Galium Aparine Research Articles

The Relationship between the Density of Winter Canola Stand and Weed Vegetation

Canola (Brassica napus L.) is an important oilseed crop that provides essential vegetable oil but faces significant competition from weeds that are influenced by various agronomic practices and environmental conditions. This study examines the complex interactions between canola stand density and weed intensity over three growing seasons, identifying a total of 27 weed species. It is important to establish a connection between the density of winter canola stands, the intensity of weeding and the response of individual weed species in real conditions. The case study was executed on plots located in the Přerov district (Olomouc region, Czech Republic). The assessment was carried out during two periods—autumn in October and spring in April. Canola plants (plant density) were counted in each evaluated area, weed species were identified, and the number of plants for each weed species was determined. Half of the plots were covered with foil before herbicide application to prevent these areas from being treated with herbicides. We used redundancy analysis (RDA) to evaluate the relationships between canola density and weed dynamics, both with and without herbicide treatment. The results show the ability of canola to compete with weeds; however, that is factored by the density of the canola stand. In dense stands (over 60 plants/m²), canola is able to suppress Galium aparine L., Geranium pusillum L., Lamium purpureum L., Papaver rhoeas L. and Chamomilla suaveolens (Pursh) Rydb. Nevertheless, there are weed species that grow well even in dense canola stands (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud., Tripleurospermum inodorum (L.) Sch. Bip. and Triticum aestivum L.). These findings highlight the potential for using canola stand density as a strategic component of integrated weed management to reduce herbicide reliance and address the growing challenge of herbicide-resistant weed populations. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of the dynamics of weed competition in canola systems and informs sustainable agricultural practices for improved crop yield and environmental stewardship.

Effect of mowing versus abandonment of mesic grasslands in Central Europe on biomass use for biogas production: Implications for semi-natural ecosystem conservation

The economic management of lignocellulosic biomass from semi-natural grasslands is now a challenge across Europe. The abandonment of mowing these grasslands leads to the gradual degradation of these ecosystems. This study investigates how chemical and biological factors affect the suitability of biomass from abandoned grasslands for biogas production. We sampled 30 mown and 30 abandoned grassland sites in the Sudetes Mountains (Poland and Czechia). The cover contribution of short herbs was found to be significantly higher in mown grasslands (p < 0.001), while that of tall herbs was more prevalent in abandoned grasslands (p < 0.01). The specific biogas yield (SBY, NL kg−1 volatile solids) is negatively affected by an increased percentage of herbs in the biomass of mown and abandoned grasslands. This is due to the inhibitory effect of herbs on biodegradation, the increase in lignin content and the decrease in cellulose. This study highlights the importance of individual plant species in assessing grassland biomass for area biogas yield (ABY, m3 ha−1) and provides new insights into a field that has not yet been extensively investigated. In mown grasslands, ABY was most positively correlated with grass species (Arrhenatherum elatius, Trisetum flavescens and Festuca pratensis). In abandoned grasslands, the ABY was most correlated with herbaceous species (Galium aparine, Urtica dioica and Chaerophyllum aromaticum) and grasses (A. elatius and Elymus repens). Mown grasslands had significantly higher species richness (p < 0.001) compared to abandoned grasslands, but the number of species sampled did not correlate with SBY and ABY. This study contributes to the development of a sustainable bio-economy by highlighting the need for efficient use of grassland biomass. This approach helps protect semi-natural ecosystems and facilitates sustainable management of renewable resources.

