Eryngium Maritimum Research Articles

Insights on physiological, antioxidant and flowering response to salinity stress of two candidate ornamental species: the native coastal geophytes Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L

Increasing seawater influence in coastal areas is an ongoing environmental issue. Gardening is a widespread activity mainly in touristic areas such as the Mediterranean coasts. However, the use of exotic species well adapted to salinity encompasses the risk of invasive species introduction. This study aimed to evaluate salinity tolerance of native geophytes, Pancratium maritimum L. and Eryngium maritimum L., to assess their use as ornamental species in salt affected coastal areas. Experiments were conducted using cultivated plants for flowering response and physiological and enzymatic antioxidant response. Six treatments were applied for two months, exposing plants to seawater (SW) dilutions (Tap-Water, 6.25%SW, 12.5%SW, 25%SW, 50%SW and 100%SW). Taxa decreased inflorescence production being this effect more architectonical in E. maritimum and affecting all inflorescence integrity in P. maritimum. Flowering time was strongly delayed and reduced in P. maritimum, while E. maritimum showed smaller effects among treatments. Physiological and biochemical response showed at moderate salinity levels (1/4SW) variation concomitant with late stress response and senescence in P. maritimum, with decreased water use efficiency, NPQ values, and enzymatic activity, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In contrast, E. maritimum showed early stress response with steady gas exchange response, increasing NPQ values and catalase (CAT) and superoxide dimutase (SOD) activity, and decreasing MDA levels with salinity. Glutathione enzymes showed limited participation in both species. The results of this study suggest that neither species can be classified as halophytes, but they exhibit tolerance to low and moderate salinity levels, making them suitable for ornamental use.

Properties of plant extracts and component composition: column chromatography and IR spectroscopy

Medicinal plants contain various biologically active substances. This study aimed to investigate properties of plant extracts and component composition of plant raw materials from the continental part Kaliningrad region (Guards district). For this, we used column chromatography and IR spectroscopy.
 The objects of the study were samples of plant extracts of Eryngium maritimum, Hedysarum neglectum, Melilotus officinalis, and Aesculus hippocastanum. To produce medicinal plant extracts, we prepared methanol extraction by the Soxhlet method for 8 h (15 cycles). The antioxidant activity of the studied samples was determined by their ability to reduce the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. The disk-diffusion method was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the plant extracts against such test strains as Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans.
 In the extracts, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, astragalin, luteolin-7-glucoside, rosmarinic acid, and chlorogenic acid were identified. However, more research is needed to determine which of the individual phenolic compounds in E. maritimum, H. neglectum, M. officinalis, and A. hippocastanum are involved in exhibiting antioxidant activity. It was found that the plant extract of H. neglectum had activity against the bacterium B. subtilis and the mold fungus C. albicans, while the plant extract of E. maritimum was detrimental to the growth and development of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
 Infrared spectroscopy can help in further studies to determine properties of medicinal plants to ensure the safety and efficacy of plant-based products.

Phytochemical Diversity Comparison in Leaves and Roots of Wild and Micropropagated Latvian Sea Holly (Eryngium maritimum L.).

The goal of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of the roots, shoots, and leaves of wild-growing Eryngium maritimum L., and of in vitro and in field-cultivated plants in Latvia. The essential oil yield obtained by hydrodistillation ranged from 0.14% to 0.54%, while analysis of the chemical composition using GC-MS revealed a total of 44 different volatiles, with differences in the types and amounts of volatiles between the leaves and roots. Using 96-well plate techniques, the concentration of total phenolic compounds, saponins, and sugars in the aqueous ethanolic extracts of E. maritimum were assessed, along with their capacity to scavenge stable DPPH radicals. Extracts from roots had a lower concentration of total phenolic compounds compared to those from the leaves of wild grown and cultivated plants but did not differ from in vitro shoots. Root, leaf, and shoot samples of the same genotype from different growth conditions had approximately the same concentration of total saponins, while total sugar concentrations were higher in the roots. The growth conditions had a significant effect on the concentration of total phenolic compounds and antiradical activity, with differences that were significant observed between plant aboveground and belowground parts. Analysis using UHPLC-ESI-q-TOF-MS revealed 63 compounds, with amino acids and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (such as chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid) being the major compound groups that significantly differed between plant growth conditions. We also demonstrated that rapid screening of volatile compounds in in vitro plants using headspace gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses can predict the formation of marker compounds in the same mericlones grown in field conditions. These findings provide valuable insights into the chemical composition of E. maritimum and its potential for use in various applications.

The chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from the aerial parts of Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae)

This study aimed to describe the chemical composition of the Essential Oil (EO) of the aerial parts of E. maritimum, and verify its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The EO chemical characterization was simultaneously obtained by GC/FID and GC/MS. Thirty-one compounds corresponding to 93.3% of the EO were identified in the EO of E. maritimum. Spathulenol (22.0%), aromadendrene (18.3%), humulene epoxide (6.6%), and β-humulene (4.8%) were the main compounds of the EO. The antimicrobial activities were determined against 3 gram-positive bacteria, 4 gram-negative bacteria, and 2 yeast species by using disc-diffusion and MIC techniques. EO showed a low effect (8-11 mm) against all tested bacteria and yeasts. Additionally, EO extract against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Shigella flexneri ATCC 12022 from tested microorganisms presented a MIC value at μl/ml concentration. The antioxidant activity of the EO was determined as IC50=16.8 ± 1.65 μl/mL. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the chemical composition and biological activities of E. maritimum EO in Turkey.

Large-Scale In Vitro Propagation and Ex Vitro Adaptation of the Endangered Medicinal Plant Eryngium maritimum L.

The endangered medicinal plant Eryngium maritimum L. faces significant natural and anthropogenic threats. Therefore, in vitro propagation is recommended for both conservation and commercial purposes. The aim of the study was to develop a series of protocols for seed disinfection, in vitro multiplication and rooting, and ex vitro and field adaptation. For explant disinfection, the length and temperature of three consecutive disinfectants were investigated. Macrosalt modifications of MS medium and plant growth regulator addition to media effect on axillary bud propagation rate and rooting was studied. Survival and leaf growth during ex vitro and field adaptation in response to potting media, pot cell diameter, and light spectrum were tested. Seeds treated with diluted detergent at 40 °C for 180 min, followed by 0.01% KMnO4 for 3 h and commercial bleach for 11 min, achieved a lower rate of contamination and high germination rate. Axillary bud proliferation and rooting were enhanced by reducing nitrogen content in media and adding plant growth regulators. Potting media and pot size affect survival and growth ex vitro. Timely transplantation to field conditions before overwintering increases plantlet survival. In the present work, a suitable foundation is laid to scaleup the production of E. maritimum by micropropagation.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of rhizome aqueous extract of sea holly (Eryngium maritimum L.) on Jurkat cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe genus Eryngium is known for producing a wide range of bioactive compounds with proved medicinal properties. In the last years, research has focused on E. maritimum, with previous studies reporting anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. Ethnobotanical literature suggests that it has been traditionally used to treat a wide range of illnesses, having antitussive, diuretic and aphrodisiac properties. Being rhizome one of the most bioactive organs, much of the available references from traditional uses suggest that it has been specifically used to treat renal diseases. In this sense, inflammation and oxidative processes play a major role in kidney dysfunctions, which could be associated to the mechanism of action of the plant extracts. Aim of the studyThe main aim of the study was to investigate the effects of E. maritimum rhizome extract on the antioxidant and inflammatory response in human immune cells. Material and methodsRhizome extracts were obtained from plants growing in Mallorca (Balearic Islands), and its composition was determined using HPLC-DAD, highlighting simple phenolic compounds such as trans-ferulic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin and rosmarinic acid as the major constituents. Total antioxidant capacity was determined using the FRAP assay. Jurkat cells were cultured to analyse cytotoxicity by cell viability assay. In parallel, cells were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin and treated with different extract concentrations. Gene and protein expression, as well as nitrite and cytokine levels were evaluated as indicators of metabolic responses. ResultsThe plant extract showed a high diversity of pharmacologically bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic uses. The extract presented null cytotoxicity and exerted antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on Jurkat cells by inducing an antioxidant response and reducing cytokine and nitric oxide release and the expression of pro-inflammatory genes. ConclusionThe present findings suggest that E. maritimum is a promising phytotherapeutic species because of its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential, which could explain some of its traditional uses.

