Festuca Ovina Research Articles

The Effect of Combined Drought and Temperature Stress on the Physiological Status of Calcareous Grassland Species as Potential Candidates for Urban Green Infrastructure.

Nature-based solutions are promising for climate adaptation and environmental management in urban areas, but urban conditions are stressful for vegetation. In particular, the interaction of drought and high temperatures may be detrimental. Guiding plant selection for urban greening with native species requires a far better knowledge of plant adaptations and stress acclimation. We tested the physiological responses of four candidate calcareous grassland species for green roofs and walls to the combined effects of drought and high temperatures under controlled conditions. The tested species proved relatively resistant to stress despite different strategies to protect the photosynthetic apparatus, maintain water balance, and repair damages. Based on the physiological responses, we rank the species in descending order of resistance to the stress factors tested: Trifolium medium > Festuca ovina > Carex flacca > Potentilla reptans, but all four can serve as potential candidates for green walls and roofs. Physiological stress screening of plant species for use on green roofs and walls supplements the habitat template approach to provide a stronger and wider base for prioritizations.

Predominance of positive priming effects induced by algal and terrestrial organic matter input in saline lake sediments

Priming effect (PE) is a key biogeochemical process regulating organic carbon mineralization. However, the impacts of climate change-related factors on PE remain largely unclear in lakes with a large salinity range. The patterns of PE induced by algal (13C-labeled Chlorella vulgaris) and terrestrial grass (13C-labeled Festuca ovina) organic matter (OM) at 8 °C and 18 °C were investigated in lake sediments with a salinity range from 0.7 to 376.3 g L−1. The results showed that the intensities of early (7th day) and late (42nd day) PEs in the studied lake sediments ranged −51.0%–3833.7% and −55.2%–1874.5% of basal respiration, respectively; positive PE predominated over negative PE. Climate-related factors (e.g., salinity, temperature, OM types) exhibited significant influences on the intensity and/or direction of PE. Positive PE was more likely to occur in the sediments of hypersaline lakes than in freshwater/saline lakes, while negative PE showed an inverse trend. PE intensity induced by algal OM was significantly different at 8 °C and 18 °C, but no temperature influence was observed for that induced by grass OM. The effect of temperature increase on PE induced by algal OM was negative and positive in the early and late stages of incubation, respectively. The types of OM (algal OM vs. grass OM) supply significantly (P < 0.05) affected PE intensity except for the late PE intensity at 8 °C. Overall, these results suggest that organic carbon mineralization in lake sediments may be enhanced by positive PEs induced by the increased input of both allochthonous and autochthonous OM, and the autochthonous OM-induced PE is more susceptible to climate warming than that by allochthonous OM. These results help understand the carbon cycle in lakes under global climate change.

Plant functional trait responses to cope with drought in seven cool-season grasses

In semi-arid and arid regions, the selection of suitable grass species with high-yield production, tolerance to drought stress, and potential for recovery from drought is of special importance. Despite extensive research in cool-season grasses, inter-species differences in post-drought recovery, persistence, survival, and summer dormancy and their relationship with drought tolerance need more investigation. In the present study, 28 diverse genotypes belonged to seven cool-season grass species, including Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue), Festuca pratensis (meadow fescue), Festuca ovina (sheep fescue), Festuca rubra (red fescue), Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass), Lolium multiflorum (Italian ryegrass) and Lolium × hybridum were evaluated during 2016–2019 under three irrigation regimes (normal, mild, and intense drought stress). Then in the fourth year (on August 2019), irrigation was withheld at all previous irrigation regimes for two months during summer, and then species were re-irrigated to study the effect of prolonged drought conditions. A wide range of genetic diversity was detected in all the measured traits among and within species in response to different irrigation levels. Recurrent drought stress decreased forage productivity, post-drought recovery, and survival in all grass species. Among the studied species, tall fescue had higher forage production, drought tolerance, survival, recovery rate, and persistence. Sheep fescue had low forage production and recovery after drought. Drought tolerance (based on stress tolerance score, STS) was highly associated with forage yield and post-drought recovery and partially with summer dormancy under both mild and intense drought stress conditions. This indicated that selection based on higher STS would lead to choosing genotypes with better recovery after prolonged drought. Superior species and preferable genotypes for forage use from species Festuca arundinacea and for turf application from species Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne and Lolium × hybridum were identified across different water environments for future programs.