Comparative study on mechanical properties and biomineralization of hooks in the diaspores of three epizoochorous plant species

Most of the plants using epizoochory show adaptations to this diaspore dispersal strategy by having the diaspores covered by barbs, hooks, spines or viscid outgrowths, which allow diaspores to easily attach to an animal surface. Many previous studies have been mainly focused on the dispersal distances and efficiency, or effectiveness of diverse attachment structures depending on their size, anatomy, and morphology. However, the knowledge about the mechanical properties of these structures remains rather poor. In this study, we use a combination of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray element analysis and nanoindentation, to examine the microstructure, biomineralization and mechanical properties of single hooks in Arctium minus, Cynoglossum officinale and Galium aparine. Both the biomineralization and mechanical properties of the hooks strongly differ in examined plant species; mechanical properties depend on the biomineralization pattern, such as the accumulation of silicon and calcium. Elastic modulus and hardness decrease in the series C. officinaleG. aparineA. minus. Anisotropic mechanical properties are found between the radial and longitudinal directions in each single hook. By characterizing the mechanical properties and biomineralization of plant hooks, this paper contributes to the understanding of attachment biomechanics related to seed dispersal. Statement of significanceThe dispersal of seeds is essential for plant survival. Many of the plants that use the outside surface of animals to transport the seeds show adaptations to this dispersal strategy by having the seeds covered with hooks. Although these hooks have various sizes, morphologies and anatomical structures, all of them provide mechanical interlocking to animal surfaces. To reduce the risk of interlocking failure, the hooks are usually reinforced by mineralization. However, the relationship between mineralization, mechanical properties and specialized function of plant hooks has been largely overlooked. Here we perform a characterization study on the hooks of three plant species. Our results deepen the current understanding of the mineralization-material-function relationship in specialized hooks of plant seeds.

Purification and characterization of a thermostable Galium aparine β-galactosidase: A competent agent with enhanced cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cell line

β-galactosidases (EC 3.2.1.23) are capable of catalysing two distinct types of reactions: transgalactosylation and hydrolysis. It is very important for the senescence of cancer cells. It is a lysosomal exoglycosidase involved in the catabolism of glycoconjugates by sequential release of β-linked terminal galactosyl residues. It has profound significance in cancer cell senescence. It can be derived from various sources including plants, animals, bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. Purification and thermodynamic characterization of β-galactosidase from Galium aparine seeds, and in vitro efficacy assessment of a breast cancer cell line. The enzyme was purified by using ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis, DEAE cellulose, and Sephadex G-100 chromatography. The enzyme was purified to 6.4 fold with a yield of 14 % and specific activity of 11.6 U/mg of protein. SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF analysis revealed that β-galactosidase is a monomer with a molecular weight of 35 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for the purified enzyme were 6.0 and 50 ºC. The enzyme had Km and Vmax values of 0.25 mM and 32 µmol/min, respectively. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔHº, ΔGº, ΔSº) for the irreversible denaturation of the enzyme were also investigated at different temperatures (50–75 ºC). Lactose in milk was successfully hydrolyzed using a purified enzyme at a rate of 0.0121 min−1 and 12.12 min. This is better than other studied β-galactosidases. These results suggest the use of β-galactosidase from G. aparine for producing delactosed milk for the lactose-intolerant population and prebiotic synthesis. pH and optimum temperature and its activation by Ca2+ shows that it is suitable for milk processing. As a result, the enzyme was stable even at higher temperatures and had the potential to undergo catalysis, making it economically viable, primarily in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The present study is aimed to purification and thermodynamic characterization of enzyme to assess in vitro efficacy of β-galactosidase on MCF-7 cell line to delineate its therapeutic efficacy.

Bringing back Galium aparine L. from forgotten corners of traditional wound treatment procedures: an antimicrobial, antioxidant, and in-vitro wound healing assay along with HPTLC fingerprinting study

