Bark Of Branches Research Articles

Effect and mechanism of Magnolia officinalis in colorectal cancer: Multi-component-multi-target approach

Ethnopharmacological relevanceColorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating CRC, with advantages such as effectiveness, multi-target, multi-pathway, and minimal side effects. TCM Magnolia officinalis (M. officinalis) refers to the dried bark, root bark, and branch bark of either Magnolia officinalis Rehd.et Wils. or Magnolia officinalis Rehd.et Wils. var. biloba Rehd.et Wils. It is commonly utilized to alleviate the side effects of chemotherapy for CRC, owing to its anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. However, current research primarily focuses on the individual components and does not take into consideration the characteristics of multi-component-multi-target action. Aim of the studyOur aim is to study the new action characteristics of M. officinalis in the treatment of CRC. Materials and methodsUtilizing network pharmacology to identify potential active ingredients, key targets, and main signaling pathways of M. officinalis for the treatment of CRC. The binding effect was further validated through molecular docking analysis. Furthermore, the aforementioned components were identified using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and the cleavage pathways of the main components were analyzed. Subsequently, both in vitro and in vivo experiments were carried out to investigate the anti-CRC effect of the active ingredients of M. officinalis and its potential mechanism. ResultsNetwork pharmacology and Molecular docking identified 5 main active ingredients and 6 core targets of M. officinalis for the treatment of CRC. Then, LC-MS identified the active components of M. officinalis. At the same time, both in vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed the ability of Eucalyptol (Euc) and Obovatol (Obo)to inhibit inflammation and tumor cell proliferation. The possible mechanism involved is that Euc and Obo counteract CRC by inhibiting the over-activation of NF-κBp65/JAK and Bcl-2/Caspase signaling pathways, respectively. They also play a role in the anti-CRC effect of M. officinalis. ConclusionMagnolol (MAG), Honokiol (HK), Euc, Obo, and Neohesperidin (NHP) in M. officinalis may be the pharmacological substance basis for its anti-cancer effect on CRC. The treatment of CRC with M. officinalis is characterized by its multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway approach. These findings provide a theoretical basis for further inspiring the clinical application of M. officinalis and the development of efficacy targets.

Identification of bioactive compounds in Amphipterygium adstringens branch bark

Background: Cuachalalate (Amphipterygium adstringens) is one of Mexico’s most commercialised medicinal plants, and its natural populations are mainly found in this country. The high demand for stem bark (SB) has risked its survival, making it necessary to develop sustainable strategies.Aim: This study aimed to identify bioactive compounds in branch bark (BB) and evaluate their antipathogenic and antivirulence capacities.Setting: The study was conducted in the low deciduous forest (LDF) of the State of Puebla, Mexico.Methods: Bioactive metabolites in BB were profiled by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The chemical composition of aqueous bark extracts was scrutinised by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-EM-SQ-TOF system) and molecular network analysis. The folk method’s antipathogenic capacity was determined in a burn model in mice infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Finally, the antivirulence properties of bark organic extracts were determined.Results: The BB contained masticadienoic, 3α-hydroxymasticadienoic and anacardic acids, also present in SB. The aqueous extracts showed the presence of flavonoids, catechins and saponins in both barks. The folk method using BB extracts significantly reduced mouse mortality and prevented sepsis development. This might be related to the capability of extracts to block the production of bacteria virulence factors.Conclusion: The similarity in bioactive metabolites and biological activity between SB and BB of cuachalalate suggests that using BB as a medicinal agent could be a practical and sustainable strategy. This approach could potentially prevent the overexploitation of cuachalalate’s SB, contributing to its conservation.Contribution: This study proposes a sustainable strategy for using cuachalalate as a medicinal agent using BB, a renewable source.

