Salix Fragilis Research Articles

Spectral Variations of Reclamation Vegetation in Rare Earth Mining Areas Using Continuous–Discrete Wavelets and Their Impact on Chlorophyll Estimation

Ion-adsorption rare earth mining areas are primarily situated in the hilly regions of southern China. However, mining activities have led to extensive deforestation of the original vegetation. The reclamation vegetation planted for ecological restoration faces significant challenges in surviving under environmental stresses, including heavy metal pollution, ammonia nitrogen contamination, and soil drought. To rapidly and accurately monitor the growth of reclamation vegetation, this study investigates the spectral variations and their impact on the accuracy of chlorophyll estimation, utilizing hyperspectral data and relative chlorophyll content (SPAD). Specifically, continuous–discrete wavelet transforms were applied, along with the original spectra and first derivative spectra, to enhance spectral anomalies in the reclamation vegetation and identify chlorophyll-sensitive spectral features. Additionally, multiple linear stepwise regression and backpropagation neural network models were employed to estimate chlorophyll content. The results revealed the following: (1) the d5 and d6 scales of the discrete wavelet effectively highlighted spectral anomalies in the reclamation vegetation; (2) Salix japonica (Salix fragilis L.), among typical reclamation species, exhibited poor adaptability to the environmental conditions of the rare earth mining area; (3) the backpropagation neural network model demonstrated superior performance in chlorophyll estimation, with the spectral features Fir, Fir_d4, Fir_d5, and Fir_d6 significantly enhancing the accuracy of the model, achieving an R2 of 0.93 for Photinia glabra (Photinia glabra (Thunb.) Maxim.). The application of continuous–discrete wavelet transforms to hyperspectral data significantly improves the precision of chlorophyll estimation, underscoring the potential of this method for the rapid monitoring of reclamation vegetation growth.

Scars from human-tree interactions: pollarding, pathogens, body reserves, and long-term response by Salix fragilis L. (Salicaceae) in Scodovacca, Italy

ABSTRACT Arboriculture provides opportunities for assessing long-term tree-environment interactions. We assessed the surrounding context, scars, re-sprouts, and absolute width-growth of twenty-four Salix fragilis trees pollarded by the grandfather, father, and son of one family covering 120 years, quantifying the effects of cut, microorganism-infection, and body-accumulated photosynthate on the pollards’ resprout-and-growth. We determined pollard diameter, age, scars-number (C) and basal area (CAB), median times pruned (Cmn), putrid holes number (H), cumulative length (HL), and length-average (HAV), and two indicators of remaining photosynthate (Q, and QAV). Response variables were number of re-sprouts (RN), re-sprout-basal area (RAB), and trunk’s Absolute Growth (AG; Classic (MLR), and Bayesian Multiple Linear Regressions (BMLR)). The pollards experienced similar incoming light, water, CO2, nutrients, and temperatures. Higher C-values for 40-year-old pollards produced higher H-values (Linear Regression, R2 = 0.54, p = 0.02; Bayesian Linear Regression: BF10 = 3.79, n = 8) suggesting more infection when cutting. RN slightly changed in response to life-long accumulated CAB, Cmn, H, and HAV (BMLR, BF10 from 1.10 to 2.82, n = 24). RAB slightly changed responding to C, H, HAV, Q, and QAV (BMLR, BF10 = 1.11; MLR: p < 0.05, n = 24). AG declined in response to Cmn (MLR, R2 = 0.38, p < 0.001, n = 24). Thus, under favourable conditions severely wounded-and-infected trees keep re-sprouting and growing, even if growth is reduced.

