaceous and woody), pistachio, pome fruits, root and tuber vegetables, small fruit vine... (herbaceous and woody), pistachio, pome fruits, root and tuber vegetables, small fruit vine climbing (except...), pistachio, pome fruits, root and tuber vegetables, small fruit vine climbing (except fuzzy kiwifruit...

Effects of Forest Fragmentation on Human Risk of Lyme Disease

EPA Science Inventory

Percent forest-herbaceous edge repeatedly explained most of the variability in reported Lyme disease rates within a rural-to-urban study gradient across central Maryland and southeastern Pennsylvania. A one-percent increase in forest-herbaceous edge was associated with an increas...

DIATOMS AS INDICATORS OF ISOLATED HERBACEOUS WETLAND CONDITION IN FLORIDA, USA

EPA Science Inventory

Benthic, epiphytic, and phytoplanktonic diatoms, as well as soil and water physical-chemical parameters, were sampled from 70 small (~1 ha) isolated depressional herbaceous wetlands located along a gradient of human disturbance in peninsular Florida to: 1) compare assemblage str...

[Effects of highway on the vegetation species composition along a distance gradient from road edge in southeastern margin of Tengeer Desert].

PubMed

Feng, Li; Li, Xin-Rong; Guo, Qun; Zhang, Jing-Guang; Zhang, Zhi-Shan

2011-05-01

Aimed to examine the effects of highway on the vegetation species composition in arid desert area, forty-eight transects perpendicular to the provincial highway 201 from Shapotou to Jing-tai in the southeastern margin of Tengger Desert were installed, with the vegetation species distribution along a distance gradient from the road edge investigated. The results showed that with increasing distance from the road edge, the species number, coverage, biomass, and alpha-diversity of herbaceous plants declined, but had no significant differences with the control beyond 5 m. Within 0-6 m to the road edge, the herbaceous plant height was greater than that of the control, but their density had less change. Within 0-2 m to the road edge, the species turnover rate of herbaceous plants was lower; at 2-5m, this rate was the highest; while beyond 10 m, the species composition of herbaceous plants was similar to that of the control. The herbaceous plant community at the road edge was dominated by gramineous plants, with the disturbance-tolerant species Pennisetum centrasiaticum, Chloris virgata, and Agropyron cristatum accounting for 68.6% of the total. C. virgata beyond 1 m to the road edge had a rapid decrease in its individual number and presence frequency, P. centrasiaticum and A. cristatum beyond 2 m also showed a similar trend, while the composite plants Artemisia capillaris and A. frigida beyond 2 m from the road edge had a rapid increase in its individual number, accounting for 70% of the herbaceous plants. At the road edge, the coverage and density of shrubs were significantly lower than those of the control, but the species composition had no significant difference.

PREDICTING FIELD PERFORMANCE OF HERBACEOUS SPECIES FOR PHYTOREMEDIATION OF PERCHLORATE

EPA Science Inventory

Results of these short-term experiments coupled with ecological knowledge of the nine herbaceous plant species tested suggest that several species may by successful in on-site remediation of perchlorate. The two wetland species which appear to be most suitable for field experimen...

Using isolated cell wall xylan to identify recalcitrant oligosaccharides

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Herbaceous biomass is a renewable source of carbohydrates with potential for use in microbial conversion to biofuels. Xylan comprises 20-40% of herbaceous biomass cell wall material and its full depolymerization benefits the economics of bioconversion. To understand the limitations of commercial enz...

Contribution of trees and grasses to ecosystem fluxes of water, carbon, and energy throughout the seasons under different nutrient availability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Madany, T. S.; Migliavacca, M.; Perez-Priego, O.; Luo, Y.; Moreno, G.; Carrara, A.; Kolle, O.; Reichstein, M.

2017-12-01

In semi-arid savanna type ecosystems, the carbon and water cycle are closely related to each other. Water availability is the main driver for the development and phenology of the vegetation, especially for annual plants. Depending on tree density, nutrient availability and species the contribution of the tree- and the herbaceous layer to ecosystem fluxes can vary substantially. We present data from an ecosystem scale nutrient manipulation experiment within a Mediterranean savanna type ecosystem which is used for cattle. The footprint areas of two out of three ecosystem eddy co-variance (EC) towers were fertilized with nitrogen (NT) and nitrogen plus phosphorous (NPT) while the third one served as the control tower (CT). At each ecosystem EC-tower an additional herbaceous layer tower was installed that only sampled fluxes from the herbaceous layer. Under certain assumptions flux differences between the ecosystem EC and the herbaceous layer EC systems can be considered as the contribution of the trees to the ecosystem fluxes. Based on phenology of the herbaceous layer estimated through green-chromatic-coordinates from digital imagery the year was separated into spring, senescence, regreening, and winter. The focus of the analysis is (i) the evaluation of the method and how it works throughout the different seasons and (ii) the quantification of the contribution of trees and grasses to ecosystem fluxes of water, carbon, and energy under different environmental conditions and nutrient stoichiometry. The contribution of the trees to total ecosystem fluxes is variable in time. Especially, during the beginning of the senescence period high evapotranspiration rates and largest carbon uptake are measured while the contribution to sensible heat fluxes is largest during the end of the summer. During the regreening and winter the contribution of ET is relatively constant around 0.25 mm d-1. During the peak of the greenness ET and carbon flux of the herbaceous EC tower are sometimes higher than fluxes measured by the ecosystem tower which is most likely caused by the mismatch in footprints. Whenever the herbaceous layer is active it contributes clearly more to the fluxes as compared to the trees.

Tree thinning as an option to increase herbaceous yield of an encroached semi-arid savanna in South Africa

PubMed Central

Smit, Gert N

2005-01-01

Background The investigation was conducted in a savanna area covered by what was considered an undesirably dense stand of Colophospermum mopane trees, mainly because such a dense stand of trees often results in the suppression of herbaceous plants. The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of intensity of tree thinning on the dry matter yield of herbaceous plants (notably grasses) and to investigate differences in herbaceous species composition between defined subhabitats (under tree canopies, between tree canopies and where trees have been removed). Seven plots (65 × 180 m) were subjected to different intensities of tree thinning, ranging from a totally cleared plot (0 %) to plots thinned to the equivalent of 10 %, 20%, 35 %, 50% and 75 % of the leaf biomass of a control plot (100 %) with a tree density of 2711 plants ha-1. The establishment of herbaceous plants (grasses and forbs) in response to reduced competition from the woody plants was measured during three full growing seasons following the thinning treatments. Results The grass component reacted positively to the tree thinning in terms of total dry matter (DM) yield, but forbs were negatively influenced. Rainfall interacted with tree density and the differences between grass DM yields in thinned plots during years of below average rainfall were substantially higher than those of the control. At high tree densities, yields differed little between seasons of varying rainfall. The relation between grass DM yield and tree biomass was curvilinear, best described by the exponential regression equation. Subhabitat differentiation by C. mopane trees did provide some qualitative benefits, with certain desirable grass species showing a preference for the subhabitat under tree canopies. Conclusion While it can be concluded from this study that high tree densities suppress herbaceous production, the decision to clear/thin the C. mopane trees should include additional considerations. Thinning of C. mopane with the exclusive objective of increasing productivity of the grass layer would thus invariably involve a compromise situation where some trees should be left for the sake of the qualitative benefits on the herbaceous layer, soil enrichment, provision of browse and stability of the ecosystem. PMID:15921528

Towards reconstructing herbaceous biome dynamics and associated precipitation in Africa: insights from the classification of grass morphological traits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pasturel, Marine; Alexandre, Anne; Novello, Alice; Moctar Dieye, Amadou; Wele, Abdoulaye; Paradis, Laure; Hely, Christelle

2014-05-01

Inter-tropical herbaceous ecosystems occupy a 1/5th of terrestrial surface, a half of the African continent, and are expected to extend in the next decades. Dynamic of these ecosystems is simulated with poor accuracy by Dynamic Global Vegetation Models (DGVMs). One of the bias results from the fact that the diversity of the grass layer dominating these herbaceous ecosystems is poorly taken into account. Mean annual precipitation and the length of the dry season are the main constrains of the dynamics of these ecosystems. Conversely, changes in vegetation affect the water cycle. Inaccuracy in herbaceous ecosystem simulation thus impacts simulations of the water cycle (including precipitation) and vice versa. In order to increase our knowledge of the relationships between grass morphological traits, taxonomy, biomes and climatic niches in Western and South Africa, a 3-step methodology was followed: i) values of culm height, leaf length and width of dominant grass species from Senegal were gathered from flora and clustered using the Partition Around Medoids (PAM) method; ii) trait group ability to sign climatic domains and biomes was assessed using Kruskal-Wallis tests; iii) genericity and robustness of the trait groups were evaluated through their application to Chadian and South African botanical datasets. Results show that 8 grass trait groups are present either in Senegal, Chad or South Africa. These 8 trait groups are distributed along mean annual precipitation and dry season length gradients. The combination of three of them allow to discriminate mean annual precipitation domains (<250, 250-600, 600-1000 and >1000 mm) and herbaceous biomes (steppes, savannas, South African grasslands and Nama-Karoo). With these results in hand, grass Plant Functional Types (PFTs) of the DGMV LPJ-GUESS will be re-parameterized and particular attention will be given to the herbaceous biomass assigned to each grass trait group. Simultaneously, relationships between grass trait groups and phytolith vegetation proxies will be quantified in order to reconstruct the past dynamics of herbaceous ecosystems and associated mean annual precipitation domains.

Legumes increase growth and alter foliar nutrient levels of black walnut saplings

Treesearch

J.W. Van Sambeek; Felix Jr. Ponder; W.J. Rietveld

1986-01-01

Differences in herbaceous competition, growth, soil, and foliar nutrient levels were compared for black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) saplings growing on an upland and a bottomland site in southern Illinois, with covers of five different herbaceous legumes or naturally occurring forbs. Hairy vetch ( Vicia villosa Roth. ) increased...

Sagebrush steppe recovery after fire varies by successional phase of western juniper woodland

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) has expanded and infilled into other plant communities the past 130 to 150 years in the semi-arid Pacific Northwest. The increase in juniper reduces herbaceous forage and browse provided by shrubs for livestock and big-game. We measured herbaceous prod...

Promise of combined hydrothermal/chemical and mechanical refining for pretreatment of woody and herbaceous biomass

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Production of advanced biofuels from woody and herbaceous feedstocks is moving into commercialization. Biomass needs to be pretreated to overcome the physicochemical properties of biomass that hinder enzyme accessibility, impeding the conversion of the plant cell walls to fermentable sugars. Pretrea...

Soil response to perennial herbaceous biofeedstocks under rainfed conditions in the northern Great Plains, USA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Perennial herbaceous biofeedstocks (PHB) have been proposed to confer multiple ecosystem services to agricultural lands. However, the role of PHBs to affect change in soil condition is not well documented, particularly for treatments with multiple species. The objective of this study was to quanti...

Estimating herbaceous biomass of grassland vegetation using the reference unit method

Treesearch

Eric D. Boyda; Jack L. Butler; Lan Xu

2015-01-01

Aboveground net primary production provides valuable information on wildlife habitat, fire fuel loads, and forage availability. Aboveground net primary production in herbaceous plant communities is typically measured by clipping aboveground biomass. However, the high costs associated with physically harvesting plant biomass may prevent collecting sufficient...

Soil Rehabilitation Under Eastern Redcedar and Loblolly Pine

Treesearch

W. M. Broadfoot

1951-01-01

In a study in north central Mississippi, the litter and surface soil under even-aged eastern redcedar, loblolly pine, and adjacent herbaceous cover varied chemically, physically, and biologically. There are good grounds for belief that soil rehabilitation proceeds faster under redcedar than under herbaceous or loblolly pine cover.

Prescribed Fire, Grazing and Herbaceous Plant Production in Shortgrass Steppe

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We examined the independent and combined effects of prescribed fire and livestock grazing on soil resources and herbaceous plant production in shortgrass steppe in northeastern Colorado. Burning was implemented in March, prior to the onset of the growing season. During the first post-burn growing se...

Application of Box-Behnken design for ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharides from Paeonia emodi.

PubMed

Ahmad, Ajaz; Alkharfy, Khalid M; Wani, Tanveer A; Raish, Mohammad

2015-01-01

The objective of the present work was to study the ultrasonic assisted extraction and optimization of polysaccharides from Paeonia emodi and evaluation of its anti-inflammatory response. Specifically, the optimization of polysaccharides was carried out using Box-Behnken statistical experimental design. Response surface methodology (RSM) of three factors (extraction temperature, extraction time and liquid solid ratio) was employed to optimize the percentage yield of the polysaccharides. The experimental data were fitted to quadratic response surface models using multiple regression analysis with high coefficient of determination value (R) of 0.9906. The highest polysaccharide yield (8.69%) as per the Derringer's desirability prediction tool was obtained under the optimal extraction condition (extraction temperature 47.03 °C, extraction time 15.68 min, and liquid solid ratio 1.29 ml/g) with a desirability value of 0.98. These optimized values of tested parameters were validated under similar conditions (n = 6), an average of 8.13 ± 2.08% of polysaccharide yield was obtained in an optimized extraction conditions with 93.55% validity. The anti-inflammatory effect of polysaccharides of P. emodi were studied on carrageenan induced paw edema. In vivo results showed that the P. emodi 200mg/kg of polysaccharide extract exhibited strong potential against inflammatory response induced by 1% suspension of carrageenean in normal saline. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Screening, separation, and evaluation of xanthine oxidase inhibitors from Paeonia lactiflora using chromatography combined with a multi-mode microplate reader.

PubMed

Wang, Jing; Shi, Dongfang; Zheng, Meizhu; Ma, Bing; Cui, Jing; Liu, Chunming; Liu, Chengyu

2017-11-01

Natural products have become one of the most important resources for discovering novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors, which are commonly employed in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. However, to date, few reports exist regarding the use of monoterpene glycosides as xanthine oxidase inhibitors. Thus, we herein report the use of ultrafiltration coupled with liquid chromatography in the screening of monoterpene glycoside xanthine oxidase inhibitors from the extract of Paeonia lactiflora (P. lactiflora), and both high-performance counter-current chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography were employed to separate the main constituents. Furthermore, the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities and the mechanisms of inhibition of the isolated compounds were evaluated using a multi-mode microplate reader by Molecular Devices. As a result, three monoterpene glycosides were separated by combined high-performance counter-current chromatography and medium-pressure liquid chromatography in purities of 90.4, 98.0, and 86.3%, as determined by liquid chromatography. These three compounds were identified as albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and 1-O-β-ᴅ-glucopyranosyl-8-O-benzoylpaeonisuffrone by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, and albiflorin and paeoniflorin were screened as potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors by ultrafiltration with liquid chromatography. The evaluation results of xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity corresponded with the screening results, as only albiflorin and paeoniflorin exhibited xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography for the separation of two pairs of isomeric monoterpenes from Paeoniae Alba Radix.

PubMed

Chu, Chu; Zhang, Shidi; Tong, Shengqiang; Li, Xingnuo; Li, Qingyong; Yan, Jizhong

2015-09-01

In this work, a simple and efficient protocol for the rapid separation of two pairs of isomeric monoterpenes from Paeoniae Alba Radix was developed by combining macroporous resin and elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography. The crude extract was firstly subjected to a D101 macroporous resin column eluted with water and a series of different concentrations of ethanol. Then, effluents of 30 and 95% ethanol were collected as sample 1 and sample 2 for further counter-current chromatography purification. Finally, a pair of isomers, 96 mg of compound 1 and 48 mg of compound 2 with purities of 91.1 and 96.2%, respectively, was isolated from 200 mg of sample 1. The other pair of isomers, 14 mg of compound 3 and 8 mg of compound 4 with purities of 93.6 and 88.9%, respectively, was isolated from 48 mg of sample 2. Their purities were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and their chemical structures were identified by mass spectrometry and (1) H NMR spectroscopy. Compared to a normal counter-current chromatography separation, the separation time and solvent consumption of elution-extrusion counter-current chromatography were reduced while the resolutions were still good. The established protocol is promising for the separation of natural products with great disparity of content in herbal medicines. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Evaluation of the In Vivo Therapeutic Effects of Radix Paeoniae Rubra Ethanol Extract with the Hypoglycemic Activities Measured from Multiple Cell-Based Assays

PubMed Central

Chang, Chia-Chuan; Yuan, Wei; Lin, Yun-Lian; Liu, Ren-Shyan; Juan, Yi-Chen; Sun, Wan-Hua; Tsay, Huey Jen; Lee, Yu-Ching

2016-01-01

Background. Radix Paeoniae Rubra (Chi Shao) contains several phytochemicals with hypoglycemic actions. Current research aims to explore potential insulinotropic effects and long-term therapeutic efficacy of such herb against type 2 diabetes. Methods. Composition analysis for the ethanol extract (PRExt) was executed by high performance liquid chromatography. Polyphenol-enriched fraction was characterized by high pressure size exclusion chromatography. Multiple cell platforms were employed to evaluate hypoglycemic bioactivities. In animal experiments, blood glucose, the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA)-index assessment, glucose tolerance test, and in vivo glucose uptake were all measured. Additional effects of PRExt on obesity and hepatic steatosis were evaluated by serum and histological analysis. Results. PRExt provides multiple hypoglycemic effects including the enhancement of glucose-mediated insulin secretion. Pentagalloylglucose and polyphenol-enriched fraction are two insulinotropic constituents. Moreover, PRExt intraperitoneal injection causes acute hypoglycemic effects on fasted db/db mice. Oral administration of PRExt (200 mg/kg b.w.) gradually reduces blood glucose in db/db mice to the level similar to that in C57J/B6 mice after 30 days. The improvement of glucose intolerance, HOMA-index, and in vivo glucose uptake is evident in addition to the weight loss effect and attenuation of hepatic steatosis. Conclusion. PRExt is an effective antidiabetic herbal extract with multiple hypoglycemic bioactivities. PMID:28018473

Antioxidant Activities and Chemical Constituents of Flavonoids from the Flower of Paeonia ostii.

PubMed

Zhang, Huifang; Li, Xiaofang; Wu, Ke; Wang, Mengke; Liu, Pu; Wang, Xinsheng; Deng, Ruixue

2016-12-23

Paeonia ostii is a traditional medicinal plant popularly used in China. This study intended to evaluate the antioxidant properties and the chemical components of the flavonoid-rich extracts from the flowers of P. ostii . The results showed that the flavonoid-rich extracts from the flowers of P. ostii had strong scavenging capacities on 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS), hydroxyls, superoxide anions, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals in a dose-dependent manner. Five flavonoids, dihydrokaempferol ( 1 ), apigenin-7- O -β-d-glucoside ( 2 ), apigenin-7- O -β-d-neohesperidoside ( 3 ), kaempferol-7- O -β-d-glucopyranoside ( 4 ), and kaempferol-3- O -β-d-glucopyranosyl-7- O -β-d-glucopyranoside ( 5 ), were isolated from the flavonoid-rich extracts of the flowers of P. ostii . High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis revealed that compounds 3 and 4 were abundant in the P. ostii flower and in flavonoid-rich extracts. The main components of the flower of P. ostii are flavonoids. The high antioxidant activity of the flavonoid-rich extracts may be attributed to the high content of flavonoids. The five isolated flavonoids were the primary antioxidant ingredients, and may play important roles in the strong antioxidant activities of this flower. Based on the obtained results, the flower of P. ostii could be a potential source of natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Paeonol extracted from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. ameliorated UVB-induced skin photoaging via DLD/Nrf2/ARE and MAPK/AP-1 pathway.

PubMed

Sun, ZhengWang; Du, Juan; Hwang, Eunson; Yi, Tae-Hoo

2018-05-10

Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (PS) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for a long time. However, there are no studies that investigate the preventive effects of PS on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced photoaging. In this study, paeonol (PA) was detected the main compound in PS root. In vitro, PS and PA significantly inhibited UVB-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and activator protein 1 in keratinocytes, which consequently led to degradation of procollagen type I. On the other hand, PS and PA increased NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 and heme oxygenase-1 expression, confirmed by greater nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor E2-releated factor 2 (Nrf2). Furthermore, this study proved that the endogenous antioxidant system Nrf2/antioxidant response element was regulated by dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle-associated protein whose level was decreased after UVB exposure. PS and PA promoted the production of dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase, as well as the activation of Nrf2 and antioxidant response element, resulting in preventing procollagen type I ruined caused by UVB. In vivo, topical application of PS and PA attenuated UVB-induced matrix metalloproteinase-1 production and promoted procollagen type I in hairless mice. These results suggested PA a promising botanical in protecting skin from UVB-induced photoaging. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Plant Response to Soils, Site Preparation, and Initial Pine Planting Density

Treesearch

Henry A. Pearson; Gale L. Wolters; Ronald E. Thill; Alton Martin; V. Clark Baldwin

1995-01-01

This study described the effects of soils, site preparation, and initial pine regeneration spacings on tree growth and the associated understory woody and herbaceous plant succession. Although Sawyer soils appeared more productive than Ruston soils before the harvest and regeneration treatments, woody and herbaceous plant differences were not apparent between the...

Above- and belowground competition from longleaf pine plantations limits performance of reintroduced herbaceous species

Treesearch

Timothy B. Harrington; Christa M. Dagley; M. Boyd Edwards

2002-01-01

Although overstory trees limit the abundance and species richness of herbaceous vegetation in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) plantations, the responsible mechanisms are poorly understood because of confounding among limiting factors. In fall 1998, research was initiated to determine the separate effects of above- and belowground competition...

Effect of soil and vegetation on growth of planted white spruce.

Treesearch

Donald A. Perala

1987-01-01

White spruce container stock grew better on a sandy loam soil than on a silty clay, and much better without herbaceous competitions. Herbaceous competition was less vigorous on the sandy loam soil following glyphosate treatment, but was more vigorous on the silty clay. Certain spruce genotypes excelled under different field environments.

Controlling Herbaceous Competition in Pasture Planted with Loblolly Pine Seedlings

Treesearch

James D. Haywood

1995-01-01

Three treatments designed to control herbaceous vegetation competing with loblolly pine(Pinus taeda L.) seedlings planted in grazed and ungrazed pasture were tested. Effects of the treatments on seedling survival and growth during the first 3 years after planting were determined. The treatments were directed application of herbicides (glyphosate in...

Herbaceous vegetation in thinned and defoliated forest stands in north central West Virginia

Treesearch

S. L. C. Fosbroke; D. Feicht; R. M. Muzika

1995-01-01

Herbaceous vegetation was inventoried in 1992 and 1993 in eight Appalachian mixed hardwood stands ( 50% basal area/acre in oak species) in north central West Virginia. Vegetation was sampled on 20 6-foot radius plots per stand twice each growing season (once during late spring to sample spring ephemeral...

Within-band spray distribution of nozzles used for herbaceous plant control

Treesearch

James H. Miller

1994-01-01

Abstract. Described are the spray patterns of nozzles setup for banded herbaceous plant control treatments. Spraying Systems Company nozzles. were tested, but similar nozzles are available from other manufacturers. Desirable traits were considered to be as follows: an even distribution pattern, low volume, low height, large droplets, and a single...

Effects of chemical site preparation on herbaceous vegetation prior to hardwood plantation establishment

Treesearch

Andrew B. Self; Andrew W. Ezell; Andrew J. Londo; John D. Hodges; Derek K. Alkire

2012-01-01

Chemical site preparation is sometimes prescribed when attempting hardwood afforestation in the South. However, adequate research has not been conducted regarding the efficacy of various herbicide treatments often recommended. For practical purposes, the question of whether chemical site preparation provides residual control of herbaceous vegetation in retired...

An assessment of advance regeneration and herbaceous communities in Pennsylvania forests

Treesearch

W. H. McWilliams; S. L. Stout; T. W. Bowersox; L. H. McCormick

1993-01-01

Intensive research in several parts of Pennsylvania has demonstrated that dense herbaceous cover can inhibit the development of advance regeneration, and that advance regeneration often is lacking in Pennsylvania forests. The lack of quantitative statewide information on forest understory prompted a study to characterize advance regeneration and fern inhibition for...

Choosing a DIVA: a comparison of emerging digital imagery vegetation analysis techniques

USGS Publications Warehouse

Jorgensen, Christopher F.; Stutzman, Ryan J.; Anderson, Lars C.; Decker, Suzanne E.; Powell, Larkin A.; Schacht, Walter H.; Fontaine, Joseph J.

2013-01-01

Question: What is the precision of five methods of measuring vegetation structure using ground-based digital imagery and processing techniques? Location: Lincoln, Nebraska, USA Methods: Vertical herbaceous cover was recorded using digital imagery techniques at two distinct locations in a mixed-grass prairie. The precision of five ground-based digital imagery vegetation analysis (DIVA) methods for measuring vegetation structure was tested using a split-split plot analysis of covariance. Variability within each DIVA technique was estimated using coefficient of variation of mean percentage cover. Results: Vertical herbaceous cover estimates differed among DIVA techniques. Additionally, environmental conditions affected the vertical vegetation obstruction estimates for certain digital imagery methods, while other techniques were more adept at handling various conditions. Overall, percentage vegetation cover values differed among techniques, but the precision of four of the five techniques was consistently high. Conclusions: DIVA procedures are sufficient for measuring various heights and densities of standing herbaceous cover. Moreover, digital imagery techniques can reduce measurement error associated with multiple observers' standing herbaceous cover estimates, allowing greater opportunity to detect patterns associated with vegetation structure.

Habitat relationships of birds overwintering in a managed coastal prairie

USGS Publications Warehouse

Baldwin, H.Q.; Grace, J.B.; Barrow, W.C.; Rohwer, F.C.

2007-01-01

Grassland birds are considered to be rapidly declining in North America. Management approaches for grassland birds frequently rely on prescribed burning to maintain habitat in suitable condition. We evaluated the relationships among years since burn, vegetation structure, and overwintering grassland bird abundance in coastal prairie. Le Conte's Sparrows (Ammodramus leconteii) were most common in areas that had: (1) been burned within the previous 2 years, (2) medium density herbaceous vegetation, and (3) sparse shrub densities. Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) were associated with areas: (1) burned within 1 year, (2) with sparse herbaceous vegetation, and (3) with sparse shrub densities. Sedge Wrens (Cistothorus platensis) were most common in areas that had: (1) burned greater than 2 years prior and (2) dense herbaceous vegetation. Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana): (1) were most common in areas of dense shrubs, (2) not related to time since burnings, and (3) demonstrated no relationship to herbaceous vegetation densities. The relationships to fire histories for all four bird species could be explained by the associated vegetation characteristics indicating the need for a mosaic of burn rotations and modest levels of woody vegetation.

Impact factors identification of spatial heterogeneity of herbaceous plant diversity on five southern islands of Miaodao Archipelago in North China

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chi, Yuan; Shi, Honghua; Wang, Xiaoli; Qin, Xuebo; Zheng, Wei; Peng, Shitao

2016-09-01

Herbaceous plants are widely distributed on islands and where they exhibit spatial heterogeneity. Accurately identifying the impact factors that drive spatial heterogeneity can reveal typical island biodiversity patterns. Five southern islands in the Miaodao Archipelago, North China were studied herein. The spatial distribution of herbaceous plant diversity on these islands was analyzed, and the impact factors and their degree of impact on spatial heterogeneity were identified using CCA ordination and ANOVA. The results reveal 114 herbaceous plant species, belonging to 94 genera from 34 families in the 50 plots sampled. The total species numbers on different islands were significantly positively correlated with island area, and the average α diversity was correlated with human activities, while the β diversity among islands was more affected by island area than mutual distances. Spatial heterogeneity within islands indicated that the diversities were generally high in areas with higher altitude, slope, total nitrogen, total carbon, and canopy density, and lower moisture content, pH, total phosphorus, total potassium, and aspect. Among the environmental factors, pH, canopy density, total K, total P, moisture content, altitude, and slope had significant gross effects, but only canopy density exhibited a significant net effect. Terrain affected diversity by restricting plantation, plantation in turn influenced soil properties and the two together affected diversity. Therefore, plantation was ultimately the fundamental driving factor for spatial heterogeneity in herbaceous plant diversity on the five islands.

[Effects of forest gap size and light intensity on herbaceous plants in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broadleaved mixed forest].

PubMed

Duan, Wen-Biao; Wang, Li-Xia; Chen, Li-Xin; Du, Shan; Wei, Quan-Shuai; Zhao, Jian-Hui

2013-03-01

1 m x 1 m fixed quadrats were parallelly arranged with a space of 2 m in each of six forest gaps in Pinus koraiensis-dominated broadleaved mixed forest, taking the gap center as the starting point and along east-west and south-north directions. In each quadrat, the coverage and abundance of herbaceous plants at different height levels were investigated by estimation method in June and September 2011, and the matrix characteristics within the quadrats were recorded. Canopy analyzer was used to take fish-eye photos in the selected overcast days in each month from June to September, 2011, and the relative light intensity was calculated by using Gap Light Analyzer 2.0 software. The differences in the relative light intensity and herbaceous plants coverage and richness between different gaps as well as the correlations between the coverage of each species and the direct light, diffuse light, and matrix were analyzed. The results showed that in opening areas and under canopy, the relative light intensity in large gaps was higher than that in small gaps, and the variation ranges of diffuse light and direct light from gap center to gap edge were bigger in large gaps than in small gaps. The direct light reaching at the ground both in large gaps and in small gaps was higher in the north than in the south direction. In the Z1, Z2, Z3, and Z4 zones, both the coverage and the richness of herbaceous plants were larger in large gaps than in small gaps, and the differences of species richness between large and small gaps reached significant level. The coverage of the majority of the herbaceous plants had significant correlations with diffuse light and matrix, and only the coverage of a few herbaceous plants was correlated with direct light.

Region-wide ecological responses of arid Wyoming big sagebrush communities to fuel treatments

USGS Publications Warehouse

Pyke, David A.; Shaff, Scott E.; Lindgren, Andrew I.; Schupp, Eugene W.; Doescher, Paul S.; Chambers, Jeanne C.; Burnham, Jeffrey S.; Huso, Manuela M.

2014-01-01

If arid sagebrush ecosystems lack resilience to disturbances or resistance to annual invasives, then alternative successional states dominated by annual invasives, especially cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), are likely after fuel treatments. We identified six Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis Beetle & Young) locations (152–381 mm precipitation) that we believed had sufficient resilience and resistance for recovery. We examined impacts of woody fuel reduction (fire, mowing, the herbicide tebuthiuron, and untreated controls, all with and without the herbicide imazapic) on short-term dominance of plant groups and on important land health parameters with the use of analysis of variance (ANOVA). Fire and mowing reduced woody biomass at least 85% for 3 yr, but herbaceous fuels were reduced only by fire (72%) and only in the first year. Herbaceous fuels produced at least 36% more biomass with mowing than untreated areas during posttreatment years. Imazapic only reduced herbaceous biomass after fires (34%). Tebuthiuron never affected herbaceous biomass. Perennial tall grass cover was reduced by 59% relative to untreated controls in the first year after fire, but it recovered by the second year. Cover of all remaining herbaceous groups was not changed by woody fuel treatments. Only imazapic reduced significantly herbaceous cover. Cheatgrass cover was reduced at least 63% with imazapic for 3 yr. Imazapic reduced annual forb cover by at least 45%, and unexpectedly, perennial grass cover by 49% (combination of tall grasses and Sandberg bluegrass [Poa secunda J. Presl.]). Fire reduced density of Sandberg bluegrass between 40% and 58%, decreased lichen and moss cover between 69% and 80%, and consequently increased bare ground between 21% and 34% and proportion of gaps among perennial plants > 2 m (at least 28% during the 3 yr). Fire, mowing, and imazapic may be effective in reducing fuels for 3 yr, but each has potentially undesirable consequences on plant communities.

Influence of sustainable irrigation regimes and agricultural practices on the soil CO2 fluxes from olive groves in SE Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marañón-Jiménez, Sara; Serrano-Ortíz, Penelope; Vicente-Vicente, Jose Luis; Chamizo, Sonia; Kowalski, Andrew S.

2017-04-01

Olive (Olea europaea) is the dominant agriculture plantation in Spain and its main product, olive oil, is vital to the economy of Mediterranean countries. Given the extensive surface dedicated to olive plantations, olive groves can potentially sequester large amounts of carbon and contribute to mitigate climate change. Their potential for carbon sequestration will, however, largely depend on the management and irrigation practices in the olive grove. Although soil respiration is the main path of C release from the terrestrial ecosystems to the atmosphere and a suitable indicator of soil health and fertility, the interaction of agricultural management practices with irrigation regimes on soil CO2 fluxes have not been assessed yet. Here we investigate the influence of the presence of herbaceous cover, use of artificial fertilizers and their interaction with the irrigation regime on the CO2 emission from the soil to the atmosphere. For this, the three agricultural management treatments were established in replicated plots in an olive grove in the SE of Spain: presence of herbaceous cover ("H"), exclusion of herbaceous cover by using herbicides ("NH"), and exclusion of herbaceous cover along with addition of artificial fertilizers (0.55 kg m-2 year-1 of N, P, K solid fertilizer in the proportion 20:10:10, "NHF"). Within each management treatment, three irrigation regimes were also implemented in a randomized design: no-irrigation ("NO") or rain fed, full irrigation (224 l week-1 per olive tree, "MAX"), and a 50% restriction (112 l week-1 per olive tree, "MED"). Soil respiration was measured every 2-3 weeks at 1, 3, and 5 meters from each olive tree together with soil temperature and soil moisture in order to account for the spatial and seasonal variability over the year. Soil respiration was higher when herbaceous cover was present compared to the herbaceous exclusion, whereas the addition of fertilizer did not exert any significant effect. Although the different irrigation regimes did affect soil moisture, soil CO2 fluxes remained unaffected by the amount of water added. Soil moisture and temperature were actually reduced by the presence of herbaceous cover during the growing season, which suggests water competition between herbaceous plants and olives with counteracting effects on soil respiration values. Soil respiration showed high spatial heterogeneity, with values decreasing exponentially with the distance from the olive trees. These data highlight the need to account for their spatial and seasonal heterogeneity when estimating the contribution of soil respiration to atmospheric CO2 emissions and the crucial role of the agricultural management on determining the carbon sequestration potential of soil from olive groves.

Mechanical fuel treatment effects on vegetation in a New Mexico dry mixed conifer forest

Treesearch

Glenn J. Mason; Terrell T. Baker; Douglas S. Cram; Jon C. Boren; Alexander G. Fernald; Dawn M. VanLeeuwen

2009-01-01

While the main objective of many silvicultural treatments in the western US is to reduce fire potential, their effects on overstory regeneration, midstory and herbaceous communities is of importance to land managers. To quantify these effects, we measured overstory regeneration, midstory density by species, herbaceous biomass, species richness and cover in commercial...

Herbaceous weed control in loblolly pine plantations using flazasulfuron

Treesearch

Andrew W. Ezell; Jimmie L. Yeiser

2015-01-01

A total of 13 treatments were applied at four sites (two in Mississippi and two in Texas) to evaluate the efficacy of flazasulfuron applied alone or in mixtures for providing control of herbaceous weeds. All sites were newly established loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations. Plots were evaluated monthly until 180 days after treatment. No phytotoxicity on pine...

Removal of perennial herbaceous species affects response of cold desert scrublands to fire

Treesearch

Jeanne C. Chambers; David I. Board; Bruce A. Roundy; Peter J. Weisberg

2017-01-01

Our results show that loss of perennial herbaceous species, which can result from inappropriate livestock grazing, and loss of shrubs, which often results from fire, interact to affect key functional groups. The implications are that ecosystem resilience to disturbance in Cold Desert shrublands decreases when competition from perennial native grasses and forbs for...

Plant Communities in Selected Longleaf Pine Landscapes on the Catahoula Ranger District, Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana

Treesearch

James D. Haywood; William D. Boyer; Finis L. Harris

1998-01-01

In Grant Parish, Louisiana, increases in overstory basal area, canopy cover, and development of understory woody plants reduced productivity of herbaceous plants in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) stands that were managed with fire. Still, the herbaceous plant community can reestablish itself on properly managed upland longleaf pine sites in...

Ecophysiological responses of two herbaceous species to prescribed burning, alone or in combination with overstory thinning

Treesearch

Jianjun Huang; Ralph E.J. Boerner; Joanne Rebbeck

2007-01-01

The oak-rich deciduous forests of the central Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America have changed significantly since the onset of effective fire suppression early in the 20th century. Those changes have resulted in progressively decreasing light and nutrient supplies to herbaceous perennial understory species. Application of ecological restoration treatments...

Abundance of introduced species at home predicts abundance away in herbaceous communities

Treesearch

J. Firn; J.L. Moore; A.S. MacDougall; E.T. Borer; E.W. Seabloom; J. HilleRisLambers; S. Harpole; E.E. Cleland; C.S. Brown; J.M.H. Knops; S.M. Prober; D.A. Pyke; K.A. Farrell; J.D. Bakker; L.R. O’Halloran; P.B. Adler; S.L. Collins; C.M. D’Antonio; M.J. Crawley; E.M. Wolkovich; K.J. La Pierre; B.A. Melbourne; Y. Hautier; J.W. Morgan; A.D.B. Leakey; A.D. Kay; R.L. McCulley; K.F. Davies; C.J. Stevens; C.J. Chu

2011-01-01

Many ecosystems worldwide are dominated by introduced plant species, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function. A common but rarely tested assumption is that these plants are more abundant in introduced vs. native communities, because ecological or evolutionary-based shifts in populations underlie invasion success. Here, data for 26 herbaceous species at...

Relationship between herbaceous layer, stand, and site variables in the Bankhead National Forest, Alabama

Treesearch

Joel C. Zak; Luben D. Dimov; Callie Jo Schweitzer; Stacy L. Clark

2010-01-01

We studied herbaceous layer richness, diversity and cover in stands on the southern Cumberland Plateau. The stands are mixed pine-hardwoods dominated by 25-40-year-old planted loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). Scheduled future treatments combining thinning and fire are designed to restore the hardwood component, particularly oak (Quercus...

Responses of Understory Vegetation on Highly Erosive Louisiana Soils to Prescribed Burning in May

Treesearch

James D. Haywood; Alton Martin; John C. Novosad

1995-01-01

Prescribed burning is necessary to restore the herbaceous plant community normally associated with the fire-dependent longleaf pine, Pinus palustris Mill., ecosystem. Usually these burns are done in the winter months. However, burning during the early growing season may allow herbaceous plants to recover better than when burning is conducted during...

Double-Crested Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax auritus) Nesting Effects on Understory Composition and Diversity on Island Ecosystems in Lake Erie

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGrath, Darby M.; Murphy, Stephen D.

2012-08-01

The context for this study is the management concerns over the severity and extent of the impact of cormorants on island flora in the recent past on Lake Erie islands. Accordingly, this study sought to quantify the nesting colonies' influence on coarse woody litter and how nest densities and litter depth may influence the herbaceous layer, the seed bank composition and viability across the extent of three Lake Erie islands. The data for this study were collected from 2004 to 2008 on East Sister Island and Middle Island using two main strategies. First, herbaceous layer surveys, cormorant nest counts, soil seed bank cores, and litter depth measurements were executed using a plotless-point quarter method to test island-wide impacts from nesting activities (data were also collected on a third island, West Sister Island as a reference for the other two islands). Secondly, a sub-sample of the entire plot set was examined in particularly high nesting density areas for two islands (Middle Island and East Sister Island). Kruskal-Wallis tests indicated that there are subtle changes in the herbaceous diversity (total, native and exotic) and seed bank composition across the islands. The sub sample set of the plots demonstrated that Phalacrocorax auritus nest density does influence litter depth, herbaceous species abundance and diversity. Cormorant nesting pressures are restricted to areas of high nesting pressures and competition. However, there remains a risk to the interior herbaceous layer of the island if the effects of nesting pressures at the edges advance inward from this perimeter.

Ungulate browsers promote herbaceous layer diversity in logged temperate forests

USGS Publications Warehouse

Faison, Edward K.; DeStefano, Stephen; Foster, David R.; Motzkin, Glenn; Rapp, Josh

2016-01-01

Ungulates are leading drivers of plant communities worldwide, with impacts linked to animal density, disturbance and vegetation structure, and site productivity. Many ecosystems have more than one ungulate species; however, few studies have specifically examined the combined effects of two or more species on plant communities. We examined the extent to which two ungulate browsers (moose [Alces americanus]) and white-tailed deer [Odocoileus virginianus]) have additive (compounding) or compensatory (opposing) effects on herbaceous layer composition and diversity, 5–6 years after timber harvest in Massachusetts, USA. We established three combinations of ungulates using two types of fenced exclosures – none (full exclosure), deer (partial exclosure), and deer + moose (control) in six replicated blocks. Species composition diverged among browser treatments, and changes were generally additive. Plant assemblages characteristic of closed canopy forests were less abundant and assemblages characteristic of open/disturbed habitats were more abundant in deer + moose plots compared with ungulate excluded areas. Browsing by deer + moose resulted in greater herbaceous species richness at the plot scale (169 m2) and greater woody species richness at the subplot scale (1 m2) than ungulate exclusion and deer alone. Browsing by deer + moose resulted in strong changes to the composition, structure, and diversity of forest herbaceous layers, relative to areas free of ungulates and areas browed by white-tailed deer alone. Our results provide evidence that moderate browsing in forest openings can promote both herbaceous and woody plant diversity. These results are consistent with the classic grazing-species richness curve, but have rarely been documented in forests.

Influence of tree cover on herbaceous layer development and carbon and water fluxes in a Portuguese cork-oak woodland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, Maren; Mosena, Alexander; Piayda, Arndt; Cuntz, Matthias; Correia, Alexandra Cristina; Pereira, Joao Santos; Werner, Christiane

2014-08-01

Facilitation and competition between different vegetation layers may have a large impact on small-scale vegetation development. We propose that this should not only influence overall herbaceous layer yield but also species distribution and understory longevity, and hence the ecosystems carbon uptake capacity especially during spring. We analyzed the effects of trees on microclimate and soil properties (water and nitrate content) as well as the development of an herbaceous community layer regarding species composition, aboveground biomass and net water and carbon fluxes in a cork-oak woodland in Portugal, between April and November 2011. The presence of trees caused a significant reduction in photosynthetic active radiation of 35 mol m-2 d-1 and in soil temperature of 5 °C from April to October. At the same time differences in species composition between experimental plots located in open areas and directly below trees could be observed: species composition and abundance of functional groups became increasingly different between locations from mid April onwards. During late spring drought adapted native forbs had significantly higher cover and biomass in the open area while cover and biomass of grasses and nitrogen fixing forbs was highest under the trees. Further, evapotranspiration and net carbon exchange decreased significantly stronger under the tree crowns compared to the open during late spring and the die back of herbaceous plants occurred earlier and faster under trees. This was most likely caused by interspecific competition for water between trees and herbaceous plants, despite the more favorable microclimate conditions under the trees during the onset of summer drought.

Relationships among woody and herbaceous competition and loblolly pine through mid-rotation (COMP)

Treesearch

Jams H. Miller; B.R. Zutter; S.M Zedaker; M.B. Edwards; R.A. Newbold

2002-01-01

To gain baseline data, this study examined loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations, across 13 southeastern sites, grown with near-complete control of woody and/or herbaceous competitors for the first 3-5 years. Data through 15 years was analyzed. Contrary to the wide spread assumption that hardwoods out compete pines, the hardwood proportion of...

Oustar: A Premixed Blend of Velpar DF+Oust XP For Herbaceous Weed Control and Enhanced Loblolly Pine Seedling Performance

Treesearch

Jimmie L. Yeiser; Andrew W. Ezell

2004-01-01

Six tests were established comparing the herbaceous weed control (HWC) and resultant loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedling performance from treatments of Oustar (0, 10, 13, 16, 19 ounces product acre-1), and industry standards (Velpar L+Oust 32+2; Arsenal+Oust 4+2 both in ounces product acre-1). Sites...

Nutrient availability in rangeland soils: influence of prescribed burning, herbaceous vegetation removal, overseeding with Bromus tectorum, season, and elevation

Treesearch

R. R. Blank; J. Chambers; B. Roundy; A. Whittaker

2007-01-01

Soil nutrient availability influences plant invasions. Resin capsules were used to examine soil nutrient bioavailability along 2 sagebrush-grassland elevation transects in the east Tintic Range (Utah) and Shoshone Range (Nevada). In the fall of 2001, treatments were applied to 3 replicate plots at each site, which included prescribed burning, herbaceous vegetation...

