Galium Aparine Research Articles

Determination of trace lead(II) in cleavers (Galium aparine) tea by Uv-vis spectrophotometry after preconcentration with deep eutectic solvent/DTZ probe-based liquid-liquid microextraction

In this study, a method was developed for the determination of trace lead(II) levels in cleavers (Galium aparine) tea by UV-Vis Spectrophotometry after preconcentration with probe-based liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME) method. Deep eutectic solvent/dithizone (DES/DTZ) solution was used in the preconcentration of lead-containing samples. DES solution was prepared using choline chloride and phenol. The detection limit of the method for lead(II) was calculated as 1.53 µg/L under the optimum conditions applied in the study. In addition, the percent relative standard deviation value was found to be 4.21% (n = 8). Three different brands of cleavers (Galium aparine) were provided to be used in the analyzes to be made within the scope of the study. Samples containing 10, 30, and 50 µg/L lead solutions were prepared in tea extracts to be used in recovery experiments. Percent recovery values were primarily calculated against pure water. Then, the matrix matching method was applied between tea samples belonging to different brands to evaluate the performance of the method we developed in different matrix environments. Satisfactory recovery results were obtained between 97% and 104% at three different concentrations. With the developed method, lead analysis can be performed satisfactorily in Cleavers (Galium aparine) tea in different matrix environments.

What's Down the Hole? Archaeobotanical evidence on plant subsistence and vegetation during the Hellenistic period at an archaeological site near Voditza village, north-eastern Bulgaria

The archaeological site 5012-West in the territory of the village of Voditza, Targovishte Region, north-eastern Bulgaria, is interesting because of its features and wide chronological range. From an area of 7000m², a total of 116 structures from various chronological periods have been excavated. However, pits from the Hellenistic Period (late 3rd to early 1st century BC) are most numerous and provide invaluable archaeobotanical evidence on plant subsistence and local vegetation. The archaeobotanical remains have been recovered from flotation samples, collected from pitfills. The archaeobotanical assemblage comprises carbonised remains from several annual cereal crops – hulled and free-threshing wheats, naked barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum L.), millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and chaff. The weedy flora is represented by annual ruderal and synanthrophic species such as goosefoot (Chenopodium album L.), bedstraw (Galium aparine L.), knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare L.), and wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.). Based on the discovered plant remains, we can only propose a partial reconstruction of the agricultural practices and local vegetation cover. However, the collection of samples from specific contexts – storage facilities and pits, provided an opportunity to observe the 'secondary environment' of the utilised plant resources and to identify possible depositional processes. Thus, taphonomic and contextual analyses gave us important insights into the behavioural factors that affected the composition of the archaeobotanical assemblage.

Phytochemical Screening and Antioxidant Activity of Selected Estonian Galium Species.

The aim of the present study was to examine three different Galium species from the native population of Estonia, Galium verum, Galium aparine, and Galium mollugo, to characterise their non-volatile and volatile phytochemical composition and antioxidant activity. The main groups of bioactive compounds in the plants were quantified by colorimetric tests, showing high concentrations of polyphenols (up to 27.2 ± 1.5 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (up to 7.3 ± 0.5 mg QE/g) and iridoids (up to 40.8 ± 2.9 mg AE/g). The species were compared using HPLC-DAD-MS/MS, revealing some key differences in the phytochemical makeup of the extracts. The most abundant compound in the extracts of Galium verum blossoms and herb was found to be asperuloside, in Galium aparine herb, asperulosidic acid, and in Galium mollugo herb, chlorogenic acid. Additionally, the composition of volatile compounds was analysed by SPME-GC-MS. The degree of variability between the samples was high, but three volatiles, hexanal, anethole, and β-caryophyllene, were quantified (≥1%) in all analysed samples. The antioxidative activity of all extracts was evaluated using the ORACFL method, demonstrating that the Galium species from Estonia all exhibit strong antioxidant capacity (up to 9.3 ± 1.2 mg TE/g). Out of the extracts studied, Galium verum blossoms contained the highest amounts of bioactives and had the strongest antioxidant capacity.