Potential Deforestation and Greenhouse Gas Emission from Tree-Based Land Use Systems in Kashmir Himalayas

The present study was reported in context of potential deforestation and its impact on GHG emissions from tree-based land use system of Ganderbal district in Kashmir Himalayas. The present study was aimed at quantifying and estimating the potential deforestation of different tree-based land-use systems and their role in mitigating climate change. Most of the tree species grown under agroforestry were local and multipurpose trees that were economically useful to the farmers. Poplar (Populus deltoids) was the most predominant species followed by willow, (Salix alba), Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) apple (Malus domestica), and Kiker (Robinia pseudoacacia). The majority of the tree species under agroforestry were maintained for fuelwood and fodder, and only a few species for timber. Populus deltoides, Populus nigra, Salix alba, and Salix fragilis were found to be highly preferred for fuelwood, fodder, and timber extraction. The average biomass (fuelwood, fodder, and small timber extraction of 297 Q/yr and potential deforestation of 156.32 Q/yr was recorded from the study area. Horti-Silvi-pastoral systems and Homegardens were recorded for the highest biomass extraction. Hence these trees-based land use systems can be utilized for small-scale needs and deforestation can be reduced.

Effect of riparian invasion by the crack willow (Salix fragilis) on ecosystem metabolism in North Patagonian streams

Effect of riparian invasion by the crack willow (Salix fragilis) on ecosystem metabolism in North Patagonian streams

Inter- and intraspecific diversity of Salix bark phenolic profiles – A resource for the pharmaceutical industry

Due to their content of phenolic compounds, willow bark preparations are used as an herbal remedy. The large diversity of phenolic secondary metabolites in Salix still provides a resource for the identification of bioactive compounds in particular species, including species not yet in focus from a phytopharmaceutical perspective. The present study describes the bark phenolic profile of 13 Salix species analyzed by HPLC-MS: Salix alba, Salix babylonica, Salix daphnoides, Salix fragilis, Salix hastata, Salix myrsinifolia, Salix pentandra, Salix purpurea, Salix repens (including subspecies S. repens ssp. arenaria and S. repens ssp. repens), Salix rosmarinifolia, Salix sachalinensis, Salix triandra and Salix viminalis. The analyzed profiles comprised the chemical groups of salicylates, flavonoids, procyanidins, phenolic acid derivatives, and some unclassified phenolics. Particular compounds were detected in species where they have not been previously reported. Apart from interspecific diversity, qualitative variability within species was observed as certain components were detected only in some of the analyzed genotypes. The knowledge on specific phenolic profiles of species and genotypes is the basis for the selection of suitable willow bark material with certain desired bioactive properties. Furthermore, the high inter- and intraspecific variability points out the necessity for product standardization of willow bark raw material.

Diversity, Distribution and Vegetation Assessment of Woody Plant Species in the Cold Desert Environment, North-Western Himalaya, India

The species richness, distribution and community structure in cold desert regions across the world are poorly understood because of their inaccessibility and remoteness. Similarly, the structure and composition of forest resources, including other management units (i.e., agroforestry and forestry systems), have hardly been studied in the cold desert of the Lahaul valley. However, such information is a prerequisite to understanding the trends and changes in the vegetation distribution under global climate change scenarios, especially considering the sensitivity of plant species in high-altitude areas of the Himalayan region. High anthropogenic activity has exerted tremendous pressure on available forest resources, including other management units in the cold desert of the Lahaul valley. Standard ecological methods were used to obtain an ecological (i.e., status, structure, composition and vegetation patterns) understanding of the region for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability. The present study was aimed at understanding the trend, structure and composition of plant species in the cold desert region of the western Himalaya. A total of 64 species (27 trees and 37 shrubs) of vascular plants were recorded in the present study. Tree diversity demonstrated greater variation along the gradients and slope aspects. Salix fragilis trees, with a 102 tree ha−1 density and a few trees of Populus nigra, were found to be sparsely distributed under the agroforestry system on the south-facing slopes in Khoksar. In Jahlma, Salix fragilis grew in an agroforestry system with a density of 365 tree ha−1. However, in Hinsa, Juniperus polycarpos was a dominant tree species in the agroforestry system, with a density of 378 tree ha−1. On the north-facing slopes in Kuthar, a higher number of trees and bushes were present due to natural regeneration maintained by farmers along the edges of terraced agricultural fields. The south-facing slopes showed a relatively lower species richness and diversity as compared to north-facing slopes at similar locations due to relatively less favourable growth conditions under sun-exposed, extremely xeric soil conditions. The highest level of species turnover was found between the altitudes of 2400 m and 3000 m. Betula utilis showed the highest adaptability at higher altitudes (&gt;3500 m). The vegetation analysis results and information generated in the present study are useful for gaining an ecological understanding of the cold desert ecosystem in the Lahaul valley. Sustainable forest resource management, including other management units (e.g., agroforestry and forestry systems), is crucial for improving the vegetation pattern, structure and function of the cold desert ecosystem, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity and ecosystem service conservation.

