Juniperus Communis Research Articles

Herbal Amara extract induces gastric fundus relaxation via inhibition of the M2 muscarinic receptor.

Impaired gastric accommodation is one of the most frequent symptoms of functional dyspepsia. The safety and efficacy of conventional treatments remain to be proven and alternative herbal therapies have been proposed to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms. This preclinical study examined the role of herbal Amara extract (containing Artemisia absinthium, Centaurium erythraea, Cichorium intybus, Gentiana lutea, Juniperus communis, Achillea millefolium, Peucedanum ostruthium, Salvia officinalis, and Taraxacum extracts) on gastric (fundus) accommodation and the possible implication of muscarinic receptors in its regulation. The effect of Amara extract on fundus motility was investigated in organ baths of smooth muscle strips isolated from the fundus of guinea pigs, and the role of the muscarinic receptor pathway was evaluated using functional and radioligand binding assays in cell lines expressing the M2 or M3 muscarinic receptor. Amara extract inhibited carbachol-induced contraction of guinea pig smooth muscle strips in a dose-dependent manner. This relaxant effect was not affected by the M3 antagonist J-104129. Amara extract also inhibited M2, but not M3, receptor activity in CHO-K1 cells (IC50 219 μg mL-1), and specifically bound the M2 receptor (IC50 294 μg mL-1). Of the nine herbal components of Amara extract, Juniperus communis, P. ostruthium, and Salvia officinalis inhibited M2 receptor activity (IC50 32.0, 20.8, and 20.1 μg mL-1, respectively), and P. ostruthium was sufficient to reverse carbachol-induced exvivo contraction of guinea pig fundic smooth muscles. Amara extract relaxes gastric smooth muscles by inhibiting the M2 muscarinic receptor. This study suggests the potential benefit of Amara extract for patients with impaired gastric accommodation.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil Extracted from waste of Juniperus communis L. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Industry in Albania

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Essential Oil Extracted from waste of Juniperus communis L. Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Industry in Albania

Energy valorization of solid residue from steam distillation of aromatic shrubs

The interest for essential oils is increasing, alongside ongoing scientific research into distillation techniques. This process generates significant solid residue that could be revalorized as energy source. This study explores the energy recovery of the solid fraction produced during the distillation of three aromatic plants: Cistus ladanifer, Juniperus communis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Two conventional energy recovery technologies were considered and compared through an energy balance: solid biofuel production and biogas generation. In case of solid biofuels, the fractionation of biomass allowed for generation of three different qualities that meet the regulation standards of solid fuels, except for the dust fraction. According to the energy balance, the alternative use of these substrates for biogas production showed competitive production in case of Cistus ladanifer and Juniperus communis, while Rosmarinus officinalis biomass presented inhibition of the anaerobic digestion and null energy recovery.

Insights into Molecular Mechanisms of Anticancer Activity of Juniperus communis Essential Oil in HeLa and HCT 116 Cells.

As cancer remains a significant global health challenge, there is an increasing need for novel therapeutic approaches. We investigated the antitumor potential of Juniperus communis berry essential oil on cervical cancer HeLa and colorectal HCT 116 cells. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through the MTT assay, revealing concentration-dependent reductions in cell viability. A clonogenic assay demonstrated long-term cytotoxic effects. Apoptosis markers were assessed via flow cytometric analysis and showed an induction of the intrinsic pathway in both cell lines, demonstrated by the elevated levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, JC-10 monomer formation, and cytochrome C migration to the cytosol. The treatment inhibited cell-survival pathways in HCT 116 cells and arrested HeLa cells in the S phase. An extensive molecular docking screening provided insight into the binding affinity and interaction patterns of the essential oil components with NADH ubiquinone oxidoreductase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, further confirming the induction of the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. The obtained in silico and in vitro results indicated the anticancer potential of J. communis berry essential oil as it interferes with cancer cell molecular mechanisms. Our findings highlight J. communis berry essential oil as a promising natural agent with anticancer potential.

