Dipsacus Fullonum Research Articles

Exploring the Potential of Perennial Nectar‐Producing Wild Plants for Pellet Combustion

AbstractPerennial nectar‐producing wild plant species (WPS) cultivation for biogas production helps improve ecosystem services such as habitat functioning, erosion mitigation, groundwater protection, and carbon sequestration. These ecosystem services could be improved when WPS are harvested in late winter to produce pellets and briquettes as solid energy carriers for heat production. This study aims for gaining first insights into the use of WPS biomass as resource for pellet and briquette combustion with focus on two perennial WPS common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.), and two biennial WPS yellow melilot (Melilotus officinalis L.) and wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.). All WPS are found economically viable for pellet combustion. The main drivers are i) low cultivation costs, ii) subsidies, and iii) low pellet production costs due to low moisture contents. However, high ash contents in WPS biomass justify the need of i) blending with woody‐biomass or ii) supplementing with additives to attain international standards for household stoves. This approach appears technically feasible providing a research field with significant potential impacts. As 70% of the pellet market is demanded as household level, public concern about the legal framework of alternative plant biomass pellets must be overcome to develop this market.

Floristic records from Northern Hungary III. Zemplén Mts

We report new floristic data collected from the Zemplén Mountains between 2004–2022. Altogether, 1215 occurrences of 133 species were recorded from 33 Central European Flora Mapping quadrats. We present occurrences of so far not reported or rare species, e.g., Carex appropinquata, C. cespitosa, C. disticha, Centaurea stenolepis, Scabiosa columbaria, Tephroseris aurantiaca. We put special emphasis on occurrence data of geobotanical importance, such as Anthriscus nitidus, Echium maculatum, Lunaria rediviva, Nepeta pannonica, Oreopteris limbosperma, Petasites albus, Primula elatior, Thlaspi jankae, Veronica montana, as well as newly rediscovered species based on archive data: Cirsium rivulare, Parnassia palustris. We mention common species, which are lacking data from the area, e.g., Adoxa moschatellina, Allium flavum, Cardamine amara, Dipsacus fullonum, Galanthus nivalis. Moreover, we report numerous new occurrences of taxa typical to the Zemplén Mts.: Aruncus dioicus, Huperzia selago, Lycopodium annotinum, Securigera elegans etc. We complete the enumeration with additional data from the literature and herbaria.

Relationship among Plant Functional Groups, Soil, and Moisture as Basis for Wetland Conservation

This study characterized the relationship between plant species, soil, and moisture dynamics in the Willamette Valley (Oregon, USA) to obtain a base framework for wetland conservation and restoration. We identified 24 dominant plant species, including the exotic invasive Dipsacus fullonum, distributed throughout the wetland. Plant community analysis indicated that (1) soil moisture during the dry season (August to October) and (2) soil bulk density were the major abiotic drivers of plant community structure. Water potential measurements confirmed the community analysis. Juncus (rush) species appeared to be more tolerant to drought than other typical wetland species. Therefore, dryer conditions due to climate change or water diversion may favor rushes’ persistence. We also found that the dominance of D. fullonum may also negatively affect the native plant species’ survival, which highlights the need for proper management practices. To prevent further vegetation deterioration in sensitive wetland areas, we recommend avoiding hydric diversions to maintain the water supply, exploring manners of controlling invasive species, and preventing livestock grazing. The results of this study contribute to foundational and practical knowledge concerning the influence of soil conditions and moisture availability on the physiological response and distribution of wetland plant species that is required for conservation and management.