Leaf volatile and nonvolatile metabolites show different levels of specificity in response to herbivory.

Plants produce diverse chemical defenses with contrasting effects on different insect herbivores. Deploying herbivore-specific responses can help plants increase their defensive efficiency. Here, we explore how variation in induced plant responses correlates with herbivore species, order, feeding guild, and level of specialization. In a greenhouse experiment, we exposed 149 plants of Salix fragilis (Linnaeus, 1753) to 22 herbivore species naturally associated with this host. The insects belonged to four orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hemiptera, and Hymenoptera), three feeding guilds (external leaf-chewers, leaf-tying chewers, and sap-sucking), and included both dietary specialists and generalists. Following herbivory, we quantified induced changes in volatiles and nonvolatile leaf metabolites. We performed multivariate analyses to assess the correlation between herbivore order, feeding guild, dietary specialization, chewing damage by herbivores, and induced responses. The volatile composition was best explained by chewing damage and insect order, with Coleoptera and Lepidoptera eliciting significantly different responses. Furthermore, we recorded significant differences in elicited volatiles among some species within the two orders. Variation in nonvolatile leaf metabolites was mainly explained by the presence of insects, as plants exposed to herbivores showed significantly different metabolites from controls. Herbivore order also played a role to some extent, with beetles eliciting different responses than other herbivores. The induction of volatile and nonvolatile leaf metabolites shows different levels of specificity. The specificity in volatiles could potentially serve as an important cue to specialized predators or parasitoids, increasing the efficacy of volatiles as indirect defenses. By contrast, the induction of nonvolatile leaf metabolites was largely unaffected by herbivore identity. Most nonvolatile metabolites were downregulated, possibly indicating that plants redirected their resources from leaves in response to herbivory. Our results demonstrate how diverse responses to herbivores can contribute to the diversity of plant defensive strategies.

Honeydew production by the Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus, Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its effect on foraging yellowjackets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae).

Understanding the factors that promote the success of invasive species is important for managing biological invasions. Interactions between invasives and other species (e.g., competitors, pathogens, or predators), could favor or limit their success. In recent decades, yellowjacket wasps, including Vespula germanica and V. vulgaris, have successfully established in Patagonia. Additionally, the invasive willow Salix fragilis has invaded areas next to watercourses, which in turn are typically colonized by the giant willow aphid (GWA, Tuberolagnus salignus), an additional species characterized as a successful invader in many regions worldwide. Aphid exudate (honeydew) has been reported to be used as a carbohydrate source by social wasps. The aim of our study was to gain a better understanding of the infestation pattern of the GWA in northwestern Patagonia, its effect on exudate availability and its relationship with yellowjacket foraging patterns. The study was conducted under the working hypothesis that the increase in the size of GWA colonies and resulting honeydew production, will fuel an increase in local Vespula spp. We found that the aphid honeydew is produced in relatively high amounts in the region (estimated at 1517 ± 139 Kg/ha/season), with strong indications that it is used by yellowjackets because of the significantly higher abundance levels of yellowjackets foraging on honeydew. The interaction of three invasive species, willows, GWA and yellowjackets, needs to receive special attention to develop future environmentally-sound mitigation tools of these nuisance pest.

