Brachychiton Populneus Research Articles

The beautiful noctuid moth Chasmina pulchra (Doubleday) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a highly dispersive species, now established on urban kurrajongs Brachychiton populneus in southern Australia

ABSTRACT We report the establishment of the beautiful noctuid moth Chasmina pulchra in southern Australia following repeated self-introduction. First recorded in 1955 as a vagrant in suburban Adelaide, specimens have been collected or observed at an increasing rate since then. We have recently located a breeding population on the Adelaide Plains where the larvae feed on the introduced kurrajong tree Brachychiton populneus (Malvaceae), although other Brachychiton species are likely to be exploited elsewhere in its range. Native to the drier parts of eastern Australia, this drought-tolerant tree has been widely grown as a specimen or amenity tree in suburban Adelaide since the mid-nineteenth century. Chasmina pulchra appears to have an annual life cycle in South Australia, with adult moths active in the summer, December – March. Larvae cause characteristic scalloping on the leaf margins of the food plant. We present evidence that this tropical to subtropical native species has expanded its range into the southern half of the continent in the last few decades. We also report the first specimen collected in northern Tasmania, associated with a weather system that could have facilitated its movement across Bass Strait. Southward incursions are associated with both wetter and drier than average monthly rainfall totals just prior to the event. Together with recent records from southwestern Australia well beyond the natural range of a putative food plant, we conclude that C. pulchra is a highly dispersive species, behaviour consistent with at least one other species of Chasmina in the Old World.

Germination and Early Growth of Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) in Response to Different Shade Percentages and Sowing Depths.

A tree's ability to develop and its full potential depends on the environment in which it grows, especially during its early growth and germination stage. Due to the importance of planting depth and shadowing % as two important parameters for seed germination and early seedling growth under nursery conditions, this experiment was conducted to generate Brachychiton populneus seedlings at the optimal depth. In this study, three levels of shade conditions were tested with depths of 0, 1, 2, and 3 cm, respectively (0 percent shade, 50 percent shade, and 75 percent shade, respectively). The experimental design was factorial complete randomized design (CRD) with four replications for each treatment. At the end of the trial final germination percentages and vegetative growth parameters were measured. The results indicated that the different sowing depths and shade percentage treatments had a great significant influence on germination percentage, stem length, basal stem diameter, leaf number, and root length either in separately or in combination between both. Mean of germination percentage under zero shade percentage (full sunlight) significantly better than those under 50 and 75 shade percentage. Furthermore, the highest germination percentage was 80 % when the seeds were sown under full sunlight (zero shade percentage) and in 1 cm deep or under 50% shade percentage and 2 cm deep. Our results will help forest nurseries to produce healthy and a high quality of B. populneus seedlings for better chance of plantation programs.

Catalytic Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Brachychiton populneus Biomass for the Production of High-Value Bio-Crude

The current study focused on the heterogenous catalytic hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of Brachychiton populneus biomass seed, using Ni as hydrogenation catalyst and Fe as active hydrogen producer. The activity of Ni metal and of Ni/Al2O3 in the HTL of seed (BS) and of a mixture of seed and shell (BM) was studied. To establish the best operating process conditions, the influence of variation of temperature and reaction time on the product yields was also examined. The highest bio-crude yields of 57.18% and 48.23% for BS and BM, respectively, were obtained at 330 °C and 10 min of reaction time, in the presence of Ni/Al2O3 as catalyst and Fe as hydrogen donor. Elemental analysis results showed that at these operative conditions, an increase of the higher heating value (HHV) from 25.14 MJ/kg to 38.04 MJ/kg and from 17.71 MJ/kg to 31.72 MJ/kg was obtained for BS and BM biomass, respectively, when the combination of Fe and Ni/Al2O3 was used. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), used to determine the oils’ chemical compositions, showed that the combined presence of Fe and Ni/Al2O3 favored the hydrodeoxygenation of the fatty acids into hydrocarbons, indeed their amount increased to ≈20% for both biomasses used. These results demonstrate that the obtained bio-crude has the capacity to be a source of synthetic fuels and chemical feedstock.

Efficacy of Sterculia diversifolia Leaf Extracts: Volatile Compounds, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity, and Green Synthesis of Potential Antibacterial Silver Nanoparticles.