Phytosociological and edaphic parameters of Actaea kashmiriana assemblages in Kashmir Himalaya

Phytosociological analysis and soil physicochemical properties provide the baseline data to understand the overall vegetation composition and structure. In this study, we investigated the species composition and diversity of vegetation assemblages of an endemic plant species Actaea kashmiriana along with the edaphic parameters. We laid randomly selected sampling quadrats across five different sites in Kashmir Himalaya. We employed multiple Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis to investigate the interaction between phytosociological and edaphic parameters. The results revealed that 90 plant species are associated with A. kashmiriana, and Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the dominant families. Fragaria nubicola (36.59), Dryopteris blanfordii (34.72), Viola odorata (39.83), Galium aparine (23.70), Trifolium pratense (16.19), Cynodon dactylon (16.94), Urtica dioica (15.29) and Taraxacum officinale (14.25) showed higher Importance Value Index (IVI) and were found to be dominant in A. kashmiriana assemblages. The IVI of A. kashmiriana ranged from 11.24 to 13.76 across the study sites. We found a positive co-occurrence of A. kashmiriana with Viburnum grandiflorum, Arisaema jacquemontii, Bistorta amplexicaulis, Taraxacum officinale, Fragaria nubicola, and Urtica dioica. The soil physicochemical properties significantly correlated with the species diversity indices, with the site having nutrient-rich soils and less disturbance possessing higher species richness and diversity. The findings of our study can help in developing better strategies for effective conservation and habitat restoration of this plant species endemic to Kashmir Himalaya, with learnings for elsewhere in the world.

THE PALAEOETHNOBOTANICAL MATERIALS OF THE CHORNOLISKA CULTURE FROM VOLOSHKOVE 6

In 2022, the Dniester expedition of the «State Research Centre “Protective Archaeology Service of Ukraine”» of the Institute of Archaeology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine explored the multi-layered settlement of Voloshkove 6. The 528 m2 area has been studied and 62 objects were discovered. 46 of them belonged to the Chornoliska culture. In two objects (objects 1A and 49) the remains of botanical origin were found.
 The researchers noticed the palaeoethnobotanical remains in time and removed the soil containing them. Samples have been taken and the burned macro-remains of plants also were selected by flotation. Using identification analysis it was ascertained that sample 1 (object 1A) contained several caryopses and fragments of barley (Hordeum vulgare). In sample 2 (object 49) about 15 cm3 of legume seeds — lentil (Lens culinaris) was distinguished. Isolated cleavers (Galium aparine) were found in small quantities in both samples.
 Given the homogeneity of the finds, it can be argued that they are the result of harvesting and storing the harvest of one year. Sample 2 can be interpreted as a seed fund for future crops, which was stored in a separate container.
 Today, this is the first find of charred macro-remains from the sites of the Chornoliska culture and the second reliable definition of the palaeoethnobotanical materials of this culture. Therefore, barley (Hordeum vulgare) was added to the previously established list cereals of millet (Panicum miliaceum) and emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccon) grown by the carriers of the Chornoliska culture. So far, legumes are represented only by lentil.
 This finding does not yet make it possible to assess the grain farming as a whole. Currently, it only supplements the data on cultivated plants that were grown by the carriers of the Chornoliska culture.

Varijabilnost broja i mase 1000 semena korova prisutnog u naturalnom semenu lucerke sa različitih lokaliteta u Srbiji

Alfalfa is the most significant perennial and multi-crop forage legume in Serbia. Seed production has numerous problems, which causes high variability in seed yield. One of the problems in this production is the weed seeds that are in the natural alfalfa seed after harvesting. Minimum purity must be greater than 95 %, up to 2 % of other species are allowed, and up to 0.5 % of weeds, but no quarantine weeds such as dodder (Cuscuta.sp). Weed seeds were detected in natural alfalfa seeds: Sinapis arvensis L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Rumex obtusifolius, L., Cuscuta campestris Yunk., Rumex acetosella L., Plantago lanceolata L., Plantago major L., Rumex crispus L., Galium aparine L., Convolvus arvensis L. as expected, the variability of the number of weed seeds detected from the seed lots over three years was high: CV% = 14.78 for wild sorghum - S. halepense (L.) Pers. In the 2022, to CV% = 65.47 for ribwort plantain - Plantago lanceolata L. in the 2020. For the weight of 1000 seeds of the examined weeds, the variability was determined from CV% = 5.869 for the ribwort plantain - Plantago lanceolata L. (year 2020), to CV% = 34.41 for yellow dock - Rumex crispus L. (year 2022).