Mobilisation of Cd, Mn, and Zn in floodplains by action of plants and its consequences for spreading historical contamination and fluvial geochemistry.

Cadmium, Mn, and Zn are mobilised by plants commonly growing in floodplains, most notably willows (Salix) and alder (Alnus). These plants accumulate unwanted elements (Cd) or excessive element concentrations (Mn, Zn) in their foliage, thus introducing them into the food web and enriching them in floodplain surface by litterfall. In floodplain of the Litavka River in Czechia, contaminated by historical mining activities, up to 100mgkg-1Cd and up to several thousand mgkg-1Mn and Zn are present in willow leaves in autumn, probably close maxima for sustainable plant growth. Willows and alders show seasonal growth of their foliar Mn and Zn. The willow leaves showed Cd/Zn larger than contaminated fluvisol of the Litavka River. Senesced willow leaves thus contribute to spread of risk elements from historically contaminated floodplains back to river water even without the bank erosion. Alders and willows alter geochemical cycles of Cd, Mn, and Zn in fluvial systems and increase Cd/Zn and Mn/Fe concentration ratios and Cd and Mn concentrations in fluvially transported particles relative to global geochemical averages as well as relative to floodplain sediments. Willows, in particular Salix fragilis L., S. aurita L, and S. cinerea L are particularly important "plant pumps". Other common floodplain plants, such as bird cherry (Prunus padus L.) and herbaceous plants (common nettle, Urtica dioica L. and grasses, Poaceae) do not contribute to those phenomena.

Developing a glyphosate-bioremediation strategy using plants and actinobacteria: Potential improvement of a riparian environment

Glyphosate (Gly) and its principal degradation product, the aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) were found in soils from a riparian environment in Argentina. Sixty-five actinobacteria were isolated from these soils, rhizosphere, and plants (Festuca arundinacea and Salix fragilis). The isolate Streptomyces sp. S5 was selected to be used as bioinoculant in a greenhouse test, in which plants, actinobacteria, and their combinations were assessed to bioremediate the riparian soil. The dissipation of both compounds were estimated. All treatments dissipated similarly the Gly, reaching 87–92 % of dissipation. AMPA, dissipation of 38 % and 42 % were obtained by Salix and Festuca, respectively, while they increased to 57 % and 70 % when the actinobacterium was added to each planted system. Regarding the total dissipation, the higher efficiencies for both compounds were achieved by the non-planted soils bioaugmented with the actinobacterium, with 91 % of Gly dissipated and 56 % for AMPA. According to our study, it could be suggested which strategy could be applied depending on the bioremediation type needed. If in situ bioremediation is necessary, the combination of phytoremediation and actinobacteria bioaugmentation could be convenient. On the other hand, if ex situ bioremediation is needed, the inoculation of the soil with an actinobacterium capable to dissipate Gly and AMPA could be the more efficient and easier alternative.

INVASIVE CYCLE AND ASSESSMENT OF THE DEPTH OF INVASION OF REPRESENTATIVES OF DENDROFLORA OF UKRAINE IN THE SOME ECOSYSTEMS BY EUROPEAN MISTLETOE (VÍSCUM ÁLBUM L.)