Sterculia diversifolia, widely distributed in Jordan as an ornamental plant, is a synonoum for Brachychiton populneus. Phytochemical studies examining the volatile chemicals in Sterculia diversifolia leaves are limited, despite the rising demand for their numerous applications. Furthermore, it was only recently that a report described the friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extract derived from Brachychiton populneus leaves. Therefore, AgNPs were produced using either aqueous plant extracts (AgWPE) or ethanolic plant extracts (AgEPE), and Shimadzu GC-MS equipment was used to detect volatile compounds in the ethanolic leaf extracts. GC-MS profile of leaf ethanolic extracts of the Jordanian chemotypes of S. diversifolia revealed the existence of major components: (3β)-Lup-20(29)-en-3-ol acetate (30.97%) and 1-octadecyne (24.88). Other compounds are squalene (7.19%), germanicol (6.23), dl-α-tocopherol (5.24), heptacosane (4.41), phytol (3.54) and pentacosane (2.89). According to published studies, these reported chemicals have numerous uses, including as animal feed, vitamin precursors, possible eco-friendly herbicides, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Aqueous extracts of S. diversifolia leaves had total phenolic of 5.33 mg GAE/g extract and flavonoid contents of 64.88 mg QE/g extract, respectively. The results indicated the contribution of phenolic and flavonoids to this plant’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The reduction in AgNO3 to AgNPs using S. diversifolia leaf extracts was confirmed by the change in solution color from colorless to dark black. Further characterization was attempted by X-ray diffraction, Malvern zeta-sizer and scanning electron microscope. The efficacy of synthesized Ag nanoparticles using aqueous or ethanolic plant extract of S. diversifolia against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus showed appreciable activity at 25 µg/mL concentration compared to the source plant extracts.

Characterization and Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Cytotoxic Activities of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Brachychiton populneus Leaf Extract

Bionanotechnology is the combination of biotechnology and nanotechnology for the development of biosynthetic and environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis technology. The presented research work adopted a reliable and environmentally sustainable approach to manufacturing silver nanoparticles from Brachychiton populneus (BP-AgNPs) leaf extract in aqueous medium. The Brachychiton populneus-derived silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). In addition, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cytotoxic activities of AgNPs were brought to light. The synthesis of BP-AgNPs was verified at 453 nm wavelength by UV–Vis spectrum. FTIR analysis revealed that synthesis, stability, and capping of AgNPs depend on functional groups such as alkane, alkene, nitro, flouro, phenol, alcoholic, and flavones, present in plant extract. The SEM analysis revealed evenly distributed cubical-shaped nanoparticles. The average diameter of AgNPs was 12 nm calculated from SEM image through ImageJ software. EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of Ag at 3 keV and other trace elements such as oxygen and chlorine. The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles exhibited proven antioxidant (DPPH assay), antidiabetic (alpha amylase assay), anti-inflammatory (albumin denaturation assay), and cytotoxic (MTT assay) potential against U87 and HEK293 cell lines in comparison to standard drugs. In these assays, BP-AgNPs exhibited inhibition in a concentration-dependent manner and had lower IC50 values compared to standards. All these outcomes suggest that silver nanoparticles work as a beneficial biological agent. The salient features of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles propose their effective applications in the biomedical domain in the future.

Engineering of highly Brachychiton populneus shells@polyaniline bio-sorbent for efficient removal of pesticides from wastewater: Optimization using BBD-RSM approach

New biocomposite based on polyaniline and Brachychiton populneus shells (BP@PANI) was successfully synthesized through in situ chemical polymerization. The prepared composite was characterized using different analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The BP@PANI material was effectively used as an adsorbent to remove thiabendazole (TBZ) and methyl parathion (MP) pesticides from wastewater. The kinetic and equilibrium results indicated that the adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm. The optimum adsorption amounts were 255.39 and 78.59 mg.g−1 for TBZ and MP, respectively. The biosorption mechanism of both pesticides was evaluated and assigned to electrostatic interactions, pi-pi interactions and hydrogen bonding. The desorption study proved the excellent recycling of BP@PANI biosorbent. Moreover, the biosorption process was optimized by the response surface methodology combined with the Box Behnken design (RSM-BBD). The optimal parameters were found to be : Dose = 0.88 g.L−1, Ci = 5 mg.L−1 and Time = 100 min for TBZ and Dose = 1 g.L−1, Ci = 5 mg.L−1 and Time = 120 min for MP. The predicted elimination efficiency was determined to be 85% for TBZ and 84% for MP. The experimental data obtained were in good agreement with that predicted by the model, which indicates the importance of the RSM approach in terms of modeling and optimization.