Prescribed fire effects on the herbaceous layer of mixed-oak forests

Treesearch

Todd F. Hutchinson; Ralph E.J. Boerner; Steve Sutherland; Elaine Kennedy Sutherland; Marilyn Ortt; Louis R. Iverson; Louis R. Iverson

2005-01-01

In 1994, a multidisciplinary project was established to study the effects of prescribed fire on oak forests in southern Ohio. Here we describe the herbaceous layer response to fires over a 5-year period. In four study sites, treatments imposed were unburned, periodic (1996 and 1999), and annual (1996-1999) fires. Sample plots (n = 108) were stratified by an integrated...

Fire and fire surrogate treatments in mixed-oak forests: Effects on herbaceous layer vegetation

Treesearch

Ross Phillips; Todd Hutchinson; Lucy Brudnak; Thomas Waldrop

2007-01-01

Herbaceous layer vegetation responses to prescribed fire and fire surrogate treatments (thinning and understory removal) were examined. Results from 3 to 4 years following treatment are presented for the Ohio Hills Country and the Southern Appalachian Mountain sites of the National Fire and Fire Surrogate Study. At the Ohio Hills site, changes in forest structure were...

Pinus Taeda L. response to fertilization, Herbaceous plant control, and woody plant control

Treesearch

Allan E. Tiarks; James D. Haywood

1986-01-01

On an intensively prepared site, a complete fertilizer applied at planting, and control of herbaceous and woody plants for the first 4 years, increased Pinus taeda L. volume at age 5 to 25.9 m3/ha compared to 11.8 m3/ha without the treatments. The fertilizer and competition control factors affected pine...

The effect of herbaceous weed control on planted loblolly pine during a drought

Treesearch

John D. Kushla

2015-01-01

Seedling survival in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation establishment is often mentioned as a justification for herbaceous weed control (HWC). However, the effects of HWC treatment during drought have been difficult to find. Sometimes this research was proprietary in nature. Also, since weather patterns vary from year to year, drought may not have coincided with...

Herbicide technology: its present and future role in re-establishing southern pine plantations

Treesearch

James H Miller

1988-01-01

This paper explores the benefits of competition control treatments in establishing plantations now and into the next rotation, More is known about the economic outcome of woody control treatments than about herbaceous. control; thus, the former are given the most attention. But the early growth benefits of herbaceous weed control treatments are also reviewed, with...

Equations for Estimating Biomass of Herbaceous and Woody Vegetation in Early-Successional Southern Appalachian Pine-Hardwood Forests

Treesearch

Katherine J. Elliott; Barton D. Clinton

1993-01-01

Allometric equations were developed to predict aboveground dry weight of herbaceous and woody species on prescribe-burned sites in the Southern Appalachians. Best-fit least-square regression models were developed using diamet,er, height, or both, as the independent variables and dry weight as the dependent variable. Coefficients of determination for the selected total...

Ten-year response of the herbaceous layer to an operational herbicide-shelterwood treatment in a northern hardwood forest

Treesearch

Todd E. Ristau; Scott H. Stoleson; Stephen B. Horsley; David S. deCalesta

2011-01-01

Shelterwood seed cutting in conjunction with herbicide site preparation has proven effective at regenerating Allegheny hardwood forests, but the long-term impact of this silvicultural system on herbaceous vegetation has not been determined. From 1994 to 2004, we studied the impacts of operational herbicide site preparation using glyphosate plus sulfometuron methyl...

Growth and Yield Relative to Competition for Loblolly Pine Plantations to Midrotation- A Southeastern United States Regional Study

Treesearch

James H. Miller; Bruce R. Zutter; Shepard M. Zedaker; M. Boyd Edwards; Ray A. Newbold

2003-01-01

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations were studied across 13 southeastern sites grown for 1.5 yr with near-complete control of woody, herbaceous, and woody plus herbaceous components during the first 3-5 yr. This multiple objective experiment (the COMProject) documents stand dynamics at the extreme corners of the response surface that...

Evaluating subsoiling and herbaceous weed control on shortleaf pine planted in retired farm land

Treesearch

John D. Kushla

2010-01-01

In March 2005, shortleaf pine was planted on retired fields of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station in Holly Springs. The objectives were to evaluate subsoiling and herbaceous weed control on first year seedling stocking, survival, and size. First year seedling measurements were made on stocking, survival, and size. Only results for first year...

Response of loblolly pine to complete woody and herbaceous control: projected yields and economic outcomes - the COMProject

Treesearch

James H. Miller; R.L. Busby; B.R. Zutter; S.M. Zedaker; M.B. Edwards; R.A. Newbold

1995-01-01

Abstract.Age-8 and -9 data from the 13 study plantations of the Competition Omission Monitoring Project (COMP) were used to project yields and derive economic outcomes for loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.). COMP treatments were chop-burn, complete woody plant control, complete herbaceous plant control for 4 years, and complete woody...

A Regional Study on the Influence of Woody and Herbaceous Competition on Early Loblolly Pine Growth

Treesearch

James H. Miller; Bruce R. Zutter; Shepard M. Zedaker; M. Boyd Edward; James D. Haywood

1991-01-01

A common study design has been installed at 14 locatoins Southwide to track the growth of loblolly pine established with four different competition control treatments: (a) no control, (b) woody control, (c) herbaceous control, and (d) total control after site preparation. This regionwide investigation is the Competition Omission Monitoring Project (COMP). During the...

A regional study of loblolly pine plantation development through 15 years after early complete woody and herbaceous plant control (COMP)

Treesearch

James H. Miller; B.R. Zutter; S.M Zedaker; M.B. Edwards; R.A. Newbold

2002-01-01

Pine plantations are increasingly cultured using early woody and/or herbaceous plant control. Developments in sustainable cultural practices are hindered by the absence of long-term data on productivity gains relative to competition levels, crop-competition dynamics, and compositional succession. To gain baseline data, this study examined loblolly pine (Pinus...

Herbaceous Weed Control Trials with a Planting Machine Sprayer and a Crawler-Tractor Sprayer--Fourth Year Pine Response.

Treesearch

James Miller

1990-01-01

Operational trials of herbaceous weed control treatments by machine application were studied at two southern alabama locations for establishing loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). The first study tested the feasibility of a spray attachment for planting machines to apply banded treatments while planting in February and March. Two rates of sulfometuron (Oust...

The effect of herbaceous species removal, fire and cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) on soil water availability in sagebrush steppe

Treesearch

Alison Whittaker; Bruce Roundy; Jeanne Chambers; Susan Meyer; Robert Blank; Stanley Kitchen; John Korfmacher

2008-01-01

Over the past several decades, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) has been continually expanding in the sagebrush steppe ecosystem. There has been very little research that examines why cheatgrass is able to invade these communities. To determine the effects of herbaceous vegetation removal and fire on available water for cheatgrass invasion, as well as...

Herbaceious layer and soil response to experimental acidification in a central Appalachian hardwood forest

Treesearch

Frank S. Gilliam; Nicole L. Turrill; Staci D. Aulick; Dan K. Evans; Mary Beth Adams

1994-01-01

The herbaceous layer (vascular plants ≤1 m in height) is an important component of forest ecosystems and a potentially sensitive vegetation stratum in response to acid deposition. This study tested several hypotheses concerning soil and herbaceous layer response to experimental acidification at the Fernow Experimental Forest in north-central West Virginia. Fifteen...

Coal mining activities change plant community structure due to air pollution and soil degradation.

PubMed

Pandey, Bhanu; Agrawal, Madhoolika; Singh, Siddharth

2014-10-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of coal mining activities on the community structures of woody and herbaceous plants. The response of individual plants of community to defilement caused by coal mining was also assessed. Air monitoring, soil physico-chemical and phytosociological analyses were carried around Jharia coalfield (JCF) and Raniganj coalfield. The importance value index of sensitive species minified and those of tolerant species enhanced with increasing pollution load and altered soil quality around coal mining areas. Although the species richness of woody and herbaceous plants decreased with higher pollution load, a large number of species acclimatized to the stress caused by the coal mining activities. Woody plant community at JCF was more affected by coal mining than herbaceous community. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that structure of herbaceous community was mainly driven by soil total organic carbon, soil nitrogen, whereas woody layer community was influenced by sulphur dioxide in ambient air, soil sulphate and soil phosphorus. The changes in species diversity observed at mining areas indicated an increase in the proportion of resistant herbs and grasses showing a tendency towards a definite selection strategy of ecosystem in response to air pollution and altered soil characteristics.

High-speed separation and characterization of major constituents in Radix Paeoniae Rubra by fast high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Liu, E-Hu; Qi, Lian-Wen; Li, Bin; Peng, Yong-Bo; Li, Ping; Li, Chang-Yin; Cao, Jun

2009-01-01

A fast high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method coupled with diode-array detection (DAD) and electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-TOFMS) has been developed for rapid separation and sensitive identification of major constituents in Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR). The total analysis time on a short column packed with 1.8-microm porous particles was about 20 min without a loss in resolution, six times faster than the performance of a conventional column analysis (115 min). The MS fragmentation behavior and structural characterization of major compounds in RPR were investigated here for the first time. The targets were rapidly screened from RPR matrix using a narrow mass window of 0.01 Da to restructure extracted ion chromatograms. Accurate mass measurements (less than 5 ppm error) for both the deprotonated molecule and characteristic fragment ions represent reliable identification criteria for these compounds in complex matrices with similar if not even better performance compared with tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 26 components were screened and identified in RPR including 11 monoterpene glycosides, 11 galloyl glucoses and 4 other phenolic compounds. From the point of time savings, resolving power, accurate mass measurement capability and full spectral sensitivity, the established fast HPLC/DAD/TOFMS method turns out to be a highly useful technique to identify constituents in complex herbal medicines. (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

[Study on the effect of rhizoma Chuanxiong, radix paeoniae rubra and the compound of their active ingredients, Xiongshao Capsule, on stability of atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE(-/-) mice].

PubMed

Xu, Hao; Wen, Chuan; Chen, Ke-Ji

2007-06-01

To observe the effect of Rhizoma chuanxiong (RC), Radix Paeoniae rubra (RP) and Xiongshao Capsule (XC, a compound of their active ingredients, Chuanxingols and Paeoniflorins) on stability of atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE-/- mice and to explore the probable mechanisms. The effect of RC, RP and XC in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque, in terms of pathologic morphology, cell composition and inflammatory reaction, in the atherosclerosis model established on ApoE-/- mice was studied by using optical microscope, immunohistochemical method and computerized imaging analysis respectively. After the ApoE-/- mice being fed with high fat diet for 26 weeks, obvious atherosclerotic lesion with typical unstable characteristics was found in their aortic root. Both RC and RP had certain effects in lowering total cholesterol and increasing the thickness of fibre cap. RC could also lower the serum triglyceride (TC) level and the lipid-core/plaque area ratio as well as reduce the macrocytic infiltration. In addition to the same effects as above mentioned, XS could also raise the levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), lower TC/HDL-C ratio, reduce inflammatory reaction and enlarge the collagen area in plaque. The acting links of RC and RP on atherosclerosis are different, the compound of their active ingredients, XS, shows a more evident effect in intervening unstable plaque. It demonstrates the effect-enhancing power of TCM compound and is worth further studying.

Preliminary phytochemical, acute oral toxicity and antihepatotoxic study of roots of Paeonia officinalis Linn.

PubMed

Ahmad, Feroz; Tabassum, Nahida

2013-01-01

To carry out a preliminary phytochemical, acute oral toxicity and antihepatotoxic study of the roots of Paeonia officinalis (P. officinalis) L. Preliminary phytochemical investigation was done as per standard procedures. Acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per OECD 425 guidelines. The antihepatotoxic activity of aqueous extract of root of P. officinalis was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats. Aqueous extract of P. officinalis at the dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was administered daily for 14 d in experimental animals. Liver injury was induced chemically, by CCl4 administration (1 mL/kg i.p.). The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), total bilirubin and total protein (TP) along with histopathological studies. Phytochemical screening revealed that the roots of P. officinalis contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids and proteins. The aqueous extract did not cause any mortality up to 2 000 mg/kg. In rats that had received the root extract at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the substantially elevated AST, ALT, SALP, total bilirubin levels were significantly lowered, respectively, in a dose dependent manner, along with CCl4 while TP levels were elevated in these groups. Histopathology revealed regeneration of the livers in extract treated groups while Silymarin treated rats were almost normal. The aqueous extract of P. officinalis is safe and possesses antihepatotoxic potential.

Management of Herbaceous Seeps and Wet Savannas for Threatened and Endangered Species.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-04-01

This document covers the ecology of, impacts to, and management for imbedded (or " inclusional ") wetland communities within the matrix. These wetland...Figure 3. Costal Plain depression pond in Georgia. These inclusional communities usually are not treated separately in literature syntheses regarding...Associated Plant Communities Herbaceous hillside seeps, wet savannas, and small depression ponds exist as inclusional communities within more extensive

Response of Loblolly Pine Plantations to Woody and Herbaceous Control--Eigth-Year Results of the Region-wide Study-The COMProject

Treesearch

B.R. Zutter; James H. Miller; S.M. Eedaker; M.B. Edwards; R.A. Newbold

1995-01-01

Eight-year response of planted loblolly pine to woody and herbaceous control following site preparation, studied at 13 locations, differed by pine response variable and hardwood level grouping. Treatments affected average pine height the same at both low hardwood (2/ac basal area at age 8) and high hardwood (>13ft2...

A Regional Framework of Early Growth Response for Loblolly Pine Relative to Herbaceous, Woody, and Complete Competition Control: The COMProject

Treesearch

James H. Miller; Bruce R. Zutter; Shepard M. Zedaker; M. Boyd Edwards; Ray A. Newbold

1995-01-01

A common study design has been installed at 13 locations throughout the South to track the growth of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations established with 4 different competition control treatments: no control (only chopping-burning), woody control for 5 years, herbaceous control for 4 years, and total control after site preparation. This...

Effect of early age woody and herbaceous competition control on wood properties of loblolly pine

Treesearch

F. Antony; L. R. Schimleck; L. Jordan; Alexander Clark; R. F. Daniels

2011-01-01

Early age competition control has been reported to significantly improve the growth and yield of plantation grown loblolly pine. The objective of this paper is to understand the changes in wood properties: basal area weighted whole disk SG, earlywood SG (EWSG), latewood SG (LWSG) and latewood percent (LWP) of 14 year-old trees which received early age herbaceous and...

Growth and physiological response of four shortleaf pine families to herbicidal control of herbaceous competition

Treesearch

Jimmie L. Yeiser; James P. Barnett

1991-01-01

Four open-pollinated families of short-leaf pine (Pinus echinata Mill.) seedlings were planted near Peryville, AR, in February 1988. Three herbaceous weed control were tested for each family along with an untreated check. A single treatment of 3 oz. ai/ac of Oust was applied in April 1988 for spot, band, and total control of herbs. Total control was...

Changes in the herbaceous and vine communities at the Bisley Experimental Watersheds, Puerto Rico, following Hurricane Hugo.

Treesearch

Jesus D. Chinea

1999-01-01

While herbaceous species and vines constitute a minor portion of the biomass in tropical closed forest ecosystems, they account for a substantial portion of the diversity of these ecosystems and become more conspicuous after natural disturbances. This study describes the changes in abundance and diversity of the herbs and vines during 5 years following Hurricane Hugo...

Seed morphology, germination phenology, and capacity to form a seed bank in six herbaceous layer apiaceae species of the eastern deciduous forest

Treesearch

Tracy S. Hawkins; Jerry M. Baskin; Carol C. Baskin

2007-01-01

We compared seed mass, seed morphology, and long-term germination phenology of three monocarpic (MI and three polycarpic (P) Apiaceae species of the herbaceous layer of the Eastern Deciduous Forest. Seeds (mericarps) of the six species differed considerably in mass, shape, and ornamentation. Mean seed masses were ranked Cryptotaenia canadensis (M)...

Restoration of herbaceous woodland plants: persistence, growth, and reproductive success of local and non-local propagules

Treesearch

Michaeleen Gerken Golay; Robert Manatt; Catherine Mabry; Janette Thompson; Randall Kolka

2013-01-01

Restoring the forest herbaceous layer in remnant forests throughout the Midwestern United States (U.S.) is limited by the lack of seed and propagules for many plant species. As a result, restorationists often have limited material to work with and must seek out plant material at a regional rather than a local scale, without knowing whether regional provenances are...

The herb community of a tropical forest in central Panamá: dynamics and impact of mammalian herbivores.

PubMed

Royo, Alejandro A; Carson, Walter P

2005-08-01

Mammals are hypothesized to either promote plant diversity by preventing competitive exclusion or limit diversity by reducing the abundance of sensitive plant species through their activities as browsers or disturbance agents. Previous studies of herbivore impacts in plant communities have focused on tree species and ignored the herbaceous community. In an experiment in mature-phase, tropical moist forest sites in central Panamá, we studied the impact of excluding ground-dwelling mammals on the richness and abundance of herbs in 16, 30x45-m plots. Within each plot, we censused the herbaceous community in 28, 2x2-m subplots (1,792 m2 total area sampled). We identified over 54 species of herbs averaging 1.21 ramets m-2 and covering approximately 4.25% of the forest floor. Excluding mammals for 5 years had no impact on overall species richness. Within exclosures, however, there was a significant two-fold increase in the density of rare species. Overall herbaceous density and percent cover did not differ between exclosures and adjacent control plots, although cover did increase over time. Mammalian exclusion significantly increased the total cover of three-dominant herb species, Pharus latifolius, Calathea inocephala, and Adiantum lucidum, but did not affect their density. This study represents one of the most extensive herbaceous community censuses conducted in tropical forests and is among a few that quantify herbaceous distribution and abundance in terms of both density and cover. Additionally, this work represents the first community level test of mammalian impacts on the herbaceous community in a tropical forest to date. Our results suggest that ground dwelling mammals do not play a key role in altering the relative abundance patterns of tropical herbs in the short term. Furthermore, our results contrast sharply with prior studies on similar temporal and spatial scales that demonstrate mammals strongly alter tree seedling composition and reduce seedling density. Thus, we question the pervasiveness of top-down control on tropical plant communities and the paradigm that defaunation will inexorably lead to widespread, catastrophic shifts in plant communities.

Limits to understory plant restoration following fuel-reduction treatments in a piñon-juniper woodland.

PubMed

Redmond, Miranda D; Zelikova, Tamara J; Barger, Nichole N

2014-11-01

National fuel-reduction programs aim to reduce the risk of wildland fires to human communities and to restore forest and rangeland ecosystems to resemble their historical structure, function, and diversity. There are a number of factors, such as seed bank dynamics, post-treatment climate, and herbivory, which determine whether this latter goal may be achieved. Here, we examine the short-term (2 years) vegetation response to fuel-reduction treatments (mechanical mastication, broadcast burn, and pile burn) and seeding of native grasses on understory vegetation in an upland piñon-juniper woodland in southeast Utah. We also examine how wildlife herbivory affects the success of fuel-reduction treatments. Herbaceous cover increased in response to fuel-reduction treatments in all seeded treatments, with the broadcast burn and mastication having greater increases (234 and 160 %, respectively) in herbaceous cover than the pile burn (32 %). In the absence of seeding, herbaceous cover only increased in the broadcast burn (32 %). Notably, fuel-reduction treatments, but not seeding, strongly affected herbaceous plant composition. All fuel-reduction treatments increased the relative density of invasive species, especially in the broadcast burn, which shifted the plant community composition from one dominated by perennial graminoids to one dominated by annual forbs. Herbivory by wildlife reduced understory plant cover by over 40 % and altered plant community composition. If the primary management goal is to enhance understory cover while promoting native species abundance, our study suggests that mastication may be the most effective treatment strategy in these upland piñon-juniper woodlands. Seed applications and wildlife exclosures further enhanced herbaceous cover following fuel-reduction treatments.

Heavy metal accumulation and signal transduction in herbaceous and woody plants: Paving the way for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency.

PubMed

Luo, Zhi-Bin; He, Jiali; Polle, Andrea; Rennenberg, Heinz

2016-11-01

Heavy metal (HM)-accumulating herbaceous and woody plants are employed for phytoremediation. To develop improved strategies for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency, knowledge of the microstructural, physiological and molecular responses underlying HM-accumulation is required. Here we review the progress in understanding the structural, physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying HM uptake, transport, sequestration and detoxification, as well as the regulation of these processes by signal transduction in response to HM exposure. The significance of genetic engineering for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency is also discussed. In herbaceous plants, HMs are taken up by roots and transported into the root cells via transmembrane carriers for nutritional ions. The HMs absorbed by root cells can be further translocated to the xylem vessels and unloaded into the xylem sap, thereby reaching the aerial parts of plants. HMs can be sequestered in the cell walls, vacuoles and the Golgi apparatuses. Plant roots initially perceive HM stress and trigger the signal transduction, thereby mediating changes at the molecular, physiological, and microstructural level. Signaling molecules such as phytohormones, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), modulate plant responses to HMs via differentially expressed genes, activation of the antioxidative system and coordinated cross talk among different signaling molecules. A number of genes participated in HM uptake, transport, sequestration and detoxification have been functionally characterized and transformed to target plants for enhancing phytoremediation efficiency. Fast growing woody plants hold an advantage over herbaceous plants for phytoremediation in terms of accumulation of high HM-amounts in their large biomass. Presumably, woody plants accumulate HMs using similar mechanisms as herbaceous counterparts, but the processes of HM accumulation and signal transduction can be more complex in woody plants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Grasses and browsers reinforce landscape heterogeneity by excluding trees from ecosystem hotspots.

PubMed

Porensky, Lauren M; Veblen, Kari E

2012-03-01

Spatial heterogeneity in woody cover affects biodiversity and ecosystem function, and may be particularly influential in savanna ecosystems. Browsing and interactions with herbaceous plants can create and maintain heterogeneity in woody cover, but the relative importance of these drivers remains unclear, especially when considered across multiple edaphic contexts. In African savannas, abandoned temporary livestock corrals (bomas) develop into long-term, nutrient-rich ecosystem hotspots with unique vegetation. In central Kenya, abandoned corral sites persist for decades as treeless 'glades' in a wooded matrix. Though glades are treeless, areas between adjacent glades have higher tree densities than the background savanna or areas near isolated glades. The mechanisms maintaining these distinctive woody cover patterns remain unclear. We asked whether browsing or interactions with herbaceous plants help to maintain landscape heterogeneity by differentially impacting young trees in different locations. We planted the mono-dominant tree species (Acacia drepanolobium) in four locations: inside glades, far from glades, at edges of isolated glades and at edges between adjacent glades. Within each location, we assessed the separate and combined effects of herbivore exclusion (caging) and herbaceous plant removal (clearing) on tree survival and growth. Both caging and clearing improved tree survival and growth inside glades. When herbaceous plants were removed, trees inside glades grew more than trees in other locations, suggesting that glade soils were favorable for tree growth. Different types of glade edges (isolated vs. non-isolated) did not have significantly different impacts on tree performance. This represents one of the first field-based experiments testing the separate and interactive effects of browsing, grass competition and edaphic context on savanna tree performance. Our findings suggest that, by excluding trees from otherwise favorable sites, both herbaceous plants and herbivores help to maintain functionally important landscape heterogeneity in African savannas.

A Regional Study of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda) Plantation Development During the First 15 Years After Early Complete Woody and/or Herbaceous Plant Control

Treesearch

James H. Miller; Bruce R. Zutter; Shepard M. Zedaker; M. Boyd Edwards; Ray A. Newbold

2002-01-01

Conifer plantations in North America and elsewhere in the world are increasingly cultured using early control of herbaceous and woody plants. Development of sustainable cultural practices are hindered by the absence of long-term data on productivity gains relative to competition levels, crop- competition dynamics, and ecological changes. There are lmany reports of...

Gilliam County Riparian Buffers; 2003-2004 Annual Reports.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Coiner, Josh

Interest appears to be at an all-time high for riparian conservation programs in Gilliam County. With the recently added Herbaceous Buffer and the already established CREP program interest is booming. However, more and more people are turning towards the herbaceous buffer because of expense. The riparian forest buffer is becoming too expensive. Even with the excellent cost share and incentives landowners are having trouble with Farm Service Agency's payment limitation. Because of this payment limitation landowners are not receiving their full rental and incentive payments, usually in year one. This has cooled the installation of riparian forest buffers and peakedmore » interest in the CP-29 (Herbaceous Buffer for Wildlife). Either way, riparian lands are being enhanced and water quality is being improved. Year three should be very similar to the accomplishments of year 2. There has already been several projects proposed that may or may not be approved during year 3. I am currently working on three projects that are all over 2.5 miles long on each side and total anywhere from 60 to 250 acres in size. Along with these three projects there at least seven small projects being proposed. Four of those projects are riparian forest buffers and the remaining are herbaceous buffers.« less

Above- and belowground competition from longleaf pine plantations limits performance of reintroduced herbaceous species.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

T.B. Harrington; C.M. Dagley; M.B. Edwards.

2003-10-01

Although overstory trees limit the abundance and species richness of herbaceous vegetation in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) plantations, the responsible mechanisms are poorly understood because of confounding among limiting factors. In fall 1998, research was initiated to determine the separate effects of above- and belowground competition and needlefall from overstory pines on understory plant performance. Three 13- to 15-yr-old plantations near Aiken, SC, were thinned to 0, 25, 50, or 100% of nonthinned basal area (19.5 m2 ha-1). Combinations of trenching (to eliminate root competition) and needlefall were applied to areas within each plot, and containerized seedlings of 14more » perennial herbaceous species and longleaf pine were planted within each. Overstory crown closure ranged from 0 to 81%, and soil water and available nitrogen varied consistently with pine stocking, trenching, or their combination. Cover of planted species decreased an average of 16.5 and 14.1% as a result of above- and below-ground competition, respectively. Depending on species, needlefall effects were positive, negative, or negligible. Results indicate that understory restoration will be most successful when herbaceous species are established within canopy openings (0.1-0.2 ha) managed to minimize negative effects from above- and belowground competition and needlefall.« less

Shifts and disruptions in resource-use trait syndromes during the evolution of herbaceous crops.

PubMed

Milla, Rubén; Morente-López, Javier; Alonso-Rodrigo, J Miguel; Martín-Robles, Nieves; Chapin, F Stuart

2014-10-22

Trait-based ecology predicts that evolution in high-resource agricultural environments should select for suites of traits that enable fast resource acquisition and rapid canopy closure. However, crop breeding targets specific agronomic attributes rather than broad trait syndromes. Breeding for specific traits, together with evolution in high-resource environments, might lead to reduced phenotypic integration, according to predictions from the ecological literature. We provide the first comprehensive test of these hypotheses, based on a trait-screening programme of 30 herbaceous crops and their wild progenitors. During crop evolution plants became larger, which enabled them to compete more effectively for light, but they had poorly integrated phenotypes. In a subset of six herbaceous crop species investigated in greater depth, competitiveness for light increased during early plant domestication, whereas diminished phenotypic integration occurred later during crop improvement. Mass-specific leaf and root traits relevant to resource-use strategies (e.g. specific leaf area or tissue density of fine roots) changed during crop evolution, but in diverse and contrasting directions and magnitudes, depending on the crop species. Reductions in phenotypic integration and overinvestment in traits involved in competition for light may affect the chances of upgrading modern herbaceous crops to face current climatic and food security challenges. © 2014 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

[Brief introduction of geo-authentic herbs].

PubMed

Liang, Fei; Li, Jian; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Rui-Xian

2013-05-01

The science of geo-authentic herbs is a characteristic discipline of traditional Chinese medicine established during thousands of years of clinical practices. It has a long history under the guidance of profound theories of traditional Chinese medicine. The words of "geo-authentic product" were derived from an administrative division unit in the ancient times, which layed stress on the good quality of products in particular regions. In ancient records of traditional Chinese medicine, the words of "geo-authentic product" were first found in Concise Herbal Foundation Compilation of the Ming dynasty, and the words of "geo-authentic herbs" were first discovered in Peony Pavilion of the late Ming dynasty. After all, clinical effect is the fundamental evaluation standard of geo-authentic herbs.

Vegetation composition and structure of southern coastal plain pine forests: An ecological comparison

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hedman, C.W.; Grace, S.L.; King, S.E.

2000-01-01

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) ecosystems are characterized by a diverse community of native groundcover species. Critics of plantation forestry claim that loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (Pinus elliottii) forests are devoid of native groundcover due to associated management practices. As a result of these practices, some believe that ecosystem functions characteristic of longleaf pine are lost under loblolly and slash pine plantation management. Our objective was to quantify and compare vegetation composition and structure of longleaf, loblolly, and slash pine forests of differing ages, management strategies, and land-use histories. Information from this study will further our understanding and lead to inferences about functional differences among pine cover types. Vegetation and environmental data were collected in 49 overstory plots across Southlands Experiment Forest in Bainbridge, GA. Nested plots, i.e. midstory, understory, and herbaceous, were replicated four times within each overstory plot. Over 400 species were identified. Herbaceous species richness was variable for all three pine cover types. Herbaceous richness for longleaf, slash, and loblolly pine averaged 15, 13, and 12 species per m2, respectively. Longleaf pine plots had significantly more (p < 0.029) herbaceous species and greater herbaceous cover (p < 0.001) than loblolly or slash pine plots. Longleaf and slash pine plots were otherwise similar in species richness and stand structure, both having lower overstory density, midstory density, and midstory cover than loblolly pine plots. Multivariate analyses provided additional perspectives on vegetation patterns. Ordination and classification procedures consistently placed herbaceous plots into two groups which we refer to as longleaf pine benchmark (34 plots) and non-benchmark (15 plots). Benchmark plots typically contained numerous herbaceous species characteristic of relic longleaf pine/wiregrass communities found in the area. Conversely, non-benchmark plots contained fewer species characteristic of relic longleaf pine/wiregrass communities and more ruderal species common to highly disturbed sites. The benchmark group included 12 naturally regenerated longleaf plots and 22 loblolly, slash, and longleaf pine plantation plots encompassing a broad range of silvicultural disturbances. Non-benchmark plots included eight afforested old-field plantation plots and seven cutover plantation plots. Regardless of overstory species, all afforested old fields were low either in native species richness or in abundance. Varying degrees of this groundcover condition were also found in some cutover plantation plots that were classified as non-benchmark. Environmental variables strongly influencing vegetation patterns included agricultural history and fire frequency. Results suggest that land-use history, particularly related to agriculture, has a greater influence on groundcover composition and structure in southern pine forests than more recent forest management activities or pine cover type. Additional research is needed to identify the potential for afforested old fields to recover native herbaceous species. In the interim, high-yield plantation management should initially target old-field sites which already support reduced numbers of groundcover species. Sites which have not been farmed in the past 50-60 years should be considered for longleaf pine restoration and multiple-use objectives, since they have the greatest potential for supporting diverse native vegetation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.

Oak woodland restoration in the Missouri Ozarks: two case studies examining responses of ground flora vegetation to prescribed fire

Treesearch

Aaron P. Stevenson

2016-01-01

Prescribed fire and thinning are two primary tools for restoring overgrown oak and oak-pine woodlands in Missouri. We wanted to examine woodland restoration efforts and determine if we were meeting our goals of promoting herbaceous ground flora cover and richness. We examined herbaceous responses to fire at two restoration sites in the Missouri Ozarks. At the first...

[Biological activity of fungi from the phyllosphere of weeds and wild herbaceous plants].

PubMed

Berestitskiĭ, A O; Gasich, E L; Poluéktova, E V; Nikolaeva, E V; Sokornova, S V; Khlopunova, L B

2014-01-01

Antimicrobial, phytotoxic, and insecticidal activity of 30 fungal isolates obtained from leaves of weeds and wild herbaceous plants was assessed. Antibacterial, antifungal, phytotoxic, and insecticidal activity was found in over 50, 40, 47, and 40% of the isolates, respectively. These findings may be important for toxicological assessment of potential mycoherbicides, as well as provide a basis for investigation of the patterns of development of phyllosphere communities affected by fungal metabolites.

Floristic survey of herbaceous and subshrubby aquatic and palustrine angiosperms of Viruá National Park, Roraima, Brazil

PubMed Central

Costa, Suzana Maria; Barbosa, Tiago Domingos Mouzinho; Bittrich, Volker; do Amaral, Maria do Carmo Estanislau

2016-01-01

Abstract We provide and discuss a floristic survey of herbaceous and subshrubby aquatic and palustrine angiosperms of Viruá National Park (VNP). The VNP is located in the northern Amazon basin and displays phytophysiognomies distributed in a mosaic where these plants occur, as flooded forests, hydromorphic white-sand savannas, “buritizais” and waterbodies. After expeditions between February/2010 and January/2015 and the analysis of specimens from regional herbaria, we list 207 species of herbaceous and subshrubby aquatic and palustrine angiosperms for the VNP, distributed in 85 genera in 37 families. We recorded six new occurrences for Brazil, two for the northern Brazilian region and 21 for Roraima state. These new occurrences, added to the other species listed here, highlight the floristic similarity between the study site and the Guiana Shield, an adjacent phytogeographical unit and geologically related to the origin of white-sand savannas. PMID:26884704

Comparative Analysis of Compatibility Effects on Invigorating Blood Circulation for Cyperi Rhizoma Series of Herb Pairs Using Untargeted Metabolomics

PubMed Central

Liu, Pei; Shang, Er-Xin; Zhu, Yue; Yu, Jin-Gao; Qian, Da-Wei; Duan, Jin-Ao

2017-01-01

The mutual-assistance compatibility of Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu, XF) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, DG), Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong, CX), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao, BS), or Corydalis Rhizoma (Yanhusuo, YH), found in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) named Xiang-Fu-Si-Wu Decoction (XFSWD), can produce synergistic and promoting blood effects. Nowadays, XFSWD has been proved to be effective in activating blood circulation and dissipating blood stasis. However, the role of the herb pairs synergistic effects in the formula were poorly understood. In order to quantitatively assess the compatibility effects of herb pairs, mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics studies were performed. The plasma and urine metabolic profiles of acute blood stasis rats induced by adrenaline hydrochloride and ice water and administered with Cyperi Rhizoma—Angelicae Sinensis Radix (XD), Cyperi Rhizoma—Chuanxiong Rhizoma (XC), Cyperi Rhizoma—Paeoniae Radix Alba (XB), Cyperi Rhizoma—Corydalis Rhizoma (XY) were compared. Relative peak area of identified metabolites was calculated and principal component analysis (PCA) score plot from the potential markers was used to visualize the overall differences. Then, the metabolites results were used with biochemistry indicators and genes expression values as parameters to quantitatively evaluate the compatibility effects of XF series of herb pairs by PCA and correlation analysis. The collective results indicated that the four XF herb pairs regulated glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis and arachidonic acid metabolism pathway. XD was more prominent in regulating the blood stasis during the four XF herb pairs. This study demonstrated that metabolomics was a useful tool to efficacy evaluation and compatibility effects of TCM elucidation. PMID:29018346

Authentication of Chinese Materia Medica decoction dregs, part 1: comparison of morphological and microscopic features of four Chinese Materia Medica before and after decoction.

PubMed

Wong, Lailai; Liang, Zhitao; Chen, Hubiao; Zhao, Zhongzhen

2011-04-01

Chinese Materia Medica (CMM) decoction dregs are the residues of medicinal materials after decoction. Accurate identification of CMM in decoction dregs will be helpful for exploring the causes of poisoning or other medical incidents arising after the ingestion of CMM decoctions. To determine how decoction affects the characteristics used to authenticate specific CMM, a systematic study was carried out. In this study, two pairs of Materia Medica that are commonly confused-namely, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Baishao (Paeoniae Alba Radix) and Chishao (Paeoniae Rubra Radix)-were chosen for investigation. Each pair of Materia Medica has similar morphology in appearance, but they have different functions in Chinese clinic. After decoction, with regard to gross morphological characters, the results showed that bark and wood could be easily distinguished. The striation of vessels and fibers became more prominent because of the contraction of parenchymatous cells, but the lignified cells did not. As for the microscopic characteristics, the cells with thickened walls, such as stone cells and fibers, were basically stable. Most of the parenchymatous cells were broken. Crystals of calcium oxalate showed no changes as they were insoluble in water. Starch granules were gelatinized and aggregated in parenchymatous cells. Inulins were substantially reduced in number as they dissolved in water during decoction. According to these changes in morphological and microscopic characteristics after decoction, the dregs of two pairs of Materia Medica could be distinguished. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Preliminary phytochemical, acute oral toxicity and antihepatotoxic study of roots of Paeonia officinalis Linn.

PubMed Central

Ahmad, Feroz; Tabassum, Nahida

2013-01-01

Objective To carry out a preliminary phytochemical, acute oral toxicity and antihepatotoxic study of the roots of Paeonia officinalis (P. officinalis) L. Methods Preliminary phytochemical investigation was done as per standard procedures. Acute oral toxicity study was conducted as per OECD 425 guidelines. The antihepatotoxic activity of aqueous extract of root of P. officinalis was evaluated against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic damage in rats. Aqueous extract of P. officinalis at the dose levels of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight was administered daily for 14 d in experimental animals. Liver injury was induced chemically, by CCl4 administration (1 mL/kg i.p.). The hepatoprotective activity was assessed using various biochemical parameters like aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum alkaline phosphatase (SALP), total bilirubin and total protein (TP) along with histopathological studies. Result Phytochemical screening revealed that the roots of P. officinalis contain alkaloids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, carbohydrates, flavonoids, terpenes, steroids and proteins. The aqueous extract did not cause any mortality up to 2 000 mg/kg. In rats that had received the root extract at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the substantially elevated AST, ALT, SALP, total bilirubin levels were significantly lowered, respectively, in a dose dependent manner, along with CCl4 while TP levels were elevated in these groups. Histopathology revealed regeneration of the livers in extract treated groups while Silymarin treated rats were almost normal. Conclusions The aqueous extract of P. officinalis is safe and possesses antihepatotoxic potential. PMID:23570019

General Design Memorandum Appendix D, Environmental Documents. Pascagoula Harbor Channel Improvement, Pascagoula, Mississippi

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-02-01

herbaceous uplands ( Cogon grass ), and 29 acres of tidal marsh. The entire area includes about 183 acres. 3. Alternative 3 is similar to Alternative 2...acres of tidal wetlands outside of the old Tenneco dike 61 acres of scrub/shrub uplands 21 acres of herbaceous uplands ( Cogon grass ) While wetlands...shrub wetlands exist within the old levees at the Tenneco site. Wetland grasses include such species as threesquare (Sciryus spp.), black needlerush

Controlling herbaceous competition in pasture planted with loblolly pine seedlings. Forest Service research note

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haywood, J.D.

1995-09-01

Three treatments designed to control herbaceous vegetation competing with loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings planted in grazed and ungrazed pasture were tested. Effects of the treatments on seedling survival and growth during the first 3 years after planting were determined. The treatments were directed application of herbicides (glyphosate in the first 2 years and hexazinone in the third year), rotary mowing, and mulching with pine straw around individual pine seedlings.

Performance of Planted Herbaceous Species in Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) Plantations: Overstory Effects of Competition and Needlefall

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dagley, C.M.

2001-07-03

Research to determine the separate effects of above-ground and below-ground competition and needlefall of over-story pines on under-story plant performance. Periodic monitoring of over-story crown closure, soil water content, temperature, and nutrients were conducted. Results indicate competition for light had a more determental effect on performance of herbaceous species in longleaf pine plantations than that resulting from competition for below-ground resources.

Ant community change across a ground vegetation gradient in north Florida's longleaf pine flatwoods

PubMed Central

Lubertazzi, David; Tschinkel, Walter R.

2003-01-01

Ant communities in longleaf pine habitats are poorly known and hence the naturally occurring ant assemblages of a large portion of southeastern North America are not well understood. This study examined the diverse ant community found in the longleaf pine flatwoods of north Florida and tested how ant diversity changes along a herbaceous ground cover gradient. Restoring the ground cover to its original floral composition is an important focus of longleaf pine conservation and hence it is important to understand how native faunal communities vary with ground cover variation. Using 4 sampling methods, we characterized the ant community and analyzed its within-habitat variation among 12 study sites. We found the highest plot species richness (55 species) and within-habitat species richness (72 species) ever recorded for North American ants. The ants formed three distinct communities. The low-diversity arboreal and subterranean assemblages varied little across forest stands while the diversity of the species-rich ground foraging ant community was negatively correlated with percent herbaceous cover. The imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (monogyne form), was unexpectedly found to be abundant in high herbaceous cover sites. Floral restoration of the pine flatwoods, which is increasing the proportion of herbaceous cover, is likely to cause an increase in the abundance of the imported fire ant. Abbreviation: ANF Apalachicola National Forest PMID:15841237

Impacts of environmental factors on the climbing behaviors of herbaceous stem-twiners.

PubMed

Hu, Liang; Chen, Youfang; Liu, Meicun

2017-11-01

The curvature of the helical trajectory formed by herbaceous stem-twiners has been hypothesized to be constant on uniformly sized cylindrical supports and remains constant on different supports varying in diameter. However, experimental studies on the constant curvature hypothesis have been very limited. Here, we tested the hypothesis in a series of experiments on five herbaceous stem-twiners ( Ipomoea triloba , Ipomoea nil , Phaseolus vulgaris , Vigna unguiculata, and Mikania micrantha ). We investigated how internode characteristics (curvature [β], diameter [ d ], and length [ L ]) and success rate (SR) of twining shoots would be affected by support thickness ( D ), temperature ( T ), illumination, and support inclination. The results showed that: (1) the SR of tested species decreased, but d increased with increasing support thickness. The β of the twining shoots on erect cylindrical poles was not constant, but it decreased with increasing d or support thickness. (2) The SR of tested species was not obviously reduced under low-temperature conditions, but their β was significantly higher and d significantly lower when temperature was more than 5°C lower. (3) The SR , d, and L of two tested Ipomoea species significantly declined, but β increased under 50% shading stress. (4) The curvatures of upper semicycles of I. triloba shoots on 45° inclined supports were not significantly different from curvatures of those shoots climb on erect supports, whereas the curvatures of lower semicycles were 40%-72% higher than curvatures of upper semicycles. Synthesis : Our study illustrates that stem curvatures of a certain herbaceous stem-twiners are not constant, but rather vary in response to external support, temperature, and illumination conditions. We speculate that herbaceous stem-twiners positively adapt to wide-diameter supports by thickening their stems and by reducing their twining curvatures. This insight helps us better understand climbing processes and dynamics of stem-twiners in forest communities and ecosystems.

A synopsis of short-term response to alternative restoration treatments in sagebrush-steppe: the SageSTEP project

USGS Publications Warehouse

McIver, James; Brunson, Mark; Bunting, Steve; Chambers, Jeanne; Doescher, Paul; Grace, James; Hulet, April; Johnson, Dale; Knick, Steven T.; Miller, Richard; Pellant, Mike; Pierson, Fred; Pyke, David; Rau, Benjamin; Rollins, Kim; Roundy, Bruce; Schupp, Eugene; Tausch, Robin; Williams, Jason

2014-01-01

The Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP) is an integrated long-term study that evaluates ecological effects of alternative treatments designed to reduce woody fuels and to stimulate the herbaceous understory of sagebrush steppe communities of the Intermountain West. This synopsis summarizes results through 3 yr posttreatment. Woody vegetation reduction by prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, or herbicides initiated a cascade of effects, beginning with increased availability of nitrogen and soil water, followed by increased growth of herbaceous vegetation. Response of butterflies and magnitudes of runoff and erosion closely followed herbaceous vegetation recovery. Effects on shrubs, biological soil crust, tree cover, surface woody fuel loads, and sagebrush-obligate bird communities will take longer to be fully expressed. In the short term, cool wet sites were more resilient than warm dry sites, and resistance was mostly dependent on pretreatment herbaceous cover. At least 10 yr of posttreatment time will likely be necessary to determine outcomes for most sites. Mechanical treatments did not serve as surrogates for prescribed fire in how each influenced the fuel bed, the soil, erosion, and sage-obligate bird communities. Woody vegetation reduction by any means resulted in increased availability of soil water, higher herbaceous cover, and greater butterfly numbers. We identified several trade-offs (desirable outcomes for some variables, undesirable for others), involving most components of the study system. Trade-offs are inevitable when managing complex natural systems, and they underline the importance of asking questions about the whole system when developing management objectives. Substantial spatial and temporal heterogeneity in sagebrush steppe ecosystems emphasizes the point that there will rarely be a “recipe” for choosing management actions on any specific area. Use of a consistent evaluation process linked to monitoring may be the best chance managers have for arresting woodland expansion and cheatgrass invasion that may accelerate in a future warming climate.

