Erica Carnea Research Articles

Cecidophyinae (Acari: Acariformes) from Serbia: description of a new species, supplementary description of six species and four new records for the fauna

During the faunistic survey of Cecidophyinae mites in Serbia, a new species, Achaetocoptes dragicae sp. nov., found on Erica carnea L. is described and illustrated. Additionally, supplementary descriptions of six species (Cecidophyes glaber (Nal.), Cecidophyes nudus Nal., Cecidophyes psilonotus (Nal.), Cecidophyes gymnaspis (Nal.), Cecidophyopsis rosmarinusis Wang et al., and Chrecidus quercipodus Manson) are provided. Moreover, Achaetocoptes cerrifoliae (Labanowski & Soika) and Bariella bakonyense Ripka & Csóka, represent new records for the Serbian fauna, while Ce. rosmarinusis and Ch. quercipodus are recorded for the first time in Europe. Sequences of mtCOI barcode region are provided for all species.

Collection of representatives of the Ericaceae family in the botanical garden of the Kuzbass Humanitarian Pedagogical Institute

Representatives of the heather family are distributed in the temperate climate zone almost throughout the globe and are of great economic importance. The collection of representatives of the Ericaceae family in the Botanical Garden of the Kuzbass Humanitarian Pedagogical Institute of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Kemerovo State University” consists of 12 species and 28 varieties belonging to 7 genera. Representatives of the genus Rhododendron are represented by 10 species and 7 hybrid varieties. These are predominantly evergreen, semi-deciduous or deciduous shrubs. The collection also includes 11 varieties of common heather with a wide range of flower and leaf colors. Also, in the conditions of the Botanical Garden of KSPI, the varieties Erica carnea L. (ruddy or herbaceous Erica) performed well. Among other representatives of the Heather family, the collection includes 3 species of Kalmia, 2 varieties of Empetrum nigrum L., 2 varieties of Andromeda polifolia L. and Vaccinium myrtillus L. (common blueberry). The experience of relatively successful cultivation of representatives of the heather family allows us to hope for expanding the taxonomic and quantitative composition of the collection, which is actively used for scientific and educational purposes.

The endophyte Allantophomopsis cytisporea is associated with snow blight on Calluna vulgaris in the Alps—An effect of climate change?

ABSTRACTShoots of Calluna vulgaris, Erica carnea, Juniperus communis subsp. nana, Picea abies, and Pinus mugo subsp. mugo covered with felty, melanized epiphytic mycelia typical for brown felt blight caused by Herpotrichia pinetorum were collected at several locations in the Swiss Alps. Most cultures prepared from the mycelia on J. communis subsp. nana and P. abies were H. pinetorum, whereas the majority of cultures from P. mugo subsp. mugo and C. vulgaris were identified by internal transcribed spacer ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequencing and morphology as Allantophomopsis cytisporea. The fungus tolerates low temperatures, has an optimum between 16°C and 24°C, and ceases to grow at 28°C. 35°C is lethal. A. cytisporea is known as the causal agent of cranberry black rot on Vaccinium macrocarpon but has never been described as a snow mold. A. cytisporea is an endophyte in C. vulgaris but seems able to kill leaflets and whole shoots during winter. The epiphytic mycelium can expand from C. vulgaris to neighboring shoots of P. mugo subsp. mugo and J. communis subsp. nana below the snow where it forms epiphytic mycelial mats reminiscent of H. pinetorum. H. pinetorum has a strong antibiotic effect against A. cytisporea at 4°C and 20°C, whereas A. cytisporea grows faster at these temperatures. The effects of climate change on the interaction between the two snow mold fungi and their consequences on regeneration of woody plants at timberline are discussed.