Seed morphology, germination, and seedling vigor characteristics of fine fescue taxa and other cool‐season turfgrass species

AbstractFine fescue taxa differ in their field establishment rate but it is unclear if this is due to differences in germination rate or seedling growth rate. Research at Purdue University quantified differences in seed morphology, germination vigor, and seedling vigor among 30 cultivars of fine fescue (FF) taxa (Festuca spp.). Strong creeping red fescue (STCRF) (Festuca rubra ssp. rubra), slender creeping red fescue (SLCRF) (F. rubra ssp. littoralis), Chewings fescue (F. rubra ssp. commutata), hard fescue (Festuca brevipila), and sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) were compared with tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus), Kentucky bluegrasses (Poa pratensis), and, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Seed morphological characteristics differed among FF cultivars and species; however, there was no strong relationship between morphological characteristics and germination vigor. Estimated number of days until 50% germination and mean germination time among the 30 FF cultivars varied, with sheep fescue and Chewings fescue consistently having the slowest germinating cultivars and STCRF cultivars generally the fastest. Species with the fastest to slowest germination ranked as follows: perennial ryegrass &gt; STCRF ≥ SLCRF ≥ hard fescue ≥ Chewings fescue ≥ sheep fescue ≥ tall fescue &gt; Kentucky bluegrass. Seedling vigor measurements among FF indicated the three F. rubra ssp. (STCRF, SLCRF, and Chewings fescue) exhibited faster seedling vigor and greater shoot mass than hard fescue or sheep fescue. Results indicate that past observations of reduced field establishment rates of hard fescue and sheep fescue is primarily due to their slow seedling growth and not reduced germination speed.

A NEWDISCOVERYOF SPARASSIS CRISPA (WULFEN) FR 1821 ON THE TERRITORY OF THE SLOVIANSKO-OVRUCH RIDGE

The article is devoted to the study of a new locality (Sparassis crispa) in the territory of the Slovak-Ovrutsky Range. The mushroom is listed in the Red Book of Ukraine and is under threat of extinction due to the growing interest in it as an object of cooking and medicine. To achieve the goal of the research, the following tasks were set: to describe the phytocenosis within which S. crispa is located and its floral environment, as well as to propose measures for its protection. The location of S. crispa is reforestation at the site of felling. The tree layer is dominated by young individuals of Pinus sylvestris L. (75-90%) with the participation of Betula pendula Roth. (20-50%). Frangula alnus Mill sometimes occurs in the undergrowth. Grass cover is sparse – up to 15%. Here, the mosses Dicranum polysetum, Dicranum scoparium, Polytrichum juniperinum and Pleurozium schreberi prevail. Festuca ovina, Lycopodium clavatum and Melampyrum pratense are occasionally found. According to the results of the synphytoindicative analysis, it was established that the environmental conditions correspond to moderately rich forests of Polissia, which belong to the Dicrano-Pinion union. The perennial wetting regime is slightly higher than the average values for the Dicrano-Pinetum association and approaches the Molinio-Pinetum association. Indicators of natural dynamics (ST=12.72 points) correspond to the transition from derived to young native forests. The level of anthropogenic transformation (HE=5.29 points) corresponds to natural oligohemerobic forests. So, despite the felling that was carried out here several years ago, the mushroom is still placed in conditions that are not subject to constant anthropogenic pressure. The phytocenosis in which Sparassis crispa is placed is the Dicrano-Pinetum association, Vaccinio-Piceetea class, Pinetalia sylvestris order, Dicrano-Pinion union. Since the "Prybytocky" hydrological reserve of local importance is being planned next to the location of the Sparassis crispa mushroom, it is expedient to include this territory in the projected PZF object.