Variation in species-level plant functional traits over wetland indicator status categories

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCoy-Sulentic, Miles E.; Kolb, Thomas E.; Merritt, David M.; Palmquist, Emily C.; Ralston, Barbara E.; Sarr, Daniel A.

2017-01-01

Wetland indicator status (WIS) describes the habitat affinity of plant species and is used in wetland delineations and resource inventories. Understanding how species-level functional traits vary across WIS categories may improve designations, elucidate mechanisms of adaptation, and explain habitat optima and niche. We investigated differences in species-level traits of riparian flora across WIS categories, extending their application to indicate hydrologic habitat. We measured or compiled data on specific leaf area (SLA), stem specific gravity (SSG), seed mass, and mature height of 110 plant species that occur along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Arizona. Additionally, we measured leaf δ13C, δ15N, % carbon, % nitrogen, and C/N ratio of 56 species with C3 photosynthesis. We asked the following: (i) How do species-level traits vary over WIS categories? (ii) Does the pattern differ between herbaceous and woody species? (iii) How well do multivariate traits define WIS categories? (iv) Which traits are correlated? The largest trait differences among WIS categories for herbaceous species occurred for SSG, seed mass, % leaf carbon and height, and for woody species occurred for height, SSG, and δ13C. SSG increased and height decreased with habitat aridity for both woody and herbaceous species. The δ13C and hence water use efficiency of woody species increased with habitat aridity. Water use efficiency of herbaceous species increased with habitat aridity via greater occurrence of C4 grasses. Multivariate trait assemblages differed among WIS categories. Over all species, SLA was correlated with height, δ13C, % leaf N, and C/N; height was correlated with SSG and % leaf C; SSG was correlated with % leaf C. Adaptations of both herbaceous and woody riparian species to wet, frequently inundated habitats include low-density stem tissue. Adaptations to drier habitats in the riparian zone include short, high-density cavitation-resistant stem tissue, and high water use efficiency. The results enhance understanding about using traits to describe plant habitat in riparian systems.

Mangrove recruitment after forest disturbance is facilitated by herbaceous species in the Caribbean

USGS Publications Warehouse

McKee, K.L.; Rooth, J.E.; Feller, Ilka C.

2007-01-01

Plant communities along tropical coastlines are often affected by natural and human disturbances, but little is known about factors influencing recovery. We focused on mangrove forests, which are among the most threatened ecosystems globally, to examine how facilitation by herbaceous vegetation might improve forest restoration after disturbance. We specifically investigated whether recovery of mangrove forests in harsh environments is accelerated by nurse plants and whether the beneficial effects are species-specific. Quantification of standardized effects allowed comparisons across performance parameters and over time for: (1) net effect of each herbaceous species on mangrove survival and growth, (2) effects of pre- and post-establishment factors associated with each herbaceous species, and (3) need for artificial planting to enhance growth or survival of mangrove seedlings. Mangrove recruitment in a clear-cut forest in Belize was accelerated by the presence of Sesuvium portulacastrum (succulent forb) and Distichlis spicata (grass), two coastal species common throughout the Caribbean region. The net effect of herbaceous vegetation was positive, but the magnitude of effects on mangrove survival and growth differed by species. Because of differences in their vegetative structure and other features, species effects on mangroves also varied by mechanism: (1) trapping of dispersing propagules (both species), (2) structural support of the seedling (Distichlis), and/or (3) promotion of survival (Sesuvium) or growth (Distichlis) through amelioration of soil conditions (temperature, aeration). Artificial planting had a stronger positive effect on mangrove survival than did edaphic conditions, but planting enhanced mangrove growth more in Sesuvium than in Distichlis patches. Our study indicates that beneficial species might be selected based on features that provide multiple positive effects and that species comparisons may be improved using standardized effects. Our findings are not only relevant to the coastal environments found in the Caribbean region, but our assessment methods may be useful for developing site-specific information to restore disturbed mangrove forests worldwide, especially given the large pool of mangrove associates (>45 genera) available for screening. ?? 2007 by the Ecological Society of America.

Phytoremediation of Composition-B Derived TNT and RDX in Herbaceous Plant-vegetated and Bare Lysimeters

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-12-01

ER D C TR -0 9- 10 Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program Phytoremediation of Composition-B Derived TNT and RDX in...Program ERDC TR-09-10 December 2009 Phytoremediation of Composition-B Derived TNT and RDX in Herbaceous Plant-vegetated and Bare Lysimeters Elly P. H...for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Washington, DC 20314-1000 ERDC TR-09-10 ii Abstract: This report describes a study in which phytoremediation of

Final Environmental Impact Statement. Permit Application by Niagara Mohawk Power Corp., Proposed Lake Erie Generating Station, Pomfret and Sheridan, New York,

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-12-01

unidentified grasses (Gramineae). The open field areas are commonly invaded by woody seedlings of shrub species including: silky dogwood (Cornus amomum), red...also formed an important segment of the shrub layer. The herbaceous layer of the hardwoods forest is dominated primarily by two common ground vines ...toothwort (Dentaria laciniata) were among the dominants. Woody seedlings of tree shrub species are also common in the herbaceous layer; of these, spicebush

Pine growth following chemical site prep and postplant herbaceous weed control compared to chemical site prep only

Treesearch

Dwight K. Lauer; Harold E. Quicke

2013-01-01

Three site prep vegetation control systems were compared on two Piedmont and two Upper Coastal Plain sites. Systems were (1) a one-time site prep application of Chopper® GEN2™ 2, (2) a one-time application of Chopper® GEN2™ tank mixed with sulfometuron, and (3) two applications consisting of site prep with Chopper® GEN2™ followed by herbaceous weed control with Arsenal...

Aquilla Lake, Brazos River Basin, Texas, Pre-Impoundment Environmental Study: Supplement to Design Memorandum Number 9, Master Plan (in Response to: 40CFR 1505.3),

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-06-01

phaeacantha White Prairie Rose Rosa filiolosa Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa Slippery Elm Ulrnus rubra Elbow-Bush Forestiera pubescens Southen Black-haw Virburnum...It LIST OF PLATES Plate Title Page 1 Above, a cedar elm woodland scene ( -5), herbaceous component consists primarily of Canada...3( 2 Above, view of a pecan parkland (T3-2), herbaceous and shrub components composed primarily of Smilax, June 1980. Below, a mesquite/cedar elm

Non-Native Suckermouth Armored Catfishes in Florida: Description of Nest Borrows and Burrow Colonies with Assessment of Shoreline Conditions

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-04-01

were found within the uppermost meter of the bank. The portion of the banks with burrows typically contained few leafy or herbaceous plants . How...ever, as is normal in riverine envi- ronments, herbaceous and some small woody plants were found sprouting within burrow colonies exposed by low...water. As would be expected, the longer the expo- sure, the greater the plant cover- age. However, even in exposed areas the vegetation was

Estimating total standing herbaceous biomass production with LANDSAT MSS digital data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Richardson, A. J.; Everitt, J. H.; Wiegand, C. L. (Principal Investigator)

1982-01-01

Rangeland biomass data were correlated with spectral vegetation indices, derived from LANDSAT MSS data. LANDSAT data from five range and three other land use sites in Willacv and Cameron Counties were collected on October 17 and December 10, 1975, and on July 31 and September 23, 1976. The overall linear correlation of total standing herbaceous biomass with the LANDSAT derived perpendicular vegetation index was highly significant (r = 0.90**) for these four dates. The standard error of estimate was 722 kg/ha. Biomass data were recorded for two of these range sites for 8 months (March through October) during the 1976 growing season. Standing green biomass accounted for most of the increase in herbage, starting in June and ending about September and October. These results indicate that satellite data may be useful for the estimation of total standing herbaceous biomass production that could aid range managers in assessing range condition and animal carrying capacities of large and inaccessible range holdings.

Herbaceous plants as filters: immobilization of particulates along urban street corridors.

PubMed

Weber, Frauke; Kowarik, Ingo; Säumel, Ina

2014-03-01

Among air pollutants, particulate matter (PM) is considered to be the most serious threat to human health. Plants provide ecosystem services in urban areas, including reducing levels of PM by providing a surface for deposition and immobilization. While previous studies have mostly addressed woody species, we focus on herbaceous roadside vegetation and assess the role of species traits such as leaf surface roughness or hairiness for the immobilization of PM. We found that PM deposition patterns on plant surfaces reflect site-specific traffic densities and that strong differences in particulate deposition are present among species. The amount of immobilized PM differed according to particle type and size and was related to specific plant species traits. Our study suggests that herbaceous vegetation immobilizes a significant amount of the air pollutants relevant to human health and that increasing biodiversity of roadside vegetation supports air filtration and thus healthier conditions along street corridors. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Trends in airborne pollen and pollen-season-related features of anemophilous species in Jaen (south Spain): A 23-year perspective

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruiz-Valenzuela, Luis; Aguilera, Fátima

2018-05-01

Over the last few decades, global warming is prompting phenological changes in numerous plant species across Europe, and a trend towards rising airborne pollen concentrations has been detected. This study, focused on the most frequent pollen types from arboreal and herbaceous species in the airborne spectrum of Jaen (southern Spain), revealed significant changes in airborne pollen intensity and duration of the pollen season over the 23-year study period. Here Cupressaceae, Olea, Pinus, Platanus, Quercus as arboreal taxa and Plantago as herbaceous taxa were the most important with notable changes of at least three pollen season characteristics. Airborne pollen trends from arboreal taxa with high to very high allergenic potential are rising in line with the local temperature increasing trend, and their pollen seasons tend to end later and last longer. However, both the pollen concentrations and the duration of the pollen season of some herbaceous taxa are declining. The climate conditions projected for south Europe under different greenhouse emissions scenarios could continue to prompt greater pollen release and longer pollen season in tree species, especially those that flowering in winter and early spring, but these warming trends might be adverse for the local development of some herbaceous species and favorable for others sharing the same ecological niche. If similar warming trends accompany long-term climate change, greater exposure times to seasonal allergens may occur with subsequent effects on health.

Large herbivores maintain termite-caused differences in herbaceous species diversity patterns.

PubMed

Okullo, Paul; Moe, Stein R

2012-09-01

Termites and large herbivores affect African savanna plant communities. Both functional groups are also important for nutrient redistribution across the landscape. We conducted an experiment to study how termites and large herbivores, alone and in combination, affect herbaceous species diversity patterns in an African savanna. Herbaceous vegetation on large vegetated Macrotermes mounds (with and without large herbivores) and on adjacent savanna areas (with and without large herbivores) was monitored over three years in Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda. We found substantial differences in species richness, alpha diversity, evenness, and stability between termite mound herbaceous vegetation and adjacent savanna vegetation. Within months of fencing, levels of species richness, evenness, and stability were no longer significantly different between savanna and mounds. However, fencing reduced the cumulative number of species, particularly for forbs, of which 48% of the species were lost. Fencing increased the beta diversity (dissimilarity among plots) on the resource-poor (in terms of both nutrients and soil moisture) savanna areas, while it did not significantly affect beta diversity on the resource-rich termite mounds. While termites cause substantial heterogeneity in savanna vegetation, large herbivores further amplify these differences by reducing beta diversity on the savanna areas. Large herbivores are, however, responsible for the maintenance of a large number of forbs at the landscape level. These findings suggest that the mechanisms underlying the effects of termites and large herbivores on savanna plant communities scale up to shape community structure and dynamics at a landscape level.

Herbivore effects on productivity vary by guild: cattle increase mean productivity while wildlife reduce variability.

PubMed

Charles, Grace K; Porensky, Lauren M; Riginos, Corinna; Veblen, Kari E; Young, Truman P

2017-01-01

Wild herbivores and livestock share the majority of rangelands worldwide, yet few controlled experiments have addressed their individual, additive, and interactive impacts on ecosystem function. While ungulate herbivores generally reduce standing biomass, their effects on aboveground net primary production (ANPP) can vary by spatial and temporal context, intensity of herbivory, and herbivore identity and species richness. Some evidence indicates that moderate levels of herbivory can stimulate aboveground productivity, but few studies have explicitly tested the relationships among herbivore identity, grazing intensity, and ANPP. We used a long-term exclosure experiment to examine the effects of three groups of wild and domestic ungulate herbivores (megaherbivores, mesoherbivore wildlife, and cattle) on herbaceous productivity in an African savanna. Using both field measurements (productivity cages) and satellite imagery, we measured the effects of different herbivore guilds, separately and in different combinations, on herbaceous productivity across both space and time. Results from both productivity cage measurements and satellite normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) demonstrated a positive relationship between mean productivity and total ungulate herbivore pressure, driven in particular by the presence of cattle. In contrast, we found that variation in herbaceous productivity across space and time was driven by the presence of wild herbivores (primarily mesoherbivore wildlife), which significantly reduced heterogeneity in ANPP and NDVI across both space and time. Our results indicate that replacing wildlife with cattle (at moderate densities) could lead to similarly productive but more heterogeneous herbaceous plant communities in rangelands. © 2016 by the Ecological Society of America.

Pharmacokinetics and disposition of monoterpene glycosides derived from Paeonia lactiflora roots (Chishao) after intravenous dosing of antiseptic XueBiJing injection in human subjects and rats.

PubMed

Cheng, Chen; Lin, Jia-zhen; Li, Li; Yang, Jun-ling; Jia, Wei-wei; Huang, Yu-hong; Du, Fei-fei; Wang, Feng-qing; Li, Mei-juan; Li, Yan-fen; Xu, Fang; Zhang, Na-ting; Olaleye, Olajide E; Sun, Yan; Li, Jian; Sun, Chang-hai; Zhang, Gui-ping; Li, Chuan

2016-04-01

Monoterpene glycosides derived from Paeonia lactiflora roots (Chishao) are believed to be pharmacologically important for the antiseptic herbal injection XueBiJing. This study was designed to characterize the pharmacokinetics and disposition of monoterpene glycosides. Systemic exposure to Chishao monoterpene glycosides was assessed in human subjects receiving an intravenous infusion and multiple infusions of XueBiJing injection, followed by assessment of the pharmacokinetics of the major circulating compounds. Supportive rat studies were also performed. Membrane permeability and plasma-protein binding were assessed in vitro. A total of 18 monoterpene glycosides were detected in XueBiJing injection (content levels, 0.001-2.47 mmol/L), and paeoniflorin accounted for 85.5% of the total dose of monoterpene glycosides detected. In human subjects, unchanged paeoniflorin exhibited considerable levels of systemic exposure with elimination half-lives of 1.2-1.3 h; no significant metabolite was detected. Oxypaeoniflorin and albiflorin exhibited low exposure levels, and the remaining minor monoterpene glycosides were negligible or undetected. Glomerular-filtration-based renal excretion was the major elimination pathway of paeoniflorin, which was poorly bound to plasma protein. In rats, the systemic exposure level of paeoniflorin increased proportionally as the dose was increased. Rat lung, heart, and liver exposure levels of paeoniflorin were lower than the plasma level, with the exception of the kidney level, which was 4.3-fold greater than the plasma level; brain penetration was limited by the poor membrane permeability. Due to its significant systemic exposure and appropriate pharmacokinetic profile, as well as previously reported antiseptic properties, paeoniflorin is a promising XueBiJing constituent of therapeutic importance.

De novo transcriptome sequencing and discovery of genes related to copper tolerance in Paeonia ostii.

PubMed

Wang, Yanjie; Dong, Chunlan; Xue, Zeyun; Jin, Qijiang; Xu, Yingchun

2016-01-15

Paeonia ostii, an important ornamental and medicinal plant, grows normally on copper (Cu) mines with widespread Cu contamination of soils, and it has the ability to lower Cu contents in the Cu-contaminated soils. However, very little molecular information concerned with Cu resistance of P. ostii is available. In this study, high-throughput de novo transcriptome sequencing was carried out for P. ostii with and without Cu treatment using Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. A total of 77,704 All-unigenes were obtained with a mean length of 710 bp. Of these unigenes, 47,461 were annotated with public databases based on sequence similarities. Comparative transcript profiling allowed the discovery of 4324 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 2207 up-regulated and 2117 down-regulated unigenes in Cu-treated library as compared to the control counterpart. Based on these DEGs, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis indicated Cu stress-relevant terms, such as 'membrane' and 'antioxidant activity'. Meanwhile, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis uncovered some important pathways, including 'biosynthesis of secondary metabolites' and 'metabolic pathways'. In addition, expression patterns of 12 selected DEGs derived from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were consistent with their transcript abundance changes obtained by transcriptomic analyses, suggesting that all the 12 genes were authentically involved in Cu tolerance in P. ostii. This is the first report to identify genes related to Cu stress responses in P. ostii, which could offer valuable information on the molecular mechanisms of Cu resistance, and provide a basis for further genomics research on this and related ornamental species for phytoremediation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of a Resonant Mirror Biosensor (IAsys) and a Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) for the Study on Interaction between Paeoniae Radix 801 and Endothelin-1.

PubMed

Huang, Jiadong; Lin, Qing; Yu, Jinghua; Ge, Shenguang; Li, Jing; Yu, Min; Zhao, Zixia; Wang, Xinsheng; Zhang, Xiuming; He, Xiaorui; Yuan, Liang; Yin, Huijun; Osa, Tetsuo; Chen, Keji; Chen, Qiang

2008-12-15

A resonant mirror biosensor, IAsys, and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) are known independently as surface sensitive analytical devices capable of label-free and in situ bioassays. In this study, an IAsys and a QCM are employed for a new study on the action mechanism of Paeoniae Radix 801 (P. radix 801) by detecting the specific interaction between P. radix 801 and endothelin-1 (ET-1). In the experiments, ET-1 was immobilized on the surfaces of the IAsys cuvette and the QCM substrate by surface modification techniques, and then P. radix 801 solution was contacted to the cuvette and the substrate, separately. Then, the binding and interaction process between P. radix 801 and ET-1 was monitored by IAsys and QCM, respectively. The experimental results showed that P. radix 801 binds ET-1 specifically. The IAsys and QCM response curves to the ET-1 immobilization and P. radix 801 binding are similar in reaction process, but different in binding profiles, reflecting different resonation principles. Although both IAsys and QCM could detect the interaction of P. radix 801 and ET-1 with high reproducibility and reliability through optimization of the ET-1 coating, the reproducibility and reliability obtained by IAsys are better than those obtained by QCM, since the QCM frequency is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations, atmospheric changes and mechanical disturbances. However, IAsys and QCM are generally potent and reliable tools to study the interaction of P. radix 801 and ET-1, and can conclusively be applied to the action mechanism of P. radix 801.

Heavy metals translocation and accumulation from the rhizosphere soils to the edible parts of the medicinal plant Fengdan (Paeonia ostii) grown on a metal mining area, China.

PubMed

Shen, Zhang Jun; Xu, De Cong; Chen, Yan Song; Zhang, Zhen

2017-09-01

Fengdan (Paeonia ostii) is one of Chinese 34 famous medicinal materials. This study investigated the concentrations of Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), and Zinc (Zn) in rhizosphere soils, cortex mouton and seeds of Fengdan planted in a metal mining area, China. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, and Zn in the rhizosphere soils were above the limits set by the Chinese Soil Environmental Quality Standard (GB 15618-1995). The contamination factor (CF) of Cd was >5, while it was >2for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in all the soils. The integrated pollution index for all the soils was >3 and ˂ 5. Metal concentrations in the edible parts of Fengdan were in the following decreasing order: Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>As>Cr≥Cd. The transfer factor mean values for As, Cu, Cd and Fe in the cortex moutan of old Fengdan (over 6 years) were significantly higher than in young Fengdan. Available metal concentrations, pH and soil organic matter content influenced the metal concentrations of the cortex moutan. The results indicated that mining and smelting operations have led to heavy metals contamination of soils and medicinal parts of Fengdan. The major metal pollutants were elemental Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Heavy metals mainly accumulated in the cortex moutan of Fengdan. The mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Pb in the old cortex moutan (over 6 years) were above those of the Chinese Green Trade Standards for Medicinal Plants and Preparations in Foreign Trade (WM/T2-2004). Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Paeonia japonica, Houttuynia cordata, and Aster scaber water extracts induce nitric oxide and cytokine production by lipopolysaccharide-activated macrophages.

PubMed

Kim, Jin; Park, Chang-Shin; Lim, Yunsook; Kim, Hyun-Sook

2009-04-01

Natural products are increasingly recognized as potential targets for drug discovery and development. We previously reported that Paeonia japonica, Houttuynia cordata, and Aster scaber enhanced macrophage activation both in vitro and in vivo. In the present study we investigated the immunomodulating effects of these plants on lipopolysacharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. An aqueous extract of each plant was administered to female BALB/c mice every other day for 4 weeks. Peritoneal macrophages were then collected and incubated to examine the immunoreactivity of macrophages against LPS at different time points. The expression levels of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthetase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inhibitory factor kappaB alpha (IkappaBalpha) proteins and the production of NO metabolite (nitrite), prostaglandin (PG) E(2), and the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were determined in the activated macrophages treated with extracts from each plant individually or combined. High levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were produced by A. scaber-, P. japonica-, and H. cordata-treated macrophages following 24 hours of LPS stimulation. P. japonica, H. cordata, and A. scaber treatment also induced the production of nitrate by LPS-treated macrophages. Induction of iNOS mRNA and protein was also different in each group. PGE(2) secretion was up-regulated by all extract-treated macrophages at early time points; however, no significant differences were observed between the groups by 8 hours post-LPS stimulation. Treatment with A. scaber extract resulted in the highest levels of IkappaBalpha degradation. Our findings illustrate that the natural plant products P. japonica, H. cordata, and A. scaber may enhance immune function by modulating ex vivo pro-inflammatory cytokine and NO production as well as the expression of iNOS and COX-2.

Linking water and carbon fluxes in a Mediterranean oak woodland using a combined flux and ?18O partitioning approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, M.; Piayda, A.; Costa e Silva, F.; Correia, A.; Pereira, J. S.; Cuntz, M.; Werner, C.

2013-12-01

Water is one of the key factors driving ecosystem productivity, especially in water-limited ecosystems, where global climate change is expected to intensify drought and alter precipitation patterns. One such ecosystem is the ';Montado', where two vegetation layers respond differently to drought: oak trees avoid drought due to their access to deeper soil layers and ground water while herbaceous plants, surviving the summer in the form of seeds. We aimed at 1) quantifying the impact of the understory herbaceous vegetation on ecosystem carbon and water fluxes throughout the year, 2) determining the driving environmental factors for evapotranspiration (ET) and net ecosystem exchange (NEE) and 3) disentangling how ET components of the ecosystem relate to carbon dioxide exchange. We present one year data set comparing modeled and measured stable oxygen isotope signatures (δ18O) of soil evaporation, confirming that the Craig and Gordon equation leads to good agreement with measured δ18O of evaporation (Dubbert et al. 2013). Partitioning ecosystem ET and NEE into its three sources revealed a strong contribution of soil evaporation (E) and herbaceous transpiration (T) to ecosystem ET during spring and fall. In contrast, soil respiration (R) and herbaceous net carbon gain contributed to a lesser amount to ecosystem NEE during spring and fall, leading to consistently smaller water use efficiencies (WUE) of the herbaceous understory compared to the cork-oaks. Here, we demonstrate that the ability to assess ET, NEE and WUE independent of soil evaporation dynamics enables the understanding of the mechanisms of the coupling between water and carbon fluxes and their responses to drought. Dubbert, M., Cuntz, M., Piayda, A., Maguas, C., Werner, C., 2013: Partitioning evapotranspiration - Testing the Craig and Gordon model with field measurements of oxygen isotope ratios of evaporative fluxes. J Hydrol. a) Oxygen isotope signatures of soil evaporation on bare soil plots calculated with the Craig and Gordon equation versus measured values for the open (white circles) and tree site (black circles) of every measurement point (mean values × SD; n=3; R2=0.8; p<0.001). b) Modeled δ18O of leaf water at the evaporating sites in the non steady state versus measured leaf water δ18Ofor the open and tree site (R2=0.9,p<0.001). Relative contribution (%) of soil, herbaceous vegetation and cork-oaks to ecosystem evapotranspiration and net ecosystem CO2 exchange

Field Testing New Plot Designs and Methods for Determining Hydrophytic Vegetation during Wetland Delineations in the United States

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-03-01

Trees and woody vines are sampled in large plots with 9 m (30 ft) radii. Saplings, shrubs , and herbs are sampled in nested smaller plots with 2 m (5 ft... woody vines in 9 m (30 ft) radius plots and saplings, shrubs , and herbaceous species in 2 m (5 ft) radius plots. In herbaceous meadows, only the 2 m (5...suggests stratifying vegetation by growth forms of trees, shrubs , herbs, and vines and sampling plant communities by using nested circular plots

Multistage, multiseasonal and multiband imagery to identify and qualify non-forest vegetation resources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Driscoll, R. S.; Francis, R. E.

1970-01-01

A description of space and supporting aircraft photography for the interpretation and analyses of non-forest (shrubby and herbaceous) native vegetation is presented. The research includes the development of a multiple sampling technique to assign quantitative area values of specific plant community types included within an assigned space photograph map unit. Also, investigations of aerial film type, scale, and season of photography for identification and quantity measures of shrubby and herbaceous vegetation were conducted. Some work was done to develop automated interpretation techniques with film image density measurement devices.

Inventory and analysis of natural vegetation and related resources from space and high altitude photography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poulton, C. E.

1972-01-01

A multiple sampling technique was developed whereby spacecraft photographs supported by aircraft photographs could be used to quantify plant communities. Large scale (1:600 to 1:2,400) color infrared aerial photographs were required to identify shrub and herbaceous species. These photos were used to successfully estimate a herbaceous standing crop biomass. Microdensitometry was used to discriminate among specific plant communities and individual plant species. Large scale infrared photography was also used to estimate mule deer deaths and population density of northern pocket gophers.

Women's health among the Chumash.

PubMed

Adams, James D; Garcia, Cecilia

2006-03-01

Plants were, and still are, widely used for a number of conditions affecting women in California. This article discusses traditional remedies of the Chumash for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, feminine hygiene, heavy menstruation, urinary tract infections, parturition, lactation, infant care, menopause, sexually transmitted diseases, fertility, contraception and abortions. Many plants are presented including Artemisia douglasiana, Paeonia californica, Trichostema lanatum, Salvia apiana, Ephedra viridis, Leymus condensatus, Vitis californica, Eschscholzia californica, Rosa californica, Scirpus acutus, Anemopsis californica and Phoradendron macrophyllum. By providing the specific uses of plants for specific diseases and discussing chemistry, efficacy and safety concerns for each plant, we hope that this article gives direction to women seeking to use plants in their health care.

Climate consequences of large-scale land-use changes as climate engineering tools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mayer, Dorothea; Kracher, Daniela; Reick, Christian; Pongratz, Julia

2015-04-01

Terrestrial carbon sinks are much-discussed as climate engineering methods both in politics and science. The debate focuses mostly on their potential for carbon sequestration and fossil-fuel substitution, whereas other effects such as changes in heat and water fluxes are often ignored. We assess potentials and side-effects of two different land-use types suggested as climate engineering tools, forest and herbaceous biomass plantations. We integrate herbaceous biomass plantations as new plant functional types into the land component (JSBACH) of the Max-Planck-Institute Earth System Model (MPI-ESM). Herbaceous biomass plantations alter surface albedo, carbon and water cycles compared to forests. We adapted the JSBACH carbon cycle (assimilation and respiration) to reflect a highly productive biomass grass and the phenology to account for harvests just before the beginning of the growing season. The harvested material is transferred to a separate pool that can be adapted to reflect different biomass utilization pathways. Where possible, the model was validated using yield measurements and water-use efficiency calculations available from literature data. We compare the potentials and side-effects of afforestation and herbaceous biomass plantations in a plausible global scenario: under the representative concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5, large areas of agricultural lands are projected to be abandoned as food production intensifies on the most productive soils. We intend to model the climatic consequences of using these abandoned croplands for afforestation or biomass plantations, under an RCP 8.5 forcing (high CO2 emissions). We emphasize differences between biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects of land-use on climate and how these factors interact on the local and global scale. Apart from direct climatic effects (energy, water, and carbon fluxes), we attempt to consistently account for fossil-fuel substitution effects of biomass plantations in a coupled model. This study comprises the fist part of a larger project analyzing four different land-use types: unmanaged forest, managed forest, woody biomass plantations and herbaceous biomass plantations. Our study is part of the interdisciplinary program 'Climate Engineering: Risks, Challenges and Opportunities?' which allows for a consistent comparison of land-based climate engineering to other methods such as solar radiation management or ocean alkalinization.

[Relationship between changes of herbaceous plants and Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution under walnut forest of inhibition of snails in mountainous regions of Yunnan Province].

PubMed

Zhang, Chun-Hua; Liu, Fang-Yan; Liu, Guang-Fu; Sun, Yong-Yu; Tang, Guo-Yong; Li, Kun

2013-12-01

To explore the relationship between the changes of herbaceous plants and Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution under the walnut forest of inhibition of snails in mountainous regions of Yunnan Province. The experimental field was established at Sanying Village of Eryuan County, Yunnan Province, where the "Flourishing Forest and Controlling Snails Project" was implemented. The different stand ages (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 years)of walnut forest in experimental groups were selected based on the method of space replacing time, and the non-stocked land was served as a control group. The growth of forest, change of snails, number, biomass, overcast, height of the herbaceous plant and the soil moisture were investigated. The crown closure of 6-year-old walnut forest of inhibition of snails was 0.65. There were 11 species of herbaceous plant belonging to 11 genera, 6 families in 10-year-old forest and its crown closure was 0.77. Compared with the control group, the numbers of families, genera, and species of the 10-year-old forest were decreased by 64.71%, 69.44%, and 77.08%, and the biomass, overcast, and height of it decreased by 12.63%, 19%, and 22.18%, respectively. The soil moisture content (0-20 cm) monthly changes were increased obviously with the increase of stand age. There were no snails besides the control group and 2-year-old walnut forest. Compare with the control group, the occurrence rate of frames with living snails in the 2-year-old walnut forest was decreased by 50%, which was 1.25%. The density of living snails was decreased by 60.16%. The construction of walnut forest of inhibition of snails in mountainous regions of Yunnan Province are suitable for controlling the growth of herbaceous plants and altering the environment of snails. If the coalescence intercropped with crops is carried out, it is not only beneficial to the construction of good ecological environment, but also improves the utilization efficiencies of land, light, and thermal resource, and the income of peasants.

Random forest wetland classification using ALOS-2 L-band, RADARSAT-2 C-band, and TerraSAR-X imagery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahdianpari, Masoud; Salehi, Bahram; Mohammadimanesh, Fariba; Motagh, Mahdi

2017-08-01

Wetlands are important ecosystems around the world, although they are degraded due both to anthropogenic and natural process. Newfoundland is among the richest Canadian province in terms of different wetland classes. Herbaceous wetlands cover extensive areas of the Avalon Peninsula, which are the habitat of a number of animal and plant species. In this study, a novel hierarchical object-based Random Forest (RF) classification approach is proposed for discriminating between different wetland classes in a sub-region located in the north eastern portion of the Avalon Peninsula. Particularly, multi-polarization and multi-frequency SAR data, including X-band TerraSAR-X single polarized (HH), L-band ALOS-2 dual polarized (HH/HV), and C-band RADARSAT-2 fully polarized images, were applied in different classification levels. First, a SAR backscatter analysis of different land cover types was performed by training data and used in Level-I classification to separate water from non-water classes. This was followed by Level-II classification, wherein the water class was further divided into shallow- and deep-water classes, and the non-water class was partitioned into herbaceous and non-herbaceous classes. In Level-III classification, the herbaceous class was further divided into bog, fen, and marsh classes, while the non-herbaceous class was subsequently partitioned into urban, upland, and swamp classes. In Level-II and -III classifications, different polarimetric decomposition approaches, including Cloude-Pottier, Freeman-Durden, Yamaguchi decompositions, and Kennaugh matrix elements were extracted to aid the RF classifier. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficient were determined in each classification level for evaluating the classification results. The importance of input features was also determined using the variable importance obtained by RF. It was found that the Kennaugh matrix elements, Yamaguchi, and Freeman-Durden decompositions were the most important parameters for wetland classification in this study. Using this new hierarchical RF classification approach, an overall accuracy of up to 94% was obtained for classifying different land cover types in the study area.

Historical cover trends in a sagebrush steppe ecosystem from 1985 to 2013: Links with climate, disturbance, and management

USGS Publications Warehouse

Shi, Hua; Rigge, Matthew B.; Homer, Collin G.; Xian, George Z.; Meyer, Debbie; Bunde, Brett

2017-01-01

Understanding the causes and consequences of component change in sagebrush steppe is crucial for evaluating ecosystem sustainability. The sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) steppe ecosystem of the northwest USA has been impacted by the invasion of exotic grasses, increasing fire return intervals, changing land management practices, and fragmentation, often lowering the overall resilience to change. We utilized contemporary and historical Landsat imagery, field data, and regression tree models to produce fractional cover maps of rangeland components (shrub, sagebrush, herbaceous, bare ground, and litter) through the last 30 years. Our main goals were to (1) investigate rangeland component trends over 30 years, (2) evaluate the magnitude and direction of trends in components and climate drivers and their relationship, and (3) assess component trends influenced by climate. Results indicated that over the study period, shrub, sage, herbaceous, and litter cover decreased, while bare ground cover increased. Measured rates of change ranged from − 0.14% decade−1 for shrub cover to 0.05% decade−1 for bare ground, whereas herbaceous and litter cover trends were negligible. Net landscape cover changes were consistent with expectations of climate change and disturbance producing a loss of biotic cover, and converting a portion of shrub and sagebrush to herbaceous cover. Overall, fire and related successional recovery was the greatest change agent for all components in terms of area and cover change, while increasing minimum temperature, at a rate of 0.66°C decade−1, was found to be the most significant climate driver.

Ten-year growth response of young Douglas-fir to variable density varnishleaf ceanothus and herb competition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Monleon, V.J.; Newton, M.; Hooper, C.; Tappeiner, J. C.

1999-01-01

The effect of different densities of varnishleaf ceanothus (Ceanothus velutinus var. laevigatus) and herbaceous vegetation control on stem diameter, height, and volume of plantation Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii) seedlings was examined during the 10 yr following planting. Initial densities of ceanothus ranged between 0 and 15,000 seedlings/ha and were obtained by interplanting ceanothus germinants or chemical thinning after clearcutting and broadcast-burning. Herbaceous vegetation control was achieved by a single application of glyphosate following planting, with shrub seedlings covered. Ceanothus density in the range of 0 to 6,750 plants/ha did not have an effect on Douglas-fir diameter, height, or volume at age 10; however, Douglas-fir growth was significantly decreased when ceanothus densities reached 15,000 plants/ha. Ten years after planting, Douglas-fir volume in the treatments with 6,750 ceanothus/ha or less was 1.7 times greater than that in the 15,000 ceanothus/ha treatment. On the other hand, removal of herbaceous vegetation after planting significantly increased tree diameter, height, and volume, regardless of ceanothus density. Even 10 yr after the application of the treatment, trees without early herb competition grew faster and had mean dbh, height, and volume that were 1.02 cm, 0.55 m, and 12.98 dm3/tree greater respectively than those with herbs. Thus, a treatment at plantation establishment to control herbaceous vegetation and to reduce ceanothus density to less than 7,000 plants/ha will ensure an increase in growth and stocking for at least 10 yr.

Native herbaceous plant species with potential use in phytoremediation of heavy metals, spotlight on wetlands - A review.

PubMed

Oyuela Leguizamo, Mayerly Alexandra; Fernández Gómez, Wilmar Darío; Sarmiento, Martha Cecilia Gutiérrez

2017-02-01

Soil, air and water pollution caused by the mobility and solubility of heavy metals significantly damages the environment, human health, plants and animals. One common in situ method used for the decontamination of heavy metals is phytoremediation. This usually involves the use of exotic species. However, these species may exhibit invasive behavior, thereby, affect the environmental and ecological dynamics of the ecosystem into which they are introduced. This paper focuses on some native herbaceous plant species reported on the wetlands of Bogota, Colombia, with potential use in phytoremediation of heavy metals. To do that, the authors identified and searched a bibliography based on key words related to heavy metal decontamination. In addition, authors gathered and analyzed relevant information that allowed the comprehension of the phytoremediation process. This paper suggests the study of 41 native or endemic species regarding their behavior towards heavy metal contamination. From a survey of herbaceous plants reported in Bogota, native and endemic species that belong to predominant families in heavy metal accumulation processes were selected. Although found in Colombian's wetlands, these can also be found worldwide. Therefore, they are of great interest due to their global presence and their potential for use in phytoremediation. The current research about the development of phytoremediation focuses on the identification of new herbaceous species able to decontaminate substratum polluted with heavy metals to contribute with the investigation of the ecology and environment of the nature's remnants in urban wetland ecosystems. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Phloem Loading Strategies and Water Relations in Trees and Herbaceous Plants1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Fu, Qiushi; Cheng, Lailiang; Guo, Yangdong; Turgeon, Robert

2011-01-01

Most herbaceous plants employ thermodynamically active mechanisms of phloem loading, whereas in many trees, the mechanism is passive, by diffusion. Considering the different water transport characteristics of herbs and trees, we hypothesized that water relations play a role in the adoption of phloem loading strategies. We measured whole-plant hydraulic conductance (Kp), osmolality, concentrations of polar metabolites, and key inorganic ions in recently mature leaves of 45 dicotyledonous species at midafternoon. Trees, and the few herbs that load passively, have low Kp, high osmolality, and high concentrations of transport sugars and total polar metabolites. In contrast, herbs that actively load sucrose alone have high Kp, low osmolality, and low concentrations of sugars and total polar metabolites. Solute levels are higher in sugar alcohol-transporting species, both herbs and trees, allowing them to operate at lower leaf water potentials. Polar metabolites are largely responsible for leaf osmolality above a baseline level (approximately 300 mm) contributed by ions. The results suggest that trees must offset low Kp with high concentrations of foliar transport sugars, providing the motivating force for sugar diffusion and rendering active phloem loading unnecessary. In contrast, the high Kp of most herbaceous plants allows them to lower sugar concentrations in leaves. This reduces inventory costs and significantly increases growth potential but necessitates active phloem loading. Viewed from this perspective, the elevation of hydraulic conductance marks a major milestone in the evolution of the herbaceous habit, not only by facilitating water transport but also by maximizing carbon use efficiency and growth. PMID:21873572

A Database of Herbaceous Vegetation Responses to Elevated Atmospheric CO2 (NDP-073)

DOE Data Explorer

Jones, Michael H [The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH (United States); Curtis, Peter S [The Ohio State Univ., Columbus, OH (United States); Cushman, Robert M [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Brenkert, Antoinette L [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

1999-01-01

To perform a statistically rigorous meta-analysis of research results on the response by herbaceous vegetation to increased atmospheric CO2 levels, a multiparameter database of responses was compiled from the published literature. Seventy-eight independent CO2-enrichment studies, covering 53 species and 26 response parameters, reported mean response, sample size, and variance of the response (either as standard deviation or standard error). An additional 43 studies, covering 25 species and 6 response parameters, did not report variances. This numeric data package accompanies the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center's (CDIAC's) NDP- 072, which provides similar information for woody vegetation. This numeric data package contains a 30-field data set of CO2- exposure experiment responses by herbaceous plants (as both a flat ASCII file and a spreadsheet file), files listing the references to the CO2-exposure experiments and specific comments relevant to the data in the data sets, and this documentation file (which includes SAS and Fortran codes to read the ASCII data file; SAS is a registered trademark of the SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, North Carolina 27511).

Effect of aerotechnogenic emissions on the content of heavy metals in herbaceous plants of the Lower Don region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minkina, T. M.; Mandzhieva, S. S.; Chaplygin, V. A.; Motuzova, G. V.; Burachevskaya, M. V.; Bauer, T. V.; Sushkova, S. N.; Nevidomskaya, D. G.

2017-06-01

The effect of soil properties and distance from the source of technogenic emission on the input of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni into daisy family plants ( Asteraceae) has been studied. It has been found that the high level of anthropogenic load related to the atmospheric emissions from the Novocherkassk power plant (NPP) favors the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in herbaceous plants. Contamination with Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni is revealed in plants growing near the NPP. The main factors affecting the distribution of HMs in the above- and underground organs of plants include individual physiological features of plant species controlling the barrier functions of different plant organs. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Artemisia austriaca Pall. ex. Wild. Jack., and Tanacetum vulgare L. are accumulators of HMs. The resistance of herbaceous plants to pollution has been determined from the acropetal coefficient and actual biogeochemical mobility of HMs. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. is most resistant to contamination with Mn; Achillea nobilis L. is most resistant to Pb, Ni, and Cd; Cichorium intybus L. is most resistant to Zn and Cu.

Post-fire reproduction of herbs at a savanna-gallery forest boundary in Distrito Federal, Brazil.

PubMed

Massi, K G; Eugênio, C U O; Franco, A C

2017-11-01

In Cerrado, studies of post-fire vegetation recovery show that some herbaceous species are able to flower shortly after fires. However, these were mainly short-term studies that focused on grasslands and savannas. Little is known about the effects of fire on ground layer of forests that border the savannas in Central Brazil. Thus, an accidental burning gave us the opportunity to describe the reproductive activity of the ground layer vegetation after a fire event along a savanna-forest boundary at the IBGE Ecological Reserve, Brasília, Brazil. During the 16-month of the inventory, we registered 170 herbaceous species flowering or fruiting, of which 52 species (31%) may have been influenced by fire that changed their times of reproduction. In the savanna plots reproduction peaked at the end of the rainy season. Of the total number of reproducing species, 90 species occurred only in the savanna and four in the forest. Five herbs were recorded in the forest, savanna and border environments. Late dry season fire probably lead the majority of herbaceous species to have their reproduction spread throughout the study time.

Effects of Torrefaction Temperature on Pyrolysis Vapor Products of Woody and Herbaceous Feedstocks

DOE PAGES

Starace, Anne K.; Evans, Robert J.; Lee, David D.; ...

2016-06-17

A variety of hardwood, softwood, and herbaceous feedstocks (oak, southern yellow pine mix, loblolly pine, pinyon-juniper mix, and switchgrass) were each torrefied at 200, 250, and 300 °C. Each of the feedstocks was pyrolyzed and the resulting vapors were analyzed with a molecular beam mass spectrometer (py-MBMS). Compositional analysis was used to measure the total lignin content of three of the feedstocks (southern yellow pine, softwood; oak, hardwood; and switchgrass, herbaceous) before and after torrefaction at 300 °C, and large differences in the fraction of lignin lost during torrefaction were found between feedstocks, with oak having the largest decrease inmore » lignin during torrefaction and switchgrass having the least. Finally, it is hypothesized that these differences in the thermal degradation are due to, in part, the different ratios of S, G, and H lignins in the feedstocks. Additionally, the torrefaction of kraft lignin was studied using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).« less

Forested floristic quality index: An assessment tool for forested wetland habitats using the quality and quantity of woody vegetation at Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) vegetation monitoring stations

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wood, William B.; Shaffer, Gary P.; Visser, Jenneke M.; Krauss, Ken W.; Piazza, Sarai C.; Sharp, Leigh Anne; Cretini, Kari F.

2017-02-08

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, developed the Forested Floristic Quality Index (FFQI) for the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS). The FFQI will help evaluate forested wetland sites on a continuum from severely degraded to healthy and will assist in defining areas where forested wetland restoration can be successful by projecting the trajectories of change. At each CRMS forested wetland site there are stations for quantifying the overstory, understory, and herbaceous vegetation layers. Rapidly responding overstory canopy cover and herbaceous layer composition are measured annually, while gradually changing overstory basal area and species composition are collected on a 3-year cycle.A CRMS analytical team has tailored these data into an index much like the Floristic Quality Index (FQI) currently used for herbaceous marsh and for the herbaceous layer of the swamp vegetation. The core of the FFQI uses basal area by species to assess the quality and quantity of the overstory at each of three stations within each CRMS forested wetland site. Trees that are considered by experts to be higher quality swamp species like Taxodium distichum (bald cypress) and Nyssa aquatica (water tupelo) are scored higher than tree species like Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow) and Salix nigra (black willow) that are indicators of recent disturbance. This base FFQI is further enhanced by the percent canopy cover in the overstory and the presence of indicator species at the forest floor. This systemic approach attempts to differentiate between locations with similar basal areas that are on different ecosystem trajectories. Because of these varying states of habitat degradation, paired use of the FQI and the FFQI is useful to interpret the vegetative data in transitional locations. There is often an inverse relation between the health of the overstory and health of the herbaceous community beneath it because of resource competition (for example, light) and differing environmental preferences between the two communities. The herbaceous layer vegetation responds rapidly to basic environmental factors such as flooding, salinity, and nutrients and can offer insight into the sustainability of swamps on a temporal scale shorter than tha of the slowly growing woody vegetation.The FFQI will be available via the CRMS spatial viewer (http://lacoast.gov/crms2/home.aspx), and a new score will be calculated annually for each CRMS forested wetland site as data are collected to establish trends, to compare among sites, and to evaluate specific restoration projects when applicable. The FFQI will identify forested wetland areas in need of restoration and conservation and will help define targets and trajectories for restoration planning.