Ornamental plants on sale to the public are a significant source of pesticide residues with implications for the health of pollinating insects

Garden centres frequently market nectar- and pollen-rich ornamental plants as “pollinator-friendly”, however these plants are often treated with pesticides during their production. There is little information on the nature of pesticide residues present at the point of purchase and whether these plants may actually pose a threat to, rather than benefit, the health of pollinating insects. Using mass spectrometry analyses, this study screened leaves from 29 different ‘bee-friendly’ plants for 8 insecticides and 16 fungicides commonly used in ornamental production. Only two plants (a Narcissus and a Salvia variety) did not contain any pesticide and 23 plants contained more than one pesticide, with some species containing mixtures of 7 (Ageratum houstonianum) and 10 (Erica carnea) different agrochemicals. Neonicotinoid insecticides were detected in more than 70% of the analysed plants, and chlorpyrifos and pyrethroid insecticides were found in 10% and 7% of plants respectively. Boscalid, spiroxamine and DMI-fungicides were detected in 40% of plants. Pollen samples collected from 18 different plants contained a total of 13 different pesticides. Systemic compounds were detected in pollen samples at similar concentrations to those in leaves. However, some contact (chlorpyrifos) and localised penetrant pesticides (iprodione, pyroclastrobin and prochloraz) were also detected in pollen, likely arising from direct contamination during spraying. The neonicotinoids thiamethoxam, clothianidin and imidacloprid and the organophosphate chlorpyrifos were present in pollen at concentrations between 6.9 and 81 ng/g and at levels that overlap with those known to cause harm to bees. The net effect on pollinators of buying plants that are a rich source of forage for them but simultaneously risk exposing them to a cocktail of pesticides is not clear. Gardeners who wish to gain the benefits without the risks should seek uncontaminated plants by growing their own from seed, plant-swapping or by buying plants from an organic nursery.

Application of conventional and non-conventional extraction approaches for extraction of Erica carnea L.: Chemical profile and biological activity of obtained extracts

Erica carnea L. or spring heath, is a perennial evergreen shrub, which belongs to the Ericaceae botanical family, which plant species are known for their biological activity and medical application. Despite the wide range of biological activity and medical application, Erica carnea L. has not been studied. This study deals with the application of conventional and non-conventional extraction approaches for isolation of bioactive compounds from the plant. Obtained extracts was tested regarding their chemical profile (total phenolics, flavonoids, condensed tannins, gallotannins and anthocyanins contents) and biological activity (antioxidant, cytotoxic and antibacterial activities). Phenolic profile of extracts was established using HPLC-DAD analysis where rosmarinic acid and rutin were dominant compounds. Results of antioxidant and cytotoxic activities demonstrated the domination of subcritical water extract, while ultrasound-assisted extract exhibited the highest total antibacterial activity. Presented results demonstrated that plant Erica carnea L. might be used as a potential source of biologically compounds.

Coleophora ericarnella Baldizzone, a new species of the C.pyrrhulipennella group (Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) from the South-Eastern Alps.

Coleophora ericarnella Baldizzone, n. sp. is described from the East-Central Alps region (Italy and Slovenia). It belongs to the C. pyrrhulipennella group. Its larval host plant is Erica carnea (Ericaceae). The adult habitus and genitalia as well as its larval case are illustrated and compared with those of Coleophora pulchripennella Baldizzone, 2011 and C.pyrrhulipennella Zeller, 1849. DNA barcodes also distinguish all three species from each other in congruence with genitalia morphology.

Antimicrobial activity of selected plant species of Genera arbutus l., Bruckenthalia rchb., Calluna salisb. and Erica l. (Ericaceae)

SUMMARY Uvae ursi folium (Arctostaphylos uva ursi, Ericaceae) is the best known and most widely used herbal urinary antiseptic. In traditional medicine, other Ericaceae species are also used for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The present study investigates antimicrobial activity of five species of Ericaceae family native to the Balkan Peninsula: Arbutus unedo, Bruckenthalia spiculifolia, Calluna vulgaris, Erica arborea and Erica carnea. Ethanolic extracts were tested against 10 different gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria by the disc diffusion technique, where standard tetracycline, streptomycin and penicillin discs and discs containing crystal violet (1 mg/ml) and solvent (70.0% v/v ethanol) were used as controls. The most prominent antibacterial effect was achieved on Staphylococcus aureus with extracts of Calluna vulgaris and Erica carnea. Tested samples showed no activity against the gram-negative strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Inhibitory effects on the growth of gram-positive bacteria were more potent. The exception is Arbutus unedo ethanol extract which exhibited certain activity against a laboratory strain of wild Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extracts against 10 tested strains of bacteria in disc diffusion assay was generally weak, even for sample in which HPLC determination confirmed the presence of arbutin (secondary metabolite responsible for most of the antibacterial activity of Uvaeursi folium).