A comparative study of fifteen cover crop species for orchard soil management: water uptake, root density traits and soil aggregate stability

Increasing the use of cover crops (CCs) is a necessity in sustainable viticulture, although it might clash with possible excessive competition towards vines. Especially in a climate-change scenario, the latter feature should be minimized while maintaining ecosystem services. Aimed at identifying CCs for vineyard floor management, the trial characterized several species according to their evapotranspiration (ET) rates, root growth patterns, and soil aggregate stability potential. The study was performed in 2020 in Piacenza (Northern Italy) on 15 CC species grown in pots kept outdoor and classified as grasses (GR), legumes (LE) and creeping (CR). Together with bare soil (control), they were arranged in a complete randomized block design. CCs ET was assessed through a gravimetric method, starting before mowing and then repeated 2, 8, 17 and 25 days thereafter. Above-ground dry biomass (ADW), root length density (RLD), root dry weight (RDW) and root diameter class length (DCL) were measured, and mean weight diameter (MWD) was calculated within 0–20 cm depth. Before mowing, ET was the highest in LE (18.6 mm day−1) and the lowest in CR (8.1 mm day−1) the latter being even lower than the control (8.5 mm day−1). The high ET rates shown by LE were mainly related to very fast development after sowing, rather than to a higher transpiration per unit of leaf area. After mowing, the 15 species’ ET reduction (%) plotted vs leaf area index (LAI, m2 m−2) yielded a very close fit (R2 = 0.94), suggesting that (i) a linear decrease in water use is expected anytime starting with an initial LAI of 5–6, (ii) a saturation effect seems to be reached beyond this limit. Selection of cover crop species to be used in the vineyard was mainly based on diurnal and seasonal water use rates as well as dynamic and extent of root growth patterns. Among GR, Festuca ovina stood out as the one with the lowest ET due to its “dwarfing” characteristics, making it suitable for a permanent inter-row covering. CR species confirmed their potential for under-vine grassing, assuring rapid soil coverage, lowest ET rates, and shallow root colonization.

Редкие сообщества асс. Molinio caeruleae–Trollietum europaei ass. nov. в Хибинских горах (Кольский полуостров)

Mountain tundra meadows with dominance of Molinia caerulea were found in the Khibiny Mountains (Kola Peninsula) (Fig. 1) and described based on the Braun-Blanquet approach. Ass. Molinio caeruleae–Trollietum europaei ass. nov. (Fig. 2, Table, holotypus — relevé 7, 67.611327° N, 33.61316° E; 530 m a. s. l.) is ascribed to the alliance Potentillo–Polygonion vivipari Nordh. 1937, order Epilobio lactiflori–Geranietalia sylvatici Michl, Dengler et Huck 2010, and class Mulgedio-Aconitetea Hadač et Klika in Klika et Hadač 1944. The diagnostic species are Achillea apiculata, Dianthus superbus, Festuca ovina, Geranium sylvaticum, Melica nutans, Molinia caerulea, Trollius europaeus, Vaccinium myrtillus. The undergrowth layer is sparse and composed with Betula nana, Cotoneaster cinnabarinus, Juniperus sibirica. In the upper layer (about 0.5–0.8 m high) most abundant are tall herbs (Molinia caerulea, Dianthus superbus, Geranium sylvaticum, Trollius europaeus and Cirsium heterophyllum). Lower layer (0.1–0.3 m high) is composed with low herbs (Anthoxanthum alpinum, Bistorta vivipara, Epilobium lactiflorum, E. hornemannii, Festuca ovina, Veronica alpina, Viola biflora, V. canina subsp. montana) and dwarf shrubs (Empetrum hermaphroditum, V. uliginosum, V. myrtillus). Ground layer is prostrate and consists of Sciuro-hypnum starkei, S. reflexum, Sanionia uncinata, Bryum spp. and Polytrichum spp. Association comunities occupy rather large areas and are located above the tree line and in the lower part of the mountain-tundra belt, at 410–540 m a. s. l., on well-moistened steep (45–50°) rocky slopes, exposed to southwest and southeast, near groundwater outlets or in places of late snowmelt. Probably the association is of relic nature and marks the tree line of the warmest Holocene period. Rich of species, including Red Data Book Cotoneaster cinnabarinus, Epilobium lactiflorum, Veronica fruticans, it is a value habitat type «E2.3 Mountain hay meadow» in the Kola Peninsula.