Improving combustion quality of Miscanthus by adding biomass from perennial flower-rich wild plant species

Miscanthus (ANDERSSON) is considered a promising perennial industrial crop for providing biomass in a growing bioeconomy. One approach to increasing the biodiversity-enhancing ecosystem services of Miscanthus is the co-cultivation of flower-rich native wild plant species (WPS), for example, the perennial WPS common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris L.), as well as the biennial WPS wild teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) and yellow melilot (Melilotus officinalis L.). This study tested whether these selected WPS would be as suitable for combustion as Miscanthus, in this case the sterile hybrid Miscanthus x giganteus Greef et Deuter, allowing for a mixing of the biomasses. By doing so, no additional value chain (e.g. biogas production) would be necessary to economically exploit the diversification of the agricultural system for bioenergy production. Feedstock samples of Miscanthus and the four above-mentioned WPS from a field trial in southwest Germany were used to investigate the combustion characteristics as well as the higher heating value (HHV). It was found that all WPS exhibited better combustion properties than Miscanthus with respect to ash melting behavior at similar HHVs of 16.3–17.5 MJ kg−1. From an admixture of >30% WPS to the Miscanthus biomass, a significant increase in the ash melting temperature by 20% from 1000 to 1200 °C was shown. Thus, the mixture of WPS and Miscanthus could potentially improve the combustion quality, leading to reduced costs in the incineration plant operation process. However, the reduced costs of incineration should be greater than the loss in productivity due to the lower biomass yields from the WPS. This is highly dependent on the particular site conditions and the establishment success of the WPS and needs to be investigated in long-term studies.

Extraction of bioactive compounds from Dipsacus fullonum leaves using deep eutectic solvents

In this study, deep eutectic solvent (DES) based systems were evaluated for selective extraction and optimized for increased recovery of chlorogenic acid derivatives, flavone glycosides and iridoid glycosides from Dipsacus fullonum L. leaves. Bioactives from Dipsacus plants has shown great antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as effectiveness against several cancer strains and a source for anti-Borrelia compounds.Twelve different hydrophilic and hydrophobic DESs were tested to find the best solvent composition. Choline chloride and betaine were used as hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) for the preparation of hydrophilic DESs and menthol for hydrophobic DESs. The tested hydrogen bond donors (HBD) were various organic acids and glycerol. The composition of most effective DES was optimized using the Box-Behnken design for each of the three main group of analytes from D. fullonum L. to evaluate possible selectivity and highest recovery. HPLC-DAD-MS was used to identify and quantify the main bioactive compounds extracted from plant material.The optimal extraction for highest overall recovery was achieved using a molar ratio of choline chloride and lactic acid of 1:2.4 with 35% water and 27 mL of the solvent per one gram of dry material. The optimized DES extract gave concentrations 1.8 to 2.2 times higher than traditional organic solvent extracts depending on the group of analytes.

Extraction and Fractionation of Bioactives from Dipsacus fullonum L. Leaves and Evaluation of Their Anti-Borrelia Activity.

Lyme disease (LD) is a tick-borne bacterial disease that is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Although acute LD is treated with antibiotics, it can develop into relapsing chronic form caused by latent forms of B. burgdorferi. This leads to the search for phytochemicals against resistant LD. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the activity of Dipsacus fullonum L. leaves extract (DE) and its fractions against stationary phase B. burgdorferi in vitro. DE showed high activity against stationary phase B. burgdorferi (residual viability 19.8 ± 4.7%); however, it exhibited a noticeable cytotoxicity on NIH cells (viability 20.2 ± 5.2%). The iridoid-glycoside fraction showed a remarkable anti-Borrelia effect and reduced cytotoxicity. The iridoid-glycoside fraction was, therefore, further purified and showed to contain two main bioactives—sylvestrosides III and IV, that showed a considerable anti-Borrelia activity being the least toxic to murine fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. Moreover, the concentration of sylvestrosides was about 15% of DE, endorsing the feasibility of purification of the compounds from D. fullonum L. leaves.

On Dipsacus and Drosera: Francis Darwin’s favorite carnivores

In autumn of 1875, Francis Darwin was busy researching aggregation in the tentacles of Drosera rotundifolia. This phenomenon occurs when colored particles within either “protoplasm” or the fluid in the cell vacuole (the cell sap) cluster together. Charles Darwin had theorized in the book Insectivorous Plants that these aggregated cellular masses consisted of living protoplasm. Inspired by his investigation of Drosera, Francis set out to examine the cup-like receptacles formed by the leaves of Dipsacus fullonum (synonym D. sylvestris), commonly known as fuller’s teasel. Francis went on to suggest that the common teasel might be a carnivorous plant, acquiring nutrients from decaying insects drowned in its water-holding basins. Since then, other biologists have evaluated these claims with little experimental success. This paper provides a historical overview of Darwin’s experiments with Dipsacus based on extant correspondence, discussing his results in the context of later studies that examine this unusual adaptation.

