Landscape Plants Research Articles

A bilinear transformer interactive neural networks-based approach to fine-grained recognition and protection of plant diseases for gardening design

Landscape gardening design is an important part of urban ecology and urban image, which is of great significance for urban plant protection. Plant diseases are a major challenge that must be faced in the conservation of landscape plants. Having timely and comprehensive information about the types and developmental stages of plant diseases is crucial for effective disease control. Traditional plant disease differentiation, which relies on manual inspection by professionals, is both time-consuming and labor-intensive. The rapid development of deep artificial neural network technology, especially the rise of computer vision technology, provides efficient and accurate technical means for plant disease identification. In this paper, we introduce the Interactive Bilinear Transformer Network (IBTN) model, which utilizes fine-grained recognition technology for landscape plant disease identification. We validate the effectiveness of model using several public datasets, demonstrating its competitive performance.

Comparison of the Differences in Tolerance to Drought Stress across Five Clematis Species Based on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth

Plants of the Clematis genus are attractive ornamental plants due to their various flower colors and patterns, and they play an important role as ground cover plants in landscaping. However, the application of Clematis plants in landscaping in arid and semi-arid areas is limited. This study used five common wild Clematis species in Gansu Province as experimental materials, including Clematistangutica, Clematis glauca, Clematis intricata, Clematis nannophylla, and Clematis fruticosa. By simulating different intensities of drought stress with polyethylene glycol (PEG), the germination behavior of seeds and the physiological and biochemical responses of seedlings of these five species to drought stress were observed. The results showed that 15% PEG stress significantly inhibited the seed germination of the five species, which was also the drought threshold for seed germination of C. fruticosa. C. tangutica exhibited the strongest tolerance to drought stress in seed germination. Seedlings of the five Clematis plants showed different levels of tolerance to drought stress, mainly demonstrating higher tolerance to 10% and 20% concentrations of PEG stress, while a 30% concentration of PEG stress caused varying degrees of damage to the seedlings of the five Clematis species. PCA analysis indicated that seedlings of C. intricata and C. glauca had higher scores under drought stress. These findings can provide a theoretical basis for the selection of urban landscaping plant species in arid and semi-arid regions of northwest China.

Mudanpioside C Discovered from Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. Acts as a Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitor with Antithrombotic Activities.

Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. is a well-known landscape plant worldwide and also holds significant importance in China due to its medicinal and dietary properties. Previous studies have found that Cortex Moutan (CM), the dried root bark of P. suffruticosa, showed antiplatelet and cardioprotective effects, although the underlying mechanism and active compounds remain to be revealed. In this study, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) inhibitors in CM were identified using a ligand-fishing method combined with the UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS assay. Further, their binding sites and inhibitory activities toward PDI were validated. The antiplatelet aggregation and antithrombotic activity were investigated. The results showed that two structurally similar compounds in CM were identified as the inhibitor for PDI with IC50 at 3.22 μM and 16.73 μM; among them Mudanpioside C (MC) is the most effective PDI inhibitor. Molecular docking, site-directed mutagenesis, and MST assay unequivocally demonstrated the specific binding of MC to the b'-x domain of PDI (Kd = 3.9 μM), acting as a potent PDI inhibitor by interacting with key amino acids K263, D292, and N298 within the b'-x domain. Meanwhile, MC could dose-dependently suppress collagen-induced platelet aggregation and interfere with platelet activation, adhesion, and spreading. Administration of MC can significantly inhibit thrombosis formation without disturbing hemostasis in mice. These findings present a promising perspective on the antithrombotic properties of CM and highlight the potential application of MC as lead compounds for targeting PDI in thrombosis therapy.

Modelling bee movements to improve pollination

Modelling bee movements to improve pollination The ERC Consolidator Grant “Pollination ecology: how do bees move across the landscape and fashion plant reproduction (Bee-Move)” aims to link the study of bee spatial foraging patterns in the field with pollen dispersal and plant reproduction success. It will identify key mechanisms of pollination on which we could act for ecological, economic or public health issues.