Interactive effects of light, water, soil type and competition on the endangered Minuartia smejkalii vary over time

Understanding drivers of species performance is crucial for their effective conservation. Despite a range of studies on the effects of single biotic and abiotic factors on plant performance, very little is known about interactions among multiple factors and their effects over time. We studied competition and abiotic interactions in an endemic species of the Czech Republic, serpentinophyte Minuartia smejkalii, over four years. In a full factorial experiment, we evaluated the performance of M. smejkalii alone, in the presence of a competitor, Festuca ovina, and under different abiotic conditions, including different types of soil, light exposure and water regime, and observed its changes over time. The results indicate very complex interactions among these factors. Competition had negative effects on the performance of M. smejkalii (1.2 times larger plants and 1.8 times more flowers in the absence of the competitor), but abiotic factors had stronger effects than competition alone. The effects of F. ovina on M. smejkalii also varied depending on whether shaded or not and soil conditions. Biotic and abiotic factors had contrasting effects on plant and number of flowers, suggesting that investment in growth and reproduction are context dependent. The size of plants grown in shaded areas was 2.7 times larger than those grown in full sun, whereas plants under full sun produced 1.7 times more flowers than those grown in shaded conditions. Type of soil did not affect plant area, but plants produced 1.5 times more flowers in non-serpentine soils. Our results suggest that the effects of competition are very complex, interact with abiotic factors and vary over time. We highlight the importance of long-term studies to identify competitive interactions and the importance of studying competition under multiple conditions. Understanding how competition might affect performance of the endangered M. smejkalii, under certain abiotic conditions (i.e. soil, water, shading), provides essential information for implementation of more efficient long-term conservation strategies.

Eesti sürjametsad; nende tüübid ja indikaatorliigid

Abstract The aims of the study were: (i) to examine how well the hillock forests are distinguishable from the forests of comparable site types, (ii) to ascertain the hillock forest indicator species, (iii) to elucidate the hillock forests’ community types, (iv) to assess the practical requirement for differentiation of hillock forests as a self-sufficient typological unit for forestry. The data included altogether 160 descriptions of hillock forest communities and 42 relevés of other site type stands for comparison. The historical continuity of hillock forests was estimated from old topographic maps. We established that the hillock forests constitute statistically a reliable distinct group of forests. Among the characteristic species having an indicator value significance level of up to 0.50, by the ecological strategy 43.2% belong to competitors, 37.8% are competitors and stress-tolerant ruderals, and 10.8% competitors and stress tolerators; according to the hemeroby, 62.5% of these species are apophyts and 30.0% hemeradiaphors. Most hillock forests (55.6%) are located on former slash-and-burn areas (bushlands) or reforested agricultural land (36.1%). The hillock forests can be classified into four forest types: 1) Fragaria vesca–Festuca ovina–Pinus sylvestris type, 2) Fragaria vesca–Oxalis acetosella–Pinus sylvestris type, 3) Fragaria vesca–Viola mirabilis–Picea abies–Populus tremula type and, 4) Fragaria vesca–Equisetum pratense–Betula pendula type. There is no need to define the hillock forests as a separate forest site type in practical forest typology, nevertheless recognition of these forests as representing the habitat directive type 9060 is important from the viewpoint of biodiversity maintenance.

An efficient estimation of crop performance in sheep fescue (Festuca ovina L.) using artificial neural network and regression models

Festuca ovina L. (sheep fescue), a perennial grass plant found in mountainous regions, is important from both an ecological and economic viewpoint. However, the variability of biological yield of sheep fescue due to its reliance on different characteristics makes it difficult to accurately prediction using classic modeling techniques. In this study, machine learning methods and multiple regression models (linear and non-linear) are used to investigate the interdependence of various morphological and physiological characteristics on accurate prediction of the biological yield (BY) of sheep fescue. Principal components analysis and stepwise regression were used to select six agronomic parameters i.e. thousand seed weight (TSW), relative water content (RWC), canopy cover (CC), leaf area index, number of florescence, and viability (VA), while the output variable was BY. To optimized the artificial neural network (ANN) structure, different transfer functions and training algorithms, different number of neurons in each layer, different number of hidden layers and training iteration were tested. The accuracy of the models and algorithms is analyzed by root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and determination coefficient (R2). According to the findings, ANN models were more accurate than regression models. The ANN model with two hidden layers (i.e. structure of 6–4–8–1) which had RMSE, MAE and R2 scores of 0.087, 0.065 and 0.96, respectively, was discovered as the best model for predicting the BY. In addition, result of the sensitivity analysis showed TSW, RWC and CC, in that order, were the variables most important for high-quality BY estimation in both models regardless of input combination. Finally, the paper concludes that early flowering sheep fescue genotypes with long maturation and great TSW must be regarded as the most suitable model for increasing BY in breeding projects.