Assessing atmospheric particulate matter distribution based on Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization of herbaceous and tree leaves in a tropical urban environment.

PubMed

Barima, Yao Sadaiou Sabas; Angaman, Djédoux Maxime; N'gouran, Kobenan Pierre; Koffi, N'guessan Achille; Kardel, Fatemeh; De Cannière, Charles; Samson, Roeland

2014-02-01

Particulate matter (PM) emissions, and the associated human health risks, are likely to continue increasing in urban environments of developing countries like Abidjan (Ivory Cost). This study evaluated the potential of leaves of several herbaceous and tree species as bioindicators of urban particulate matter pollution, and its variation over different land use classes, in a tropical area. Four species well distributed (presence frequencies >90%) over all land use classes, easy to harvest and whose leaves are wide enough to be easily scanned were selected, i.e.: Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae), Eleusine indica (Poaceae), Panicum maximum (Poaceae) and Ficus benjamina (Moraceae). Leaf sampling of these species was carried out at 3 distances from the road and at 3 height levels. Traffic density was also noted and finally biomagnetic parameters of these leaves were determined. Results showed that Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SIRM) of leaves was at least 4 times higher (27.5×10(-6)A) in the vicinity of main roads and industrial areas than in parks and residential areas. The main potential sources of PM pollution were motor vehicles and industries. The slightly hairy leaves of the herbaceous plant A. spinosus and the waxy leaves of the tree F. benjamina showed the highest SIRM (25×10(-6)A). Leaf SIRM increased with distance to road (R(2)>0.40) and declined with sampling height (R(2)=0.17). The distance between 0 and 5m from the road seemed to be the most vulnerable in terms of PM pollution. This study has showed that leaf SIRM of herbaceous and tree species can be used to assess PM exposure in tropical urban environments. © 2013.

Century long assessment of herbaceous plants' physiological responses to climate change in Switzerland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno-Gutierrez, Cristina; Kahmen, Ansgar

2017-04-01

The isotopic analysis of archived plant material offers the exceptional opportunity to reconstruct the physiological activity of plants over long time periods and thus, to assess plant responses to environmental changes during the last centuries. In addition, the stable isotope analysis of herbarium samples offers the opportunity to reconstruct the physiological processes of a large range of different plant species and from different environments. Interestingly, only few studies have to date assessed these archives. We will present a novel analysis of leaf nitrogen, oxygen and carbon isotope ratios of more than a thousand herbarium specimens collected since 1800 until present from the unique herbaria hold at the University of Basel. The objective of our study was to assess century-long physiological responses of herbaceous plant species from different plant functional groups and along an altitudinal gradient in Switzerland. The goal of our study was to determine with our investigations the long-term responses of plants to climate change. Such investigations are important as they allow to assess long-term processes of acclimation and adaptation in plants to global enviromental change. In our study we found that herbaceous plants have increased their intrinsic water use efficiency in response to increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration but this increment was higher in plants from higher altitudes, due to the higher efficiency of CO2 assimilation of alpine plants compared to plants from lowlands. There were also differences among functional groups, with grasses and forbs showing the highest increments. In addition, herbaceous plants showed a decreasing trend with time in their N isotopic composition, which may indicate progressive N limitation due to higher biological activity with increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration.

Woody-Herbaceous Species Coexistence in Mulga Hillslopes: Modelling Structure and Function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Soltanjalili, M. J.; Saco, P. M.; Willgoose, G. R.

2016-12-01

The fundamental processes underlying the coexistence of woody and herbaceous species in arid and semi-arid areas have been a topic of intense research during the last few decades. Experimental and modelling studies have both supported and disputed alternative hypotheses explaining this phenomenon. Vegetation models including the key processes that drive coexistence can be used to understand vegetation pattern dynamics and structure under current climate conditions, and to predict changes under future conditions. Here we present work done towards linking the observations to modelling. The model captures woody-herbaceous coexistence along a rainfall gradient characteristic of typical conditions on Mulga ecosystems in Australia. The dynamic vegetation model simulates the spatial dynamics of overland flow, soil moisture and vegetation growth of two species. It incorporates key mechanisms for coexistence and pattern formation, including facilitation by evaporation reduction through shading, and infiltration feedbacks, local and non-local seed dispersal, competition for water uptake. Model outcomes, obtained including diflerent mechanisms, are qualitatively compared to typical vegetation cover patterns in the Australian Mulga bioregion where bush fire is very infrequent and the fate of vegetation cover is mostly determined by intra- and interspecies interactions. Through these comparisons, and by drawing on the large number of recent studies that have delivered new insights into the dynamics of such ecosystems, we identify main mechanisms that need an improved representation in the dynamic vegetation models. We show that a realistic parameterization of the model leads to results which are aligned with the observations reported in the literature. At the lower end of the rainfall gradient woody species coexist with herbaceous species within a sparse banded pattern, while at higher rainfall woody species tend to dominate the landscape.

[Characteristics of dissolved organic carbon release under inundation from typical grass plants in the water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir area].

PubMed

Tan, Qiu-Xia; Zhu, Boi; Hua, Ke-Ke

2013-08-01

The water-level fluctuation zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) exposes in spring and summer, then, green plants especially herbaceous plants grow vigorously. In the late of September, water-level fluctuation zone of TGR goes to inundation. Meanwhile, annually accumulated biomass of plant will be submerged for decaying, resulting in organism decomposition and release a large amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This may lead to negative impacts on water environment of TGR. The typical herbaceous plants from water-level fluctuation zone were collected and inundated in the laboratory for dynamic measurements of DOC concentration of overlying water. According to the determination, the DOC release rates and fluxes have been calculated. Results showed that the release process of DOC variation fitted in a parabolic curve. The peak DOC concentrations emerge averagely in the 15th day of inundation, indicating that DOC released quickly with organism decay of herbaceous plant. The release process of DOC could be described by the logarithm equation. There are significant differences between the concentration of DOC (the maximum DOC concentration is 486.88 mg x L(-1) +/- 35.97 mg x L(-1) for Centaurea picris, the minimum is 4.18 mg x L(-1) +/- 1.07 mg x L(-1) for Echinochloacrus galli) and the release amount of DOC (the maximum is 50.54 mg x g(-1) for Centaurea picris, the minimum is 6.51 mg x g(-1) for Polygonum hydropiper) due to different characteristics of plants, especially, the values of C/N of herbaceous plants. The cumulative DOC release quantities during the whole inundation period were significantly correlated with plants' C/N values in linear equations.

Herbaceous or Salix miyabeana 'SX64' narrow buffer strips as a means to minimize glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid leaching from row crop fields.

PubMed

Hénault-Ethier, Louise; Lucotte, Marc; Moingt, Matthieu; Paquet, Serge; Maccario, Sophie; Smedbol, Élise; Gomes, Marcelo Pedrosa; Lepage, Laurent; Juneau, Philippe; Labrecque, Michel

2017-11-15

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide worldwide and is now frequently detected in surface waters of agricultural regions, notably in Quebec (Canada). Numerous legislations require vegetated riparian buffer strips (RBS) along agricultural streams. Quebec policy requires 3-meter-wide RBS. The present study evaluates the efficiency of narrow herbaceous and low- or high-density (33,333 and 55,556stumps/ha) willow, Salix miyabeana 'SX64', RBS, to minimize leaching of glyphosate and its main degradation product (AMPA) from agricultural fields to streams. Our study compared triplicate treatments of herbaceous and willow-planted RBS located in an organic-rich soil at Boisbriand (BB) and in a mineral soil at Saint-Roch-de-l'Achigan (SR). Runoff water was sampled with surface collectors and interstitial water was collected with 35cm or 70cm tension lysimeters. Potential efficiency of the RBS is reported as the percent reduction between edge-of-field and edge-of-stream concentrations in runoff and interstitial waters. Neither glyphosate nor AMPA in runoff were significantly intercepted by the RBS. After field herbicide spraying, glyphosate measured in SR surface soils (0-20cm) was on average 210μg·kg -1 dw (range from undetected to ≤317μg·kg -1 dw). Glyphosate was found to be persistent and its infiltration towards groundwater may be enhanced by the RBS. Contrary to runoff trends, soil glyphosate was significantly less concentrated on the SR edge-of-stream compared to edge-of-field (27-54% potential efficiency). The potential efficiency of herbaceous, low- and high-density willow RBS were undifferentiated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dual-wavelength common-path digital holographic microscopy for quantitative phase imaging of biological cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di, Jianglei; Song, Yu; Xi, Teli; Zhang, Jiwei; Li, Ying; Ma, Chaojie; Wang, Kaiqiang; Zhao, Jianlin

2017-11-01

Biological cells are usually transparent with a small refractive index gradient. Digital holographic interferometry can be used in the measurement of biological cells. We propose a dual-wavelength common-path digital holographic microscopy for the quantitative phase imaging of biological cells. In the proposed configuration, a parallel glass plate is inserted in the light path to create the lateral shearing, and two lasers with different wavelengths are used as the light source to form the dual-wavelength composite digital hologram. The information of biological cells for different wavelengths is separated and extracted in the Fourier domain of the hologram, and then combined to a shorter wavelength in the measurement process. This method could improve the system's temporal stability and reduce speckle noises simultaneously. Mouse osteoblastic cells and peony pollens are measured to show the feasibility of this method.

Possessed by evil spirits: a history of seizures in infancy.

PubMed

Obladen, Michael

2014-07-01

For 4 millennia, seizures in infancy were believed to be of supranatural origin and were dealt with by incantations, exorcising rituals, and protective amulets. Instead of pursuing scientific research into their causes, gods, devils, mothers, wet nurses, midwives, or obstetricians were blamed. Help from protective gods and patron saints was sought, and amulets against the "evil eye" were recommended by physicians, mostly in the form of necklaces. Infants were despised and hidden away from the community. Among the medical conditions associated with seizures, those most prominent were dentition, gastrointestinal irritation, and "bad" mother's milk. Medical treatment consisted of cutting or rubbing the gums with a hare's brain during dentition, and applying peony or theriac. Even during the 20th century, when laboratory methods, electroencephalography, brain imaging, and powerful pharmaceutical techniques were available, effective treatment evolved empirically rather than systematically. © The Author(s) 2013.

Women's Health Among the Chumash

PubMed Central

Adams, James D.; Garcia, Cecilia

2006-01-01

Plants were, and still are, widely used for a number of conditions affecting women in California. This article discusses traditional remedies of the Chumash for dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, feminine hygiene, heavy menstruation, urinary tract infections, parturition, lactation, infant care, menopause, sexually transmitted diseases, fertility, contraception and abortions. Many plants are presented including Artemisia douglasiana, Paeonia californica, Trichostema lanatum, Salvia apiana, Ephedra viridis, Leymus condensatus, Vitis californica, Eschscholzia californica, Rosa californica, Scirpus acutus, Anemopsis californica and Phoradendron macrophyllum. By providing the specific uses of plants for specific diseases and discussing chemistry, efficacy and safety concerns for each plant, we hope that this article gives direction to women seeking to use plants in their health care. PMID:16550233

Fossil evidence for a herbaceous diversification of early eudicot angiosperms during the Early Cretaceous

PubMed Central

Jud, Nathan A.

2015-01-01

Eudicot flowering plants comprise roughly 70% of land plant species diversity today, but their early evolution is not well understood. Fossil evidence has been largely restricted to their distinctive tricolpate pollen grains and this has limited our understanding of the ecological strategies that characterized their primary radiation. I describe megafossils of an Early Cretaceous eudicot from the Potomac Group in Maryland and Virginia, USA that are complete enough to allow reconstruction of important life-history traits. I draw on quantitative and qualitative analysis of functional traits, phylogenetic analysis and sedimentological evidence to reconstruct the biology of this extinct species. These plants were small and locally rare but widespread, fast-growing herbs. They had complex leaves and they were colonizers of bright, wet, disturbance-prone habitats. Other early eudicot megafossils appear to be herbaceous rather than woody, suggesting that this habit was characteristic of their primary radiation. A mostly herbaceous initial diversification of eudicots could simultaneously explain the heretofore sparse megafossil record as well as their rapid diversification during the Early Cretaceous because the angiosperm capacity for fast reproduction and fast evolution is best expressed in herbs. PMID:26336172

Fossil evidence for a herbaceous diversification of early eudicot angiosperms during the Early Cretaceous.

PubMed

Jud, Nathan A

2015-09-07

Eudicot flowering plants comprise roughly 70% of land plant species diversity today, but their early evolution is not well understood. Fossil evidence has been largely restricted to their distinctive tricolpate pollen grains and this has limited our understanding of the ecological strategies that characterized their primary radiation. I describe megafossils of an Early Cretaceous eudicot from the Potomac Group in Maryland and Virginia, USA that are complete enough to allow reconstruction of important life-history traits. I draw on quantitative and qualitative analysis of functional traits, phylogenetic analysis and sedimentological evidence to reconstruct the biology of this extinct species. These plants were small and locally rare but widespread, fast-growing herbs. They had complex leaves and they were colonizers of bright, wet, disturbance-prone habitats. Other early eudicot megafossils appear to be herbaceous rather than woody, suggesting that this habit was characteristic of their primary radiation. A mostly herbaceous initial diversification of eudicots could simultaneously explain the heretofore sparse megafossil record as well as their rapid diversification during the Early Cretaceous because the angiosperm capacity for fast reproduction and fast evolution is best expressed in herbs. © 2015 The Author(s).

An Examination of the Demographic and Environmental Variables Correlated with Lyme Disease Emergence in Virginia.

PubMed

Seukep, Sara E; Kolivras, Korine N; Hong, Yili; Li, Jie; Prisley, Stephen P; Campbell, James B; Gaines, David N; Dymond, Randel L

2015-12-01

Lyme disease is the United States' most significant vector-borne illness. Virginia, on the southern edge of the disease's currently expanding range, has experienced an increase in Lyme disease both spatially and temporally, with steadily increasing rates over the past decade and disease spread from the northern to the southwestern part of the state. This study used a Geographic Information System and a spatial Poisson regression model to examine correlations between demographic and land cover variables, and human Lyme disease from 2006 to 2010 in Virginia. Analysis indicated that herbaceous land cover is positively correlated with Lyme disease incidence rates. Areas with greater interspersion between herbaceous and forested land were also positively correlated with incidence rates. In addition, income and age were positively correlated with incidence rates. Levels of development, interspersion of herbaceous and developed land, and population density were negatively correlated with incidence rates. Abundance of forest fragments less than 2 hectares in area was not significantly correlated. Our results support some findings of previous studies on ecological variables and Lyme disease in endemic areas, but other results have not been found in previous studies, highlighting the potential contribution of new variables as Lyme disease continues to emerge southward.

EASTERN DODDER (CUSCUTA MONOGYNA VAHL.) SEED GERMINATION AFFECTED BY SOME HERBACEOUS DISTILLATES.

PubMed

Movassaghi, M; Hassannejad, S

2015-01-01

Eastern dodder (Cuscuta monogyna Vahl.) is one of the noxious parasitic weeds that infected many ornamental trees in green spaces and gardens. Our purpose is to find natural inhibitors for prevention of its seed germination. In order to reach this aim, laboratory studies were conducted by using of herbaceous distillates of Dracocephalum moldavica, Nasturtium officinalis, Malva neglecta, Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Rosa damascene, Ziziphora tenuior, and Urtica dioica on seed germination of C. monogyna. Z. tenuior distillate stimulated C. monogyna seed germination, whereas others reduced this parasitic weed's seed germination. D. moldavica caused maximum inhibition on weed seed germination. Seedling growth of C. monogyna was more affected than its seed germination. All of these herbaceous distillates reduced C. monogyna seedling length so that the latter decreased from 28.2 mm in distilled water to 4.5, 3.97, 3.85, 3.67, 3.1, 2.87, 2.57, 1.9, and 1.17 in M. pulegium, M. piperita, F. officinalis, Z. tenuior, N. officinalis, M. neglecta, R. damascene, U. dioica and D. moldavica, respectively. By using these medicinal plants distillates instead of herbicides, the parasitic weed seedling length and host plant infection will reduce.

[Analysis on "component-target-pathway" of Paeonia lactiflora in treating cardiac diseases based on data mining].

PubMed

Liu, Yang; Zhang, Fang-Bo; Tang, Shi-Huan; Wang, Ping; Li, Sen; Su, Jin; Zhou, Rong-Rong; Zhang, Jia-Qi; Sun, Hui-Feng

2018-04-01

Based on the literature review and modern application of Paeonia lactiflora in heart diseases, this article would predict the target of drug and disease by intergrative pharmacology platform of traditional Chinese medicine (TCMIP, http://www.tcmip.cn), and then explore the molecular mechanism of P. lactiflora in treatment of heart disease, providing theoretical basis and method for further studies on P. lactiflora. According to the ancient books, P. lactiflora with functions of "removing the vascular obstruction, removing the lumps, relieving pain, diuretic, nutrient qi" and other effects, have been used for many times to treat heart disease. Some prescriptions are also favored by the modern physicians nowadays. With the development of science, the chemical components that play a role in heart disease and the interrelation between these components and the body become the research hotspot. In order to further reveal the pharmacological substance base and molecular mechanism of P. lactiflora for the treatment of such diseases, TCM-IP was used to obtain multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways in treatment of heart disease. ATP1A1, a common target of drug and disease, was related to energy, and HDAC2 mainly regulated cardiomyocyte hypertrophy gene and cardiomyocyte expression. Other main drug targets such as GCK, CHUK and PRKAA2 indirectly regulated heart disease through many pathways; multiple disease-associated signaling pathways interfered with various heart diseases including coronary heart disease, myocardial ischemia and myocardial hypertrophy through influencing energy metabolism, enzyme activity and gene expression. In conclusion, P. lactiflora plays a role in protecting heart function by regulating the gene expression of cardiomyocytes directly. Meanwhile, it can indirectly intervene in other pathways of heart function, and thus participate in the treatment of heart disease. In this paper, the molecular mechanism of P. lactiflora for treatment of heart disease was in computer prediction analysis level, and the specific mechanism of action still needs further experimental verification. Copyright© by the Chinese Pharmaceutical Association.

Identification and quantification of the major volatile constituents in antidepressant active fraction of xiaoyaosan by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Zhou, Yuzhi; Ren, Yanling; Ma, Zhijie; Jia, Guangcheng; Gao, Xiaoxia; Zhang, Lizeng; Qin, Xuemei

2012-05-07

Xiaoyaosan (XYS), a well-known formula for relieving depression, was originated from the book of "Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang" in Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD), composed of Radix Bupleuri, Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Poria, Herba Menthae, Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens and Radix Glycyrrhizae with dose proportion of 6:6:6:6:6:3:2:2. It is commonly used for the treatment of depression-related syndromes in China. In the formula, Radix Bupleuri usually serves as the principal drug, Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Paeoniae Alba serve as the ministerial drugs, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Poria, Herba Menthae and Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens serve as adjunctive drugs, Radix Glycyrrhizae serves as messenger drug, they coordinate with each other and enhance the effect of the formula. In our previous experiments, the antidepressant effect of XYS was revealed. However, the antidepressant part (or component) of this prescription was still obscure. An experimental despair animal model: the mice tail suspension test (TST) was used to evaluate the antidepressant activity of XYS and its fractions. GC-MS method was developed to identify the volatile components and determine 4 major volatile components in active fraction. In the TST test, the effect of a low polar fraction (XY-EA) was superior to other fractions of XYS. 13 volatile compounds in the XY-EA were identified on the basis of standards, isolation and structural determination in our laboratory, NIST 05 database and literature data. The content of 4 major volatile compounds in XY-EA which is 6.703%. The petroleum ether fraction (XY-EA) appears to be the active fraction of XYS. 4 major components Z-ligustilide, palmitic acid, atractylenolide I, and atractylenolide II may be the antidepressant active compounds. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Strategies for detection of floodplain inundation with multi-frequency polarimetric SAR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hess, Laura L.; Melack, John M.

1992-01-01

Mapping of floodplain inundation patterns is a key element in developing hydrological and biogeochemical models for large tropical river basins such as the Amazon. Knowledge of the time sequence of inundation is necessary to determine both water routing and biogenic gas fluxes. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is uniquely suited for this application because of its ability to penetrate cloud cover and, in many cases, to detect flooding beneath a forest or herbaceous canopy. A procedure for discriminating flooded forest, flooded herbaceous vegetation, and open water from other cover types for a coastal wetland site on the lower Altamaha floodplain, Georgia, emphasizing robust classifiers that are not site-specific is currently being developed.

Comparison of vegetation conditions along two backcountry trails in Mount Robson Provincial Park, British Columbia (Canada).

PubMed

Nepal, Sanjay K; Way, Paul

2007-01-01

Vegetation conditions, i.e., plant cover, species richness, and the presence of exotic species, are compared along a high-use trail (Berg Lake Trail--BLT) and a low use trail (Mt. Fitzwilliam Trail--FWT) in Canada's Mt. Robson Provincial Park. We established 71 paired quadrats (1 m x 1 m), and assessed the amount of vegetation cover and species richness by four main lifeforms, i.e., woody species, herbaceous species, ferns, and moss, lichen and fungi. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) differences exist between control and trailside quadrats in vegetation cover, species richness and floristic diversity, and (2) differences exist between the high and low-use trails in the above-mentioned three parameters. Results show that for the majority of variables the differences between the control and trailside quadrats are statistically not significant. Variables showing significant differences are relative vegetation cover (for BLT only), exposed soil (BLT and FWT), herbaceous cover (FWT), moss, lichen and fungi cover (BLT), overall species richness (BLT), and herbaceous species richness (BLT). Ruderal and exotic species are present but only on trailside quadrats of the high-use trail. Results indicate that the Park administration's strategy to disperse use in the Mt. Robson Provincial Park should be examined critically, and some guidelines for acceptability of changes should be developed.

Fast-cycling unit of root turnover in perennial herbaceous plants in a cold temperate ecosystem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Kai; Luke McCormack, M.; Li, Le; Ma, Zeqing; Guo, Dali

2016-01-01

Roots of perennial plants have both persistent portion and fast-cycling units represented by different levels of branching. In woody species, the distal nonwoody branch orders as a unit are born and die together relatively rapidly (within 1-2 years). However, whether the fast-cycling units also exist in perennial herbs is unknown. We monitored root demography of seven perennial herbs over two years in a cold temperate ecosystem and we classified the largest roots on the root collar or rhizome as basal roots, and associated finer laterals as secondary, tertiary and quaternary roots. Parallel to woody plants in which distal root orders form a fast-cycling module, basal root and its finer laterals also represent a fast-cycling module in herbaceous plants. Within this module, basal roots had a lifespan of 0.5-2 years and represented 62-87% of total root biomass, thus dominating annual root turnover (60%-81% of the total). Moreover, root traits including root length, tissue density, and biomass were useful predictors of root lifespan. We conclude that both herbaceous and woody plants have fast-cycling modular units and future studies identifying the fast-cycling module across plant species should allow better understanding of how root construction and turnover are linked to whole-plant strategies.

Dynamic of Plant Composition and Regeneration following Windthrow in a Temperate Beech Forest

PubMed Central

Mollaei Darabi, Sakineh; Kooch, Yahya; Hosseini, Seyed Mohsen

2014-01-01

The effects of soil pedoturbation (i.e., pit and mound microtopography, PM) on development of herbaceous plant species and woody species regeneration were examined in a temperate beech forest (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) in northern Iran. We recorded the vegetation in 20 pairs of disturbed and adjacent undisturbed plots and established a chronosequence of PM ages to study the effect of time since microsite formation on cover percent of herbaceous plants and woody regeneration status. According to our findings, Carex acutiformis L., Sambucus ebulus L., Brachypodium pinnatum L., and Cyclamen coum L. are found only in the PM microsites, whereas the Equisetum ramosissimum L. is recorded only under closed canopy. The coverage percent of Rubus caesius L. increased in PM microsites compared to closed canopy intensively. In addition, Albizia julibrissin Durazz. is detected in PM microsite, whereas the Acer cappadocicum B. and Prunus persica L. species were recorded only under closed canopy. We found significant differences in understory species diversity between different ages of PM, and disturbed and adjacent undisturbed plots. Our study supports that the PM complex will create a mosaic of environmental conditions. This environmental heterogeneity could be responsible for the diversity of herbaceous plant species and regeneration of woody species. PMID:27379260

Common plants as alternative analytical tools to monitor heavy metals in soil

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Herbaceous plants are common vegetal species generally exposed, for a limited period of time, to bioavailable environmental pollutants. Heavy metals contamination is the most common form of environmental pollution. Herbaceous plants have never been used as natural bioindicators of environmental pollution, in particular to monitor the amount of heavy metals in soil. In this study, we aimed at assessing the usefulness of using three herbaceous plants (Plantago major L., Taraxacum officinale L. and Urtica dioica L.) and one leguminous (Trifolium pratense L.) as alternative indicators to evaluate soil pollution by heavy metals. Results We employed Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) to assess the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr and Pd) in soil and plants and we employed statistical analyses to describe the linear correlation between the accumulation of some heavy metals and selected vegetal species. We found that the leaves of Taraxacum officinale L. and Trifolium pratense L. can accumulate Cu in a linearly dependent manner with Urtica dioica L. representing the vegetal species accumulating the highest fraction of Pb. Conclusions In this study we demonstrated that common plants can be used as an alternative analytical tool for monitoring selected heavy metals in soil. PMID:22594441

Combined effects between temporal heterogeneity of water supply, nutrient level, and population density on biomass of four broadly distributed herbaceous species.

PubMed

Hagiwara, Yousuke; Kachi, Naoki; Suzuki, Jun-Ichirou

2012-01-01

Temporal heterogeneity of water supply affects grassland community productivity and it can interact with nutrient level and intraspecific competition. To understand community responses, the responses of individual species to water heterogeneity must be evaluated while considering the interactions of this heterogeneity with nutrient levels and population density. We compared responses of four herbaceous species grown in monocultures to various combinations of water heterogeneity, nutrient level, and population density: two grasses (Cynodon dactylon and Lolium perenne), a forb (Artemisia princeps), and a legume (Trifolium repens). Treatment effects on shoot and root biomass were analyzed. In all four species, shoot biomass was larger under homogeneous than under heterogeneous water supply. Shoot responses of L. perenne tended to be greater at high nutrient levels. Although root biomass was also larger under homogeneous water supply, effects of water heterogeneity on root biomass were not significant in the grasses. Trifolium repens showed marked root responses, particularly at high population density. Although greater shoot and root growth under homogeneous water supply appears to be a general trend among herbaceous species, our results suggested differences among species could be found in the degree of response to water heterogeneity and its interactions with nutrient level and intraspecific competition.

Construction and Maintenance of the Optimal Photosynthetic Systems of the Leaf, Herbaceous Plant and Tree: an Eco-developmental Treatise

PubMed Central

TERASHIMA, ICHIRO; ARAYA, TAKAO; MIYAZAWA, SHIN-ICHI; SONE, KOSEI; YANO, SATOSHI

2004-01-01

• Background and Aims The paper by Monsi and Saeki in 1953 (Japanese Journal of Botany 14: 22–52) was pioneering not only in mathematical modelling of canopy photosynthesis but also in eco-developmental studies of seasonal changes in leaf canopies. • Scope Construction and maintenance mechanisms of efficient photosynthetic systems at three different scaling levels—single leaves, herbaceous plants and trees—are reviewed mainly based on the nitrogen optimization theory. First, the nitrogen optimization theory with respect to the canopy and the single leaf is briefly introduced. Secondly, significance of leaf thickness in CO2 diffusion in the leaf and in leaf photosynthesis is discussed. Thirdly, mechanisms of adjustment of photosynthetic properties of the leaf within the herbaceous plant individual throughout its life are discussed. In particular, roles of sugar sensing, redox control and of cytokinin are highlighted. Finally, the development of a tree is considered. • Conclusions Various mechanisms contribute to construction and maintenance of efficient photosynthetic systems. Molecular backgrounds of these ecologically important mechanisms should be clarified. The construction mechanisms of the tree cannot be explained solely by the nitrogen optimization theory. It is proposed that the pipe model theory in its differential form could be a potential tool in future studies in this research area. PMID:15598701

Leaf traits within communities: context may affect the mapping of traits to function.

PubMed

Funk, Jennifer L; Cornwell, William K

2013-09-01

The leaf economics spectrum (LES) has revolutionized the way many ecologists think about quantifying plant ecological trade-offs. In particular, the LES has connected a clear functional trade-off (long-lived leaves with slow carbon capture vs. short-lived leaves with fast carbon capture) to a handful of easily measured leaf traits. Building on this work, community ecologists are now able to quickly assess species carbon-capture strategies, which may have implications for community-level patterns such as competition or succession. However, there are a number of steps in this logic that require careful examination, and a potential danger arises when interpreting leaf-trait variation among species within communities where trait relationships are weak. Using data from 22 diverse communities, we show that relationships among three common functional traits (photosynthetic rate, leaf nitrogen concentration per mass, leaf mass per area) are weak in communities with low variation in leaf life span (LLS), especially communities dominated by herbaceous or deciduous woody species. However, globally there are few LLS data sets for communities dominated by herbaceous or deciduous species, and more data are needed to confirm this pattern. The context-dependent nature of trait relationships at the community level suggests that leaf-trait variation within communities, especially those dominated by herbaceous and deciduous woody species, should be interpreted with caution.

Characterization of a monoterpene synthase from Paeonia lactiflora producing α-pinene as its single product.

PubMed

Ma, Xiaohui; Guo, Juan; Ma, Ying; Jin, Baolong; Zhan, Zhilai; Yuan, Yuan; Huang, Luqi

2016-07-01

To identify a terpene synthase that catalyzes the conversion of geranyl pyrophosphate (GPP) to α-pinene and is involved in the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin. Two new terpene synthase genes were isolated from the transcriptome data of Peaonia lactiflora. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence characterization revealed that one gene, named PlPIN, encoded a monoterpene synthase that might be involved in the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin. In vitro enzyme assay showed that, in contrast to most monoterpene synthases, PlPIN encoded an α-pinene synthase which converted GPP into α-pinene as a single product. This newly identified α-pinene synthase could be used for improving paeoniflorin accumulation by metabolic engineering or for producing α-pinene via synthetic biology.

Severe dry winter affects plant phenology and carbon balance of a cork oak woodland understorey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Correia, A. C.; Costa-e-Silva, F.; Dubbert, M.; Piayda, A.; Pereira, J. S.

2016-10-01

Mediterranean climates are prone to a great variation in yearly precipitation. The effects on ecosystem will depend on the severity and timing of droughts. In this study we questioned how an extreme dry winter affects the carbon flux in the understorey of a cork oak woodland? What is the seasonal contribution of understorey vegetation to ecosystem productivity? We used closed-system portable chambers to measure CO2 exchange of the dominant shrub species (Cistus salviifolius, Cistus crispus and Ulex airensis), of the herbaceous layer and on bare soil in a cork oak woodland in central Portugal during the dry winter year of 2012. Shoot growth, leaf shedding, flower and fruit setting, above and belowground plant biomass were measured as well as seasonal leaf water potential. Eddy-covariance and micrometeorological data together with CO2 exchange measurements were used to access the understorey species contribution to ecosystem gross primary productivity (GPP). The herbaceous layer productivity was severely affected by the dry winter, with half of the yearly maximum aboveground biomass in comparison with the 6 years site average. The semi-deciduous and evergreen shrubs showed desynchronized phenophases and lagged carbon uptake maxima. Whereas shallow-root shrubs exhibited opportunistic characteristics in exploiting the understorey light and water resources, deep rooted shrubs showed better water status but considerably lower assimilation rates. The contribution of understorey vegetation to ecosystem GPP was lower during summer with 14% and maximum during late spring, concomitantly with the lowest tree productivity due to tree canopy renewal. The herbaceous vegetation contribution to ecosystem GPP never exceeded 6% during this dry year stressing its sensitivity to winter and spring precipitation. Although shrubs are more resilient to precipitation variability when compared with the herbaceous vegetation, the contribution of the understorey vegetation to ecosystem GPP can be quite variable and will ultimately depend of tree density and canopy cover.

Herbaceous Legume Encroachment Reduces Grass Productivity and Density in Arid Rangelands.

PubMed

Wagner, Thomas C; Hane, Susanne; Joubert, Dave F; Fischer, Christina

2016-01-01

Worldwide savannas and arid grasslands are mainly used for livestock grazing, providing livelihood to over a billion people. While normally dominated by perennial C4 grasses, these rangelands are increasingly affected by the massive spread of native, mainly woody legumes. The consequences are often a repression of grass cover and productivity, leading to a reduced carrying capacity. While such encroachment by woody plants has been extensively researched, studies on similar processes involving herbaceous species are rare. We studied the impact of a sustained and massive spread of the native herbaceous legume Crotalaria podocarpa in Namibia's escarpment region on the locally dominant fodder grasses Stipagrostis ciliata and Stipagrostis uniplumis. We measured tussock densities, biomass production of individual tussocks and tussock dormancy state of Stipagrostis on ten 10 m x 10 m plots affected and ten similarly-sized plots unaffected by C. podocarpa over eight consecutive years and under different seasonal rainfalls and estimated the potential relative productivity of the land. We found the percentage of active Stipagrostis tussocks and the biomass production of individual tussocks to increase asymptotically with higher seasonal rainfall reaching a maximum around 300 mm while the land's relative productivity under average local rainfall conditions reached only 40% of its potential. Crotalaria podocarpa encroachment had no effect on the proportion of productive grass tussocks, but reduced he productivity of individual Stipagrostis tussocks by a third. This effect of C. podocarpa on grass productivity was immediate and direct and was not compensated for by above-average rainfall. Besides this immediate effect, over time, the density of grass tussocks declined by more than 50% in areas encroached by C. podocarpa further and lastingly reducing the lands carrying capacity. The effects of C. podocarpa on grass productivity hereby resemble those of woody encroachers. Therefore, against the background of global change, the spread of herbaceous legumes and the underlying patterns needs to be further investigated to develop adequate counter measures for a sustainable land use.

Fatty acids in mountain gorilla diets: implications for primate nutrition and health.

PubMed

Reiner, Whitney B; Petzinger, Christina; Power, Michael L; Hyeroba, David; Rothman, Jessica M

2014-03-01

Little is known about the fatty acid composition of foods eaten by wild primates. A total of 18 staple foods that comprise 97% of the annual dietary intake of the mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei) were analyzed for fatty acid concentrations. Fruits and herbaceous leaves comprise the majority of the diet, with fruits generally having a higher mean percentage of fat (of dry matter; DM), as measured by ether extract (EE), than herbaceous leaves (13.0% ± SD 13.0% vs. 2.3 ± SD 0.8%). The mean daily EE intake by gorillas was 3.1% (DM). Fat provided ≈14% of the total dietary energy intake, and ≈22% of the dietary non-protein energy intake. Saturated fatty acids accounted for 32.4% of the total fatty acids in the diet, while monounsaturated fatty acids accounted for 12.5% and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) accounted for 54.6%. Both of the two essential PUFA, linoleic acid (LA, n-6) and α-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3), were found in all of the 17 staple foods containing crude fat and were among the three most predominant fatty acids in the diet: LA (C18:2n-6) (30.3%), palmitic acid (C16:0) (23.9%), and ALA (C18:3n-3) (21.2%). Herbaceous leaves had higher concentrations of ALA, while fruit was higher in LA. Fruits provided high amounts of fatty acids, especially LA, in proportion to their intake due to the higher fat concentrations; despite being low in fat, herbaceous leaves provided sufficient ALA due to the high intake of these foods. As expected, we found that wild mountain gorillas consume a diet lower in EE, than modern humans. The ratio of LA:ALA was 1.44, closer to agricultural paleolithic diets than to modern human diets. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Are winter and summer dormancy symmetrical seasonal adaptive strategies? The case of temperate herbaceous perennials

PubMed Central

Gillespie, Lauren M.; Volaire, Florence A.

2017-01-01

Background Dormancy in higher plants is an adaptive response enabling plant survival during the harshest seasons and has been more explored in woody species than in herbaceous species. Nevertheless, winter and summer shoot meristem dormancy are adaptive strategies that could play a major role in enhancing seasonal stress tolerance and resilience of widespread herbaceous plant communities. Scope This review outlines the symmetrical aspects of winter and summer dormancy in order to better understand plant adaptation to severe stress, and highlight research priorities in a changing climate. Seasonal dormancy is a good model to explore the growth–stress survival trade-off and unravel the relationships between growth potential and stress hardiness. Although photoperiod and temperature are known to play a crucial, though reversed, role in the induction and release of both types of dormancy, the thresholds and combined effects of these environmental factors remain to be identified. The biochemical compounds involved in induction or release in winter dormancy (abscisic acid, ethylene, sugars, cytokinins and gibberellins) could be a priority research focus for summer dormancy. To address these research priorities, herbaceous species, being more tractable than woody species, are excellent model plants for which both summer and winter dormancy have been clearly identified. Conclusions Summer and winter dormancy, although responding to inverse conditions, share many characteristics. This analogous nature can facilitate research as well as lead to insight into plant adaptations to extreme conditions and the evolution of phenological patterns of species and communities under climate change. The development of phenotypes showing reduced winter and/or enhanced summer dormancy may be expected and could improve adaptation to less predictable environmental stresses correlated with future climates. To this end, it is suggested to explore the inter- and intraspecific genotypic variability of dormancy and its plasticity according to environmental conditions to contribute to predicting and mitigating global warming. PMID:28087658

Commentary: A cautionary tale regarding use of the National Land Cover Dataset 1992

USGS Publications Warehouse

Thogmartin, Wayne E.; Gallant, Alisa L.; Knutson, Melinda G.; Fox, Timothy J.; Suarez, Manuel J.

2004-01-01

Digital land-cover data are among the most popular data sources used in ecological research and natural resource management. However, processes for accurate land-cover classification over large regions are still evolving. We identified inconsistencies in the National Land Cover Dataset 1992, the most current and available representation of land cover for the conterminous United States. We also report means to address these inconsistencies in a bird-habitat model. We used a Geographic Information System (GIS) to position a regular grid (or lattice) over the upper midwestern United States and summarized the proportion of individual land covers in each cell within the lattice. These proportions were then mapped back onto the lattice, and the resultant lattice was compared to satellite paths, state borders, and regional map classification units. We observed mapping inconsistencies at the borders between mapping regions, states, and Thematic Mapper (TM) mapping paths in the upper midwestern United States, particularly related to grass I and-herbaceous, emergent-herbaceous wetland, and small-grain land covers. We attributed these discrepancies to differences in image dates between mapping regions, suboptimal image dates for distinguishing certain land-cover types, lack of suitable ancillary data for improving discrimination for rare land covers, and possibly differences among image interpreters. To overcome these inconsistencies for the purpose of modeling regional populations of birds, we combined grassland-herbaceous and pasture-hay land-cover classes and excluded the use of emergent-herbaceous and small-grain land covers. We recommend that users of digital land-cover data conduct similar assessments for other regions before using these data for habitat evaluation. Further, caution is advised in using these data in the analysis of regional land-cover change because it is not likely that future digital land-cover maps will repeat the same problems, thus resulting in biased estimates of change.

Natural establishment and selenium accumulation of herbaceous plant species in soils with elevated concentrations of selenium and salinity under irrigation and tillage practices.

PubMed

Wu, L; Enberg, A; Tanji, K K

1993-04-01

The effects of irrigation and tillage practices were studied on species richness, biomass, and selenium accumulation of naturally established herbaceous plants in soils with elevated levels of selenium (Se) and salinity at Kesterson Reservoir, Merced County, California. The four different irrigation-tillage practice combinations were (1) no irrigation, no tillage; (2) irrigation, no tillage; (3) no irrigation, tillage; and (4) irrigation, tillage. The fields were allowed to become colonized naturally by herbaceous plant species. For the Mediterranean climate in the study site, irrigation was conducted biweekly through the summer months, and tillage was done in 3-month intervals. Biomass and Se accumulation of Atriplex patula L, Bassia hyssopifolia Kuntze, Rev. Gen. Pl., Melilotus indica (L.) All., and Salsola kali L. were substantially affected by irrigation. The degree and direction of the effects were found to be species dependent. The field plots which were tilled at 3-month intervals remained bare throughout the experiment. The total soil Se concentrations in the top 15 cm soil horizon were found to be in the range of 40 to 70 mg kg-1 dry wt. Soil Se concentrations below 25 cm soil depth were much lower and within a range of 2 to 4 mg kg-1. Less than 1/10th of the total soil Se inventory in the top soil horizon was water extractable, and the distribution of the Se inventory did not change significantly over the period of 1990 and 1991 despite the irrigation and tillage practices suggesting that a large portion of the Se inventory was not remobilized. The water-extractable soil Se concentration was found to be significantly lower in soils with the greatest biomass production suggesting an effective bioextraction of soil selenium by the native herbaceous plants.

Soil resources influence vegetation and response to fire and fire-surrogate treatments in sagebrush-steppe ecosystems

USGS Publications Warehouse

Rau, Benjamin M.; Chambers, Jeanne C.; Pyke, David A.; Roundy, Bruce A.; Schupp, Eugene W.; Doescher, Paul; Caldwell, Todd G.

2014-01-01

Current paradigm suggests that spatial and temporal competition for resources limit an exotic invader, cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), which once established, alters fire regimes and can result in annual grass dominance in sagebrush steppe. Prescribed fire and fire surrogate treatments (mowing, tebuthiuron, and imazapic) are used to reduce woody fuels and increase resistance to exotic annuals, but may alter resource availability and inadvertently favor invasive species. We used four study sites within the Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project (SageSTEP) to evaluate 1) how vegetation and soil resources were affected by treatment, and 2) how soil resources influenced native herbaceous perennial and exotic annual grass cover before and following treatment. Treatments increased resin exchangeable NH4+, NO3−, H2PO4−, and K+, with the largest increases caused by prescribed fire and prolonged by application of imazapic. Burning with imazapic application also increased the number of wet growing degree days. Tebuthiuron and imazapic reduced exotic annual grass cover, but imazapic also reduced herbaceous perennial cover when used with prescribed fire. Native perennial herbaceous species cover was higher where mean annual precipitation and soil water resources were relatively high. Exotic annual grass cover was higher where resin exchangeable H2PO4− was high and gaps between perennial plants were large. Prescribed fire, mowing, and tebuthiuron were successful at increasing perennial herbaceous cover, but the results were often ephemeral and inconsistent among sites. Locations with sandy soil, low mean annual precipitation, or low soil water holding capacity were more likely to experience increased exotic annual grass cover after treatment, and treatments that result in slow release of resources are needed on these sites. This is one of few studies that correlate abiotic variables to native and exotic species cover across a broad geographic setting, and that demonstrates how soil resources potentially influence the outcome of management treatments.

Pervasive interactions between ungulate browsers and disturbance regimes promote temperate forest herbaceous diversity.

PubMed

Royo, Alejandro A; Collins, Rachel; Adams, Mary Beth; Kirschbaum, Chad; Carson, Walter P

2010-01-01

Disruptions to historic disturbance and herbivory regimes have altered plant assemblages in forests worldwide. An emerging consensus suggests that these disruptions often result in impoverished forest biotas. This is particularly true for eastern U.S. deciduous forests where large gaps and understory fires were once relatively common and browsers were far less abundant. Although much research has focused on how disturbance and browsers affect tree diversity, far less attention has been devoted to forest understories where the vast majority (>75%) of the vascular species reside. Here we test the hypothesis that the reintroduction of disturbances resembling historic disturbance regimes and moderate levels of ungulate browsing enhance plant diversity. We explore whether once-common disturbances and their interaction with the top-down influence of browsers can create conditions favorable for the maintenance of a rich herbaceous layer in a region recognized as a temperate biodiversity hotspot in West Virginia, U.S.A. We tested this hypothesis via a factorial experiment whereby we manipulated canopy gaps (presence/absence) of a size typically found in old-growth stands, low-intensity understory fire (burned/unburned), and deer browsing (fenced/unfenced). We tracked the abundance and diversity of more than 140 herb species for six years. Interactions among our treatments were pervasive. The combination of canopy gaps and understory fire increased herbaceous layer richness, cover, and diversity well beyond either disturbance alone. Furthermore, we documented evidence that deer at moderate levels of abundance promote herbaceous richness and abundance by preferentially browsing fast-growing pioneer species that thrive following co-occurring disturbances (i.e., fire and gaps). This finding sharply contrasts with the negative impact browsers have when their populations reach levels well beyond those that occurred for centuries. Although speculative, our results suggest that interactions among fire, canopy gaps, and browsing provided a variable set of habitats and conditions across the landscape that was potentially capable of maintaining much of the plant diversity found in temperate forests.