Design factors promoting the benefits of an edible campus in China

Currently, most university campuses in China are plagued by issues such as high food demand, imbalanced diets, serious food waste and poor environmental quality. Research has shown that the multiple benefits of an edible campus, which may also be referred to as a school garden or farm catering to various educational levels, can help alleviate the aforementioned problems. However, there is limited research on how to promote the benefits of an edible campus through design. Therefore, taking the South Campus of Hebei University of Technology in China as an example, this paper aims to explore the correlation between design and benefits of an edible campus. The design factors and benefit factors related to an edible campus are extracted through literature search. The design preferences and benefit predictions are obtained through 261 questionnaire surveys and interviews with 30 participants. During the statistical analysis phase, principal component analysis and multiple regression analysis are applied to analyze the correlation between design factors and benefit factors. The results indicate: (1) The design factors of an edible campus can be categorized into seven categories: spatial location, spatial carrier, size, space function, facility configuration, planting and crop varieties, and technology application. (2) The benefits of an edible campus include environmental education, physical and mental health, social interaction, ecological protection, and economic output. (3) There are significant differences in design factors that positively or negatively correlate with different benefits. Among them, the strongest positive correlation exists between planting function and the five benefits, followed by central landscape and container planting. Furthermore, the causes behind the correlation between design factors and benefit factors are analyzed, and design strategies for an edible campus under different benefit orientations are proposed. The findings of this study can contribute to the sustainable development of university campuses in China.

Supporting function of vegetation in urban riparian ecological corridors for ground-dwelling faunal diversity in Beijing, China

Rapid global urbanization has resulted in increased biodiversity problems, particularly the loss of ground-dwelling fauna in urban areas. Urban riparian corridors are an important green infrastructure for biodiversity conservation, in which urban vegetation plays an essential role. The influence of urban vegetation on ground-dwelling faunal diversity is poorly understood. In this study, we used camera traps to collect the species, functional and phylogenetic diversity of ground-dwelling fauna in the Wenyu River-North Canal riparian corridor in Beijing, and analyzed the effects of the vegetation structure and plant community composition on the diversity and community composition of ground-dwelling animals. A plant-ground dwelling animal interaction network was also built to investigate the food supply of plants for ground-nesting animals. We found that at the vegetation structure level, the high connectivity within a radius of 2000 m and the homogeneous distribution within a radius of 1000 m of vegetation patches had generally positive effects on ground-dwelling animals, and shrublands exhibited a supportive role for mammals in riparian corridors. At the plant community level, tall herbs were instrumental in increasing the willingness of ground-dwelling animals to stay in and pass through the area. Native plants were the main plant food resource for ground-dwelling animals. Given the significant effects of vegetation on ground-dwelling fauna, we advocate that habitat conservation and food supply for ground-dwelling animals be supported through appropriate plant landscape planning and design strategies in ecological corridors in urban areas in the future.

Digital preservation of classical gardens at the San Su Shrine

Chinese classical gardens, an essential part of World Cultural Heritage, are well exemplified by Xishu Garden as a notable branch of this tradition. This research focuses on the San Su Shrine—a quintessential example of Xishu Garden—and explores the application of digital technologies in the commemorative research and quantitative preservation of these gardens. By integrating terrestrial laser scanning and terrestrial digital photogrammetry, we acquired quantitative data and constructed digital models to innovate upon the methodological approach to garden conservation. The innovation of this study is its analysis of Xishu Garden’s commemorative spaces through both temporal and spatial dimensions. 1) Temporally, this study examines the evolution and stratification of the garden's commemorative elements across various historical periods. 2) Spatially, it explores the interconnectedness of commemorative elements within the garden's buildings, rockery stones, water landscape and plant landscape. This dual-faceted approach yields novel insights and methods for assessing the universal value of the commemorative aspects of Xishu Garden. Moreover, it promotes the application of digital technology in the study and preservation of Xishu and other Chinese classical gardens.

First report of branch dieback caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum on Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott in China.

Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott (family Fabaceae Juss.) also called pagoda tree, is widely planted in northern China in landscape plantings, for erosion control and forestry. In recent years, symptoms of branch dieback were observed on S. japonicum in the southern part of Xinjiang province, China. From 2019 to 2022, in total ca. 1000 ha area was surveyed in Korla (41.68°N, 86.06°E), Bohu (41.95°N, 86.53°E) and Alaer (41.15°N, 80.29°E). Typical symptoms were observed in 70% of the surveyed branches. To identify the cause, we collected 50 symptomatic branches. Symptoms were initially observed on green current-year twigs, which turned grayish white in color. In the later stages of disease development, a large number of nacked black conidia formed under epidermis of perennial branches, causing visible black protrusions (pycnidia) on branch surface. The disease occurred throughout the entire growing season of S. japonicum. Symptoms also occurred on the inflorescence, fruit, and twigs. In some cases, infection resulted in tree mortality. Isolations were made from the margin between healthy and diseased tissues. Small pieces were excised, surface disinfested (75% ethanol 30 s, 1% NaClO solution 5 mins), cut into pieces (5 to 10 mm2), and incubated on PDA medium at 28℃ for 3 days. A total of 16 isolates (GH01-GH16) with similar colony morphology were obtained. The colonies were initially white, gradually turning to olive-green on the surface and black on the underside after 7 days. Microscopically, the conidia were aseptate, 1-septate, two-septate, and muriform, 2.6-4.5 × 2.9-27.6 μm (n=50). Pycnidia ranged in size from 120.2 to 135.5 × 112.4 to 118.6 µm (n=20). Those morphological characters matched the descriptions of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum (previously N. novaehollandiae) (Alizadeh et al. 2022; Pavlic et al. 2008). For molecular identification, genomic DNA of GH01-GH16 were extracted from fresh mycelia. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (LSU), and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1-α) gene were amplified using the primer sets ITS1/ITS4 (White 1990), LRoR/LR5 (Vilgalys and Hester 1990) and EF1-728F/EF1-986R (Carbone and Kohn 1999). The sequences were deposited in GenBank (accession No. OP379832, OQ096643-OQ096657 for ITS, OP389048, OQ127403-OQ127417 for LSU, and OQ136617, OQ586044-OQ586058 for EF1-α). The ITS sequence had 100% identity (505/505 bp) to MT362600. Similarly, the LSU and EF1-α sequences were found to be identical to MW883823 (100%, 821/821 bp) and KX464763(99%, 256/258 bp), respectively. Pathogenicity was tested on one-year-old healthy S. japonicum seedlings. Spores of representative isolate GH01 were produced on PDA by incubating for 7-days at 28℃. Conidia were washed with sterile water. Five trees were inoculated with 1 × 106 conidia/ml conidial suspensions and five trees were sprayed with sterile water. All trees were covered with plastic bags for 24 h and kept at 25°C in a greenhouse. Signs and symptoms were similar to those observed in field collections one month after inoculation, while no symptoms occurred on the controls. The original fungus was successfully reisolated from the inoculated trees and was identified as N. dimidiatum following the methods described above. N. dimidiatum has been reported in many Asian country such as Malaysia, India, Turkey, and Iran(Akgül et al. 2019; Alizadeh et al. 2022; Khoo et al. 2023; Salunkhe et al. 2023). To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. dimidiatum associated with branch dieback of S. japonicum in China. Our findings have expanded the host range of N. dimidiatum in China and provides a theoretical basis for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Is a Forest Fire a Natural Disaster? Investigating the Fire Tolerance of Various Tree Species-An Educational Module.

Wildfires are unplanned conflagrations perceived as a threat by humans. However, fires are essential for the survival of fire-adapted plants. On the one hand, wildfires cause major damage worldwide, burning large areas of forests and landscapes, threatening towns and villages, and generating high levels of air pollution. On the other hand, fire-adapted plants (pyrophytes) in the fire landscapes of the Earth are able to survive exposure to heat (e.g., because of their thick bark, which protects their living tissue) and benefit from fire directly (e.g., fire initiates cone opening and seed release) or indirectly (e.g., fewer competing plants of fire-sensitive species remain, seeds germinate in the ash-fertilized soil). We present the experimental set-up and results of a fire experiment on bark samples used as a basis to assess the fire tolerance of various trees. Fire tolerance is defined as the ability of a tree to survive a surface fire (up to 200 °C and 5 min duration). The measure of the fire tolerance for a tree species is the time taken for the vascular cambium under the insulating bark to reach the critical temperature of 60 °C. Within an educational module, we provide worksheets for teachers and students enabling them to analyze the fire tolerance of various tree barks.