Autumn Application of Synthetic Auxin Herbicide for Weed Control in Cereals in Poland and Germany

The biological efficacy of herbicides MCPA+tribenuron-methyl (code name: MT-565 SG) and diflufenican+chlorotoluron (Legato Pro 425 SC) was estimated in eighteen field experiments on winter cereals in Poland and Germany to control broadleaf weeds. Postemergence application of tribenuron-methyl in combination with MCPA, applied at the 3-leaf stage to 3 tillers detectable in autumn in winter cereals, resulted in the majority of weed species occurring in autumn being effectively eliminated with MCPA+tribenuron-methyl applied at 1.0 kg∙ha–1. It also provided an acceptable (82.4–94.1%) and comparable level of control to commonly occurring weeds Brassica napus, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Centaurea cyanus, Lamium purpureum, Tripleurospermum inodorum, Stellaria media, and Thlaspi arvense. A satisfactory level of control of 66.3 to 88.3% was confirmed for Veronica persica, Viola arvensis, and Galium aparine. According to these results, the formulation of tribenuron-methyl combined with MCPA can be recommended for application in winter cereals in the autumn as an alternative to commonly available herbicides.

Species and quantitative composition of weeds in wheat agrophytocenosis in the conditions of the forest-steppe zone of the Trans-Urals

The article analyzes the species and quantitative composition of weeds in wheat agrophytocenosis. From 16 species of weeds in different years prevailed: from perennial – Cirsium arvense, Glechoma hederacea, Convolvulus arvensis, Sonchus arvensis, from juvenile wintering – Erodium cicutarium, Matricaria perforata, Viola arvensis, Thlaspi arvense. From spring juveniles – Amaranthus retroflexus, Spergula arvensis, Galeopsis speciosa, Chenopodium album, Fumaria officinalis, Galium aparine, Stellaria media. Field observations in 2017-2020 made it possible to establish some features in the change in the composition and abundance of different biological groups of weeds during the growing season. It is necessary to study the species composition of weeds in order to control, predict and regulate their abundance. In the tillering phase, the number of weeds in different years of research varied from 15.3 to 16.1 pcs/m2, which, according to the scale of determining the degree of clogging of fields, corresponds to a weak degree of clogging of 2.55-13.4%. Before cleaning, the degree of clogging increased by 0.2% in 2018, by 0.15% in 2019, and in 2017 and 2020, the degree of clogging remained at the same level – 3.4%, which was also characterized by a weak degree. Comparison of the contamination over different years allows us to identify the dynamics of the quantitative and specific composition of weeds in crops and adjust the system of measures to combat them.

THE FORMATION OF THE BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF WINTER RYE CROPS DEPENDS ON THE INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT PREDECESSORS

The article highlights the influence of different predecessors on the cultivation of winter rye. The expediency of cultivation is proved and the importance and features of this crop as a food and fodder crop are indicated. The role of weeds and their impact on winter rye crops is also outlined. Winter rye belongs to high-yielding cereals. Advanced farms harvest 40-50 c/ha and more of grain. The experience of these farms is highlighted in the analysis of scientific literature sources, which indicates the presence of reserves for increasing the yield of rye in Ukraine. It is grown mainly for grain, as well as for green fodder (often in mixtures with winter vetch, winter rape). Rye bread has high nutritional and taste qualities due to its high content of proteins, vitamins (A, B, E) and high energy value. Rye grain is of great importance as a concentrated feed for farm animals. Rye flour is used for feeding pigs, and bran - for cattle. In a mixture with winter vetch and winter rape, rye in spring gives the earliest green fodder for animals. It is noted that weeds are most often present in crops of field crops from the groups of rhizome perennial weeds and root-sprouting weeds. Quite often there are pink thistle (Crisium arvense L.), field bindweed (Convolulus arvensis L.), creeping wheatgrass (Elytriga repens L.), horsetail (Equisetum arvense L.), creeping bitterweed (Acroptilon repens L.) and others. Among the most aggressive species are representatives of winter and biennial dicotyledonous wintering weeds. The most commonly found in winter rye crops are the following representatives: wild poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.), wild violet (Viola arvensis.), odorless chamomile (Matricaria perforate), wild poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.), common bindweed (Capsella bursa-pastoris), Sophia's curlyleaf (Descurainia sophia L. ), clinging feverfew (Galium aparine.), field axes (Consolida regalis S.), Sophia's curlyleaf (Descurainia sophia L.), medium starwort (Stellaria media), white pupal (Melandrium album), Sophia's descurainia (Descurainia Sophia), field thalassa (Thlaspi arvense). It was found that the correct selection of the predecessor for the cereal crop of winter rye will be able to satisfy high grain productivity, which will allow maintaining the agrophytocenosis in proper condition in relation to the negative impact of weed infestation and will help to reduce the overall number and species composition of segetal vegetation in winter rye crops.