Identification and management of infections caused by Giardia sp., Trichuris sp. and Demodex sp. in captive Brazilian porcupines (Coendou prehensilis)

The Brazilian porcupine (Coendou prehensilis, Rodentia, Erethizontidae) is an arboreal South American nocturnal rodent. Switzerland is home to one of the largest captive colonies in Europe. In June 2022, most of the animals in this colony showed severe diarrhoea, and Giardia sp. cysts were detected. All the animals were treated with metronidazole (75 mg/animal/day orally) for five days, repeating after two weeks. The diarrhoea continued, sometimes containing blood, and further analyses revealed Giardia sp. cysts and Trichuris sp. eggs with a particular undulating eggshell in pooled samples. The soil layer of some enclosures was removed to thoroughly clean and disinfect the underlying concrete floor. The animals were treated with fenbendazole (50 mg/kg/day orally) for 5 days repeating after three days. Giardia sp. cysts were not further detected. However, Trichuris sp. eggs were detected in branch bark samples and in six animals 2–3 months after treatment. The treatment with fenbendazole was repeated and no further Trichuris sp. eggs were detected. A 18S rRNA fragment consensus sequence showed 98.58% identity with Trichuris fossor. The Trichuris sp. in C. prehensilis may represent a new species, specific for arboreal porcupines. Demodex mites were observed in faecal flotations and thereafter in skin scrapings from five animals (four of them being family-related). A 16S consensus sequence showed 86.4% identity with other Demodex species. The animals were initially treated with moxidectin (0.4 and 0.8 mg/kg orally) and afterwards with sarolaner (10 mg/animal) but the treatments were not completely effective since in control scrapings, two animals evidenced few non-motile mites. An individual susceptibility and poor immunological control of the infection is suggested. Treatment with fenbendazole was effective against Giardia sp. and Trichuris sp. infections; however, reinfections may occur if the enclosures and tree branches are not deep cleaned and disinfected or replaced.

Antileishmanial and Antifungal Activities of Volatile Oils from Cinnamomum Cassia Bark and Schinus Molle Leaves.

This study reports on the chemical composition and antileishmanial and anticandidal activities of volatile oils (VOs) of Schinus molle dried leaves (SM), Cinnamomum cassia branch bark (CC) and their blends. Major constituents of SM were spathulenol (26.93 %), β-caryophyllene (19.90 %), and caryophyllene oxide (12.69 %), whereas (E)-cinnamaldehyde (60.11 %), cinnamyl acetate (20.90 %) and cis-2-methoxycinnamic acid (10.37 %) were predominant in CC. SM (IC50=21.45 μg/mL) and CC (IC50=23.27 μg/mL) displayed good activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes, besides having good or moderate activity against nine Candida strains, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values ranging from 31.25 to 250 μg/mL. While the three SM and CC blends were not more active than the VOs tested individually, they exhibited remarkably high antileishmanial activity, with IC50 values ranging between 3.12 and 7.04 μg/mL, which is very similar to the IC50 of amphotericin B (positive control).

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Metabolomics Validation of the Novel Targets of Morus alba L. against High-Fat Diet-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in C57/6J Mice

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an endocrine-metabolic disorder that has limited approaches to treat effectively. Morus alba L., also known as mulberry, is a well-known medicinal plant, and its branch bark has shown hypoglycemic activity. It is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. In this study, we used metabolomics combined with network pharmacology to investigate the molecular mechanism and potential key targets of mulberry branch bark powder (MBBP) for treating DM. Serum metabolomics was performed to analyze the differences in metabolites and enrich metabolic pathways. Network pharmacology, based on systems biology tools, was applied to generate the pathway-target-compound network. Integrated analyses were then used to screen for key targets. To verify the obtained key targets, we used a molecular docking method and experimental validation. Our findings revealed that thirty-five endogenous metabolites contributed to the therapeutic impact of MBBP against DM. The analysis of 10 hub genes in the compound-target network partially supported the enrichment of metabolic pathways. Further analysis focused on two compounds (eugenol and mulberrofuran A) and three key targets (NOS2, MAOA, and CYP1A1). This study explores the active compounds of MBBP against DM and provides a novel perspective for improving DM treatment based on key targets.