Pathogen Identification and Factors Influencing Infection Frequency and Severity of Fungal Rust in Four Native Grasses in Hulunber Grassland, China.

A serious rust infection present in 2014 and 2015 on the dominant grass species (Leymus chinensis) in the Hulunber grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, and also present on three other grass species (Agropyron cristatum [wheat grass], Bromus inermis, and Festuca ovina) was investigated. Field surveys, laboratory determination of morphological characteristics, pathogenicity tests, and molecular identification methods were integrated to identify two rust-causing pathogens on L. chinensis. It was found that Puccinia elymi was the major pathogen of L. chinensis, and also infected A. cristatum and F. ovina. This is the first report of P. elymi on A. cristatum in China. P. striiformis caused stripe rust on L. chinensis and B. inermis. The incidence and severity of rust infection increased through the growing season, presumably from asexual spread by urediniospores, and was higher on grass species phylogenetically more closely related to common crop hosts of the pathogens. High host grass density and presence of a potential alternate host for P. elymi, Thalictrum squarrosum, were two further factors promoting rust incidence. These results provide insight into ecological factors linked to the rust epidemic and provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of control strategies.

Determination of Energy Parameters and Their Variability between Varieties of Fodder and Turf Grasses

Due to the need to diversify energy sources and transform the energy system and its decarbonization, new paths for obtaining raw materials are being sought. One of the potential options is to increase the use of grasses’ share in bioenergy production, which has a significant area potential. However, the diversified chemical composition of grasses and their anatomical heterogeneity mean that, between the various cultivars and species, the parameters determining their energetic usefulness may differ significantly, hence the key is to know the appropriate parameters at the variety level of a given species in order to effectively carry out the combustion process. In this experiment, a total of 23 varieties of seven grass species (Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), Red Fescue (Festuca rubra L.), Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Meadow Fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.), Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), Common Bent (Agrostis capillaris L.), Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina L.), which had not yet been evaluated in terms of energy utilization, were tested. Proximate analysis showed the average ash content was in the range of 5.73–8.31%, the content of volatile matter in the range of 70.99–82.29% and the content of fixed carbon in the range of 5.96–17.19%. Higher heating value and lower heating value of grasses ranged from 16,548–18,616 kJ∙kg−1, 15,428–17,453 kJ∙kg−1, respectively. The Sheep Fescue turned out to be the most useful species for combustion. It has been shown that there may be statistically significant differences in the parameters determining their combustion suitability between the various varieties of a given species of grass. Therefore the major finding of this work shows that it is necessary to need to know theparameters of a given variety is necessary to optimize the combustion process and maintain the full energy efficiency of the system (especially lower heating value).

Peyzaj uygulamalarında kullanılan bazı çim çeşitlerinde farklı tuz yoğunluklarının çimlenme üzerine etkileri

This study was conducted in laboratory conditions to determine the response of some cool season turf grass species (Lolium perenne Caddieshack, Lolium multiflorum Jivet, Poa pratensis Evora, Festuca rubra Rassinante, Festuca arundinacea Starlet, Festuca ovina Ridu) to different salt doses during the germination period. In the study, 8 different NaCl doses, 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210 mM, were applied, germination rate (%), germination time (%), plumula length (cm), radicula length (cm) and vigor index values were examined. Because of the research, it was observed that the germination rate, plumula and radicula lengths increased at 30 mM concentrations and in general, significant damage occurred after the dose of 90 mM. Lolium perenne Caddieshack and Lolium multiflorum Jivet species showed the highest mean values and were less affected by increasing salt doses in all properties examined.

Use of Under-Vine Living Mulches to Control Noxious Weeds in Irrigated Mediterranean Vineyards.