Effects of accumulator plant species straw on the cadmium and nutrient uptake of potato

AbstractThe farmland soil contaminated by the cadmium (Cd) has affected the safe production of potato. In this study, the sprouted potato tubers were planted in the artificially prepared Cd‐contaminated soil, and the straws of Cd‐accumulator species (Malachium aquaticum, Conyza canadensis, Galium aparine, and Nasturtium officinale) were mulched on the soil surface to study the effects of Cd‐accumulator plant straw on the Cd accumulation and nutrient uptake of potato. The straws of M. aquaticum and N. officinale increased the biomass. Specifically, the straw of N. officinale increased the root, tuber, stem, and leaf biomass by 51.2%, 28.5%, 85.4%, and 123%, respectively, compared with the control. The straws of M. aquaticum and N. officinale increased the contents of photosynthetic pigments. The straws of accumulator plant species increased the peroxidase activity, while the straws of M. aquaticum, C. canadensis, and N. officinale decreased the superoxide dismutase activity. Meanwhile, only the straws of G. aparine and N. officinale increased the catalase activity. Regarding the nutrient uptake, only the straw of M. aquaticum increased the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) contents in both tuber and aboveground parts. In terms of the Cd content, only the straw of N. officinale decreased the Cd contents in various organs, while the straws of other accumulator species increased the Cd content to some extent. These results indicate that the straw of N. officinale can promote the growth and reduce the Cd uptake of potato, and should, therefore, be used in the potato cultivation in the Cd‐contaminated farmland soil areas.

Characteristics of eighteen essential oils on Echinochloa crus-galli and Galium aparine seedling growth

Characteristics of eighteen essential oils on Echinochloa crus-galli and Galium aparine seedling growth

Survey Reveals Frequency of Multiple Resistance to Tribenuron-Methyl, Bensulfuron-Methyl and Halosulfuron-Methyl in Cleavers (Galium aparine L.)

Tribenuron-methyl-resistant (TmR) cleavers (Galium aparine L.) have been reported around the major winter wheat farming region in China. From 2017 to 2020, cleavers seeds were collected from wheat production fields across Jiangsu Province to evaluate the frequency and distribution of tribenuron-methyl-, bensulfuron-methyl- and halosulfuron-methyl-resistant cleavers, and to assess the frequency of multiple resistance. Here we report resistance frequency as percent resistance within a population, and resistance distribution as the percentage and locations of populations classified as resistant to a discriminating herbicide dose. From 2017 to 2020, cleavers populations were screened with tribenuron-methyl, bensulfuron-methyl and halosulfuron-methyl. The percentages of tribenuron-methyl-resistant cleavers populations from 2017 to 2020 were 53.33%, 51.52%, 52.38% and 47.17%, respectively; and the percentages of cleavers populations with low tribenuron-methyl resistance were 23.33%, 26.67%, 30.00% and 36.67%, respectively. The percentages of bensulfuron-methyl-resistant cleavers populations from 2017 to 2020 were 36.67%, 39.39%, 35.71% and 33.96%, respectively; and the percentages of cleavers populations had low tribenuron-methyl resistance were 30.00%, 40.00%, 53.33% and 23.33%, respectively. The percentages of halosulfuron-methyl-resistant cleavers populations from 2017 to 2020 were 26.67%, 27.27%, 50.00% and 41.51%, respectively; and the percentages of cleavers population with low tribenuron-methyl resistance were 50.00%, 53.33%, 33.33% and 40.00%, respectively. Finally, 26.67%, 22.22%, 19.05% and 20.75% of cleavers populations had resistance to 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid sodium (MCPA-Na) from 2017 to 2020, respectively; however, all populations were sensitive to fluroxypyr and carfentrazone-ethyl. This confirmation of multiple resistance in cleavers populations emphasizes the importance of diversity in herbicide sites of action as critical to extending the usefulness of remaining effective herbicides such as MCPA-Na, fluroxypyr and carfentrazone-ethyl for the management of this weed.