Arid Urban Green Areas Reimagined: Transforming Landscapes with Native Plants for a Sustainable Future in Aksu, Northwest China

The exponential growth of the economy and society has resulted in a substantial need for superior urban green spaces, consequently fostering a significant surge in urban landscape construction. The integration of plant landscapes in urban landscape construction is crucial. The rational use of plant landscape resources to create high-quality urban green spaces is of great significance for promoting urban sustainable development. Hence, the primary aim of this study was to investigate the landscape and ecological functions of indigenous plants in the context of urban landscape implementation and then provide utilization strategies of indigenous plants for urban landscape construction. This research focuses on the utilization of native plants in Aksu’s urban green spaces (a city in northwest China). Through a contrastive analysis of the dust retention, windbreak and sand fixation, and landscaping capabilities of these native plants, certain indigenous species are identified as suitable candidates. Specifically, Styphnolobium japonicum and Ulmus densa exhibit a dust adhering per plant of 656.50 and 388.46 g·m−2, respectively. Consequently, augmenting their planting proportion can effectively augment the overall dust adhering within the garden. The windbreak distances of Populus bolleana, Populus euphratica, and Styphnolobium japonicum were found to exceed 60 m, indicating their effectiveness in mitigating wind and sand erosion. Therefore, strategically planting these species can contribute to the establishment of a robust urban windbreak forest. Additionally, optimizing the arrangement of Rosa multiflora, Hippophae rhamnoides, Berberis thunbergii, and Salix matsudana can enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban gardens. The utilization of native plants holds promise in enhancing the ecological and landscape functions of urban gardens in Aksu. The effective enhancement of the ecological function and the landscape effect of urban gardens can be achieved through the appropriate reconstruction with native plants. The findings of this study hold significant reference value for the urban landscape architecture in arid urban areas.

Agricultural landscape composition alters ant communities in maize fields more than plant diversity enrichment

Abstract. Pasaribu DN, Rizali A, Tarno H, Priawandiputra W, Johannis M, Buchori D. 2024. Agricultural landscape composition alters ant communities in maize fields more than plant diversity enrichment. Biodiversitas 25: 205-213. Fragmented natural habitats in human-modified landscapes play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity. Ants, as keystone species, are integral to terrestrial ecosystems, making it essential to comprehend the factors influencing their survival. This study investigates the impact of agricultural landscape composition and plant diversity enrichment (flowering plants) management on shaping ant communities in maize (Zea mays L.) fields. The research occurred in maize fields surrounded by other crops, semi-natural habitats, and housing areas in Malang District, East Java, Indonesia. The four agricultural areas were divided into control and treatment plots, considering landscape composition parameters, particularly Class Area (CA) and the Number of Patches (NP), measured within a 500 m radius. The landscape around the maize fields was characterized by manually digitizing land use. Six types of plant diversity enrichment were employed in this study: wild cosmos (Cosmos caudatus), white buttercup (Turnera subulata), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), long bean (Vigna unguiculata), ornamental bean (Arachis pintoi), and coral vine (Antigonon leptopus). The study was divided into the dry season (April-July 2022) and the wet season (September-December 2022). Ant sampling was conducted using pitfall traps and, based on generalized linear models, revealed that plant diversity enrichment management did not affect species richness, abundance, or composition of ants. Landscape composition positively influenced ant species richness but negatively impacted species composition, particularly the number of semi-natural habitat patches. Maize crop age also positively influenced ant species richness but negatively affected beta diversity. Wet season was also found to have a negative effect on beta diversity. In conclusion, the proportion of semi-natural habitats in agricultural landscapes and crop age contribute significantly to species richness and species composition of ants.

Alocasia macrorrhiza Represents a New Host of 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-Related Strains Associated with Yellows Symptoms in China.