Soil bioengineering techniques for Mediterranean coastal dune restoration using autochthonous vegetation species

Coastal dunes are extremely fragile and threatened ecotones, which play a key environmental role in terms of functional connection between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. To counteract the hydrogeological vulnerability in coastal risk areas, reliance can be made on soil bioengineering techniques, consisting of planting native species in combination with natural inert materials. These interventions involve the use of typical Mediterranean plant species, which are fundamental for increasing soil surface protection as well as for their ecologic function in coastal dune consolidation. Monitoring studies on plant growth parameters are useful to assess the suitability of the different species to be used in soil bioengineering works. Hence, this study aimed to (i) identify some Mediterranean herbaceous and shrubby plant species to be used in coastal interventions, (ii) evaluate different plant propagation methods and short-term growth parameters, and (iii) provide useful insights into field management strategies before and after transplanting.Juniperus phoenicea L., Juniperus macrocarpa Sm., Pistacia lentiscus L., Tamarix africana Poir. and Tamarix gallica L. were the selected shrubs species while Ammophila arenaria (L.) Link, Sporobolus pungens (Schreb.) Kunth., Agropyron junceum (L.) P. Beauv., Eryngium maritimum L., Calystegia soldanella (L.) R. Br., and Pancratium maritimum L. were the selected herbaceous species. As to shrubs, seeds and cuttings proved the best propagation methods with an efficiency of up to 90%. Agamic propagation methods, on the other hand, were the most efficient (80–90%) for the herbaceous species. After transplantation, all the species showed an adaptation period to the new climatic and edaphic conditions. In particular, Pistacia lentiscus L. was found withered with the presence of some radical shoots.

The role of E. maritimum (L.) in the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands.

Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) is a geophyte that inhabits in the dunes of the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Although it is a highly entomophilous species, there is little literature on its pollinator assemblage. The aim of this study is to analyze the role played by E. maritimum in the dune pollination network of the Balearic Islands, where there is an intense anthropogenic impact in its habitat. For this purpose, two populations located in the North and South of Mallorca were chosen, in which diurnal transects were carried out to observe and capture pollinators on 15 plant species during the anthesis period of E. maritimum. The flowering period of 10 plant species flowering at the same period than E. maritimum was analyzed to identify periods of competition. A total of 71 pollinator species were found, belonging to 30 different families. Eryngium maritimum is a strongly generalist species, with a total of 45 pollinator species. Two new species, Odice blandula and Leucospis gigas, were found for the first time in Mallorca. In terms of pollinators, Teucrium dunense and Helichrysum stoechas are the most similar species to E. maritimum. However, analysis of phenology suggests that these three species have been able to decouple their blooms to avoid competition. The present study shows that E. maritimum plays an important role in the dune pollination network, being its anthesis located at the end of the dune flowering season, when there are no functionally similar species in flower.

Salinity effects on the germination and reproduction of Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae)