The application of amino acid ionic liquids as additives in the ultrasound-assisted extraction of plant material.

The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant activity of the aqueous extracts from Lycopodium clavatum, Cetraria islandica and Dipsacus fullonum obtained using aqueous solutions of ionic liquids by the ultrasound-assisted extraction (IL-UAE) method. Triethanolammonium salts [TEAH]+[AA]− of four amino acids of different hydrophobicity – isoleucine – Ile, methionine – Met, threonine – Thr and arginine – Arg, were chosen as ionic liquids, because they are based on natural, bio-renewable raw materials, such as amino acids and contain a pharmaceutically and cosmetically acceptable counterion of triethanolamine. Triethanolammonium salts were synthesized, identified by spectroscopic methods (NMR and FT-IR) and characterized by thermal methods (DSC and TGA). The 2.5% w/v aqueous solutions of triethanolammonium amino acid salts were used as the solvents in combination with ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). The estimation of antioxidant properties was carried out using the DPPH, FRAP and CUPRAC assays. Total polyphenol content was measured using the reagent Folin–Ciocalteu. The results showed that the use of [TEAH]+[Thr]− or [TEAH]+[Met]− aqueous solutions increased the antioxidant activity of extracts in comparison to that achieved for extracts with pure water. The use of [TEAH]+[Thr]− as an additive for ultrasound-assisted extraction was characterized by obtaining plant extracts with the highest antioxidant potential, even 2.4-fold. The use of the AAIL-UAE method allowed obtaining higher amounts of polyphenols compared to pure water extracts, even 5.5-fold. The used method allowed the extraction of thermosensitive natural compounds, shortened the extraction time and lowered energy consumption.

Efficacy of increasing application rates and combination of herbicides and mowing at different growth stages of common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum)

AbstractCommon teasel is a troublesome invasive weed in North and South America. Additional information on the efficacy of herbicide application and mowing at different growth stages will help in common teasel management. First, an outdoor pot experiment was performed to assess the effects of increasing application rates and combinations of glyphosate and 2,4-D amine when applied at the 4-leaf, rosette, and bolting stages. Second, field experiments were performed to evaluate the impact of time of cutting on invasive common teasel height, head number, and head length. Finally, germinability of seeds collected from naturally growing plants was determined to evaluate the feasibility of mowing invasive common teasel after flowering. Only glyphosate applied at 1.08 kg ae ha−1 at the 4-leaf stage provided adequate control (>90%). Although control was not satisfactory (<90%) when applying glyphosate at 2.16 kg ae ha−1 at the rosette and bolting stages, and 2,4-D at 1.75 kg ai ha−1 at 4-leaf stage, significant injury and biomass decline were observed. Glyphosate and 2,4-D combinations did not improve common teasel control compared with single applications of each. Cutting rosettes strongly reduced inflorescence production (34%–49%) and cutting flowering plants prevented total regrowth. Germination of seeds averaged 14% when harvested 10 d after flowering, and maximum seed germination (>90%) occurred 30 d after flowering. Glyphosate applied alone at the recommended commercial rate early in the growing season, together with cutting at the flowering stage, may be the most beneficial way of controlling invasive common teasel.