Endophytic fungi: isolated from Cosmos caudatus Kunth and Cosmos sulphureus Cav.: a histologic observation, identification, and secondary metabolites chemical analysis

Cosmos caudatus and Cosmos sulphureus are sorts of plant commonly use for side dish vegetables. Some plant live in mutualism symbiotic interaction with some endophytic fungi that protect the host plant. This research is done to: 1) determine the endophytic fungi colonization in the Cosmos plant tissues by histologic observation, 2) isolation and identify the endophytic fungi species from Cosmos leaf, branch bark and flower petal tissues, 3) analyze alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, and phenolic contents produced by the each endophytic fungi species. The endophytic fungi culture on PDA medium were cut into 5×1 cm in size and inoculated in PDB medium, then shake in the rate of 120 rpm for 7×24 hours. Afterwards the liquid centrifugated. The secondary metabolites contents were analyzed by using spectrophotometric method. This research result showed that: 1) the endophytic fungi position was found on the leaf palisade cell wall, epidermal cell wall, sponsa cell wall, neighbour cell wall; on the branch bark parenchyme cell wall; on the flower petal epidermis cell wall; 2) eleven endophytic fungi have been identified; 3) some variation in the secondary metabolites contents produced by each endophytic fungi.

Nonstructural carbohydrates explain post-fire tree mortality and recovery patterns.

Trees use nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) to support many functions, including recovery from disturbances. However, NSC's importance for recovery following fire and whether NSC depletion contributes to post-fire delayed mortality are largely unknown. We investigated how fire affects NSCs based on fire-caused injury from a prescribed fire in a young Pinus ponderosa (Lawson & C. Lawson) stand. We assessed crown injury (needle scorch and bud kill) and measured NSCs of needles and inner bark (i.e., secondary phloem) of branches and main stems of trees subject to fire and at an adjacent unburned site. We measured NSCs pre-fire and at six timesteps post-fire (4days-16months). While all trees initially survived the fire, NSC concentrations declined quickly in burned trees relative to unburned controls over the same post-fire period. This decline was strongest for trees that eventually died, but those that survived recovered to unburned levels within 14months post-fire. Two months post-fire, the relationship between crown scorch and NSCs of the main stem inner bark was strongly negative (Adj-R2=0.83). Our results support the importance of NSCs for tree survival and recovery post-fire and suggest that post-fire NSC depletion is in part related to reduced photosynthetic leaf area that subsequently limits carbohydrate availability for maintaining tree function. Crown scorch is a commonly measured metric of tree-level fire severity and is often linked to post-fire tree outcome (i.e., recovery or mortality). Thus, our finding that NSC depletion may be the mechanistic link between the fire-caused injury and tree outcome will help improve models of post-fire tree mortality and forest recovery.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamomum japonicum Siebold's Leaf through the Inhibition of p38/JNK/AP-1 Signaling.

Cinnamomum japonicum Siebold (CJ) branch bark, commonly known as Japanese cinnamon, has been used for various culinary and medicinal applications for many centuries. Although the efficacy of CJ branch bark's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity for the treatment of various diseases has been confirmed, the efficacy of CJ leaves (CJLs) has not been examined. We therefore investigated whether CJL3, an ethyl acetate extract of a 70% ethanol CJL extract, exerts anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated Kupffer cells, specialized macrophages found in the liver. Liver inflammation can activate Kupffer cells, inducing the release of pro-inflammatory molecules that contribute to tissue damage. We found that CJL3 has high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical-scavenging activity. Among the CJL extracts, CJL3 exhibited the greatest polyphenol content, with protocatechuic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid being the most abundant. In addition, we verified that CJL3, which has strong antioxidant properties, ameliorates LPS-induced pro-inflammatory responses by inhibiting p38/JNK/AP-1 signaling. CJL3 therefore has potential for treating liver disease, including hepatitis.

Stemflow temporal dynamics differ significantly between standing live and dead branches of two xerophytic shrub species