Synthesis of biodiesel from non-edible (Brachychiton populneus) oil in the presence of nickel oxide nanocatalyst: Parametric and optimisation studies

The present study defines a novel green method for the synthesis of the nickel oxide nanocatalyst by using an aqueous latex extract of the Ficus elastic. The catalyst was examined for the conversion of novel Brachychiton populneus seed oil (BPSO) into biodiesel. The Brachychiton populneus seeds have a higher oil content (41 wt%) and free fatty acid value (3.8 mg KOH/g). The synthesised green nanocatalyst was examined by the Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-Ray (EDX) spectroscopy, X-Ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The obtained results show that the synthesised green nanocatalyst was 22–26 nm in diameter and spherical-cubic in shape with a higher rate of catalytic efficiency. It was utilised further for the conversion of BPSO into biofuel. Due to the high free fatty acid value, the biodiesel was synthesised by the two-step process, i.e., pretreatment of the BPSO by means of acid esterification and then followed by the transesterification reaction. The acidic catalyst (H2SO4) was used for the pretreatment of BPSO. The optimum condition for the transesterification of the pretreated BPSO was 1:9 of oil-methanol molar ratio, 2.5 wt % of prepared nanocatalyst concentration and 85 °C of reaction temperature corresponding to the highest biodiesel yield of 97.5 wt%. The synthesised biodiesel was analysed by the FT-IR and GC-MS technique to determine the chemical composition of fatty acid methyl esters. Fuel properties of Brachychiton populneus seed oil biodiesel (BPSOB) were also examined, compared, and it falls in the prescribed range of ASTM standards.

Effects of Light and Fertilizer Amounts on Seedling Growth of Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.)

Nutrient application and light intensity are two important abiotic factors that affect the plant growth and development. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different NPK fertilizer amount, viz. 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g.pot-1, light regimes, viz. 50% full sunlight (inside the lath house) and 100% full sunlight (the open area) and their interactions on the growth, chlorophyll contents and biomass of potted Brachychiton populneus seedlings. At the end of the experiment, (after six months) growth parameter including plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm) and leaf numbers, chlorophyll contents and biomass allocation were measured. The results indicate that the greatest stem height increment, stem diameter increment, leaf number increment, stem dry weight and leaf dry weight were obtained from the seedlings grown in the open area. However, the highest chlorophyll content and root dry weight were observed from the seedlings grown inside the lath house. In addition, the seedlings fertilized with 3 and/or 4 g NPK every two months recorded higher growth traits, chlorophyll content and biomass allocation than other amounts of the fertilizer. Thus, the present study suggests that in order to obtain optimum growth of B. populneus potted seedlings, it should be grown in the open area and fertilized with 3 or 4 g NPK every two months.

Study some of Morphological and Physiological Traits of Kurrajong Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) Seedlings Planted under Water Stress Conditions

In this study, Brachychiton populneus seedlings were subjected to drought stress for 90 Days and physiological and morphological characters analyzed to determine their response to water deficit. The growth characters including, height and diameter of shoots, the dry weight of shoots and roots as well as photosynthetic pigment and the leaves content of relative water content were measured to evaluate the effects of drought in the physiological growth of plant. The lowest means; 59 cm and 8 mm of shoot height and diameter respectively were recorded at 30% of water holding capacity of soil (WHC). Drought treated seedlings at both 60% and 30% WHC had lower dry weight of shoots; 9.54 and 8.24 g plant-1 respectively compared to the control. Consequently, the increase of drought conditions led to enhancement the growth of roots and roots to shoots ratio. The highest increase in the dry weight of roots and roots to shoots ratio were25.96 g plant-1 and 3.19 recorded under severe drought stress condition. Lowest amount of chlorophyll a; 2.94 mg g-1 F W recorded under 30% SWHC. It is found also the total content of chlorophyll in the leaves decreased significantly; 5.86 and 7.88 mg g-1 F W under both levels. While the highest ratio of chlorophyll a: b was 1.59 recorded at 60% SWHC. However, the lowest leave relative water content LRWC%; 86% was recorded under 30% SWHC. These findings may explain the characters of the early growth and physiological responses of, Brachychiton populneus to dehydration and facilitate the selection of drought-resistant tree families.