BackgroundThe wound healing process, restoring the functionality of the damaged tissue, can be accelerated by various compounds. The recent experimental analysis highlights the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in improving skin regeneration and wound healing. In traditional medicine, one of the widespread plants used for treating different injuries or skin afflictions is Galium aparine L. (GA). Besides, previously reported chemical compounds of GA suggested its therapeutic effects for the wound healing process, yet its regulatory effects on the cellular and molecular stages of the wound healing process have not been investigated.MethodsIn the present study, the phytochemical profile of the GA extract was analyzed using HPTLC fingerprinting, and further scientific evaluation of its phytochemicals was done. The wound-healing effects of GA extract were explored at the cellular and molecular levels while accounting for cell toxicity. The wound closure enhancing effect, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity were assessed.ResultsThe HPTLC fingerprinting of the GA extract proved its previously reported phytochemical profile including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, plant acids, ergot alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, sterols, salicin, lipophilic compounds, saponins, iridoids, and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. Antimicrobial assessment, of the extract, indicated the more susceptibility of S. aureus to the inhibitory effects of GA rather than E. coli and S. epidermidis. DPPH test results revealed the antioxidant property of GA extract, which was comparable to ascorbic acid. The results of the viability assay showed no cytotoxicity effects on human umbilical endothelial cell (HUVEC) and normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell lines treated with different concentrations of whole plant extract and cell viability increased in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the scratch assay showed improved cell migration and wound closure.ConclusionsThis study shows the anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and in vitro wound healing wound-healing effects of GA hydroalcoholic extract, which aligns with its use in traditional medicine. No cytotoxicity effects were shown. The results from this study can be the basis for further investigations such as animal models and phytochemical studies. Further evaluation of its effects on mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the wound healing processes such as angiogenesis and cell proliferation can provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic effects of the GA extract.

Засоренность посевов яровой пшеницы при применении ресурсосберегающих технологий обработки почвы

The purpose of research is to study the influence of primary tillage systems on the weed infestation of spring wheat crops placed on green manure fallow in a five-field grain-fallow crop rotation. Objectives: to study the weed infestation of spring wheat crops; to establish the effectiveness of herbicide use; to determine the grain yield of spring wheat. The study was carried out in 2017–2022 in the conditions of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe on leached chernozem, which is characterized by an increased humus content (6.1–8.0 %) and a neutral reaction of the soil solution (pH – 6.1–7.0). The object of the study is spring wheat of the Novosibirskaya 15 variety. The research results showed that the bulk of weeds in the studied variants are represented by a group of young plants. Different tillage systems influenced the quantitative and species composition of weeds. When soil tillage is minimized, the number of weeds increases and their species composition changes. In spring wheat crops under the studied tillage options, the most numerous group of weeds were young ones. The most common species found in spring wheat crops were bedstraw (Galium aparine L.) and millet (Echinochloa crusgalli (L.). Their share in the total number of weeds in the variant with plowing was 71.4 %, without tillage – 81.4 %. There was a significant change in the share of biological groups of young and perennial weeds in the option without tillage during the study period. The share of young weeds in 2022 decreased compared to 2017 from 93.1 to 58.8 %, while the number of perennial weeds increased from 6.9 to 41.2 %.Over the years of the study (2017–2022), a change in the species composition of weeds was established. In the option without tillage, such species as yellow sow thistle, medicinal dandelion, hemlock, and small petal, which were absent in 2017, appear in spring wheat crops.

Impact of novel herbicide based on synthetic auxins and ALS inhibitor on weed control.

Delayed sowing of winter cereals or unfavorable weather conditions in autumn may make it impossible to carry out herbicide treatment in autumn. In such cases, weed control should be started in the spring. During this time, the plantation should be protected as effectively as possible because the weeds are at an advanced stage of growth. Therefore, they are less sensitive to applied herbicides. In the treatment, it is worth using a mixture of different mechanisms of action. Studies were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a band of tribenuron-methyl, and MCPA applied as soluble granules in spring control of dicotyledonous in winter cereals. The biological efficacy of herbicides was estimated in the 25 field experiments on winter cereals in Poland. Postemergence, a spring application of tribenuron-methyl + MCPA, effectively controls the majority of weed species present in spring: Anthemis arvensis, Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Matricaria chamomilla, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Stellaria media and Thlaspi arvense. Satisfactory control was confirmed for Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Galium aparine. Tribenuron-methyl with MCPA is recommended for application to winter cereals in spring. To prevent the development of resistance in weeds, it is advantageous to combine two active substances.