Interpretation of high-resolution imagery for detecting vegetation cover composition change after fuels reduction treatments in woodlands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Karl, Jason W.; Gillan, Jeffrey K.; Barger, Nichole N.; Herrick, Jeffrey E.; Duniway, Michael C.

2014-01-01

The use of very high resolution (VHR; ground sampling distances < ∼5 cm) aerial imagery to estimate site vegetation cover and to detect changes from management has been well documented. However, as the purpose of monitoring is to document change over time, the ability to detect changes from imagery at the same or better level of accuracy and precision as those measured in situ must be assessed for image-based techniques to become reliable tools for ecosystem monitoring. Our objective with this study was to quantify the relationship between field-measured and image-interpreted changes in vegetation and ground cover measured one year apart in a Piñon and Juniper (P–J) woodland in southern Utah, USA. The study area was subject to a variety of fuel removal treatments between 2009 and 2010. We measured changes in plant community composition and ground cover along transects in a control area and three different treatments prior to and following P–J removal. We compared these measurements to vegetation composition and change based on photo-interpretation of ∼4 cm ground sampling distance imagery along similar transects. Estimates of cover were similar between field-based and image-interpreted methods in 2009 and 2010 for woody vegetation, no vegetation, herbaceous vegetation, and litter (including woody litter). Image-interpretation slightly overestimated cover for woody vegetation and no-vegetation classes (average difference between methods of 1.34% and 5.85%) and tended to underestimate cover for herbaceous vegetation and litter (average difference of −5.18% and 0.27%), but the differences were significant only for litter cover in 2009. Level of agreement between the field-measurements and image-interpretation was good for woody vegetation and no-vegetation classes (r between 0.47 and 0.89), but generally poorer for herbaceous vegetation and litter (r between 0.18 and 0.81) likely due to differences in image quality by year and the difficulty in discriminating fine vegetation and litter in imagery. Our results show that image interpretation to detect vegetation changes has utility for monitoring fuels reduction treatments in terms of woody vegetation and no-vegetation classes. The benefits of this technique are that it provides objective and repeatable measurements of site conditions that could be implemented relatively inexpensively and easily without the need for highly specialized software or technical expertise. Perhaps the biggest limitations of image interpretation to monitoring fuels treatments are challenges in estimating litter and herbaceous vegetation cover and the sensitivity of herbaceous cover estimates to image quality and shadowing.

Soil compaction related to grazing and its effects on herbaceous roots frequency and soil organic matter content in rangelands of SW Spain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulido, Manuel; Schnabel, Susanne; Francisco Lavado Contador, Joaquín; Miralles Mellado, Isabel

2016-04-01

Rangelands in SW Spain occupy a total surface area of approximately 6 million ha and constitute the most representative extensive ranching system of the Iberian Peninsula gathering more than 13 million livestock heads. They are characterised by an herbaceous layer, mostly composed of therophytic species, with a disperse tree cover, mainly holm oak and cork oak (Quercus ilex rotundifolia and Q. suber), interspersed with shrubs in many places. This type of land system is of ancient origin and experienced frequent changes in land use in the past, since agricultural, livestock and forestry activities have coexisted within the same farms. In recent decades, livestock farming has become dominant due, in part, to the subsidies of the Common Agriculture Policy. Since Spain joined the European Union in 1986 until the year 2000, the number of domestic animals doubled, particularly cattle, and consequently animal stocking rates have increased on average from 0.40 AU ha-1 up to 0.70 AU ha-1. This increase in animal stocking rates, along with a progressive substitution of cattle instead of sheep in many farms, has led to the occurrence of land degradation processes such as the reduction of grass cover or soil compaction in heavily grazed areas. Previous research has evidenced higher values of soil bulk density and resistance to penetration as well as larger bare surface areas in spring in fenced areas with animal stocking rates above 1 AU ha-1. However, a better understanding of how increasing bulk density or resistance to penetration influence the frequency of herbaceous roots and how a reduction in the frequency of roots affects soil organic matter content in rangelands is still unknown. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to determine possible relationships between the frequencies of herbaceous roots and soil organic matter content in order to understand the effect of excessive animal numbers on the depletion of soil fertility by reducing progressively the quantity of roots. The study was carried out in 22 fenced areas belonging to 10 privately-owned farms grazed under different intensities (range: 0.19 - 15.76 AU ha-1 year-1). A total number of 597 undisturbed core samples and 311 bulk samples were collected in order to determine bulk density and soil organic matter content, among other many properties. Resistance to soil penetration was quantified using Eijkelkamp Penetrologger in 890 random points at different depth (0-80 cm) and soil moisture content (dry and wet). The frequency of herbaceous roots was estimated for each soil horizon in 47 soil profiles, described according to FAO and categorized in 4 classes: none-few, common, abundant and many. All variables were pair-wise correlated and their mean values were compared between the different classes of root frequency. Results showed an inverse relationship between soil resistance to penetration and the frequency of herbaceous roots, i.e. the amount of roots lower in soils with high resistance to penetration. Soil horizons with none or few, common, abundant and many roots averaged 0.74%, 1.27%, 2.23% and 2.70% of SOM, respectively, showing significant differences between groups. Furthermore, SOM showed negative coefficients of correlation with resistance to penetration under dry (r=-0.34, p<0.05) and under wet conditions (r=-0.11, p<0.05) and bulk density (r=-0.31, p<0.05). The values herein observed confirm that soil compaction provoked by an excessive number of animals can decrease the content of soil organic matter by reducing the quantity of herbaceous roots although further research is still needed.

Discriminant analysis of some east Tennessee forest herb niches. Environmental Sciences Division Publication No. 752

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mann, L.K.; Shugart, H.H.; Kitchings, J.T.

1978-03-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using discriminant analysis in assessing plant niches. As a component of research by the Environmental Research Park Project at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, five sites were inventoried for herbaceous species. From this inventory, four sympatric species of Galium and seventeen co-occurring herbaceous species were selected for discriminant analysis. The four species of Galium were treated as two data sets: one was composed of information collected at one site (a mesic hardwood area) and the other contained data from two cedar sites of shallow soil over limestone bedrock. The seventeen herbaceousmore » species all occurred in the mesic hardwood area.« less

Eder Acquisition 2007 Habitat Evaluation Procedures Report.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ashley, Paul R.

A habitat evaluation procedures (HEP) analysis was conducted on the Eder acquisition in July 2007 to determine how many protection habitat units to credit Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for providing funds to acquire the project site as partial mitigation for habitat losses associated with construction of Grand Coulee and Chief Joseph Dams. Baseline HEP surveys generated 3,857.64 habitat units or 1.16 HUs per acre. HEP surveys also served to document general habitat conditions. Survey results indicated that the herbaceous plant community lacked forbs species, which may be due to both livestock grazing and the late timing of the surveys. Moreover,more » the herbaceous plant community lacked structure based on lower than expected visual obstruction readings (VOR); likely a direct result of livestock impacts. In addition, introduced herbaceous vegetation including cultivated pasture grasses, e.g. crested wheatgrass and/or invader species such as cheatgrass and mustard, were present on most areas surveyed. The shrub element within the shrubsteppe cover type was generally a mosaic of moderate to dense shrubby areas interspersed with open grassland communities while the 'steppe' component was almost entirely devoid of shrubs. Riparian shrub and forest areas were somewhat stressed by livestock. Moreover, shrub and tree communities along the lower reaches of Nine Mile Creek suffered from lack of water due to the previous landowners 'piping' water out of the stream channel.« less

Dry Matter Production, Nutrient Cycled and Removed, and Soil Fertility Changes in Yam-Based Cropping Systems with Herbaceous Legumes in the Guinea-Sudan Zone of Benin.

PubMed

Maliki, Raphiou; Sinsin, Brice; Floquet, Anne; Cornet, Denis; Malezieux, Eric; Vernier, Philippe

2016-01-01

Traditional yam-based cropping systems (shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn, and short fallow) often result in deforestation and soil nutrient depletion. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of yam-based systems with herbaceous legumes on dry matter (DM) production (tubers, shoots), nutrients removed and recycled, and the soil fertility changes. We compared smallholders' traditional systems (1-year fallow of Andropogon gayanus-yam rotation, maize-yam rotation) with yam-based systems integrated herbaceous legumes (Aeschynomene histrix/maize intercropping-yam rotation, Mucuna pruriens/maize intercropping-yam rotation). The experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2004 cropping seasons with 32 farmers, eight in each site. For each of them, a randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replicates was carried out using a partial nested model with five factors: Year, Replicate, Farmer, Site, and Treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure was applied to the dry matter (DM) production (tubers, shoots), nutrient contribution to the systems, and soil properties at depths 0-10 and 10-20 cm. DM removed and recycled, total N, P, and K recycled or removed, and soil chemical properties (SOM, N, P, K, and pH water) were significantly improved on yam-based systems with legumes in comparison with traditional systems.

Functional network analysis of genes differentially expressed during xylogenesis in soc1ful woody Arabidopsis plants.

PubMed

Davin, Nicolas; Edger, Patrick P; Hefer, Charles A; Mizrachi, Eshchar; Schuetz, Mathias; Smets, Erik; Myburg, Alexander A; Douglas, Carl J; Schranz, Michael E; Lens, Frederic

2016-06-01

Many plant genes are known to be involved in the development of cambium and wood, but how the expression and functional interaction of these genes determine the unique biology of wood remains largely unknown. We used the soc1ful loss of function mutant - the woodiest genotype known in the otherwise herbaceous model plant Arabidopsis - to investigate the expression and interactions of genes involved in secondary growth (wood formation). Detailed anatomical observations of the stem in combination with mRNA sequencing were used to assess transcriptome remodeling during xylogenesis in wild-type and woody soc1ful plants. To interpret the transcriptome changes, we constructed functional gene association networks of differentially expressed genes using the STRING database. This analysis revealed functionally enriched gene association hubs that are differentially expressed in herbaceous and woody tissues. In particular, we observed the differential expression of genes related to mechanical stress and jasmonate biosynthesis/signaling during wood formation in soc1ful plants that may be an effect of greater tension within woody tissues. Our results suggest that habit shifts from herbaceous to woody life forms observed in many angiosperm lineages could have evolved convergently by genetic changes that modulate the gene expression and interaction network, and thereby redeploy the conserved wood developmental program. © 2016 The Authors. The Plant Journal published by Society for Experimental Biology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Casting light on xylem vulnerability in an herbaceous species reveals a lack of segmentation.

PubMed

Skelton, Robert P; Brodribb, Timothy J; Choat, Brendan

2017-04-01

Finding thresholds at which loss of plant functionality occurs during drought is critical for predicting future crop productivity and survival. Xylem resistance to embolism has been suggested as a key trait associated with water-stress tolerance. Although a substantial literature exists describing the vulnerability of woody stems to embolism, leaves and roots of herbaceous species remain under-represented. Also, little is known about vulnerability to embolism at a whole-plant scale or propagation of embolism within plants. New techniques to view the process of embolism formation provide opportunities to resolve long-standing questions. Here, we used multiple visual techniques, including X-ray micro-computed tomography and the optical vulnerability method, to investigate the spread of embolism within intact stems, leaves and roots of Solanum lycopersicum (common tomato). We found that roots, stems and leaves of tomato plants all exhibited similar vulnerability to embolism, suggesting that embolism rapidly propagates among tissues. Although we found scarce evidence for differentiation of xylem vulnerability among tissues at the scale of the whole plant, within a leaf the midrib embolized at higher water potentials than lower order veins. Substantial overlap between the onset of cavitation and incipient leaf damage suggests that cavitation represents a substantial damage to plants, but the point of lethal cavitation in this herbaceous species remains uncertain. © 2017 The Authors. New Phytologist © 2017 New Phytologist Trust.

Dry Matter Production, Nutrient Cycled and Removed, and Soil Fertility Changes in Yam-Based Cropping Systems with Herbaceous Legumes in the Guinea-Sudan Zone of Benin

PubMed Central

Sinsin, Brice; Floquet, Anne; Cornet, Denis; Malezieux, Eric; Vernier, Philippe

2016-01-01

Traditional yam-based cropping systems (shifting cultivation, slash-and-burn, and short fallow) often result in deforestation and soil nutrient depletion. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of yam-based systems with herbaceous legumes on dry matter (DM) production (tubers, shoots), nutrients removed and recycled, and the soil fertility changes. We compared smallholders' traditional systems (1-year fallow of Andropogon gayanus-yam rotation, maize-yam rotation) with yam-based systems integrated herbaceous legumes (Aeschynomene histrix/maize intercropping-yam rotation, Mucuna pruriens/maize intercropping-yam rotation). The experiment was conducted during the 2002 and 2004 cropping seasons with 32 farmers, eight in each site. For each of them, a randomized complete block design with four treatments and four replicates was carried out using a partial nested model with five factors: Year, Replicate, Farmer, Site, and Treatment. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the general linear model (GLM) procedure was applied to the dry matter (DM) production (tubers, shoots), nutrient contribution to the systems, and soil properties at depths 0–10 and 10–20 cm. DM removed and recycled, total N, P, and K recycled or removed, and soil chemical properties (SOM, N, P, K, and pH water) were significantly improved on yam-based systems with legumes in comparison with traditional systems. PMID:27446635

Sources of biomass feedstock variability and the potential impact on biofuels production

DOE PAGES

Williams, C. Luke; Westover, Tyler L.; Emerson, Rachel M.; ...

2015-11-23

In this study, terrestrial lignocellulosic biomass has the potential to be a carbon neutral and domestic source of fuels and chemicals. However, the innate variability of biomass resources, such as herbaceous and woody materials, and the inconsistency within a single resource due to disparate growth and harvesting conditions, presents challenges for downstream processes which often require materials that are physically and chemically consistent. Intrinsic biomass characteristics, including moisture content, carbohydrate and ash compositions, bulk density, and particle size/shape distributions are highly variable and can impact the economics of transforming biomass into value-added products. For instance, ash content increases by anmore » order of magnitude between woody and herbaceous feedstocks (from ~0.5 to 5 %, respectively) while lignin content drops by a factor of two (from ~30 to 15 %, respectively). This increase in ash and reduction in lignin leads to biofuel conversion consequences, such as reduced pyrolysis oil yields for herbaceous products as compared to woody material. In this review, the sources of variability for key biomass characteristics are presented for multiple types of biomass. Additionally, this review investigates the major impacts of the variability in biomass composition on four conversion processes: fermentation, hydrothermal liquefaction, pyrolysis, and direct combustion. Finally, future research processes aimed at reducing the detrimental impacts of biomass variability on conversion to fuels and chemicals are proposed.« less

Higher level phylogenetic relationships within the bamboos (Poaceae: Bambusoideae) based on five plastid markers.

PubMed

Kelchner, Scot A

2013-05-01

Bamboos are large perennial grasses of temperate and tropical forests worldwide. Two general growth forms exist: the economically and ecologically important woody bamboos (tribes Arundinarieae and Bambuseae), and the understory herbaceous bamboos (tribe Olyreae). Evolutionary relationships among the 1400+described species have been difficult to resolve with confidence. Comparative analysis of bamboo plastid (chloroplast) DNA has revealed three to five major lineages that show distinct biogeographic distributions. Taxon sampling across tribes and subtribes has been incomplete and most published data sets include a relatively small number of nucleotide characters. Branching order among lineages is often poorly supported, and in more than one study herbaceous bamboos form a clade within the woody bamboos. In this paper, the Bamboo Phylogeny Group presents the most complete phylogeny estimation to date of bamboo tribes and subtribes using 6.7 kb of coding and noncoding sequence data and 37 microstructural characters from the chloroplast genome. Quality of data is assessed, as is the possibility of long branch attraction, the degree of character conflict at key nodes in the tree, and the legitimacy of three alternative hypotheses of relationship. Four major plastid lineages are recognized: temperate woody, paleotropical woody, neotropical woody, and herbaceous bamboos. Woody bamboos are resolved as paraphyletic with respect to Olyreae but SH tests cannot reject monophyly of woody species (Arundinarieae+Bambuseae). Published by Elsevier Inc.

Buffers and vegetative filter strips

Treesearch

Matthew J. Helmers; Thomas M. Isenhart; Michael G. Dosskey; Seth M. Dabney

2008-01-01

This chapter describes the use of buffers and vegetative filter strips relative to water quality. In particular, we primarily discuss the herbaceous components of the following NRCS Conservation Practice Standards.

Status report: biological control of swallow-worts

Treesearch

Aaron S. Weed; Richard A.. Casagrande

2009-01-01

Two swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum nigrum and V. rossicum), originating from Europe, have become established in the eastern United States and Canada. Swallow-worts are herbaceous perennials that persist...

Herbaceous crops for energy in Italy: Present status of the research program promoted by ENEL (Italian Electric Company)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schenone, G.

The paper presents a synthesis of the main results of the research program promoted by ENEL (Italian Electric Company) on herbaceous energy crops. The objective of the program is to evaluate the potentials of different species and cultivars for biomass fuel production in Italy. For the most promising species, all the links of the chain from cultivation to delivery at the plant gate at the lowest possible cost have to be organized. So far the following species gave annual productivities above 20 dry tons/ha: fiber sorghum (Sorghum sp.); miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis); and giant reed (Arundo donax). The highest biomass yields,more » well above 40 dry tons/ha in several trials, were given by giant reed.« less

Heavy metal concentrations in plants growing on a copper mine spoil in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. [Thlaspi montanum; Phlox austromontana; Juniperus osteosperma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hobbs, R.J.; Streit, B.

1986-05-01

Concentrations of metals including manganese, nickel, copper and zinc were measured in soil from a copper mine spoil heap in the Grand Canyon, Arizona, and in three plant species growing on the spoil. The soil had high concentrations of available copper and zinc, and the herbaceous perennial Thlaspi montanum var fendleri contained amounts of Ni, Cu and Zn in direct proportion to the soil concentrations (EDTA extractable). Another herbaceous perennial, Phlox austromontana, and the woody perennial Juniperus osteosperma had considerably lower amounts of these elements. These findings are discussed in relation to other studies, and it is suggested that figuresmore » for metal accumulation by plants should always be related to plant-available soil concentrations.« less

An alternative simple method for preparing and preserving cross-section of leaves and roots in herbaceous plants: Case study in Orchidaceae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metusala, D.

2017-07-01

This alternative method provides a simple and faster procedure for preparing cross-sections of leaves and roots in herbaceous plants, especially for living specimens of orchids (Orchidaceae). This method used a clamp-on hand sliding microtome to make cross-sections of leaves and roots, with sections preserved inside the microtubes containing preservation liquid. This preservation technique allowed the sections to be restained and to be used for further usage in future. This method was more practical than the paraffin embedding method because it does not need the additional steps of paraffin embedding and deparaffinization. It may also provide better cross-section results than free-hand sectioning method. The procedure is very feasible and is recommended for use in plant anatomy observation.

Common Herbaceous Plants of Southern Forest Range

Treesearch

Harold E. Grelen; Ralph H. Hughes

1984-01-01

Illustrations and descriptions are given for approximately 125 species of grasses, grasslikes (sedges and rushes), and forbs representative of the pine and pine-hardwood forests of the southeastern United States.

Controls on vegetation structure in Southwestern ponderosa pine forests, 1941 and 2004.

PubMed

Bakker, Jonathan D; Moore, Margaret M

2007-09-01

Long-term studies can broaden our ecological understanding and are particularly important when examining contingent effects that involve changes to dominance by long-lived species. Such a change occurred during the last century in Southwestern (USA) ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests. We used five livestock grazing exclosures established in 1912 to quantify vegetation structure in 1941 and 2004. Our objectives were to (1) assess the effects of historical livestock grazing on overstory structure and age distribution, (2) assess the effects of recent livestock grazing and overstory on understory vegetation, and (3) quantify and explain changes in understory vegetation between 1941 and 2004. In 1941, canopy cover of tree regeneration was significantly higher inside exclosures. In 2004, total tree canopy cover was twice as high, density was three times higher, trees were smaller, and total basal area was 40% higher inside exclosures. Understory species density, herbaceous plant density, and herbaceous cover were negatively correlated with overstory vegetation in both years. Most understory variables did not differ between grazing treatments in 1941 but were lower inside exclosures in 2004. Differences between grazing treatments disappeared once overstory effects were accounted for, indicating that they were due to the differential overstory response to historical livestock grazing practices. Between 1941 and 2004, species density declined by 34%, herbaceous plant density by 37%, shrub cover by 69%, total herbaceous cover by 59%, graminoid cover by 39%, and forb cover by 82%. However, these variables did not differ between grazing treatments or years once overstory effects were accounted for, indicating that the declines were driven by the increased dominance of the overstory during this period. Our results demonstrate that historical livestock grazing practices are an aspect of land-use history that can affect ecosystem development. Grazing history must be considered when extrapolating results from one site to another. In addition, the understory vegetation was more strongly controlled by the ponderosa pine overstory than by recent livestock grazing or by temporal dynamics, indicating that overstory effects must be accounted for when examining understory responses in this ecosystem.

Loss of native herbaceous species due to woody plant encroachment facilitates the establishment of an invasive grass.

PubMed

Alofs, Karen M; Fowler, Norma L

2013-03-01

Although negative relationships between diversity (frequently measured as species richness) and invasibility at neighborhood or community scales have often been reported, realistic natural diversity gradients have rarely been studied at this scale. We recreated a naturally occurring gradient in species richness to test the effects of species richness on community invasibility. In central Texas savannas, as the proportion of woody plants increases (a process known as woody plant encroachment), herbaceous habitat is both lost and fragmented, and native herbaceous species richness declines. We examined the effects of these species losses on invasibility in situ by removing species that occur less frequently in herbaceous patches as woody plant encroachment advances. This realistic species removal was accompanied by a parallel and equivalent removal of biomass with no changes in species richness. Over two springs, the nonnative bunchgrass Bothriochloa ischaemum germinated significantly more often in the biomass-removal treatment than in unmanipulated control plots, suggesting an effect of native plant density independent of diversity. Additionally, significantly more germination occurred in the species-removal treatment than in the biomass-removal treatment. Changes in species richness had a stronger effect on B. ischaemum germination than changes in plant density, demonstrating that niche-related processes contributed more to biotic resistance in this system than did species-neutral competitive interactions. Similar treatment effects were found on transplant growth. Thus we show that woody plant encroachment indirectly facilitates the establishment of an invasive grass by reducing native diversity. Although we found a negative relationship between species richness and invasibility at the scale of plots with similar composition and environmental conditions, we found a positive relationship between species richness and invasibility at larger scales. This apparent paradox is consistent with reports from other systems and may be the result of variation in environmental factors at larger scales similarly influencing both invasibility and richness. The habitat loss and fragmentation associated with woody plant encroachment are two of many processes that commonly threaten biodiversity, including climate change. Many of these processes are similarly likely to increase invasibility via their negative effects on native diversity.

Considerations for Achieving Cross-Platform Point Cloud Data Fusion across Different Dryland Ecosystem Structural States

PubMed Central

Swetnam, Tyson L.; Gillan, Jeffrey K.; Sankey, Temuulen T.; McClaran, Mitchel P.; Nichols, Mary H.; Heilman, Philip; McVay, Jason

2018-01-01

Remotely sensing recent growth, herbivory, or disturbance of herbaceous and woody vegetation in dryland ecosystems requires high spatial resolution and multi-temporal depth. Three dimensional (3D) remote sensing technologies like lidar, and techniques like structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry, each have strengths and weaknesses at detecting vegetation volume and extent, given the instrument's ground sample distance and ease of acquisition. Yet, a combination of platforms and techniques might provide solutions that overcome the weakness of a single platform. To explore the potential for combining platforms, we compared detection bias amongst two 3D remote sensing techniques (lidar and SfM) using three different platforms [ground-based, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and manned aircraft]. We found aerial lidar to be more accurate for characterizing the bare earth (ground) in dense herbaceous vegetation than either terrestrial lidar or aerial SfM photogrammetry. Conversely, the manned aerial lidar did not detect grass and fine woody vegetation while the terrestrial lidar and high resolution near-distance (ground and sUAS) SfM photogrammetry detected these and were accurate. UAS SfM photogrammetry at lower spatial resolution under-estimated maximum heights in grass and shrubs. UAS and handheld SfM photogrammetry in near-distance high resolution collections had similar accuracy to terrestrial lidar for vegetation, but difficulty at measuring bare earth elevation beneath dense herbaceous cover. Combining point cloud data and derivatives (i.e., meshes and rasters) from two or more platforms allowed for more accurate measurement of herbaceous and woody vegetation (height and canopy cover) than any single technique alone. Availability and costs of manned aircraft lidar collection preclude high frequency repeatability but this is less limiting for terrestrial lidar, sUAS and handheld SfM. The post-processing of SfM photogrammetry data became the limiting factor at larger spatial scale and temporal repetition. Despite the utility of sUAS and handheld SfM for monitoring vegetation phenology and structure, their spatial extents are small relative to manned aircraft. PMID:29379511

Considerations for Achieving Cross-Platform Point Cloud Data Fusion across Different Dryland Ecosystem Structural States.

PubMed

Swetnam, Tyson L; Gillan, Jeffrey K; Sankey, Temuulen T; McClaran, Mitchel P; Nichols, Mary H; Heilman, Philip; McVay, Jason

2017-01-01

Remotely sensing recent growth, herbivory, or disturbance of herbaceous and woody vegetation in dryland ecosystems requires high spatial resolution and multi-temporal depth. Three dimensional (3D) remote sensing technologies like lidar, and techniques like structure from motion (SfM) photogrammetry, each have strengths and weaknesses at detecting vegetation volume and extent, given the instrument's ground sample distance and ease of acquisition. Yet, a combination of platforms and techniques might provide solutions that overcome the weakness of a single platform. To explore the potential for combining platforms, we compared detection bias amongst two 3D remote sensing techniques (lidar and SfM) using three different platforms [ground-based, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and manned aircraft]. We found aerial lidar to be more accurate for characterizing the bare earth (ground) in dense herbaceous vegetation than either terrestrial lidar or aerial SfM photogrammetry. Conversely, the manned aerial lidar did not detect grass and fine woody vegetation while the terrestrial lidar and high resolution near-distance (ground and sUAS) SfM photogrammetry detected these and were accurate. UAS SfM photogrammetry at lower spatial resolution under-estimated maximum heights in grass and shrubs. UAS and handheld SfM photogrammetry in near-distance high resolution collections had similar accuracy to terrestrial lidar for vegetation, but difficulty at measuring bare earth elevation beneath dense herbaceous cover. Combining point cloud data and derivatives (i.e., meshes and rasters) from two or more platforms allowed for more accurate measurement of herbaceous and woody vegetation (height and canopy cover) than any single technique alone. Availability and costs of manned aircraft lidar collection preclude high frequency repeatability but this is less limiting for terrestrial lidar, sUAS and handheld SfM. The post-processing of SfM photogrammetry data became the limiting factor at larger spatial scale and temporal repetition. Despite the utility of sUAS and handheld SfM for monitoring vegetation phenology and structure, their spatial extents are small relative to manned aircraft.

Are winter and summer dormancy symmetrical seasonal adaptive strategies? The case of temperate herbaceous perennials.

PubMed

Gillespie, Lauren M; Volaire, Florence A

2017-02-01

Dormancy in higher plants is an adaptive response enabling plant survival during the harshest seasons and has been more explored in woody species than in herbaceous species. Nevertheless, winter and summer shoot meristem dormancy are adaptive strategies that could play a major role in enhancing seasonal stress tolerance and resilience of widespread herbaceous plant communities. This review outlines the symmetrical aspects of winter and summer dormancy in order to better understand plant adaptation to severe stress, and highlight research priorities in a changing climate. Seasonal dormancy is a good model to explore the growth-stress survival trade-off and unravel the relationships between growth potential and stress hardiness. Although photoperiod and temperature are known to play a crucial, though reversed, role in the induction and release of both types of dormancy, the thresholds and combined effects of these environmental factors remain to be identified. The biochemical compounds involved in induction or release in winter dormancy (abscisic acid, ethylene, sugars, cytokinins and gibberellins) could be a priority research focus for summer dormancy. To address these research priorities, herbaceous species, being more tractable than woody species, are excellent model plants for which both summer and winter dormancy have been clearly identified. Summer and winter dormancy, although responding to inverse conditions, share many characteristics. This analogous nature can facilitate research as well as lead to insight into plant adaptations to extreme conditions and the evolution of phenological patterns of species and communities under climate change. The development of phenotypes showing reduced winter and/or enhanced summer dormancy may be expected and could improve adaptation to less predictable environmental stresses correlated with future climates. To this end, it is suggested to explore the inter- and intraspecific genotypic variability of dormancy and its plasticity according to environmental conditions to contribute to predicting and mitigating global warming. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Maximum rooting depth of vegetation types at the global scale.

PubMed

Canadell, J; Jackson, R B; Ehleringer, J B; Mooney, H A; Sala, O E; Schulze, E-D

1996-12-01

The depth at which plants are able to grow roots has important implications for the whole ecosystem hydrological balance, as well as for carbon and nutrient cycling. Here we summarize what we know about the maximum rooting depth of species belonging to the major terrestrial biomes. We found 290 observations of maximum rooting depth in the literature which covered 253 woody and herbaceous species. Maximum rooting depth ranged from 0.3 m for some tundra species to 68 m for Boscia albitrunca in the central Kalahari; 194 species had roots at least 2 m deep, 50 species had roots at a depth of 5 m or more, and 22 species had roots as deep as 10 m or more. The average for the globe was 4.6±0.5 m. Maximum rooting depth by biome was 2.0±0.3 m for boreal forest. 2.1±0.2 m for cropland, 9.5±2.4 m for desert, 5.2±0.8 m for sclerophyllous shrubland and forest, 3.9±0.4 m for temperate coniferous forest, 2.9±0.2 m for temperate deciduous forest, 2.6±0.2 m for temperate grassland, 3.7±0.5 m for tropical deciduous forest, 7.3±2.8 m for tropical evergreen forest, 15.0±5.4 m for tropical grassland/savanna, and 0.5±0.1 m for tundra. Grouping all the species across biomes (except croplands) by three basic functional groups: trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, the maximum rooting depth was 7.0±1.2 m for trees, 5.1±0.8 m for shrubs, and 2.6±0.1 m for herbaceous plants. These data show that deep root habits are quite common in woody and herbaceous species across most of the terrestrial biomes, far deeper than the traditional view has held up to now. This finding has important implications for a better understanding of ecosystem function and its application in developing ecosystem models.

Effect of Climate Change on Vegetation Phenology of Different Land Cover Types on the Tibetan Plateau

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, M.; Jin, J.

2017-12-01

Vegetation phenology is one of the most sensitive bio-indicators of climate change, and it has received increasing interests in the context of global warming. As one of the most sensitive areas to global change, the Tibetan Plateau is a unique region to study the trends in vegetation phenology in response to climate change because of its unique vegetation composition, climate features and low-level human disturbance. Although some studies have aroused wide controversies about the actual plant phenology patterns in the Tibetan Plateau, yet the reasons remain unclear. In particular, the phenology characteristics of sparse herbaceous or sparse shrub and evergreen forest that are mostly located in the northwest and southeast of the Tibetan Plateau remain less studied. In this study, the spatio-temporal patterns of the start (SOS), end (EOS) and length (LOS) of the vegetation growing season for six vegetation types in the Tibetan Plateau, including evergreen broadleaf forests, evergreen coniferous forests, evergreen shrub, meadow, steppe and sparse herbaceous or sparse shrub, were quantified from 1982 to 2014 using NOAA/AVHRR NDVI data set at a spatial resolution of 0.05°×0.05° and 7-day intervals using NDVI relative change rate threshold and sixth order polynomial fit models. Assisted with the monthly precipitation and temperature data, the relative effects of changing climates on the variability of phenology were also examined. Diverse phenological changes were observed for different land cover types, with an advancing start of growing season (SOS), delaying end of growing season (EOS) and increasing length of growing season (LOS) in the eastern Tibetan Plateau where meadow was the dominant vegetation type, but with the opposite changes in the steppe and sparse herbaceous or sparse shrub regions which are mostly located in the northwestern and western edges of the Tibetan Plateau. Correlation analysis indicated that sufficient preseason precipitation may delay the SOS of evergreen forests in the southeastern Plateau and advance the SOS of steppe and sparse herbaceous or sparse shrub in relatively arid areas, while the advance of SOS in meadow areas could be related to higher preseason temperature.

Therapeutic Efficacy and Safety of Paeoniae Radix Rubra Formulae in Relieving Hyperbilirubinemia Induced by Viral Hepatitis: A Meta-Analysis

PubMed Central

Huang, Yin-Qiu; Ma, Xiao; Wang, Jian; Zhao, Yan-Ling; Wang, Jia-Bo; Chen, Zhe; Zhu, Yun; Shan, Li-Mei; Wei, Shi-Zhang; Wang, Ji; Xiao, Xiao-He

2016-01-01

Objective: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the most devastating pathologies induced by various liver diseases. Formulae related to Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR) at high doses have been applied to treat hyperbilirubinemia in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy and safety of formulae relevant to high-dose PRR in patients suffering from hyperbilirubinemia induced by viral hepatitis. Methods: We performed a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of formulae that apply a high dose of PRR for hyperbilirubinemia. Seven databases were searched until April, 2015. All studies were included according to detailed criteria and assessed for methodological quality. The outcome measurements were recorded for further analysis using the RevMan 5.2.11 software. Results: Fifteen articles involving 1323 patients with hyperbilirubinemia were included. Formulae with high-dose PRR might promote the efficacy of either a combined application ([OR: 3.98, 95% CI (2.91, 5.43)]; P < 0.01) or a single application ([OR: 4.00, 95% CI (1.50, 10.68)]; P < 0.01) for hyperbilirubinemia. The indices of TBIL, ALT, and AST significantly decreased ([MD: –75.57, 95% CI (−94.88, −56.26)], [MD: −26.54, 95% CI (−36.19, −16.88)], and ([MD: −28.94, 95% CI (−46.26, −11.61)]; P < 0.01), respectively. In addition, formulae with high-dose PRR could enhance the treatment efficacy of hyperbilirubinemia triggered by hepatitis B ([OR: 2.98, 95% CI (1.75, 5.05)]; P < 0.01). Furthermore, the efficacy was enhanced with an increasing dosage of PRR. Two articles reported that no side effects occurred in clinical trials, and three studies noted that patients presented light digestive tract symptoms. Conclusion: Formulae relevant to high-dose PRR ameliorate hyperbilirubinemia and might constitute a promising therapeutic approach. For widespread acceptance by practitioners, more rigorously designed multicenter, double-blind, randomized, and large-scale controlled trials are required. PMID:27047379

Paeoniflorin improves cardiac function and decreases adverse postinfarction left ventricular remodeling in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Chen, Hengwen; Dong, Yan; He, Xuanhui; Li, Jun; Wang, Jie

2018-01-01

Paeoniflorin (PF) is the active component of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. or Paeonia veitchii Lynch. This study was, therefore, aimed to evaluate the improvement and mechanism of the PF on ventricular remodeling in rats with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In this study, AMI model was established by ligating the anterior descending coronary artery in Wistar rats. After 4 weeks gavage of PF, the apparent signs and the left ventricle weight index of Wistar rats were observed. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated by Doppler ultrasonography. Changes in cardiac morphology were observed by pathologic examination, and apoptosis was observed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) interleukin-10 (IL-10) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Immunohistochemistry and Western blot method were applied to detect Caspase-3 and Caspase-9. Compared with the model control, the survival conditions of rats in all treatment groups were generally improved after PF treatment. LVEF was significantly increased, and both left ventricular end-diastolic inner diameter and left ventricular end-systolic inner diameter were significantly reduced. Moreover, pathologic examination showed that the myocardium degeneration of the rats treated with PF was decreased, including neater arrangement, more complete myofilament, more uniform gap and less interstitial collagen fibers. Furthermore, the mitochondrial structure of cardiomyocytes was significantly improved. The ultrastructure was clear, and the arrangement of myofilament was more regular. Also, the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 was inhibited, and apoptosis was obviously reduced in the PF treatment groups. BNP, TNF-α and IL-6 were also decreased and IL-10 was increased in the treated rats. PF could significantly improve the LVEF of rats. It decreased adverse left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction in rat models. The potential mechanism could be that PF decreased and inhibited BNP, TNF-α and IL-6, increased IL-10 and further inhibited the expression of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9, thus promoting ventricular remodeling.

Herbaceous Angiosperms Are Not More Vulnerable to Drought-Induced Embolism Than Angiosperm Trees.

PubMed

Lens, Frederic; Picon-Cochard, Catherine; Delmas, Chloé E L; Signarbieux, Constant; Buttler, Alexandre; Cochard, Hervé; Jansen, Steven; Chauvin, Thibaud; Doria, Larissa Chacon; Del Arco, Marcelino; Delzon, Sylvain

2016-10-01

The water transport pipeline in herbs is assumed to be more vulnerable to drought than in trees due to the formation of frequent embolisms (gas bubbles), which could be removed by the occurrence of root pressure, especially in grasses. Here, we studied hydraulic failure in herbaceous angiosperms by measuring the pressure inducing 50% loss of hydraulic conductance (P 50 ) in stems of 26 species, mainly European grasses (Poaceae). Our measurements show a large range in P 50 from -0.5 to -7.5 MPa, which overlaps with 94% of the woody angiosperm species in a worldwide, published data set and which strongly correlates with an aridity index. Moreover, the P 50 values obtained were substantially more negative than the midday water potentials for five grass species monitored throughout the entire growing season, suggesting that embolism formation and repair are not routine and mainly occur under water deficits. These results show that both herbs and trees share the ability to withstand very negative water potentials without considerable embolism formation in their xylem conduits during drought stress. In addition, structure-function trade-offs in grass stems reveal that more resistant species are more lignified, which was confirmed for herbaceous and closely related woody species of the daisy group (Asteraceae). Our findings could imply that herbs with more lignified stems will become more abundant in future grasslands under more frequent and severe droughts, potentially resulting in lower forage digestibility. © 2016 American Society of Plant Biologists. All Rights Reserved.

An experimental test of CSR theory using a globally calibrated ordination method

PubMed Central

Li, Yuanzhi

2017-01-01

Can CSR theory, in conjunction with a recently proposed globally calibrated CSR ordination (“StrateFy”), using only three easily measured leaf traits (leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content) predict the functional signature of herbaceous vegetation along experimentally manipulated gradients of soil fertility and disturbance? To determine this, we grew 37 herbaceous species in mixture for five years in 24 experimental mesocosms differing in factorial levels of soil resources (stress) and density-independent mortality (disturbance). We measured 16 different functional traits and then ordinated the resulting vegetation within the CSR triangle using StrateFy. We then calculated community-weighted mean (CWM) values of the competitor (CCWM), stress-tolerator (SCWM) and ruderal (RCWM) scores for each mesocosm. We found a significant increase in SCWM from low to high stress mesocosms, and an increase in RCWM from lowly to highly disturbed mesocosms. However, CCWM did not decline significantly as intensity of stress or disturbance increased, as predicted by CSR theory. This last result likely arose because our herbaceous species were relatively poor competitors in global comparisons and thus no strong competitors in our species pool were selectively favoured in low stress and low disturbed mesocosms. Variation in the 13 other traits, not used by StrateFy, largely argeed with the predictions of CSR theory. StrateFy worked surprisingly well in our experimental study except for the C-dimension. Despite loss of some precision, it has great potential applicability in future studies due to its simplicity and generality. PMID:28388622

Communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Japanese pear) and an understory herbaceous plant Plantago asiatica.

PubMed

Yoshimura, Yuko; Ido, Akifumi; Matsumoto, Teruyuki; Yamato, Masahide

2013-01-01

We investigated communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the fine roots of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta, and Plantago asiatica to consider the relationship between orchard trees and herbaceous plants in AMF symbioses. The AMF communities were analyzed on the basis of the partial fungal DNA sequences of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA), which were amplified using the AMF-specific primers AML1 and AML2. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the obtained AMF sequences were divided into 23 phylotypes. Among them, 12 phylotypes included AMF from both host plants, and most of the obtained sequences (689/811) were affiliated to them. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the host plant species did not have a significant effect on the distribution of AMF phylotypes, whereas the effects of sampling site, soil total C, soil total N and soil-available P were significant. It was also found that the mean observed overlaps of AMF phylotypes between the paired host plants in the same soil cores (27.1% of phylotypes shared) were significantly higher than the mean 1,000 simulated overlaps (14.2%). Furthermore, the same AMF sequences (100% sequence identity) were detected from both host plants in 8/12 soil cores having both roots. Accordingly, we concluded that Py. pyrifolia and Pl. asiatica examined shared some AMF communities, which suggested that understory herbaceous plants may function as AMF inoculum sources for orchard trees.

Communities of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta (Japanese pear) and an Understory Herbaceous Plant Plantago asiatica

PubMed Central

Yoshimura, Yuko; Ido, Akifumi; Matsumoto, Teruyuki; Yamato, Masahide

2013-01-01

We investigated communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in the fine roots of Pyrus pyrifolia var. culta, and Plantago asiatica to consider the relationship between orchard trees and herbaceous plants in AMF symbioses. The AMF communities were analyzed on the basis of the partial fungal DNA sequences of the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rDNA), which were amplified using the AMF-specific primers AML1 and AML2. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the obtained AMF sequences were divided into 23 phylotypes. Among them, 12 phylotypes included AMF from both host plants, and most of the obtained sequences (689/811) were affiliated to them. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the host plant species did not have a significant effect on the distribution of AMF phylotypes, whereas the effects of sampling site, soil total C, soil total N and soil-available P were significant. It was also found that the mean observed overlaps of AMF phylotypes between the paired host plants in the same soil cores (27.1% of phylotypes shared) were significantly higher than the mean 1,000 simulated overlaps (14.2%). Furthermore, the same AMF sequences (100% sequence identity) were detected from both host plants in 8/12 soil cores having both roots. Accordingly, we concluded that Py. pyrifolia and Pl. asiatica examined shared some AMF communities, which suggested that understory herbaceous plants may function as AMF inoculum sources for orchard trees. PMID:23614902

An experimental test of CSR theory using a globally calibrated ordination method.

PubMed

Li, Yuanzhi; Shipley, Bill

2017-01-01

Can CSR theory, in conjunction with a recently proposed globally calibrated CSR ordination ("StrateFy"), using only three easily measured leaf traits (leaf area, specific leaf area and leaf dry matter content) predict the functional signature of herbaceous vegetation along experimentally manipulated gradients of soil fertility and disturbance? To determine this, we grew 37 herbaceous species in mixture for five years in 24 experimental mesocosms differing in factorial levels of soil resources (stress) and density-independent mortality (disturbance). We measured 16 different functional traits and then ordinated the resulting vegetation within the CSR triangle using StrateFy. We then calculated community-weighted mean (CWM) values of the competitor (CCWM), stress-tolerator (SCWM) and ruderal (RCWM) scores for each mesocosm. We found a significant increase in SCWM from low to high stress mesocosms, and an increase in RCWM from lowly to highly disturbed mesocosms. However, CCWM did not decline significantly as intensity of stress or disturbance increased, as predicted by CSR theory. This last result likely arose because our herbaceous species were relatively poor competitors in global comparisons and thus no strong competitors in our species pool were selectively favoured in low stress and low disturbed mesocosms. Variation in the 13 other traits, not used by StrateFy, largely argeed with the predictions of CSR theory. StrateFy worked surprisingly well in our experimental study except for the C-dimension. Despite loss of some precision, it has great potential applicability in future studies due to its simplicity and generality.

