Leucophyllum Frutescens Research Articles

Chemical composition and digestion of shurbs browsed by white-tailed deer (odocoileus virginianus texanus)

The aim of the study was to determine, seasonally, the nutritional value of the native shrubs: Acacia amentacea, Castela erecta, Celtis pallida, Croton cortesianus, Forestiera angustifolia, Karwinskia humboldtiana, Lantana macropoda, Leucophyllum frutescens, Prosopis laevigata, Syderoxylon celastrinum and Zanthoxylum fagara. Leave samples were collected seasonally during 2 years from Summer 2004 to Spring 2006 in three county sites: China, Linares and Los Ramones in the state Nuevo Leon, Mexico and evaluated for the content of their Crude Protein (CP), Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) and Acid Detergent Lignin (ADL). Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) was also estimated. The CP content (range of total means = 13-22% dry matter) in most plants significantly varied among sites and seasons and between years. The same pattern occurred for NDF (40-55), ADL (8-22) and DMD (48-73). Celtis pallida had the highest nutritional value. However, due to their high CP and DMD and low NDF and ADL all studied plants in all sites, most seasons and years may be considered as good food sources for white-tailed deer.

A New Antimycobacterial Furanolignan from Leucophyllum frutescens

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the minor active fractions obtained from the root bark of Leucophyllumfrutescens (Berl.) I. M. Johnst. led to isolation from the n-hexane extract of a new compound with moderate activity against the H37Rv Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain (MIC 63 microg/mL), and low cytotoxicity, as shown by the IC5o against Vero cells. The compound was identified by 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy a s2',5"-dimethoxysesamin.

Stereochemical Analysis of Leubethanol, an Anti-TB-Active Serrulatane, fromLeucophyllum frutescens

Bioactivity-guided fractionation of the methanolic root bark extract of Leucophyllum frutescens led to the identification of leubethanol (1), a new serrulatane-type diterpene with activity against both multi-drug-resistant and drug-sensitive strains of virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Leubethanol (1) was identified by 1D/2D NMR data, as a serrulatane closely related to erogorgiane (2), and exhibited anti-TB activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations in the range 6.25-12.50 μg/mL. Stereochemical evidence for 1 was gleaned from 1D and 2D NOE experiments, from 1H NMR full spin analysis, and by comparison of the experimental vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectrum to density functional theory calculated VCD spectra of two diastereomers.

Effects of Frequent Shearing on Root Growth and Mycorrhizal Colonization of Two Landscape Shrubs

Leucophyllum frutescens I. M. Johnst. (Texas sage) and Nerium oleander L. (oleander) shrubs grown for 2 years in the southwest United States under well-watered conditions in outdoor field plots were either sheared every 6 weeks or not pruned (control) to determine if frequent shearing had an effect on root growth and mycorrhizal colonization. During February and June of the second year after transplanting, leaf gas exchange, shoot and root growth, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization of shrubs were studied. Shearing reduced shrub volume of Texas sage and oleander by 84% and 82%, respectively. Leaf carbon assimilation (A) and conductance of both shrub taxa were stimulated by frequent shearing, especially during June. Shearing decreased root mass density (RMD) and root length density (RLD) of Texas sage but had no impact on RMD or RLD of oleander. Shearing decreased the length of Texas sage roots colonized by AMF but increased AMF colonization of oleander roots. Soil respiration and temperatures were less under all shrubs that were frequently sheared than those that were not pruned and were higher under all shrubs in June than in February. From these data we conclude that under well-watered conditions, the rejuvenative capacity and resilience of oleander to the practice of frequent shearing is greater than Texas sage and recommend that Texas sage shrubs not be frequently sheared in southwest landscapes.

Life History and Laboratory Rearing of Corimelaena incognita (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Thyreocoridae), with Descriptions of Immature Stages

Abstract The life history of Corimelaena incognita (McAtee & Malloch) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Thyreocoridae) was studied in southern New Mexico from August 2005 through November 2007, and the immature stages were described. The bug also was reared from egg to adult under controlled laboratory conditions. Adults of this bivoltine species overwintered in leaf litter, emerged in early February, and began feeding on dried fruits of Leucophyllum frutescens (Berlandier) from the previous year, the only host plant observed for this bug; they and their offspring, collectively, fed on the current year's fruit throughout the season until early December. Eggs were found from early April through late September and laid singly, usually glued beneath the bracts of developing fruits. Nymphs were found from late April through late November. This species was reared in the laboratory on fruits of L. frutescens at 25 ± 0.01°C under a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D) h. The incubation period averaged 8.33 d. The five stadia averaged 7.27, 4.10, 4.51, 4.90, and 8.54 d, respectively. Instars can be distinguished by differences in morphological features including, among others, body size and punctation.