The spatial modulation of microfibril angle in the woody tissue of maturing tree stems studied with synchrotron radiation

Spatial variations in the microfibril angle (MFA) of cellulose are mapped on individual radial sections of wood from the maturing stems of Australian tree species (Acacia floribunda, Acacia suaveolens, Acacia doratoxylon, Acacia havilandiorum, Brachychiton populneus and Bertya cunninghamii) from different rainfall and soil nutrient availabilities using synchrotron wide angle X-ray scattering. For the three species with the smallest radial variation there is a clear linear relationship between the MFA with Young’s modulus and wood density with data published previously for these samples. The other three samples show a large radially symmetric variation in MFA across the radial section either having a continuous change from large MFA in the stem’s centre to small value close to the bark or the reverse, small MFA at the centre to larger values close to the bark. For these samples, a strong linear correlation between the Young’s modulus and density and the MFA is not apparent. We conclude that spatially localised measurements of MFA provide an important insight in the adaptation of wood tissue to environmental conditions.

Adsorption of cationic dye methyl green from aqueous solution onto activated carbon prepared from BrachychitonPopulneus fruit shell

Activated carbon adsorbent prepared from Brachychiton Populneus fruit shell, biomass materials, is used for the removal of Methyl Green (MG) from aqueous solutions. For the purposes of the experiment (characterization of the adsorbent), we have used various methods, namely BET, FTIR and SEM. The various parameters influencing adsorption: contact time, initial concentration, mass of the adsorbent and temperature have been studied in batch systems. The modeling of the experimental data showed that the pseudo-second order model perfectly described the adsorption kinetics and the Langmuir model seems to be the most suitable for the equilibrium data with a maximum adsorption capacity of 67.93 mg/g. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption of the MG dye is a spontaneous and exothermic phenomenon. This study confirms that activated carbon prepared from agricultural wastes has a high adsorption potential, making it an effective means for removing MG from aqueous solutions.

Brachychiton populneus as a novel source of bioactive ingredients with therapeutic effects: antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory properties and LC-ESI-MS profile.

Brachychiton populneus is one of the unexploited Tunisian plants, traditionally eaten as food and used for medicinal purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the phytochemical components of the seeds, leaves and flowers from B. populneus using three different solvents and to explore their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Further, this study was focused on the identification of phenolic compounds from the most active extract. In vitro, all extracts showed strong antioxidant property by DPPH, ferrous ion chelating and lipid peroxidation-inhibiting assays, noticeable anti-inflammatory activity by protein denaturation and membrane stabilization methods and important neuroprotective effects by acetylcholinesterase inhibitory test. In vivo, B. populneus (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, i.p.) showed significant dose-response anti-inflammatory effects against carrageenan-induced paw edema. With respect to the phenolic profile, the leaf methanol extract presented eight phenolic acids, one flavone and four flavonoids, with salvianolic acid B (820.3mg/kg), caffeic acid (224.03mg/kg), syringic acid (100.2mg/kg) and trans-ferulic acid (60.02mg/kg) as the major compounds. The results of the current study suggested that B. populneus could be a precious source of health-benefitting biomolecules and may be developed as new antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and AChE inhibitors.

Morphological, phytochemical and anti-hyperglycemic evaluation of Brachychiton populneus

Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br., Malvaceae, is one of five Brachychiton species cultivated in Egypt. Little information was found concerning the morphological, phytochemical and biological investigations of B. populneus. Morphological investigations of B. populneus were performed on fresh and dried leaves. Air-dried, ground leafy branches were extracted with 70% methanol/water yielding B. populneus extract. Seventeen flavonoids were isolated and identified using different chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques; eleven of them were reported for the first time from this plant. Potential activity of B. populneus extract against alloxan inducing oxidative stress and diabetes in male rats was preliminary investigated (four groups of ten rats /group). B. populneus extract (500 mg/kg bw i.p.) exhibited significant acute anti-hyperglycemic activity with blood glucose levels of 227.3 and 157.6 mg/dl after 4 and 24 h, respectively, compared to alloxan and standard Diamicron (5 mg/kg bw p.o.) groups, as well as to a normoglycemic control group at p < 0.05. The extract reverted the body weight values of the alloxan-induced diabetic rats to that of control animals after 24 h. In addition, B. populneus extract counteracted the effect of the oxidative stress induced by alloxan causing significantly increase in the glutathione content level (2.35 mmol/l) and relative decrease in the malondialdehyde level (21.31 nmol/l) and nitric oxide content (1.98 μmol/l) in serum after 24 h of treatment compared to alloxan-induced diabetic rats (1.01 mmol/l, 118.9 nmol/l, 4.69 μmol/l, respectively) and to normoglycemic control at p < 0.05. These effects appear to be related to the flavonoid principles. The intergeneric relationship of the genus Brachychiton and other related genera assessed well-supported differentiation between them. Furthermore, a significant dissimilarity was observed at interspecific level.