This article assesses the use of under-vine living mulches in Mediterranean vineyards characterized by limited water resources, one of the reasons why this agronomic practice is currently unusual in these environments. The aim of the study was to test whether the use of this alternative method in Mediterranean vineyards could suppress noxious weeds without hindering optimal vineyard development. For this purpose, four native species were selected as living mulches: Festuca ovina, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago coronopus, and Plantago lanceolata. The variables measured during three years in two different experimental farms were: (a) living mulch cover, as a possible predictor of weed suppression success; (b) weed density and weed biomass, with special attention to noxious weed species; and (c) pruning weights, measured in the last year to analyze the cumulative effect of the treatments on the grapevine vegetative growth. Our results revealed that living mulches with high cover rates (average over 70%) also showed weed suppression of up to 95%, significantly controlling the occurrence of noxious weeds such as Erigeron canadensis. No significant effect of the different treatments on vine vegetative growth was found, although further studies would be necessary. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that under-vine living mulches could be an efficient and environmentally friendly method for weed control in Mediterranean vineyards where irrigation is available.

Seed Germination Ecology of Semiparasitic Weed Pedicularis kansuensis in Alpine Grasslands.

The semiparasitic weed Pedicularis kansuensis Maxim. has rapidly spread in the alpine grasslands of northern China over the past twenty years and has caused serious ecological problems. In order to effectively halt the spread of this weed, a thorough understanding of the dormancy type and the seed-germination ecology of P. kansuensis is required. We have conducted a series of experiments to investigate the effects of plant growth regulators (gibberellin (GA3) and strigolactone synthesis (GR24)), as well as different abiotic (temperature, light, cold stratification, and drought) and biotic (aqueous extracts of three native dominant plants) factors on the seed-germination characteristics of P. kansuensis. The seed-germination percentages ranged from 2% to 62% at all of the temperatures that were examined, with the highest occurring at 25/10 °C. The light conditions did not significantly affect the germination percentage. The seed germination was greatly improved after two to eight weeks of cold stratification. The seed germination decreased dramatically with an increasing polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000) concentration, from 55% to 0%, under 10% and 20% PEG-6000. The seed germination was improved at a proper concentration of GA3, GR24, and the aqueous extracts of Festuca ovina L., Stipa purpurea L., and Leymus secalinus (Georgi) Tzvel. Furthermore, in the pot experiment, the seedling emergence of P. kansuensis was also improved by the cultivation of these three dominant grasses. These findings indicate that the dormancy type of P. kansuensis seeds is non-deep physiological dormancy, and such findings will help in paving the way for the creation of effective weed management strategies, based on a thorough knowledge of germination ecology.

Modifying soil properties with herbaceous plants for natural flood risk-reduction

Background and aimNature-based solutions to engineering challenges are essential to limit climate change impacts on the urban environment. Quantitative understanding of multiple “engineering functions” provided by soil-plant interactions of different species is needed for species selection and re-establishing natural processes affected by urbanisation. MethodsContrasting herbaceous species (legumes, grasses, and forbs) were selected and grown as monoculture or species mix in soil columns for a five-month growing season. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was initially tested for each column, and then the columns were monitored for three-weeks of evapotranspiration. Water loss, matric suction, and penetrometer resistance were measured. Finally, soil was tested for aggregate stability and water retention. ResultsSaturated hydraulic conductivity of vegetated soil was generally larger than that of fallow soil (6.9e−6 ± 1.4e−6 m/s in fallow soil). Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly different between species (e.g., from 9.9e−6 ± 1.3e−6 m/s in Festuca ovina to 3.9e−5 ± 1.2e−6 m/s in Lotus corniculatus) and was negatively correlated with specific root length. The water stored in the soil was efficiently removed by plant transpiration (> 60% of evapotranspiration). Large changes in soil structure were observed in vegetated soil, with significant increases in soil strength, aggregate stability, and alteration of water retention properties. ConclusionsMultiple soil-plant interactions influence species selection for optimising nature-based solutions (e.g., bioretention barriers). Substantial scope exists to choose species mixes to manipulate soil hydro-mechanical properties. Enhanced biodiversity did not compromise the engineering services of nature-based solutions (e.g., water removal), and may have multiple benefits.