Composition of the weed flora in sugar beet cultivation in Germany – nationwide trials 1995–2022

Long-term data from 449 herbicide trials across Germany from 1995–2022 were used to characterise the weed composition in sugar beet cultivation. The assessments of 1782 untreated control plots showed local weed species composition and weed pressure. The most common weeds were Chenopodium album (82.3% of all plots), Polygonum convolvulus (52.2%) and Galium aparine (25%). The average number of weed species in the field trials decreased from 4.9 in 1995 to 2.6 in 2022, significantly influenced by trial location and year. The occurrence of the most frequent weeds has also changed. C. album and P. convolvulus increased while G. aparine and Matricaria chamomilla decreased. Possible reasons for these changes are different tillage systems and intensities as well as changes in crop rotation with decreased crop diversity. Herbicide treatments and different active ingredients also affect the occurrence and proportion of weeds. The trial sites were assigned to clusters accounting for climate attributes and soil properties to identify regional differences in weed infestation. Regions with low soil quality, high temperatures and low precipitation had higher weed diversity, presumably due to low crop cover and, thus, lower weed suppression. The proportion of C. album was very high in all regions because it can grow under a wide range of environmental conditions. For P. convolvulus, significant regional differences existed in its proportion of total weed infestation. Its importance was lower in regions with poorer soils.

Grouping of segetal vegetation of winter pea agrophytocenosis and its influence on crop productivity in the Right Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To study the species composition and the ratio of seed stocks in the soil of different biological groups of weeds in the agrophytocenosis of winter pea, and their influence on the yield formation depending on the sowing rate of the crop. Methods. Quantitative and weighting, agrochemical, analytical, and statistical methods were used. Results. Weeds that formed a significant seed stock, belonged to the families Chenopodiaceae (58%), Amaranthaceae (18%), Poaceae (9–11%), Brassicaceae (6%), Роlygonaceae (4.5–5.8%), and Asteraceae (1.5–2.2%). A significant raw and dry biomass was formed by Cirsium arvense (52 and 24 g/m2, respectively), Polygonum scabrum (46 and 22 g/m2), Thlaspi arvense (34 and 12 g/m2), Chenopodium album (34 and 14 g/m2), Polygonum convolvulus (27 and 13 g/m2), Sonchus arvensis (23 and 11 g/m2), Amaranthus retroflexus (21 and 10 g/m2), Ambrosia artemisiofolia (22 and 11 g/m2), Solanum nigrum (21 and 9 g/m2), Galium aparine (19 and 8 g/m2), Sinapis arvensis (18 and 8 g/m2), Setaria pumila, and Setaria viridis (9 and 4 g/m2). Conclusions. Changes in the productivity of winter pea at different degrees of weed infestation of the sowings were revealed. A significant influence of segetal vegetation on the crop yield was established at the pea seed sowing rate of 0.6 million seeds/ha, where the yield of the varieties ‘Enduro’ and ‘NS Moroz’ was only 3.01 and 3.13 t/ha, respectively. The density of segetal vegetation at the standard sowing rate of 1.1 million seeds/h and increased rate to 1.6 million seeds/ha did not affect the yield (3.33 and 3.34 t/ha, respectively). On thinned crops, weed infestation increases, which can affect the crop yield, as it has significant advantages for growth and competition with winter pea plants.