Phytosociological description of Quercus petraea forest stands with Chamaecytisus hirsutus and Erica carnea in the Vipavska brda (southwestern Slovenia)

We conducted a phytosociological study of Quercus petraea stands, whose herb layer is dominated by Erica carnea in the flysch hills of Vipavska brda and on the margins of the Vrhe plateau (southwestern Slovenia). We have determined that they are a long-term degradation stage on beech forest sites from the association Seslerio autumnalis-Fagetum. Based on comparisons with similar sessile oak stands from associations Melampyro vulgati-Quercetum petraeae, Seslerio autumnalis-Quercetum petraeae and Erico carneae-Quercetum petraeae, the studied stands are classified into the new association Chamaecytiso hirsuti-Quercetum petraeae. They are best differentiated from the stands of compared communities by the species Erica carnea, Sorbus aria, Lathyrus linifolius, Loranthus europaeus and Erythronium dens-canis. The new association is classified into the alliance Carpinion orientalis and order Quercetalia pubescenti-petraeae.

The position and structure of the nectary in spring heath (Erica carnea L.) flowers

Ecological traits of <i>Erica carnea</i> L. flowers and the morphology of floral nectaries were investigated using stereoscopic, light and scanning electron microscopy. The nectary in the flowers of <i>Erica carnea</i> is located in the basal part of the ovary. It represents the gynoecial nectary type. It has the form of a yellow, ribbed ring with eight outgrowths, pointed towards the base, which alternately adjoin the stamen filaments. The height of the nectary is 400 µm and its thickness 200 - 250 µm. The parenchyma of the nectary is composed of 6 - 8 layers. Nectar secretion occurs through anomocytic stomata with a diameter of 17 µm. Guard cells are only found on the outgrowths of the nectary and they are situated most frequently at the level of other epidermal cells. During nectar secretion, a small degree of pore opening was observed. In the flowers of <i>Erica carnea</i>, secondary nectar presentation was found, with the nectar accumulating at the base of the fused corolla.

In vitro Inoculation Studies for Estimating the Susceptibility of Ornamental Plants to Phytophthora ramorum

AbstractSusceptibility evaluation of plant species towards Phytophthora ramorum is essential for pest risk assessment of the pathogen in Europe. An in vitro inoculation method on detached leaves and twigs was used to estimate the susceptibility of some leading ornamental plant species in Germany. Ratings in susceptibility of plant species and cultivars were classified according to the degree of symptoms caused by P. ramorum. Buxus sp., Hedera helix, Vaccinium corymbosum and V. macrocarpon were classified as not susceptible whereas most Calluna vulgaris cultivars, Erica carnea‘Schneekuppe’, E. gracilis, Vaccinium myrtillus and Vaccinium oxycoccus ranged in the ‘highly susceptible’ category. Erica carnea ‘Rubinfeuer’ and E. cinerea were classified as moderately susceptible whereas E. x darleyensis and Rhododendron simsii were classified as slightly susceptible. Different susceptibility reactions between cultivars were only found for R. simsii and C. vulgaris. Symptom development was effected by wounding only for R. simsii, V. corymbosum and V. oxycoccus.

Preliminary investigation of cytotoxic and antioxidant activity of some medicinal plants growing in Serbia and Montenegro