Research is related to the biology and ecology of white mistletoe (Víscum álbum L.), with an analysis of its impact on the dendroflora of natural and artificial ecosystems. The sequence of stages of the invasive cycle of mistletoe, starting from the stage of infection, the intensity of the invasion (the degree of its spread in the crown), the suppression of host trees, their death and biodegradation, as well as the mechanism of these processes. These stages have different durations in different species. A comparison of the full cycle of mistletoe infection for those species that are most often infected in Polissya, Eastern Podillya and in the coastal areas of the right bank of the Dnieper. The most sensitive species to the invasion were the following: Populus nigra L., Populus balsamifera L., Tilia cordata Mill, Salix babylonica L., Salix fragilis L., Juglans nigra L. and Juglans cinerea L., Sorbus aucuparia L., Betula pendula Roth , Acer saccharum Marshall, Acer saccharinum L., Fraxinus excelsior L. The intensity of the invasion by mistletoe also takes into account the degree of suppression aforementioned and some other species, have become particularly threatening today, so it requires finding ways to solve this biological and environmental problem. However, a number of tree species can resist to the spreading of mistletoe even under invasion due to mechanisms that ensure their high resistance, among them Populus pyramidalis Rozier, hybrids of poplars, Quércus rúbra L, some others. A number of species are able to resist to mistletoe spreading even under their conditions of infection due to the presence inner mechanisms that ensure their relatively high resistance to this parasite, among them: Populus pyramidalis Rozier, its hybrids, Quércus rúbra L., Prunus avium L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh. A significant number of dendroflora species are outside of the influence of mistletoe. It is indicates on existing specific biological barriers which block following spreading and adaptation among Víscum album L. populations. The concept of resistance and sensitivity to mistletoe of representatives of dendroflora is offered. The algorithm for determining the tention of invasion by Víscum album, the processes of suppression, death and subsequent biodegradation of affected trees is optimized. The classification of the nature of the interaction of mistletoe and host trees is carried out. Strong invasion of mistletoe white require mutuals special efforts of scientists and state for restriction its spreading.

Effects of spermidine on germination of Salix spp. after storage under controlled conditions

Willows produce fast germinating and short-lived seeds, difficult to store in the long-term under controlled conditions. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of storage of three Salix spp. at controlled temperatures (3°, −10°, −196 °C). We also analyzed the effect of spermidine (Spd) as an antioxidant factor in desiccated seeds. Collected seeds were either desiccated or hydrated to obtain 10 levels of moisture content (between app. 4% and 2%) and subjected to storage at temperatures 3°, −10°, or −196 °C (liquid nitrogen; LN). After two months, seeds were germinated on the light at 20 °C. Seeds desiccated below a safe range of moisture content were further tested and germinated on filter paper with additions of 0.25 mM Spd solution. After 7 days seedlings were examined for hydrogen peroxide content (H2O2) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Fresh seeds of three Salix species: Persian willow (S. aegyptiaca L.), heartleaf willow (S. cordata Michx.) and crack willow (S. ×fragilis L.) were successfully stored at temperature −10° and −196 °C for two months. After cryopreservation seed of S. aegyptiaca, S. cordata, and S. ×fragilis germinated without viability loss in moisture content ranging from 4.4–15.9%, 6.4–18.5%, and 7.1–11.5% respectively. The addition of Spd during germination of desiccated seed did not affect germination capacity. However, seedlings of S. aegyptiaca had lower hydrogen peroxide content in comparison with control (germination on water). Seedlings of S. cordata showed an increase in hydrogen peroxide content in control after storing in LN. In seedlings of Crack willow Spd increased hydrogen peroxide content. Seeds of tested species differ in response to storage conditions. Salix seeds can be stored successfully for two months at −10° or −196 °C without losing viability in the safe range of moisture content. Storing at 3 °C can be used for storage in the narrower range of seeds’ moisture content, however, seedlings stored at this temperature produce a higher level of reactive oxygen species. Germinating seeds in Spd did not increase their germination, however in S. aegyptiaca and S. cordata decreased hydrogen peroxide content

Estimation of Length- Weight Relationship in Larva and Adult of Chrysomela populi (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) Obtained from Two Species of Salix

We have studied the relationship of length and weight of three larval stages and adults of leaf beetle Chrysomela populi taken from two species of Willow plants Salix alba and Salix fragilis at Lahaul, Himachal Pradesh, India. By performing Welch's t-test, we had found that there was no significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference in the length and weight of the larvae and adults feed on two species of willow. For three larval stages and adults of C. populi feeds on S. alba and S. fragilis the relationship between the body weight and the length was explained by the linear regression equation very well (for all linear models R 2 &gt; 0.81, p &lt; 0.05). This study will be helpful for effective management of pests of willow plant, particularly at Indian Trans Himalayan region.

