Deschampsia Cespitosa Research Articles

CLUSTER COMPOSITION OF POLLEN PARTICLES OF ANEMOPHILIC PLANTS ENTERING ATMOSPHERE

A study is made on pollen emission into atmosphere of 21 species of anemophilous plants ( Betula divaricata Ledeb., Betula costata Trautv., Betula davurica Pall., Betula fruticosa Pall., Ulmus japonica (Rehd.)Sarg., Salix acutifolia Willd., Salix cinerea L., Salix purpurea L., Salix rosmarinifolia L., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn., Poa alpina L., Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) J. Presl & C. Presl, Briza maxima L., Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv., Urtica urens L., Carex altaica (Gorodkov) V.I. Krecz., Carex pallescens L., Carex flacca Schreb., Carex vesicaria L., Carex diluta M. Bieb., Plantago lanceolata L.), exposed by the Central Siberian Botanical Garden, SB RAS. These plants are widely spread over the territory of the Russian Federation and produce great amounts of allergenic pollen. The proportion of clusters of two or more pollen grains from the total number of pollen particles entering the atmosphere during the flowering periods of these plant species is estimated. It was shown that such clusters in significant quantities were formed in all series of experiments. At the same time, the proportion of pollen grains in their composition could reach 95% of the total number of pollen grains entering the atmosphere.

In vitro Antiviral Activity of Leaf Extracts Plantago major, Plantago lanceolata, Rubus idaeus

Advances in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology and molecular virology have made it possible to synthesize a large number of antiviral drugs belonging to different pharmacological groups. However, one but significant disadvantage of these drugs is their significant toxicity. Therefore, along with the screening of new drugs among synthetic compounds, scientists are actively conducting research on antiviral agents of natural origin. Natural products with antiviral properties have advantages over synthetic compounds due to their low toxicity, minimal side effects, and mild action by various mechanisms. The aim of the study was to investigate the antiviral properties of aqueous-alcoholic extracts of plantain leaves (Plantago major L. and Plantago lanceolata L.), wild and garden raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus L.) and their fermented variants on the model of human adenoviruses (HAdV3, HAdV5 and HAdV7). Methods. Determination of cytotoxicity and antiviral action of extracts was performed by standard methods using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT). The titer of the virus, synthesized in the presence of drugs was determined by the end of dilution of the virus, which causes 50% development of the cytopathic effect of the virus on cells (СPE). Neoflazid was used as a reference drug. Neoflazid, developed by Ecopharm (Ukraine), it contains carboxylic acids and flavonoid glycosides isolated from wild cereals Deschampsia caespitosa L. (pike, turf) and Calamagrostis epigeios L. (dugout). All studies were performed in three replicates; the number of parallel determinations was 3–4. Calculated mean values, standard deviation, mean error. Differences in averages were considered significant at p<0.05. The research results were processed using Microsoft Office Excel 2010. Results. Low cytotoxicity of extracts of Plantago major L. and Rubus idaeus L. (wild) leaves and their fermented variants was shown, CC50 is >3 mg/mL. For extracts from the leaves of Plantago lanceolata L. and Rubus idaeus L. (garden) and their fermented variants, the toxicity was slightly higher (CC50=1.5 mg/mL). Extracts showed either a slight antiviral effect or its complete absence when used in a prophylactic regimen. We observed effective inhibition of reproduction of adenoviruses, when using extracts after adsorption of viruses. Extract of plantain leaves in concentrations of 0.06–3 mg/mL inhibited the reproduction of HAdV5 by 68–83% and inhibited the reproduction of HAdV3 and HAdV7 in concentration 3 mg/mL by 55% and 11%, respectively. Extract of Rubus idaeus L. (wild) leaves in the concentration range of 0.06–3 mg/mL inhibited the reproduction of HAdV5 by 65–89%, HAdV3 by 41–84% and HAdV7 by 22–59%. The maximum inhibition of reproduction of HAdV3 by 34% is shown for the extract from the leaves of Rubus idaeus L. (garden) at a concentration of 0.38 mg/mL, the reproduction of other viruses was suppressed by only 4–22%. It has been shown that the extracts of plantain and wild raspberry significantly affected the infectivity of viral offspring. Extract of plantain at a concentration of 3 mg/mL inhibited the reproduction of HAdV5 by 1.5 lg, fermented extract of plantain – by 1 lg. Fermented plantain extract at a concentration of 0.06 mg/mL inhibited the formation of new viral offspring, the index of reproductive inhibition (IRI) was 1.6 lg. Both fermented and unfermented Rubus idaeus L. (wild) extract had almost the same antiviral activity, IRI was 1.45 lg – 1.6 lg. Extracts of plantain and raspberry, regardless of the concentrations used, effectively inhibited the formation of infectious offspring of the HAdV3. The maximum IRI was 1.44 lg for plantain extract and 1.5 lg for fermented plantain extract. Both raspberry extracts (fermented and non-fermented) inhibited the synthesis of adenovirus serotype 3 by 1.46 – 1.54 lg. The drug Neoflazid completely inhibited the formation of infectious adenovirus at a concentration of 7.1 μg/mL. Virulicidal activity of all extracts against human adenoviruses 3, 5 and 7 serotypes was not detected. We found different antiviral activity of extracts of wild and garden raspberry leaves; we can assume that the flavonoid composition of the extracts plays an important role in their activity. Conclusions. Our new data on a wide range of anti-adenoviral activity of plantain and raspberry extracts is a prerequisite for further studies of the properties of individual components of extracts, in order to create an anti-adenoviral drug and recommendations for its pharmacological use.