Structure of Ground Vegetation and Natural Regeneration of Tree Species in 12- to 15-Year-Old Bilberry Pine Forest-Clear-cut Complex of Middle Taiga Subzone.

Logging in mature stands where part of the forest is harvested in one or several cuts and part is retained (clearcutting and alternate strip cutting) results in the formation of an ecotone complex (EC), which includes a forest (F) zone, a forest edge (FE) as a transition from the forest to the clear-cut under the canopy, a clear-cut edge (CE) as a transition from the forest to the clear-cut outside of the canopy, and the clear-cut proper (C). The composition and structure of ground vegetation and natural regeneration of woody species (Pinus sylvestris L., Picea abies (L.) H. Karst., Betula sp., Populus tremula L., Sorbus aucuparia L., and Juniperus communis L.) were studied in a bilberry pine forest-clear-cut ecotone complex 12-15 years after stand removal. Specific structural features of ground vegetation and undergrowth (including tree regeneration) were observed in each of the four zones of the ecotone complex formed after logging of the mature forest. Atypical forest habitat (zone F) showed a minimum number of young regeneration of Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Betula sp., Populus tremula, and Sorbus aucuparia and the highest abundance of the lingonberry V. vitis-idaea L. and bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus L. with a maximum height and a maximum yield of bilberry plants. The amount of tree regeneration in the FE zone was much the same as in the F zone. The projective cover, maximum shoot height, and yield of bilberry and the maximum shoot height of lingonberry in the FE zone were significantly lower than in the F zone. The transitional zone on the clear-cut side (CE) and the clear-cut proper (C) strikingly differed from the forest (F and FE) zones of the ecotone complex by a greater number of deciduous and pine regeneration and a low abundance of dwarf shrubs. The clear-cut proper (C) differed from the CE zone by a higher abundance of grasses and forbs and an established tree regeneration layer composed of pine, birch, and aspen.

Anti-bacterial cyclic dipeptides from Hormonema dematioides, an endophytic fungus of Juniperus communis

Hormonema sp., an endophytic fungi found in the medicinal plant of Juniperus communis leaves, was reported to possess antimicrobial compounds from its unidentified species. In this study, 21 cyclic dipeptides (1–21) were isolated and identified from H. dematioides. All the 21 isolated cyclic dipeptides were reported for the first time from the genus Hormonema. The antimicrobial activity by the disc diffusion method showed that five compounds including cyclo(Pro-Gly) (9), cyclo(Phe-Ile) (11), cyclo(Ile-Val) (12), cyclo(Val-Ala) (17), and cyclo(Ala-Phe) (20) inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 12 to 30 mm. Further bioassay demonstrated that four cyclic dipeptides (9, 12, 17, and 20) showed significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus with MIC values of 0.04, 0.39, 0.01, and 0.10 µg/mL, respectively, as compared to the positive control (ciprofloxacin, MIC = 0.08 µg/mL). However, none of these cyclic dipeptides showed obvious anti-fungal activity against Candida albicans.

Snowpack permanence shapes the growth and dynamic of non-structural carbohydrates in Juniperus communis in alpine tundra

Climate warming is altering snowpack permanence in alpine tundra, modifying shrub growth and distribution. Plant acclimation to snowpack changes depends on the capability to guarantee growth and carbon storage, suggesting that the content of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in plant organs can be a key trait to depict the plant response under different snow regimes.To test this hypothesis, we designed a 3-years long manipulative experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of snow melt timing (i.e., early, control, and late) on NSC content in needles, bark and wood of Juniperus communis L. growing at high elevation in the Alps.Starch evidenced a general decrease from late spring to summer in control and early melting, while starch was low but stable in plants subjected to a late snow melt. Leaves, bark and wood have different level of soluble NSC changing during growing season: in bark, sugars content decreased significantly in late summer, while there was no seasonal effect in needles and wood. Soluble NSC and starch were differently related with the plant growth, when considering different tissues and snow treatment. In leaf and bark we observed a starch depletion in control and early melting plants, consistently to a higher growth (i.e., twig elongation), while in late snow melt, we did not find any significant relationship between growth and NSC concentration.Our findings confirmed that snowpack duration affects the onset of the growing season promoting a change in carbon allocation in plant organs and, between bark and wood in twigs. Finally, our results suggest that plants, at this elevation, could take advantage from an early snow melt caused by climate warming, most likely due to photosynthetic activity by maintaining the level of reserves and enhancing the carbon investment for growth.