Estimation of phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant potencies of Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br.

BackgroundPlants either in raw form or their isolated bioactive constituents are utilized as complementary and alternative medicine in various disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate chief phytochemical constituents of various fractions of Brachychiton populneus leaves and its antioxidative aptitude against free radicals.MethodsVarious fractions of B. populneus were prepared through solvent–solvent extraction technique based on their polarity and screened for phytochemical classes, total phenolic (TPC), flavonoid (TFC) and total tannin (TTC) content. Antioxidant effects of the extracts were manifested by in vitro multidimensional assays i.e. DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging, iron chelating, nitric oxide scavenging, β-carotene bleaching, phosphomolybdenum and reducing power assay.ResultsQualitative screening of various fractions of B. populneus ensured the presence of alkaloids, saponins, terpenoids, phenols, tannins, triterpenoids and flavonoids. Quantitative analysis revealed that aqueous fraction (BPA) showed maximum quantity of TPC and TFC followed by BPE and BPB. In terms of IC50 values BPA exhibited minimum values in all the in vitro antioxidant assays. However, the phytochemicals and yield did not accumulate in various fractions on polarity.ConclusionOur results indicated the presence of various polyphenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids etc. The yield of various fractions and qualitative phytochemical analysis did not correlate with polarity of solvents. Various antioxidant assays exhibited significant (p < 0.05) correlation with TPC and TFC and renders B. populneus with therapeutic potential against free-radical-associated oxidative damages and this effect was significant with BPA.

Evaluation of mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of stem bark aqueous extracts of eight trees by the bacterial reverse mutation assay

Stem bark aqueous extracts of eight woody plants Brachychiton populneus, Ceiba pentandra, Bombax malabaricum, Chorisia speciosa, Albizia lebbeck, Bauhinia variegata, Kigelia africana and Pinus halepensis were tested for their mutagenic and antimutagenic potential in the Ames test with Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98 and TA100. The aqueous extracts were neither toxic nor mutagenic in S. typhimurium tester strains. All of the tested extracts showed detectable antimutagenic effect towards the direct acting mutagens 2-nitrofluorene (2-NF) in TA98 as well as sodium azide in TA100. The extract from Kigelia africana was the most effective in reducing the mutagenicity caused by the direct mutagen 2-NF in the TA98 with 85.42% inhibition rate. A. lebbeck stem bark extract demonstrated the highest antimutagenic activity reducing the base substitution mutations rate for strain TA100 by 94.66% in pre-incubation assay. The results obtained showed that the stem bark aqueous extracts tested can protect cells against induced gene mutations.

Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br. ameliorate carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers and inflammatory mediators in Sprague-Dawley male rats

In this study hepatoprotective aptitude of Brachychiton populneus against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) instigated liver injuries in rats was investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) analysis of methanol extract of B. populneus (BPM) indicated existence of rutin, catechin and myricetin. Administration of CCl4 to rat decreased (p < 0.01) the level of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), soluble protein and reduced glutathione (GSH) whereas elevated the concentration of H2O2, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite in hepatic samples. In serum the level of hepatic markers; aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin increased with CCl4 treatment against control animals. In hepatic samples the expression level of endoplasmic reticulum stress associated genes like glucose regulated protein (GRP78), x-box binding protein- 1 total (XBP-1 t), x-box binding protein- 1 spliced (XBP-1 s), x-box binding protein- 1 unspliced (XBP-1 u), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was elevated many fold with CCl4 administration to rat. Co-administration of BPM along with CCl4 to rats decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of above genes except GCLC where expression level was enhanced as compared to CCl4 treatment. Histopathology of liver showed injuries of hepatocytes, infiltration of leukocytes and damaged central lobule in CCl4 treated rats. However, BPM administration to CCl4 intoxicated rats restored the altered parameters towards the control rats. These results suggested the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents in methanol extract of B. populneus.