Long-term dynamics of plant communities after biological remediation of oil-contaminated soils in far north

We studied the long-term dynamics of plant communities after bio and phytoremediation of oil-polluted soils. Nine plots located in European Northeast and treated using various bioremediation methods were monitored from 2002 to 2014. Geobotanical descriptions (relevés) of each plot were performed in 2006 and 2014, and Grime’s theoretical CSR (competition–stress–ruderality) framework was used to assess the vegetation state and dynamics. We observed a clear shift of communities from pioneer (where ruderal species were prevalent) to stable (where competitor species were dominant) states. However, the remediation type did not significantly impact the vegetation recovery rate. After 12 years, all methods led to a 55–90% decrease in the oil content of the soil and a recovery of the vegetation cover. The plant communities contained mainly cereals and sedges which significantly differed from the original tundra communities before the oil spill. The control plot, treated only by mechanical cleaning, had minimum oil degradation rate (50%) and vegetation recovery rates, although, in CSR terms, its vegetation assemblage resembled the background community. Cereals (Agrostis gigantea, Deschampsia cespitosa, Phalaris arundinacea, and Poa pratensis), sedges (Carex canescens, Carex limosa, and Eriophorum vaginatum), and shrubs (Salix) were found to be the most effective species for phytoremediation, exhibiting high community productivity under the harsh northern conditions.

Синтаксономия и экология черноольшаников Московской области

Синтаксономия и экология черноольшаников Московской области

Динамика растительности после сплошнолесосечных рубок ельников черничных (среднетаежная подзона европейского северо-востока России)

Динамика растительности после сплошнолесосечных рубок ельников черничных (среднетаежная подзона европейского северо-востока России)