Growth responses of five desert plants as influenced by biological soil crusts from a temperate desert, China

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zhang, Yuanming; Belnap, Jayne

2015-01-01

In almost all dryland systems, biological soil crusts (biocrusts) coexist alongside herbaceous and woody vegetation, creating landscape mosaics of vegetated and biocrusted patches. Results from past studies on the interaction between biocrusts and vascular plants have been contradictory. In the Gurbantunggut desert, a large temperate desert in northwestern China, well-developed lichen-dominated crusts dominate the areas at the base and between the sand dunes. We examined the influence of these lichen-dominated biocrusts on the germination, growth, biomass accumulation, and elemental content of five common plants in this desert: two shrubs (Haloxylon persicum, Ephedra distachya) and three herbaceous plants (Ceratocarpus arenarius, Malcolmia africana and Lappula semiglabra) under greenhouse conditions. The influence of biocrusts on seed germination was species-specific. Biocrusts did not affect percent germination in plants with smooth seeds, but inhibited germination of seeds with appendages that reduced or eliminated contact with the soil surface or prevented seeds from slipping into soil cracks. Once seeds had germinated, biocrusts had different influences on growth of shrub and herbaceous plants. The presence of biocrusts increased concentrations of nitrogen but did not affect phosphorus or potassium in tissue of all tested species, while the uptake of the other tested nutrients was species-specific. Our study showed that biocrusts can serve as a biological filter during seed germination and also can influence growth and elemental uptake. Therefore, they may be an important trigger for determining desert plant diversity and community composition in deserts.

Are flowers vulnerable to xylem cavitation during drought?

PubMed

Zhang, Feng-Ping; Brodribb, Timothy J

2017-05-17

Water stress is known to cause xylem cavitation in the leaves, roots and stems of plants, but little is known about the vulnerability of flowers to xylem damage during drought. This is an important gap in our understanding of how and when plants become damaged by water stress. Here we address fundamental questions about if and when flowers suffer cavitation damage, using a new technique of cavitation imaging to resolve the timing of cavitation in water-stressed flower petals compared with neighbouring leaves. Leaves and flowers from a sample of two herbaceous and two woody eudicots were exposed to a severe water stress while the spatial and temporal propagation of embolism through veins was recorded. Although in most cases water potentials inducing 50% embolism of herbaceous flower veins were more negative than neighbouring leaves, there was no significant difference between the average vulnerability of leaves and petals of herbaceous species. In both woody species, petals were more vulnerable to cavitation than leaves, in one case by more than 3 MPa. Early cavitation and subsequent damage of flowers in the two woody species would thus be expected to precede leaf damage during drought. Similar cavitation thresholds of flowers and leaves in the herb sample suggest that cavitation during water shortage in these species will occur simultaneously among aerial tissues. Species-specific differences in the cavitation thresholds of petals provide a new axis of variation that may explain contrasting flowering ecology among plant species. © 2017 The Author(s).

THE DISPERSION OF HERBACEOUS PLANT POLLEN IN ITO CITY, SHIZUOKA.

PubMed

Fujii, Mayumi; Makiyama, Kiyoshi; Okazaki, Kenji; Hisamatsu, Kenichi

2016-08-01

Airborne pollen was examined in Ito City, Shizuoka for the purpose of treatment and prophylaxis pollen allergies because the patients with pollen allergy to herbaceous plants have recently increased. Setting up a Durham's sampler, we measured airborne pollen identified and classified: Poaceae, Polygonaceae, Amaranthaceae, Urticaceae, Cannabaceae, Ambrosia and Artemisia indica.We studied whether each airborne pollen count has something to do with weather condition (2004-2015). Average total airborne Poaceae pollen count and standard deviation from January to June was 19.4±5.5 cells/cm(2), average total airborne Polygonaceae pollen count and standard deviation from April to September was 11.6±13.4 cells/cm(2). Airborne Poaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cannabaceae, Uriticaceae. Ambrosia and Artamisia indica pollen count from July to Deccember in order: 34.0±15.5 cells/cm(2), 1.3±1.1 cells/cm(2), 8.7±6.4cells/cm(2), 4.9±6.4 cells/cm(2), 10.5±7.8 cells/cm(2), and 13.6±16.3 cells/cm(2).Cannabaceae admitted that its airborne pollen count has negative correlation to the rainfall.Artemisia indica admitted that its airborne pollen count has negative correlation to the average temperature. Herbaceous plants pollen doesn't cause allergies because it is much less than tree pollen in ItoCity.It is thought that the diversity of the plants keep the people from having a serious allergy to pollen with awarm weather in this area.

Influences of herbivory and water on willow in elk winter range

USGS Publications Warehouse

Zeigenfuss, L.C.; Singer, F.J.; Williams, S.A.; Johnson, T.L.

2002-01-01

Elimination of large predators and reduced hunter harvest have led to concerns that an increasing elk (Cervus elaphus) population may be adversely affecting vegetation on the low-elevation elk winter range of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA. Beaver (Castor canadensis) and their impoundments also have declined dramatically (94%) in the same area over the past 50 years coincident with a 20% decline in willow (Salix spp.) cover. From 1994 to 1998, we studied vegetation production responses of willow communities to elk herbivory and water availability. We estimated willow production by measuring current annual growth of shrubs in 9.3-m2 circular plots, and we measured herbaceous production by clipping vegetation within 0.25-m2 circular plots. Elk herbivory suppressed willow heights, leader lengths, annual production, and herbaceous productivity of willow communities. Water impoundment had a positive effect on herbaceous plant production, but little effect on shrubs, possibly because water tables were naturally high on the study sites even without beaver dams. Nevertheless, the winter range environment previously included more riparian willow habitat because of more stream area (47-69%) due to larger beaver populations. Elk herbivory appears to be the dominant force determining vegetation productivity in willow sites, but the effects may be exacerbated by lowered water tables. Fewer elk or protection from browsing, and water enhancement for <10 years along with management to encourage elk movement away from willow communities, could possibly work as strategies to reestablish sustainable willow communities.

The effect of technogenic emissions on the heavy metals accumulation by herbaceous plants.

PubMed

Chaplygin, Victor; Minkina, Tatiana; Mandzhieva, Saglara; Burachevskaya, Marina; Sushkova, Svetlana; Poluektov, Evgeniy; Antonenko, Elena; Kumacheva, Valentina

2018-02-07

The effect of technogenic emissions on the input of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Ni into plants from the Poaceae and Asteraceae families has been studied. Soil and plant contamination by anthropogenic emissions from industrial enterprises leads the decreasing of crop quality; therefore, the monitoring investigation of plants and soils acquires special importance. The herbaceous plants may be used as bioindicators for main environmental changes. It was found that the high level of anthropogenic load related to atmospheric emissions from the power plant favors the heavy metal (HM) accumulation in herbaceous plants. Contamination with Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni was revealed in plants growing near the power plant. Heavy metals arrive to plants from the soil in the form of mobile compounds. Plant family is one of the main factors affecting the HM distribution in the above- and underground parts of plants. Plants from the Poaceae family accumulate less chemical elements in their aboveground parts than the Asteraceae plants. Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Artemisia austriaca are HM accumulators. For assessing the stability of plants under contamination with HMs, metal accumulation by plants from soil (the bioconcentration factor) and metal phytoavailability from plants above- and underground parts (the acropetal coefficient) were calculated. According to the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor values, Poaceae species are most resistant to technogenic contamination with HMs. The translocation factor highest values were found for Tanacetum vulgare; the lowest bioconcentration factor values were typical for Poa pratensis.

[Distribution of soil organic carbon storage and carbon density in Gahai Wetland ecosystem].

PubMed

Ma, Wei-Wei; Wang, Hui; Huang, Rong; Li, Jun-Zhen; Li, De-Yu

2014-03-01

The profile distribution and accumulation characteristics of organic carbon of four typical marshes (herbaceous peat, marsh wetland, mountain wetland, subalpine meadow) were studied in Gahai Wetlands of Gannan in July 2011. The results showed that the soil bulk densities of the four typical marshes ranged from 0.22 to 1.29 g x cm(-3). The content of soil organic carbon in the herbaceous peat was higher than in other types, with its average content of organic carbon (286. 80 g x kg(-1)) being about 2.91, 4.99, 7.31 times as much as that of the marsh wetland, mountain wetland and subalpine meadow, respectively. The average organic carbon densities were in order of herbaceous peat > subalpine meadow > marsh wetland > mountain wetland, with the highest in the 0-10 cm layer. The change of organic carbon density along the soil profile was basically in accordance with the organic carbon content in the four typical marshes, but fluctuated with soil depth. There were obviously two carbon storage layers (0-10 and 20-40 cm, respectively) in the four typical marshes. The amounts of organic carbon stored in the 0-60 cm layer of the four typical marshes were 369.46, 278.83, 276.16, 292.23 t x hm(-2), respectively. The total amount of organic carbon stored in the 0-60 cm of the four typical marshes was about 9.50 x 10(6) t.

Connectivity processes and riparian vegetation of the upper Paraná River, Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stevaux, José C.; Corradini, Fabrício A.; Aquino, Samia

2013-10-01

In fluvial systems, the relationship between a dominant variable (e.g. flood pulse) and its dependent ones (e.g. riparian vegetation) is called connectivity. This paper analyzes the connectivity elements and processes controlling riparian vegetation for a reach of the upper Paraná River (Brazil) and estimates the future changes in channel-vegetation relationship as a consequence of the managing of a large dam. The studied reach is situated 30 km downstream from the Porto Primavera Dam (construction finished in 1999). Through aerial photography (1:25,000, 1996), RGB-CBERS satellite imagery and a previous field botany survey it was possible to elaborate a map with the five major morpho-vegetation units: 1) Tree-dominated natural levee, 2) Shrubby upper floodplain, 3) Shrub-herbaceous mid floodplain, 4) Grass-herbaceous lower floodplain and 5) Shrub-herbaceous flood runoff channel units. By use of a detailed topographic survey and statistical tools each morpho-vegetation type was analyzed according to its connectivity parameters (frequency, recurrence, permanence, seasonality, potamophase, limnophase and FCQ index) in the pre- and post-dam closure periods of the historical series. Data showed that most of the morpho-vegetation units were predicted to present changes in connectivity parameters values after dam closing and the new regime could affect, in different intensity, the river ecology and particularly the riparian vegetation. The methods used in this study can be useful for dam impact studies in other South American tropical rivers.

Ten Years of Vegetation Change in Northern California Marshlands Detected using Landsat Satellite Image Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Potter, Christopher

2013-01-01

The Landsat Ecosystem Disturbance Adaptive Processing System (LEDAPS) methodology was applied to detected changes in perennial vegetation cover at marshland sites in Northern California reported to have undergone restoration between 1999 and 2009. Results showed extensive contiguous areas of restored marshland plant cover at 10 of the 14 sites selected. Gains in either woody shrub cover and/or from recovery of herbaceous cover that remains productive and evergreen on a year-round basis could be mapped out from the image results. However, LEDAPS may not be highly sensitive changes in wetlands that have been restored mainly with seasonal herbaceous cover (e.g., vernal pools), due to the ephemeral nature of the plant greenness signal. Based on this evaluation, the LEDAPS methodology would be capable of fulfilling a pressing need for consistent, continual, low-cost monitoring of changes in marshland ecosystems of the Pacific Flyway.

Abundance of introduced species at home predicts abundance away in herbaceous communities

USGS Publications Warehouse

Firn, Jennifer; Moore, Joslin L.; MacDougall, Andrew S.; Borer, Elizabeth T.; Seabloom, Eric W.; HilleRisLambers, Janneke; Harpole, W. Stanley; Cleland, Elsa E.; Brown, Cynthia S.; Knops, Johannes M.H.; Prober, Suzanne M.; Pyke, David A.; Farrell, Kelly A.; Bakker, John D.; O'Halloran, Lydia R.; Adler, Peter B.; Collins, Scott L.; D'Antonio, Carla M.; Crawley, Michael J.; Wolkovich, Elizabeth M.; La Pierre, Kimberly J.; Melbourne, Brett A.; Hautier, Yann; Morgan, John W.; Leakey, Andrew D.B.; Kay, Adam; McCulley, Rebecca; Davies, Kendi F.; Stevens, Carly J.; Chu, Cheng-Jin; Holl, Karen D.; Klein, Julia A.; Fay, Phillip A.; Hagenah, Nicole; Kirkman, Kevin P.; Buckley, Yvonne M.

2011-01-01

Many ecosystems worldwide are dominated by introduced plant species, leading to loss of biodiversity and ecosystem function. A common but rarely tested assumption is that these plants are more abundant in introduced vs. native communities, because ecological or evolutionary-based shifts in populations underlie invasion success. Here, data for 26 herbaceous species at 39 sites, within eight countries, revealed that species abundances were similar at native (home) and introduced (away) sites - grass species were generally abundant home and away, while forbs were low in abundance, but more abundant at home. Sites with six or more of these species had similar community abundance hierarchies, suggesting that suites of introduced species are assembling similarly on different continents. Overall, we found that substantial changes to populations are not necessarily a pre-condition for invasion success and that increases in species abundance are unusual. Instead, abundance at home predicts abundance away, a potentially useful additional criterion for biosecurity programmes.

CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES ON FIBROUS FEEDSTUFFS DENSIFICATION AND ITS INTERACTION WITH LIQUID INGREDIENTS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pordesimo, Lester O.; Tumuluru, Jaya Shankar

2015-10-01

There has been continuing interest and support in using herbaceous biomass, mostly agricultural crop residues, in the U.S. as feedstocks for producing bioenergy, liquid transportation fuels, and industrial chemicals/materials. With the potential of greater collection of agricultural crop residues for the foregoing industrial applications there will be a commensurate greater availability of crop residues for utilization in agricultural production. Agricultural crop residues are typically used in agricultural production as roughage or bedding for cattle. Use of herbaceous biomass, corn stover of greatest interest at the present time, and processing coproducts thereof, as a feed ingredient presents an opportunity to reducemore » ration costs and improve livestock enterprise profitability by replacing an amount of corn and other feed grains in livestock diets with proper formulation. The obvious advantage of utilizing corn stover is its wide availability and low cost.« less

Applied regional monitoring of the vernal advancement and retrogradation (green wave effect) of natural vegetation in the Great Plains corridor. [Southwest Texas

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Harlan, J. C.; Deering, D. W. (Principal Investigator)

1979-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. Rangelands in southwest Texas were used to establish threshold values and limitations on measuring herbaceous biomass under typical arid and semi-arid range conditions. Previous regression relationships established between ND6 and green biomass for two different ecosystems were similar. The west Texas data set for brush-free sites was too small to be statistically conclusive. It appears that a line with a third (and steeper) slope would be best for the west Texas data, and that line would intersect the other two. Results show that similar relationships exist between ND6 and green biomass under low brush canopy cover conditions, but local variations require a calibration to determine the best fit for an ecosystem. The brush canopy has a detrimental effect on the ND6 vs. herbaceous green biomass relationship.

cDNA cloning and analysis of RNA 2 of a Prunus stem pitting isolate of tomato ringspot virus.

PubMed

Hadidi, A; Powell, C A

1991-10-01

Recombinant plasmids containing sequences derived from the genome of a tomato ringspot virus (TomRSV) isolate associated with both stem pitting disease of stone fruits and apple union necrosis and decline were constructed. Selected inserts were subcloned into the polylinker region of the SP6 transcription vector pSP64. Using the SP6 promoter flanking this region, high specific activity 32P-labelled cRNA probes were generated by SP6 RNA polymerase. cRNA probes were specific for TomRSV RNA 2 present in purified virions or in extracts from woody and herbacous hosts. No sequence relatedness was detected between TomRSV RNA 2 and genomic RNA from tobacco ringspot, arabis mosaic, strawberry latent ringspot, or cucumber mosaic virus in Northern blot analysis using TomRSV cRNA probes. These probes detected TomRSV infection in woody and herbaceous hosts in dot-blot hybridization assays.

Postfire chaparral regeneration under mediterranean and non-mediterranean climates

USGS Publications Warehouse

Keeley, Jon E.; Fotheringham, Connie J.; Rundel, Philip W.

2012-01-01

This study compares postfire regeneration and diversity patterns in fire-prone chaparral shrublands from mediterranean (California) and non-mediterranean-type climates (Arizona). Vegetation sampling was conducted in tenth hectare plots with nested subplots for the first two years after fire. Floras in the two regions were compared with Jaccard's Index and importance of families and genera compared with dominance-diversity curves. Although there were 44 families in common between the two regions, the dominant families differed; Poaceae and Fabaceae in Arizona and Hydrophyllaceae and Rosaceae in California. Dominance diversity curves indicated in the first year a more equable distribution of families in Arizona than in California. Woody plants were much more dominant in the mediterranean climate and herbaceous plants more dominant in the bimodal rainfall climate. Species diversity was comparable in both regions at the lowest spatial scales but not at the tenth hectare scale. Due to the double growing season in the non-mediterranean region, the diversity for the first year comprised two different herbaceous floras in the fall and spring growing seasons. The Mediterranean climate in California, in contrast, had only a spring growing season and thus the total diversity for the first year was significantly greater in Arizona than in California for both annuals and herbaceous perennials. Chaparral in these two climate regimes share many dominant shrub species but the postfire communities are very different. Arizona chaparral has both a spring and fall growing season and these produce two very different postfire floras. When combined, the total annual diversity was substantially greater in Arizona chaparral.

Diurnal adjustment in ultraviolet sunscreen protection is widespread among higher plants.

PubMed

Barnes, Paul W; Flint, Stephan D; Tobler, Mark A; Ryel, Ronald J

2016-05-01

The accumulation of ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds (flavonoids and related phenylpropanoids) in the epidermis of higher plants reduces the penetration of solar UV radiation to underlying tissues and is a primary mechanism of acclimation to changing UV conditions resulting from ozone depletion and climate change. Previously we reported that several herbaceous plant species were capable of rapid, diurnal adjustments in epidermal UV transmittance (T UV), but how widespread this phenomenon is among plants has been unknown. In the present study, we tested the generality of this response by screening 37 species of various cultivated and wild plants growing in four locations spanning a gradient of ambient solar UV and climate (Hawaii, Utah, Idaho and Louisiana). Non-destructive measurements of adaxial T UV indicated that statistically significant midday decreases in T UV occurred in 49 % of the species tested, including both herbaceous and woody growth forms, and there was substantial interspecific variation in the magnitude of these changes. In general, plants in Louisiana exhibited larger diurnal changes in T UV than those in the other locations. Moreover, across all taxa, the magnitude of these changes was positively correlated with minimum daily air temperatures but not daily UV irradiances. Results indicate that diurnal changes in UV shielding are widespread among higher plants, vary both within and among species and tend to be greatest in herbaceous plants growing in warm environments. These findings suggest that plant species differ in their UV protection "strategies" though the functional and ecological significance of this variation in UV sunscreen protection remains unclear at present.

Comparison of trends in habitat and resource selection by the Spanish Festoon, Zerynthia rumina , and the whole butterfly community in a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem

PubMed Central

Ochoa-Hueso, Raúl; de la Puente Ranea, Daniel; Viejo, José Luis

2014-01-01

Abstract Butterfly community and single species based approaches were taken to establish conservation priorities within a nature reserve in Central Spain. In this study, patch type (sclerophyllous, halophilous, or disturbed), potential herbaceous nectar availability, potential woody plant nectar availability, total nectar availability, and two approximations to plant diversity (herbaceous and woody plant diversity) were evaluated as variables that account for adult butterfly density. Butterfly communities in the reserve, which consist mostly of generalist species, were denser in relatively wet areas dominated by halophilous vegetation. Diversity did not significantly vary between ecologically different transects. Total nectar availability correlated with higher butterfly densities within both undisturbed and disturbed areas, which could be primarily explained by the lack of water typical of semiarid Mediterranean climates, where fresh, nectariferous vegetation is scarce. Woody plants were also found to be important sources of nectar and shelter. In the dryer sclerophyllous sites, adult butterfly density was best explained by herbaceous plant diversity, suggesting better quality of available resources. The endangered specialist Zerynthia rumina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) was only present at the sclerophyllous sites. Its density was very low in all sampled transects, excluding one relatively isolated transect with high larval hostplant density. In contrast to the community-based approach, density of Z. rumina adults is better explained by the density of its larval hostplant than by nectar availability, a trend previously described for other sedentary species. Management strategies for protecting insect-rich areas should consider the specific ecological requirements of endangered species. PMID:25373198

Evaluating vegetation management practices for woody and herbaceous vegetation : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-03-01

To determine vegetation management practices, ODOT Districts can implement to increase efficiency : and cost-effectiveness that contribute to worker safety and foster safe highway use by the traveling : public. ODOT would benefit from a Roadside Inte...

Engineering resistance against viroid

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Viroids, the smallest infectious agents endowed with autonomous replication, are tiny single-stranded circular RNAs (~250-400 nt) without protein-coding ability that, despite their simplicity, infect and often cause disease in herbaceous and woody plants of economic relevance. To mitigate the result...

[Peculiarities of therapy of neurotic disorders in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].

PubMed

Toirov, E S; Imamov, A Kh

2010-01-01

Evaluation of neurotic disorders (ND) in 168 patients with rheumatoid arthritis revealed them in 65.6% of the cases including 22.6% weak, 31.7% moderate and 14.9% severe ones. Asthenovegetative disorders were most frequently detected (61.3%). They associated with emotional, hypochondriac, hysterical, and obsessional disorders in 24.4, 14.3, 9.5, and 4.8% of the patients respectively. ND were treated depending on their type and severity. Mild ND were managed by combined therapy including general tonics, physiotherapeutic procedures, and remedial gymnastics. Patients with moderate ND were given sedative medicines (novopassit, sedavit, glycine, peony tincture). Severe ND were managed using antidepressants and tranquilizers. Duration of therapy was 10-21 days depending on its form. The treatment eliminated all symptoms of ND in 66 (54.1%) and reduced them in 44 (36.1%) of the patients. The outcome of psychotherapy was regarded as unsatisfactory in 11.5%, satisfactory in 26.2%, and positive in 62.3% of the patients. These values in a control group of 46 patients without HD were 10.8, 37.0, and 52.2% respectively.

A reporter gene assay for the detection of phytoestrogens in traditional Chinese medicine.

PubMed

Miller-Martini, D M; Chan, R Y; Ip, N Y; Sheu, S J; Wong, Y H

2001-09-01

Bupleurum & Peony Formula (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San) is a herbal formula which possesses a clinical history for the treatment of menopausal syndrome and menstrual irregularity. The present investigation reports the ability to monitor the formula's phytoestrogen content that will allow for the implementation of a standardization protocol that is based on a quantifiable biological response. Utilizing an oestrogen-sensitive chimeric receptor/reporter gene element which has been stably transfected into HeLa cells, the botanical formula was shown to induce the expression of the reporter gene, luciferase, in a dose dependent manner. Pretreatment of the HeLa cells with the botanical formula produced a 5-fold increase in bioluminescence compared with the control. Additionally, our studies showed that the response of the cells, when challenged by the botanical formula, was oestrogen specific. Pretreatment of the cells with tamoxifen effectively blocked the activation of the chimeric oestrogen receptor by the botanical formula. The cell line provides a sensitive assay that can easily detect the presence of phytoestrogens in complex botanical formulas. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Determining forage availability and use patterns for bison in the Hayden Valley of Yellowstone National Park

USGS Publications Warehouse

Olenicki, Thomas J.; Irby, Lynn R.

2005-01-01

4. Estimate annual production and standing crop available during non-growing seasons for herbaceous and shrub layers in major habitat types in the Hayden Valley. Our efforts to describe forage use by bison focused on assessing finer scale habitat use is a core summer range for bison in YNP. We also collected information on bison food habits and forage quality to begin to explain the “whys” of bison distribution. Short-term impacts of bison forage utilization were addressed by comparing standing biomass in plots protected from grazing with plots exposed to grazing. Historical data were not available to directly address long-term effects of ungulate foraging in the Hayden Valley, but we were able to indirectly assess some aspects of this question by determining the frequency of repeat grazing over a 3-year period and the rate at which trees along the margins of the Hayden Valley were being killed by bison rubbing The third objective, determining the relative efficacy of different vegetation monitoring approaches, was accomplished by comparing estimates of standing biomass and biomas: utilization obtained via conventional exclosure techniques with estimates based on remote sensing techniques (ground-based and satellite-borne multi-spectral radiometry|[MSR]). We addressed efficacy in terms of precision and accuracy of estimates, reliability, and logistical costs at different coverage scales. The fourth objective, estimation of forage available for ungulates in the Hayden Valley, was achieved using conventional exclosure methodology and remote sensing. We were able to estimate herbaceous biomass production during 3 different years. Exclosures allowed us to estimated changes instanding crop of herbaceous vegetation at the plant community (conventional cover types, moisture plant growth form groups, and communities defined by dominant graminoids) and catena (a repeating sequence of communities tied to landscape physiognomy) scales. We developed empirical approaches that allowed us to estimate standing biomass of herbaceous plants from reflectance data obtained from ground-based and satellite-borne multi-spectral radiometry (MSR) units. We demonstrated the potential to estimate biomass of shrubs using the same approaches. We did not have time and resources to complete vegetation maps that would optimize estimates from remote sources, but we have outlined procedures that can be followed in the future to obtain biomass estimates at the landscape scale.

Assessing vegetation structure and ANPP dynamics in a grassland-shrubland Chihuahuan ecotone using NDVI-rainfall relationships

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno-de las Heras, M.; Diaz-Sierra, R.; Turnbull, L.; Wainwright, J.

2015-01-01

Climate change and the widespread alteration of natural habitats are major drivers of vegetation change in drylands. A classic case of vegetation change is the shrub-encroachment process that has been taking place over the last 150 years in the Chihuahuan Desert, where large areas of grasslands dominated by perennial grass species (black grama, Bouteloua eriopoda, and blue grama, B. gracilis) have transitioned to shrublands dominated by woody species (creosotebush, Larrea tridentata, and mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa), accompanied by accelerated water and wind erosion. Multiple mechanisms drive the shrub-encroachment process, including exogenous triggering factors such as precipitation variations and land-use change, and endogenous amplifying mechanisms brought about by soil erosion-vegetation feedbacks. In this study, simulations of plant biomass dynamics with a simple modelling framework indicate that herbaceous (grasses and forbs) and shrub vegetation in drylands have different responses to antecedent precipitation due to functional differences in plant growth and water-use patterns, and therefore shrub encroachment may be reflected in the analysis of landscape-scale vegetation-rainfall relationships. We analyze the structure and dynamics of vegetation at an 18 km2 grassland-shrubland ecotone in the northern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert (McKenzie Flats, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, NM, USA) by investigating the relationship between decade-scale (2000-2013) records of medium-resolution remote sensing of vegetation greenness (MODIS NDVI) and precipitation. Spatial evaluation of NDVI-rainfall relationship at the studied ecotone indicates that herbaceous vegetation shows quick growth pulses associated with short-term (previous 2 months) precipitation, while shrubs show a slow response to medium-term (previous 5 months) precipitation. We use these relationships to (a) classify landscape types as a function of the spatial distribution of dominant vegetation, and to (b) decompose the NDVI signal into partial primary production components for herbaceous vegetation and shrubs across the study site. We further apply remote-sensed annual net primary production (ANPP) estimations and landscape type classification to explore the influence of inter-annual variations in seasonal precipitation on the production of herbaceous and shrub vegetation. Our results suggest that changes in the amount and temporal pattern of precipitation comprising reductions in monsoonal summer rainfall and/or increases in winter precipitation may enhance the shrub-encroachment process in desert grasslands of the American Southwest.

Antiinflammatory activity of an herbal preparation (HemoHIM) in rats.

PubMed

Jo, Sung Kee; Lee, Hae June; Kim, Se Ra; Kim, Jong Choon; Bae, Chun Sik; Jung, Uhee; Park, Hae Ran; Jang, Jong Sik; Kim, Sung Ho

2007-07-01

This study evaluated a new herbal preparation, HemoHIM, for its antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced edema, the formation of granulation tissues by cotton pellet and experimental colitis by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The HemoHIM was prepared by adding its ethanol-insoluble polysaccharide fraction to the total water extract of Angelica Radix, Cnidii Rhizoma and Paeonia Radix. The preparation (4 mg of solids/mL of drinking water, p.o., 50-100 mg/kg of body weight, i.p.) produced a dose-related inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. In addition, HemoHIM also reduced the degree of TNBS-induced colitis and improved the gross and histological changes such as thickening, dilatation, ulceration, and infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and multiple erosive lesions. These results demonstrate that the HemoHIM has a potent antiinflammatory effect. Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Paeonol Suppresses Chondrosarcoma Metastasis through Up-Regulation of miR-141 by Modulating PKCδ and c-Src Signaling Pathway

PubMed Central

Horng, Chi-Ting; Shieh, Po-Chuen; Tan, Tzu-Wei; Yang, Wei-Hung; Tang, Chih-Hsin

2014-01-01

Chondrosarcoma, a primary malignant bone cancer, has potential for local invasion and distant metastasis, especially to the lungs. Patients diagnosed with it show poor prognosis. Paeonol (2'-hydroxy-4'-methoxyacetophenone), the main active compound of traditional Chinese remedy Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity; whether paeonol regulates metastatic chondrosarcoma is largely unknown. Here, we find paeonol do not increase apoptosis. By contrast, at non-cytotoxic concentrations, paeonol suppresses migration and invasion of chondrosarcoma cells. We also demonstrate paeonol enhancing miR-141 expression and miR-141 inhibitor reversing paeonol-inhibited cell motility; paeonol also reduces protein kinase C (PKC)δ and c-Src kinase activity. Since paeonol inhibits migration and invasion of human chondrosarcoma via up-regulation of miR-141 via PKCδ and c-Src pathways, it thus might be a novel anti-metastasis agent for treatment of metastatic chondrosarcoma. PMID:24992595

Properties of herbal extracts against Propionibacterium acnes for biomedical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lim, Youn-Mook; Kim, Sung Eun; Kim, Yong Soo; Shin, Young Min; Jeong, Sung In; Jo, Sun-Young; Gwon, Hui-Jeong; Park, Jong-seok; Nho, Young-Chang; Kim, Jong-Cheol; Kim, Seong-Jang; Shin, HeungSoo

2012-10-01

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), one of the anaerobic bacterium, causes inflammatory acne. To find a novel medication for treating the inflammation caused by P. acnes, we investigated the anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of several herbal extracts against P. acnes. The aqueous extracts from five dried herbs, Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Paeonia lactiflora Pallas., Houttuynia cordata Thunb., Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., were prepared and mixed. In this experiment, 1 mg/ml of the herbal extract mixture caused a decrease in the growth of P. acnes and reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-1β and IL-6, in human monocytic THP-1 cells treated with heat-killed P. acnes. Therefore, this herbal extract mixture may possess both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory activities against P. acnes and can be a novel therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory acne.

Verticillium wilt in the Pacific Northwest

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Verticillium wilt is a serious disease of many economically important agricultural and horticultural crops in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The disease affects herbaceous annuals and perennials as well as woody trees and shrubs. Plants affected by Verticillium wilt exhibit chlorosis, wilting, defolia...

Flood Control at Grafton, North Dakota, Park River.

DTIC Science & Technology

1975-08-01

shrub species of the bur oak forest include snowberry, downy arrowhead, dwarf juniper, wild rose, beaked hazel, chokecherry , American hazel, red...canopy. Representative shrub species include chokecherry , gooseberry, Virginia creeper, and prickly ash. A light herbaceous cover exists and includes

Livestock grazing and sage-grouse habitat: impacts and opportunities

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sage-grouse obtain resources from sagebrush communities for breeding, summer, and winter life stages. Grazing changes the productivity, composition, and structure of herbaceous plants in sagebrush communities, thus directly influencing the productivity of nesting and early brood-rearing habitats. In...

A faster infection assay for Armillaria using Herbaceous plants

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Armillaria (honey fungus) is a virulent necrotrophic pathogen that causes Armillaria root disease. Conventional Armillaria inoculation assays use young saplings as hosts and consequently are cumbersome, frequently conducted outdoors and take many years from establishment to analysis of infection. We...

Quaking aspen woodland after conifer control: herbaceous dynamics

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis Hook.) woodlands are replacing lower elevation (< 2100 m) quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.) stands in the northern Great Basin. Restoring aspen woodlands is important because they provide wildlife habitat for many species and contain a high diversity...

Forest fragmentation and Lyme disease

EPA Science Inventory

Lyme disease is the most commonly reported vectorborne disease in the United States. It is associated with human exposure to infected Ixodes ticks which exist even in degraded forest and herbaceous habitat. We provide an overview of the epidemiology, ecology and landscape charact...

Evaluation of the Relative Merits of Herbaceous and Woody Crops for Use in Tunable Thermochemical Processing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Joon-Hyun; Martinalbo, Ilya

This report summarizes the work and findings of the grant work conducted from January 2009 until September 2011 under the collaboration between Ceres, Inc. and Choren USA, LLC. This DOE-funded project involves a head-to-head comparison of two types of dedicated energy crops in the context of a commercial gasification conversion process. The main goal of the project was to gain a better understanding of the differences in feedstock composition between herbaceous and woody species, and how these differences may impact a commercial gasification process. In this work, switchgrass was employed as a model herbaceous energy crop, and willow as amore » model short-rotation woody crop. Both crops are species native to the U.S. with significant potential to contribute to U.S. goals for renewable liquid fuel production, as outlined in the DOE Billion Ton Update (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/biomass/billion_ton_update.html, 2011). In some areas of the U.S., switching between woody and herbaceous feedstocks or blending of the two may be necessary to keep a large-scale gasifier operating near capacity year round. Based on laboratory tests and process simulations it has been successfully shown that suitable high yielding switchgrass and willow varieties exist that meet the feedstock specifications for large scale entrained flow biomass gasification. This data provides the foundation for better understanding how to use both materials in thermochemical processes. It has been shown that both switchgrass and willow varieties have comparable ranges of higher heating value, BTU content and indistinguishable hydrogen/carbon ratios. Benefits of switchgrass, and other herbaceous feedstocks, include its low moisture content, which reduce energy inputs and costs for drying feedstock. Compared to the typical feedstock currently being used in the Carbo-V® process, switchgrass has a higher ash content, combined with a lower ash melting temperature. Whether or not this may cause inefficiencies in the process, needs to be verified by long term test runs. Currently, there are not sufficient operational test data available for the Carbo-V® process for the utilization of higher ash content feedstocks. The application of currently evolving biomass pretreatment technologies, such as pelletization and torrefaction, will be able to expand the portfolio of biomass varieties and species acceptable in gasification processes. Tests showed that 6 mm diameter pellets of switchgrass were superior to 8 mm diameter pellets produced in a flat dye press, and that torrefaction of switchgrass produced an excellent (but currently costly) feedstock that could be handled, crushed, and combusted in a manner compatible with any coal-fed gasification facility. Ceres will use this information in the development of high yielding, dedicated energy crops specifically tailored for thermochemical conversion. CHOREN will make use of the information for improvement or development of low cost, highly efficient biomass gasification processes that convert a wide variety of biomass feedstocks to fuels, chemicals, heat and power via the production of tar free green syngas on an industrial scale.« less

Partitioning water and carbon fluxes in a Mediterranean oak woodland using stable oxygen isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, Maren; Piayda, Arndt; Cuntz, Matthias; Correia, Alexandra; Silva, Filipe Costa e.; Pereira, Joao; Werner, Christiane

2014-05-01

Water is a key factor driving ecosystem productivity, especially in water-limited ecosystems. A separation of the component fluxes is needed to gain a functional understanding on the development of net ecosystem water fluxes and their coupling with biogeochemical cycles. Oxygen isotope signatures are valuable tracers for water movements within the ecosystem because of the distinct isotopic compositions of water in soil and vegetation. In the past, determination of isotopic signatures of evaporative or transpirational fluxes has been challenging since measurements of water vapor isotopes were difficult to obtain using cold-trap methods, delivering data with low time resolution. Recent developments in laser spectroscopy now enable direct high frequency measurements of the isotopic composition of atmospheric water vapor (δv), evapotranspiration (δET), and its components and allow validations of common modeling approaches for estimating δE and δT based on Craig and Gordon (1965). Here, a novel approach was used, combining a custom build flow-through gas-exchange branch chamber with a Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer in a Mediteranean cork-oak woodland where two vegetation layers respond differently to drought: oak-trees (Quercus suber L.) avoid drought due to their access to ground water while herbaceous plants survive the summer as seeds. We aimed at 1) testing the Craig and Gordon equation for soil evaporation against directly measured δE and 2) quantifying the role of non-steady-state transpiration under natural conditions. Thirdly, we used this approach to quantify the impact of the understory herbaceous vegetation on ecosystem carbon and water fluxes throughout the year and disentangle how ET components of the ecosystem relate to carbon dioxide exchange. We present one year data comparing modeled and measured stable oxygen isotope signatures (δ18O) of soil evaporation, confirming that the Craig and Gordon equation leads to good agreement with measured δ18O of evaporation (Dubbert et al. 2013). Moreover, we found continuously strong deviations from isotopic steady-state in plant transpiration combined with large isoforcing on the atmosphere. This implies that assuming plant transpiration to be in the steady-state can have a huge impact at least for studies that distinguish relatively short time intervals (hours, e.g. partitioning studies). Finally. partitioning ecosystem ET and NEE into its three sources revealed a strong contribution of soil evaporation (E) and herbaceous transpiration (T) to ecosystem ET during spring and fall. In contrast, soil respiration (R) and herbaceous net carbon gain contributed to a lesser amount to ecosystem NEE during spring and fall, leading to consistently smaller water use efficiencies (WUE) of the herbaceous understory compared to the cork-oaks. Craig H, Gordon, LI. 1965. Deuterium and oxygen-18 variations in the ocean and the marine atmosphere. Paper presented at the Stable Isotopes in Oceanographic Studies and Paleotemperatures, Spoleto, Italy. Dubbert M, Cuntz M, Piayda A, Maguas C, Werner C, 2013: Partitioning evapotranspiration - Testing the Craig and Gordon model with field measurements of oxygen isotope ratios of evaporative fluxes. J Hydrol.

Botanical composition and nutritive value of cattle diets on southern pine range

Treesearch

H.A. Pearson; H.E. Grelen; E.A. Epps; M.K. Johnson; B.W. Blakewood

1982-01-01

The botanical composition of the cattle diet and the nutritive value of about 50 herbaceous and woody diet components are sampled and reparted for the longleaf pine-bluestem range in Louisiana. Digestibility is also related to the diet.

Some Individual Plant Biomass Values from Northeastern Minnesota

Treesearch

Lewis F. Ohmann; David F. Grigal

1977-01-01

As part of a study describing vegetation biomass dynamics following wildfire in standing virgin forest communities, mean dry weight per individual for immature and mature tree, shrub, and herbaceous species for the 1971 through 1975 growing seasons in northeastern Minnesota are presented

Switchgrass nitrogen response and estimated production costs on diverse sites

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been the principal perennial herbaceous crop investigated for bioenergy production in North America given its high production potential, relatively low input requirements, and potential suitability for use on marginal lands. Few large trials have determined swit...

Morphological and genetic variation among sphaeralcea species

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The herbaceous perennial species in the genus Sphaeralcea have desirable drought tolerance and aesthetics with potential for low-water use landscapes. However, taxonomy of these species is ambiguous, which leads to decreased consumer's confidence in the native plant industry. The goal of this stud...

Restoring mountain big sagebrush communities after prescribed fire in juniper encroached rangelands

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Western juniper encroachment into sagebrush steppe communities has reduced livestock forage production, increased erosion and runoff risk, and degraded sagebrush-associated wildlife habitat. We evaluated seeding perennial herbaceous vegetation and sagebrush at five sites where juniper was controlle...

Establishing oaks in Big River floodplains

Treesearch

Dan Dey; John Kabrick; Michael Gold

2003-01-01

Successful tree establishment is fundamental to implementing agroforestry practices, reforesting bottomland cropfields or regenerating green-tree reservoirs. Planting trees can be problematic in floodplains and riparian areas because of intense competition from herbaceous and woody plants, animal herbivory and browsing, and flooding and saturated soils.

New biological information on the invasive swallow-worts (Vincetoxicum spp.)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Vincetoxicum nigrum (L.) Moench [Cynanchum louiseae Kartesz & Gandhi] (black swallow-wort) and V. rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar. [Cynanchum rossicum (Kleopow) Borhidi] (pale swallow-wort) are herbaceous perennial vines in the Apocynaceae native to Europe. Both species are considered invasive in their in...

Status of herbicide technology for control of tree species and to reduce shrub and grass competition

Treesearch

Maxwell L., Jr. McCormack

1977-01-01

The values of herbicides as silvicultural tools are summarized. Treatments are discussed with reference to chemicals and methods of application as they pertain to control of grass and herbaceous weeds, understory vegetation, and overstory vegetation.

Effects of widespread drought-induced aspen mortality on understory plants.

PubMed

Anderegg, William R L; Anderegg, Leander D L; Sherman, Clare; Karp, Daniel S

2012-12-01

Forest die-off around the world is expected to increase in coming decades as temperature increases due to climate change. Forest die-off will likely affect understory plant communities, which have substantial influence on regional biological diversity, ecosystem function, and land-atmosphere interactions, but how die-off alters these plant communities is largely unknown. We examined changes in understory plant communities following a widespread, drought-induced die-off of trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) in the western United States. We assessed shrub and herbaceous cover and volume in quadrats in 55 plots located across a wide range of levels of aspen mortality. We measured species richness and composition of herbaceous plant communities by recording species presence and absence in 12 sets of paired (1 healthy, 1 dying) aspen plots. Although understory composition in healthy and dying stands was heterogeneous across the landscape, shrub abundance, cover, and volume were higher and abundance of herbaceous species, cover, and volume were lower in dying aspen stands. Shrub cover and volume increased from 2009 to 2011 in dying stands, which suggests that shrub growth and expansion is ongoing. Species richness of herbs declined by 23% in dying stands. Composition of herbs differed significantly between dying and healthy stands. Richness of non-native species did not differ between stand types. The understory community in dying aspen stands was not similar to other shrub-dominated plant communities in the region and may constitute a novel community. Our results suggest that changes in understory plant communities as forests die off could be a significant indirect effect of climate change on biological diversity and forest communities. ©2012 Society for Conservation Biology.

The ghosts of trees past: savanna trees create enduring legacies in plant species composition.

PubMed

Stahlheber, Karen A; Crispin, Kimberly L; Anton, Cassidy; D'Antonio, Carla M

2015-09-01

Isolated trees in savannas worldwide are known to modify their local environment and interact directly with neighboring plants. Less is known about how related tree species differ in their impacts on surrounding communities, how the effects of trees vary between years, and how composition might change following loss of the tree. To address these knowledge gaps, we explored the following questions: How do savanna trees influence the surrounding composition of herbaceous plants? Is the influence of trees consistent across different species and years? How does this change following the death of the tree? We surveyed herbaceous species composition and environmental attributes surrounding living and dead evergreen and deciduous Quercus trees in California (USA) savannas across several years that differed in their total precipitation. Oak trees of all species created distinct, homogenous understory communities dominated by exotic grasses across several sites. The composition of the low-diversity understory communities showed less interannual variation than open grassland, despite a two-fold difference in precipitation between the driest and wettest year. Vegetation composition was correlated with variation in soil properties, which were strongly affected by trees. Oaks also influenced the communities beyond the edge of the crown, but this depended on site and oak species. Low-diversity understory communities persisted up to 43 years following the death of the tree. A gradual decline in the effect of trees on the physical, environment following death did not result in vegetation becoming more similar to open grassland over time. The presence of long-lasting legacies of past tree crowns highlights the difficulty of assigning control of the current distribution of herbaceous species in grassland to their contemporary environment.

Potential of native shrubs Haloxylon salicornicum and Calligonum Polygonoides for restoration of degraded lands in Arid Western Rajasthan, India.

PubMed

Rathore, V S; Singh, J P; Bhardwaj, S; Nathawat, N S; Kumar, Mahesh; Roy, M M

2015-01-01

Shrub-induced soil property spatial heterogeneity is common in arid and semi-arid ecosystems and aids desertified land restoration. However, the effectiveness of this technique may rely on the plant species used and the habitat conditions present. To assess the degree to which planting two native species, Haloxylon salicornicum and Calligonum polygonoides, facilitates degraded land restoration, soil and herbaceous plant community properties were measured 7 years after planting. Soil samples were extracted at two depths (0-5 and 5-20 cm) from three sub-habitats, i.e., under the shrub canopy, from alleys between shrubs and from the open area. Shrub planting increased the quantity of silt + clay content (30-39 %); enhanced water holding capacities (24-30 %); increased the levels of organic carbon (48-69 %), available nitrogen (31-47 %), available phosphorus (32-41 %), and electrical conductivity (21-33 %); and decreased the pH (7-12 %) and bulk density levels (5-6 %) in the surface layer of soils beneath the canopy. Soil property changes were more significant at the surface (0-5 cm) than in the deeper layer (5-20 cm), and were more pronounced under H. salicornicum than under C. polygonoides. Furthermore, the density and biomass levels of herbaceous plants were 1.1 to 1.2 and 1.4 to 1.6 times greater, respectively, in the shrub alleys than in open area. H. salicornicum induced more robust soil amelioration and herbaceous plant facilitative properties than did C. polygonoides. Artificially planting these shrubs may thus be employed to restore degraded areas of arid regions.