Notes on the nomenclature and taxonomy of Salix fragilis (Salicaceae)

AbstractWe evaluated the recent replacements of Salix fragilis L. with S. еuxina I.V.Belyaeva, and S. ×rubens Schrank with S. ×fragilis L. (S. alba L. × S. euxina). The specimens of S. еuxina, identified by Belyaeva, were analyzed. The morphological characters did not coincide with those in the species description, and the ovule number was different in all specimens. This makes the application of the name S. еuxina impossible and precludes the possibility of replacing S. fragilis for S. euxina. Also, the original Linnaean descriptions of S. fragilis, the related S. alba, and S. pentandra, as well as Linnaeus's herbarium specimens, were examined. Each of the three protologues describes the characteristics of the pure species as well as their hybrids: S. pentandra × S. fragilis (in the protologues of S. pentandra and S. fragilis) and S. alba × S. fragilis (in the protologue of S. alba). Our study of the morphology, geographic data, and ovule number demonstrates that the recent replacements of S. fragilis with S. еuxina, and S. ×rubens with S. ×fragilis (S. alba × S. euxina) were erroneous. We propose continuing to use S. fragilis as the name for a glabrous crack willow and S. ×rubens for its hybrid with S. alba.

Drying Willow (Salix fragilis L.) Population Under Agroforestry System in Cold Desert Region of trans-Himalaya: a Possible Consequence of Repeated Vegetative Propagation

Willow ( Salix fragilis L.), a multipurpose tree introduced about 150 years ago in Lahaul, a part of cold desert in trans-Himalaya, adapted well under agroforestry system. The species was propagated by vegetative means throughout the region and it immensely contributed to the socio-economic status, ethno-botany, ecology and greenery of the cold desert. It proved to be a "wonder species" or “the life line plant” for the people and often cited as the best examples of agroforestry system in the Himalayan cold desert. Unfortunately, willow trees ( S. frgalis ) are drying in the region; above 80% mortality was recorded and is continuously increasing. Efforts from local people and by certain research institutes have been put forward but, no significant change was visible. Few reports indicated possible role of aphid infestation, fungal disease, monoculture plantations, old planting stocks and changing environmental conditions for the current population status. However, controlled studies are lacking to confirm the same. We discussed here in detail about the possible role of repeated vegetative propagation from same gene stock for many generations, which directly or indirectly responsible for the current population status. Introduction of new and improved varieties is recommended.

Are invasive species promoting yellowjacket invasion in Patagonia?

AbstractIn recent decades, yellowjacket wasps, including Vespula vulgaris, have successfully been established in Patagonia. Additionally, the invasive willow Salix fragilis has also invaded areas next to watercourses, which in turn are typically colonized by the giant willow aphid (GWA, Tuberolagnus salignus), another invasive species. The honeydew exuded by the aphids has been reported to be used as a carbohydrate source by this social wasp. Our aim was to determine whether willows and GWA (invasive complex) on the stream shores promotes yellowjacket population growth. We worked under the hypothesis that GWA provides honeydew (i.e. carbohydrates) to yellowjackets, favouring nest growth and individual fitness. Our results indicate that habitats close (&lt;200 m) to stream margins, where S. fragilis and GWA occur, contain not only a greater abundance of workers but also a higher nest density of V. vulgaris yellowjackets. Even though the nests were similar in size irrespective of the distance to the stream, weight, size and nutritional status of individuals suggest that foraging/nesting in proximity of the invasive complex promotes larger and better nurtured wasps, including reproductive castes, that in the long run could drive population growth and spread of the species in Patagonia. In this context, our study suggests that management of V. vulgaris populations should adopt strategies that encompass a broad approach, especially adopting new strategies designed to contemplate relevant multitrophic interactions between yellowjackets and invasive willows and aphids.