The effects of sodium chloride on ornamental shrubs

The use of saline waters is an option for the irrigation of salt tolerant ornamentals as competition for high quality water increases. However, despite the importance of ornamental shrubs in Mediterranean areas, salt tolerance of such species has received little attention. The aims of our investigation were to quantify the growth response and any injury symptom of 12 widely cultivated ornamental shrubs to irrigation with saline water and to investigate any possible relation with the concentration of Na + and Cl − in the plants. Species were irrigated with different salinities (10, 40, and 70 mM NaCl) for a 120-day period. At the end of salt treatment, plants were sampled and dry biomass recorded; the relative growth rate (RGR) was also calculated. Root and leaf samples from each species were used to evaluate Na +, K + and Cl − concentrations. Growth rates were significantly reduced in Cotoneaster lacteus, Grevillea juniperina and Pyracantha ‘Harlequin’, which also showed the highest percentage of necrotic leaves. The increasing external NaCl lead to an increase of Na + and Cl − in roots and leaves of the different species, although less Na + was accumulated than Cl −: growth reduction well correlated with the concentration of Cl − and/or Na + in the leaves. The most sensitive species (i.e. C. lacteus, G. juniperina and Pyracantha ‘Harlequin’) had high concentrations of Na + and/or Cl − in their leaves and also showed a decrease in their leaf K +/Na + ratios. Even though other species (i.e. Bougainvillea glabra, Ceanothus thyrsiflorus, Leptospermum scoparium, Leucophyllum frutescens and Ruttya fruticosa) demonstrated a high ion concentration in their leaves, they could be considered relatively salt tolerant as there was little growth reduction and few symptoms of injury in the leaves. In some other cases (i.e. Cestrum fasciculatum, Escallonia rubra and Viburnum lucidum) the observed tolerance was related to higher ion concentration in the roots compared to the leaves, probably indicative of a limited transport to the shoots. Only in Eugenia myrtifolia was the absence of symptoms associated with a limited Na + and Cl − uptake from the rhizosphere.

First Host-Plant and New Distribution Records of the Plant Bug Larinocerus personatus (Knight), with Notes on the Host and Distribution of the Related Hambletoniola antennata Carvalho (Hemiptera: Miridae: Phylinae)

Three closely related species of phyline plant bugs are unique in the diverse family Miridae because of their remarkable antennae; the third (or second and third) flagellomere is enlarged and bears erect, dark, scalelike setae. Host plants for two of the species—Hambletoniola antennata Carvalho and Larinocerus balius Froeschner—have been known, but no host information has been available for L. personatus (Knight). Escobilla butterflybush, Buddleja scordioides Kunth (Scrophulariaceae), is newly recorded as the host of L. personatus in western (Trans-Pecos) Texas, and new Texas records are given for this seldom-collected mirid. New distribution records also are given for H. antennata in western Texas, in addition to its occurrence on ceniza, Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I.M. Johnston (Scrophulariaceae). Scanning electron micrographs of the antennal setae of L. personatus are provided; included for both mirid species are color photographs of their host plants and an adult on host foliage.

Experimental Design to Determine the Factors Affecting the Preparation of Extracts for Antibacterial Use

The selection of an activity test to screen plants for antimicrobial agents is in itself a problem. However, the preparation of those extracts is a very important step and full attention has not yet been given to this issue. This study was performed in two parts. In the first, different solvents were tested to select the best extractant for three plants used in Mexico to treat infections: Leucophyllum frutescens, Cordia boissieri, and Cyperus alternifolius. In the second part, an experimental design was developed for the most active extract assayed in the first part of the study, using factorial analysis at two levels. The variable under evaluation was the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the extract active against a resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus, and the number of active spots identified in a bioautographic assay. The solvents used for the first phase of the study were selected from those most often cited in articles on antimicrobial screening. The best recoveries and lowest MICs were obtained with hydroalcoholic extracts. Shorter extraction times and storage times gave lower MICs; however, the volume of solvent and speed of agitation had no significant effect on MIC.