Toward a mechanistic modeling of nitrogen limitation on vegetation dynamics.

PubMed

Xu, Chonggang; Fisher, Rosie; Wullschleger, Stan D; Wilson, Cathy J; Cai, Michael; McDowell, Nate G

2012-01-01

Nitrogen is a dominant regulator of vegetation dynamics, net primary production, and terrestrial carbon cycles; however, most ecosystem models use a rather simplistic relationship between leaf nitrogen content and photosynthetic capacity. Such an approach does not consider how patterns of nitrogen allocation may change with differences in light intensity, growing-season temperature and CO(2) concentration. To account for this known variability in nitrogen-photosynthesis relationships, we develop a mechanistic nitrogen allocation model based on a trade-off of nitrogen allocated between growth and storage, and an optimization of nitrogen allocated among light capture, electron transport, carboxylation, and respiration. The developed model is able to predict the acclimation of photosynthetic capacity to changes in CO(2) concentration, temperature, and radiation when evaluated against published data of V(c,max) (maximum carboxylation rate) and J(max) (maximum electron transport rate). A sensitivity analysis of the model for herbaceous plants, deciduous and evergreen trees implies that elevated CO(2) concentrations lead to lower allocation of nitrogen to carboxylation but higher allocation to storage. Higher growing-season temperatures cause lower allocation of nitrogen to carboxylation, due to higher nitrogen requirements for light capture pigments and for storage. Lower levels of radiation have a much stronger effect on allocation of nitrogen to carboxylation for herbaceous plants than for trees, resulting from higher nitrogen requirements for light capture for herbaceous plants. As far as we know, this is the first model of complete nitrogen allocation that simultaneously considers nitrogen allocation to light capture, electron transport, carboxylation, respiration and storage, and the responses of each to altered environmental conditions. We expect this model could potentially improve our confidence in simulations of carbon-nitrogen interactions and the vegetation feedbacks to climate in Earth system models.

Toward a Mechanistic Modeling of Nitrogen Limitation on Vegetation Dynamics

PubMed Central

Xu, Chonggang; Fisher, Rosie; Wullschleger, Stan D.; Wilson, Cathy J.; Cai, Michael; McDowell, Nate G.

2012-01-01

Nitrogen is a dominant regulator of vegetation dynamics, net primary production, and terrestrial carbon cycles; however, most ecosystem models use a rather simplistic relationship between leaf nitrogen content and photosynthetic capacity. Such an approach does not consider how patterns of nitrogen allocation may change with differences in light intensity, growing-season temperature and CO2 concentration. To account for this known variability in nitrogen-photosynthesis relationships, we develop a mechanistic nitrogen allocation model based on a trade-off of nitrogen allocated between growth and storage, and an optimization of nitrogen allocated among light capture, electron transport, carboxylation, and respiration. The developed model is able to predict the acclimation of photosynthetic capacity to changes in CO2 concentration, temperature, and radiation when evaluated against published data of Vc,max (maximum carboxylation rate) and Jmax (maximum electron transport rate). A sensitivity analysis of the model for herbaceous plants, deciduous and evergreen trees implies that elevated CO2 concentrations lead to lower allocation of nitrogen to carboxylation but higher allocation to storage. Higher growing-season temperatures cause lower allocation of nitrogen to carboxylation, due to higher nitrogen requirements for light capture pigments and for storage. Lower levels of radiation have a much stronger effect on allocation of nitrogen to carboxylation for herbaceous plants than for trees, resulting from higher nitrogen requirements for light capture for herbaceous plants. As far as we know, this is the first model of complete nitrogen allocation that simultaneously considers nitrogen allocation to light capture, electron transport, carboxylation, respiration and storage, and the responses of each to altered environmental conditions. We expect this model could potentially improve our confidence in simulations of carbon-nitrogen interactions and the vegetation feedbacks to climate in Earth system models. PMID:22649564

Temporal dynamics of spectral bioindicators evidence biological and ecological differences among functional types in a cork oak open woodland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cerasoli, Sofia; Costa e Silva, Filipe; Silva, João M. N.

2016-06-01

The application of spectral vegetation indices for the purpose of vegetation monitoring and modeling increased largely in recent years. Nonetheless, the interpretation of biophysical properties of vegetation through their spectral signature is still a challenging task. This is particularly true in Mediterranean oak forest characterized by a high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. In this study, the temporal dynamics of vegetation indices expected to be related with green biomass and photosynthetic efficiency were compared for the canopy of trees, the herbaceous layer, and two shrub species: cistus ( Cistus salviifolius) and ulex ( Ulex airensis). coexisting in a cork oak woodland. All indices were calculated from in situ measurements with a FieldSpec3 spectroradiometer (ASD Inc., Boulder, USA). Large differences emerged in the temporal trends and in the correlation between climate and vegetation indices. The relationship between spectral indices and temperature, radiation, and vapor pressure deficit for cork oak was opposite to that observed for the herbaceous layer and cistus. No correlation was observed between rainfall and vegetation indices in cork oak and ulex, but in the herbaceous layer and in the cistus, significant correlations were found. The analysis of spectral vegetation indices with fraction of absorbed PAR (fPAR) and quantum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence ( ΔF/ Fm') evidenced strongest relationships with the indices Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)512, respectively. Our results, while confirms the ability of spectral vegetation indices to represent temporal dynamics of biophysical properties of vegetation, evidence the importance to consider ecosystem composition for a correct ecological interpretation of results when the spatial resolution of observations includes different plant functional types.

Temporal dynamics of spectral bioindicators evidence biological and ecological differences among functional types in a cork oak open woodland.

PubMed

Cerasoli, Sofia; Costa E Silva, Filipe; Silva, João M N

2016-06-01

The application of spectral vegetation indices for the purpose of vegetation monitoring and modeling increased largely in recent years. Nonetheless, the interpretation of biophysical properties of vegetation through their spectral signature is still a challenging task. This is particularly true in Mediterranean oak forest characterized by a high spatial and temporal heterogeneity. In this study, the temporal dynamics of vegetation indices expected to be related with green biomass and photosynthetic efficiency were compared for the canopy of trees, the herbaceous layer, and two shrub species: cistus (Cistus salviifolius) and ulex (Ulex airensis). coexisting in a cork oak woodland. All indices were calculated from in situ measurements with a FieldSpec3 spectroradiometer (ASD Inc., Boulder, USA). Large differences emerged in the temporal trends and in the correlation between climate and vegetation indices. The relationship between spectral indices and temperature, radiation, and vapor pressure deficit for cork oak was opposite to that observed for the herbaceous layer and cistus. No correlation was observed between rainfall and vegetation indices in cork oak and ulex, but in the herbaceous layer and in the cistus, significant correlations were found. The analysis of spectral vegetation indices with fraction of absorbed PAR (fPAR) and quantum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence (ΔF/Fm') evidenced strongest relationships with the indices Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI)512, respectively. Our results, while confirms the ability of spectral vegetation indices to represent temporal dynamics of biophysical properties of vegetation, evidence the importance to consider ecosystem composition for a correct ecological interpretation of results when the spatial resolution of observations includes different plant functional types.

Legacies of flood reduction on a dryland river

USGS Publications Warehouse

Stromberg, J.C.; Shafroth, P.B.; Hazelton, A.F.

2012-01-01

The Bill Williams (Arizona) is a regulated dryland river that is being managed, in part, for biodiversity via flow management. To inform management, we contrasted riparian plant communities between the Bill Williams and an upstream free-flowing tributary (Santa Maria). Goals of a first study (1996-1997) were to identify environmental controls on herbaceous species richness and compare richness among forest types. Analyses revealed that herbaceous species richness was negatively related to woody stem density, basal area and litter cover and positively related to light levels. Introduced Tamarix spp. was more frequent at the Bill Williams, but all three main forest types (Tamarix, Salix/Populus, Prosopis) had low understory richness, as well as high stem density and low light, on the Bill Williams as compared to the Santa Maria. The few edaphic differences between rivers (higher salinity at Bill Williams) had only weak connections with richness. A second study (2006-2007) focused on floristic richness at larger spatial scales. It revealed that during spring, and for the study cumulatively (spring and fall samplings combined), the riparian zone of the unregulated river had considerably more plant species. Annuals (vs. herbaceous perennials and woody species) showed the largest between-river difference. Relative richness of exotic (vs. native) species did not differ. We conclude that: (1) The legacy of reduced scouring frequency and extent at the Bill Williams has reduced the open space available for colonization by annuals; and (2) Change in forest biomass structure, more so than change in forest composition, is the major driver of changes in plant species richness along this flow-altered river. Our study informs dryland river management options by revealing trade-offs that exist between forest biomass structure and plant species richness. ?? 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Local and Landscape Drivers of Parasitoid Abundance, Richness, and Composition in Urban Gardens.

PubMed

Burks, Julia M; Philpott, Stacy M

2017-04-01

Urbanization negatively affects biodiversity, yet some urban habitat features can support diversity. Parasitoid wasps, an abundant and highly diverse group of arthropods, can inhabit urban areas and do well in areas with higher host abundance, floral resources, or local or landscape complexity. Parasitoids provide biological control services in many agricultural habitats, yet few studies have examined diversity and abundance of parasitoids in urban agroecosystems to understand how to promote conservation and function. We examined the local habitat and landscape drivers of parasitoid abundance, superfamily and family richness, and parasitoid composition in urban gardens in the California central coast. Local factors included garden size, ground cover type, herbaceous plant species, and number of trees and shrubs. Landscape characteristics included land cover and landscape diversity around gardens. We found that garden size, mulch cover, and urban cover within 500 m of gardens predicted increases in parasitoid abundance within gardens. The height of herbaceous vegetation and tree and shrub richness predicted increases in superfamily and family richness whereas increases in urban cover resulted in declines in parasitoid richness. Abundance of individual superfamilies and families responded to a wide array of local and landscape factors, sometimes in opposite ways. Composition of parasitoid communities responded to changes in garden size, herbaceous plant cover, and number of flowers. Thus, both local scale management and landscape planning may impact the abundance, diversity, and community composition of parasitoids in urban gardens, and may result in differences in the effectiveness of parasitoids in biological control. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Shrub-Steppe Early Succession Following Juniper Cutting and Prescribed Fire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bates, Jonathan D.; Davies, Kirk W.; Sharp, Robert N.

2011-03-01

Pinus- Juniperus L. (Piñon-juniper) woodlands of the western United States have expanded in area nearly 10-fold since the late 1800's. Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook. (western juniper) dominance in sagebrush steppe has several negative consequences, including reductions in herbaceous production and diversity, decreased wildlife habitat, and higher erosion and runoff potentials. Prescribed fire and mechanical tree removal are the main methods used to control J. occidentalis and restore sagebrush steppe. However, mature woodlands become difficult to prescribe burn because of the lack of understory fuels. We evaluated partial cutting of the woodlands (cutting 25-50% of the trees) to increase surface fuels, followed by prescribed fire treatments in late successional J. occidentalis woodlands of southwest Idaho to assess understory recovery. The study was conducted in two different plant associations and evaluated what percentage of the woodland required preparatory cutting to eliminate remaining J. occidentalis by prescribed fire, determined the impacts of fire to understory species, and examined early post-fire successional dynamics. The study demonstrated that late successional J. occidentalis woodlands can be burned after pre-cutting only a portion of the trees. Early succession in the cut-and-burn treatments were dominated by native annual and perennial forbs, in part due to high mortality of perennial bunchgrasses. By the third year after fire the number of establishing perennial grass seedlings indicated that both associations would achieve full herbaceous recovery. Cutting-prescribed fire combinations are an effective means for controlling encroaching late successional J. occidentalis and restoring herbaceous plant communities. However, land managers should recognize that there are potential problems associated with cutting-prescribed fire applications when invasive weeds are present.

Multi-scale remote sensing sagebrush characterization with regression trees over Wyoming, USA: laying a foundation for monitoring

USGS Publications Warehouse

Homer, Collin G.; Aldridge, Cameron L.; Meyer, Debra K.; Schell, Spencer J.

2012-01-01

agebrush ecosystems in North America have experienced extensive degradation since European settlement. Further degradation continues from exotic invasive plants, altered fire frequency, intensive grazing practices, oil and gas development, and climate change – adding urgency to the need for ecosystem-wide understanding. Remote sensing is often identified as a key information source to facilitate ecosystem-wide characterization, monitoring, and analysis; however, approaches that characterize sagebrush with sufficient and accurate local detail across large enough areas to support this paradigm are unavailable. We describe the development of a new remote sensing sagebrush characterization approach for the state of Wyoming, U.S.A. This approach integrates 2.4 m QuickBird, 30 m Landsat TM, and 56 m AWiFS imagery into the characterization of four primary continuous field components including percent bare ground, percent herbaceous cover, percent litter, and percent shrub, and four secondary components including percent sagebrush (Artemisia spp.), percent big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata), percent Wyoming sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Wyomingensis), and shrub height using a regression tree. According to an independent accuracy assessment, primary component root mean square error (RMSE) values ranged from 4.90 to 10.16 for 2.4 m QuickBird, 6.01 to 15.54 for 30 m Landsat, and 6.97 to 16.14 for 56 m AWiFS. Shrub and herbaceous components outperformed the current data standard called LANDFIRE, with a shrub RMSE value of 6.04 versus 12.64 and a herbaceous component RMSE value of 12.89 versus 14.63. This approach offers new advancements in sagebrush characterization from remote sensing and provides a foundation to quantitatively monitor these components into the future.

Selection and characterization of coal mine autochthonous rhizobia for the inoculation of herbaceous legumes.

PubMed

Hernández, Anabel González; de Moura, Ginaini Doin; Binati, Renato Leal; Nascimento, Francisco Xavier Inês; Londoño, Diana Morales; Mamede, Ana Carolina Peixoto; da Silva, Emanuela Pille; de Armas, Rafael Dutra; Giachini, Admir José; Rossi, Márcio José; Soares, Cláudio Roberto Fonsêca Sousa

2017-09-01

Coal open pit mining in the South of Santa Catarina state (Brazil) was inappropriately developed, affecting approximately 6.700 ha. Re-vegetation is an alternative for the recovery of these areas. Furthermore, the use of herbaceous legumes inoculated with nitrogen fixing bacteria is motivated due to the difficulty implementing a vegetation cover in these areas, mainly due to low nutrient availability. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate, among 16 autochthonous rhizobia isolated from the coal mining areas, those with the greatest potential to increase growth of the herbaceous legumes Vicia sativa and Calopogonium mucunoides. Tests were conducted in greenhouse containing 17 inoculation treatments (16 autochthonous rhizobia + Brazilian recommended strain for each plant species), plus two treatments without inoculation (with and without mineral nitrogen). After 60 days, nodulation, growth, N uptake, and symbiotic efficiency were evaluated. Isolates characterization was assessed by the production of indole acetic acid, ACC deaminase, siderophores, and inorganic phosphate solubilization. The classification of the isolates was performed by 16 S rDNA gene sequencing. Only isolates UFSC-M4 and UFSC-M8 were able to nodulate C. mucunoides. Among rhizobia capable of nodulating V. sativa, only UFSC-M8 was considered efficient. It was found the presence of more than one growth-promoting attributes in the same organism, and isolate UFSC-M8 presented all of them. Isolates were classified as belonging to Rhizobium, Burkholderia and Curtobacterium. The results suggest the inoculation of Vicia sativa with strain UFSC-M8, classified as Rhizobium sp., as a promising alternative for the revegetation of coal mining degraded areas.

Comparison of trends in habitat and resource selection by the Spanish Festoon, Zerynthia rumina, and the whole butterfly community in a semiarid Mediterranean ecosystem.

PubMed

Ochoa-Hueso, Raúl; de la Puente Ranea, Daniel; Viejo, José Luis

2014-04-10

Butterfly community and single species based approaches were taken to establish conservation priorities within a nature reserve in Central Spain. In this study, patch type (sclerophyllous, halophilous, or disturbed), potential herbaceous nectar availability, potential woody plant nectar availability, total nectar availability, and two approximations to plant diversity (herbaceous and woody plant diversity) were evaluated as variables that account for adult butterfly density. Butterfly communities in the reserve, which consist mostly of generalist species, were denser in relatively wet areas dominated by halophilous vegetation. Diversity did not significantly vary between ecologically different transects. Total nectar availability correlated with higher butterfly densities within both undisturbed and disturbed areas, which could be primarily explained by the lack of water typical of semiarid Mediterranean climates, where fresh, nectariferous vegetation is scarce. Woody plants were also found to be important sources of nectar and shelter. In the dryer sclerophyllous sites, adult butterfly density was best explained by herbaceous plant diversity, suggesting better quality of available resources. The endangered specialist Zerynthia rumina (L.) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) was only present at the sclerophyllous sites. Its density was very low in all sampled transects, excluding one relatively isolated transect with high larval hostplant density. In contrast to the community-based approach, density of Z. rumina adults is better explained by the density of its larval hostplant than by nectar availability, a trend previously described for other sedentary species. Management strategies for protecting insect-rich areas should consider the specific ecological requirements of endangered species. This is an open access paper. We use the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license that permits unrestricted use, provided that the paper is properly attributed.

Virus variants with differences in the P1 protein coexist in a Plum pox virus population and display particular host-dependent pathogenicity features.

PubMed

Maliogka, Varvara I; Salvador, Beatriz; Carbonell, Alberto; Sáenz, Pilar; León, David San; Oliveros, Juan Carlos; Delgadillo, Ma Otilia; García, Juan Antonio; Simón-Mateo, Carmen

2012-10-01

Subisolates segregated from an M-type Plum pox virus (PPV) isolate, PPV-PS, differ widely in pathogenicity despite their high degree of sequence similarity. A single amino acid substitution, K109E, in the helper component proteinase (HCPro) protein of PPV caused a significant enhancement of symptom severity in herbaceous hosts, and notably modified virus infectivity in peach seedlings. The presence of this substitution in certain subisolates that induced mild symptoms in herbaceous hosts and did not infect peach seedlings suggested the existence of uncharacterized attenuating factors in these subisolates. In this study, we show that two amino acid changes in the P1 protein are specifically associated with the mild pathogenicity exhibited by some PS subisolates. Site-directed mutagenesis studies demonstrated that both substitutions, W29R and V139E, but especially W29R, resulted in lower levels of virus accumulation and symptom severity in a woody host, Prunus persica. Furthermore, when W29R and V139E mutations were expressed concomitantly, PPV infectivity was completely abolished in this host. In contrast, the V139E substitution, but not W29R, was found to be responsible for symptom attenuation in herbaceous hosts. Deep sequencing analysis demonstrated that the W29R and V139E heterogeneities already existed in the original PPV-PS isolate before its segregation in different subisolates by local lesion cloning. These results highlight the potential complexity of potyviral populations and the relevance of the P1 protein of potyviruses in pathogenesis and viral adaptation to the host. © 2012 THE AUTHORS. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY © 2012 BSPP AND BLACKWELL PUBLISHING LTD.

CRMS vegetation analytical team framework: Methods for collection, development, and use of vegetation response variables

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cretini, Kari F.; Visser, Jenneke M.; Krauss, Ken W.; Steyer, Gregory D.

2011-01-01

This document identifies the main objectives of the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) vegetation analytical team, which are to provide (1) collection and development methods for vegetation response variables and (2) the ways in which these response variables will be used to evaluate restoration project effectiveness. The vegetation parameters (that is, response variables) collected in CRMS and other coastal restoration projects funded under the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) are identified, and the field collection methods for these parameters are summarized. Existing knowledge on community and plant responses to changes in environmental drivers (for example, flooding and salinity) from published literature and from the CRMS and CWPPRA monitoring dataset are used to develop a suite of indices to assess wetland condition in coastal Louisiana. Two indices, the floristic quality index (FQI) and a productivity index, are described for herbaceous and forested vegetation. The FQI for herbaceous vegetation is tested with a long-term dataset from a CWPPRA marsh creation project. Example graphics for this index are provided and discussed. The other indices, an FQI for forest vegetation (that is, trees and shrubs) and productivity indices for herbaceous and forest vegetation, are proposed but not tested. New response variables may be added or current response variables removed as data become available and as our understanding of restoration success indicators develops. Once indices are fully developed, each will be used by the vegetation analytical team to assess and evaluate CRMS/CWPPRA project and program effectiveness. The vegetation analytical teams plan to summarize their results in the form of written reports and/or graphics and present these items to CRMS Federal and State sponsors, restoration project managers, landowners, and other data users for their input.

The Role of Bundle Sheath Extensions and Life Form in Stomatal Responses to Leaf Water Status1[W][OA

PubMed Central

Buckley, Thomas N.; Sack, Lawren; Gilbert, Matthew E.

2011-01-01

Bundle sheath extensions (BSEs) are key features of leaf structure with currently little-understood functions. To test the hypothesis that BSEs reduce the hydraulic resistance from the bundle sheath to the epidermis (rbe) and thereby accelerate hydropassive stomatal movements, we compared stomatal responses with reduced humidity and leaf excision among 20 species with heterobaric or homobaric leaves and herbaceous or woody life forms. We hypothesized that low rbe due to the presence of BSEs would increase the rate of stomatal opening (V) during transient wrong-way responses, but more so during wrong-way responses to excision (Ve) than humidity (Vh), thus increasing the ratio of Ve to Vh. We predicted the same trends for herbaceous relative to woody species given greater hydraulic resistance in woody species. We found that Ve, Vh, and their ratio were 2.3 to 4.4 times greater in heterobaric than homobaric leaves and 2.0 to 3.1 times greater in herbaceous than woody species. To assess possible causes for these differences, we simulated these experiments in a dynamic compartment/resistance model, which predicted larger Ve and Ve/Vh in leaves with smaller rbe. These results support the hypothesis that BSEs reduce rbe. Comparison of our data and simulations suggested that rbe is approximately 4 to 16 times larger in homobaric than heterobaric leaves. Our study provides new evidence that variations in the distribution of hydraulic resistance within the leaf and plant are central to understanding dynamic stomatal responses to water status and their ecological correlates and that BSEs play several key roles in the functional ecology of heterobaric leaves. PMID:21459977

Positive versus negative environmental impacts of tree encroachment in South Africa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grellier, Séraphine; Ward, David; Janeau, Jean-Louis; Podwojewski, Pascal; Lorentz, Simon; Abbadie, Luc; Valentin, Christian; Barot, Sébastien

2013-11-01

Woody plant encroachment in grasslands is a worldwide phenomenon. Despite many studies, the consequences of woody plant encroachment on sub-canopy vegetation and soil properties are still unclear. To better understand the impacts of trees on grassland properties we examined the following questions using a mountainous sub-tropical grassland of South Africa encroached by an indigenous tree, Acacia sieberiana as a case study: (1) Do trees increase sub-canopy herbaceous diversity, quality and biomass and soil nitrogen content? (2) Do large trees have a stronger effect than medium-sized trees on grass and soil properties? (3) Does the impact of trees change with the presence of livestock and position of trees in a catena? We studied grass and non-graminoid species diversity and biomass, grass quality and soil properties during the wet season of 2009. Nitrogen in grass leaves, soil cation exchange capacity and calcium and magnesium ion concentrations in the soil increased under tall Acacia versus open areas. Medium-sized Acacia decreased the gross energy content, digestibility and neutral detergent fibre of grasses but increased the species richness of non-graminoids. Tall and medium Acacia trees were associated with the presence of Senecio inaequidens, an indigenous species that is toxic to horses and cattle. The presence of livestock resulted in a decrease in herbaceous root biomass and an increase in soil carbon and leaf biomass of grass under Acacia. Tree position in the catena did not modify the impact of trees on the herbaceous layer and soil properties. For management of livestock we recommend retaining tall Acacia trees and partially removing medium-sized Acacia trees because the latter had negative effects on grass quality.

Shrub-steppe early succession following juniper cutting and prescribed fire.

PubMed

Bates, Jonathan D; Davies, Kirk W; Sharp, Robert N

2011-03-01

Pinus-Juniperus L. (Piñon-juniper) woodlands of the western United States have expanded in area nearly 10-fold since the late 1800's. Juniperus occidentalis ssp. occidentalis Hook. (western juniper) dominance in sagebrush steppe has several negative consequences, including reductions in herbaceous production and diversity, decreased wildlife habitat, and higher erosion and runoff potentials. Prescribed fire and mechanical tree removal are the main methods used to control J. occidentalis and restore sagebrush steppe. However, mature woodlands become difficult to prescribe burn because of the lack of understory fuels. We evaluated partial cutting of the woodlands (cutting 25-50% of the trees) to increase surface fuels, followed by prescribed fire treatments in late successional J. occidentalis woodlands of southwest Idaho to assess understory recovery. The study was conducted in two different plant associations and evaluated what percentage of the woodland required preparatory cutting to eliminate remaining J. occidentalis by prescribed fire, determined the impacts of fire to understory species, and examined early post-fire successional dynamics. The study demonstrated that late successional J. occidentalis woodlands can be burned after pre-cutting only a portion of the trees. Early succession in the cut-and-burn treatments were dominated by native annual and perennial forbs, in part due to high mortality of perennial bunchgrasses. By the third year after fire the number of establishing perennial grass seedlings indicated that both associations would achieve full herbaceous recovery. Cutting-prescribed fire combinations are an effective means for controlling encroaching late successional J. occidentalis and restoring herbaceous plant communities. However, land managers should recognize that there are potential problems associated with cutting-prescribed fire applications when invasive weeds are present.

Vegetation responses to sagebrush-reduction treatments measured by satellites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Johnston, Aaron; Beever, Erik; Merkle, Jerod A.; Chong, Geneva W.

2018-01-01

Time series of vegetative indices derived from satellite imagery constitute tools to measure ecological effects of natural and management-induced disturbances to ecosystems. Over the past century, sagebrush-reduction treatments have been applied widely throughout western North America to increase herbaceous vegetation for livestock and wildlife. We used indices from satellite imagery to 1) quantify effects of prescribed-fire, herbicide, and mechanical treatments on vegetative cover, productivity, and phenology, and 2) describe how vegetation changed over time following these treatments. We hypothesized that treatments would increase herbaceous cover and accordingly shift phenologies towards those typical of grass-dominated systems. We expected prescribed burns would lead to the greatest and most-prolonged effects on vegetative cover and phenology, followed by herbicide and mechanical treatments. Treatments appeared to increase herbaceous cover and productivity, which coincided with signs of earlier senescence − signals expected of grass-dominated systems, relative to sagebrush-dominated systems. Spatial heterogeneity for most phenometrics was lower in treated areas relative to controls, which suggested treatment-induced homogenization of vegetative communities. Phenometrics that explain spring migrations of ungulates mostly were unaffected by sagebrush treatments. Fire had the strongest effect on vegetative cover, and yielded the least evidence for sagebrush recovery. Overall, treatment effects were small relative to those reported from field-based studies for reasons most likely related to sagebrush recovery, treatment specification, and untreated patches within mosaicked treatment applications. Treatment effects were also small relative to inter-annual variation in phenology and productivity that was explained by temperature, snowpack, and growing-season precipitation. Our results indicated that cumulative NDVI, late-season phenometrics, and spatial heterogeneity of several phenometrics may serve as useful indicators of vegetative change in sagebrush ecosystems.

Long-Term Effects of Xerophytic Shrub Haloxylon ammodendron Plantations on Soil Properties and Vegetation Dynamics in Northwest China

PubMed Central

Fan, Baoli; Zhang, Aiping; Yang, Yi; Ma, Quanlin; Li, Xuemin; Zhao, Changming

2016-01-01

The xerophytic desert shrub Haloxylon ammodendron (C. A. Mey.) Bunge. is distributed naturally in Asian and African deserts, and is widely used for vegetation restoration in the desert regions of Northern China. However, there are limited long-term chrono-sequence studies on the impact of changed soil properties and vegetation dynamics following establishment of this shrub on mobile sand dunes. In Minqin County, Gansu Province, we investigated soil properties and herbaceous vegetation development of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50-year-old H. ammodendron plantations on mobile sand dunes. Soil sampling at two depths (0–5 and 5–20 cm) under the shrubs determined SOC, nutrition and soil physical characteristics. The results showed that: establishment of H. ammodendron had improved soil physio-chemical properties, increased thickness of soil crusts and coverage of biological soil crusts (BSCs), and promoted development of topsoil over an extended period of 5 decades. Soil texture and soil nutrition improved along the chrono-sequence according to three distinct phases: i) an initial fast development from 0 to 10 years, ii) a stabilizing phase from 10 to 30 years followed by iii) a relatively marked restoration development in 40 and 50-year-old plantations. Meanwhile, herbaceous community coverage also markedly increased in 30-year-old plantations. However, both soil and vegetation restoration were very slow due to low annual precipitation in Minqin county compared to other Northern China sand afforestation sites. Canonical Correspondence Analysis results demonstrated that herbaceous plant development was closely associated with changes in soil texture (increased clay and silt percentage) and availability of soil nutrients. Thus our results indicated that selection of the long-lived shrub H. ammodendron is an essential and effective tool in arid desert re-vegetation. PMID:27992458

RIPARIAN CHARACTERIZATION USING SUB-PIXEL ANALYSIS OF LANDSAT TM IMAGERY FOR USE IN ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT

EPA Science Inventory

Landuse/land cover and riparian corridor characterization for 7 major watersheds in western Ohio was accomplished using sub-pixel analysis and traditional classification techniques. Areas
representing forest, woodland, shrub, and herbaceous vegetation were delineated using a ...

The alkaloid profiles of Sophora nuttalliana and Sophora stenophylla

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Sophora is a diverse genus in the family Fabaceae, comprised of herbs, shrubs, and trees that occurs throughout the world, primarily in the northern hemisphere. Species of Sophora are known to contain quinolizidine alkaloids that are toxic and potentially teratogenic. Two perennial herbaceous spec...

Nitrous oxide emission and soil carbon sequestration from herbaceous perennial biofuel feedstocks

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation and renewable, domestic fuels are needed in the United States. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerdardii Vitman) are potential bioenergy feedstocks that may meet this need. However, managing perennial grasses for feedstock requires nitro...

EFFECTS OF EASTERN REDCEDAR ON SMALL MAMMAL COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN THE OKLAHOMA CROSSTIMBERS

EPA Science Inventory

Increased abundance of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginianus), a native but invasive species in the Great Plains, has been associated with reduced herbaceous biomass in the canopy zone, altered plant species composition, and reduced understory light and soil water content. By ...

ASSOCIATIONS OF EASTERN REDCEDAR AND COMMUNITY STRUCTURE OF SMALL MAMMALS

EPA Science Inventory

Increased abundance of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginianas), a native but invasive species in the Great Plains, has been associated with several changes in ecosystem function. It can lead to a reduction in herbaceous biomass in the canopy zone, alter species composition, and...

Importance of shrub restoration on rangelands

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The recognition of brush species and the browse these plants provide as an important component of rangeland production was often overlooked in land management for some time. Even after the birth of range management in the early twentieth century, herbaceous species were considered the basic componen...

Characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci of Pityopsis graminifolia var. latifolia

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pityopsis graminifolia (Michx.) Small var. latifolia (Fern.) Semple is an herbaceous perennial that grows in close proximity to the federally endangered species P. ruthii (Small) Small. Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were identified from 87 samples of P. graminifolia var. latifolia and addit...

An evaluation of the physiochemical and biological characteristics of foaming swine manure

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Incorporation of dedicated herbaceous energy crops into row crop landscapes is a promising means to supply an expanding biofuel industry while increasing biomass yields, benefiting soil and water quality, and increasing biodiversity. Despite these positive traits, energy crops remain largely unaccep...

Switchgrass cultivar, yield, and nutrient removal responses to harvest timing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Finite nutrients, such as P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) are remobilized post-growing season in herbaceous feedstocks such as swichgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) as a function of environmental signaling and genotype. However, harvesting early during the maturation process may result in yield reductio...

Evaluation of herbaceous perennial groundcovers and direct seeded species and mixtures for use in NYS Roadsides and under guardrails-final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2008-10-01

This alternative vegetation study is an important component of NYSDOTs efforts to pursue : environmentally sensitive, lower maintenance, and cost effective vegetation management : techniques that can be integrated into the overall vegetation manag...

Characterization of thirteen microsatellite loci from the Ghanian antimalarial plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schlechter (Periplocaceae) is an herbaceous plant used in traditional medicine to treat malaria and populations of the species are diminishing due to overharvesting and lack of conservation. Co-dominant microsatellite markers that can be used to characterize geneti...

Prescribed burning to affect a state transition in a shrub-encroached desert grassland

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Prescribed burning is a commonly advocated and historical practice for control of woody species encroachment into grasslands on all continents. However, desert grasslands of the southwestern United States often lack needed herbaceous fuel loads for effective prescriptions, dominant perennial gramin...

Use of SIR-A and Landsat MSS data in mapping shrub and intershrub vegetation at Koonamore, South Australia

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, G. M.

1986-01-01

Shrublands cover much of the interior of the Australian continent and support a large grazing industry. Distinguishing the woody perennial vegetation from the smaller herbaceous vegetation and soil-encrusting lichen found between the shrubs is critical for range management but is difficult to do using Landsat data alone. In this study Shuttle Imaging Radar-A (SIR-A) and Landsat data acquired over Koonamore Station are examined together. Given the low topography and fine textured soils at Koonamore, radar return should be primarily determined by the percent area occupied by shrubs. During periods when most of the vegetation was non-vigorous and spectrally homogeneous, SIR-A data, as a surrogate measure of shrub cover, allowed the reflectance due to shrubs in Landsat data to be separated from the reflectance due to the intervening ground. This method allows estimation of the intershrub reflectance properties that are related to herbaceous vegetation, lichen, and bare soil exposures.

Vegetation Response to Upper Pliocene Glacial/Interglacial Cyclicity in the Central Mediterranean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Combourieu-Nebout, Nathalie

1993-09-01

New detailed pollen analysis of the lower part of the Upper Pliocene Semaforo section (Crotone, Italy) documents cyclic behavior of vegetation at the beginning of the Northern Hemisphere glaciations. The competition between four vegetation units (subtropical humid forest, deciduous temperate forest, altitudinal coniferous forest, and open xeric assemblage) probably reflects modifications of vegetation belts at this montane site. Several increases in herbaceous open vegetation regularly alternate with subtropical humid forest, which expresses rapid climatic oscillations. The complete temporal succession—deciduous forest (rich in Quercus), followed by subtropical humid forest (Taxodiaceae and Cathaya), then altitudinal coniferous forest ( Tsuga, Cedrus, Abies, and Picea), and finally herbaceous open vegetation (Graminae, Compositae, and Artemisia )—displays the climatic evolution from warm and humid interglaciation to cold and dry glaciation. It also suggests an independent variation of temperature and humidity, the two main climatic parameters. The vegetation history of southern Calabria recorded in the Semaforo section have been correlated with the ∂ 18O signal established in the Atlantic Ocean.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Starace, Anne K.; Evans, Robert J.; Lee, David D.

A variety of hardwood, softwood, and herbaceous feedstocks (oak, southern yellow pine mix, loblolly pine, pinyon-juniper mix, and switchgrass) were each torrefied at 200, 250, and 300 °C. Each of the feedstocks was pyrolyzed and the resulting vapors were analyzed with a molecular beam mass spectrometer (py-MBMS). Compositional analysis was used to measure the total lignin content of three of the feedstocks (southern yellow pine, softwood; oak, hardwood; and switchgrass, herbaceous) before and after torrefaction at 300 °C, and large differences in the fraction of lignin lost during torrefaction were found between feedstocks, with oak having the largest decrease inmore » lignin during torrefaction and switchgrass having the least. Finally, it is hypothesized that these differences in the thermal degradation are due to, in part, the different ratios of S, G, and H lignins in the feedstocks. Additionally, the torrefaction of kraft lignin was studied using thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR).« less

Economic feasibility analysis of conventional and dedicated energy crop production

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nelson, R.G.; Langemeier, M.R.; Krehbiel, L.R.

Economic feasibilities (net return per acre) associated with conventional agricultural crop production versus that of dedicated bioenergy crop (herbaceous energy crops) were investigated for northeastern Kansas. Conventional agricultural crops examined were corn, soybeans, wheat, sorghum and alfalfa and dedicated herbaceous energy crops included big bluestem/indiangrass, switchgrass, eastern gamagrass, brome, fescue and cane hay. Costs, prices and government program information from public and private sources were used to project the net return per acre over a six-year period beginning in 1997. Three soil productivity levels (low, average and high), which had a direct effect on the net return per acre, weremore » used to model differences in expected yield. In all three soil productivity cases, big bluestem/indiangrass, switchgrass and brome hay provided a higher net return per acre versus conventional crops grown on both program and non-program acres. Eastern gamagrass, fescue hay and cane hay had returns that were similar or less than returns provided by conventional crops.« less

The rise of angiosperm-dominated herbaceous floras: Insights from Ranunculaceae.

PubMed

Wang, Wei; Lin, Li; Xiang, Xiao-Guo; Ortiz, Rosa Del C; Liu, Yang; Xiang, Kun-Li; Yu, Sheng-Xiang; Xing, Yao-Wu; Chen, Zhi-Duan

2016-06-02

The rise of angiosperms has been regarded as a trigger for the Cretaceous revolution of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the timeframe of the rise angiosperm-dominated herbaceous floras (ADHFs) is lacking. Here, we used the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) as a proxy to provide insights into the rise of ADHFs. An integration of phylogenetic, molecular dating, ancestral state inferring, and diversification analytical methods was used to infer the early evolutionary history of Ranunculaceae. We found that Ranunculaceae became differentiated in forests between about 108-90 Ma. Diversification rates markedly elevated during the Campanian, mainly resulted from the rapid divergence of the non-forest lineages, but did not change across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Our data for Ranunculaceae indicate that forest-dwelling ADHFs may have appeared almost simultaneously with angiosperm-dominated forests during the mid-Cretaceous, whereas non-forest ADHFs arose later, by the end of the Cretaceous terrestrial revolution. Furthermore, ADHFs were relatively unaffected by the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction.

The rise of angiosperm-dominated herbaceous floras: Insights from Ranunculaceae

PubMed Central

Wang, Wei; Lin, Li; Xiang, Xiao-Guo; Ortiz, Rosa del C.; Liu, Yang; Xiang, Kun-Li; Yu, Sheng-Xiang; Xing, Yao-Wu; Chen, Zhi-Duan

2016-01-01

The rise of angiosperms has been regarded as a trigger for the Cretaceous revolution of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the timeframe of the rise angiosperm-dominated herbaceous floras (ADHFs) is lacking. Here, we used the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) as a proxy to provide insights into the rise of ADHFs. An integration of phylogenetic, molecular dating, ancestral state inferring, and diversification analytical methods was used to infer the early evolutionary history of Ranunculaceae. We found that Ranunculaceae became differentiated in forests between about 108–90 Ma. Diversification rates markedly elevated during the Campanian, mainly resulted from the rapid divergence of the non-forest lineages, but did not change across the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Our data for Ranunculaceae indicate that forest-dwelling ADHFs may have appeared almost simultaneously with angiosperm-dominated forests during the mid-Cretaceous, whereas non-forest ADHFs arose later, by the end of the Cretaceous terrestrial revolution. Furthermore, ADHFs were relatively unaffected by the Cretaceous-Paleogene mass extinction. PMID:27251635

Emissions of nitrogen-containing organic compounds from the burning of herbaceous and arboraceous biomass: Fuel composition dependence and the variability of commonly used nitrile tracers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Coggon, Matthew M.; Veres, Patrick R.; Yuan, Bin; Koss, Abigail; Warneke, Carsten; Gilman, Jessica B.; Lerner, Brian M.; Peischl, Jeff; Aikin, Kenneth C.; Stockwell, Chelsea E.; Hatch, Lindsay E.; Ryerson, Thomas B.; Roberts, James M.; Yokelson, Robert J.; Gouw, Joost A.

2016-09-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from residential wood and crop residue burning were measured in Colorado, U.S. When compared to the emissions from crop burning, residential wood burning exhibited markedly lower concentrations of acetonitrile, a commonly used biomass burning tracer. For both herbaceous and arboraceous fuels, the emissions of nitrogen-containing VOCs (NVOCs) strongly depend on the fuel nitrogen content; therefore, low NVOC emissions from residential wood burning result from the combustion of low-nitrogen fuel. Consequently, the emissions of compounds hazardous to human health, such as HNCO and HCN, and the formation of secondary pollutants, such as ozone generated by NOx, are likely to depend on fuel nitrogen. These results also demonstrate that acetonitrile may not be a suitable tracer for domestic burning in urban areas. Wood burning emissions may be best identified through analysis of the emissions profile rather than reliance on a single tracer species.

Towards uncovering the roles of switchgrass peroxidases in plant processes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Herbaceous perennial plants selected as potential biofuel feedstocks had been understudied at the genomic and functional genomic levels. Recent investments, primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy, have led to the development of a number of molecular resources for bioenergy grasses and related di...

Seasonal below-ground metabolism in switchgrass

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) a perennial, polyploid, C4 warm-season grass is one of the foremost herbaceous species being advanced as a source of biomass for biofuel end uses. At the end of every growing season, the aerial tissues senesce, and the below-ground rhizomes become dormant. Future growt...

30 CFR 715.20 - Revegetation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

..., or legumes to control erosion until an adequate permanent cover is established. When rills or gullies... land use, the species of grasses, legumes, browse, trees, or forbes for seeding or planting and their... shall be planted in combination with an herbaceous cover of grains, grasses, legumes, forbs, or woody...

30 CFR 715.20 - Revegetation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

..., or legumes to control erosion until an adequate permanent cover is established. When rills or gullies... land use, the species of grasses, legumes, browse, trees, or forbes for seeding or planting and their... shall be planted in combination with an herbaceous cover of grains, grasses, legumes, forbs, or woody...

Short-term regeneration dynamics of Wyoming big sagebrush at two sites in northern Utah

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The herbicide tebuthiuron has been used historically to control cover of Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis - complete taxonomic designation), a widespread shrub across the western United States, with the intent of increasing herbaceous plant cover. Although the tebuthiur...

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis): an annotated bibliography

Treesearch

Mary L. Predny; James L. Chamberlain

2005-01-01

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a spring-blooming herbaceous perennial found mainly in rich woods throughout the Appalachian Mountain regions and across the Eastern United States. The common name bloodroot and scientific name Sanguinaria denote the blood-red sap found throughout the plant, particularly in the roots. This sap...

Five new species in the highly diverse genus Plagiostoma from Japan (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Members of the genus Plagiostoma (Gnomoniaceae, Diaporthales) are plant pathogenic and endophytic microfungi that inhabit woody and herbaceous plants in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In this study, pure cultures were isolated from specimens of Plagiostoma collected in Japan. Molecula...

Longevity of controlled release fertilizer influences the growth of bedding Impatiens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) have not been extensively used in floriculture production, perhaps due to lack of grower experience and research-based information with their use in herbaceous plant production. Any information about the correct use of CRF should increase growers’ confidence in ...

Bush encroachment dynamics and rangeland management implications in the Horn of Africa

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rangelands in the Horn of Africa have been undergoing a rapid shift from herbaceous to woody plant dominance in the past decades, threatening subsistence livestock herding and pastoral food security. Despite of significant rangeland management implications, quantification of the spatial extent of en...

Ethanol yields and cell wall properties in divergently bred switchgrass genotypes

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Genetic modification of herbaceous plant cell walls to increase biofuels yields from harvested biomass is a primary bioenergy research goal. The focus of much of this research has been on cell wall lignin concentration. Using switchgrass genotypes developed by divergent breeding for ruminant diges...

Age-dependent population dynamics of the bioenergy crop Miscanthus x giganteus in Illinois

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Rising global demand for liquid fuels, coupled with new technologies for converting biomass to ethanol, have generated intense interest in the development of herbaceous perennial bioenergy crops. Some plant species being considered as biofeedstocks share traits with invasive species and have histori...

Alliaria petiolata

Treesearch

Victoria Nuzzo

1998-01-01

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herb that invades forested colllinunities and edge habitats, where it spreads rapidly and apparently displaces native herbaceous species, often within ten years of establishment. The plant has no natural enemies in North America, and is difficult to eradicate once established. Thus, the best and most...