Breaking seed coat dormancy of six tree species

Breaking physical dormancy in some forest seeds is a challenge for scientists and forest managers to obtain an homogeneous germination for larger seed samples. The role played by the seed coat in seed dormancy of six trees with great interest in agroforestry (Robinia pseudoacacia, Leucaena leucocephala, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Styphnolobium japonicum, Acacia dealbata and Brachychiton populneus) was tested by the effects of the pretreatment and its duration on the performance of seed germination, by considering the final germination percentage (FGP) and the mean germination time (MGT). These parameters are estimated at various times of incubation (5, 10 and 15 days) in Petri dishes and stored in darkness at (25 ± 2°C). The pretreatment consists of an immersion of seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid during 30, 60 and 90 minutes.&#x0D; Sowing without pretreatment (control) revealed no germination induction for B. populneus and A. dealbata, except for R. pseudoacacia, L. leucocephala and S. japonica where the germination does not exceed 12% for all the experience duration. Generally, pretreatments were very useful to improve seed germination. The time of immersion into sulphuric acid significantly affected (P &lt; 0.0001) the FGP and the MGT in all studied species. A duration of 30 minutes of soaking was adequate to give a very high rate of germination for L. leucocephala, E. gilliesii, S. japonica and A. dealbata with respective FGP of 100%, 95%, 100% and 100%. However, an extended duration of pretreatment of 60 minutes was necessary for a maximal germination for R. pseudoacacia and B. populneus with FGP of 85% and 100%, respectively. A prolonged duration of 90 minutes of presowing was very fatal for L. leucocephala, A. dealbata and B. populneus. An excellent germinative strength is characterized by a higher FGP and a reduced MGT.

A Comparative Study of Brachychiton populneus Seed and Seed-Fiber Oils in Tunisia

We conducted a comparative study of two oils extracted from Brachychiton populneus seeds and seed fibers grown in Tunisia. Oil yields from seed and seed fiber were 29.95 and 5.30%, respectively. GC-MS analysis showed that the most abundant fatty acid was linoleic acid (37.91%) followed by oleic acid (30.67%) in seeds. In seed fiber, the most abundant were oleic acid (62.04%) and linoleic acid (11.90%). Sterculic acid (7.27%), a rare fatty acid, was detected in seed oil. Moreover, carotenoid and chlorophyll levels were approximately two-fold higher in seed-fiber oil (39.66 and 1.9 mg/kg) than in seed oil (19.48 and 0.78 mg/kg). Tocol contents were more than 10-fold higher in fiber-seed oil (979.31 mg/100 g) than in seed oil (83.2 mg/100 g). Furthermore, thermal behavior (TGA and DSC) in both oils, and the antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and oxidative stability at different temperatures in seed oil were evaluated. The results of this study suggest that B. populneus seed oil may have an important role in non-food applications and that seed-fiber oil is a source of high-value compounds.

The alien flora of terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Rodos island (Se Aegean), Greece

Abstract Galanos Ch. J.: The alien flora of terrestrial and marine ecosystems of Rodos island (SE Aegean), Greece. — Willdenowia 45: 261–278. 2015. — Version of record first published online on 20 July 2015 ahead of inclusion in August 2015 issue; ISSN 1868-6397; © 2015 BGBM Berlin. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3372/wi.45.45211 The alien flora of the Greek island of Rodos (SE Aegean) is presented. This study is based on fieldwork carried out by the author up to June 2015, as well as on the literature found to date. The present checklist consists of 101 alien taxa of vascular plants, of which 27 are recorded for the first time as new for the alien flora of Rodos. Of these, 14 are also new for the alien flora of Greece. Of these, seven are naturalized: Austrocylindropuntia subulata, Erythrina lysistemon, Ficus microcarpa, Myoporum tenuifolium, Senecio angulatus, Washingtonia filifera and Yucca gloriosa; and seven are casual: Bauhinia variegata, Brachychiton populneus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Jacaranda mimosifo...

Vegetation of Little Bora Nature Conservation Trust Agreement, North Western Slopes, New South Wales.

The vegetation of the Little Bora Nature Conservation Trust Agreement property (560 ha in area), 8 km south east of Bingara (lat 29° 55’S long 150° 37’) in the Gwydir Shire and within the Nandewar Bioregion is described. Eight vegetation communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground truthing, ADS40 imagery interpretation, topography and substrate. Communities described are: 1) Melaleuca bracteata – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Eucalyptus camaldulensis Woodland, 2) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Eucalyptus albens Woodland, 3) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Brachychiton populneus Woodland, 4) Eucalyptus albens Woodland, 5) Eucalyptus caleyi – Eucalyptus albens – Callitris glaucophylla Woodland, 6) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Eucalyptus albens Woodland, 7) Austrostipa verticillata – Austrostipa scabra Derived Grassland, 8) Eucalyptus melliodora – Eucalyptus dealbata Woodland. A total of 232 vascular plant taxa were found of which 14% were considered exotic in origin. 66 ha of listed threatened communities were mapped along with populations of a currently listed Extinct plant (TSC Act) Dodonaea stenophylla.