Koelreuteria Paniculata Laxm Research Articles

Development, characterization and application of chitosan/locust bean gum based multifunctional green food packaging containing Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. bracts extract and Ti-carbon dots

Multifunctional green food packaging films were developed by incorporating Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. bract extract (KBE) and bio-waste-derived Ti-doped carbon dots (Ti-CDs) into a chitosan/locust bean gum (CG) matrix for the first time. Results from FTIR and XRD demonstrated the precise bonding of Ti-CDs to CG through a Schiff base reaction and hydrogen bonding, while KBE was effectively immobilized within the film matrix via hydrogen bonding. SEM and TGA analysis demonstrated enhanced thermal stability and density of the films. Addition of Ti-CDs synergistically improved the barrier properties and mechanical strength of the films through enhanced hydrogen bonding and Schiff base reactions. Specifically, the incorporation of 3 wt% Ti-CDs increased the oxygen barrier properties, tensile strength, water resistance, and vapor permeability of CG films by approximately 1.18, 0.75, and 1.51 times, respectively. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities were significantly improved with the addition of KBE to films. The CG-3%CDs-KBE film coating effectively prolonged the shelf life of strawberries. Additionally, these films exhibited superior pH responsiveness and ammonia-sensitivity, enabling visual monitoring of shrimp freshness during storage. Importantly, CG-3%CDs-KBE films exhibited biodegradability in soil and displayed good biosafety. Overall, these findings underscore the promising potential of CG-3%CDs-KBE films as multifunctional green food packaging materials.

A Proximity-Based Approach for the Identification of Fallen Species of Street Trees during Strong Wind Events in Lisbon

The benefits of urban trees are very well known, but they can fall and cause damage, putting people’s lives at risk. There are few studies on the vulnerability of species to falling. In Lisbon (Portugal), fallen trees have been recorded since 1990 without, however, the identification of the species, knowledge of which is fundamental for improving their management. This study aimed to identify the tree species most vulnerable to falling in Lisbon through a proximity-based approach of known species, since the city has 47,713 inventoried trees, of which only 26,595 (55.7%) were identified. Four criteria were designed to presume the species: (i) the tree must be within 15 m from the street median axis; (ii) at least three individuals within 30 m from the occurrence must belong to the same species; (iii) the surrounding species must be representative in the street (>50%); and (iv) visual identification of avenue medians. Through this approach, considering 3767 fallen trees, it was possible to identify 736 cases, representing 19.5% of all occurrences throughout the studied time and representing 43 different species. Species like Morus nigra L., Tipuana tipu (Benth.) Kuntze, Liriodendron tulipifera L., Prunus cerasifera Ehrh., and Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. were most vulnerable. Additionally, in 57.7% of cases (425 fallen trees), the wind speed 12-h before the occurrence was greater than 7 m s−1. This research will provide important data for urban planners seeking to maximize the ecosystem services of urban trees.

Litter Mass Loss of the Invasive Rhus typhina L. and Native Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. Trees Alters Soil N-Fixing Bacterial Community Composition under Different N Forms

Soil N-fixing bacterial (NFB) community may facilitate the successful establishment and invasion of exotic non-nitrogen (N) fixing plants. Invasive plants can negatively affect the NFB community by releasing N during litter decomposition, especially where N input from atmospheric N deposition is high. This study aimed to quantitatively compare the effects of the invasive Rhus typhina L. and native Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. trees on the litter mass loss, soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activities, and the NFB. Following N supplementation at 5 g N m−2 yr−1 in four forms (including ammonium, nitrate, urea, and mixed N with an equal mixture of the three individual N forms), a litterbag-experiment was conducted indoors to simulate the litter decomposition of the two trees. After four months of decomposition, the litter cumulative mass losses of R. typhina under the control, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, urea, and mixed N were 57.93%, 57.38%, 58.69%, 63.66%, and 57.57%, respectively. The litter cumulative mass losses of K. paniculata under the control, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, urea, and mixed N were 54.98%, 57.99%, 48.14%, 49.02%, and 56.83%, respectively. The litter cumulative mass losses of equally mixed litter from both trees under the control, ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, urea, and mixed N were 42.95%, 42.29%, 50.42%, 46.18%, and 43.71%, respectively. There were antagonistic responses to the co-decomposition of the two trees. The litter mass loss of the two trees was mainly associated with the taxonomic richness of NFB. The form of N was not significantly associated with the litter mass loss in either species, the mixing effect intensity of the litter co-decomposition of the two species, and NFB alpha diversity. Litter mass loss of R. typhina was significantly higher than that of K. paniculata under urea. The litter mass loss of the two trees under the control and N in four forms mainly affected the relative abundance of numerous NFB taxa, rather than NFB alpha diversity.