ФІТОЦЕНОТИЧНА ПРИУРОЧЕНІСТЬ ТА КОНСОРТИВНІ ЗВ’ЯЗКИ ВИДІВ РОДУ GENTIANA L. В УКРАЇНСЬКИХ КАРПАТАХ

Peculiarities of phytocoenotic association and and consortium relations of rare species of Gentiana lutea L., Gentiana punctata L., Gentiana acaulis L. are analyzed. All habitats of G. lutea populations are spatially associated with the bottoms of glacial cauldrons, krummholz with the species of Duschekia viridis (Chaix) DC, as well as herbaceous highland cenoses. These groups are autochthonous in terms of phytocenotic association of G. lutea. Most often, populations of G. lutea are part of the associations Pulmonario–Duschekietum viridis, Soldanello–Nardetum, in particular two of its subassociations: S.–N. gentianetosum, S.–N. narcissetosum, as well as subassociations Vaccinietum gentianosum, Calamagrostidetum gentianosum. Heavy pastoral load on highland cenoses led to the transformation of subassociations S.–N. gentianetosum and S.–N. Narcissetosum. Diagnostic species, Narcissus poeticus ssp. angustifolius (Curtis) Asch. et Graebn., G. lutea, in particular, have been replaced by dense-grained cereal Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv. The species of G. punctata tends to pine scrubs (Pinion mughi alliance), which are part of the alpine mat-grass (order Nardetalia), and also occur among subalpine shrub communities (Loiseleurio-Vaccinietea class), high-grass groups (Mulgedio-Aconitetea class) along the upper forest boundaries in riverbeds, descending into the forest belt (union Adenostylion alliariae). G. punctata is a diagnostic species of the endemic association Hyperico grisebachii – Calamagrostietum villosae and is a component part of the endemic associations Festucetum picturatae, Rhododendretum myrtifolii, a rare relict group of the ice age Centrario–Vaccinietum gaultherioides. The species composition of cenoses including G. punctata is also undergoing transformation affected by heavy pastoral load. In areas with heavy grazing, small clusters of G. punctata in the subalpine zone remain mostly in the gaps between the thickets of Pinus mugo Turra, D. viridis s and Juniperus communis subsp. nana. As in the case of G. lutea, the unfavourable species adjacent to G. punctata is D. saespitosa of high viability. Normal development of G. acaulis populations was found only in loosely coated cenoses comprised of Potentilla aurea L., Vaccinium myrtillus L., Festuca picturata Pils, Carex sempervirens Vill., Thymus sp., Anthoxanthum alpinum A. et D. Löve, as well as N. stricta and D. caespitosa (L.) Beauv. of low vitality. Adverse phytocenotic conditions for the growth of G. acaulis create species of D. viridis, Achillea submillefolium L., as well as N. stricta and D. caespitosa of high vitality. The consortia of the three species under study include 36 families of animals, with the varying degree of association: obligate (Apidae, Syrphidae, Formicidae, Diptera, Artropoda, Lumbricidae, Acariformes) and optional (Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Noridaidait, Gectuidae, Gectuidae, Chrysomelidae, Cantharididae, Alleculidae).

Accumulation Characteristics of Metals and Metalloids in Plants Collected from Ny-Ålesund, Arctic

Toxic elements can be transported to polar regions by long-range atmospheric transport from mid and low latitudes, leading to enrichment of elements in the polar environment, especially in the Arctic. The plants can be ideal bioindicators of element contamination in environments, but information on the element enrichment and sources of plants remains limited in polar regions. Here, concentrations of 15 metals and metalloids (Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Co, As, Cd, Sb, Hg, Se, Fe, Zn, Mn, Al, and Ti) in six species of plants, Deschampsia caespitosa (Tufted Hair Grass), Puccinellia phryganodes (Creeping Alkaligrass), Saxifraga aizoides (Yellow Mountain Saxifrage), Dicranum angustum (Dicranum Moss), Salix Polaris (Polar Willow), and Cerastium arcticum (Arctic Mouse-Ear Chickweed), collected from Ny-Ålesund, the Arctic, were determined, and enrichment and sources of elements were assessed. Results show that element concentrations vary in different plant species, and element levels in D. angustum and C. arcticum are generally higher. In spatial terms, elevated element concentrations were found near residential areas, while low element levels were present at the sites far from settlement points. Enrichment assessment shows that Cd, Hg, and Zn are the most enriched elements, with enrichment factors above 30, suggesting sources other than soil dust control their concentrations. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the extracted three components can explain 82% of the total variance in element concentrations. The elements Ni, Cr, As, Sb, Fe, Al, Ti, and to a lesser extent Co are highly loaded in PC1, possibly associated with continental crust particles. PC2 is closely correlated with Cd, Se, Mn, Cu, and Zn, while Hg and Pb have high loadings on PC3. The elements highly loaded on PC2 and PC3 are likely associated with pollutants from atmospheric transportation. Together with enrichment assessment, the investigated plants have a great potential for monitoring atmospheric Cd, Hg, and Zn pollution in Ny-Ålesund, and D. angustum and D. caespitosa are the more sensitive species. The results would be of significance for monitoring element contamination in the pristine Arctic environments using the bioindicator plants.

Growing-season length and soil microbes influence the performance of a generalist bunchgrass beyond its current range.