Shrub mortality due to self-thinning and climate change is a natural consequence of the long residence times of standing dead branches in unmanaged shrub plantations. Stemflow (SF) represents a key point source of input water and nutrients into the soil in shrub ecosystems. However, little information is available about how shrub mortality affects SF variables. In this study, we measured the SF volume (SFV), funneling ratio (FR), SF intensity, time lag to rain, and rainfall characteristics for live and standing dead branches of two major shrub species comprising Caragana korshinskii and Salix psammophila during the rainy season in 2022 on the Chinese Loess Plateau. The results demonstrated that the SF variables and temporal dynamic processes differed between standing live and dead branches of the two shrubs. For C. korshinskii, the mean SFV and FR were 1.9 and 1.8 times higher for live branches than dead branches, respectively, whereas for S. psammophila, the mean SFV and FR were 1.3 and 1.6 times higher for dead branches than live branches. These contradictory results can be explained by differences in the canopy structures of the species, such as the surface area that contributes to the generation of SF in the upper canopy, branch angles, and the degree of branch bark decomposition and decay. In addition, the SF variables were significantly temporally dependent on the rainfall characteristics. SFV, SFI, and SFD were positively and linearly correlated with the rainfall amount, intensity, and duration at the inter-event scale (P < 0.001). The influence of rainfall intensity on SF time lag to rain were not significant at the intra-event scale (P > 0.05). Considering the enrichment ratio due to canopy dry deposition and bark decomposition, the periodic flattening of dead S. psammophila branches to restore their growth is less significant than allowing them to die and renew naturally. These findings may serve as a reference for developing management practices for shrub species in areas with soil water and nutrient deficiencies.

Pest categorisation of the avocado sunblotch viroid.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health conducted a pest categorisation of the avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) for the EU. The identity of ASBVd, a member of the genus Avsunviroid (family Avsunviroidae) is clearly defined and detection and identification methods are available. The pathogen is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. ASBVd has been reported in Australia, Ghana, Guatemala, Israel, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, USA (California, Florida) and Venezuela. In the EU, it has been reported in Greece (Crete Island) and Spain. The pathogen could establish in the EU wherever avocado (Persea americana) is grown. The only known natural host of ASBVd is avocado to which it causes the severe 'avocado sunblotch' disease, characterised by white, yellow, red or necrotic depressed areas or scars on the fruit surface, bleached veins and petioles of the leaf, and rectangular cracking patterns in the bark of the old branches. Fruit yield and quality are severely diminished. ASBVd infects under experimental conditions a few more species in the family Lauraceae. The viroid is naturally transmitted at an extremely high rate by seeds (up to 100% in asymptomatically infected trees), but with a low efficiency by pollen (only to the produced seeds), and possibly through root grafts. Plants for planting, including seeds, and fresh avocado fruits were identified as the most relevant pathways for further entry of ASBVd into the EU. Avocado crops are cultivated in southern EU countries. Should the pest further enter and establish in the EU, impact on the production of avocado is expected. Phytosanitary measures are available to prevent entry and spread of the viroid in the EU. ASBVd fulfils the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Physiological harmfulness of xylophagous insects in poplar and aspen stands in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe

Introduction&#x0D; Poplars and aspens (Populus sp.) are common in forest stands, shelterbelts, rural landscaping, and in special plantations as short-rotation woody crops; they are promising tree species for biofuel and bioenergy production. Wood-boring insects browse galleries in a stem or branches that interrupt sap circulation and promote infestation by plant pathogens. Some of these insects can additionally weaken trees using foliage, bark, or phloem for maturation feeding. All these effects comprise the physiological harmfulness of wood-boring insects, whereas their technical harmfulness depends on the size and depth of the galleries, their location at the stem, and the timber value of a given tree species.&#x0D; The approach of wood-boring insect harmfulness assessment was suggested by E. Mozolevskaya and it is implemented for oak, pine, spruce, birch, and elm. It was shown that the harmfulness of the same insect species varies significantly depending on environmental conditions and population density.&#x0D; The aim of the research was to evaluate the physiological harmfulness of xylophagous insects for Populus sp. in the Left-Bank Forest-Steppe considering the ability of these insects to colonize and damage trees under certain health, transmit the pathogens, as well as host range and occurrence.&#x0D; Materials and Methods&#x0D; The research was carried out in 2019–2022 in Poltava, Sumy, and Kharkiv regions at the archive plantation of poplar clones, forest stands, and forest shelterbelts. The collections and research of Yu. Skrylnik since 2006 in the specified territories were also included in the analysis. In the analysis, only those insect species were used, for which the development in the stems and branches of Populus sp. was proved by our research and/or supported by publications. The range of host plants and the occurrence of insects were estimated. Their physiological harmfulness was calculated as the sum of scores for their physiological activity (ability to colonize trees under certain health condition), ability to damage the trees during maturation feeding, and ability to vector the pathogens.&#x0D; Results and Conclusions&#x0D; In the study, 72 insect species were analyzed, particularly 40 Cerambycidae, 19 Buprestidae, 7 Curculionidae, 2 Sesiidae, and 3 Cossidae. The proportion of abundant species was the highest among Scolytinae: Xyleborini. Species with a high physiological activity predominate among monophagous insects, particularly, Agrilus suvorovi, Cryptorhynchus lapathi, Xyleborus cryptographus, Paranthrene tabaniformis, Acossus terebra. Only five species (S. populnea, S. octopunctata, S. perforata, S. scalaris, S. carcharias) can cause significant damage to trees during maturation feeding by foliage or bark of branches. The average score of physiological harmfulness is the highest among abundant xylophagous species, it is almost twice as low in common species, and almost two times less in rare and single species. High physiological harmfulness (10 and more) for poplars and aspens is estimated for nineteen xylophagous species, particularly, 13 for S. populnea and S. carcharias, and 12 for Cryptorhynchus lapathi, Trypodendron signatum, Tremex fuscicornis, and Xyleborini species.&#x0D; 3 Tab., 4 Fig., 35 Ref.