Anticancer Effect of the Iridoid Glycoside Fraction from Dipsacus fullonum L. Leaves

Species of Dipsacus have been widely used in folk medicine for their neuroprotective, antiosteoporotic, antioxidative, anticomplementary, and antibacterial activities. However, there has been but a limited amount of research on the anticancer effect of one of the most popular representatives of this genus, D. fullonum. Also, the cytotoxic activity has not yet been investigated of the constituents of D. fullonum leaves. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of the bis-iridoid glycosides isolated from D. fullonum leaves against murine fibroblast NIH/3T3, mouse melanoma B16F10, HeLa human cervical cancer, human breast cancer MCF7 and MDB-MB-231 cells. The bis-iridoids, obtained by chromatographic fractionation of the extract of D. fullonum leaves, were characterized by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS)/MS analysis. The cytotoxicity of the iridoid fraction was evaluated by WST-1 assay, and the number of dead cells was determined by the propidium iodide test. HPLC-MS/MS analysis showed the isolated bis-iridoid fraction to consist mainly of sylvestroside III and/or sylvestroside IV. This fraction was applied to cell cultures and kept for 48 and 72 hours. The results demonstrated that the iridoid glycosides had a differential ability to induce cell death in normal and cancer cells. The study confirmed that the bis-iridoids extracted from D. fullonum leaves had a selective cytotoxic effect on human breast cancer cell lines MCF7 and MDB-MD-231, while their cytotoxic effect on noncancer cells was low.

Microhabitats of planted sea wall strips used by pollinators and Orthoptera

As part of an Urban Buzz scheme, strips of teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) and greater knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa) have been established along a sea wall flood defense in the UK to provide a corridor of flower-rich habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The cutting of tall grassland and planting of dicotyledons also created a suitable short sward environment (c. 30 cm height) for Orthoptera nymphs in the establishment year (2018). However, by 2019, the grassland in the pollinator strips was taller (c. 75 cm) and suboptimal for grasshoppers; in contrast to Roesel’s bush-cricket (Roeseliana roeselii), which inhabited the taller vegetation in greater abundance. The progression to established grassland with flowering D. fullonum saw the pollinator strips attract significantly higher numbers of bees and butterflies than the floristically poor control strips. This small-scale study illustrates that pollinator strips can have multi-functional benefits for ecosystems beyond pollination, with Orthoptera of tall grassland (R. roeselii) likely to persist alongside planted wildflowers.

Roots and Leaf Extracts of Dipsacus fullonum L. and Their Biological Activities.

The aim of the study was to identify and evaluate the content of iridoids and phenolic compounds in the leaves and roots of Dipsacus fullonum L. They were identified and quantified by UPLC-PDA-MS/MS. Five iridoid compounds (loganic acid, loganin, sweroside, cantleyoside, and sylvestroside III) were identified in Dipsacus fullonum L. leaves and roots. Seven phenolic acids and three flavones were identified in the leaves, and seven phenolic acids were detected in the roots. The leaves contained more iridoids and phenolic compounds than the roots. We also evaluated the antimicrobial (anti-bacterial and anti-yeast), antioxidant (ORAC methods), and antiacetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities of Dipsacus fullonum L. leaves and roots. Leaf extract demonstrated the strongest antioxidant activity, but roots showed stronger antiacetylcholinesterase activity than leaves. The study also confirmed antibacterial activity of root-derived compounds against Staphylococcus aureus DSM 799 and Escherichia coli ATCC 10536.

Is the common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) carnivorous or was Francis Darwin wrong?

Francis Darwin first suggested that the common teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.), a biennial species, might be a carnivorous plant. He suggested that this species acquires nutrients from insects that drown in water-holding cups formed at the base of leaves that surround the stems. Since then, other biologists have made the same claim. To test this we addressed the question: does adding invertebrates as supplemental nutrients to water-filled cups of D. fullonum influence reproduction or are nutrients only obtained from the soil? We performed two factorial designed experiments (high-nutrient soil vs. low-nutrient soil) × (fed vs. control) to test this. Fed treatments involved either crickets or liquefied animal solution. We performed a third experiment where teasel plants were grown in nutrient deficient standard carnivorous plant soil mix to determine whether prey supplement influenced growth and reproduction. These experiments revealed that soil nutrients alone influence growth and reproduction. More seeds were produced by plants grown in high-nutrient soil; while curiously, a higher percentage of seeds germinated from plants grown in low-nutrient soil. When teasel rosettes were grown in carnivorous plant soil, plants did not grow, produce stems, or flower, even with animal solution. Thus we found no evidence suggesting common teasel is carnivorous.

Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) as predators of conifer seeds

Abstract Many species of ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are important predators of seeds. While the consumption of herb seeds has been intensively studied, little attention has been paid to the consumption of seeds of gymnosperm plants. Here, we determined the consumption of seeds of six coniferous species by four common carabid species and compared carabid preference for conifer and selected common angiosperm weed seed species. In no-choice experiments, the large carabid species Pseudoophonus rufipes preferentially consumed the seeds of Picea abies, Larix decidua and Pinus sylvestris. Pinus sylvestris was also preferred by another large carabid, Pterostichus melanarius. The smaller carabids Harpalus affinis and H. rubripes consumed conifer seeds reluctantly. The intensity of seed consumption by carabids decreased with increasing seed size. In choice experiments, both of the large carabid species preferred the small conifer seeds of P. sylvestris and L. decidua over herb seeds of similar size (Dipsacus fullonum, Galeopsis speciosa, Polygonum lapathifolium). Carabids may prefer conifer seeds because of their soft seed coats, regardless of their chemical protections. Postdispersal predation of seeds by carabids may be an important mortality factor in some conifer species.

Extraction and Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from Dipsacus Fullonum and Galium Verum for Lyme Borreliosis Treatment

Extraction and Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from Dipsacus Fullonum and Galium Verum for Lyme Borreliosis Treatment

Tipping the Native-Exotic Balance: Succession in Restored Upland Prairies in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

Restoration projects are usually assessed using short-term measures, leaving a dearth of detailed long-term successional data from restoration sites. This study examines the effects of microsite variation and restoration treatment on successional trajectories and three-to-eight-year restoration outcomes in upland prairies in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I sought first to determine whether different upland prairie restoration units show similar successional trajectories, second, to identify which exotic species have persistent effects on restoration outcomes, and finally, to determine how variation in restoration treatment, topography, and aspect affect restoration outcomes. Permanent plots in two replicate units showed very similar trends over five years, and similar outcomes to restoration units at a second upland site. Exotic annuals were short-lived and did not prevent establishment of the primary planted species, the native grass Festuca roemeri (Roemer’s fescue). Festuca roemeri established well mid-slope and in valleys but not on ridges. Where native forbs were seeded, forb abundance was higher in plots with less F. roemeri cover, suggesting that it is not cost-effective to seed forbs along with high rates of native grasses. However, seeding F. roemeri at high rates may be an effective strategy when forb seed is not available. A suite of exotic perennial forbs, including Hypochaeris radicata (false dandelion), contributed to diversity and provided nectar resources for pollinators without becoming dominant, while other exotic forbs such as Cirsium spp. (thistle) and Dipsacus fullonum (Fuller’s teasel) required active management.

Natural products to control biofilm on painted surfaces

Purpose This paper aims to study five vegetables extracts as possible additives to control bacterial growth on indoor waterborne paints. The extracts were obtained from the weeds Raphanus sativus, Rapistrum rugosum, Sinapis arvensis, Nicotiana longiflora and Dipsacus fullonum, used in traditional medicine as antimicrobial compounds. Design/methodology/approach Weeds extracts were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was also determined. Afterward, selected extracts were incorporated in waterborne paint formulations. The paints’ antimicrobial activity was assessed against S. aureus, monitoring biofilm formation by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Findings As a general rule, results showed that tested paints were efficient in inhibiting biofilm formation, especially that formulated with Nicotiana longiflora. Practical implications The tested paints can be used to protect walls from microbial colonization, which shortened coatings’ useful life by discoloration and/or degradation. Concomitantly, indoor microbial colonization by aerosols could be also diminished. This is especially important in places that should have high standards of environmental hygiene, as in the food industry, health-care and sanitary centers. Originality/value The main value of this research was to study the antimicrobial activity of weeds extracts and to incorporate them in waterborne paints to diminish bacterial biofilm formation. This biofilm discolors and degrades the paint, and causes health problems. The use of natural compounds in coatings is increasing because of the convenience of using renewable sources, such as natural antimicrobials, in paint formulations.