Six medicinal plants growing in Serbia (Sanguisorba officinalis L., S. minor Scop., Anthyllis aurea Weld., Erica carnea L., Hypericum richeri Vill. and Lathyrus binatus Panè.) were investigated for antioxidant and antiproliferative activity. Due to the literature data there are a little information about antiproliferative activity of those plants. Roots of S. minor, flowers of S. officinalis and E. carnea (mountain Suvobor); flowers of A. aurea and aerial parts of H. richeri (Èakor mountain); aerial parts of L. binatus (mountain Tara) were collected in 2005. Air-dried powdered material was extracted with methanol in Soxhlet apparatus. Dry extracts were used for experiments. Antioxidant activity was tested in reaction with DPPH radical [1] and in lipid peroxidation test [2]. Trolox® was used as positive controls. Total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) of extracts was estimated using the Folin-Ciocalteu's reagent. Neoplastic HeLa cells were used for the investigation of cytotoxic effects. Cell survival was determined indirectly by measuring total cellular protein by the Kenacid Blue R dye binding method [3]. IC50 concentration was defined as concentration of an agent inhibiting cell survival by 50%, compared with a vehicle-treated control. All experiments were done in triplicate. The amount of total phenolics varied from 108.9±3.1 to 201.5±4.4mg GAE/g dry weight of extracts. All extracts showed strong antioxidant activity in reaction with DPPH (IC50=16.2±0.8–37.7±2.1µg/ml) and in inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The most active was extract of S. officinalis. There was a correlation between the phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Investigated extracts, also, exhibited significant cytotoxic effects with an IC50 ranging from 66.9±2.3 to 147.7±19.1µg/ml. Preliminary results showed that all extracts possess the potential for antiproliferative action against human cervix carcinoma cells in vitro. Extracts of S. officinalis and S. minor were the most potent.

Mountain pine scrubs and heaths with Ericaceae in the south-eastern Alps

The sub-alpine belt in the south-eastern Alps, is characterized by the presence of numerous chamaephytic and nanophanerophitic communities. The structure of these formations is homogenous and dominated by few species such as: Pinus mugo, Rhododendron sp. pl., Juniperus communis subsp. alpina, Genista radiata, Erica carnea subsp. carnea and Calluna vulgaris. The flora, however, is heterogeneous, because in this ecotonal belt there is the influence of many different vegetation classes. The syntaxonomic scheme proposed tries to combine the significance of these two fundamentals elements in the phytosociological method. Twelve associations are considered and two of them (Rhodothamno chamaecisti-Juniperetum alpini and Vaccinium vitis-idaeae-Callunetum vilgaris) are described here for the first time.

Meliola niessleana . [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria

Abstract A description is provided for Meliola niessleana . Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: Meliola niessleana occurs on living leaves of Vaccinium and other genera of the Ericaceae , but does not produce symptoms of any disease. HOSTS: Erica carnea, Gaultheria cumingiana, G. shallon, Rhododendron chamaecistus, Vaccinium corymbosum, V. cubense, V. myrtillus, V. ramonii, V. virgatum, V. vitis-idaea . GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Austria, Canada (Hughes, 1981), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Formosa, Germany, USA. TRANSMISSION: By air-borne ascospores.

Étude morphologique, anatomique et ultrastructurale d'endomycorhizes synthétiques d'Erica carnea

Endomycorrhizae were synthesized between Erica carnea and a fungus isolated from E. vagans. Inoculated and non-inoculated plants were grown for 6 months under controlled conditions. Inoculation provokes an important stimulation of the growth and flowering of E. carnea. Under the experimental conditions reported herein, the mycorrhizae formed during the 1st month remained localised and, after 6 months, the roots usually were not colonized by the fungus. It seems probable that colonization of the whole root system requires a growth substrate that favours mycelial growth.Macroscopic and microscopic characters of the mycorrhizae obtained were studied using light and scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. The hyphae of the responsible fungus exhibit simple septa and Woronin bodies (ascomycetes). The intracellular hyphae are characterised by the abundance of lipid globules and the presence in SEM of electron-dense granules in the vacuoles. These hyphae are wrapped in a network of fibrils particularly at the penetration points but also observed on external hyphae. These mycorrhizae seem to survive for approximately 1 month only. The importance of the inoculum as nutritional source must not be neglected since similar stimulation of the plants was also produced by inoculation with an autoclaved slurry of mycelium. We suggest that not only mycorrhizal but also saprophytic rhizosphere fungi free, by simple autolysis of their mycelia, elements that are assimilable by the plant and doubtless play a role in the mineral nutrition of the Ericaceae.

Leaf Dieback (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) of Erica carnea L.