Bioactive compounds from the bark of <i>Juniperus communis</i> (Cupressaceae)

The paper presents the results of the study of Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) bark composition. It is shown that the juniper’s bark contains 3.5 times more extractives than its wood. Individual component composition of ethanol and petroleum extracts of J. communis bark was confirmed using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Difference in the component composition of ethanol and petroleum bark extracts was determined. The major constituents of J. communis ethanol extract are monosaccharides, disaccharides and resin acids; of petroleum extract – resin and fatty acids, and sterols. It has been established, that ethanol extract of J. communis bark exhibit high antioxidant activity. The ABTS radical inhibition activity of the bark alcoholic extract reached 86–87%. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that in the subarctic region the bark of J. communis is a source of valuable bioactive substances.

Effect of Needle Age and Location on the Volatile Composition of Essential Oils from Juniperus communis L.: A Chemometric Study

AbstractProfiles of the volatile organic compound (VOC) content of essential oils (EOs) extracted from young and old Juniperus communis L. needles were generated via gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) and subsequently processed using multivariate statistical methods. These were then used to differentiate the EOs according to needle age and geographical origin. From a total 49 of VOCs identified, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) between young‐ and old‐needle EOs were found for 21 VOCs. Most of the EOs from the young needles showed higher (p<0.05) contents of α‐ and β‐pinene and sesquiterpenes (β‐ and γ‐elemene, germacrene D and B, α‐muurolene, and δ‐cadinene) and their oxygenated derivatives (α‐ and τ‐cadinol), while most of the monoterpenes (α‐thujene, sabinene, terpinolene, β‐myrcene, β‐phellandrene, and p‐cymene) were present in higher quantities (p<0.05) in the EOs from the old needles. The volatiles germacrene D, α‐ and β‐pinene, α‐cadinol, and sabinene were identified via stepwise and canonical discriminant analysis as the most valuable for EO discrimination according to needle age and geographical origin. Recognition and prediction ability tests of the EOs achieved 100 % accuracy in EO classification according to the above mentioned criterion.

Innovative Application of Juniperus Communis Wood Oil in Acne Skincare:

This review study explores the potential of Juniperus communis wood oil in cosmetics, namely its efficacy in treating acne diseases and its antibacterial qualities. Acne is a common skin ailment characterized by inflammation and the presence of several forms of acne lesions. Traditional acne treatments sometimes involve medications that may have possible side effects, which has sparked a growing interest in natural alternatives with antibacterial properties. Juniperus communis, commonly referred to as juniper, is extensively utilized in traditional medicine for its firmly established therapeutic advantages. This article consolidates the current scientific literature on the use of Juniperus communis wood oil for acne treatment, encompassing its mechanisms of action and its capacity to attack acne-causing bacteria by means of its antimicrobial properties. The review analyzes the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sebum-regulating, and anti-comedogenic properties of Juniperus communis wood oil. The paper also evaluates the efficacy of the treatment by analyzing its influence on many indicators, such as the decrease in the number of lesions, inflammation, and sebum production, as evidenced in clinical investigations. The text explores several aspects related to safety factors and formulation considerations, including extraction processes, synergistic effects, and appropriate administration systems. The paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the potential benefits of utilizing Juniperus communis wood oil as a treatment for acne, its potential implications for future acne therapies, and the need for further research in this area.