Heavy Metal Contamination Alters the Co-Decomposition of Leaves of the Invasive Tree Rhus typhina L. and the Native Tree Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.

Invasive and native plants can coexist in the same habitat; however, the decomposition process may be altered by the mixing of invasive and native leaves. Heavy metal contamination may further alter the co-decomposition of both leaf types. This study evaluated the effects of two concentrations (35 mg·L-1 and 70 mg·L-1) and three types (Pb, Cu, and combined Pb + Cu) of heavy metal contamination on the co-decomposition of leaves of the invasive tree Rhus typhina L. and the native tree Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm, as well as the mixed effect intensity of the co-decomposition of the mixed leaves. A polyethylene litterbag experiment was performed over six months. The decomposition coefficient of the two trees, mixed effect intensity of the co-decomposition, soil pH and enzymatic activities, soil bacterial alpha diversity, and soil bacterial community structure were determined. A high concentration of Pb and combined Pb + Cu significantly reduced the decomposition rate of R. typhina leaves. A high concentration of Pb or Cu significantly reduced the decomposition rate of the mixed leaves. In general, R. typhina leaves decomposed faster than K. paniculata leaves did. There were synergistic effects observed for the co-decomposition of the mixed leaves treated with combined Pb + Cu, regardless of concentration, but there were antagonistic effects observed for the co-decomposition of the mixed leaves treated with either Pb or Cu, regardless of concentration. A high concentration of Pb or Cu may increase antagonistic effects regarding the co-decomposition of mixed-leaf groups. Thus, heavy metal contamination can significantly affect the intensity of the mixed effect on the co-decomposition of heterogeneous groups of leaves.

Rhus typhina L. triggered greater allelopathic effects than Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm under ammonium fertilization

Most of the allelopathic studies have concentrated on the allelopathic effects of invasive herbaceous plants on the natives, particularly on seed germination and seedling growth (Sge&Sgr), but have ignored the allelopathic effects of invasive trees and the differences in the allelopathic effects of invasive plants (particularly invasive trees) and the natives. Nevertheless, the variations in the ratio of different nitrogen (N) forms in N fertilization can change the differences in the allelopathic effects of the invasive plants and the natives. Thus, it is important to evaluate the differences in the allelopathic effects of invasive plants (particularly invasive trees) and the natives under N fertilization, particularly with different N forms. However, the recent process in this area is limited. This study aimed to estimate the differences in the allelopathic effects (using aqueous leaf extracts) of one of the most destructive invasive trees in China (Rhus typhina L.) and the native tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm) on Sge&Sgr of the horticultural species Lactuca sativa L. under N fertilization with different forms (i.e., N-NH4, N-NO3, urea, and a mixture of the three N forms at a 1:1:1 ratio). The two deciduous Sapindales trees generated significantly allelopathic effects on Sge&Sgr of L. sativa. R. typhina created stronger allelopathic effects on leaf photosynthetic area, plant growth competitiveness, and plant water content of L. sativa than K. paniculate. N solution can intensify the allelopathic effects of the two deciduous Sapindales trees on seedling growth of L. sativa. The allelopathic effects of R. typhina on seedling growth of L. sativa were significantly greater than those of K. paniculata under N-NH4. Thus, the growth competitiveness of R. typhina may be higher than that of K. paniculata under N-NH4 via the stronger allelopathic effects on adjacent species.

Three new species of Anthocoptini (Acari: Eriophyidae) from Henan Province, China

ABSTRACT In this paper, three new species of the tribe Anthocoptini from China are described and illustrated. They are Aculops grewiae sp. nov. infesting Grewia biloba G.Don. (Malvaceae), Aculops koelreuteriae sp. nov. infesting Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. (Sapindaceae) and Tegolophus pogonatheri sp. nov. infesting Pogonatherum crinitum (Thunb.) Kunth (Poaceae). All of them are vagrants on lower leaf surface and cause no apparent symptom to their host plants. http://urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B44F9CA4-7686-4998-A5D8-8170CAC3656D

Chemical Compounds, Antitumor and Antimicrobial Activities of Dry Ethanol Extracts from Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.

Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. is used in traditional medicine and has various established biological activities, however, the species is considered to be a potentially invasive alien tree species for Bulgarian flora. However, there is still much to be studied about the phytochemical and biological characteristics of the species. The present study aimed to determine the chemical composition of the ethanol extracts of aerial plant parts, by GC-MS analysis, and to thereby evaluate their in vitro antitumor and antibacterial properties. All three extracts were tested against the HT-29 and PC3 tumor cell lines using the MTT assay. Fifty-six components were identified from leaf, flower, and stem bark extracts, and over 10% were the following constituents: pyrogallol, α-terpinyl acetate, neryl acetate, and α-terpinyl isobutanoate. The oxygenated monoterpenes predominated in the extracts, followed by the oxygenated aliphatics and phenylpropanoids. Significant antiproliferative activity on the HT-29 cell line (IC50–21.44 µg/mL and 23.63 µg/mL, respectively) was found for the flower and leaf extracts. Antibacterial activity was established for the following bacteria strains: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Bacillus cereus NCTC 10320, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 6027, and Proteus vulgaris ATCC 6380. The stem bark and flower extracts showed better antimicrobial potential. K. paniculata could be considered as a potential source of biologically active substances with antitumor and antibacterial properties.

A test of adaptive divergence in a newly discovered host association of the soapberry bugJadera haematolomaon Mexican buckeye,Ungnadia speciosa

AbstractHost races represent an important step in the speciation process of phytophagous insects as they reflect the maintenance of genetically divergent host‐associated populations in the face of appreciable gene flow. The red‐shouldered soapberry bug,Jadera haematoloma(Herrich‐Schäffer) (Hemiptera: Rhopalidae), is an oligophagous seed predator with a history of host race evolution on plant associations in the (soapberry) family Sapindaceae. Soapberry bugs are a model group for understanding rapid ecological adaptation to their hosts, and hence good candidates for investigating evolutionary divergence in host associations over short timescales. Here, we describe the recent discovery of Mexican buckeye,Ungnadia speciosaEndl., as a host ofJ. haematolomain a region of the Chihuahuan desert including west Texas and southeastern New Mexico, USA. This host differs fromJ. haematoloma’s previously recorded hosts in the Sapindaceae in seed chemistry, ecology, and phylogeny. The tendency toward rapid, host‐associated adaptations by populations ofJ. haematolomaand the unique biology of the newly discoveredUngnadiahost create the opportunity for potential host race formation, as it overlaps geographically with two previously recorded host plants in this region – the native western soapberry tree,Sapindus saponariavar.drummondii(Hook & Arn.), and the non‐native goldenrain tree,Koelreuteria paniculataLaxm. We explore the possibility of host race formation onUngnadia‐associated insects by testing for host‐associated differentiation in morphology and feeding behaviors. We find evidence of differentiation in the length of the mouth parts, which is an ecologically relevant feeding trait between host plant species with larger or smaller seed capsules. This divergence is maintained in the face of potential gene flow by reproductive isolation in the form of habitat isolation, which we detect in host preference trials. Together, our results demonstrate that soapberry bugs associated with this newly discovered host exhibit morphological and behavioral traits consistent with host race formation, but additional work is required to confirm its state along the speciation continuum.

Transcriptome Profiles of Leaves and Roots of Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.) in Response to Cadmium Stress.

Cadmium (Cd) pollution is a widespread environmental problem. In this study, we explored the transcriptome and biochemical responses of goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.) leaves and roots to Cd stress. Leaf and root growth decreased substantially under Cd stress (50 mg/L CdCl2), but leaf and root antioxidant mechanisms were significantly activated. In RNA-seq analysis, roots treated with 25 mg/L CdCl2 featured enriched GO terms in cellular components related to intracellular ribonucleoprotein complex, ribonucleoprotein complex, and macromolecular complex. In leaves under Cd stress, most differentially expressed genes were enriched in the cellular component terms intrinsic component of membrane and membrane part. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis and analysis of module–trait relations revealed candidate genes associated with superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA). Ten transcription factors responded to Cd stress expression, including those in C2H2, MYB, WRKY, and bZIP families. Transcriptomic analysis of goldenrain tree revealed that Cd stress rapidly induced the intracellular ribonucleoprotein complex in the roots and the intrinsic component of membrane in the leaves. The results also indicate directions for further analyses of molecular mechanisms of Cd tolerance and accumulation in goldenrain tree.