Plant PathologyVolume 25, Issue 1 p. 56-56 Leaf Dieback (Rhizoctonia solani Kühn) of Erica carnea L. D. R. HUMPHREYS-JONES, D. R. HUMPHREYS-JONES Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, Cambridge.Search for more papers by this author D. R. HUMPHREYS-JONES, D. R. HUMPHREYS-JONES Agricultural Development and Advisory Service, Cambridge.Search for more papers by this author First published: March 1976 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-3059.1976.tb01918.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume25, Issue1March 1976Pages 56-56 RelatedInformation

Bee Flowers

MR. H. S. BOOTHMAN of Nightingale Nursery, Furze Platt, Maidenhead, has issued a list of bee flowers which will be very welcome to all bee-keepers who desire to establish beautiful gardens to assist their apiaries. A wide variety of annuals, biennials and perennials, in addition to bulbs, shrubs and heathers, is included, and special attention is given to plants flowering in late autumn, winter and early spring. The bees are not, of course, working very hard at these times, but it is claimed that the proximity of bee flowers to the hive will provide them with nectar when they fly out on sunny days, and thus economise the stored honey. Such plants as the Christmas rose (Helleborus niger), the ‘golden wings’ variety of Solidago, Galanthus Elwesi, the winter aconite (Eranth's hyemalis), Erica carnea and E. darleyensis are suitable for this purpose. Mr. Boothman can supply the seeds and plants mentioned in the list.

Early Spring Flowers

YOUR readers will doubtless have been observing how the mildness of the weather this winter, so far, has hastened on the spring flowers. I am inclined to think that some of the dates mentioned below have not often been paralleled. The dates in brackets, of the usual flowering times, have been taken from Babington's “Manual of Botany” and Johnson's “Gardeners' Dictionary.” December 10, 1897, Helleborus fœtidus (February); December 23, 1897, Eranthis hyemalis (February, March); December 31, 1897, Iris histrio (December to March); January 14, 1898, Mercurialis perennis, (April and May); January 14, Corylus avellana, ; January 29, (March, April); January 15, Galanthus nivalis (February); January 19, Anemone hepatica (March, April); January 20, Anemone fulgens (February 20, 1897), (March, April); January 20, Ranunculus Ficaria (February 20, 1897), (April, May); January 20, Viola odorata, wild (March, April); January 21, Iris histrioides (March); January 21, Tussilago Farfara (February 20, 1897), (March, April); January 21, Berberis Aquifolium (April); January 22, Potentilla Fragariastrum (April, May); January 24, Primula vulgaris, wild (March to May); January 24, Crocus aureus (February); January 26, Omphalodes verna (March); January 29, Aucuba japonica, (June). On the ♀ plant there is no sign of flower yet, and the berries have just turned red. January 29, Ulmus surculosa (February 21, 1897), (March to May); January 29, Daphne Laureola (February, March); January 29, Arabis albida (February 21, 1897), (February). Among other plants which began to flower in November, and have gone on until now with unusual luxuriance, we have noted Garrya elliptica, (just over), Viburnum Tinus, Petasites fragrans, Lonicera fragrantissima, Ionopsidium acaule, Erica carnea, garden violets, and primroses, single and double, and forget-me-not. I may add that on December 1, 1897, in the course of an hour, in and around the garden here, I noted upwards of 120 different kinds of plants in flower. A few were winter flowers, but most of them were belated summer and autumn ones.

Fertilization of Erica Carnea

ALL our Vaccinieæ and Ericaceæ, with tubular corolla, as far as hitherto known, are adapted to cross fertilization by Apidæ; for instance, Vaccinium myrtillus and Vitis idæa, Arctostaphylos uva ursi and Erica tetralix. I was, therefore, much struck yesterday by the observation that Erica carnea is abundantly visited and cross fertilized by a butterfly, Vanessa cardui, but not by a single bee. And, indeed, the colour and structure of this flower corresponds far more to the taste and habits of butterflies than of Apidæ. Like all other alpine flowers adapted to butterflies (Saponaria ocymoides, Silene acaulis, species of Dianthus, etc.), Erica carnea is also of a gay red (pink) colour, and its inclined tubular corolla is so narrowed downwards that its small opening is almost completely occupied by the anthers projecting from it. Hence butterflies which are most distinctly attracted by the colour of this flower, as also by its structure, are alone able easily to insert their thin proboscis into its corolla and to reach its honey.