Alocasia macrorrhiza, which belongs to the Araceae family, is an important landscape plant in China, and has of significant medicinal uses. In 2022, A. macrorrhiza displaying abnormal symptoms were found in Qionghai, Hainan Island of China (110°23'3.06″，19°7'56.29″). The incidence of symptomatic plants was about 40% in the sampled areas. The abnormal symptoms included that the ovoid leaves color turned yellow from green gradually, with ovoid leaves chlorosis, mesophyll tissue yellowing, miniature leaves and systemic wilting. The diseased symptoms suspected to be associated with phytoplasma according to the protocols of phytoplasma identification. In order to identify the pathogen, eleven diseased samples and three asymptomatic samples were collected from an area of about 40 hectares. Total DNAs were extracted from 0.10 g fresh plant leaf tissues using a CTAB DNA extraction method. PCR amplifications were performed using primers R16mF2/R16mR1 and fTuf1/rTuf1 specific for the phytoplasma 16S rRNA and tuf genes. Target PCR amplicons were obtained from the DNA of 11 diseased samples, whereas not from the DNA of the asymptomatic samples. The PCR products were cloned and sequenced by Biotechnology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (Guangzhou, China), and the obtained sequences were assembled, edited and analyzed using the EditSeq program and DNAMAN version 6.0. The phytoplasma 16S rRNA and tuf gene amplicons were 1336 and 930 bp in length, respectively. The sequences of all 16S rRNA and tuf amplicons in this study were identical. The sequencing data were deposited in GenBank with accession numbers OR466206 (16S rDNA) and OR513090 (tuf). According to the methods and protocols of phytoplasma identified and classification, the phytoplasma strain was described as Alocasia macrorrhiza yellows (AmY) phytoplasma, AmY-hn strain. BLAST search were conducted based on 16Sr RNA and tuf genes. The results showed that the AmY-hn had 100 % 16Sr RNA sequence identity (1336 bp out of 1336 bp) with that of 16SrI-B subgroup phytoplasmas like onion yellows phytoplasma (OY-M, AP006628). The AmY-hn had 100 % tuf sequence identity (930 bp out of 930 bp) with that of 16SrI-B subgroup phytoplasmas like OY-M. RFLP profiles obtained with iPhyClassifier demonstrated that AmY-hn strain was a member of the 16SrI-B subgroup with a similarity coefficient 1.00 to the reference phytoplasma strain (AP006628). Separated phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA and tuf genes obtained with MEGA 7.0 using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method with 1000 bootstrap value indicated that AmY-hn clustered into one clade with phytoplasma strains of OY-M and chinaberry witches'-broom (KP662119) with 100 % and 87 % bootstrap value respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report that a 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-related strain belonging to 16SrI-B subgroup infects A. macrorrhiza in China. The 16SrI-B subgroup 'Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris'-related strains can spread outwards through the plant A. macrorrhiza. Thus, the findings in the study will be beneficial to the detection of phytoplasmas which parasitic in this plant and the epidemic monitoring of the related diseases.

An Assessment of Ecological Sensitivity and Landscape Pattern in Abandoned Mining Land

In recent years, the development of abandoned mining land has become a focal point in landscape planning. However, during the development of abandoned mining land, there often exists a phenomenon of prioritizing economic considerations over ecological concerns, leading to a failure to achieve genuinely sustainable development. An ecological sensitivity assessment, guided by the principles of protection and development, provides an evaluation framework that directs planning strategies for abandoned mining land from the perspective of balanced development and conservation. To facilitate the development and construction of abandoned mining land, this paper utilizes GIS technology, on-site surveys, analytic hierarchy processes, etc. Taking the abandoned mining land in Haining, Zhejiang, China, as the research subject and considering its unique site conditions, ecological sensitivity is divided into topographic conditions, surface water systems, and plant landscapes. Ecological sensitivity factors are selected, and an ecological sensitivity assessment system is constructed from the perspectives of ecological conservation and sustainable development. Using ArcGIS 10.2 and Fragstats 4.2 software, landscape pattern analysis is conducted, exploring the relationship between landscape patterns and ecological sensitivity assessment results from the perspectives of landscape fragmentation, diversity, and aggregation. By comparing the results of single-factor sensitivity analysis and comprehensive sensitivity analysis, as well as landscape pattern indices before and after classifying ecologically sensitive areas, the practicality of the evaluation system is verified, facilitating planning studies and providing design recommendations for abandoned mining land. Landscape pattern indices serve as supplementary explanations for ecological sensitivity. Based on the results of ecological sensitivity assessment and landscape pattern indices, the ecological conservation levels in the research area are classified into five categories: the Level I Comprehensive Protection Zone, Level II Moderately Developed Zone, Level III Construction Suitable Zone, Level IV Core Construction Zone, and Level V Core Development Zone. These correspond to ecological protection zones, sightseeing experience zones, historical exhibition zones, core commercial zones, and themed amusement zones, respectively. The I-level sensitive area in the research area has the smallest range, while IV-level and VI-level sensitive areas have larger extents, exhibiting a high degree of overall landscape fragmentation but with diverse and dominant landscape types. Integrating ecological sensitivity assessment results and landscape pattern indices aids in delineating ecological conservation levels and regional functional recreation zones, guiding the rational recreation allocation of resources for abandoned mining land and promoting its development into a scenic area integrating ecology and tourism.

