Fountain Grass Research Articles

The Influence of Cadmium on Fountain Grass Performance Correlates Closely with Metabolite Profiles.

The relationship between metabolite changes and biological endpoints in response to cadmium (Cd) stress remains unclear. Fountain grass has good Cd enrichment and tolerance abilities and is widely used in agriculture and landscaping. We analyzed the metabolic responses by detecting the metabolites through UPLC-MS and examined the relationships between metabolite changes and the characteristics of morphology and physiology to different Cd stress in fountain grass. Our results showed that under Cd stress, 102 differential metabolites in roots and 48 differential metabolites in leaves were detected, with 20 shared metabolites. Under Cd stress, most of the carbohydrates in leaves and roots decreased, which contributed to the lowered leaf/root length and fresh weight. In comparison, most of the differential amino acids and lipids decreased in the leaves but increased in the roots. Almost all the differential amino acids in the roots were negatively correlated with root length and root fresh weight, while they were positively correlated with malondialdehyde content. However, most of the differential amino acids in the leaves were positively correlated with leaf length and leaf fresh weight but negatively correlated with malondialdehyde content. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that Cd significantly affects seven and eight metabolic pathways in the leaves and roots, respectively, with only purine metabolism co-existing in the roots and leaves. Our study is the first statement on metabolic responses to Cd stress and the relationships between differential metabolites and biological endpoints in fountain grass. The coordination between various metabolic pathways in fountain grass enables plants to adapt to Cd stress. This study provides a comprehensive framework by explaining the metabolic plasticity and Cd tolerance mechanisms of plants.

Colored Shade Nets Affect Growth but Not Flowering of Four Greenhouse-grown Potted Ornamental Species

The color of horticultural shade nets is known to influence crop growth and quality because of variations in the amount and quality of light. Four ornamental plant species (celosia, begonia, gerbera, and fountain grass) were grown under aluminet, pearl, and red shade nets plus black as the control at 50% shade intensity for 8 weeks. Black had the least transmittance (∼10% to 30% of ambient) within the red spectrum (620–750 nm), whereas red had the greatest at ∼70% to 80%. Aluminet and pearl resulted in a similar reduction in photosynthetic photon flux at ∼50% to 55% and ∼55% to 65% of ambient, respectively. Aluminet increased the shoot dry weight for begonia and celosia, whereas no differences among shade nets were seen for gerbera or fountain grass. The chlorophyll concentration was greatest under aluminet for each species except begonia. Shade net color did not affect flower number.

Ornamental Invasive Plants in Florida with Research-founded Alternatives

The ornamental horticulture industry has long been significant in its vast economic contributions to the US agricultural sector, with Florida ranking second in nursery and greenhouse plant sales. A small proportion of introduced plants eventually escape cultivation and become invasive, leaving fragile ecosystems at risk. In response, a series of propagation and production research studies have been conducted over the years to 1) evaluate the female sterility and landscape performance of cultivars and/or hybrids of ornamental invasives, and 2) develop reliable propagation systems of novel or underused natives having ornamental and ecological value. Attractive, fruitless selections of popular species such as butterfly bush (Buddleja sp.), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex), lantana (Lantana strigocamara), trailing lantana (Lantana montevidensis), privet (Ligustrum sp.), maiden silvergrass (Miscanthus sp.), and fountain grass (Pennisetum sp.) have been identified as suitable non-native alternatives to the invasive or potentially invasive resident species (wild type). Simultaneously, researchers have taken a closer look at native plant alternatives that may offer similar aesthetic traits as invasive plants, while bringing added biodiversity and function for more ecologically friendly landscapes and gardens. As such, successful multisite trialing and/or propagation systems have been developed for a number of species native to Florida, such as squareflower (Paronychia erecta), coastalplain honeycombhead (Balduina angustifolia), wireweeds (Polygonella sp.), blue porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis), wild coffees (Psychotria sp.), sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana), and wild lime (Zanthoxylum fagara). With pronounced marketing and consumer education, it is hopeful that together sterile cultivars and native species will ultimately replace wild-type forms of commercially available ornamental invasives. This paper summarizes the current status of ornamental invasives in Florida and the role of native species and sterile non-native cultivars.

