Frangula Alnus Research Articles

Invasive Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) Has Weak Impact on Native Understory Plant and Saprophagous Macroarthropod Communities

Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus Miller) is an invasive alien plant species (IAPS) rapidly expanding in North America but is largely understudied compared to the common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica). Our study investigated the effects of a 27-year-old F. alnus invasion on native understory plant and saprophagous macroarthropod communities in a wet deciduous woodland in Southern Québec, Canada. We hypothesized a decreased taxonomic diversity and a change in community composition of both indicator taxa with increasing F. alnus density. The understory plant and saprophagous macroarthropod communities were characterized, respectively, through vegetation surveys and pitfall trapping across a density gradient of 43 plots invaded by F. alnus. Our results demonstrated that F. alnus did not exert a strong influence on species community composition, although the homogenization of understory plant communities was observed. Despite several decades of F. alnus invasion at our study site, the consequences on the selected indicator taxa were overall relatively small, suggesting that the magnitude of effects is variable. We suggest that further investigation at a larger scale should be performed to evaluate the effect of F. alnus on a broad diversity of indicators and understand any context dependency.

Exploring the Role of Shrubs in Modulating Heavy Metal Accumulation in Forest Soils in Single-Species Pine Stands

Heavy metals accumulate and bind strongly in soil, making them difficult to eliminate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and European hazelnut (Coryllus avellana) admixtures in pine monocultures on the accumulation and vertical distribution of heavy metals in soil surface horizons. Ten sites each of pine stands admixed with alder buckthorn, pine stands admixed with European hazelnut, and pine monocultures in the Rybnik Forest District in southern Poland were selected for each variant. For the study, soil samples were taken from each site from the organic and mineral horizons and analysed for N and C contents, C/N ratio, pHH2O, base cation contents, and heavy metal contents. For all three stand compositions, the organic horizons showed a significant accumulation of heavy metals compared to the mineral horizons. Heavy metal content was correlated with pH, N and C contents, C/N ratio, and base cation contents. The admixture of shrubs, especially European hazelnut, positively affected soil organic matter quality and, consequently, the accumulation of heavy metals. European hazelnut had the most beneficial soil effects on the tested soil, which confirms that this species can be used in planning species composition, particularly in regions prone to heavy pollutant deposition.

Scientific Opinion on additional scientific data related to the safety of preparations of Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale Baill. and their hybrids, Rhamnus purshianaDC., Rhamnus frangula L. and Cassia senna L., submitted pursuant to Article 8(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006.

The Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of plant preparations from the root or rhizome of Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale Baill. and their hybrids, from the bark of Rhamnus frangula L. and Rhamnus purshiana DC. and from the leaf or fruit of Cassia senna L., which have been placed under Union scrutiny in Part C of Annex III in accordance with Article 8(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1925/2006. The NDA Panel reviewed the additional scientific data submitted during the period of scrutiny and the public consultation by interested parties. The pertinent scientific data were invitro and invivo genotoxicity studies on the plant preparations under consideration. All the results of the genotoxicity studies on plant preparations were negative. However, the plant preparations that were tested in the submitted studies were not sufficiently characterised with respect to the content of total and individual hydroxyanthracene derivatives (HADs) and components other than HADs. The studies confirmed the presence of ■■■■■, known to be genotoxic invivo, and ■■■■■, shown to be genotoxic invitro. In line with the EFSA Scientific Committee statement on genotoxicity assessment of chemical mixtures, considering the presence of an invivo genotoxic compound, the plant preparations used in these studies have to be considered of concern for genotoxicity. Thus, the safety of preparations containing HADs from the root or rhizome of Rheum palmatum L., Rheum officinale Baill. and their hybrids, from the leaf or fruit of Cassia senna L. and from the bark of Rhamnus frangula L. and Rhamnus purshiana DC. cannot be established based on the submitted studies.