Иглоподобные листовые органы хвойных. Часть I. Моделирование периметра поперечного сечения иглы

Despite the availability of measuring systems for estimating the surface area of leaf organs of higher plants, the need for simple standard methods for determining this indicator area remains relevant for plant physiologists. The methods for estimating the surface area of needle-like leaf organs of conifers, based on the geometry of an individual needle rest on the general principle of calculating the needle surface area as the product of its length by the perimeter of its cross-section. This makes the cross-section perimeter one of the most important parameters needed to characterize the needle surface area. The strong variability of this parameter depending on the species necessitates the development of individual models of the cross-section of individual needles. The aim of this study has been to create a universal model for estimating the needle cross-section perimeter, irrespective of the tree species. For the practical implementation of the aim, a method was proposed for estimating the perimeter of the needle cross-section, based on the well-known fact that any closed line is transformable into an equivalent circle, while the length of the closed line does not change. The perimeter of the equivalent circle can be related to the parameters of the geometric figure before the transformation. This approach allows us to relate the width and thickness of the needle cross-section to its perimeter. The developed universal model of the needle cross-section has been verified on cross-sections of Siberian fir (Abies sibirica L.) and common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) needles. The samples of needles of these woody plants have been collected from a bilberry-sphagnum spruce forest in the boreal zone of the north-east of the European part of Russia (Knyazhpogostkiy district, the Komi Republic). Statistical analysis has shown the significance and adequacy of the model. It can be used to assess the perimeter of coniferous needles, irrespective of their species. In this case, the accuracy of perimeter estimation is comparable to the accuracy of direct perimeter measurement by the piecewise linear approximation method.

Gas-chromatographic analyses of volatile organic compounds in essential oils extracted from Slovak juniper berries and needles (Juniperus communis L.)

Juniper essential oils (EOs) are mainly extracted from berries; however, nowadays studies point to needles as a viable source of EOs. Total qualitative-quantitative profiles of individual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of EOs extracted from berries, old and young needles, gathered from the same locality, were obtained by GC–MS and GC–FID analyses. Moreover, qualitative-quantitative differences were determined among particular EOs within two subsequent years. Generally, VOC profiles of EOs were mainly represented by monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and their oxygenated derivatives. Depending on the harvest year, α-pinene (27.70–35.42 %) was the most abundant VOC in juniper berry EOs, followed by germacrene D, sabinene, myrcene, germacrene B and β-pinene. Overall, needle EOs were primarily characterised by sabinene, α-pinene, γ-terpinene and terpinen-4-ol, but with an intense dependence on the needle age and harvest year. β-Ylangene and α-cubebene were specific to berry EOs, whereas trans-2-hexenal was specific to needle EOs. Discriminant analysis achieved 100 % accuracy of correctly classified EOs according to the raw material and harvest year. α-Cubebene, germacrene B, γ-muurolene, one unknown compound and trans-2-hexenal were identified as the most significant for discrimination according to the source, while juniper camphort, cis-2-p-menthen-1-ol, terpinen-4-ol and β-elemene played dominant roles in discrimination according to the harvest year.

Dendrochronology and extreme climate signals recorded in seven Icelandic shrubs: A multi-species approach in the sub-Arctic