Visualization of the initial radiocesium dynamics after penetration in living apple trees with bark removal using a positron-emitting 127Cs tracer

Following the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011, radiocesium (rCs) contamination in deciduous trees remains over 10 years later even though the trees were leafless at the time of the accident. This phenomenon is considered to be the result of repeated retranslocation of rCs that initially penetrated the bark into the internal tissues. To implement effective measures after a possible accident in the future, it is necessary to clarify how rCs is translocated in the tree after penetration. In this study, rCs translocation was dynamically visualized using a positron-emitting tracer imaging system (PETIS) and autoradiography after the bark of apple branches was removed. The PETIS results showed the translocation of 127Cs from the branch to young shoots and the main stem in apple trees under controlled spring growing conditions. The transport velocity of rCs in the branch was faster than that in the main stem. The transport of rCs, which was either acropetal or basipetal, in the main stem through the branch junction favored basipetal movement. Autoradiography of transverse sections of the main stem indicated that basipetal translocation was due to transport in the phloem. This study demonstrated the initial translocation responses of rCs similar to previous field research, which indicates that rCs transport to the young shoots tends to be higher under controlled conditions. Our laboratory-based experimental system may be useful to gain an improved understanding of rCs dynamics in deciduous trees.

Barklice (Insecta: Psocodea) from Early Cretaceous resiniferous forests of Iberia (Spanish amber): New Troctomorpha and a possible Psocomorpha

Psocids, commonly known as barklice, are insects belonging to the order Psocodea, together with the parasitic lice. They usually inhabit forest litter or the bark of tree trunks and branches, showing grazing herbivorous or detritivorous feeding habits. The Cretaceous psocid record is diverse, containing more than 70 described species. Here, we present new psocids (Troctomorpha and possible Psocomorpha) from two Spanish amber outcrops, both Albian (Lower Cretaceous): El Soplao and Ariño. We describe the two new species Azarpsocus anjana Álvarez-Parra and Nel sp. nov. (Manicapsocidae) and Burmacompsocus ojancano Álvarez-Parra and Nel sp. nov. (Compsocidae), and the morphotype Ariño that might belong to Psocomorpha. We discuss the taxonomic placement of the studied specimens and comment on the palaeobiogeography of the Cretaceous psocids. The Cretaceous barklice fauna from Iberia shows more similarities with that from Lebanese (Barremian) and Burmese (Cenomanian) ambers than with that from the palaeogeographically closer French amber (Cenomanian). This finding has been also reported in other insect groups from Spanish amber, and might be the consequence of several factors, such as the palaeoenvironmental conditions of the ecosystems, the palaeogeographical position of the Iberia Island during the latest Jurassic, closer to Gondwana than to Laurasia, and oceanic currents that facilitated or hindered the displacement of insect fauna between continental masses.