Potential Elimination of Chromium (VI) by Chemically Biochar Derived from Pennisetum Setaceum

This study consisted of a novel potential adsorbent material that could efficiently remove chromium (VI) from aqueous solutions. The optimum operating conditions were investigated including pH, agitation period. In this research, biochar derived from fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) coated with glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan and treated with succinic acid to add functional groups was used to create an eco-friendly sorbent (CPES). It demonstrated that 3.0 is the ideal pH for the Cr (VI) adsorption process. The equilibrium stirring time is 120 minutes. The Langmuir and Freundlich models have been used to examine experimental data. According to the results, and the Freundlich model performed a better fit of the result than the Langmuir one. Cr (VI) has a maximum adsorption capacity of 30.96 mg/g. The Gibbs free energy change (êG), enthalpy change (êH), and entropy change (êS) thermodynamic parameters were determined. The fact that êG was negative demonstrated that Cr (VI) adsorption onto the CPES adsorbent occurred spontaneously.

Comparing common fountain grass removal techniques: cost efficacy and response of native plant community

Fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) is a globally pervasive invasive species and a prime example of an escaped horticultural ornamental. In areas where it is not naturally found, it displaces native plant communities and disrupts ecological systems and processes. Cost-effective removal efforts that protect the native plant community are needed for its control. We conducted an experiment from March 2018 to March 2021 in 5 m × 5 m plots to test the efficacy and record costs for common removal techniques (cut and herbicide, herbicide one or two times per year, manual removal) in the Sonoran Desert, Arizona, United States. Each treatment took 2.5 years to achieve control in the plots, and treatments did not negatively affect the native plant community. The response of native plants was mediated by year, such that native cover in treatment plots recovered to similar levels as uninvaded control plots with sufficient rainfall. Plots that received the manual removal treatment had almost five more native plant species than the invaded control treatment (22.7 ± 1.63 compared to 18.1 ± 1.61). Herbicide applied in spring and fall increased efficacy of removals in the first year but was not significantly different from the other treatments averaged over year. Herbicide once per year was most cost effective across different sized areas. Manual removal was also cost effective in small areas (< 0.06 hectares) but was more expensive than herbicide twice a year in larger areas. Our results provide a toolset that enables managers to select removal treatments based on a balance of convenience, resources, and scale of the infestation.

Predictive Modeling of Bioenergy Production from Fountain Grass Using Gaussian Process Regression: Effect of Kernel Functions

Experimental studies have shown that bioethanol production from biomass sources has been reported to be influenced by several process parameters. It is not entirely known, however, how the interaction of these factors affects the concentration of bioethanol production. In this study, the use of Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) in predictive modeling of bioethanol production from fountain grass has been investigated. Parametric analysis showing the interaction effect of time, pH, temperature, and yeast extract on the bioethanol production was examined. The effect of kernel functions on the performance of the GPR in modeling the prediction of bioenergy output was also examined. The study shows that the kernel function, namely, rotational quadratic (RQGPR), squared exponential (SEGPR), Matern 5/2 (MGPR), exponential (EGPR), and the optimizable (Opt.GPR.), had varying effects on the performance of the GPR. Coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.648, 0.670, 0.667, 0.762, and 0.993 were obtained for the RQGPR, SEGPR, MGPR, EGPR, OptGPR, respectively. The OptGPR with R2 of 0.993 and RMSE of 45.13 displayed the best performance. The input parameters analysis revealed that the pH of the fermentation medium significantly influences bioethanol production. A proper understanding of how the various process variables affect bioethanol production will help in the real-time optimization of the process in the eventuality of scale-up.

Carbon sequestration by plant species used in green roofs across different periods

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the influence of three plant species and two periods on the amount of carbon stored in the substrate in an extensive green roof. The study was carried out in March and September 2020 at Charles Darwin Business Garage Building, Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil. A completely randomized design with a split-plot scheme was adopted, with plant species (zoysia grass [Zoysia japonica], inch plant [Tradescantia zebrina], and fountain grass [Pennisetum setaceum]) allocated to plots and the material collection periods (March and September) to subplots. The CO2 and organic carbon concentrations in the substrate were quantified. Thirty samples were obtained from the substrate during each period. No statistically significant difference was observed in CO2 content among species treatments; however, there was a significant difference between the two periods evaluated, with average values of 14.05 and 96.97 mg in March and September, respectively. Therefore, September has the greatest potential for CO2 storage in the substrate. Significant differences were observed in organic carbon concentrations among species and between periods, with average values of 95.05 and 129.22 g kg-1 for fountain grass and inch plant, respectively, and 131.15 and 100.81 g kg-1 in March and September, respectively.