Effects of indirect plant–plant interaction via root exudate on growth and leaf chemical contents in Rumex obtusifolius

ABSTRACT Belowground plant–plant interactions can affect the concentrations of leaf chemicals, but the mechanism is not clear. Here, we investigated the effects of intra- and interspecific root exudates on the growth and leaf chemical content of Rumex obtusifolius. Seedlings of R. obtusifolius were grown with exposure to root exudates collected from other R. obtusifolius plants or from Trifolium repens, Festuca ovina, or Plantago asiatica plants, and the total phenolic, condensed tannin, dry biomass, and chlorophyll contents of the leaves were examined. The root exudates from conspecific plants had no effect on the total phenolic, condensed tannin, and chlorophyll contents of the leaves but did significantly reduce the dry leaf biomass. Root exudates from heterospecific plants had different effects depending on the species. These results were different from the results of a previous study that examined the effects of direct plant–plant interaction in R. obtusifolius. Thus, indirect interaction via root exudates induces different effects in leaves from direct interaction.

Effect of soil capping depth on phosphogypsum stack revegetation.

Phosphogypsum is a by-product of the phosphorus fertilizer production process and is typically stacked at the production sites. These stacks can potentially pose environmental hazards, which can be substantially reduced through reclamation by capping with soil and revegetation upon decommissioning. We conducted a study on a phosphogypsum stack using five soil capping depths (8, 15, 30, 46, 91cm), an uncapped treatment, and five vegetation treatments (monocultures of four grass species Agrostis stolonifera L., Festuca ovina L., Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv., Agropyron trachycaulum (Link) Malte ex H.F. Lewis and one mix of the four species with Trifolium hybridum L.) to assess plant growth, health, rooting characteristics, and trace element uptake. Cobalt and nickel concentrations in plant tissue from plots with ≥ 15cm soil capping were within ranges found at reference sites, whereas fluorine was three times elevated. Vegetation cover was significantly greater on capped than uncapped plots, being greatest for Agropyron trachycaulum (26%) and Festuca ovina (26%). Capping depths ≥ 15cm had greater cover, biomass, and healthy plants than the 8cm cover. Soil water content was similar in the 15-46cm capping depth, with the lowest in the 91-cm caps. Fluorine, cobalt, and nickel were elevated in select plant tissue samples on the research plots relative to references, and cap depth affected tissue fluorine and cobalt concentrations but not nickel. Concentrations of these trace elements were lower than maximum tolerable levels for animal consumption. From this 5-year study, Agropyron trachycaulum and Festuca ovina and a soil cover depth of ≥ 15cm are recommended for reclamation of phosphogypsum stacks.

Assessment of the Transfer of Trace Metals to Spontaneous Plants on Abandoned Pyrrhotite Mine: Potential Application for Phytostabilization of Phosphate Wastes.

The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine (Marrakech region, Morocco) is a real source of acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal pollution from previous mining operations—which has spread, particularly because of wind erosion. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built on the site for preventing AMD. To ensure the integrity of this cover and its durability, it is desirable to revegetate it (phytostabilization) with plants adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region. In this paper, a study was carried out on the spontaneous vegetation around the phosphate cover in order to consider the selection of plants to promote the stabilization of the Kettara mine tailings pond. Nine species of native plants with their rhizospheric soils growing in agricultural soils and tailings from the Kettara mine were collected, and metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr) were analyzed. The soil analysis showed that the tailings contained high concentrations of Cu (177.64 mg/kg) and Pb (116.80 mg/kg) and that the agricultural soil contained high concentrations of As (25.07 mg/kg) and Cu (251.96 mg/kg) exceeding the toxicity level (Cu > 100 mg/kg, Pb > 100 mg/kg, As > 20 mg/kg). The plant analysis showed low trace metal accumulation in Scolymus hispanicus, Festuca ovina, Cleome brachycarpa, Carlina involucrata and Peganum harmala. These species had a bioconcentration factor (BCF) greater than 1 and a translocation factor (TF) less than 1, demonstrating a high tolerance to trace metals. Therefore, they are good candidates for use in the phytoremediation of the Kettara mine tailings. These species could also potentially be used for the phytostabilization of the phosphate waste cover of the Kettara mine, thus completing the rehabilitation process of this area.