Hydrophobization and strengthening of cellulose materials from secondary resources

The influence of the sizing agent and filler on the physical-mechanical and surface properties of paper from the cellulose mass of the inner layer of the bark of mulberry tree branches has been studied. According to standard methods, the mechanical strength and absorbency were studied. Surface absorbency for one-side wetting was determined by the method of Cobb(30), by determining the mass of water absorbed by the paper surface when wetting one side of the test sample. It was found that it is advisable to add a sizing agent in the range from 1 to 1.5 g per 100 g of dry cellulose raw materials, since an increase in the additive to 2 g helps to reduce the interfiber bonding forces by 21 %. The addition of 6 g of kaolin affects the distance between the fibers, which reduces the mechanical adhesive forces by 12.5 %. During the analysis of the surface properties of paper samples, the sizing efficiency was found to be from 22.5 to 30 % with an increase in the addition of sizing glue, which can be explained by densification of the structure, which prevents the penetration of aqueous solutions. The addition of 2 to 6 g of kaolin also increases water resistance from 17.5 to 25 %. With the help of a mathematical model, rational values of absorbency were revealed with a composition of 92 %, with a sizing agent of 1.5 g and an amount of filler of 4 g. The resulting mathematical model can be used as the basis for controlling the surface characteristics of paper during its production.

Malus asiatica as a natural host of apple scar skin viroid in China.

Malus asiatica (Rosaceae, Malus) is a small deciduous tree, which has been cultivated in China more than 450 years (Jin, 2019). M. asiatica is deeply favored by consumers because of its sweet taste and high nutritional attributes, rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber (Xue et al, 2013). Although the M. asiatica annual output is nearly 30 000 kg, it still cannot meet the market demand in China (Jin, 2019). In August 2021, the virus-like symptom such as colored spots on fruit epidermis of M. asiatica were observed in an orchard of Langfang (38°42'16.88″N, 116°39'15.23″E) of Hebei province, China. To investigate whether this symptom is related to virus infection, the symptomatic sample was subjected to small RNA sequencing. Total RNA was extracted from branch bark of a symptomatic tree using an RNAprep Pure Plant Kit (TianGen, China), The extracted RNA was used to construct a small RNA library using NEBNext® Multiplex Small RNA Library Prep Set for Illumina® (Set 1), (NEB, USA), then the resulting library was sequenced using Illumina novoseq 6000 (Illumina, USA) at Tianjin Novogene company (China). A total of 14,685,616 sequence reads were obtained. After filtering the low-quality reads, polyA, adaptor contaminants, fragments < 18 nt and > 26 nt, and reads matching apple genome, the number of reads reduced to 392,883. Finally, assembly of these clean reads generated 225 non-redundant contigs with Velvet software and 55 assembled contigs were aligned to Refseq viral database of NCBI by Bowtie software. One viral contig with length of 329 nt showed 98.48% significant similarity to genome sequences of Hohhot isolate of ASSVd (ASSVd-Hohhot) (GenBank Accession No. MZ476527.1) (Yuan et al, 2022). We then used a specific primer pair (ASSVd-F: 5'-G G T A A A C A C C G T G C G G T T C C-3'; ASSVd-R: 5'-G G G A A A C A C C A A T T G T G T T T T A-3') for reverse transcription (RT)-PCR to amplify the genome sequence of ASSVd. A 330 bp amplified product was cloned into the pGEM-T easy vector (Promega, USA), then sequenced by Sanger sequencing using T7 primer by Sangon Biotech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in China. The sequence of ASSVd has been deposited in the GenBank datebase (GenBank Accession No. ON093255). Blast analysis showed that the sequence had highest identity (326/330, 98.79%) with ASSVd-Hohhot (GenBank Accession No. MZ476527.1) (Yuan et al, 2022). To confirm the pathogenicity of ASSVd, fifteen healthy cucumber seedlings were inoculated mechanically with the extracts of ASSVd-infected branch bark of M. asiatica. There were no obvious symptoms were observed at 14 days post inoculation (dpi), however, the result of RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing showed four cucumber samples were positive for ASSVd. In addition, another 19 randomly collected M. asiatica samples with or without clear symptoms from Langfang were detected by RT-PCR, and ten (52.6%) of them were confirmed the presence of ASSVd. And all ten positive samples were symptomatic, while nine nonsymptomatic M. asiatica samples tested negative. The positive amplicons were cloned into the pGEM-T easy vector and sequenced using T7 primer by Sanger sequencing. All of the sequences were essentially identical to one another (GenBank Accession No. ON093255), which indicates that the positive samples are indeed ASSVd infected. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ASSVd infection in M. asiatica, which expands our understanding of the host range of ASSVd.

