Thuja Standishii Research Articles

Host range, damage extent and leaf consumptions by the bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Haw. (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) in Bangladesh

Bagworm, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis Haw. (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) is a polyphagous pest in Northern America and southern Australia, causing severe damage to several host plants. A study was conducted to record the host plants, damage extent, and morphometrics of bagworms in Patuakhali Science and Technology University (PSTU) from 2015 to 2018. Results revealed a limited number of host plants for bagworm namely guava (Psidium guajava), arborvitae/juniper (Thuja standishii), rangan or jungles, geranium (Ixora grandiflora/Ixora coccinea), mussaenda (Mussaenda philippica), cropperleaf (Acalypha wilkesiana ‘Ceylon), henna (Lawsonia inermis), mango (Mangifera indica), pomegranate (Punica granatum) and betel nut (Areca catechu). The length of tiny larvae, fully-grown larvae, pupa, adult winged male moths, and wingless adult maggot-like females was 1.02 mm, 24.8 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, and 48 mm, respectively. The average length of the bag was 24.7 mm with a range of 21-28 mm, and the average breadth in the middle of the bag was 6.9 mm with a range of 6-8 mm. The highest number of larval cases per branch was found in guava (56), and the lowest was in copperleaf (8). The highest percent of leaf damage (86.23%) per plant was also observed in the guava plant, and the lowest percent of leaf damage (37.46%) was in copperleaf. The highest number of infested leaves and bags per leaf was observed in the lower stratum of the guava branch, while the lowest infestation was in the top stratum. The highest percentage of leaf area (30%) damage was recorded 72 hours after release (HAR), and the lowest percentage of leaf area (10%) damage was at 24 HAR in guava. The maximum amount of leaf was consumed by bagworm larva at 72 HAR and the minimum amount was consumed at 24 HAR in guava. The maximum leaf area (13.46 cm2) consumption was recorded at 72 HAR, while the minimum amount (3.42 cm2) was consumed at 24 HAR. No significant damage by T. ephemeraeformis was observed in the case of mango, pomegranate, and betel nut plants. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 48(1-2): 1-17, June-December 2022

Growth and Quality Response of Four Container-grown Nursery Crop Species to Low-phosphorus Controlled-release Fertilizer

The amount of phosphorus (P) conventionally recommended and applied to container nursery crops commonly exceeds plant requirements, resulting in unused P leaching from containers and potentially contributing to surface water impairment. An experiment was replicated in the Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain (MACP) and Ridge and Valley ecoregions of Virginia to compare the effect of a low-P controlled-release fertilizer (CRF, 0.9% or 1.4% P depending on species) vs. a conventional CRF formulation (control, 1.7% P) on plant shoot growth, crop quality, and substrate nutrient concentrations of four species: ‘Natchez’ crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica × Lagerstroemia fauriei), ‘Roblec’ Encore azalea (Rhododendron hybrid), ‘Radrazz’ Knock Out rose (Rosa hybrid), and ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae (Thuja plicata × Thuja standishii). In both ecoregions, the low-P CRF resulted in 9% to 26% lower shoot dry weight in all four species compared with those given the conventional formulation, but quality ratings for two economically important species, ‘Radrazz’ Knock Out rose and ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae, were similar between treatments. When fertilized with the low-P CRF, ‘Roblec’ Encore azalea and ‘Natchez’ crape myrtle in both ecoregions, and ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae in the MACP ecoregion had ∼56% to 75% lower substrate pore-water P concentrations than those that received the control CRF. Nitrate-nitrogen (N) concentrations in substrate pore water at week 5 were more than six times greater in control-fertilized plants than in those that received a low-P CRF, which may have been a result of the greater urea-N content or the heterogeneous nature of the low-P CRFs. Lower water-extractable pore-water P and N indicate less environmental risk and potentially increased crop efficiency. Our results suggest low-P CRFs can be used to produce certain economically important ornamental nursery crops successfully without sacrificing quality; however, early adopters will need to evaluate the effect of low-P CRFs on crop quality of specific species before implementing on a large scale.