Seasonal Trends of Chlorophylls a and b and Carotenoids in Native Trees and Shrubs of Northeastern Mexico

During two consecutive years, the content of chlorophylls a and b and carotenoids(x + c) was determined, seasonally, in foliar tissue of native trees (T) and shrubs (S) from northeastern Mexico such as Acacia rigidula (S), Bumelia celastrina (T), Castela texana (S), Celtis pallida (S), Croton cortesianus (S), Forestiera angustifolia (S), Karwinskia humboldtiana (S), Lantana macropoda (S), Leucophyllum frutescens (S), Prosopis laevigata (T), Zanthoxylum fagara (T). Pigment determinations were carried out in a region of the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico at three county (Los Ramones, China, Linares) sites, which are grouped under a similar climatic pattern. Measurements were quantified spectrophotometrically. With exception of the interaction year*plant of carotenoids content at Los Ramones site, all pigments were significantly different between years, seasons and between plants within years and seasons. All plants had marginal higher chlorophyll a content at Linares (overall mean = 0.79 mg g -1 fw) than China (0.71) or Los Ramones (0.66) site. Chlorophyll b content followed a similar trend as chlorophyll a (0.29, 0.25 and 0.23, respectively). Marginal differences in carotenoids content, in all plants, were found among sites being the overall mean of 0.2 mg carotenoids g -1 fw. Yearly and seasonal variations in plant pigments might have been related to seasonal water deficits, excessive irradiance levels during summer and extreme low temperatures in winter that could have affected leaf development and senescence.

Hepatoprotective effect of Leucophyllum frutescens on Wistar albino rats intoxicated with carbon tetrachloride

Many hepatoprotective herbal preparations have been recommended in alternative systems of medicine for the treatment of hepatic disorders. No systematic study has been done on protective efficacy of Leucophyllum frutescens to treat hepatic diseases. Protective action of L. frutescens methanol extract (obtained by maceration) was evaluated in an animal model of hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups. Group I was normal control group; Groups II-V received CCl4. After inducing hepatic damage, Group II served as control CCl4; Group III was given silymarin as reference hepatoprotective; and Groups IV and V received different doses of plant extract. Liver marker enzymes were assayed in serum. Samples of livers were observed under microscope for the histopathological changes. Levels of marker enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were increased significantly in CCl4 treated rats (Group II). Groups IV and V intoxicated with CCl4 and treated with L. frutescens methanol extract significant decreased the activities of these two enzymes. Also these groups resulted in less pronounced destruction of the liver architecture, there is not fibrosis and have moderate inflammation compared with Group II. The present study scientifically validated the traditional use of L. frutescens for liver disorders. In conclusion the methanol extract of L. frutescens aerial parts could be an important source of hepatoprotective compounds.

Evaluation of the flora of Northern Mexico for in vitro antimicrobial and antituberculosis activity

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of 14 plants used in northeast México for the treatment of respiratory diseases, against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae type b and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Forty-eight organic and aqueous extracts were tested against these bacterial strains using a broth microdilution test. No aqueous extracts showed antimicrobial activity, whereas most of the organic extracts presented antimicrobial activity against at least one of the drug-resistant microorganisms tested. Methanol-based extracts from the roots and leaves of Leucophyllum frutescens and ethyl ether extract from the roots of Chrysanctinia mexicana showed the greatest antimicrobial activity against the drug-resistant strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) were 62.5, 125 and 62.5 μg/mL, respectively; methanol-based extract from the leaves of Cordia boissieri showed the best antimicrobial activity against the drug-resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 250 μg/mL); the hexane-based extract from the fruits of Schinus molle showed considerable antimicrobial activity against the drug-resistant strain of Streptococcus pneumoniae (MIC 62.5 μg/mL). This study supports that selecting plants by ethnobotanical criteria enhances the possibility of finding species with activity against resistant microorganisms.

Use of quantitative methods to determine leaf biomass on 15 woody shrub species in northeastern Mexico

The coast of the Gulf of Mexico is characterized by dry regions with a high variation in climatic conditions. This area is rich in drought-tolerant or subhumid species. In order to determine the most appropriate method in evaluating the leaf biomass of 15 shrubs species in a native matorral (thornscrub) of northeastern Mexico, a study was conducted to compare the following non-destructive methods: (1) Adelaide, (2) double sampling or dimensional analysis and (3) double sampling of branches. The non-destructive methods allow indirect relationships between leaf biomass and some ecological characteristics of the plants by using regression models. The methods were used to estimate leaf weight in each species. Ecological and morphological characteristics of these species were determined using a structural analysis. No single standard method estimated leaf biomass for all species on site, because of the diversity of forms in these species. However, Adelaide and the dimensional were the most precise, practical and simplest methods so they could be considered the method of choice for measuring the forage leaf biomass of many shrub species like Acacia rigidula Benth. ( r 2 = 0.98), Bernardia myricaefolia Wats. ( r 2 = 0.94), Caesalpinia mexicana A. Gray ( r 2 = 0.92), Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl) I.M. Johnst. ( r 2 = 0.95) y Zanthoxylum fagara (L.) Sarg. ( r 2 = 0.93), Celtis pallida Torr. ( r 2 = 0.99), Cordia boissieri A. DC. ( r 2 = 0.83), Parkinsonia aculeata L. ( r 2 = 0.83), among other species.