Assessing the Importance of Natural Regulating Mechanisms in Weed Management: The Case of Weed Seed Predation in a Winter Wheat Field and in Adjacent Semi-Natural Habitat in Northern Hungary

Weeds are one group of pests that significantly reduce crop yields and qualities, while herbicide use poses a risk to human health and environment. Weed seed predation has been identified as a potential biocontrol approach offering sustainable weed management. It causes substantial seed losses on weed species in crop fields, and thus may result in a reduction in herbicide use. This study aimed to investigate the relevant seed predation patterns on important weed species, Galium aparine L., Papaver rhoeas L., and Apera spica-venti L., in a winter wheat field and the adjacent semi-natural habitat (SNH) near Gödöllő, Hungary, assuming that weed seeds are likely to be predated, but predation levels may differ by weed species and habitat type. Sampling rounds were performed twice, in 2019 and 2021, before crop harvest, by placing a total of 240 seed cards (120 cards/round) on the soil surface inside both crop field, and in the adjacent SNH. Seed predation was assessed on each card every 24 h, for 5 days in 2019 and 6 days in 2021. The results revealed high intensity (100%) of seed predation on the evaluated weed species, during the exposure periods in both years and habitat types, although weed seeds were significantly consumed (p < 0.001) in 2019 as opposed to 2021. Whereas, seed consumption levels were not significantly different (p = 0.802) among habitat types, and between habitats and years (p = 0.842). The optimum period for measuring weed seed predation was found to be after 48 h of field exposure. Our findings showed that seed predation reduced the number of exposed weed seeds on the soil surface, which may decrease the weed seed banks, and the number of weed seedlings the next cropping season.

Vegetation Structure and Species Composition Inside the Habitat of Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron (Ardea insignis Hume, 1878) Along the Phochu in Punakha district, Bhutan

Floristic compositions and vegetative structures are key determinants for selecting nests and roosting habitats of Critically Endangered White-bellied Heron. However, none of the Bhutanese researchers had ever studied to date. Gradient-directed transect methods were adopted using systematic sampling. Vegetation surveys were carried out inside 10 x 10 m (trees), 5 x 5 m (shrubs), and 2 x 2 m (herbs) in 48 plots across the Pochu landscape. The result shows that the Phochu landscape recorded 10 trees species belonging to six families. Pinus roxburghii is the most dominant species with relative density [RD] (86.77%), relative frequency [RF] (37.50%), relative dominance [RD] (79.93%), and IVI (204.20). While, L. ovalifolia and A. lebbeck were the lowest (RD (0.53%), RF (6.25%), RD (0.07%), (0.83%), IVI (6.85), and 7.61 respectively. While shrub constitutes 19 species and belongs to 14 families. Chromolaena odorata (32.15%, n = 933) and Cymbopogon sp. (21.26%, n = 617) were the most dominant herbs, while, Galium aparine (0.03%, n = 1) were lowest with 38 herbs species belongs to 20 families. For vegetative structures, maximum trees (38.62%, n = 73) DBH ranges from the 11-15 cm, which are found in day roosting site 1 (34.25%, n = 25). While, lowest ((0.53%, n = 1) was DBH ranges of 51-55 cm, 61-65 cm, 66-70 cm and 71-72 cm respectively. Therefore, similar vegetation composition and structure studies are suggested in other core habitats across Bhutan to deduce its habitat ecology for the long-term conservation of Critically Endangered WBH in Bhutan.