Seeing through the hedge: Phylogenomics of Thuja (Cupressaceae) reveals prominent incomplete lineage sorting and ancient introgression for Tertiary relict flora.

The Eastern Asia (EA) - North America (NA) disjunction is a well-known biogeographic pattern of the Tertiary relict flora; however, few studies have investigated the evolutionary history of this disjunction using a phylogenomic approach. Here, we used 2369 single copy nuclear genes and nearly full plastomes to reconstruct the evolutionary history of the small Tertiary relict genus Thuja, which consists of five disjunctly distributed species. The nuclear species tree strongly supported an EA clade Thuja standishii-Thuja sutchuenensis and a "disjunct clade", where western NA species T. plicata is sister to an EA-eastern NA disjunct Thuja occidentalis-Thuja koraiensis group. Our results suggested that the observed topological discordance among the gene trees as well as the cytonuclear discordance is mainly due to incomplete lineage sorting, probably facilitated by the fast diversification of Thuja around the Early Miocene and the large effective population sizes of ancestral lineages. Furthermore, approximately 20% of the T. sutchuenensis nuclear genome is derived from an unknown ancestral lineage of Thuja, which might explain the close resemblance of its cone morphology to that of an ancient fossil species. Overall, our study demonstrates that single genes may not resolve interspecific relationships for disjunct taxa, and that more reliable results will come from hundreds or thousands of loci, revealing a more complex evolutionary history. This will steadily improve our understanding of their origin and evolution.

Genetic Distinctiveness but Low Diversity Characterizes Rear-Edge Thuja standishii (Gordon) Carr. (Cupressaceae) Populations in Southwest Japan

Rear-edge populations are of significant scientific interest because they can contain allelic variation not found in core-range populations. However, such populations can differ in their level of genetic diversity and divergence reflecting variation in life-history traits, demographic histories and human impacts. Using 13 EST-microsatellites, we investigated the genetic diversity and differentiation of rear-edge populations of the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii (Gordon) Carr. in southwest Japan from the core-range in northeast Japan. Range-wide genetic differentiation was moderate (Fst = 0.087), with northeast populations weakly differentiated (Fst = 0.047), but harboring high genetic diversity (average population-level Ar = 4.76 and Ho = 0.59). In contrast, rear-edge populations were genetically diverged (Fst = 0.168), but contained few unique alleles with lower genetic diversity (Ar = 3.73, Ho = 0.49). The divergence between rear-edge populations exceeding levels observed in the core-range and results from ABC analysis and species distribution modelling suggest that these populations are most likely relicts of the Last Glacial Maximum. However, despite long term persistence, low effective population size, low migration between populations and genetic drift have worked to promote the genetic differentiation of southwest Japan populations of T. standishii without the accumulation of unique alleles.

C3 plant carbon isotope discrimination does not respond to CO2 concentration on decadal to centennial timescales.

Plant carbon isotope discrimination is complex, and could be driven by climate, evolution and/or edaphic factors. We tested the climate drivers of carbon isotope discrimination in modern and historical plant chemistry, and focus in particular on the relationship between rising [CO2 ] over Industrialization and carbon isotope discrimination. We generated temporal records of plant carbon isotopes from museum specimens collected over a climo-sequence to test plant responses to climate and atmospheric change over the past 200yr (including Pinus strobus, Platycladus orientalis, Populus tremuloides, Thuja koraiensis, Thuja occidentalis, Thuja plicata, Thuja standishii and Thuja sutchuenensis). We aggregated our results with a meta-analysis of a wide range of C3 plants to make a comprehensive study of the distribution of carbon isotope discrimination and values among different plant types. We show that climate variables (e.g. mean annual precipitation, temperature and, key to this study, CO2 in the atmosphere) do not drive carbon isotope discrimination. Plant isotope discrimination is intrinsic to each taxon, and could link phylogenetic relationships and adaptation to climate quantitatively and over ecological to geological time scales.