Iceland, located in the climatologically sensitive subarctic zone, is one of the key areas for studying climate change and the current Arctic warming. Poor and rich heathland covers approximately 30% of Iceland, with heath vegetation being the area’s most important vegetation type. Prostrate and erect dwarf shrub and shrub species are the primary sources of dendrochronological information on the changes and characteristics of Iceland’s climate. Here, we investigate the dendrochronological potential of seven common Icelandic heathland species (Dryas octopetala, Calluna vulgaris, Salix arctica, Salix herbacea, Empetrum nigrum, Juniperus communis nana, and Betula nana) and explore the impact of climate conditions on their growth, particularly with regard to extreme meteorological events. We conducted comparative analyses among species and observed their climatic responses in a climatically, morphologically, and geologically homogeneous setting in north-eastern Iceland. After sampling, measurements, and cross-dating, we constructed local chronologies for the seven species. Of approximately 200 samples, only 113 were included in the final shrub chronologies. All chronologies covered at least 50 years, with few of them exceeding 100 years. Dendroclimatological analysis indicated that above-average temperatures in June and summer positively influence the growth of D. octopetala (June–September), J. communis (July–August), B. nana (July–August), C. vulgaris (June–August), and S. arctica (August–September). The opposite is observed for S. herbacea and E. nigrum. Climate–growth correlations indicate that the growth of these species is negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with winter and summer precipitation. Furthermore, among the long-lived woody species growing in Iceland, seven common species were used to assess the impact of extreme meteorological conditions on their growth. The most pronounced extreme year in the wood anatomy of Icelandic shrubs was 1979, depicted as very narrow or missing rings and as the blue ring in J. communis.

Utility of decision tools for assessing plant health risks from management strategies in natural environments.

Increased imports of plants and timber through global trade networks provide frequent opportunities for the introduction of novel plant pathogens that can cross-over from commercial to natural environments, threatening native species and ecosystem functioning. Prevention or management of such outbreaks relies on a diversity of cross-sectoral stakeholders acting along the invasion pathway. Yet, guidelines are often only produced for a small number of stakeholders, missing opportunities to consider ways to control outbreaks in other parts of the pathway. We used the infection of common juniper with the invasive pathogen Phytophthora austrocedri as a case study to explore the utility of decision tools for managing outbreaks of plant pathogens in the wider environment. We invited stakeholders who manage or monitor juniper populations or supply plants or management advice to participate in a survey exploring their awareness of, and ability to use, an existing decision tree produced by a coalition of statutory agencies augmented with new distribution maps designed by the authors. Awareness of the decision tree was low across all stakeholder groups including those planting juniper for restoration purposes. Stakeholders requested that decision tools contain greater detail about environmental conditions that increase host vulnerability to the pathogen, and clearer examples of when management practices implicated in pathogen introduction or spread should not be adopted. The results demonstrate the need to set clear objectives for the purpose of decision tools and to frame and co-produce them with many different stakeholders, including overlooked groups, such as growers and advisory agents, to improve management of pathogens in the wider environment.

Factors Affecting Radial Increment Dynamics in Lithuanian Populations of Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.)

Although common juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is a widely spread species and important for the forest biodiversity and economy in many European countries, it remains one of the least studied coniferous species. This research is the first attempt to evaluate the factors affecting the increment of Juniperus communis in Lithuanian populations. The aim of this article is to evaluate the patterns of radial increment in Juniperus communis and to identify the key factors influencing the increment. We collected stem discs from 160 junipers in 8 stands distributed in the different regions of Lithuania and performed the tree-ring analysis. All studied junipers expressed a pronounced eccentricity of the stem. The results of our study revealed four patterns of Juniperus communis’ radial increment, which are strongly dependent on the granulometric properties of the soil and hydrologic conditions. The effect of climatic conditions on the Juniperus communis increment was strongly dependent on the terrain; however, most of the junipers had a positive reaction to the temperatures in April, July, and August and to the precipitation in February.

Nutraceutical Aspects of Selected Wild Edible Plants of the Italian Central Apennines

All over the world, wild edible plants are an essential source of chemical components that justify their use in folk medicine. The aim of this review is to document and summarize the knowledge of ten wild plants analyzed in a previous study for their ethnomedical significance. Achillea millefolium, Borago officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Gentiana lutea, Juniperus communis, Laurus nobilis, Malva sylvestris, Satureja montana, Silybum marianum and Urtica dioica were the subjects of our study. They are commonly found in the central Italian Apennines and the Mediterranean basin. Phytochemicals contained in wild plants, such as phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids, condensed tannins, carotenoids, etc., are receiving increasing attention, as they exert a wide range of biological activities with resulting benefits for human health. Based on the 353 studies we reviewed, we focused our study on the following: (a) the ethnobotanical practices and bioactive phytochemicals; (b) the composition of polyphenols and their role as antioxidants; (c) the methodologies commonly used to assess antioxidant activity; (d) the most advanced spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques used to visualize and characterize all components (metabolomic fingerprinting). The potential of pure compounds and extracts to be used as nutraceuticals has also been highlighted through a supposed mechanism of action.