Estimation of relative water use among ornamental landscape species

Low water use plantings may enhance water conservation in dry landscapes. However, appropriate plant selection is hindered by the dearth of information available on the water needs of different species. A direct method of classification was tested under the hypothesis that relative water use by woody landscape species growing in 3.8 l containers would be representative of the water use of the same species in the landscape. Four species of distinctly different ecological origin ( Leucophyllum frutescens, Spiraea vanhouteii, Viburnum tinus, Arctostaphylos densiflora) were chosen in order to obtain a wide range of responses, and their water use was measured in plants growing in 3.8 l containers and compared to that of the same species growing in drainage lysimeters, representative of landscape conditions. Half of the plants were subjected to successive cycles of stress by withholding water after irrigation to container capacity in containers, or applying a fraction of the potential evapotranspiration in lysimeters. The good fit of the regression of average daily water use by lysimeter plants on average daily water use by container plants ( R 2=0.87, P<0.01) reflects the consistency of relative water use of the four species. Measurement of water use at the end of nursery production may be useful for predicting the relative water use of various species after establishment in the landscape.

Assessing Public Opinion on Water Conservation and Water Conserving Landscapes in the Semiarid Southwestern United States

A survey instrument was designed to determine public opinion on water conservation, water conserving landscapes, the use of native plants in landscapes, home irrigation systems, and the performance of five Texas native plant species [pink evening primrose (Oenothera speciosa); prairie verbena (Verbena bipinnatifida); red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora); ceniza (Leucophyllum frutescens); and ruellia (Ruellia nudiflora)] grown in low water use landscapes in the semiarid Southwestern United States. On six occasions during the 1999 growing season, participants viewed landscapes and participated in a survey. Survey data indicate that over 90% of respondents thought water conservation was important to the state of Texas. A majority of participants however, believed water conserving landscapes to be expensive to maintain and not aesthetically pleasing. The survey revealed 79% of participants would use native plants if native plants conserved water, and 86% of participants would use native plants if native plants were attractive. Chi-square approximations revealed participant's opinions regarding water conservation and home irrigation systems were influenced by education level and amount of time they participated in weekly horticulture activities. In an open-ended question, participants indicated flowers and healthy leaves were characteristics indicating a plant was performing well. Throughout the year, species in flower received higher ratings than nonflowering species.

Vegetación y flora de un ecotono entre las provincias del altilpano y de la planicie costera del noreste de México

Se estudió la vegetación y la flora vascular de un ecotono entre las provincias florísticas del Altiplano y de la Planicie Costera del Noreste de México. El área de estudio cubre una superficie de 2,526.25 km2 en el norte del estado de Nuevo León. Con base en 50 muestreos de vegetación, fotografías aéreas y colectas botánicas, se delimitaron y cartografiaron siete tipos de vegetación, mismos que se describen de acuerdo con su fisonomía, características ecológicas y componentes florísticos. Se determinaron 405 especies, incluyendo variedades y subespecies. La zona presentó afinidad geográfica con la vegetación del Desierto Chihuahuense en el Altiplano (pastizal de Hilaria mutica, matorral bajo inerme de Flourensia cernua y matorral mediano de Acacia-Prosopis-Flourensia-Larrea) y la Planicie Costera (matorral mediano subinerme de Leucophyllum frutescens y Acacia rigidula y matorral alto subinerme de Helietta parvifolia). Los matorrales de Prosopis-Acacia no mostraron afinidad geográfica definida. La coexistencia de vegetación arbustiva característica de las tierras bajas de la Planicie Costera, con la vegetación comúnmente encontrada en el Desierto Chihuahuense, podría explicarse en virtud del incremento en la aridez y el suave levantamiento de la superficie continental en sentido este-oeste y de la ausencia de accidentes topográficos notables en el sector nororiental de México.

Phytotoxic lignans of Leucophyllum frutescens.

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the hexane:ethyl acetate (1:1) extract of the leaves of Leucophyllum frutescens (Berl.) I.M.Johnst (Scrophulariaceae) led to the isolation of its phytotoxic constituents diayangambin (1), epiyangambin (2), diasesartemin (3) and epiashantin (4). Phytotoxicity was demonstrated as inhibition of seed germination of Agrostis stolonifera cv. penncross (Poaceae) and inhibition of development of Lactuca sativa L. (Asteraceae) seedlings in a microassay using 24-well plates. Compound 1 was the most phytotoxic to L. sativa, showing strong inhibitory activity at 110 microM. Compound 1 was more active than 2 and 3 in inhibiting the growth of A. stolonifera with I(50) values of 160, 670 and 930 microM, respectively. At a concentration of 500 microM, these compounds inhibited all phases of onion root cell division. This is the first demonstration of antimitotic activity of these furofuran lignans, and the first report of their isolation from this species.