Container Type and Substrate Affect Root Zone Temperature and Growth of ‘Green Giant’ Arborvitae

Root zone temperature (RZT) in nursery containers commonly exceeds ambient temperature during the growing season, negatively impacting crop growth and quality. Black nursery containers absorb radiant heat resulting in excessive RZT, yet other types of containers and different substrates can moderate RZT. We conducted studies in Tennessee and Alabama to evaluate the effects of container type and substrate on RZT and growth of ‘Green Giant’ arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata ‘Green Giant’). Trade gallon arborvitae were transplanted into black, white, or air pruning containers filled with pine bark (PB) or 4 PB: 1 peatmoss (v:v) (PB:PM). Plants grown in PB:PM were larger and had greater shoot and root biomass than plants grown in PB, likely due to increased volumetric water content. Plant growth response to container type varied by location, but white containers with PB:PM produced larger plants and greater biomass compared with the other container types. Root zone temperature was greatest in black containers and remained above 38 °C and 46 °C for 15% and 17% longer than white and air pruning containers, respectively. Utilizing light color containers in combination with substrates containing peatmoss can reduce RZT and increase substrate moisture content thus improving crop growth and quality.

Container Color and Compost Substrate Affect Root Zone Temperature and Growth of “Green Giant” Arborvitae

Container-grown nursery crops are commonly exposed to root zone stress due to inadequate moisture and supraoptimal root zone temperature (RZT). Compost substrates can improve water and nutrient retention but plant responses can vary due to physical and chemical properties. Dark color containers absorb solar radiation through the container side wall leading to excessive heat buildup in the substrate, yet white containers can reduce RZT. Compost substrates and container color were examined for effects on RZT and growth of “Green Giant” arborvitae (Thuja standishii × plicata “Green Giant”). “Green Giant” arborvitae were transplanted into white or black containers (11.3 L) filled with a pine bark substrate (PB) or PB mixed with compost (C) at two different proportions [PB:C (9:1) and PB:C (7:3)]. White containers reduced maximum RZT by up to 7 °C and RZT remained above 38 °C for only 3% of the time compared to 21% of the time in black containers. Shoot growth increased over 50% in white containers compared to black containers. Compost increased substrate volumetric water content (VWC), increased shoot growth by up to 24%, and reduced total irrigation volume by up to 40%. Utilizing white containers for minimizing RZT and compost-amended substrates to maintain adequate VWC can improve root and shoot growth and overall crop quality while reducing nursery production inputs.

Current distribution and climatic range of the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii (Cupressaceae)

Current distribution and climatic range of the Japanese endemic conifer Thuja standishii (Cupressaceae)

Allergen of the Month—Western Red Cedar

Allergen of the Month—Western Red Cedar

Allergen of the Month—Arborvitae

The genus Thuja contains five species of coniferous trees: two native to North America, arborvitae (T. occidentalis) and western red cedar (T. plicata); and three to eastern Asia, Sichuan thuja (T. sutchuenensis), Korean thuja (T. koraiensis)), and Japanese thuja (T. standishii). Chinese arborvitae, native to northern China, previously named Thuja orientalis, has been reclassified as Platycladus orientalis.1–3 The earliest distinctly Thuja fossil is from Alaska and dated to the late Cretaceous period (∼75 million years ago).

Synthesis of dl-standishinal and its related compounds for the studies on structure–activity relationship of inhibitory activity against aromatase

dl-Standishinal ( 1), an aromatase inhibitor isolated from Thuja standishii, was synthesized in 15 steps from p-formylanisole via aldol reaction of 12-hydroxy-6,7-secoabieta-8,11,13-trien-6,7-dial ( 2). In the present study, we found that the aldol condensation of 2 proceeded in excellent yield with the protonic catalyst such as d-camphorsulfonic acid in CH 2Cl 2. Moreover, structure-activity relationship of 1 and its related compounds was studied and it was revealed that the isomers having cis-configuration on the A/B-ring generally exhibited more potent inhibitory activities against aromatase than those with trans-configuration.