Spectral Library of Plant Species from Montesinho Natural Park in Portugal

In this work, we present and describe a spectral library (SL) with 15 vascular plant species from Montesinho Natural Park (MNP), a protected area in Northeast Portugal. We selected species from the vascular plants that are characteristic of the habitats in the MNP, based on their prevalence, and also included one invasive species: Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn, Castanea sativa Mill., Cistus ladanifer L., Crataegus monogyna Jacq., Frangula alnus Mill., Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl, Quercus pyrenaica Willd., Quercus rotundifolia Lam., Trifolium repens L., Arbutus unedo L., Dactylis glomerata L., Genista falcata Brot., Cytisus multiflorus (L’Hér.) Sweet, Erica arborea L., and Acacia dealbata Link. We collected spectra (300–2500 nm) from five records per leaf and leaf side, which resulted in 538 spectra compiled in the SL. Additionally, we computed five vegetation indices from spectral data and analysed them to highlight specific characteristics and differences among the sampled species. We detail the data repository information and its organisation for a better understanding of the data and to facilitate its use. The SL structure can add valuable information about the selected plant species in MNP, contributing to conservation purposes. This plant species SL is publicly available in Zenodo platform.

Risk Characterization of Botanical Extracts Containing Hydroxyanthracenes as Determined by a Validated Micronucleus In Vitro Assay

Extracts of Rheum palmatum L., Rhamnus purshiana DC., Rhamnus frangula L., and Cassia senna L. are used in traditional medicine thanks to their beneficial properties. These species contain hydroxyanthracene derivatives, considered genotoxic and possibly related to colorectal cancer development. This research aimed to study, using a micronucleus assay in vitro, the genotoxic potential of Rheum palmatum L., Rhamnus purshiana DC., Rhamnus frangula L. (bark), and Cassia senna L. (leaves and fruits) extracts. The extracts were evaluated at different concentrations: from 0 to 2000 µg/mL for Rhamnus purshiana DC, from 0 to 2500 µg/mL for Rheum palmatum L. and Rhamnus frangula L., and from 0 to 5000 µg/mL for Cassia senna L. The cytokinesis-block proliferation index was calculated to analyse if the used concentrations showed cytotoxicity. The hydroxyanthracene content varied between 0.06% and 0.23% for aloe-emodin, and between 0.07% and 0.16% for emodin and rhein. No cytotoxic effect was detected at any of these concentrations. Micronucleus analyses showed a lack of genotoxicity for all the extracts tested. These results show that Rheum palmatum L., Rhamnus purshiana DC, Rhamnus frangula L., and Cassia senna L. extracts do not induce genotoxicity since no increase in micronuclei formation in human lymphocytes in vitro was detected.

Highly clustered mating networks in naturally fragmented riparian tree populations.

Understanding how spatial patterns of mating and gene flow respond to habitat loss and geographical isolation is a crucial aspect of forest fragmentation genetics. Naturally fragmented riparian tree populations exhibit unique characteristics that significantly influence these patterns. In this study, we investigate mating patterns, pollen-mediated gene flow, and genetic diversity in relict populations of Frangula alnus in southern Spain by testing specific hypotheses related to the riparian habitat. We employ a novel approach that combines paternity analysis, particularly suited for small and isolated populations, with complex network theory and Bayesian models to predict mating likelihood among tree pairs. Our findings reveal a prevalence of short-distance pollination, resulting in spatially driven local mating clusters with a distinct subset of trees being highly connected in the mating network. Additionally, we observe numerous pollination events over distances of hundreds of metres and considerable pollen immigration. Local neighbourhood density is the primary factor influencing within-population mating patterns and pollen dispersal; moreover, mating network properties reflect the population's size and spatial configuration. Conversely, among-population pollen dispersal is mainly determined by tree size, which influences floral display. Our results do not support a major role of directional pollen dispersal in longitudinal trends of genetic diversity. We provide evidence that long-term fragmented tree populations persist in unique environments that shape mating patterns and impose constraints to pollen-mediated gene flow. Nevertheless, even seemingly strongly isolated populations can maintain functional connectivity over extended periods, especially when animal-mediated mating networks promote genetic diversity, as in this riparian tree species.