Reproduction of a living collection of dendrological garden plants for urban landscaping

Experimental data for 2017-2020 are presented. The influence of microbiological preparations produced in the biological laboratory of the Federal State Institution “Omsk Reference Center of Rosselkhoznadzor” on the reproduction of introduced tree species growing on the territory of the natural monument of regional significance “Regional Dendrological Garden named after G.I. Gense” is analyzed. Reproduction of tree species was carried out using lignified (winter) cuttings in open ground conditions. Microbiological preparations were used based on Pseudomonas aureofaciens (Elena), Azotobacter vinelandii (Azolene), Trihoderma viride (Trichodermin) and Exophiala Nigrum (Black yeast). Their positive effect on rooting, development of the root system, an increase in the diameter of the root neck and growth in annual, biennial, three-year and four-year seedlings was established. The best preparations that influence the formation of more vigorous seedlings with the most developed root system are Black yeast and Trichodermin. The tree species that was more responsive to the use of the studied microbiological preparations was the spherical willow (Salix fragilis).

Vegetation and fauna features in the zone of influence of the solid waste landfill «Preobrazhenka» (Samara Region)

The anthropogenic factor has a significant impact on the natural-territorial complexes of the Samara Region. Solid waste landfills have a significant impact on the soil and vegetation cover and the animal population, which is due to the alienation of territories as well as the negative impact of leachate and emitted gases into the environment. The purpose of our research is to study the vegetation cover and fauna on the territory of the zone of influence of solid waste landfill Preobrazhenka (Volzhsky District, Samara Region), including the area near the filtrate storage ponds. In the course of the work, geobotanical, floristic, zoological and ecological methods were used. 15 stationary areas were established in the study area around the storage ponds. The authors revealed the composition of phytocenoses, including the associations Galatella villossa Stipa lessingiana, Galatella villossa Stipa lessingiana Onosma simplicissima, Elytrigia repens + forbs, Elytrigia repens Phragmites australis forbs, Elytrigia repens Phragmites australis, Poa angustifolia + Galatella villossa, Quercus robur + Acer platanoides Aegopodium podagraria, Populus tremula Urtica dioica, Poa angustifolia + Galatella villossa, Salix triandra Salix fragilis forbs, Cyclachaena xanthiifolia Polygonum aviculare. The total flora of the territory includes 140 species of vascular plants. The authors have found 36 species of animals, 16 are invertebrates and 20 are vertebrates among them. The general state of biogeocenoses in the area of storage ponds is considered to be unsatisfactory, downstream of the ravine-gully system and on its slopes satisfactory. It is necessary to carry out reclamation of the object.

Isoprene-degrading bacteria associated with the phyllosphere of Salix fragilis, a high isoprene-emitting willow of the Northern Hemisphere

BackgroundIsoprene accounts for about half of total biogenic volatile organic compound emissions globally, and as a climate active gas it plays a significant and varied role in atmospheric chemistry. Terrestrial plants are the largest source of isoprene, with willow (Salix) making up one of the most active groups of isoprene producing trees. Bacteria act as a biological sink for isoprene and those bacteria associated with high isoprene-emitting trees may provide further insight into its biodegradation.ResultsA DNA-SIP experiment incubating willow (Salix fragilis) leaves with 13C-labelled isoprene revealed an abundance of Comamonadaceae, Methylobacterium, Mycobacterium and Polaromonas in the isoprene degrading community when analysed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Metagenomic analysis of 13C-enriched samples confirmed the abundance of Comamonadaceae, Acidovorax, Polaromonas, Variovorax and Ramlibacter. Mycobacterium and Methylobacterium were also identified after metagenomic analysis and a Mycobacterium metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) was recovered. This contained two complete isoprene degradation metabolic gene clusters, along with a propane monooxygenase gene cluster. Analysis of the abundance of the alpha subunit of the isoprene monooxygenase, isoA, in unenriched DNA samples revealed that isoprene degraders associated with willow leaves are abundant, making up nearly 0.2% of the natural bacterial community.ConclusionsAnalysis of the isoprene degrading community associated with willow leaves using DNA-SIP and focused metagenomics techniques enabled recovery of the genome of an active isoprene-degrading Mycobacterium species and provided valuable insight into bacteria involved in degradation of isoprene on the leaves of a key species of isoprene-emitting tree in the northern hemisphere.