Seasonal variations of terpene emission from trees and influence of temperature, light and contact stimulation on terpene emission

Seasonal variations of the leaf oil contents and the amounts of terpene emission of Cryptomeria japonica, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Abies sachalinensis, Thuja occidentalis, Thuja standishii, Cupressus sempervirens and Cinnamomum japonicum were studied. The leaf oil contents and the amounts of terpene emission were high in summer and low in winter. It was suggested that the terpene emission varied with leaf oil production. The amounts of terpene emission from C. obtusa were higher at 30°C than 15°C either in the light or in the dark and they were also higher in the light than in the dark. The amounts of terpene emission increased by the forced emission method by which three seedlings on pots were rotated by touching each other's leaves and the amounts of terpenes reached 3 to 35 μg/(g(grams dry weight) · h). The individuals of varieties of C. obtusa seedlings whose quantities of terpene emission were high were selected to propagate these individuals.

Gap characteristics and gap regeneration in a subalpine coniferous forest on Mt Ontake, central Honshu, Japan

AbstractGap characteristics and gap regeneration were studied in three mature stands belonging to different community types in a subalpine coniferous forest on Mt Ontake, central Honshu, Japan. Gap disturbance regimes were remarkably similar among stands studied; percentage gap area to surveyed area, gap density and mean gap size were 7.3–8.5%, 17.8–20.0 ha−1 and 40.8–42.5 m2, respectively. The gap size class distributions were also similar and showed a strong positive skewness with a few large and many small gaps; gaps <40m2 were most frequent and gaps >200m2 were rare. Forty‐five to 66% of gaps were due to the death of single canopy trees. Canopy trees more often died leaving standing dead wood (40–5.7%) or broken trunks (43–49%). Shade tolerant Abies mariesii and Abies veitchii, frequently, and Tsuga diversifolia, less frequently, regenerated in gaps, from advance regenerations recruited before gap formation. Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis may regenerate in gaps, from new individuals recruited after gap formation. The breakage of dense Sasa coverage and the mineral soils exposed by the uprooted plants that form gaps might provide regeneration opportunities for shade intolerant Betula. Of the important species limited to the ridge site, Chamaecyparis obtusa, frequently, and Thuja standishii, infrequently, regenerated from plants already in situ. Regeneration of Pinus parviflora was not seen. Based on the gap characteristics and gap regeneration behaviour of each species described, stand dynamics in each stand are discussed.

Plant fossil assemblage of the Last Glacial age in the northern part of Niigata Prefecture, Central Japan.

A Late Pleistocene peat bed, the Chugenmachi peat bed, yielding abundant plant fossils, was found in the northern part of Niigata Prefecture, Central Japan. The bed unconformably overlies the Middle Pleistocene and Pliocene and is three meters thick. The 14C age of wood from the peat bed is 23, 000±350y.B.P.. The age of the peat bed indicates the later Last Glacial Age. Most palnt remains in the bed were transported from the surrounding area, as indicated by the location of the bed in a small valley and the well-preserved condition of the remains.The plant fossil assemblage consists of 7 families, 13 genera and 14 species. The result of pollen analysis indicates a consistent floral composition. The species are mainly of submontane evergreen conifers such as Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Pinus koraiensis and Tsuga diversifolia. They are not presently found in the fossil locality. The composition of the fossil assemblage indicates the cold climate of the Glacial Age. In addition to cold elements, the flora consist of cool-temperate conifers, such as Cryptomeria japonica and Thuja Standishii, and also of a few temperate broad-leaved trees, such as Fagus crenata, Corylus heterophylla and Styrax japonica. They indicate that the mild climatic floral elements survived at that time especially in areas bordering the Sea of Japan. Moreover, the fossil assemblage includes a few evergreen conifers which are not found in high snowfall areas, such as Abies homolepis, Picea jezoensis var. hondoensis, Tsuga diversifolia. The index species of the cool-temperate zone of the Pacific coast, such as Abies homolepis, are also commonly found.These facts are an interesting contribution to the study of paleo-climatology and the paleovegetation of the Last Glacial age of the Sea of Japan coast.

The Isolation and Structure of Nezukone

A new tropone compound, named nezukone, has been isolated from the wood of Thuja standishii Carr, and shown to possess the structure (I). It is the first case that a tropone is found in nature.

The occurrence of hinokitiol in the wood of Thuja Standishii CARR

The occurrence of hinokitiol in the wood of Thuja Standishii CARR