Aecial and Telial Host Specificity of Puccinia coronata var. coronata, a Eurasian Crown Rust Fungus of Two Highly Invasive Wetland Species in North America.

The Eurasian crown rust fungus Puccinia coronata var. coronata (Pcc) was recently reported in North America and is widespread across the Midwest and Northeast United States. Pcc is a close relative of major pathogens of oats, barley, and turfgrasses. It infects two highly invasive wetland plants, glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea), and could be useful as an augmentative biological control agent. We conducted large greenhouse trials to assess the host specificity of Pcc and determine any threat to cultivated cereals, turfgrasses, or native North American species. A total of 1,830 accessions of cereal crop species and 783 accessions of 110 other gramineous species were evaluated. Young plants were first inoculated with a composite uredinial inoculum derived from aecia. Accessions showing sporulation were further tested with pure urediniospore isolates. Sixteen potential aecial hosts in the families Rhamnaceae and Elaeagnaceae were tested for susceptibility through inoculation with germinating teliospores. Thirteen grass species within five genera in the tribe Poeae (Apera, Calamagrostis, Lamarckia, Phalaris, and Puccinellia) and four species in Rhamnaceae (Frangula alnus, F. californica, F. caroliniana, and Rhamnus lanceolata) were found to be susceptible to Pcc, with some species native to North America. All assessed crop species and turfgrasses were resistant. Limited sporulation, however, was observed on some resistant species within Poeae and four other tribes: Brachypodieae, Bromeae, Meliceae, and Triticeae. Among these species are oats, barley, and Brachypodium distachyon, suggesting the possible use of Pcc in studies of nonhost resistance.

Determination of polyphenolic compounds in raw plant materials by NMR spectroscopy

Environmental monitoring and assessment of the prospects for extracting biologically active substances (BAS) from various types of plant biomass requires the development of simple and fast methods for measuring their content in raw materials. For this purposes massspectrometry and NMR spectroscopy are widely used. Both methods have their own advantages and disadvantages. But NMR spectroscopy is a nondestructive method and requires simple sample preparation. In addition, quantitative studies using NMR spectroscopy do not require authentic standard samples. We have developed various techniques for targeted metabolomic analysis of plant origin samples using NMR spectroscopy, including: determination of anthraquinone derivatives in extracts from roots and rhizomes of Rubia tinctorum L., determination of diosmin in Hyssopus officinalis L., determination glucofrangulin A in extracts from leaves of Rhamnus frangula L.

Arthropods Associated with Invasive Frangula alnus (Rosales: Rhamnaceae): Implications for Invasive Plant and Insect Management.

The invasive shrub glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) has been progressively colonizing the Northeastern United States and Southeastern Canada for more than a century. To determine the dominant arthropod orders and species associated with F. alnus, field surveys were conducted for two years across 16 plots within the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, USA. Statistical analyses were employed to assess the impact of seasonal variation on insect order richness and diversity. The comprehensive arthropod collection yielded 2845 insects and arachnids, with hemipterans comprising the majority (39.8%), followed by dipterans (22.3%) and arachnids (15.5%). Notably, 16.2% of the hemipterans collected were in the immature stages, indicating F. alnus as a host for development. The two dominant insect species of F. alnus were Psylla carpinicola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae); D. suzukii utilized F. alnus fruits for reproduction. Species richness and diversity exhibited significant variations depending on the phenology of F. alnus. The profiles of volatile compounds emitted from the leaves and flowers of F. alnus were analyzed to identify factors that potentially contribute to the attraction of herbivores and pollinators. The results of our study will advance the development of novel F. alnus management strategies leveraging the insects associated with this invasive species.

Overstory Thinning Impacts Fruit Production and Handling of the Nonnative Shrub, Rhamnus frangula, in a Young Temperate Forest

Overstory Thinning Impacts Fruit Production and Handling of the Nonnative Shrub, Rhamnus frangula, in a Young Temperate Forest

Spatial Patterns of Frangula alnus (Rosales: Rhamnaceae): Implications for Invasive Plant Management.

Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) (Rosales: Rhamnaceae) is an invasive shrub from Europe that has been invading North America for over a century and threatening native vegetation in open and disturbed habitats. The treatment of F. alnus is currently restricted to the roadside, suggesting any individual F. alnus residing within the forest would be left unmanaged and would continue to spread in the area. This research was conducted to determine the spatial patterns and relationship of F. alnus with forest roads. The presence and density of F. alnus at 1412 sample points were recorded on four sites in the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, USA. Buffer analyses were conducted along roads to determine the relationship between F. alnus density and proximity to forest roads. Geostatistics and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE) were used to characterize the spatial pattern of F. alnus. Results of this study showed that F. alnus was spatially aggregated and resided beyond forest roads. Both the density and presence of F. alnus decreased as the distance from the forest road increased. These results imply the potential for precision management of F. alnus by locating and managing only where F. alnus presents.

Could alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill) be a source of chemotherapeutics effective against hepato- and colorectal carcinoma? An in vitro study

Could alder buckthorn (Frangula alnus Mill) be a source of chemotherapeutics effective against hepato- and colorectal carcinoma? An in vitro study

Impact of Environmental Conditions on Seed Germination of Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus (Mill)) in Eastern Canada

Understanding seed characteristics, germination, and seedling establishment patterns is essential for formulating effective management strategies to control invasive species. Glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus) is a shrub or small tree from Eurasia that has become invasive in North America, and which has negative impacts on plant communities and ecosystems. In this study, we analyzed the germination response of glossy buckthorn seeds to different temperatures (12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, and 28 °C), various stratification lengths (4 to 20 weeks), and scarification conditions to measure the impact on breaking seed dormancy, and the effect of light in triggering germination. Analysis using distinct time-to-event approaches, including the Kaplan–Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazard model, was employed to interpret germination data. Glossy buckthorn seeds exhibited physiological dormancy and required cold stratification to germinate. At 12 °C, only 14% of the seeds could germinate. At warmer temperatures, germination rates increased, reaching a peak of 70% at 20 °C. At 24 °C and 28 °C, germination declined, and seeds were probably induced into secondary dormancy. Scarified seeds had a higher probability of germination than non-scarified ones, even at the lowest temperatures. Darkness had a negative impact on germination at all tested temperatures. This study significantly advances our understanding of how temperature, light, stratification, and scarification impact glossy buckthorn seeds, elucidating the species’ seasonal germination patterns in North America. The results emphasize that glossy buckthorn utilizes seed banks as a primary strategy for invading and establishing in new habitats. The ungerminated seeds form persistent seed banks, ensuring F. alnus’ survival and bolstering its chances of successful establishment and invasion. As climate change drives temperature increases, it may affect seeds in the soil, altering stratification periods and consequently shifting the timing of germination.

The effect of shrubs admixture in pine forest stands on soil bacterial and fungal communities and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of persistent toxic pollutants. The species composition of the stand is important in shaping the quality of soil organic matter and, consequently, the PAH content. The main purpose of the research was to determine the role of shrubs in shaping PAH accumulation in forest soils. The study covered the soils of the pine stands of the Rybnik Forest District, which experiences some of the highest deposition of industrial emissions in Europe. Pine stands with admixture of shrubs (alder buckthorn Frangula alnus and European hazelnut Coryllus avellana) growing in the same soil conditions were selected for the study. Samples for analyses were collected from the organic horizon (O) (from a depth of 0–7 cm) and humus mineral horizon (A) (from a depth of 7–15 cm). The organic C and total N concentrations, pH, alkaline cation content, soil enzyme activity and PAH content were determined. Additionally, the taxonomic composition of soil bacterial and fungal communities was determined. The highest activity of enzymes was noted in soils under influence of shrubs. The enzymatic activity was positively correlated with the content of total N, organic C, pH H2O and KCl and negatively with the C/N ratio. The highest PAH content was recorded in the soils of pine stands without the admixture of shrubs. Our research indicates the importance of shrubs in shaping the properties of surface horizons of forest soil and, consequently on the accumulation of PAHs. Shrubs stimulate biochemical activity of soils which results in lower PAHs accumulation by providing more easily decomposable organic matter.