Coastal ecosystems are globally threatened. As sea level rises, flooding, salt-water intrusion and coastal regression are dramatically changing their environmental conditions. Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae) mainly inhabits white dunes of the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. The present study aimed to analyse the effect of salinity on the germination and reproduction of the species. Seeds from Mallorca (Spain) were germinated with four different salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, MgCl2, MgSO4) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.4 M. On the other hand, seedlings were grown and watered with different seawater (SW) concentrations ranging from 6.25% SW to full SW. Reproductive investment was assessed considering the number of inflorescences, fruit set and seed set per plant per whorl in the different treatments. Complementarily, field electrical conductivity measurements were carried out in a natural population to assess its variability along the dune. Germination was inhibited by salts, with nearly null germination at concentrations higher than 0.1 M, with significant differences among salts. Specifically, Na2SO4 and MgCl2 strongly affected germination rather than NaCl and MgSO4. Plant dieback increased in concentrations higher than 50% SW. Fruit and seed production was inhibited by the presence of salts even at concentrations of 12.5% SW. Embryonic dune was the most saline area, with decreasing electrical conductivity in white and semi-fixed dunes. These results suggest that E. maritimum can deal with high salt concentrations along its life cycle. However, to germinate and reproduce, it tolerates only low salt concentrations. So, it should be considered as a halotolerant species. Considering its distribution along the dune, the salinity of the strandline could be, along with other factors, responsible for its decrease in fitness in front dunes. As a result of sea-level rise and coastal salinization, it can be hypothesized that the optimal distribution of E. maritimum along the dune will change, shifting from actual foredunes to dune-crests.

К синтаксономии псаммофитных сообществ побережий Чёрного и Азовского морей (Краснодарский край)

К синтаксономии псаммофитных сообществ побережий Чёрного и Азовского морей (Краснодарский край)

Floral traits and reproductive success variation among inflorescence orders in Eryngium maritimum.

Eryngium maritimum L. is considered a key species in dunes of the western Mediterranean. Although Northern European populations are endangered, the Mediterranean populations show a good conservation status, despite a lack of studies of the reproductive requirements and strategies of this species. This study aims to analyse the reproductive biology of a population of E. maritimum in the western Mediterranean (Balearic Islands, Spain), specifically focusing on differences in morphometric and reproductive traits among inflorescence orders. Capitulum size, number of flowers, fruit set and seed set were analysed to evaluate the morphological and reproductive differences among inflorescence orders. The association between subterranean development and investment in reproductive structures was also studied along the dune location. Breeding system was analysed, evaluating self-pollination capacity at capitulum level and the pollen/ovary ratio. Finally, floral visitors were assessed. Morphometric and reproductive traits showed a decline in size and production from early to subsequent inflorescence orders. A correlation between width of stem base (caudex) and number of reproductive structures was observed, whereas seashore distance did not affect the reproductive development. Flowering occurred during summer, from May until late July, while fructification took place from the middle of August until the last days of September. Pollinator exclusion treatments induced a fruit and seed set decline. Twenty-one species of floral visitor were found. First and second inflorescence orders contributed to the generation of seeds, displaying high fruit and seed production, while other inflorescence orders seemed to attract pollinators. Reproductive and non-reproductive development could depend on the capacity to reallocate resources from underground to aerial structures, which seemed to be superior in samples with highly developed caudices. In the studied population, inner areas closest to the seashore showed a delay in anthesis, which could be related to microclimate differences along the coast-to-inland gradient. Pollination is strongly entomophilous and showed low levels of self-compatibility at capitulum level. Considering these results, for habitat conservation the reported microclimate diversity should be taken into consideration, with a focus on conservation of the pollinator populations.

Evidence of interpopulation variation in the germination of Eryngium maritimum L. (Apiaceae)

Germination is considered as one of the most crucial steps in a plant’s lifetime. The germination of Eryngium maritimum, a dune species located across all European coasts, has been extensively analysed in Northern populations, where it is considered a locally endangered species. However, less attention has been given to southern populations, where the knowledge about the germination of the species is very limited. The main objective of the present study was to analyse the effect of cold stratification in one Mediterranean and one Atlantic population of the species, as well as to compare the potential variation of seed dormancy among a latitudinal gradient in European populations based on current literature. Seeds collected from Mallorca (Mediterranean, Spain) and Asturias (Atlantic, Spain) were germinated at different temperatures and cold stratification periods ranging from 4 to 20 weeks. These results were merged with the results of previous studies to test the potential effect of latitude and climatic variables in germination. Although the optimal incubation temperature was 10 ºC, the highest final germination percentages (up to 96%) was obtained in both populations combining specific cold stratification periods (5 ºC) and constant incubation temperatures (15–20 ºC). Atlantic seeds needed longer cold stratification times to reach high germination percentages compared with Mediterranean seeds. Apart from the stratification response, significant differences in viability and in germination were observed between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean populations. Considering data from previous studies in the analysis, the results suggest that there is a potential effect of latitude in the ecological germination requirements, by which the higher the latitude, the longer the cold stratification period required to germinate, with a correlation with the mean annual temperature. These results suggests that two factors, modulation of dormancy relating to adaptative or maternal effects and viability, govern the germination of the species.