As organisms shift their geographic distributions in response to climate change, biotic interactions have emerged as an important factor driving the rate and success of range expansions. Plant-microbe interactions are an understudied but potentially important factor governing plant range shifts. We studied the distribution and function of microbes present in high-elevation unvegetated soils, areas that plants are colonizing as climate warms, snow melts earlier, and the summer growing season lengthens. Using a manipulative snowpack and microbial inoculation transplant experiment, we tested the hypothesis that growing-season length and microbial community composition interact to control plant elevational range shifts. We predicted that a lengthening growing season combined with dispersal to patches of soils with more mutualistic microbes and fewer pathogenic microbes would facilitate plant survival and growth in previously unvegetated areas. We identified negative effects on survival of the common alpine bunchgrass Deschampsia cespitosa in both short and long growing seasons, suggesting an optimal growing-season length for plant survival in this system that balances time for growth with soil moisture levels. Importantly, growing-season length and microbes interacted to affect plant survival and growth, such that microbial community composition increased in importance in suboptimal growing-season lengths. Further, plants grown with microbes from unvegetated soils grew as well or better than plants grown with microbes from vegetated soils. These results suggest that the rate and spatial extent of plant colonization of unvegetated soils in mountainous areas experiencing climate change could depend on both growing-season length and soil microbial community composition, with microbes potentially playing more important roles as growing seasons lengthen.

Impact of Renewed Cattle Grazing on Floristic Composition in the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains

The aim of the study was to estimate changes in the floristic composition near Švýcárna lodge (1304 m a.s.l.), where cattle grazing after a long-term management cessation was introduced on a pasture area of 3.6 ha in 2012. The pasture was divided into two grazing sub-localities: P1 (Nar) with dominance of Nardus stricta and Avenella flexuosa and P2 (Des) with dominance of Deschampsia cespitosa. For grazing, Highland Cattle was used with a stocking rate up to 1 livestock unit per ha and year. The floristic composition was evaluated and statistically analyzed. After six years of restored grazing the overall species richness enhanced and a higher dominance of rare and endangered species was found. The dominance of some common species like Vaccinium myrtillus, and Calamagrostis villosa tended to decrease within a grazing period in favor of new species colonisation.

Do soil and leaf silicon content affect leaf functional traits in Deschampsia caespitosa from different habitats?

The purpose of this study was to show the extent of phenotypic plasticity of the grass Deschampsia caespitosa from four habitats with different soil properties by comparing selected leaf traits and content of silicon and other elements. Morphological, biochemical, and optical properties were examined in leaves, but content of silicon and other elements also in soil samples. Plant-available silicon in the soil was determined following extraction in CaCl2. Bulk element analysis was conducted using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The habitats of D. caespitosa differed significantly according to soil structure, which resulted in significantly different leaf traits, including leaf optical properties and content of minerals. There was no correlation between leaf silicon and plant-available or total soil silicon, while positive correlation was seen between leaf calcium and total soil calcium. In addition, plant-available silicon showed strong positive correlation with leaf calcium and phosphorus. The majority of D. caespitosa leaf and soil properties differed significantly among habitats.

Vascular plants of Victoria Island (Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada): a specimen-based study of an Arctic flora