Study on the Plant Landscape Creation and Cultural Connotation of Lingnan Gardens

Study on the Plant Landscape Creation and Cultural Connotation of Lingnan Gardens

Spatiotemporal Distribution Analysis of Spatial Vitality of Specialized Garden Plant Landscapes during Spring: A Case Study of Hangzhou Botanical Garden in China

Specialized gardens, as integral components of botanical gardens, bear multiple functions, encompassing plant collection and conservation, scientific research, and public education, as well as serving aesthetic and recreational purposes. Their quality profoundly reflects the landscape artistry of botanical gardens, directly influencing the quality of visitors’ enjoyment and the overall experience within the botanical garden. This study aims to investigate the spatial vitality of specialized garden plant landscapes, effectively assessing the usage patterns of plant landscape spaces and promoting the optimal utilization of underutilized spaces. Taking Hangzhou Botanical Garden as a case study, considering the warming climate and suitable temperatures in spring, when most plants enter the flowering period and outdoor visitor frequency increases, the primary observational period focuses on spring to measure the spatial vitality of specialized garden plant landscapes. We obtained data through field measurements and on-site observations. Specifically, We measured and recorded information on plant species, quantity, height, crown width, and growth conditions within the plots. Additionally, we employed ground observations and fixed-point photography to document visitor numbers and activity types. We quantified spatial vitality through four indicators: visitor density, space usage intensity, diversity of age group, and richness of activity type. We explored the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of spatial vitality and investigated the relationship between plant landscape characteristics and spatial vitality using variance analysis and correlation analysis. The results indicate that, in spring, the average spatial vitality index of specialized gardens ranks from highest to lowest as follows: Lingfeng Tanmei (1.403), Rosaceae Garden (1.245), Acer and Rhododendron Garden (0.449), and Osmanthus and Crape Myrtle Garden (0.437). Additionally, the spatial vitality of specialized garden plant landscapes in spring is significantly positively correlated with the ornamental period of specialized plants, characteristics of plant viewing, accessible lawn area, spatial accessibility, and spatial enclosure. Therefore, to create vibrant specialized plant landscapes, managers and planners, when engaging in the planning and design of specialized garden plant landscapes, need to fully consider and respect the visual aesthetics and functional needs of visitors. This study will serve as a theoretical reference for subsequent research on the vitality of plant landscape spaces and other small-scale spaces. It will also provide practical guidance for the construction of plant landscapes in specialized gardens within botanical gardens and other urban green spaces.

Assessment of an effective quantitative model with multi-criteria decision-making method for sustainable campus.

Sustainability is a current topic in public open green spaces such as university campuses. In order to ensure the sustainability of the campus areas, it is necessary to determine the criteria for the sustainable campus landscape. Bursa Uludağ University Gorukle Campus in Bursa was chosen as the study area in this research. The aim of the study is to identify suitable sustainable campus criteria with a focus on landscape and to prioritize appropriate sustainable campus strategies determined according to these criteria. In this context, first, field studies and literature research were carried out. Second, sustainable campus criteria were classified as criteria and section. The section was then divided into credit. All these credits were ranked according to their priorities. Analytic hierarchy process, one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods, was used while ranking. According to the result of the criteria, planting landscape components were determined to be more important than structural landscape components. Among the section, the transport category was found as the highest priority criterion. The use of vegetable wastes as compost was also determined as the most important criterion among all credits. The method and findings of this research may set an example for determining priorities of the sustainable campus criteria in Turkey and developing countries with a participatory management approach.

Paleoenvironmental changes preceding the onset of the Messinian salinity crisis in the western Mediterranean Sea (pre-evaporitic Messinian of the Melilla-Nador Basin, NE Morocco)

In order to contribute to the understanding of the evolution of marine and continental environments, preceding the onset of the Messinian salinity crisis in the western Mediterranean, we conducted an integrated study of the pre-evaporitic Messinian sedimentary series in the Melilla-Nador basin. Three sections have been carried out in the marl-diatomite series and were the subject of a detailed biostratigraphic and palynological study. The study of planktonic foraminifera, pollen, dinocysts, and palynofacies allowed us to characterize the evolution of these environments. From 6.83 to 6.52 Ma, the marine environment was relatively open, calm, probably subject to the action of upwellings and received periodic continental inputs. Starting 6.52 Ma, the abundance and diversity of planktonic foraminifera decreased. Continental inputs gradually dominate, alternating with marine ones, and reflecting a succession between proximal and distal neritic environments. The surface water conditions were warm. After 6.35 Ma, began the degradation of marine conditions. The continental environment shows an open vegetal landscape dominated by herbaceous plants, reflecting a tropical to arid subtropical climate, slightly less dry than that of the South Rifian Corridor. This study confirms the existence of several parameters that contributed to the deposition of the cyclical marl-diatomite series: on the one hand, the hot and dry climate favored the reduction of the plant landscape and therefore erosion (continental inputs); on the other, the tectonics (volcanism and uplift).