First report of oil cavities in Scrophulariaceae and reinvestigation of air spaces in leaves of Leucophyllum frutescens

Conspicuous air spaces in Leucophyllum (Scrophulariaceae; Leucophylleae) leaves have been suggested to be developmentally transformed secretory cavities. We reinvestigated air space development in Leucophyllum frutescens, using freehand sections of mature fresh leaves and paraffin sections of several leaf stages. Each of the numerous air spaces per leaf forms because greater separation occurs within a local group of spongy mesophyll cells than in the developing spongy mesophyll elsewhere. We found no anatomical evidence of transitory epithelial cells or lysis of cells in developing air spaces, thus the hypothesis that air spaces are transformed secretory cavities is not supported. However, an important finding was that all leaves had one pair of conspicuous true secretory cavities flanking the midvein at the apex, each lined by an epithelium and filled with oil. We also found conspicuous apical cavities in freehand sections of herbarium specimens of this and three other Leucophyllum species. Cavities were not seen in L. revolutum or in the related Eremogeton grandiflorus. This is the first report and description of a true internal secretory cavity in Scrophulariaceae. In the related family Myoporaceae, we found epithelium-lined cavities scattered abundantly in leaves of cleared samples of three genera.

DRIP IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS FOR ESTABLISHING LANDSCAPE ORNAMENTALS

Five landscape species, Baccharis pilularis, Fallugia paradoxa, Juniperus sabina `Tamariscifolia', Leucophyllum frutescens, and Nerium oleander, grown in 3.8-1 containers, were planted in a loam soil and mulched with pecan shells or rock. Plants were irrigated weekly at 25, 50, 75 and 100% of estimated potential evapotranspiration (PET) determined using mean canopy cover at the beginning of the experiment. Growth was measured every two weeks and aesthetic, flowering and fruiting evaluations were made weekly. Leucophyllum and Nerium grew rapidly at a constant rate throughout the season. Baccharis and Fallugia grew rapidly in May and June and slowly thereafter. Juniperus showed a continued, moderate growth rate. In addition, there were few differences in overall plant quality, flowering or fruiting across irrigation rates. The equation for determining the irrigation of ornamentals appears to be flawed. For Leucophyllum, at the 25% rate, it predicted 980 1/plant would be required during the season while only 22 1 (2.4% of PET) was applied, producing excellent specimens.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WATER ECONOMY OF CONTAINER-GROWN WOODY ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS

Relative water usage of four species of container-grown woody ornamental shrubs (Buxus japonica (Japenese boxwood), Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas sage), Ligustrum japonica (ligustrum) and Pittosporum tobira wheeleri (dwarf) pittosporurm)), normally used for home landscaping in south Texas, were evaluated by comparing water consumption and frequency of watering with growth rates and horticultural quality after six months growth in containers. Growth rates were determined by the difference in plant height and leaf area from the control unwatered plants and were used to characterize the suitability of ornamental shrubs for xeric landscapes. While frequency of watering had no significant effects on plant height, only ligustrum and dwarf pittosporum plants watered on weekly basis showed positive change in leaf area. There was considerable leaf regrowth in Texas sage plants after initial leaf loss. Of all the shrubs tested, dwarf pittosporum plants watered biweekly used less water to maintain their horticultural quality.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN GRAVIMETRIC WATER LOSS MEASUREMENTS AND PLANT WATER STRESS RESPONSES

Previous work has shown that container grown landscape plants use, and likely need, much less water than is typically applied. Therefore, studies were conducted to quantify the relationships between water loss and water stress responses using several drought tolerant (Cassia corymbosa, Leucophyllum frutescens, Salvia greggii) and traditional landscape plants (Euonymus japonicus, Pyracantha coccinea). Water stress was induced by withholding water and water loss measured gravimetrically. The shape of the water loss curve was similar for all species being, Y = a + bx + cx2 (r2 &gt; 0.95). The rate of ethylene production began to increase 24 hr after irrigation, reaching a maximum 36-48 hr after irrigation and then decreasing. Maximum ethylene production occured at 35-47% water loss irrespective of species or rate of water loss. Stress symptoms (wilting leaf discoloration and abscission) followed a similar pattern. The potential for monitoring gravimetric water loss to schedule container irrigation will be discussed.