Perspective herbicides for post-sowing use in narrow-leafed lupin crops

Technical and economic efficiency of Pilot herbicide when applied on green leaf in narrow-leafed lupine crops was studied. The research was conducted in field and plot experiments according to the generally accepted methods in the southwestern part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The soil of the experimental field was gray forest light loamy in mechanical composition. The following application rates of the preparation were used: 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 l/ha in the phase of appearance of two true leaves in lupine. The following plants showed high sensitivity even at the minimum application rate: cleavers (Galium aparine L.), wild buckwheat (Fallopia convolvulus L.), lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album L.), one of the types of hemp nettle (Galeopsis sp. L.), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa pastoris L. Medik), field violet (Viola arvensis Murr.), chickweed (Stellaria media L.). Application of GalactAlt graminicide (application rate 1.0 l/ha) after treatment of narrow-leafed lupine crops with Pilot herbicide promoted almost complete destruction of annual grass weeds. Application of Pilot herbicide had a favorable effect on nitrogen content in both dry aboveground mass and root mass of lupine. Reduction of weediness of crops when using Pilot contributed to the increase in lupine yield. In the variant with the application of 1.5 l/ha of the herbicide, the average yield of narrow-leafed lupine seeds exceeded the control by 0.53 t/ha in three years of the trials. The highest increase in seed yield of narrow-leafed lupine (0.96 t/ha) was observed in the variant that involved the application of herbicide Pilot at a concentration of 1.5 l/ha in the phase of one or two true leaves in lupine and herbicide GalactAlt at a concentration of 1.0 l/ha in the phase of lupine budding. Chemical analyses showed an increase in crude protein content in narrow-leafed lupine seeds by 2.3–4.2% when the crops were treated with Pilot herbicide compared to the control variant, where the treatment was not carried out.

Evaluation of rheological properties of plant extracts from Mediterranean flora in goat milk

The pastoral area of internal Cilento (Campania, Southern Italy) claims many valuable cheeses and according to the oral tradition, when animal rennet was not available for goat cheeses, some wild plants were used for their curdling properties. The cheese market is in continuous evolution, looking for new cheeses but also linked to the territory and tradition. On the bases of an ethnobotanical investigation, the coagulating properties of water extracts of the wild species Teucrium chamaedrys L., Galium aparine L., Galium verum L., Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., Chelidonium majus L., and Urtica dioica L. were evaluated on goat milk by rheological test with a Formagraph instrument at two doses (60 μl vs. 50 μl per 10 mL goat milk) at 36 °C, and at lab-scale by micro cheesemaking test at 0.5 mL/100 mL goat milk. For all plant extracts, the best Milk Rheological Properties were found at the lowest dose of extract. In the lab-scale test, all plant extracts except C. majus showed interesting clotting behaviour. The results confirmed the pastoral tradition and opened to new perspectives to produce goat cheeses with no-animal rennet using these wild species, linked to the heritage of the geographical area. Further studies will be carried out on the chemical composition, besides the antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content, to attempt explaining the MRPs.

Nature‐Inspired Directional Microneedle Structures for Reversible Gripping on Skin and Fibrous Materials

Plants such as Galium aparine show directional gripping to various surfaces because of their microscale hook structures. A bio‐inspired artificial version of microhooks holds potential as a bidirectional, reversible, and reusable dry adhesive for soft, wet, or fibrous substrates such as skin or textiles. However, current methods for fabricating 3D structures are often costly, time‐consuming, or require precise alignment steps. Herein, a facile, cost‐effective, scalable, and unconventional microfabrication technique is proposed using tilted photolithography on a rotary stage and shear molding to fabricate a soft polydimethylsiloxane polymer mold containing the inverse replica of directional microneedle structures. To demonstrate the proof‐of‐concept, polyurethane is then added to the mold to obtain directional microneedles, referred to as microhooks. Friction force measurements using a nanotribometer show anisotropic performance (strong attachment in one direction and easy detachment in the opposite direction over multiple cycles) similar to the natural microhooks. Tribological characterization of the microhooks shows a gripping force 2.25 times greater than the sliding force. The fabricated microhook structures also provide an adhesion force of ≈0.62 N cm−2 to artificial skin. This biomimetic approach promises precise adhesion control and material versatility for attaching wearable devices and patches to the skin in biomedical applications.

Immuno-Enhancing Effects of Galium aparine L. in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppressed Animal Models.