Activity of potential predators of European hare (Lepus europaeus) leverets and ground-nesting birds in wildflower strips

The population decline of the European hare (Lepus europaeus) in Switzerland is generally attributed to low leveret survival. A significant intensification of agricultural practices led to a landscape transformation that reduced leveret survival by increasing negative factors such as predation pressure. Habitat improvement by means of wildflower strips has yielded some positive effects on European hare population trends, probably by improving food supply and providing year-round cover from predation. For this study, remote cameras were used to examine relationships between landscape and wildflower strip variables and the frequency of predator visits to wildflower strips as well as the probability of them visiting core areas of the strips. Of a total of 1586 visits of potential predators to wildflower strips, 91% were mammals and 9% were birds. Predators were more frequently observed at the edges of the wildflower strips than in their cores (72% of visits by mammalian predators and 76% by avian predators were at the edge). The results revealed that the frequency of observing predators was negatively correlated with adjacent crop height and the distance of the wildflower strip from settlements, roads and forests or hedgerows. The probability of a predator penetrating the core of the wildflower strip was negatively correlated with the vegetation cover, especially with the cover of wood, herbaceous plant species and teasel (Dipsacus fullonum). Appropriate management of wildflower strips by considering their spatial placement, creating low margin to surface area ratios and promoting heterogeneous wildflower structure can thus lead to reduced predator pressure on leverets as well as on ground-nesting birds.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING SEED GERMINATION OF COMMON TEASEL (Dipsacus fullonum)

ABSTRACT Common teasel is a widespread, invasive species that has been introduced in Buenos Aires province, Argentina, where it alters the species composition of protected areas and native grasslands. A better understanding of seed germination behavior is essential for predicting its invasion potential in new areas and would be useful for developing effective management strategies. This research, conducted under laboratory conditions, evaluated the influence of several environmental factors such as pH, constant temperature, osmotic stress, salt stress and dry storage, on germination and rate of germination of common teasel seed. Between-year variation in germination responses was also examined. Seed germination was not affected by different pH levels. Although common teasel seeds germinated over a range of temperatures from 6 to 36 oC, the optimum temperature was 22 oC. Common teasel seed germination showed moderate tolerance to osmotic stress and a relatively high tolerance to salt stress. No seed germination was observed at - 1 MPa and 640 mM of osmotic potential and salt concentration, respectively. Seed germination remained high (> 90%) after all the dry storage treatments. Besides, the response of seeds to germination parameters showed between-year variation. It was shown that common teasel is able to germinate over a broad range of environmental conditions. This capacity would explain, at least partially, why this species is so widely distributed and its great potential to invade new areas.

Understanding the unique flowering sequence in Dipsacus fullonum: Evidence from geometrical changes during head development.

The genus Dipsacus is characterized by a remarkable bidirectional flowering sequence and a rare phyllotactic pattern. Considering that flower initiation and flowering sequence may be interconnected, we document the development of the head meristem in Dipsacus fullonum. Our results indicate a gradual change in the geometry of the head meristem beginning with a dome shaped stage, continuing with a remarkable widening in the middle part of the head meristem and ending in a spindle-like form. Quantitative data confirm that meristem expansion is higher in the middle part than at the base of the meristem. Likewise, the size of the flower primordia in the middle part of the young head is significantly larger than at the base soon after initiation. We conclude that the change in the geometry of the meristem and the availability of newly generated space result in the promotion of the middle flowers and the bidirectional flowering sequence at anthesis. Our investigation on phyllotactic patterns reveals a high tendency (30%) of the head meristem to insert or lose parastichies. This finding can also be attributed to changes in the expansion rate of the meristem. Dependent on the spatio-temporal relation between meristem expansion and primordia initiation, either flower primordia are promoted or additional parastichies appear. Our results emphasize the important role of geometry in flower development and phyllotactic pattern formation.