An annotated list of the rare and endangered species of the Nizhnedniprovsky sands

Пропонується список рідкісних видів судинних рослин Нижньодніпровських пісків (Херсонської та Миколаївської області), який включає 126 видів (14,3% від загального числа видів), що відносяться до 99 родів і 54 родин. Серед них в Європейському Червоному списку – 1 вид (Agropyron dasyanthum), в Червоному списку Міжнародного союзу охорони природи – 2 види (Salvinia natans), в Конвенції про міжнародну торгівлю видами дикої фауни і флори, що перебувають під загрозою зникнення – 10 видів (усі представники родини Orchidaceae), в списку Бернської конвенції про охорону дикої флори і фауни і природних середовищ існування в Європі – 7 видів (Ostericum palustre, Lindernia procumbens, Zostera marina – тільки в Bern), в Червоній книзі України – 34 види (з них: статус «Зникаючий» мають 4 види – Alyssum savranicum, Carex liparicarpos, Fimbristylis bisumbellata, Tephroseris palustris; «Вразливий» – 23 види; «Рідкісний» – 5 видів та «Неоцінений» – 6 видів), в Червоному списку Херсонської області – 41 вид, в Червоному списку Миколаївської області – 7 видів. До загального списку пропонується 42 нових види, які необхідно включити до Червоного списку Херсонської області – 39 видів та Червоного списку Миколаївської області – 14 видів (тільки до ЧСМО – Centaurea odessana, Centaurium spicatum, Moehringia trinervia). Дослідивши хорологію раритетів по аренам встановлено, що найбільший созологічний статус має Кінбурнська коса, яка налічує 72 види, з них – 29 видів судинних рослин, які більше ніде не представлені на Нижньодніпровських пісках (Crambe maritima, Eryngium maritimum, Astrodaucus littoralis, тощо). Друге місце по кількості рідкісних видів займає Іванівська арена – 51 вид, з них 12 видів притаманні тільки цій арені (Allium regelianum, Salicornia borysthenica, Tulipa gesneriana). Наступне місце за кількістю созофітів займає Чалбаська арена – 46 рідкісних види, з них – 6 видів унікальні для цієї території (Ostericum palustre, Dactylorhiza majalis, Eremogone rigidа тощо). На четвертому місці знаходиться Олешківська арена – 45 видів, 10 раритетів є притаманні тільки цій території (Carex atherodes, Epipactis palustris, Menyanthes trifoliata). П’яте місце займає Збур’ївська арена – 32 созофіти, з них 3 види є характерними тільки для неї, а саме: Athyrium felix-femina, Dryopteris filis-mas та Tephroseris palustris. Передостаннє місце займає Козачо-Лагерська арена – 26 рідкісних видів судинних рослин, 4 созофіти є характерними тільки для цієї території, а саме: Drosera rotundifolia, Nymphaea alna, N. candida та Schoenoplectus mucronatus. Останньою є Каховська арена – 15 видів і тільки 1 вид є ендемічним – Doronicum hungaricum, але його місцезнаходження не було встановлено автором.