Weight reduction in response to unauthorized treatment in a poorly controlled obese woman

This case study highlights the importance of using alternative or herbal medication with no authority or medical prescription. Obesity is a disease that affect human physiological and psychological health and leads to serious complications such as cardiovascular problems. An overweight 41-aged female with a body mass index of 53.9 Kg/m2 with no medical history has self-prescribed a herbal tea of fountain grass aerial parts following herbalist advice. Her obesity is poorly controlled and negatively affect her social, emotional, and overall psychological status. Insulin resistance, lipid profile, and glycosylate hemoglobin were on the highest edges. The patient tried many diet regimes with no avail. After regular intake of the herbal tea for six months in conjugation with a low-carb diet; there was an enhancement in her obesity profile conjugated with significant improvements in her body scores and biochemical profile. Undesirable effects were experienced include loss of appetite, constipation, and mood change. The herbal fountain grass tea has a significant contribution to decrease the patient weight and improve her biochemical readings. Alternative therapy and traditional recipes have to be monitored and investigated thoroughly for clinical evidence. The safety of P. setaceum needs more investigation.

Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass)

Pennisetum setaceum (fountain grass)

Constructed Wetlands in the Production of Crimson Fountain Grass Flower Stems

Constructed Wetlands in the Production of Crimson Fountain Grass Flower Stems

Evaluation of Chemical Control Methods of Fountain Grass

Fountain grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides) is a common ornamental grass because of its glossy foliage and showy inflorescence. However, there have been reports of populations growing outside of cultivation and demonstrating invasive tendencies. There is limited research of the chemical control of fountain grass in natural areas. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the impact of glyphosate, sethoxydim, and fluazifop on fountain grass. Treatments consisted of 2250 and 4500 g⋅ha–1 glyphosate, 262.5 and 525 g⋅ha–1 sethoxydim, and 200 and 400 g⋅ha–1 fluazifop; a nontreated control group was also included. The percent herbicide injury was determined visually 1, 3, 4, 6, and 10 weeks after treatment (WAT). Both rates of glyphosate resulted in 100% of the foliage injured by 3 WAT. The application of flauzifop and sethoxydim led to intermediate results ranging from 15% to 23% injury by 6 WAT, with no significant difference between active ingredients or rates. Nontreated control plants exhibited little to no injury throughout the study. Flauzifop, sethoxydim, and glyphosate all caused visible injury to fountain grass. For complete, fast-acting control, glyphosate is recommended. Herbicide control coupled with restorative plantings of native plants can help reduce invasive plant pressure and improve biodiversity of natural areas.

RAPID METHODS TO SELECT FACULTATIVE PATHOGENS ON INVADER Cenchrus setaceus

"Fountain grass, Cenchrus setaceus (Forssk.) Chiov. (syn. Pennisetum setaceum) is an invasive plant with high impact on insular environments such as the Canary Islands. Although there are no mentions on C. setaceus phytopathogens, plant communities with symptoms of withering, yellowing and decay have been found in Canary Islands. Our project aims to find autochthonous potential biological control agents for C. setaceus. Herein, we present a workflow in which we tested fast and cost-effective methods to screen a high number of fungal strains, aiming features like fast colonizers as well as competitive saprophytes and facultative pathogens with ability to cause infection. Affected plants were collected from the islands of Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and Lanzarote and 243 fungal strains belonging to 38 genera were isolated. First screening was performed on adult plants with pooled multiple species strains – spores suspensions of 10 random strains per pool, each strain representing a genus or a morphotype (n = 83). No symptoms of disease were observed. Most isolated genera in this study were Alternaria and Fusarium, known as cosmopolite phytopathogens. Next screening methods were focused accordingly. Two in vitro single-strain screening methods were employed by using mycelium-inoculated sectioned and entire leaves, to observe the ability of tissue colonization. First screening on sectioned leaves was performed with high amount of inoculum, to increase the chances of colonization and to determine the ability of fungi to use the plant material as substrate. The method was not effective in significantly reducing the number of candidates as most strains had abundant growth. To detect differences in fungal strains acting as facultative pathogens or phytopathogens, the 2nd single-strain screening was performed on physiologically-stressed (pelargonic acid, a desiccant molecule to induce turgor loss) and not pre-treated leaves using less inoculum. Six strains were selected and subsequently evaluated in the last in vivo screening in the presence and absence of the desiccant. Finally, we detected strain 967 Fusarium clavum as able to colonize and reproduce at the crown of the young plants. In view of our experimental process, we propose a workflow for the cost-effective search for potential BCAs in similar situations."