Recruitment biology of cleavers (Galium spp.) populations in western Canada

AbstractTwo species of cleavers, Galium aparine L. and Galium spurium L., are known to inhabit croplands in western Canada. The latter is the more abundant of the two species. An increased abundance of these species over the most recent decades warrants a more comprehensive understanding of their developmental phenology and the cause of this increase. This study aimed to identify the base temperature and emergence characteristics of Galium spp. across different populations from western Canada. A thermal gradient plate experiment was conducted using five G. spurium populations collected from various Saskatchewan (SK) and Alberta (AB) locations. One known G. aparine reference sample was also included. A common garden experiment was conducted using the six Galium spp. populations to determine emergence characteristics. The base germination temperature identified was 2 C for all populations of G. spurium and 4 C for G. aparine. The median germination temperature for G. aparine was 8.34 C, whereas G. spurium had a similar median germination temperature of 6.5 C. Despite similar germination characteristics, the field emergence study revealed differences between populations’ initiation of emergence (150 to 250 growing degree days [GDD]) and time to 50% emergence (275 to 470 GDD) in spring. Highly variable emergence among years and populations within the year (200 to 600 GDD in 2013 and 100 to 200 GDD in 2014) were observed during fall, probably due to differences in moisture availability. Cumulative emergence among populations in fall was very low (1% to 9%) compared with spring emergence (2% to 17%). Overall, this study provides evidence for a low base temperature and differences in emergence periodicity among populations, both of which may be significant factors contributing to the seasonal success of this species.

Segetal vegetation in Matricaria recutita (l.) crops according to protection methods and its influence on growth dynamics and inflorescence formation

Aim. After all, the quality of medicinal raw materials, and subsequently the preparations made from them, directly depend on the number of weeds present in the crop. Currently, producers of agricultural products who cultivate medicinal plants, namely medicinal chamomile, are faced with such a question as the protection of medicinal crops from harmful organisms, especially weeds, during cultivation technology. The research was aimed at establishing the dependence of the growth dynamics of medicinal chamomile plants and the productivity of inflorescences on the degree of weediness of crops by segetal plants. Methods. The weed protection system included agrotechnical, chemical and integrated methods of control. Results. It was found that the most common weeds in the chamomile agrophytocenosis were Centaurea cyanus L., Polygonum patulum, Convolvulus arvensis L., Avena fatua, Echinochloa crus-galli L., Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Chenopodium album L., Galium aparine L., Raphanus raphanistrum L., Barbarea vulgaris R.Br. It was established that the use of the autumn sowing period of chamomile contributed to more effective suppression of weeds, since a certain number of weeds die in winter at low temperatures.The average weediness after harvesting the predecessor before preparing the field for sowing medicinal chamomile was 115–123 pcs./m2. Agrotechnical protection measures reduced the number of weeds to 42–50 pcs./m2, the use of herbicide, respectively – 17–18 pcs./m2, integrated protection – 12–15 pcs./m2. Conclusion. We have established that the Perlyna Lisostepu variety has significant resistance to weeds. As for the dependence of the growth dynamics and productivity of chamomile on the implementation of weed control measures, the combination of all measures, that is the use of only an integrated method, makes it possible to best deal with harmful plants namely to reduce their number on average over the years of research to 12 pcs./m2 and obtain a yield of 1.5 t/ha of raw mass of inflorescences.

Galium aparine L. protects against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The toxicity of acetaminophen (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP)) is the most frequent cause of drug-induced liver damage. Galium aparine L. (GA) is traditionally used to treat jaundice. We aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of GA in the APAP-induced hepatic encephalopathy (HE) rat model. Qualitative phytochemical characterization of GA was performed by LC/Q-TOF/MS analysis. Wistar rats were pretreated with GA (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt. per oral) for five days. On the 6th day, the rats were exposed to APAP (1500 mg/kg b.wt. oral gavage) and behavioral tests (open field and passive avoidance tests) were applied on the 7th and 8th days. The animals were killed, and biochemical and histopathological parameters were assessed in blood and hepatic specimens. GA pretreated rats exhibited a significant reduction in APAP-induced liver damage, evidenced by the reduction in liver necrosis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin (BIL). GA demonstrated an anxiolytic effect, as seen in the acquisition trial and grooming behavior. The short-term memory performances of animals were not changed in all groups, suggesting that APAP intoxication did not affect hippocampal function. These results show that GA extract markedly exerts hepatoprotective activity, while its effect on hepatic encephalopathy was limited.