Bioinks Functionalized with Natural Extracts for 3D Printing

In the search of materials valid for direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing and with special interest for the biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, the development of bioactive inks for DIW is of great interest. For that purpose, in this work bioactive waterborne polyurethane–urea inks were prepared by addition of natural extracts (logwood, chestnut, and alder buckthorn) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The rheological behavior of the inks proved to be strongly dependent on the extract type and content, and the addition route used. Inks prepared by ex-situ incorporation of the extracts showed a strong gel-like behavior, as did inks prepared with chestnut and alder buckthorn extracts, which, in turn, hindered a continuous flow during the printing process, resulting in 3D printed parts with poor shape fidelity. On the other hand, inks prepared in-situ and with logwood extract showed more facility to flow and higher homogeneity, which translated in better printability and better shape fidelity, further enhanced for CNF containing inks. 3D printed composites showed reinforced mechanical behavior, as well as in materials with enhanced antibacterial behavior. Overall, the possibility to successfully prepare bioactive inks valid for 3D printing was proven.

Synergistic Sustained Drug-Release System Based on Immobilized Rhamnus frangula L. Phytoextract into Layered Double Hydroxide Covered by Biocompatible Hydrogel.

This work focuses on the synergetic effect obtained by immobilization of Rhamnus frangula L. (RfL) phytoextract in layered double hydroxides (LDHs) matrixes and their subsequent encapsulation into biocompatible hydrogels (HG). In this respect, the LDHs were used as hosts for the immobilization of the phytoextract by a reconstruction method, after which the LDHsRfL were embedded into biocompatible hydrogel (HG) matrixes, based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), by a radical polymerization reaction. The resulted biocompatible hydrogel composites were characterized by modern methods, while the swelling and rheology measurements revealed that the HG composites steadily improved as the content of RfL phytoextract immobilized on LDHs (LDHsRfL) increased. The following in vitro sustained release of the RfL phytoextract was highlighted by measurements at pH 6.8, in which case the composite HGs with LDHsRfL presented an improved release behavior over the LDHsRfL, thus, underlining the synergistic effect of PEGDA network and LDH particles on the slow-release behavior. The kinetic models used in the RfL release from composite HGs clearly indicate that the release is diffusion controlled in all the cases. The final composite HGs described here may find applications in the pharmaceutical field as devices for the controlled release of drugs.

The same boat, different storm: stress volatile emissions in response to biotrophic fungal infections in primary and alternate hosts

ABSTRACT Rust infection results in stress volatile emissions, but due to the complexity of host-pathogen interaction and variations in innate defense and capacity to induce defense, biochemical responses can vary among host species. Fungal-dependent modifications in volatile emissions have been well documented in numerous host species, but how emission responses vary among host species is poorly understood. Our recent experiments demonstrated that the obligate biotrophic crown rust fungus (P. coronata) differently activated primary and secondary metabolic pathways in its primary host Avena sativa and alternate host Rhamnus frangula. In A. sativa, emissions of methyl jasmonate, short-chained lipoxygenase products, long-chained saturated fatty acid derivatives, mono- and sesquiterpenes, carotenoid breakdown products, and benzenoids were initially elicited in an infection severity-dependent manner, but the emissions decreased under severe infection and photosynthesis was almost completely inhibited. In R. frangula, infection resulted in low-level induction of stress volatile emissions, but surprisingly, in enhanced constitutive isoprene emissions, and even severely-infected leaves maintained a certain photosynthesis rate. Thus, the same pathogen elicited a much stronger response in the primary than in the alternate host. We argue that future work should focus on resolving mechanisms of different fungal tolerance and resilience among primary and secondary hosts.