Victoria Island in Canada’s western Arctic is the eighth largest island in the world and the second largest in Canada. Here, we report the results of a floristic study of vascular plant diversity of Victoria Island. The study is based on a specimen-based dataset comprising 7031 unique collections from the island, including some 2870 new collections gathered between 2008 and 2019 by the authors and nearly 1000 specimens variously gathered by N. Polunin (in 1947), M. Oldenburg (1940s–1950s) and S. Edlund (1980s) that, until recently, were part of the unprocessed backlog of the National Herbarium of Canada and unavailable to researchers. Results are presented in an annotated checklist, including keys and distribution maps for all taxa, citation of specimens, comments on taxonomy, distribution and the history of documentation of taxa across the island, and photographs for a subset of taxa. The vascular plant flora of Victoria Island comprises 38 families, 108 genera, 272 species, and 17 additional taxa. Of the 289 taxa known on the island, 237 are recorded from the Northwest Territories portion of the island and 277 from the Nunavut part. Thirty-nine taxa are known on the island from a single collection, seven from two collections and three from three collections. Twenty-one taxa in eight families are newly recorded for the flora of Victoria Island: Artemisia tilesii, Senecio lugens, Taraxacum scopulorum (Asteraceae); Crucihimalaya bursifolia, Draba fladnizensis, D. juvenilis, D. pilosa, D. simmonsii (Brassicaceae); Carex bigelowii subsp. bigelowii, Eriophorum russeolum subsp. albidum (Cyperaceae); Anthoxanthum monticola subsp. monticola, Bromus pumpellianus, Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa, D. sukatschewii, Festuca rubra subsp. rubra, Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis (Poaceae); Stuckenia filiformis (Potamogetonaceae); Potentilla × prostrata (Rosaceae); Galium aparine (Rubiaceae); and Salix ovalifolia var. ovalifolia (Salicaceae). Eight of these are new to the flora of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago: Senecio lugens, Draba juvenilis, D. pilosa, Anthoxanthum monticola subsp. monticola, Bromus pumpellianus, Deschampsia cespitosa subsp. cespitosa, Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis and Salix ovalifolia var. ovalifolia. One of these, Galium aparine, is newly recorded for the flora of Nunavut. Four first records for Victoria Island are introduced plants discovered in Cambridge Bay in 2017: three grasses (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra, Lolium perenne, and Poa pratensis subsp. pratensis) and Galium aparine. One taxon, Juncus arcticus subsp. arcticus, is newly recorded from the Northwest Territories. Of the general areas on Victoria Island that have been botanically explored the most, the greatest diversity of vascular plants is recorded in Ulukhaktok (194 taxa) and the next most diverse area is Cambridge Bay (183 taxa). The floristic data presented here represent a new baseline on which continued exploration of the vascular flora of Victoria Island – particularly the numerous areas of the island that remain unexplored or poorly explored botanically – will build.

A reformulation of Murashige and Skoog medium (WPBS medium) improves embryogenesis, morphogenesis and transformation efficiency in temperate and tropical grasses and cereals

Slow callus growth is a barrier to efficient genetic transformation in some gramineous species. A reformulation of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, with additional magnesium sulphate, potassium phosphate, copper sulphate, proline and glutamine, termed WPBS medium, has been developed which improves all aspects of in vitro culture when compared with MS based media. Embryogenic callus could be produced more rapidly from responsive genotypes of sixteen cereal, forage, model and energy grass species, whether using embryos, shoot tips or proliferated meristems as explants. Three species were not transformed due to contamination or unsuitable explant, but thirteen species were transformed using an identical Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, selection and regeneration protocol, including Avena sativa and Oryza sativa. Readily transformable species such as Lolium perenne, Brachypodium distachyon and Festuca arundinacea and recalcitrant species such as Lolium temulentum and Miscanthus sinensis were reliably transformed, while two new species Phalaris arundinacea and viviparous Deschampsia cespitosa were transformed at the first attempt. It is hoped that the use of WPBS media and this general transformation protocol may help to improve the efficiency of grass and cereal transformation.

Синтаксономия растительности карьеров на месте сведенных сосняков лишайниковых и зеленомошных (среднетаежная подзона европейского северо-востока России)

Синтаксономия растительности карьеров на месте сведенных сосняков лишайниковых и зеленомошных (среднетаежная подзона европейского северо-востока России)

Molecular cytogenetics of valuable Arctic and sub-Arctic pasture grass species from the Aveneae/Poeae tribe complex (Poaceae)