This study investigates the immunomodulatory potential of Galium aparine L. (GAE) in immunodeficient animals. In this study, animals were categorized into five groups: the normal group, CYP group (cyclophosphamide intraperitoneal injection), GA5 group (cyclophosphamide + 5 μg GAE), GA50 group (cyclophosphamide + 50 μg GAE), and GA500 group (cyclophosphamide + 500 μg GAE). The CYP group exhibited significantly reduced spleen weights compared to the normal group, while the groups obtaining GAE displayed a dose-dependent increase in spleen weight. Furthermore, the GAE demonstrated dose-dependent enhancement of splenocyte proliferating activity, with significant increases observed in both LPS and ConA-induced assays. NK cell activity significantly increased in the GA50 and GA500 groups compared to the CYP group. Cytokine analysis revealed a significant increase in IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ levels in ConA-induced splenocytes treated with GAE. Gene expression analysis identified 2434 DEG genes in the extract groups. Notable genes, such as Entpd1, Pgf, Thdb, Syt7, Sqor, and Rsc1al, displayed substantial differences in individual gene expression levels, suggesting their potential as target genes for immune enhancement. In conclusion, Galium aparine L. extract exhibits immunomodulatory properties. The observed gene expression changes further support the potential of Galium aparine L. extract as a natural agent for immune augmentation.

Review on phytochemical constituents and pharmacological activities of genus Galium

Medicinal plants are a rich source of phytochemical constituents of diverse structures that are behind their various pharmacological effects. Plants of genus Galium named Bedstraws, family Rubiaceae, are distributed throughout North and South America, Europe, the northern U.S., southern Canada, and tropical Asia. More than 600 species have been used in traditional medicine for treating different ailments. Owing to the valuable published uses of these plant species, and the versatility of their bioactive metabolites such as Galium verum, Galium aparine, Galium mollugo, and G. odoratum, it was deemed interesting to summarize the previous studies done on this genus to discuss the pharmacological profile of all isolated classes of metabolites. The search was adopted using some essential keywords such as Galium, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and biological activity from journals and books in databases such as Scopus, Elton B. Stephens CO, ScienceDirect, Embase, security identifier, and Medline from 1995 to 2024. The results showed that species belonging to Galium have various pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects because they are rich in phenolic compounds, iridoid glycosides, anthraquinones, phytosterols, saponins, and essential oils. Accordingly, this review will stimulate the scientific community for further research and boost the discovery of novel bioactive compounds from various species belonging to this genus distributed worldwide.

Estimation of efficiency of metribuzin to weeds control in coriander crops

There are no chemicals in Russia to protect vegetative coriander from a complex of dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous weeds. The expediency of using metribuzin for this purpose was assessed. Field small-plot trials with herbicide Zenkor Ultra SC (metribuzin, 600 g/l) were carried out in three agricultural territories with differing climatic conditions: Krasnodar, Omsk and Astrakhan Regions. Weed counts were using the quantitative and weight method. The efficiency of herbicide was calculated to the control without treatment. As a result of trials, three groups of weeds were identified: 1) species highly sensitive to herbicide: Chenopodium album L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Salsola tragus L. (efficiency 90-95%); 2) species medium sensitivity: Solanum nigrum L., Polygonum aviculare L. (efficiency 50-65%); 3) poorly controlled weeds: Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., Galium aparine L. (efficiency less 30-40%). Increases yield of seeds of coriander variety Yantar after Zenkor Ultra SC use amounted to 26.1-37.3%. Phytotoxicity was noted on varieties Ranniy and Santo in one of the years and this needs future estimation sensitivity of varieties to metribuzin.