Phytochemical Characterization and Antibacterial Activity of Albanian Juniperus communis and Juniperus oxycedrus Berries and Needle Leaves Extracts.

This paper aims to investigate the phytochemical profile and in vitro antibacterial activity of two juniper species collected in Albania, Juniperus communis and Juniperus oxycedrus. The berries and the needle leaves were subjected to solid-liquid solvent ultrasound-assisted extraction. The phytochemical characterization of the extracts was performed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic means. The extract of J. communis berries (JcB) showed a higher total phenolic and flavonoid content (3.04 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g DW, and 1.14 ± 0.36 mg QE/g DW, respectively), also a higher antioxidant activity from DPPH and ABTS radical screening assays, compared to J. oxycedrus berries (JoxB) extract. The extract of J. oxycedrus needle leaves (JoxL) prevailed in total flavonoid content (10.55 ± 0.24 mg QE/g DW), and ABTS assays (1.83 ± 0.01 mM TE/g DW), compared to the extract of J. communis needle leaves (JcL). The chromatographic analysis revealed the presence of ellagic acid and kaempferol in all the samples. Ellagic acid was the main identified compound with the highest quantity in the extracts of JoxB, JoxL, and JcB with an average of 445.69 ± 0.96 µg/g, 2890.05 ± 0.29 µg/g, and 8133.83 ± 4.03 µg/g, respectively. The antibacterial potential of the ethanolic extracts was evaluated on Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. In the Agar Well Diffusion Assay, it was observed that all the tested bacterial strains were sensitive to the extracts, whereas selected extracts showed a similar inhibition activity rate compared with the antibiotic substance (Chloramphenicol), used as a positive control. The extracts showed a similar minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentration for the individual bacterial strains, suggesting that J. communis and J. oxycedrus extracts have a similar potential in antibacterial activity.

Influence of façade orientation, floor height, substrate pH, and microbial inoculation on woody plants’ performance in vegetated façades in Southern Finland

Urban densification has led to the adoption of vegetated façades as a nature-based strategy to increase urban green spaces and enhance urban living conditions. However, limited knowledge regarding suitable plants for vegetated façades can impede the process. In this field experiment conducted in Southern Finland, we investigated the performance of 12 potential plant taxa for a vegetated façade by assessing their visual appearance and sizes in relation to façade orientation, floor height, substrate pH, and mycorrhizal inoculation. The 12 plant taxa were categorized into 4 growth forms according to their morphologies: spreading conifers, dwarf conifers, creeping conifers, and climbers. We aimed to evaluate plant performance during the initial two growing seasons, which is critical for the successful establishment of these plants in vegetated façades. Eight of the twelve plant taxa exhibited relatively high performance in terms of visual appearance and size. Notably, creeping conifers outperformed other growth forms in visual appearance, which was most likely due to their close-to-ground morphology. Façade orientation and substrate pH were the most influential predictor variables. Façade orientation affected both plant visual appearance and size, while substrate pH primarily affected plant visual appearance. The east-facing façade (less exposure to sun and wind) and mildly acid substrate (pH 6–6.5) were more conducive to most of the plant taxa. Certain species and cultivars, such as Juniperus communis ‘Lalli’, maintained constant plant visual appearance and size regardless of façade orientation and substrate pH, suggesting their adaptability and stability across various conditions. Floor height and mycorrhizal inoculation only displayed marginal and taxon-specific impacts. Given that some plants in our vegetated façade exhibited optimal performance different from those in their reported natural habitats, we encourage conducting long-term, on-site experiments to identify suitable plants for vegetated façades to ensure successful vegetated façade implementation.