BackgroundGrasslands in the Arctic tundra undergo irreversible degradation due to climatic changes and also over-exploitation and depletion of scarce resources. Comprehensive investigations of cytogenomic structures of valuable Arctic and sub-Arctic grassland species is essential for clarifying their genetic peculiarities and phylogenetic relationships, and also successful developing new forage grass cultivars with high levels of adaptation, stable productivity and longevity. We performed molecular cytogenetic characterization of insufficiently studied pasture grass species (Poaceae) from related genera representing two neighboring clades: 1) Deschampsia and Holcus; 2) Alopecurus, Arctagrostis and Beckmannia, which are the primary fodder resources in the Arctic tundra.ResultsWe constructed the integrated schematic maps of distribution of these species in the northern, central and eastern parts of Eurasia based on the currently available data as only scattered data on their occurrence is currently available. The species karyotypes were examined with the use of DAPI-banding, multicolour FISH with 35S rDNA, 5S rDNA and the (GTT)9 microsatellite motif and also sequential rapid multocolour GISH with genomic DNAs of Deschampsia sukatschewii, Deschampsia flexuosa and Holcus lanatus belonging to one of the studied clades. Cytogenomic structures of the species were specified; peculiarities and common features of their genomes were revealed. Different chromosomal rearrangements were detected in Beckmannia syzigachne, Deschampsia cespitosa and D. flexuosa; B chromosomes with distinct DAPI-bands were observed in karyotypes of D. cespitosa and H. lanatus.ConclusionsThe peculiarities of distribution patterns of the examined chromosomal markers and also presence of common homologous DNA repeats in karyotypes of the studies species allowed us to verify their relationships. The obtained unique data on distribution areas and cytogenomic structures of the valuable Arctic and sub-Arctic pasture species are important for further genetic and biotechnological studies and also plant breeding progress.

Anatomical variations of Deschampsia antarctica É. Desv.plants from distant Antarctic regions, in vitro culture, and in relations to Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.

Anatomical variations of Deschampsia antarctica É. Desv.plants from distant Antarctic regions, in vitro culture, and in relations to Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.

Relationships between Salt Marsh Vegetation and Surface Elevation in Coos Bay Estuary, Oregon

Salt marsh habitats support a diverse array of estuarine species but are vulnerable to increased inundation resulting from sea-level rise. In order to characterize relationships between vegetation and elevation and inform assessments of risk to salt marsh communities from projected sea-level rise, we collected vegetation and elevation data at 42 salt marsh sites in Coos Bay Estuary, Oregon. For 1-m2 plots along transects from the bayside edge to the upland, we recorded height and percent cover of all plant species present. We determined plot location and elevation at 1-m intervals with a Trimble Pathfinder Pro XRS differential GPS and TOPCON GTS223 Total Station for comparison with existing LiDAR. Cluster analysis distinguished six vegetation groups. Two low marsh groups (average elevation 1.74 and 1.91 m) were characterized by swampfire (Sarcocornia perennis) with an average height of 31 cm, and saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) with an average height of 22 cm. Plots in the high marsh groups had average elevations ranging from 2.21 to 2.57 m and were characterized by tufted hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) and Oregon gumweed (Grindelia stricta var. stricta), with an average height of 50 cm and 43 cm, respectively. Mid-marsh groups (average elevations of 2.01 and 1.99 m) were dominated by Lyngbye's sedge (Carex lyngbyei) with an average height of 64 cm. The data collected along these transects allowed us to assess LiDAR elevation accuracy, identify sites where LiDAR data require correction, and provide species-specific height data for correction of LiDAR in areas of dense vegetation.

The use of herbicides to regulate weeds in forest nurseries and crops in Poland

Abstract Weeds competing with seedlings of trees for nutrients, moisture, light and space, drown out their growth in nurseries and forest crops. Currently, in forestry, weed control is mainly carried out in forest nurseries, less often during the preparation of the area intended for afforestation, but sporadically in forest crops. The most important species of weeds threatening seedlings of forest trees include Senecio vulgaris, S. silvaticus, Deschampsia caespitosa, Pteridium aquilinum, Agropyron repens, Calamagrostis epigeios and Equisetum arvense. In Poland, herbicides have the largest share (about 50%) in the sale of plant protection products, but the scale of their use in forests is small, compared to agriculture. In 2012, 915 herbicides were registered in the country, out of which only 14 products (0.5%) were for use in forestry. In the years 1999–2019, 31 herbicides were registered for the protection of forest nurseries and crops, which included 13 active substances belonging to 11 chemical groups, of which 9 active substances have been used up to now. Most herbicides (15–16) were used in the years 2004–2006, the lowest in 1999–2000 and in 2014 (4 products). The most popular active substance has been glyphosate contained in 18 products.