Severe Drought Still Affects Reproductive Traits Two Years Later in a Common Garden Experiment of Frangula alnus

Longer periods of intensified droughts in Western Europe are predicted due to ongoing climate change. Studying the responses of woody species during intense drought events can help toward understanding the consequences for forest ecosystems. We studied the effects of an intense summer water limitation on several reproductive traits, two years after the treatment, in Frangula alnus Mill. shrubs grown in a common garden. Drought-treated shrubs produced more berries one and two years after the drought event, while the height increment of the second post-treatment year was still significantly retarded. The mean weight of stones from berries picked two years after the drought treatment and their germination percentage, which was corrected for mean stone weight, were higher for the treated shrubs. These results indicate a resource re-allocation toward reproduction, rather than toward growth, which was still in action two years after the water limitation. The higher germination success, which is a transgenerational effect, and which has already been suggested to be an adaptation to survival in more stressful growth conditions, is also still detectable two years after the severe drought. F. alnus produces mature berries continuously during the whole summer. From the middle of July till the end of August, the counts of mature berries, the mean stone weight and the germination percentage, corrected for mean stone weight, decreased, whereas the timing of seedling emergence, also corrected for stone weight, advanced slightly. The timing of seedling emergence correlated weak but significantly with the timing of bud burst in the mother shrubs, with a variance analysis indicating a stronger genetic control for bud burst in comparison to seedling emergence. Several results corroborated previous findings. Population differentiation in the common garden was observed for mature berry counts and for several phenological traits. In conclusion, longer-term effects of drought on reproductive traits in woody species may add more complexity to the consequences of climate change on tree species distributions and survival of forest ecosystems.

Hydroxyanthracene derivates citotoxicity: A differential evaluation between single molecule and whole plant extract.

Hydroxyanthracene derivates (HADs) are a group of natural or synthetic compounds with a wide range of biological activities (for instance, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiarthritic). In addition, because of their properties for helping the normal bowel function, HADs are widely used in constipation as pharmacological drugs and nutritional supplements. Nevertheless, during the past years, a safety usage of HAD products has been under consideration because some studies reported that HADs are not lacking toxicity (i.e., genotoxic and carcinogenic activity). Thus, the first objective of this study is to shed light on the large variability in composition of botanical food supplements containing HAD by a systematic analysis of the qualitative and quantitative composition of a cohort of extracts and raw materials of plants with high levels of anthraquinones commercially available (Cassia angustifolia, Rhamnus purshiana, Rhamnus frangula, Rheum palmatum, and Rheum raponticum). To date, the investigation of HAD toxicity was based on in vitro and in vivo studies conducted mainly on the use of the single molecules (emodin, aloe-emodin, and rhein) rather than on the whole plant extract. The qualitative-quantitative characterization was the starting point to select the most appropriate products to be used as treatment for our in vitro cell studies. Thus, the second objective of this study is the investigation, for the first time, of the toxic events of HAD used as single molecule in comparison with the whole plant extracts containing HAD in an intestinal in vitro model using human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2). In addition, a shotgun proteomics approach was applied to profile the differential protein expression in the Caco-2 cells after a single-HAD or whole-plant extract treatment to fully understand the potential targets and signaling pathways. In conclusion, the combination of a detailed phytochemical characterization of HAD products and a largely accurate analysis of the proteomic profile of intestinal cells treated with HAD products provided the opportunity to investigate their effects in the intestinal system.

Common seed dispersers contribute most to the persistence of a fleshy-fruited tree

Mutualistic interactions are by definition beneficial for each contributing partner. However, it is insufficiently understood how mutualistic interactions influence partners throughout their lives. Here, we used animal species-explicit, microhabitat-structured integral projection models to quantify the effect of seed dispersal by 20 animal species on the full life cycle of the tree Frangula alnus in Białowieża Forest, Eastern Poland. Our analysis showed that animal seed dispersal increased population growth by 2.5%. The effectiveness of animals as seed dispersers was strongly related to the interaction frequency but not the quality of seed dispersal. Consequently, the projected population decline due to simulated species extinction was driven by the loss of common rather than rare mutualist species. Our results support the notion that frequently interacting mutualists contribute most to the persistence of the populations of their partners, underscoring the role of common species for ecosystem functioning and nature conservation.