Greenhouse Carbon Dioxide Supplementation with Irrigation and Fertilization Management of Geranium and Fountain Grass

Increase in ambient carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is beneficial for plant growth due to increased photosynthesis and water use efficiency. A greenhouse study was conducted to investigate how supplemented CO2 influences optimal irrigation and fertilization management for production of two ornamental plants. Two identical greenhouses were used, with one having CO2 supplementation and the other serving as the control with ambient CO2 concentration. Tensiometer-based irrigation treatments were applied at soil tensions of –5, –10, and –15 kPa with 0-, 3-, 6-, or 9-g controlled-release fertilizer rates applied in factorial with irrigation treatments. Plugs of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ and fountain grass were grown under experimental conditions for 12 and 16 weeks, respectively. The results showed that CO2 supplementation increased the dry weight of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ and fountain grass by 35% and 39%, respectively. Under the two driest irrigation regimes (–10 and –15 kPa), photosynthesis of geranium ‘Pinto Premium Rose Bicolor’ increased with CO2 supplementation compared with the ambient condition. Similarly, for fountain grass, the moderately watered (–10 kPa) treatment had a greater rate of photosynthesis with greater fertilizer rates of 6 or 9 g. CO2 supplementation resulted in increased water use efficiency of both species, whereas rate of transpiration was lower only in fountain grass. Among different fertilizer rates, 6- or 9-g fertilizer rates had greater values for dry weight, number of flowers, and stomatal conductance in both species. Therefore, it can be concluded that CO2 supplementation can help in efficient use of water for greenhouse production of ornamental plants.

Toward an understanding of broad-scale patterns of the habitat suitability of fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus (Forssk.) Morrone, Poaceae)

Understanding the factors contributing to the introduction and spread of invasive species is crucial to help develop management strategies to control and eradicate them in sensitive areas. Our goals were to investigate (1) the association between habitat suitability of fountain grass (Cenchrus setaceus), human footprint, and environmental variables; (2) the biogeographical distribution of habitat suitability of fountain grass, an aggressive invasive species that has altered native ecosystems across multiple continents; (3) what kind of habitats are most likely to be invaded by fountain grass; and (4) the potential impact of climate change on the range of fountain grass. We showed that areas with the highest suitability are in desertic and xeric areas of the Mediterranean, and dry tropical, and subtropical bioclimates. The global biogeographic pattern of the suitability of fountain grass generally increases from the equator toward subtropical areas and then decreases at the north and south portions of the globe. Areas with the highest suitability occur along broad ecotonal zones between deserts and Mediterranean regions. Models indicated human footprint and annual mean temperature most contributed to explaining the global suitability patterns of fountain grass. Climate change analysis showed a high potential contraction of the potential range of fountain grass in the Mediterranean and tropical areas of the southwest USA, northern Mexico, northeast Brazil, and South Africa. Results also indicated a potential moderate expansion of its range, mainly in tropical areas of the southwest USA and East Africa. Our results give support for the tenet that anthropogenic factors and climate dynamics might be a strong explanation of the spatial distribution of fountain grass over broad-extent areas. Managers and stakeholders may apply our results to identify high-priority areas that can be used to prevent future invasions into areas of high suitability.

Invasive fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk.) Chiov.) increases its potential area of distribution in Tenerife island under future climatic scenarios

Mapping the distribution of invasive species under current and future climate conditions is crucial to implement sustainable and effective conservation strategies. Several studies showed how invasive species may benefit from climate change fostering their invasion rate and, consequently, affecting the native species community. In the Canary Islands and on Tenerife in particular, previous research mostly focused on climate change impacts on the native communities, whereas less attention has been paid on alien species distribution under climate change scenarios. In this study, we modelled the habitat distribution of Pennisetum setaceum, one of the most invasive alien species on Tenerife. In addition, we described the species’ potential distribution shift in the light of two climate change scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP8.5), highlighting the areas that should be prioritized during management and eradication programs. P. setaceum’s suitable areas are located in the coastal area, with higher habitat suitability near cities and below 800 m asl. In both future climate change scenarios, the geographic distribution of P. setaceum suitable areas is characterized by an elevational shift, which is more pronounced in the RCP8.5 scenario. Despite being drought resistant, water supply is crucial for the species’ seed germination, thus supporting future species’ shift to higher elevation and in the north–north–west part of the island, where it could benefit from the combined effect of orographic precipitations and humidity carried by trade winds.

In vitro induction and characterization of hexaploid Pennisetum × advena, an ornamental grass

Pennisetum × advena (purple fountain grass) is an ornamental grass with considerable commercial value. In vitro induction of hexaploids and evaluation of the morphological and anatomical traits in P. × advena were conducted in this study. Nine independent hexaploids were generated from calli, which was initiated from immature inflorescence tissue of triploid P. × advena, treated with 0.1% colchicine for 24 h. Their ploidy levels were first screened by flow cytometry and further identified by chromosome counting. Compared with the triploids, the hexaploids showed a significant delay in flowering, and reduction in plant height, the number of tillers and number of inflorescences per plant, leaf length and width, inflorescence diameter, and the number of florets per inflorescence, but an increase in floret fresh weight, and anther diameter and length. Pollen grains in the hexaploids were well developed, and their fertility was restored. The production of hexaploids of P. × advena by colchicine treatment, and assessment of their growth parameters and pollen fertility, provide important information for future breeding of P. × advena. Nine independent hexaploids were generated from calli derived from immature inflorescence tissue of triploid Pennisetum × advena by a colchicine treatment, and their morphological and anatomical traits were evaluated.