New barrigenol-type triterpenoids with anti-Alzheimer’s disease activity from Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.

Abstract Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. has long been cultivated as a traditional ornamental tree in the world, and is developed as a source of natural green food. In this work, five new barrigenol-type triterpenoids, compounds 1–5, were isolated from the seeds of Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. and elucidated by right of several spectroscopic methods. We studied the impacts of compounds 1–5 on learning and memory impairment induced by okadaic acid (OA) in mice. Notably, compounds 2 and 5 exhibited great effects in the behavioral experiments. Further, the experiments suggested that compounds 2 and 5 may play a considerable role in regulating the level of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), thereby reducing hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. In addition, the molecular docking studies were performed on compounds 2 and 5 to initially explore possible molecular mechanisms.

High-Efficiency Somatic Embryogenesis from Seedlings of Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.

Research Highlights: In the current study, we established a method for plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE) in Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. for the first time. Background and Objectives: K. paniculata is an important ornamental and medicinal plant in China. However, the plant has difficulty with asexual reproduction, which imposes a limitation on large-scale propagation. Materials and Methods: Embryogenic calluses were induced from stems of aseptic seedlings on induction media. The effects of different media types and concentrations of N6-benzyladenine (BA), α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) on callus induction were examined. Embryogenic calluses were then transferred to Driver-Kuniyuki Walnut (DKW) media containing NAA (0.1–0.2 mg L−1) or 2,4-D (0.5–2.0 mg L−1) to develop somatic embryos. Cotyledon embryos were cultured on DKW media containing NAA (0.1–0.2 mg L−1) until maturation, and were then transferred to 1/2 DKW medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L−1 indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) to produce complete plants. The effects of IBA and NAA on rhizogenesis were then examined by clonal culture. Results: The maximum callus induction frequency (80.25%) was obtained on DKW medium supplemented by 0.5 mg L−1 BA, 0.25 mg L−1 NAA, and 1.5 mg L−1 2,4-D. NAA had a more pronounced effect on somatic embryo growth than did 2,4-D, with a maximum SE frequency (54.75%) observed with 0.1 mg L−1 NAA added to DKW medium. For clonal culture, the highest rooting rate (52%) was observed on 1/4 DKW medium containing 1.5 mg L−1 IBA. Histology studies confirmed the presence of embryogenic calluses and somatic embryos in different stages. Conclusions: This protocol provides a novel method for large-scale propagation of K. paniculata, and creates opportunities for genetic engineering in this species.

Eco-toxicological effects of two kinds of lead compounds on forest tree seed in alkaline soil.

In order to compare the different eco-toxicological effects of lead nitrate and lead acetate on forest tree seed, a biological incubation experiment was conducted to testify the inhibition effects of two lead compounds on rates of seed germination, root and stem elongation, and seedling fresh weight for six plants (Amaorpha fruticosa L., Robinia psedoacacia L., Pinus tabuliformis Carr., Platycladus orientalis L., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Hippophae rhamnoides L.) in soil. The results indicate that the inhibition effects of the two lead compounds on the rates of root elongation of plants were greater than other indices; root elongation can possibly be used as indices to investigate the relationship between lead toxicity and plant response. The response of trees to lead toxicity varied significantly, and the order of tolerance to lead pollution was as follows: Amaorpha fruticosa L. > Platycladus orientalis L. > Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. > Robinia psedoacacia L. > Pinus tabuliformis Carr. > Hippophae rhamnoides L. Therefore, we suggest that Amaorpha fruticosa L. and Platycladus orientalis L. be used as tolerant plants for soil phytoremediation and Hippophae rhamnoides L. as an indicative plant to diagnose the toxicity of lead pollution on soil quality. Lead nitrate and lead acetate differentially restrain seeds, with seeds being more sensitive to lead nitrate than lead acetate in the soil. Thus, the characteristics of lead compounds should be taken into full consideration to appraise its impact on the environment.