Evaluating vegetation management practices for woody and herbaceous vegetation : phase III : final report.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2017-08-01

To train ODOT staff to recognize trees along the right-of-way that may be hazardous, identify trees that may be of a species-specific concern for vegetation management objectives, make pruning cuts based on industry standards, and oversee the tree wo...

Breeding biology and incremental benefits of outcrossing for the restoration wildflower, Hedysarum boreale (Fabaceae)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Northern sweetvetch, Hedysarum boreale, is an herbaceous perennial of the Rocky Mountains whose seed is desired for rehabilitating degraded plant communities. Through experimental manual pollinations, the necessity of pollinators was shown by the failures of autopollination and wind pollination, ev...

Grass invasion into switchgrass managed for biomass energy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a warm-season perennial grass and is the model herbaceous perennial bioenergy feedstock. Although it is indigenous to North American grasslands east of the Rocky Mountains and has been planted for forage and conservation purposes for more than 75 years, there is con...

Allelopathic effects of juglone on germination and growth of several herbaceous and woody species

Treesearch

W.J. Rietveld

1983-01-01

Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine juglone sensitivity of 16 species (Trifolium incarnatum, Coronilla varia, Vicia villosa, Lespedeza stipulacea, L. cuneata, Acer ginnala, Caragana arboreseens, Elaegnus angustifolia, E. umbellata, Lonieera maackii, Quercus alba, Fraxinus americana, Liriodendron tulipifera, Alnus glutinosa, Pinus strobus...

Prescribed fire effects on resource selection by cattle in mesic sagebrush steppe. Part 2: Mid-summer grazing

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Prescribed fire can release herbaceous forages from woody plant competition thus promoting increased forage plant production, vigor, and accessibility. Prescribe fire also consumes standing litter thereby improving forage quality and palatability. Consequently, prescribed fire is commonly consider...

Maximizing pine tip moth control: Timing is everything

Treesearch

Christopher J. Fetting

1999-01-01

The impact of the Nantucket pine tip moth, Rhyacionia frustrana (Comstock), has become of increasing concern as standard silvicultural practices have intensified in southern pine production. The associated silvicultural manipulations of site preparation, herbaceous weed control, release, bedding and fertilization have shortened rotation lengths and increased volume...

Restoring mountain big sagebrush steppe habitat after western juniper control

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Western juniper is being controlled across large acreages in the northern Great Basin to restore sagebrush steppe plant communities. One of the most common control methods is prescribed burning. After burning juniper stands, sagebrush is absent from the community and the herbaceous understory may ...

Effect of kenaf fiber age on PLLA composite properties

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The age of the kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) fiber dictates its pore architecture. The impact of increasing age of plant fiber on the corresponding composite can impact material selection for enhanced composite performance. Bast fibers stems of kenaf, a warm season tropical herbaceous annual plant ...

Genetic Improvement of Switchgrass and Other Herbaceous Plants for Use as Biomass Fuel Feedstock

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Vogel, K.P.

2001-01-11

It should be highly feasible to genetically modify the feedstock quality of switchgrass and other herbaceous plants using both conventional and molecular breeding techniques. Effectiveness of breeding to modify herbages of switchgrass and other perennial and annual herbaceous species has already been demonstrated. The use of molecular markers and transformation technology will greatly enhance the capability of breeders to modify the plant structure and cell walls of herbaceous plants. It will be necessary to monitor gene flow to remnant wild populations of plants and have strategies available to curtail gene flow if it becomes a potential problem. It also willmore » be necessary to monitor plant survival and long-term productivity as affected by genetic changes that improve forage quality. Information on the conversion processes that will be used and the biomass characteristics that affect conversion efficiency and rate is absolutely essential as well as information on the relative economic value of specific traits. Because most forage or biomass quality characteristics are highly affected by plant maturity, it is suggested that plant material of specific maturity stages be used in research to determining desirable feedstock quality characteristics. Plant material could be collected at various stages of development from an array of environments and storage conditions that could be used in conversion research. The same plant material could be used to develop NIRS calibrations that could be used by breeders in their selection programs and also to develop criteria for a feedstock quality assessment program. Breeding for improved feedstock quality will likely affect the rate of improvement of biomass production per acre. If the same level of resources are used, multi-trait breeding simply reduces the selection pressure and hence the breeding progress that can be made for a single trait unless all the traits are highly correlated. Since desirable feedstock traits are likely to be similar to IVDMD, it is likely that they will not be highly positively correlated with yield. Hence to achieve target yields and improve specific quality traits, it will likely be necessary to increase the resources available to plant breeders. Marker assisted selection will be extremely useful in breeding for quality traits, particularly for traits that can be affected by modifying a few genes. Genetic markers are going to be needed for monitoring gene flow to wild populations. Transformation will be a very useful tool for determining the affects of specific genes on biomass feedstock quality.« less

The impact of cattle and goats grazing on vegetation in oak stands of varying coppicing age

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Papachristou, Thomas G.; Platis, Panayiotis D.

2011-01-01

The effects of cattle and goats grazing on oak shoot growth and herbaceous vegetation in three oak forest stands with different coppicing age (1, 4 and 7 yrs after the clear cutting) were investigated. In April 1997, an experimental area was chosen with three forest stands, which were clear cut in 1996 (CL1996), 1993 (CL1993), and 1990 (CL1990). All stands were grazed by cattle and goats after they were clear cut. In each forest stand, five 10 m × 10 m paired plots were located, which represented grazed and protected patches. Herbage biomass within protected and grazed plots was measured four times each year (spring: May-June, summer: July-August, autumn: September-October, and winter: November-December). Behavioural observations on grazing animals were conducted in the same periods. In both protected and open plots the height and basal diameter of all oak shoots on 5 preselected stumps were measured at the end of five growing periods from 1997 to 2001. All forest stands carried a similar amount of available herbage (averaged over forest stands and growing season, 2614 kg/ha). Grazing animals removed on average 1057 kg/ha throughout the growing period. Cattle mainly consumed herbage (97% of bites) while goats consumed a mixture of oak browse (41% bites), herbaceous species (34% bites), and other woody species browse (25% bites). The height, diameter and volume of oak shoots were affected by grazing. The three forest stands had similar shoot heights in the protected plots in 2001 after 5 years of grazing protection. The volume of oak shoots of the grazed plots were 146.7 cm3 for CL1996, 232.9 cm3 for CL1993, and 239.1 cm3 for CL1990 in 2001 (i.e. 5, 8, and 11 years grazing after the clear cuttings, respectively). The protected plots carried greater volumes of oak shoots, CL1996: 496.0 cm3 (few months grazing before protection), CL1993: 690.0 cm3 (4 years grazing before protection), and CL1990: 344.0 cm3 (7 years grazing before protection). In conclusion, almost half of the herbaceous vegetation was removed through grazing but it had no positive effect on the growth rate of oak shoots. It seems that goats, which selected almost half of their diet from oak shoots, are responsible for that relative negative growth of shoots. However, cattle grazed only herbs and may therefore control herbaceous vegetation.

Floral guilds of bees in sagebrush steppe: Comparing bee usage of wildflowers available for postfire restoration

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Healthy plant communities of the American sagebrush-steppe consist of mostly wind-pollinated shrubs and grasses interspersed with a diverse mix of mostly spring-blooming, herbaceous perennial wildflowers. Native, non-social bees are the common floral visitors, but their floral associations and abund...

Arid oil-field restoration: native perennial grasses suppress weeds and erosion, but also suppress native shrubs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

1. Long-lived, drought-tolerant shrubs are dominant components of many arid ecosystems, and shrubs provide multiple ecosystem services (e.g., soil stabilization, herbaceous plant facilitation, carbon storage and wildlife habitat). On denuded sites, shrub restoration is hindered by abiotic (erosion ...

Dedicated herbaceous biomass feedstock genetics and development

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Biofuels and bio-based products can be produced from a wide variety of plant feedstocks. To supply enough biomass to meet the proposed need for a bio-based economy a suite of dedicated biomass species must be developed to accommodate a range of growing environments throughout the United States. Re...

Nitrogen and harvest impact on biomass yield of established switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) has been identified as the model herbaceous biomass energy crop by the United States Department of Energy as it is capable of being a viable bioenergy feedstock while providing multiple environmental benefits when grown on marginal soil landscapes. Nitrogen (N) fert...

Spatial forecasting of switchgrass productivity under current and future climate change scenarios

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Evaluating the potential of alternative energy crops across large geographic regions and over time is necessary to determine if feedstock production is feasible and sustainable in the face of growing production demands and climatic change. Panicum virgatum L., a perennial herbaceous grass, is a prom...

Bottomland hardwood forest recovery following tornado disturbance and salvage logging

Treesearch

John L. Nelson; John W. Groninger; Loretta L. Battaglia; Charles M. Ruffner

2008-01-01

Catastrophic wind events, including tornado, hurricane. and linear winds. are significant disturbances in temperate forested wetlands. Information is lacking on how post-disturbance salvage logging may impact short and long-term objectives in conservation areas where natural stands are typically managed passively. Woody regeneration and herbaceous cover were assessed...

Genome-size variation in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): flow cytometry and cytology reveal rampant aneuploidy

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a native perennial dominant of the prairies of North America, has been targeted as a model herbaceous species for biofeedstock development. A flow-cytometric survey of a core set of 11 primarily upland polyploid switchgrass accessions indicated that there was con...

Seeding Cool-Season Grasses to Suppress Broom Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sarothrae), Downy Brome (Bromus tectorum), and Weedy Forbs

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Broom snakeweed is an aggressive native range weed found throughout semi-arid areas of the western U.S., and increases following disturbances such as overgrazing, drought, or wildfires. Ecologically based strategies that include controlling snakeweed and reestablishing desirable herbaceous species a...

Restoration of the endangered Ruth's golden aster (Pityopsis ruthii)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pityopsis ruthii Small (Small), Ruth’s golden aster, is an endangered herbaceous perennial that is endemic to small sections of the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers in the Southeastern United States. Our objective was to test the effect of bonded fiber matrix (BFM) on establishment and fecundity of P. ruth...

First Report of Nerine latent virus in Ornamental Crinum in the United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ornamental flower bulbs (including true bulbs, bulbils, corms, tubers and rhizomes) are increasingly important floriculture crops. Crinum is a large genus of herbaceous perennial flowering bulbs in the family Amaryllidaceae. Most of the Crinum species are grown in the summer and have large, showy, w...

Extended Low Temperature Impacts Dormancy Status, Flowering Competence, and Transcript Profiles in Crown Buds of Leafy Spurge

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) is an herbaceous perennial weed that reproduces vegetatively from an abundance of underground adventitious buds. In this study we report the effects of different growth conditions on vegetative reproduction and flowering competence, and determine molecular mechanisms a...

The Effects of Temperature, Photoperiod, and Vernalization on Regrowth and Flowering Competence in Euphorbia Esula (Euphorbiaceae) Crown Buds

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The herbaceous perennial weed Euphorbia esula (Euphorbiaceae) reproduces by vegetative and sexual means; characteristics that are key to its persistence and survival. In this study, we examined environmental effects on dormancy and flowering under controlled conditions to further validate field obse...

The legacy of deer overabundance: long-term delays in herbaceous understory recovery

Treesearch

Thomas H. Pendergast; Shane M. Hanlon; Zachary M. Long; Alex Royo; Walter P. Carson

2016-01-01

Decades of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann, 1780)) overpopulation have dramatically homogenized forests across much of the eastern United States, creating depauperate forest understory communities. The rate at which these communities recover once deer browsing has been reduced remains an open question. We evaluate overbrowsing...

Activity of meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seed meal glucolimnanthin degradation products against soilborne pathogens

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba L.) is a herbaceous winter-spring annual grown as a commercial oilseed crop. The meal remaining after oil extraction from the seed contains up to 4% of the glucosinolate glucolimnanthin. Degradation of glucolimnanthin yields toxic breakdown products, and therefore the mea...

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): an annotated bibliography

Treesearch

Mary L. Predny; James L. Chamberlain

2005-01-01

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis), a member of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae), is an herbaceous perennial found in rich hardwood forests throughout the Northeastern United States and Canada. Originally used by Native Americans as both a medicine and a dye, the herb was eventually adopted by the settlers and eclectic physicians in the 19th...

Prototheca associated with banana.

PubMed

Pore, R S

1985-06-01

Prototheca stagnora was found to be a habitant of older harvested banana (Musa sapientum) and plantain (M. paradisiaca) stumps while P. wickerhamii colonized fresh Musa sp. stumps and flower bract water of Heliconia sp. While Prototheca sp. were known to habituate woody plants, this is the first evidence that herbaceous plants also serve as habitats.

Emergy analysis of a silvo-pastoral system, a case study in southern Portugal

EPA Science Inventory

The Mediterranean silvo-pastoral system known as Montado, in Portugal, is a complex land use system composed of an open tree stratum in various densities and an herbaceous layer, used for livestock grazing. Livestock also profit from the acorns, and the grazing contributes to avo...

Wildlife openings

Treesearch

William M. Healy

1989-01-01

Openings provide important feeding areas for forest wildlife because herbaceous vegetation grows much more abundantly in the open than beneath a forest canopy. Herbage (grasses and forbs) is generally more nutritious and digestible than woody plant growth. Herbage is important in the diet of deer, especially in late winter and early spring. Voles and rabbits use...

Habitat use and avoidance by foraging red-cockaded woodpeckers in east Texas

Treesearch

John N. Macey; D. Brent Burt; Daniel Saenz; Richard N. Conner

2016-01-01

Picoides borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) is an endangered bird endemic to the Pinus (pine) ecosystems of the southeastern US. Mature pine savannahs with a minimal midstory and lush herbaceous groundcover represent high-quality habitat. This study examines the foraging-habitat patterns of Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in East...

Density (DE)

Treesearch

John F. Caratti

2006-01-01

The FIREMON Density (DE) method is used to assess changes in plant species density and height for a macroplot. This method uses multiple quadrats and belt transects (transects having a width) to sample within plot variation and quantify statistically valid changes in plant species density and height over time. Herbaceous plant species are sampled with quadrats while...

Development of photosynthetic response curves and their integration into a decision-support tool for floriculture growers

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Irradiance, CO2, and temperature are critical inputs for photosynthesis and crop growth. They are also environmental parameters which growers can control in protected horticulture production systems. We evaluated the photosynthetic response of 13 herbaceous ornamentals (Begonia × hiemalis, Begonia...

Grazing on Regeneration Sites Encourages Pine Seedling Growth

Treesearch

Raymond D. Ratliff; Renee G. Denton

1995-01-01

Effects of season-long, deferred-rotation, and rest-rotation grazing, on ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl. ex Laws.) seedling growth and herbaceous vegetation control were studied in regeneration sites at Boyd Hill, Modoc National Forest, California. Seedlings were planted in 1989. Pine seedling survival and damage did not differ, but the...

Competition Impacts on Growth of Naturally Regenerated Loblolly Pine Seedlings

Treesearch

Michael D. Cain

1988-01-01

Intrusive competition control was used for 3 years in a nuturally regenerated, even-aged stand of loblolly and shortleaf pines (Pinus taeda L. and P. echinata Mill.) in southern Arkansas. Treatments included: no competition control, woody competition control, herbaceous competition control, and total control of nonpine vegetation...

Sophora L.

Treesearch

Kristina F Connor

2008-01-01

There are 50 to 70 woody and herbaceous species of the sophora genus found in the warm temperate and tropical regions of the world. Of the species found in the United States, 2 are discussed in detail here. Mescalbean (also known as frijolito and Texas mountain-laurel, Sophora secundiflora [Ortega] Lag. ex DC.) is a small tree...

A new Potyvirus found in Dioscorea bulbifera in Florida

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Air potato, Dioscorea bulbifera, an herbaceous twining vine, native to tropical Asia, was introduced to Florida in 1905. Due to its ability to displace native species and disrupt natural processes such as fire and water flow, air potato has been listed as one of Florida’s most invasive plant species...

Oligofructans content and yield of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) cultivated in Mississippi

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. & Endl.) H. Robinson (Asteraceae), also known as yacon, is an herbaceous tropical species native to the high mountains of Andes. It has been introduced to several countries, including Japan and Brazil. We are attempting to acclimatize yacon to Mississippi as a poten...

Spatial vegetation patterns and neighborhood competition among woody plants in an East African savanna

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The majority of research on savanna vegetation dynamics has focused on the coexistence of woody and herbaceous vegetation; interactions among woody plants in savannas are relatively poorly understood. We present data from a 10-year longitudinal study of spatially explicit growth patterns of woody ve...

Life form influences survivorship patterns for 109 herbaceous perennials from six semi-arid ecosystems

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We compiled six long-term datasets from western North America to test for ecosystem-dependent demographic responses for forbs and grasses. Based on these data, we characterized 123 survivorship curves for 109 species. Three demographic parameters were extracted from these survivorship curves: surviv...

Controlling Japanese barberry: Alternative methods and impact on tick populations

Treesearch

Jeffrey S. Ward; Scott C. Williams; Thomas E. Worthley

2011-01-01

Japanese barberry (Berberis thunbergii) is classified as invasive in 20 states and four Canadian provinces. It is also established in another 11 states. In addition to forming dense thickets that can inhibit forest regeneration and native herbaceous plant populations, barberry understories can harbor greatly enhanced levels of blacklegged ticks (

Developing low-input, high-biomass, perennial cropping systems for advanced biofuels in the Intermountain West

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Lignocellulosic biomass studies are being conducted to evaluate perennial herbaceous feedstocks and to determine their field performance and adaptation potential for biomass production in the Intermountain West. Field performance of four biomass entries and four inputs are being evaluated over a lo...

Development and characterization of 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for pityopsis graminifolia var. latifolia

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pityopsis graminifolia var. latifolia (narrowleaf silkplant), is an herbaceous perennial indigenous to northern Alabama and east Tennessee. Pityopsis graminifolia is a tetraploid (2n=4x=36) and is a sympatric species of the federally endangered plant P. ruthii, which grows along the Hiwassee and Oco...

7 CFR 1415.3 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... limit the spread of fires. Forb means any herbaceous plant other than those in the grass family... vegetation is dominated by grasses, grass-like plants, shrubs, or forbs, including shrubland, land that... conservation purposes specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) of section 170(h)(4)(A) of the Internal...

Compositional aspects of herbaceous litter decomposition in the freshwater marshes of the Florida Everglades

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Litter decomposition in wetlands is an important component of ecosystem function in these detrital systems. In oligotrophic wetlands, such as the Florida Everglades, litter decomposition processes are dependent on nutrient availability and litter quality. However, not much is known about how the che...

Shrub-steppe early succession following invasive juniper cutting and prescribed fire

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Piñon-juniper woodlands of the western United States have expanded in area nearly 10-fold since the late 1800’s. Woodland dominance in sagebrush steppe has several negative consequences including reductions in herbaceous production and diversity, decreased wildlife habitat, higher erosion and runof...

Effects of post-fire soil hydrophobicity on inorganic soil nitrogen and sulfur cycling

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Fire plays an important role in many native ecosystems, and its suppression has increased woody encroachment across the globe. Restoring native herbaceous communities following fire in encroached systems is often challenging. Post-fire soil hydrophobicity is one factor that may further limit site re...

Determining productivity gains from herbaceous vegetation management with 'age-shift' calculations

Treesearch

David B. South; James H. Miller; Mark O. Kimberley; Curtis L. Vanderschaaf

2006-01-01

Gains in stand volume that result from competition control and fertilization are sometimes reported as 'percentage gains'. Because percentage gains arithmetically decline over time asstand volume increases, plantation managers have difficultyin using percentage gains to project growth and revenues. The 'age-shift' method quantifies the year...

Biological invasions in forest ecosystems

Treesearch

Andrew M. Liebhold; Eckehard G. Brockerhoff; Susan Kalisz; Martin A. Nuñez; David A. Wardle; Michael J. Wingfield

2017-01-01

Forests play critical roles in global ecosystem processes and provide numerous services to society. But forests are increasingly affected by a variety of human influences, especially those resulting from biological invasions. Species invading forests include woody and herbaceous plants, many animal species including mammals and invertebrates, as well as a variety of...

A preliminary classification system for vegetation of Alaska.

Treesearch

Leslie A. Viereck; C.T. Dyrness

1980-01-01

A hierarchical system, with five levels of resolution, is proposed for classifying Alaska vegetation. The system, which is agglomerative, starts with 415 known Alaska plant communities which are listed and referenced. At the broadest level of resolution the system contains five formations - forest, tundra, shrubland, herbaceous vegetation, and aquatic vegetation.

Blue and Valley Oak Seedling Establishment on California's Hardwood Rangelands

Treesearch

Theodore E. Adams Jr.; Peter B. Sands; William H. Weitkamp; Neil K. McDougald

1991-01-01

Factors contributing to poor establishment of blue oak (Quercus douglasii) and valley oak (Q. lobata) in California oak-grassland savannas were studied in a series of acorn seeding experiments initiated in 1985. Exclusion of large herbivores permitted examination of herbaceous interference and small mammal and insect depredation....

Fire management and research for biodiversity in the Green Swamp

Treesearch

Margit A. Bucher; Maura E. High

2002-01-01

The Nature Conservancy has conducted prescribed burns for two decades in North Carolina's Green Swamp to enhance and maintain species biodiversity in the longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) savannas and ecotones. The surrounding pocosins, however, have been left alone. Increasingly, dense shrub growth in the pocosin suppresses herbaceous species and...

ASSESSING OZONE EFFECTS ON PLANTS NATIVE TO THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

EPA Science Inventory

For the last six years, the U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and University researchers have been documenting the effects of ozone on a large number of woody and herbaceous species native to the southeastern United States. n Great Smoky Mountains ...

Impact of herbaceous understory vegetation to ecosystem water cycle, productivity and infiltration in a semi arid oak woodland assessed by stable oxygen isotopes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubbert, Maren; Piayda, Arndt; Silva, Filipe Costa e.; Correia, Alexandra C.; Pereira, Joao S.; Cuntz, Matthias; Werner, Christiane

2015-04-01

Water is one of the key factors driving ecosystem productivity, especially in water-limited ecosystems. Thus a separation of these component fluxes is needed to gain a functional understanding on the development of net ecosystem water and carbon fluxes. Oxygen isotope signatures are valuable tracers for such water movements within the ecosystem because of the distinct isotopic compositions of water in the soil and vegetation. Here, a novel approach was used (Dubbert et al., 2013), combining a custom build flow-through gas-exchange branch chamber with a Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer in a Mediterranean cork-oak woodland where two vegetation layers respond differently to drought: oak-trees (Quercus suber L.) avoid drought due to their access to ground water while herbaceous plants survive the summer as seeds. We used this approach to quantify the impact of the understory herbaceous vegetation on ecosystem carbon and water fluxes throughout the year and disentangle how ET components of the ecosystem relate to carbon dioxide exchange. Partitioning ecosystem ET and NEE into its three sources revealed that understory vegetation contributed markedly to ecosystem ET and gross primary production (GPP; max. 43 and 51%, respectively). It reached similar water-use efficiencies (WUE) as cork-oak trees and significantly contributed to the ecosystem sink-strength in spring and fall. The understory vegetation layer further strongly inhibited soil evaporation (E) and, although E was large during wet periods, it did not diminish ecosystem WUE during water-limited times (Dubbert et al., 2014a). Although, during most of the year, interactions with trees neither facilitated nor hampered the development of the understory vegetation, strong competition for water could be observed at the end of the growing period, which shortened the life-cycle of understory plants and significantly reduced the carbon uptake of the ecosystem in spring (Dubbert et al., 2014b). Finally, herbaceous understory vegetation strongly increased rain infiltration, specifically during strong rain events. In conclusion, beneficial understory vegetation effects were dominant. However, the observed vulnerability of the understory vegetation to drought and competition for water with trees suggests, that increased drought and altered precipitation pattern as predicted in future climate change scenarios for the Mediterranean basin not only threaten understory development. They also very likely decrease rain infiltration and ground water recharge by decreasing understory vegetation cover and increasing amount of heavy precipitation events with high run-off from sealed bare soils. This in turn can severely diminish cork-oak productivity and hence the resilience of the ecosystem toward drought (Costa e Silva et al., in rev.). Dubbert, M; Cuntz, M; Piayda, A; Maguas, C; Werner, C: Partitioning evapotranspiration - Testing the Craig and Gordon model with field measurements of oxygen isotope ratios of evaporative fluxes. J Hydrol (2013) Dubbert, M; Piayda, A; Cuntz, M; Correia, AC; Costa e Silva, F; Pereira, JS; Werner, C: Stable oxygen isotope and flux partitioning demonstrates understory of an oak savanna contributes up to half of ecosystem carbon and water exchange, Frontiers in Plant Science (2014a) Dubbert, M; Mosena, A; Piayda, A; Cuntz, M; Correia, AC; Pereira, JS; Werner, C: Influence of tree cover on herbaceous layer development and carbon and water fluxes in a Portuguese cork oak woodland., Acta Oecologica

Template-free synthesis of ZnWO{sub 4} powders via hydrothermal process in a wide pH range

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hojamberdiev, Mirabbos, E-mail: mirabbos_uz@yahoo.com; Zhu, Gangqiang; Xu, Yunhua

ZnWO{sub 4} powders with different morphologies were fabricated through a template-free hydrothermal method at 180 {sup o}C for 8 h in a wide pH range. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-visible and luminescence spectrophotometers were applied to study the effects of pH values on crystallinity, morphology, optical and luminescence properties. The XRD results showed that the WO{sub 3} + ZnWO{sub 4}, ZnWO{sub 4}, and ZnO phases could form after hydrothermal processing at 180 {sup o}C for 8 h with the pH values of 1, 3-11, and 13, respectively. The SEM and TEM observation revealedmore » that the morphological transformation of ZnWO{sub 4} powders occurred with an increase in pH values as follows: star anise-, peony-, and desert rose-like microstructures and soya bean- and rod-like nanostructures. The highest luminescence intensity was found to be in sample consisting of star anise-like crystallites among all the samples due to the presence of larger particles with high crystallinity resulted from the favorable pH under the current hydrothermal conditions.« less

Clinical efficacy of aconitum-containing traditional Chinese medicine for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

PubMed

Feng, Ling; Liu, Wen-Ke; Deng, Lan; Tian, Jia-Xing; Tong, Xiao-Lin

2014-01-01

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is a common chronic complication of diabetes. Routine clinical management uses analgesics to relieve pain in combination with drugs for nerve repair. The drugs are often not effective for the severe pain cases, and these western medications also have side effects. We report a more effective treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain using a high dose of a traditional Chinese medicine, aconitum (including both Radix aconite preparata and Radix aconite kusnezoffii), in combination with Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (i.e., astragalus, cassia twig, white peony root, and spatholobi). In order to achieve stronger analgesic effects, we increased the clinical dosage of aconitum from 15 to 120 g. The aconitum was boiled for 6-8 hours, and licorice was also used to reduce potential toxicities of aconitum. In the four reported cases, the patients' neuropathic pain was remarkably reduced and the EMG profile was also improved with this treatment regimen. Adverse reactions were not observed during the therapy. Thus, aconitum represents a promising and safe treatment for the well-being of patients and their diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Future controlled clinical trials using traditional Chinese medicines containing aconitum in treating the neuropathic pain are warranted.

Initial response of Arabis johnstonii Munz to fire

Treesearch

Marcia G. Narog; Christie J. Sclafani; Christina Escobar; Kate A. Kramer; Jan L. Beyers

2007-01-01

Arabis johnstonii Munz (Johnston’s rock cress) is a small herbaceous perennial plant endemic to the San Jacinto Mountains of southern California. It is considered rare by the California Native Plant Society and is a Forest Service Sensitive species. Three A. johnstonii occurrences grow within an area that the San Bernardino...

CHANGES IN MASS AND CHEMISTRY OF PLANT ROOTS DURING LONG-TERM DECOMPOSITION ON A CHIHUAHUAN DESERT WATERSHED

EPA Science Inventory

We studied the spatial and temporal patterns of decomposition of roots of a desert sub-shrub, a herbaceous annual, and four species of perennial grasses at several locations on nitrogen fertilized and unfertilized transects on a Chihuahuan Desert watershed for 3.5 years. There we...

Identification of five new hosts of Phytophthora ramorum in an infested forest in California

Treesearch

S. Rooney-Latham; C.L. Blomquist; A. Williams; E. Gunnison; T. Pastalka

2017-01-01

Phytophthora ramorum causes stem and bole cankers (sudden oak death) and foliar and twig dieback (ramorum blight) of susceptible plants. To date, more than 100 tree, shrub and herbaceous hosts of P. ramorum have been identified. In March 2015, plant samples were submitted to the CDFA Plant Pest Diagnostics...

A regression-adjusted approach can estimate competing biomass

Treesearch

James H. Miller

1983-01-01

A method is presented for estimating above-ground herbaceous and woody biomass on competition research plots. On a set of destructively-sampled plots, an ocular estimate of biomass by vegetative component is first made, after which vegetation is clipped, dried, and weighed. Linear regressions are then calculated for each component between estimated and actual weights...

Influences of shelterwood prescriptions to aboveground carbon storage and herpetofaunal and small mammal communities

Treesearch

Padraic Conner; Yong Wang; Callie Jo Schweitzer

2015-01-01

We examined the response of herpetofaunal and small mammal communities to silvicultural treatments. In addition, differences between silvicultural treatments of carbon storage ratios in trees, shrubs, vines, herbaceous material, course woody debris, and fine woody debris were studied. A complete randomized design with multiple replications, 20 experimental stands of...

Assessment of Boeremia exigua var. rhapontica, as a biological control agent of Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens)

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Russian knapweed (Rhaponticum repens (L.) Hidalgo) is an herbaceous perennial weed that was introduced and has become invasive in the United States, particularly in the semi-arid west. It is characterized by its extensive root system, low seed production, and persistence. The weed has caused serious...

Treating seedling and sapling stands for wildlife

Treesearch

Edwin D. Michael

1989-01-01

What you want to focus on during the seedling-sapling stage is understory development and species selection. By thinning newly regenerated stands you increase sunlight and therefore the abundance and nutritional value of herbaceous vegetation. Thinning allows you to favor understory species that provide browse, forage, and seeds for wildlife. Precommercial thinning in...

Impact of Pruning Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

Treesearch

Thomas L. Schmidt; Tom D. Wardle

2002-01-01

In recent years, eastern redcedar has been the most rapidly expanding tree resource in the Great Plains from Oklahoma to South Dakota, primarily in rangelands and pastures. Based on these increases and potential management-related problems, eastern redcedar is perceived as a threat to the rangeland resource. Pruning eastern redcedar can allow for increased herbaceous...

Native herbivore exerts contrasting effects on fire regime and vegetation structure

Treesearch

Jose L. Hierro; Kenneth L. Clark; Lyn C. Branch; Diego Villarreal

2011-01-01

Although native herbivores can alter fire regimes by consuming herbaceous vegetation that serves as fine fuel and, less commonly, accumulating fuel as nest material and other structures, simultaneous considerations of contrasting effects of herbivores on fire have scarcely been addressed. We proposed that a colonial rodent, vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus...

Seasonal leaf dynamics across a tree density gradient in a Brazilian savanna.

Treesearch

William A. Hoffmann; Edson Rangel da Silva; Gustavo C. Machado; Sandra Bucci; Fabian G. Scholz; Guillermo Goldstein; Frederick C. Meinzer

2005-01-01

Interactions between trees and grasses that influence leaf area index (LAI) have important consequences for savanna ecosystem processes through their controls on water, carbon, and energy fluxes as well as fire regimes. We measured LAI, of the groundlayer (herbaceous and woody plants 1-m tall), in the Brazilian...

Responses of Breeding Bird Communities to Forest Fragmentation

Treesearch

James F. Lynch

1987-01-01

Field studies in eastern North America indicate that local densities of most forest-dwelling bird species are directly or indirectly influenced by forest insularization. Relevant site variables among those measured include patch area and isolation, tree stature and density, and development of herbaceous and shrub understorey. In general, highly migratory species that...

Conserving pollinators in North American forests: A review

Treesearch

James L. Hanula; Michael D. Ulyshen; Scott Horn

2016-01-01

Bees and butterflies generally favor open forest habitats regardless of forest type, geographic region, or methods used to create these habitats. Dense shrub layers of native or nonnative species beneath forest canopies negatively impact herbaceous plant cover and diversity, and pollinators. The presence of nonnative flowers as a source of nectar, pollen, or larval...

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on Ruth's golden aster (Pityopsis ruthii) in Tennessee

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Ruth’s golden aster, Pityopsis ruthii (Small), is an endangered, herbaceous perennial plant that is only endemic to small sections of the Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers, in Polk County, Tennessee. In July 2015, a greenhouse grown plant exhibited symptoms of disease that included elongated brown lesions o...

Prescribed fire in a Great Basin sagebrush ecosystem: Dynamics of soil extractable nitrogen and phosphorus

Treesearch

B. M. Rau; R. R. Blank; J. C. Chambers; D. W. Johnson

2007-01-01

Pinyon and juniper have been expanding into sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) ecosystems since settlement of the Great Basin around 1860. Herbaceous understory vegetation is eliminated as stand densities increase and the potential for catastrophic fires increases. Prescribed fire is increasingly used to remove trees and promote recovery of sagebrush...

Dehydration and vernalization treatments identify overlapping molecular networks impacting endodormancy maintenance in leafy spurge crown buds

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is an herbaceous perennial weed that reproduces vegetatively from an abundance of underground adventitious buds (UABs), which undergo well-defined phases of seasonal dormancy (para-, endo- and eco-dormancy). In this study, the effects of dehydration-stress on vegeta...

Physical pretreatment – woody biomass size reduction – for forest biorefinery

Treesearch

J.Y. Zhu

2011-01-01

Physical pretreatment of woody biomass or wood size reduction is a prerequisite step for further chemical or biochemical processing in forest biorefinery. However, wood size reduction is very energy intensive which differentiates woody biomass from herbaceous biomass for biorefinery. This chapter discusses several critical issues related to wood size reduction: (1)...

Management of pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) using mowing and herbicides in two contrasting habitats

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Pale swallow-wort [PSW] (Vincetoxicum rossicum (Kleopow) Barbar.) is an invasive non-native vine that is increasing in prevalence in many natural and semi-natural areas of the northeastern U.S. and southeastern Canada. This herbaceous perennial thrives in old fields and ecotones but can also establi...

Wildfire atlas of the northeastern and north central states.

Treesearch

Donald A. Haines; Von J. Johnson; William A. Main

1975-01-01

Describes patterns of forest fire activity across the northeastern and north central United States. Gives average dates of greening ad curing of herbaceous plants, medium size of fires in various fuels, and annual profiles of peak fire activity. It also examines combinations of major fire cause and day-of-week activity.

Chapter 20. Chenopod shrubs

Treesearch

E. Durant McArthur; Stephen B. Monsen

2004-01-01

Chenopod plants (Family Chenopodiaceae) are distributed worldwide but are especially prominent in some wet and dry saline or alkaline situations. Chenopods are both herbaceous and woody. The relative proportions of life-forms in the family is demonstrated by data from the important center of chenopod diversity in south-central Asia, where n = 341 species: 76 percent...

Fertilizer Tablets Stimulate Eucalyptus in Florida Trial

Treesearch

George Meskimen

1971-01-01

Eucalyptus plantings in south Florida must grow rapidly to withstand first-year frosts and dominate herbaceous competition. Fertilizer tablets in the planting holes of E. camaldulensis stimulated immediate growth, resulting in stems 50 percent taller and 83 percent thicker than check trees at 6 months. Effects of tablets persisted after 4 years, with...

Acetone enhances the direct analysis of total condensed tannins in plant tissues by the butanol-HCl-iron assay

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The butanol-HCl spectrophotometric assay is widely used to quantify extractable and insoluble forms of condensed tannin (CT, syn. proanthocyanidin) in foods, feeds, and foliage of herbaceous and woody plants. However, this method underestimates total CT content when applied directly to plant materia...

Diets of black-tailed hares on the Hanford Reservation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Uresk, D.W.; Cline, J.F.; Rickard, W.H.

1975-04-01

A fecal pellet analyses showed that black-tailed hares (jackrabbits) were selective in plants chosen as food. The most abundant herbaceous plant, cheatgrass, was not found in the pellets. Sagebrush and bitterbrush, woody plants, were not an important part of the hares' diet. Forbs, rabbitbrush, and certain grass species were preferred foods. (auth)

Fate of Hexazinone and Picloram in Southern United States Forest Watersheds

Treesearch

D.G. Neary; P.B. Bush; J.L. Michael

1986-01-01

Herbicides are being used more frequently in the intensively managed forest ecosystems of the southeastern United States. Host of this increased use occurs during site preparation prior to replanting cutover or converted stands. Herbicides provide a cost effective tool for controlling herbaceous and woody weed competition which adversely affects pine establishment and...

Polyploidy and the evolutionary history of cotton.

Treesearch

Jonathan F. Wendel; R.C. Cronn

2002-01-01

The cotton genus (Gossypium) includes approximately 50 species distributed in arid to semi-arid regions of the tropic and subtropics. Included are four species that have independently been domesticated for their fiber, two each in Africa–Asia and the Americas. Gossypium species exhibit extraordinary morphological variation, ranging from herbaceous perennials to small...

Growth and nutrient content of herbaceous seedlings associated with biological soil crusts

Treesearch

R. L. Pendleton; B. K. Pendleton; G. L. Howard; S. D. Warren

2003-01-01

Biological soil crusts of arid and semiarid lands contribute significantly to ecosystem stability by means of soil stabilization, nitrogen fixation, and improved growth and establishment of vascular plant species. In this study, we examined growth and nutrient content of Bromus tectorum, Elymus elymoides, Gaillardia pulchella, and Sphaeralcea munroana grown in soil...

Comparison of phytohormone levels and transcript profiles during seasonal dormancy transitions in underground adventitious buds of leafy spurge

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.) is an herbaceous perennial weed that maintains its perennial growth habit through generation of underground adventitious buds (UABs) on the crown and lateral roots. These UABs undergo seasonal phases of dormancy under natural conditions, namely para-, endo-, and eco...

First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on the whorled sunflower (Heilianthus verticillatus) in the southeast United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The whorled sunflower, Helianthus verticillatus (Small), is an endangered, herbaceous perennial plant endemic to limited small tracts of land in west Tennessee, east Alabama, and west Georgia. In October 2015, plants from wild populations in Georgia and Alabama exhibited small, circular brown, necro...

Old-growth Wooded Pasture in the Ozarks

Treesearch

David H. Jurney; David W. Stahle

2004-01-01

Forests in the Ozarks are ancient: the dominance and density of their various arboreal and herbaceous species have fluctuated over time in relation to climatic change and cultural influences. This study examines the nature of the pre-European forest composition in the Ozarks through studies of geology and soils, General Land Office surveys, archeology, and...

Interactions between past land use, life-history traits and understory spatial heterogeneity

Treesearch

Jennifer M. Fraterrigo; Monica Turner; Scott M. Pearson

2006-01-01

Past land use has contributed to variability in the distribution of herbaceous species by reducing plant abundance and altering species' chances of recolonizing suitable habitat. Land use may also influence plant heterogeneity by changing environmental conditions within stands. We compared the variability of understory herb abundance in southern Appalachian...

Description of Vegetation in Several Periodically Burned Longleaf Pine Forests on the Kisatchie National Forest

Treesearch

James D. Haywood; Finis L. Harris

1999-01-01

Abstract - In January 1993, the Kisatchie National Forest and Southern Research Station began a cooperative project on two Ranger Districts to monitor how prescribed burning affects tree, shrub, and herbaceous vegetation in upland longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) forests in Louisiana. Longleaf pine is the dominant species on...

A height increment equation for young ponderosa pine plantations using precipitation and soil factors

Treesearch

Fabian C.C. Uzoh

2001-01-01

A height increment equation was used to determine the effects of site quality and competing herbaceous vegetation on the development of ponderosa pine seedlings (Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum Engelm.). Study areas were established in 36 plantations across northwest and west-central Montana on Champion International Corporation's timberland (...

Understory Restoration in Longleaf Pine Plantations: Overstory Effects of Competition and Needlefall

Treesearch

Christa M. Dagley; Timothy B. Harrington; M. Boyd Edwards

2002-01-01

Overstory and midstory vegetation layers strongly limit abundance and species richness of understory herbaceous plants in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris Mill.) plantations. However, the separate effects of overstory competition and needlefall remain unknown and are the subject of this study. Four levels of overstory thinning were applied to 0.10-...

Environmental Assessment for the Installation of a Reclaimed Water Irrigation System Improvement Project at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-05-04

crossing, and three herbaceous wetlands within the Gulf Power Easement portion of the action alternative 2 alignment. Cogon grass ( Imperata ... cylindrica ), an invasive, non-native species, is also located in some areas within the utility easement. Tyndall AFB is actively trying to eliminate the

A GIS WEB-BASED APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING PLANT SPECIES AND LOCATIONS AT RISK FROM THE OFF TARGET MOVEMENT OF PESTICIDES

EPA Science Inventory

Current methodology used by the US EPA for determining plant species at risk from off site movement of pesticides has been determined to be inadequate for their protection. Ten agricultural, annual, herbaceous plant species are used in the preregistration tests as representative...

Spatial and temporal variation in invertebrate consumer diets in forested and herbaceous wetlands

Treesearch

Alani N. Taylor; Darold P. Batzer

2010-01-01

Macroinvertebrates have important functional roles in wetland ecosystems, but these roles are not always well understood. This study assessed which foods invertebrate consumers assimilate within a set of wetland habitats. During 2006 and 2007, non-Tanypodinae chironomid larvae and select crustaceans (Crangonyx amphipods, Caecidotea isopods, Simocephalus cladocerans)...

Seed production and dispersal of sulfur cinquefoil in northeast Oregon

Treesearch

Kathleen A. Dwire; Catherine G. Parks; Michael L. McInnis; Bridgett J. Naylor

2006-01-01

Sulfur cinquefoil (family Rosaceae) is an invasive, herbaceous perennial, native to Eurasia. It has wide ecological amplitude and has become established throughout North America in numerous habitat types. Sulfur cinquefoil reproduces only by seed (achenes); however, little is known about its regenerative strategy or reproductive biology. To improve understanding of the...

SUB-CANOPY DEPOSITION OF OZONE IN A STAND OF CUTLEAF CORNFLOWER

EPA Science Inventory

Although there has been a great deal of research on ozone, interest in exposure of native, herbaceous species is relatively recent and it is still not clear what role the pollutant has in their ecological fitness. The ozone exposure of a plant is usually expressed in terms of the...

The ecological importance of understory herbaceous plants

Treesearch

Chris Clement

2001-01-01

Maintenance of species diversity is of major interest to both land managers and the scientific community. For nearly half a century, ecologists have debated the attributes of species diversity. Ecologists in the early 1960s proposed several hypotheses regarding the importance of species diversity in maintaining ecosystem integrig2, but very little research has been...

Transcriptomic and field evaluation of apple trees overexpressing a peach CBF gene

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The role of CBF genes in cold response and acclimation has been well documented in both herbaceous and woody plants. Our initial research demonstrated that overexpression of a peach CBF gene (PpCBF1) in ‘M.26’ apple increases freezing tolerance of non-acclimated plants and unexpectedly also results...

Interspecific hybridization in Pinus: a summary review

Treesearch

W.B. Critchfield

1975-01-01

The pines and other groups of temperate forest trees often fail to conform to widely accepted principles of plant evolution that are based primarily on observations of herbaceous plants. For example, interpreters of plant evolution tend to equate the fertility or sterility of inter specific hybrids with the magnitude of the genetically controlled reproductive barriers...

Ground sprayer designs for forestry applications

Treesearch

James H. Miller; Qiu Zhongze; D.L. Sirois

1985-01-01

Three herbicide spraying systems were designed, constructed, and field tested in cooperation with the-USDA Forest Service,.Georgia Forestry Commission, and Scott Paper Company. One system was designed to mount on wildland tree planting machines for applying banded treatments for herbaceous weed control. This system consisted of a top mounted 50-gal tank and a small...

First report of downy mildew caused by Hyaloperonospora sp. on Iberis sempervirens in the United States

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Iberis sempervirens (candytuft) is a herbaceous perennial in the Brassicaceae. It has evergreen foliage and fragrant, pure white flowers, and is a popular groundcover. During March 2016, downy mildew-like symptoms were observed on potted plants in a commercial greenhouse located in Baltimore Co. Mar...