ALLELOPATIC INFLUENCE OF WEEDS ON THE GERMINATION OF WINTER WHEAT SEEDS

The article summarizes the results of the phytotoxic effect of water-soluble extracts from various weeds on the germination processes of winter wheat seeds. Competitive relations between plant organisms begin with chemical interaction. Therefore, the competitive properties of the participants of the cenosis and the level of productivity of its components will depend on the starting conditions that are formed during the germination of the seeds of the crop. The research was carried out in the laboratory of plant physiology of VNAU. The purpose of the research was to establish in laboratory conditions the allelopathic effect of water extracts from the most common weeds of the Vinnytsia region: Convolvulus arvensis L., Sonchus arvensis L., Cirsium arvense L., Erigeron canadensis L., Matricaria perforata Merat, Capsella bursa pastoris, Erodium cicutarium L., Chenopodium album L., Galium aparine L., Stellaria media L. Water extracts from the stems, leaves and root system of weeds were prepared at a concentration of 1:10. During the experiment, it was established that the presence of allelopathically active substances of all experimental weed species of this concentration negatively affects the germination energy of winter wheat seeds. In the control version, all the seeds of the culture germinated on the 4th day, and in the experimental versions, 1-3% of the wheat seeds were in the swelling phase. Water extractions of different types of weeds had different inhibitory effects on winter wheat seed germination and subsequent growth of the root system and sprout stems. The negative effect of water-soluble secretions from Erodium cicutarium L., Cirsium arvense L. and Sonchus arvensis L. reduced the height of wheat seedlings by 5.8-4.0%. And the length of the root system of the culture was smaller by 5.7, respectively; 5.8 and 5% compared to the control variant. Water-soluble extracts from Stellaria media L. and Matricaria perforata Merat. had the least influence on the growth processes of winter wheat. The difference in sprout height from the control variant was 1.3% and 2.0%, respectively. The length of the germinal root of wheat was shorter by 1.8% and 3.8% under the influence of water-soluble secretions of asteraceae and chamomile. The total length of the root system of winter wheat was inhibited by them by 2.4% and 2.6%, respectively, in relation to the control. The results of the conducted research provide justification for the appearance of unfriendly seedlings and the lag in the growth of winter wheat plants on weedy areas.

Optimizing herbicide doses for weed control in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Moscow region of Russia

One of the main reasons for the reduction of winter wheat yields in Russia, as in most major wheat-producing countries, is the massive infestation and rapid spread of annual weed species. Thus, this study was conducted during 2022 at D.N. Pryanishnikov Russian Research Institute of Agro chemistry, Russia with main objective to optimize the concentration of broad-spectrum herbicides: Lintur, VDG (659 g/kg dicamba-sodium + 41 g/kg triasulfuron), Bucephalus, KE (480g/L carfentrazone-ethyl), Camaro SE (6. 25 g/L florasulam + 300 g/L 2,4-D), Prima Forte 195 SE (180g/L 2,4-D + 10g/L aminopyralid +5g/L florasulam), and their plant growth regulator mixtures Moddus, KE (250 g/L trinexapac-ethyl) to protect winter wheat crops from weeds at Barbino (Russia). An inventory conducted on the study plot showed that the total number reached 434 pants/m2 weeds, with a total of 9 weed species namely Cirsium arvense, Cardaria draba, Galium aparine, Matricaria discoidea, Chenopodium album, Polygonum aviculare, Galeopsis tetrahit, Capsella bursa-pastoris, and Sinapis arvensis of which 73.9% are annual species with a vegetative cycle parallel to that of winter wheat. Herbicide application at 50% showed little difference in weed control efficacy (%) compared to standards and ranged from 56.0 to 100.0% depending on treatment and weed species. Both individually applied herbicides and their mixtures with Moddus and free weed control contributed to a significant increase in yield and the increase was from 12.3 to 23.7%. Yield when using the options mixture with the growth regulator Moddus was higher than the individual application of herbicides regardless of the dose. Yield at a dose of 50% was slightly higher or lower compared with the manufacturer's standard. In general, the growth regulator did not affect herbicide efficacy, but its combination with herbicides improved yield structure elements and increased yield quality of winter wheat.

Effect of cropping systems on quantitative changes in prevailing weed species

A field experiment was established to evaluate quantitative changes in weed species prevailing in a crop rotation and a 30-year cereal monoculture. The subject of the study included cropping systems: a) crop rotation, and b) cereal monoculture. First (1989–1992) and second (1993–1996) rotation focused on weed infestation of winter triticale in crop rotation and monoculture; third (1997–2000) and fourth (2001–2004) focused on weed infestation of winter wheat; fifth (2005–2008), sixth (2009–2012), seventh (2013–2015) and eighth (2016–2018) focused on weed infestation of spring wheat. The prevailing weed species included: Apera spica-venti, Avena fatua, Galium aparine, Fallopia convolvulus, Stellaria media, Viola arvensis, Anthemis arvensis, Veronica persica, Consolida regalis, and Papaver rhoeas. Among these, A. spica-venti predominated in the winter cereals whereas A. fatua in the spring ones. Numbers of A. spica-venti and A. fatua plants were several times higher in the monoculture than in the crop rotation. The substitution of winter cereals with spring ones in cultivation decreased A. spica-venti population in the spring cereals, but increased the population of A. fatua, particularly in the monoculture.