A case study on the early stage of Pinus nigra invasion and its impact on species composition and pattern in Pannonic sand grassland

Alien woody species are successful invaders, frequently used for afforestation in regions like semi-arid lands. Shrubs and trees create important microhabitats in arid areas. Understorey vegetation in these habitats has unique species composition and coexistence. However, the impact of solitary woody species on understorey vegetation is less understood. This study evaluated the effect of native (Juniperus communis) and invasive solitary conifers (Pinus nigra) on surrounding vegetation, where individuals were relatively isolated (referred to as solitary conifers). The field study conducted in Pannonic dry sand grassland in 2018 recorded plant and lichen species presence around six selected solitary conifers. Composition and pattern of understorey vegetation were assessed using 26 m belt transects with 520 units of 5 cm × 5 cm contiguous microquadrats. Compositional diversity (CD) and the number of realized species combinations (NRC) were calculated from the circular transects. Results showed native conifer J. communis created more complex, organized microhabitats compared to alien P. nigra. CD and NRC values were significantly higher under native conifers than invasive ones (p = 0.045 and p = 0.026, respectively). Native species also had more species with a homogeneous pattern than the alien species. Alien conifers negatively affected understorey vegetation composition and pattern: some species exhibited significant gaps and clusters of occurrences along the transects under P. nigra. Based on our study, the removal of invasive woody species is necessary to sustain habitat diversity.

Phytosociological Analysis of Functional Components in Silvipastoral Land Use Systems of Himachal Pradesh, India

Phytosociological studies are important for devising suitable conservation strategies of the plant genetic resources. Himachal Pradesh is a north-western Himalayan state with diverse landscape having rich and unique floristic diversity. Silvipastoral systems are one among the most prominent agroforestry land use systems which contributes significantly in productivity, ecological balance and livelihood of local communities. Thus, to know the status of floristic and phytosociological diversity in these land use systems, the present study has been conducted from April 2018 to March 2022 in 12 selected villages in Himachal Pradesh. Total number of plant species recorded in study area was 1046 (including 114 tree, 170 shrub and 762 herb species), belonging to 108 families and 538 genera. Poaceae, Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Lamiaceae were the five most dominant families. Maximum tree density recorded for species Myrica esculenta (980 ind. ha-1) at site 3, Grewia optiva (660 ind. ha-1) at site 2 and Grewia optiva (640 ind. ha-1) at Site 1 Naun, Mandi, followed by Bauhinia variegata (630 ind. ha-1) at Site 2 Banalgi, Solan in zone-II. On the basis of IVI, Cedrus deodara (252.30) was most dominant species followed by Quercus oblongata (193.11), Pinus wallichiana (164.68) and Myrica esculenta (149.10). Among the shrubs Hippophae salicifolia (119.24) was most dominant species followed by Berberis lycium (96.14) and Berberis aristata (90.98). However, Achyranthus aspera (107.66) was most dominant herb species followed by Commelina benghalensis (97.50) and Sonchus asper (44.01). The lowest value of IVI was observed for Capsella bursa-pastoris (9.63) and Tanacetum dolichophyllum (10.54). According to CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Prioritization), 2013 nine species viz., Angelica glauca, Berberis aristata, Dioscorea deltoidea, Polygonatum cirrhifolium, Hyoscyamus niger, Bunium persicum, Ephedra gerardiana, Juniperus communis and Selinum vaginatum are threatened and requires conservation and management efforts. In past no study was conducted on floristic and phytosociology diversity of silvipastoral systems of Himachal Pradesh. Hence, present study will definitely act as base line data for further in-depth studies on restoration of degraded lands and silvipastoral system management and improvement programs.