Litter-driven feedbacks influence plant colonization of a high elevation early successional ecosystem

Plant-microbe interactions are crucial components of ecosystem development but are understudied during early succession. The goal of this study was to investigate species-specific effects of plants on unvegetated soils being colonized by plants as climate changes, and assess how plant-soil feedbacks influence plant succession. We used lab and field litter additions in an early successional unvegetated ecosystem in the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains to examine litter-driven changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities. We then used plant litter-trained soil as inocula in a greenhouse experiment to test plant-soil feedbacks. We found species-specific effects of litter additions on bacterial and fungal communities in unvegetated soils, which are likely due to both differences in tissue litter chemistry and differences in the litter microbiome. We identified a negative effect of soil trained by litter from the conservative forb Silene acaulis on the growth of the fast-growing bunchgrass Deschampsia cespitosa, likely due to changes in microbial communities that resulted in lowered nitrification rates or to a litter-driven increase in N-immobilization. Our study demonstrates the importance of plant specificity and potential negative litter-driven feedbacks in primary succession, which could lead to patchy distribution of plant colonists as climate change allows colonization of these areas.

Effects on vegetative restoration of two treatments: erosion matting and supplemental rock cover in the alpine ecosystem

Unsanctioned travel routes through alpine ecosystems can influence water drainage patterns, cause sedimentation of streams, and erode soils. These disturbed areas can take decades to revegetate. In 2012, a volunteer‐driven project restored a 854‐m section of unsanctioned road along the Continental Divide in Colorado, United States. The restored area was seeded with three native grass species and then treated by installing erosion matting or adding supplemental rock cover. Four years later, results suggest that the seeding along with the use of erosion matting or supplemental rock can enhance revegetation. Matting appeared to accumulate litter, and this effect might have contributed to enhanced moisture retention. Treated areas contained 40% of the vegetation cover found on adjacent controls, which averaged 69% vascular plant absolute cover. Recovery on both treatments was markedly higher than published estimates of passive revegetation of disturbed areas measured elsewhere suggesting seeding with added cover or protection led to substantial vegetative cover after 4 years. Two of the 3 seeded grass species, Trisetum spicatum and Poa alpina, dominated the restored plots, composing 81.7% of relative vegetation cover on matting sites and 73.4% of relative cover on rock‐supplemented areas. Presumably due to its preference for moister sites, Deschampsia cespitosa had low establishment rates. Volunteer species, that is species that appeared on their own, contributed 6.3% to the absolute vegetation cover of matting and rock sites, and species such as Minuartia biflora, Minuartia obtusiloba, Poa glauca, and Festuca brachyphylla should be considered for use in future restorations.

Biodiversity of the projected zakaznyk «Govorunivsky»

According to the results of the field researches, the state of the natural complexes of the territory (about 140 hectares) within the Yampil administrative district of Sumy region is characterized, the expediency of creation of a landscape reserve of the local value "Govorunovsky" in the studied territory is determined.
 Based on the analysis of flora and vegetation, it has been established that most of the territory of the proposed reserve is occupied by peaty meadows dominated by Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv and a number of typical meadow and meadow-swamp species. They are also growing here Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim., Lysimachia vulgaris L., Veratrum lobelianum Bernh., Cicuta virosa L., Alopecurus pratensis L., Festuca pratensis Huds., Juncus conglomeratus L., Carex hirta L., Ranunculus acris L., Achillea submillefolium Klok. et Krytzka, Epilobium palustre L., Geum urbanum L., Galium mollugo L., Stellaria graminea L., Potentilla anserina L., Humulus lupulus L. In the more dry areas which are strip-shaped along the northern boundary of the projected reserve and, accordingly, the pine forest, grassy groups formed with the dominance of Agrostis canina L. or Nardus stricta L.
 It is noted that quite active natural restoration of tree species, such as Pinus sylvestris L., Betula pendula Roth, Pyrus communis L., occurs throughout the area of the proposed reserve.
 It has been shown that the sozological value of the reserve lies in the presence of typical for the floodplains of small rivers of Polissya natural complexes, as well as the presence in the flora of the species of the Red Book of Ukraine ‒ Dactylorhiza fuchsii (Druce) Soo, a number of valuable medicinal plants (Valeriana exaltata J. C. Mikan, Sanquisorba officinalis L., Achillea submillefolium Klock. et Krytzka, Mentha arvensis L., Thymus marschallianus Willd., Potentilla erecta (L.) Raeusch. etc.).