A modeling workflow that balances automation and human intervention to inform invasive plant management decisions at multiple spatial scales.

Predictions of habitat suitability for invasive plant species can guide risk assessments at regional and national scales and inform early detection and rapid-response strategies at local scales. We present a general approach to invasive species modeling and mapping that meets objectives at multiple scales. Our methodology is designed to balance trade-offs between developing highly customized models for few species versus fitting non-specific and generic models for numerous species. We developed a national library of environmental variables known to physiologically limit plant distributions and relied on human input based on natural history knowledge to further narrow the variable set for each species before developing habitat suitability models. To ensure efficiency, we used largely automated modeling approaches and human input only at key junctures. We explore and present uncertainty by using two alternative sources of background samples, including five statistical algorithms, and constructing model ensembles. We demonstrate the use and efficiency of the Software for Assisted Habitat Modeling [SAHM 2.1.2], a package in VisTrails, which performs the majority of the modeling analyses. Our workflow includes solicitation of expert feedback on model outputs such as spatial prediction results and variable response curves, and iterative improvement based on new data availability and directed field validation of initial model results. We highlight the utility of the models for decision-making at regional and local scales with case studies of two plant species that invade natural areas: fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria). By balancing model automation with human intervention, we can efficiently provide land managers with mapped predicted distributions for multiple invasive species to inform decisions across spatial scales.

The Ability of Red Fountain Grass to Grow in Cadmium-Contaminated Soil

A pot experiment was conducted during two successive seasons 2017 and 2018 at experimental farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. The aim of this study is to determine the ability of Pennisetum setaceum cv. rubrum plant to grow in cadmium (Cd) contaminated soil (100 mg/kg). Also, investigate the effect of citric acid application (1 and 2 mmol/kg) on phyto-extraction of cadmium-contaminated soil. The results clarified that the presence of cadmium (100 mg/kg) in the soil caused low reduction in the herb growth compared to unpolluted soil. The reduction rates in both seasons were 20.33 and 26.47% for herb fresh weight, 5.08 and 14.79% for herb dry weight, 8.86 and 0.0% for number of inflorescences/plant, respectively. The treatment of citric acid 1 mmol/kg increased the Cd content 149.3, 137.5% in the herb, and 221.25, and 170.81% within plant root in both seasons, respectively compared to the control. Also, such treatment raised phenols content in the herb to 102.3 and 93.0% compared to control plants in both seasons, respectively. The results showed that translocation factor (TF) was bigger than one which means that the plants had accumulated the cadmium in their tissues; however the plant tolerated Cd-contaminated soil accompanied with high content in both phenols and catalase enzyme activity. It could be concluded that P. setaceum cv. rubrum is a promising plant for phytoremediation.

Effect of Some Fertilizer Treatments on the Growth of Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) Grown Under the Stress of Different Levels of Salinity

Effect of Some Fertilizer Treatments on the Growth of Fountain Grass (Pennisetum Setaceum) Grown Under the Stress of Different Levels of Salinity

Elevated soil nitrogen, but not phosphorus, increases growth and reproduction in Crimson Fountain grass, Pennisetum setaceum (Poaceae)

Pennisetum setaceum (Forssk) Chiov. is a perennial C4 bunchgrass native to North Africa that has become widely naturalized or invasive outside of its native range. It commonly grows in disturbed habitats, which may have high levels of soil phosphorous (P). While nitrogen (N) addition and mixed-nutrient addition have been shown to increase growth and flowering in P. setaceum, no previous research has directly tested the effects of elevated soil P. We used a nutrient addition greenhouse experiment to test the effects of elevated P and N availability independently and in combination. N-treated plants grew faster and larger, were less stressed (as measured by maximum quantum yield of photosystem II, FV/FM), flowered earlier, and produced more inflorescences than plants not treated with N. P-treated plants were significantly larger compared to controls, but the difference in size was small. We show that N is the nutrient more strongly limiting the growth and reproduction of P. setaceum. We suggest that the affinity of P. setaceum to habitats of characteristically high P availability may reflect other, similar characteristics of these habitats, such as high disturbance rates.