Polytomous key for selecting plants according to decorative, phenological, phenotypic traits when landscaping cities in the south of Russia

The classic selection of plants for landscaping the urban environment is a rather labor-intensive process involving the use of a large number of reference materials, atlases and plant catalogs. It is necessary to consider various characteristics of plants, taking into account their decorativeness, mutual compatibility, survival in the natural conditions of each region, etc. The purpose of the research was developing a polytomous key and creating it using a modern computer program to simplify the selection of plants according to decorative, phenotypic and phenological characteristics for landscaping cities in the southern Russia. The method of compiling a polytomous key was used as a way to identify plants by several leading characteristics, when the original groups were simultaneously divided into several smaller ones. The life forms, size, habitus of plants, characteristics of the trunk and crown, characteristics of flowering and fruiting, as well as environmental requirements were taken into account. On the basis of the research results the assortment of ornamental plants in large nurseries of the Krasnodar Territory and the Republic of Adygea, a list of plant names was compiled and their characteristics were encoded using a polytomous key. The key consisted of 8 sections, thanks to which it was possible to give the most complete description of the plant according to 36 parameters. The resulting database received state registration certificate No. 2023621905. The base and operation of the polytomous key are like a computer program. The functioning of the program has been successfully tested. The created program greatly simplifies the work of choosing an assortment of plants for landscaping, reducing it to a few minutes.

Investigation on the Application of Spring Plants and Landscape Evaluation in Changsha Area

With the slogan of "Beautiful China" put forward by the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, more and more people now choose to take wedding photos outdoors, hold weddings outdoors, and celebrate wedding anniversaries outdoors. In addition to having good quality photos, taking wedding photos outdoors requires In addition to the framing building, the plant landscape created by plants that matches the atmosphere of the wedding garden is also indispensable. However, most wedding gardens in China almost rely on architecture to create a theme atmosphere, while ignoring the role of the landscape created by plants in the theme of the entire wedding garden. This article takes Liuyang River Wedding Cultural Park in Changsha City as an example, analyzes the types and ecological characteristics of garden plants in Liuyang River Wedding Garden, and summarizes the experience in the growth, management and garden application of various garden plants. Then, on this basis, we analyze and summarize the existing problems in the application of garden plants in Liuyang River Wedding Cultural Garden, and point out corresponding measures and approaches to provide guidance for similar types of landscaping.

Metabolomics and Physiological Changes Underlying Increased Tolerance to Salt Stress Induced by Applied Nitric Oxide in Fatsia japonica Seedlings

Fatsia japonica (Thunb.) Decne. et Planch. is an important woody landscape plant, and its distribution is commonly limited by salt stress. Although the application of exogenous nitric oxide (NO) has been known to be effective in alleviating abiotic stress in plants, the underlying mechanism by which NO induces salt resistance in F. japonica remains unknown. In this study, the physiological and metabolic characteristics of F. japonica seedlings with the application of NO under salt stress conditions were investigated. We demonstrated that exogenous NO (0.1 mM sodium nitroprusside, SNP) mitigated the growth inhibition caused by 0.4% NaCl. This alleviation could be attributed to NO-induced enhancement in photosynthesis, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant enzyme activities, and a reduction in oxidative damage when exposed to salt stress. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis revealed that salt stress significantly disrupts the growth of F. japonica by downregulating sugars, sugar alcohols, amino acids, and organic acids. However, the application of exogenous NO improves sugar metabolism, enhancing the levels of fructose, glucose, mannose, galactose, xylose, ribose, inositol, and sorbitol, as well as the metabolism of amino acids and organic acids. These findings provide new insights into the physiological and metabolic homeostasis adjustments induced by NO that promote salt stress tolerance in F. japonica, enhancing our understanding of plant resilience mechanisms.