Ecology of Honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) in Western Australian Eucalypt Woodlands II. Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus (Ptilotula) ornatus

ABSTRACT The Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus (Ptilotula) ornatus is a short-billed honeyeater which has declined in abundance over its range in Western Australia (WA), but remains abundant in the Great Western Woodland (GWW) where this study was conducted. It is also found in southeastern Australia where it occurs mostly in mallee woodlands. Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters form colonies from which they exclude small honeyeaters, canopy insectivores, and lerp-feeders; colonies persist for years. Colonies occurred in habitats dominated by different species of eucalypts (Eucalyptus spp), but were structurally similar, with trees of similar size forming a dense canopy, and lacking a shrub layer. Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters rely on lerp and honeydew for energy and take arthropods within the colony by gleaning and probing from eucalypts, and opportunistic hawking. Foliage is the most common foraging substrate, but they also probe under bark of live branches and trunks. Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters move between patches of nectar-rich flowers outside the colonies, aggregating where eucalypt blossom is abundant. Such movements can be described as locally nomadic and there was no evidence in the GWW of migration or regional scale movements. The proportion of nectar and non-nectar foraging did not differ between years or localities, with half of foraging observations being of nectar-feeding. Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters are sensitive to the effects of drought, with less nesting during dry seasons, and colonies abandoning less productive habitats. Nests were spaced over a wide height range, but most were in the lower canopy of eucalypts. Nesting was not synchronous. Their decline can be attributed to the fragmentation and clearing of the most productive habitats in WA for agriculture and urban expansion. Extensive areas of productive forest and woodlands are required to maintain colonies. As a result, Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters are vulnerable to land-clearing and climate change and should be listed as threatened. Currently they are listed as a species of ‘Least Concern’. Conservation of Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters and associated species will only be achieved through protection of extensive areas and corridors of intact forest and woodland, such as the Great Western Woodland in WA.

Результати формування генофонду калини звичайної (Viburnum opulus L.) для пріоритетних напрямів селекції в системі плодового і декоративного садівництва

Every year there is a growing interest in the purposeful collection and management of collections of fruit and berry plants that are not common in culture, as well as wild edible species. This should be seen as an important link in the conservation of their gene pool in situ, as there is evidence that such species are usually more difficult to conserve ex situ than leading food or forage crops. Many important agricultural species do not produce seeds that can be stored ex situ, and conservation of the gene pool of such plants is still not receiving sufficient attention. Among these cultures, a special place is occupied by Viburnum opulus L. culture. The goal of our research was the formation of a working collection of the Viburnum opulus L. as a source of implementation of priority areas of selection. The genetic fund of Ukraine was replenished with new samples of Viburnum opulus L.: Gorikhova (UN9400046), Osinnia (UN9400054), Sonetta (UN9400050), Plododekorna (UN9400051), Omriiana (UN9400048), Kralechka (UN9400047). Compared to the best varieties, they are characterized by high productivity, yield and quality of fruits, resistance to adverse environmental factors, which is important for the formation of plantations of rare crops in the system of fruit growing. The evaluation of Viburnum opulus L. genotypes by the level of expression of economically valuable traits was improved, and the evaluation of new Viburnum opulus L. samples by the level of expression of traits was carried out in comparison with the best varieties (forms) of the breeding of the Institute of Horticulture of the NAAS and its scientific network. The evaluation of new samples of Viburnum opulus L. was carried out for decorativeness, taking into account the architecture of the crown, the color of leaves, the decorativeness of inflorescences, flowers and fruits, the color of the bark of branches and shoots. It was found that among the new samples, Plododekorna form is characterized by high decorativeness (4.9 points), Osinnia, Omriiana, Kralechka, Sonetta and Gorikhova were characterized by sufficient decorativeness with a decorativeness score of 3.1-4. Key words: Viburnum opulus L., new breeding forms and varieties, economically valuable traits, decorativeness.

Comparison of the Content of Extractives in the Bark of the Trunk and the Bark of the Branches of Silver Fir (Abies alba Mill.)