Mode of Action of a Novel Synthetic Auxin Herbicide Halauxifen-Methyl

Halauxifen-methyl is a new auxin herbicide developed by Corteva Agriscience (Wilmington, DE, USA). It has been suggested that ABF5 may be the target of halauxifen-methyl, as AFB5 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana are resistant to halauxifen-methyl, which preferentially binds to AFB5. However, the mode of action of halauxifen-methyl has not yet been reported. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to reveal the mode of action of halauxifen-methyl by exploring its influence on indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) homeostasis and the biosynthesis of ethylene and Abscisic Acid (ABA) in Galium aparine. The results showed that halauxifen-methyl could disrupt the homeostasis of IAA and stimulate the overproduction of ethylene and ABA by inducing the overexpression of the 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase (ACS) and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED) genes involved in ethylene and ABA biosynthesis, finally leading to senescence and plant death.

Fecundity Allocation in Some European Weed Species Competing with Crops

Seed production is an important element of weed population dynamics, and weed persistence relies upon the soil seed bank. In 2017 and 2018, we studied the relationship between the aboveground dry biomass of common weed species and their seed production. Weeds were selected randomly in the fields, and we surrounded the plants with a porous net to collect shed seeds during the growth season. Just before crop harvest, weeds were harvested, the plants’ dry weights were measured, and the number of seeds retained on the weeds was counted. A linear relationship between the biomass and the number of seeds produced was estimated. This relationship was not affected by year for Avena spica-venti, Chenopodium album, Galium aparine, or Persicaria maculosa. Therefore, the data of the two seasons were pooled and analysed together. For Alopecurus myosuroides, Anagallis arvensis, Capsella bursa-pastoris, Geranium molle, Polygonum aviculare, Silene noctiflora, Sonchus arvensis, Veronica persica, and Viola arvensis, the relationship varied significantly between the years. In 2017, the growing season was cold and wet, and the slope of the regression lines was less steep than in the dry season in 2018 for most species. Capsella bursa-pastoris was the most prolific seed producer with the steepest slope.

Hot foam: Evaluation of a new, non-chemical weed control option in perennial crops

Hot foam applications represent a new, smart concept in the field of thermal weed control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of hot foam and other weed control methods in two olive groves in southern Greece (Pyrgos and Kalamata). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replicates. Treatments were applied in the areas between trees, in the row and included mowing with a disc–flail mower, mulching with pruning residues (2.65 kg m–2), glyphosate (at 1,440 g a.e. ha–1), hot foam (13.33 L m–2), pelargonic acid (at 1,088 g a.i. ha–1; twice), and an untreated control. Two experimental runs were conducted at each site using the same treatment list. Malva parviflora L. and Sinapis arvensis L. were the predominant weeds in Pyrgos, while Urtica urens L., Galium aparine L., and Parietaria officinalis L. dominated in Kalamata. Site–experimental runs and treatments significantly affected NDVI and weed biomass (P–Value ≤ 0.001). Hot foam reduced weed biomass by up to 81, 88, 90, and 96% compared to mulching, mowing, pelargonic acid, and the untreated control, respectively. This treatment also reduced M. parviflora biomass by 75–88 and 92–93% compared to mowing and pelargonic acid, respectively, in Pyrgos and P. officinalis biomass by more than 80% in Kalamata compared to the above treatments. In all site–experimental runs, hot foam and glyphosate resulted in the lowest NDVI and weed biomass. The overall performance of hot foam was comparable to glyphosate, suggesting that this method is an environmentally friendly and effective, alternative method to control weeds in olive groves. Further research is required to optimize the use of hot foam for weed control in more perennial crops and under different soil and climatic conditions.