Mapping of dune biotopes, the case of Kurucaşile (Bartın)

Achieving long- term success in ecosystem approaches today depends on developing a sustainable understanding of the use of natural resources. Consequently, there is a need for biotope mapping studies. In this research, the dune biotopes of Kurucasile (Bartin) were mapped and detailed data about the habitats and flora were collected. The research consists of the evaluation of current studies regarding the area, determination of biotopes and the analysis of these biotopes within the scope of field studies. Research results reveal that biotope degeneration is extremely high due to coastal uses and residential areas. This destroys coastal habitats and causes damage to many animal and plant species peculiar to these habitats. 16 woody and 45 herbaceous plant taxa were determined during the control and analysis of research areas. Indicative plants of biotopes are Cakile maritima, Eryngium maritimum, Glaucium flavum, Pancratium maritimum Salsola kali, and Seseli resinosum. Seseli resinosum is endemic and is in the “VU” (Vulnerable) category and Pancratium maritimum is in the “EN” (Endangered) category according to the IUCN classification. In the study, threats to the natural potential of the area have been identified due to unsustainable land uses in the coastal areas and economic pressure and legislative gaps. The use of research results by planning authorities will contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources and to reduce environmental pressures.

Demographics of an endangered coastal plant, Eryngium maritimum, near the northeast border of the distribution range in relation to clonal growth

Demographics of an endangered coastal plant, Eryngium maritimum, near the northeast border of the distribution range in relation to clonal growth

Secondary metabolites (essential oils) from sand-dune plants induce cytotoxic effects in cancer cells

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDespite advances in modern therapeutic strategies, cancer remains the second leading cause of death worldwide. Therefore, there is a constant need to develop more efficient anticancer targeting strategies. The anticancer therapeutic proprieties of medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds have been reported for several years, making natural extracts and/or compounds derived from these a promising source of novel anticancer agents. Sand dune plants are subjected to severe environmental stresses, leading to the development of adaptations, including the production of secondary metabolites with a wide range of bioactivities, such as: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiseptic, hypoglycaemic, hypotensive, antinociceptive, antioxidant and anticancer.Aim of the study: The anticancer potential of sand dune plants remains under-investigated, so this research describes the characterisation of the composition of bioactive EOs from sand-dune plants of Peniche (Portugal), and assessment of their activity in vitro and potential mechanism of action. Materials and methodsEOs were extracted from six sand-dune species of plants from Peniche sand dunes: Crithmum maritimum L., Seseli tortuosum L., Artemisia campestris subsp. maritima (DC.) Arcang., Juniperus phoenicea var. turbinata (Guss.) Parl., Otanthus maritimus (L.) Hoffmanns. & Link, and Eryngium maritimum L.. EOs composition was fully characterised chemically using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The assessment of anticancer activity and mechanism of action was performed in vitro using breast and colorectal cancer 2D and 3D spheroid cell line models, through cell proliferation assay, western blotting analysis, and cell cycle analysis. ResultsEOs from the majority of the species tested (S. tortuosum, A. campestris subsp. maritima, O. maritimus, and E. maritimum) were mainly composed by hydrocarbon compounds (sequisterpenes and monoterpenes), showing antiproliferative activity in both 2D and 3D models. EO extracted from S. tortuosum and O. maritimus were identified as having the lowest IC50 values for both cell lines when compared with the other species tested. Furthermore, this antiproliferative activity was associated with increased p21 expression and induction of apoptosis. ConclusionsThe present study suggests that EOs extracted from S. tortuosum and O. maritimus present promising cytotoxic properties. Further evaluation of the extracts and their key components as potential anticancer agents should therefore be explored.

Chemical Composition of Essential Oils from Rare and Endangered Species-Eryngium maritimum L. and E. alpinum L.