The main objective of our study was to investigate the possible differences in the chemical composition of extractives from the bark of silver fir (Abies alba) with respect to the location of the bark sample on the tree, viz. differences in extract composition between stem bark and branch bark samples. Extractives in the bark samples from branches, depending on the distance of the sample from the trunk, were also analysed, and the stem bark samples were analysed with respect to their inner and outer parts. The results of the chemical analysis of extractives were supported by information about their antifungal and antioxidant effects. After felling and sampling silver fir trees, the collected bark samples were ground and freeze-dried. Extraction of bark samples was followed by a system of accelerated extraction using only water as a solvent. The extracts were analysed chemically using gravimetry, spectrophotometry and chromatography. Free-radical-scavenging activity was measured using the DPPH method, and the antifungal effect towards three moulds and three wood-decaying fungi was investigated with antifungal assay using the agar well diffusion method. It was found that the moisture content in bark samples decreased intensively just after the bark samples were peeled off the stem. Detailed chromatographic analysis showed that the bark extracts contained 14 compounds, among which phenolic acids, flavonoids and lignans were found to be the characteristic ones. The content of hydrophilic extractives in the branch bark samples decreased with increasing distance of the sample location from the tree stem. The largest amounts of phenolic extractives were measured in stem bark, followed by branch bark sampled at the point at which the branch entered the tree. Analysis of the separated parts of the bark showed that the outer layers of stem bark contained larger amounts of phenolic extractives, as well catechin and epicatechin, compared to the inner layers. Concentrated extracts of branch bark showed the largest free-radical-scavenging activity among the investigated samples, while strong antifungal effects of the bark extract were not found.

PROPERTIES OF GLUED PAPER FROM CELLULOSE MASS OF MULBERRY TREE BRANCHES

In an article to study the effect of sizing agent and filler on the structural features of paper from the cellulose mass of the inner layer of the bark of mulberry tree branches, mechanical strength, absorbency and sorption properties were studied. Tensile strength was determined on a tensile testing machine by the force causing the destruction of the sample. Surface absorbency at one side wetting was determined by the method of Cobb(30), by determining the mass of water absorbed by the surface of the paper when wetting one side of the test sample. Sorption properties were studied on a high-vacuum setup with mercury gates and McBain quartz balances according to water vapor sorption data. It was found that the internal 2% sizing of the paper pulp with cherry tree resin glue contributes to the strengthening of the paper structure, which is confirmed by the values of mechanical strength and surface absorbency when unilaterally wetted with water, relative to the values obtained when sizing with pine oleoresin rosin glue. When using glue from cherry resin, it is advisable to add 2 g of kaolin to 100 g of pulp from the inner layer of the bark of mulberry tree branches, since the increase negatively affects mechanical strength and hydrophobicity.

Enrichment and isolation of syringin and oleuropein from Syringa reticulata subsp. amurensis branch bark ionic liquid extract via macroporous resin adsorption and desorption

Enrichment and isolation of syringin and oleuropein from S yringa reticulata subsp. amurensis branch bark ionic liquid extracts was investigated and compared using a variety of macroporous adsorption resins. After comparison, HPD100B resin is found to provide a higher adsorption capacity and desorption ratio for syringin and oleuropein than the other resins, and was, thus, selected as the optimal resin. Moreover, the recycling of ionic liquid and regeneration and reuse of HPD100B resin was studied, which showed the achievement of better results. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to simulate the adsorption isotherm data for syringin and oleuropein at different temperatures to investigate the affinity of HPD100B resin for the corresponding solutes. Dynamic adsorption and desorption exams were conducted using a column packed with HPD100B resin, and the technical parameters were investigated and optimized. The purity of syringin in the product is determined to be 1.2%, and the purity of oleuropein is 10%, with recoveries of 73.58% and 75.00%, respectively. The proposed technique is shown to be a promising method for the preparation of syringin and oleuropein from S. reticulata subsp. amurensis branch bark or other herbal materials. • Syringin and oleuropein adsorption/desorption performance of 11 resins were compared. • S yringa reticulata subsp. amurensis branch bark ionic liquid extracts were considered. • The static and dynamic tests on a non-ionic polymeric resin was investigated. • Macroporous resin was attempted for separation target analytes from C4mimBr solution. • Resin HPD100B was the most suitable one from the testing of 11 types of resins.