Evaluation of photosynthetic electron flow using simultaneous measurements of gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence under photorespiratory conditions

Simultaneous measurements of leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence for Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. at 380 ± 5.6 and 600 ± 8.5 μmol mol−1 were conducted, and the photosynthetic electron flow via photosystem II (PSII) to photosynthesis, photorespiration, and other electron-consuming processes were calculated. The results showed that the photosynthetic electron flow associated with carboxylation (Jc), oxygenation (Jo), and other electron-consuming processes (Jr) were 72.7, 45.7, and 29.4 μmol(e−) m−2 s−1 at 380 μmol mol−1, respectively; and 86.1, 35.3, and 48.2 μmol(e−) m−2 s−1 at 600 μmol mol−1, respectively. Our results revealed that other aspects associated with electronconsuming processes, except for photosynthesis and respiration, were neither negligible nor constant under photorespiratory conditions. Using maximum net photosynthetic rate (Pmax), day respiration (R), photorespiration rate (Rl), and maximum electron flow via PSII (Jmax), the use efficiency of electrons via PSII at saturation irradiance to fix CO2 was calculated. The calculated results showed that the use efficiency of electrons via PSII to fix CO2 at 600 μmol mol−1 was almost as effective as that at 380 μmol mol−1, even though more electrons passed through PSII at 600 μmol mol−1 than at 380 μmol mol−1.

Effect of Fabric and Plastic Containers on Plant Growth and Root Zone Temperatures of Four Tree Species

Abstract Live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill.), red maple (Acer rubrum L.), and sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) trees were planted in #7 fabric or plastic containers on April 18, 2004, and grown for two growing seasons. Live oak and golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.) trees were planted in #10 fabric or plastic containers on May 6, 2005, and harvested the following summer. Plant height, canopy width, and caliper were measured periodically, and root zone temperatures were recorded at 30-min intervals throughout each study. In the 2004 planting, live oak height and canopy width increased more for plants in plastic containers than for those in fabric containers from May to July 2004. In contrast, no difference in live oak height or canopy width growth occurred between container types from July to September 2004, but trunk caliper increased more in plastic than in fabric containers during this time interval. No differences between container treatments were noted for any measured parameter for red maple or sweet gum trees planted in 2004 or for golden rain tree or live oak trees planted in 2005 at any measurement interval during the study. Average monthly high and low substrate temperatures were similar between the two container types throughout the study. Fabric containers appear to be a reasonable alternative to plastic containers for above ground nursery crop production, although small differences in growth occur for some species.

Heavy metal accumulation by panicled goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) and common elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpus decipens) in abandoned mine soils in southern China

Phytoremediation can be used as a sustainable technology for mine spoil remediation to remove heavy metals. This study investigated the concentration of 7 heavy metal contamination in soil and plant samples at an abandoned mine site. We found that, after vegetation remediation at the abandoned mine site, the reduction rates for 7 heavy metals were in the range of 4.2%-86%, where reduction rates over 50% were achieved for four heavy metals (Zn, Mn, Cd, Ni). Transfer coefficients of the panicled goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm) and the common elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpus decipens) for Zn, Mn, Ni, and Co were more than 1. Enrichment coefficients of both trees for Mn were higher than 1. Our results suggest that the panicled goldenrain tree and the common elaeocarpus tree may act as accumulators in remediation. Moreover, the woody vegetation remediation in abandoned mining areas play an important role in improving scenery besides removing heavy metal from contaminated soil.

Biological Cycles of Mineral Elements in a Young Mixed Stand in Abandoned Mining Soils

Abstract Phytoremediation as a sustainable and inexpensive technology based on the removal of pollutants from the environment by plants is becoming an increasingly important objective in plant research. In this study, biological cycles of five nutrient elements (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) and eight heavy metal elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Co) were examined in young paniculed goldraintree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm) and common elaeocarpus (Elaeocarpus decipens) mixed stands in an abandoned mining area. We found that after vegetation restoration in abandoned mining areas, the organic matter and concentrations of nutrient elements were significantly increased and the heavy metal elements were significantly decreased, the annual retention, uptake and return were 75.0, 115.4, and 40.3 kg/hm2 for nutrient elements, and 1 878.0, 3 231.0 and 1 353.0 g/hm2 for heavy metal elements, respectively, with the utilization coefficient, cycling coefficient and turnover rate of 0.92, 0.35 and 0.32 for nutrient elements, and 1.24, 0.42 and 1.92 for heavy metal elements, respectively. Our results suggested that the vegetation restoration in abandoned mining areas had significant effects in improving environmental conditions, enhancing soil available nutrients, and ensuring human health.