In the present study, the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation of the organs of Eryngium maritimum and E. alpinum were analyzed by GC-FID-MS. The dominant constituents assessed in the essential oil of E. maritimum were germacrene D (45.2%) in the fruits; hexadecanoic acid (18.5%), menthol (16.8%), and menthone (10.9%) in the roots; 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde (11.3%) and germacrene D (10.5%) in the leaves; 2,3,4-trimethylbenzaldehyde (11.3%) in the shoot culture. In the case of E. alpinum, the main components of the leaf oil were: β-elemenone (10.3%), germacrone (5.8%), two selinadienes (7.1% and 6.7%), and 1,8-cineole (5.3%), which were not found in the oil from shoot culture, whereas the shoot culture oil was dominated by hexadecanoic acid (15.5%), spathulenol (7.5%), (E)-β-farnesene (4.9%), germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1α-ol (4.7%), and falcarinol (4.3%). The essential oils obtained from E. maritimum fruits and leaves of the intact plants, measured by the broth microdilution method, were the most active against T. mentagophytes and S. aureus. Moreover, the essential oil of leaves had the moderate activity against C. albicans and E. coli. The results showed that the chemical compositions of the essential oils differed decidedly between the two studied species and between the organs. Furthermore, the essential oil of E. maritimum may play an important role as antimicrobial agent.

Vulnerability assessment of coastal plant communities from flooding caused by unusual storms: A case study of Kabakum beach, Varna (Northeastern Bulgaria) for 2018 year

The present paper proposed a rapid method for vulnerability assessment of coastal plant communities from flooding caused by unusual storms over the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The model was tested and applied on Kabakum beach, Varna (Northeastern Bulgaria) for 2018 year. In order to create a dynamic GIS model, data from experimental results and detailed GIS mapping on the Kabakum beach (Varna) were incorporated. As a result of a simulated flooding experiment, Critical Decomposition Time (CDT) was obtained. Linking flood duration with CDT and altitudinal spreading of plants determines that Аrtemisia vulgaris L., Eryngium maritimum L. and Crambe maritima L. are vulnerable to storms. The plant communities in Kabakum beach are not threatened by complete destruction even during a storm with a return period of 100 years. Habitat recovery is likely within a season and does not require human intervention.

Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Profiles in Some Dune Vegetation Species from Istanbul

Dunes are one of the most dynamic ecosystems in the nature and they are considered as a special habitat type hosting valuable genetic resources. Dunes located in Turkey are very rich in terms of plant diversity. Istanbul has special place for the richness of endemic and rare species in its dune vegetations. Biochemical characteristics of some plant species growing in Istanbul dunes, which are under immense threat during the recent years have been examined in the present study. Seed samples and aerial parts of the plants have been analysed for fatty acid and amino acid compositions. The higher concentrations of α-linolenic acid were quantified in Euphorbia paralias (48.24%) and Diplotaxis tenuifolia (24.47%). Linoleic acid concentrations were detected at the higher levels in Xanthium strumarium (68.51%) and Otanthus maritimus (66.62%). Eryngium campestre (44.97%), Cyperus capitatus (44.27%) and Eryngium maritimum (41.88%) were found to have high oleic acid concentrations. 20,32% punicic acid was detected in Ecballium elaterium. The higher concentrations of some essential amino acids were observed in the seeds. Proline is the dominant amino acid in the aerial parts of all taxa examined. Significant correlations between amino acid concentrations were calculated. The data obtained in the present study reveal that regarding plants as novel crops can be efficient for utilization in biochemical and biotechnological applications in many fields such as human nutrition, health and other industrial purposes.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of Northern Populations of the Declining Coastal Plant Eryngium maritimum

Abstract Genetic diversity among 13 northern populations of the declining coastal plant Eryngium maritimum L. at the northernmost extent of the species distribution range was studied using retro-transposon-based SSAP molecular markers. Diversity indices varied extensively among populations; some showing extremely low diversity whereas other populations exhibited moderate amounts of genetic variation. Differentiation among populations was highly variable as well. Interestingly, differentiation among northern populations was not influenced strongly by geographic distance. Closely situated populations were often more divergent than more distant populations suggesting other factors may be responsible for genetic structuring of E. maritimum populations. We propose that the following genetic and environmental factors combine together in a complex relationship to mould the present genetic structure of E. maritimum populations in this region: (1) historic biogeographical processes; (2) local environmental conditions at each site; (3) success of sexual reproduction and proportion of clonal propagation; (4) size of the population and influence of genetic drift; (5) level of fragmentation and isolation. Lastly, we suggest that the sustainable existence of Latvian populations is seriously threatened, unless recommended conservation measures are implemented.