Обзор синтаксонов псаммофитной травяной растительности Южного Нечерноземья России

The article provides a survey of grass psammophylous vegetation syntaxa in the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia and validation of syntaxa in accordance with the requirements of the International Code of Phytosociological Nomenclature (Theurillat et al., 2021); questions of syntaxonomy and diagnosis of units of different levels of the syntaxonomical hierarchy are discussed. The data for the analysis was the base obtained in 2018–2021, including 312 relevés of psammophylous grass vegetation in the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia (Bryansk, Kaluga, south-west of Moscow, north-west of Oryol, Smolensk Regions). Most of the relevés were made on the watershed of two large river systems: the Dnieper (the Sozh river basin) and the Volga (the Oka river basin) while some ones are in the northwestern part of the Smolensk region (Demidovsky district, Smolenskoye Poozerye National Park), which belongs to the Zapadnaya Dvina basin. Natural psammophytic habitats in this region are widespread on outwash plains, sandy river terraces dominated by pine forests of the alliance Dicrano–Pinion sylvestris (Libb. 1933) W. Mat. 1962 nom. conserv. propos. Open sands are formed in the place of such forests after clear felling of pine with the destruction of the living land cover. In addition, psammophylous grass vegetation forms on non-flooded or short-flooded sandy ridges in river floodplains, on plowed sands that were opened during construction, along sand pits, on clearings under power lines, along old abandoned roads on sand embankments and sandy roads fallow lands and pastures with sandy and sandy loam soils (Kupreev et al., 2020). The psammophylous grass vegetation of the studied region is represented by 12 associations comprising 4 alliances and 2 orders of the class Koelerio–Corynephoretea canescentis Klika in Klika et Novák 1941, which unites dry grasslands on sandy soils and on rocky outcrops of the temperate to boreal zones of Europe, the North Atlantic islands and Greenland (Mucina et al., 2016). On the basis of comparative analysis for alliances and orders we compiled regional combinations of diagnostic species with constancy in coenoflora above 20 % and values of the statistical φ-coefficient above 20 (at p &lt;0.01): Armerion elongatae (Armeria maritima, Astragalus arenarius, Dianthus fisheri, Jovibarba globifera, Jurinea cyanoides, Koeleria glauca), Corynephorion canesentis (Corynephorus canescens), Hyperico perforati–Scleranthion perennis (Berteroa incana, Festuca ovina, Helichrysum arenarium, Hypericum perforatum, Jasione montana, Pilosella officinarum, Rumex acetosella, Scleranthus perennis, Trifolium arvense). The following species diagnose the orders of psammophylous vegetation: Corynephoretalia canescentis (Chamaecytisus ruthenicus, Cladonia arbuscula, Corynephorus canescens, Jurinea cyanoides, Koeleria glauca, Sedum acre) and Trifolio arvensis–Festucetalia ovinae (Abietinella abietina, Elytrigia repens, Hieracium umbellatum, Jasione montana, Festuca ovina, F. rubra, Galium mollugo, Pilosella officinarum, Plantago lanceolata, Poa angustifolia, Trifolium arvense, Viola tricolor). Diagnostic combinations of alliances partly duplicate those of orders, and some species are the diagnostic for two alliances, which does not contradict the logic of syntaxonomy. Analysis of the comparative table showed that all syntaxa of psammophylous vegetation taken for analysis can be fully assigned to the class Koelerio–Corynephoretea canescentis in accordance with its current diagnosis (Mucina et al., 2016). According to the ratio of the diagnostic species of the classes Koelerio–Corynephoretea canescentis and Sedo-Scleranthetea, it is not possible to divide syntaxa into two groups. In general, in the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia, typical natural habitats characteristic of the Central European communities of the class Sedo-Scleranthetea are virtually absent. They are imitated by anthropogenic ecotopes with washed out or trampled, usually heavily disturbed, rubble substrates. Probably, it is possible to classify some types of grass communities that form here on the slopes of railways and roads, on overgrown stony dumps, strongly compacted as a result of trampling or the passage of vehicles, to the class Sedo-Scleranthetea. However, the assigning of these communities to this class is debatable. A significant part of the studied phytocoenoses was assigned to 7 non-rank units — «communities» within the class Koelerio–Corynephoretea canescentis. These are, firstly, pioneer and, as a rule, sparse or floristically incomplete psammophylous communities at the initial stages of succession with the participation of widespread grass psammophilic oligotrophs. Secondly, these are monodominant phytocoenoses formed after anthropogenic disturbance of psammophylous vegetation, for example, on fallow lands and clearings in pine forests on sandy and sandy loam soils; after fires, trampling. The names of these syntaxa are given according to the dominant plant species.