Vegetation and soil ecology of threatened Himalayan Trillium habitats in Kashmir Himalaya

Understanding the vegetation and soil ecology of natural habitats harbouring threatened species is critical in conservation planning and restoration. The present study investigated the vegetation composition and soil physico‐chemical properties of natural habitats of Trillium govanianum – a threatened Himalayan endemic species. We laid 120 quadrats across eight randomly selected sites where the species was growing in the Kashmir Himalaya. We collected the soil samples from these sites and determined soil physico‐chemical properties using standard methods. Across all the sites, we found a total of 57 plant species with dominance of Rosaceae and Ranunculaceae. The importance value index (IVI) results revealed that Fragaria nubicola, Corydalis diphylla, Galium aparine, and Leucanthemum vulgare, were the dominant species in T. govanianum habitats. The density, abundance and IVI of three‐leaf vegetative plants was higher than one‐leaf vegetative and three‐leaf reproductive plants across all the study sites. We found that T. govanianum alone forms 23.5% positive, 0 negative, 76.4% random co‐occurrences with other associated species in its habitats. Our results reveal that the variations in vegetation composition among the sites was influenced by differences in soil properties. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that several soil properties such as organic carbon (OC), nitrogen, potassium, and sulphur were concentrated in five sites, namely Dara, Drung, Bangus, Gulmarg and Doodhpathri, which also showed the highest density, frequency, and abundance of T. govanianum. Overall, our study contributes quantitative information on the vegetation and soil ecology of T. govanianum‐habitats, which in turn can help in developing conservation strategies for this threatened species, and its sustainable management and habitat restoration.

A new strategy to achieve high antimicrobial activity: green synthesised silver nanoparticle formulations with Galium aparine and Helichrysum arenarium.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which have recently gained attention due to their antimicrobial activity, can also be produced by green synthesis. The aims of this study were to (i) characterise green synthesized AgNPs using microwave-assisted aqueous extracts of Galium aparine (G-AgNPs) and Helichrysum arenarium (H-AgNPs) and (ii) investigate the combined antimicrobial effects of the G- and H-AgNPs in different ratios. Nanoparticle formation and reactions were determined with UV-Vis spectroscopy. The G-AgNPs were 52.0±10.9 nm in size, with a 0.285±0.034 polydispersity index (PDI), and a -17.9±0.9 mV zeta potential. For H-AgNPs these characteristics were 23.9±1.0 nm, 0.280±0.032, and -21.3±2.7 mV, respectively. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the particles were monodisperse and spherical. The Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results showed the presence of reducing agents that stabilised the AgNPs. Three different nanoformulations (NF-1, NF-2, and NF-3) were prepared by combining these two synthesised nanoparticles in different ratios and their antimicrobial activity was tested against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, and A. flavus. Our study is the first to show that combining AgNPs from two different biological sources can produce effective nanoformulations with improved antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. These nanoformulations showed lower minimum inhibitory concentrations (31.25 µg/mL against E. coli with all NFs; 62.5 µg/mL for NF-1 and 125 µg/mL for NF-2/3 against S. aureus) than G-AgNPs (62.5 µg/mL for E. coli) or H-AgNPs (125 µg/mL for S. aureus) alone. Their high combined inhibitory effect against E. coli (NF-1-3) was synergistic and against S. aureus (NF-2 and NF-3) potentially additive. Considering such promising results, we believe our study provides some direction for new research and strategies in antimicrobial therapeutics.