Флористична та фітоценотична різноманітність водно-болотних угідь Шацького національного природного парку, як основа для здійснення моніторингу його стану

The floral and phyto-assessment characteristics of wetlands are an important indicator for their monitoring. The territory of the Shatsky National Natural Park is a natural nucleus of the Polesia Ecology Corridor and a storing part of the All-European Environmental Network. The preservation of the unique wetland complexes of the park requires constant monitoring of the most significant indicators that reflect their condition. The purpose of the studies was to generalize and analyse the flora of the higher vascular plants and vegetation of the park, justifying their use as monitoring indicators. The authors' field research on flora and vegetation was carried out during 2006-2020 on the whole territory of Shatsk NNP. Sixteen test sites were laid for detailed studies. Based on research and analysis of literature sources, 318 species of upper vascular plants belonging to 6 classes and 74 families were found in the flora of the park’s wetlands. Among the numerous families are represented typical for the natural floodplains of the wetlands of the Shatsk Lake: Cyperaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae, Lamiaceae, Potamogenaceae, Salicaaceae, Fabaceae, Polygonaceae. Species from «The Red Book of Ukraine» (Aldrovanda vesiculosa L., Betula humilis Schrank, Dactylorhiza maculata (L.) Soо, D. majalis (Rchb.) P.F. Hunt &amp; Summerhayes, D. incarnata (L.) Soó, Epipactis palustris (L.) Crantz, Platanthera bifolia (L.) Rich., Carex chordorhiza Ehrh., Cladium mariscus (L.) Pohl s.l..) and species subject to regional protection in Volyn region are represented in the flora at the investigated sites (for example, Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Batrachium aquatile (L.) Dumort., Hypericum tetrapterum Fr., Sparganium natans L., Nymphaea candida С. Presl, Carex limosa L., C. paniculata L., C. flacca Schreb., Eriophorum gracile W.D.J. Koch, Potamogeton praelongus Wulf., P. obtusifolius Mertens &amp; W.D.J. Koch., Rhynchospora alba (L.) Vahl, Drosera rotundifolia L., Senecio paludosus L., Ptarmica salicifolia (Besser) Serg.). The vegetation cover of the studied territory is naturally dominated by cenoses, primarily of marsh and forest vegetation types, in particular eutrophic sedge swamps, black alder, alder pine, and on hilltops - pine forests of blueberry green moss. Coastal-aquatic, aquatic and wetland groups of grasslands are well represented. In wetlands in studied areas, eutrophic swamps are primarily represented, which are dominated by grass, sometimes there are sparse forests. Among the forest groups, associations of alder, alder-birch and pine forests are well represented. In the elevated areas of relief, vegetation was formed with the participation of xerophytes, semixerophythics, submesophytes and mesophytes. In monitoring the status of the park’s wetlands at the population and species level, it is first necessary to monitor the development of the most rare species of flora from "The Red Book" and from the regional protection list. However, attention needs to be paid to population dynamics of adventive species, especially invasive species (Bidens frondosa L., Echinocystis lobata (Michx.) Torr. et Gray, Impatiens parviflora DC., Parthenocissus quinquefolia (L.) Planch., Acer negundo L., Quercus rubra L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., Prunus serotina Ehrh., Salix fragilis L., Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers., Oenothera biennis L., Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden., Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.). At the coenotic level, priority should be given to the development of wetland, coastal-aquatic and grassland (marsh and wet) groupings, which have limited spread in the region. In parallel, there is a need to control the growth of such groupings, which are highly competitive and capable of displacing less competitive groups. It is very important to link this dynamic with the changing abiotic conditions of ecotopes. Indicators for monitoring should be the dynamics of individual flora species and plant communities.