Drought Responses among Seven Southwestern Landscape Tree Taxa

Identification of tree taxa that can thrive on reduced moisture regimes mandated by xeriscape programs of the southwest United States could be facilitated if responses to drought of those taxa are determined. Leaf water relations, plant development, and cuticular wax content of seven taxa maintained as well-irrigated controls or exposed to drought and irrigated based on evapotranspiration were studied. Leaf water potential of drought-stressed Fraxinus velutina Torr. (Arizona ash), Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. (golden rain tree), Quercus macrocarpa Michx. (bur oak), and Quercus muehlenbergii Engelm. (chinkapin oak) were lower at predawn than the controls. Drought-stressed plants of F. velutina, K. paniculata, and Quercus lobata Née (California white oak) had more negative midday water potential than the control plants. Drought reduced stomatal conductance to as little as 17%, 23%, and 45% of controls in F. velutina, K. paniculata, and Q. macrocarpa, respectively. Drought-stressed plants of F. velutina, K. paniculata, Q. macrocarpa, and Q. muehlenbergii had reduced transpiration rates. Fraxinus velutina had both the highest net assimilation rate (NAR) and relative growth rate (RGR) regardless of irrigation treatment. Mean specific leaf weight (dry weight (DW) of a 1-cm2 leaf disc divided by the weight), trichome density, stomatal density, leaf thickness, and cuticular wax content varied among species but not between irrigation treatments. Leaves of Q. buckleyi Buckl. (Texas red oak) had one of the highest stomatal densities, and also had leaves which were among the waxiest, most dense, and thickest. Abaxial leaf surfaces of F. velutina were the most pubescent. Across species, drought led to lower ratios of leaf surface area to root DW, and leaf DW to root DW. Quercus buckleyi plants subjected to drought had the highest root to shoot DW ratio (3.1). The low relative growth rate of Q. buckleyi might limit widespread landscape use. However, Q. buckleyi may merit increased use in landscapes on a reduced moisture budget because of foliar traits, carbon allocation patterns, and the relative lack of impact of drought on plant tissue water relations.

Identification and structure determination of four triterpene saponins from some Middle‐East plants

AbstractFour triterpene saponins were isolated from Arenaria filicaulis Boiss., Phytolacca dioica L. and Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm. Their structures and conformational behaviour were investigated by one‐ and two‐dimensional 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Complete 1H and 13C assignments were achieved. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

First Report of Occurrence of Verticillium Wilt on Some Ornamental Trees in Sicily.

In July 1998, a widespread lethal collapse of butterfly tree (Bauhinia purpurea L.), puka tree (Meryta sinclairii Hook.), Indian laurel (Ficus microcarpa L.), golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.), and Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.) has been observed in an ornamental growing area near Catania in eastern Sicily. The diseased plants showed yellowing of the leaves and twig dieback. In cross sections of infected trunks, roots, twigs or shoots, characteristic discoloration of xylem vessels was observed, resembling a vascular wilt disease. The disease was chronic with a lingering decline progressing for years. The isolate that was consistently recovered from diseased tissues on PDA was identified as Verticillium dahliae Kleb., based on verticillate conidiophores with phialides and conidia and melanized microsclerotia. Pathogenicity tests were performed on 4- to 6-month-old seedlings of all five ornamental plants by inoculating a suspension of the fungus (1). Symptoms were observed after 5 to 7 months, and V. dahliae was reisolated, confirming Koch's postulates. To our knowledge this is the first report of V. dahliae on Indian laurel, golden rain tree, and Brazilian pepper tree in Italy, and the first report of the disease on butterfly tree and puka tree. Reference: H. A. Melouk and C. E. Horner. Phytopathology 65:767, 1975.

Effect of Pre-Treatments on Dormancy of Goldenrain-Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.) Seeds

ABSTRACT Goldenrain-tree (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm.) is wide spread as an ornamental tree but the propagation is difficult because of pronounced seed dormancy. Unscarified seeds of K. paniculata Laxm. failed to germinate after any pre-treatments. Similarly, seeds soaked or soaked and redried without chilling were unable to germinate. However, seeds that were scarified, without soaking or soaking-redrying, gave 44% germination after 60 days of moist chilling. The germination was increased to more than 50% when seeds were soaked or soaked-redried in DW or GA for 5 h and moist chilled for 60 days (DW) and 30 days (GA). On the other hand, the germination of seeds soaked for 24 h and moist chilled was very low, but was higher if the seeds were redried after soaking. Dry chilling after soaking or soaking-redrying for 24 h also promoted germination, and maximum germination (> 50%) was achieved after 15 days of dry chilling. In general, higher germination was associated with higher germination rate, i.e., fas...