Minor Scop Research Articles

The Formulation of Dermato-Cosmetic Products Using Sanguisorba minor Scop. Extract with Powerful Antioxidant Capacities

There has been a significant increase in the use of botanical resources for the formulation of topical products designed for medicinal and cosmetic applications. Sanguisorba minor Scop., a botanical species, exhibits a variety of properties and has significant potential for applications in the field of cosmetics. The aim of this study was to formulate topical preparations, incorporating an extract derived from the plant S. minor Scop. comprising a combination of roots, leaves, and flowers. In the initial phase, a total of seven combinations were prepared using extracts derived from the roots, leaves, and flowers of S. minor Scop. (v/v/v). These combinations were subsequently subjected to evaluation for their antioxidant capacity using four distinct methods: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). An extract of plant organs in a ratio of 1:2:1 (v/v/v), which had a strong antioxidant capacity and demonstrated synergistic effects according to the DPPH, TEAC, and CUPRAC assays (with values of 1.58 ± 0.1, 1.18 ± 0.09, and 1.07 ± 0.07, respectively), was selected for inclusion in three dermato-cosmetic products (hydrogel, emulgel, and cream). All the prepared preparations were evaluated in terms of topical formulation attributes and organoleptic characteristics. The testing of dermato-cosmetic products included assessments of their topical formulation properties and organoleptic characteristics. The hydrogel, emulgel, and cream exhibited varying degrees of stretchability. In addition, a study was carried out to assess the in vitro release of polyphenols from the cosmetic formulations using a Franz diffusion cell system. The results showed that the emulgel containing the extract of S. minor Scop. had the highest and most significant release of polyphenols, with a release rate of 84.39 ± 1.01%. This was followed by the hydrogel and cream, which had release percentages of 80.52 ± 0.89 and 75.88 ± 0.88, respectively, over an 8 h period. Thus, for the first time in the literature, a topical cosmetic product with high antioxidant potential containing S. minor Scop. extract was developed and optimized.

Sanguisorba minor Scop.: An Overview of Its Phytochemistry and Biological Effects.

Since ancient times, many plants have been cultivated for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The genus Sanguisorba has been used for medicinal purposes for more than 2000 years. These species are distributed in temperate, arctic, or alpine areas in the Northern Hemisphere. Elongated, imparipinnate leaves and densely clustered flower heads are characteristics of the genus Sanguisorba. While Sanguisorba officinalis L. is mainly known for its significant medicinal applications, Sanguisorba minor Scop. is beginning to attract greater interest for its chemical composition and biological effects. Our research collected extensive information on Sanguisorba minor, including its history, taxonomy, habitat, and distribution, as well as its bioactive components and biological activities. In addition to electron microscopy of plant parts (root, stems, and leaves), which is described for the first time in the literature in the case of S. minor, the study also provides information on potential pests or beneficial insects that may be present. Our goal was to provide important information that will serve as a solid foundation for upcoming research on Sanguisorba minor Scop.

Nutritional Value of Wild and Domesticated Sanguisorba minor Scop. Plant

Sanguisorba minor Scop. is a wild edible species distributed in the Mediterranean area and present in numerous traditional food recipes. In the present study, the assessment of nutritional value (ash, carbohydrates, fat, proteins, energy, free sugars, organic acids, tocopherols, fatty acid composition, and minerals) of wild and domesticated S. minor plants was performed. Results showed an increase in ash, protein, fat, organic acid, and α-tocopherol content after the plant’s domestication. Retention of free sugars, especially sucrose, was observed from wild plants to domesticated ones. However, the cultivated plants reported a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids than saturated molecules, and both wild collection and domestication maintained a low ω6/ω3 ratio, confirming the role of this species in the prevention of oxidative and inflammatory processes. This aspect is also suggested by the high α-tocopherol content, a vitamin known for its ability to scavenge free-radical species. Nevertheless, a high oxalic acid content was found in domesticated plants. However, the management of fertilization in open field cultivation can be robust in terms of organic acid and mineral (e.g., calcium) content. Indeed, the most representative macrominerals found in domesticated plants were Ca and Mg. The present study suggests a possible introduction of S. minor species in the human diet as a functional food or ingredient by virtue of its high nutritional properties and contents. Moreover, the management of fertilization and domestication might be a solution to maintain/enhance the nutritional profile of this wild species.

Evaluation of Polyphenolic Composition and Antimicrobial Properties of Sanguisorba officinalis L. and Sanguisorba minor Scop.

The most widespread Sanguisorba species are Sanguisorba officinalis L. and Sanguisorba minor Scop. which are also found in the Romanian flora and classified as medicinal plants because of hemostatic, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant and antiviral activities. This study aimed to characterize and compare Sanguisorba species in order to highlight which species is more valuable according to phenolic profile and antimicrobial activity. Based on high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with photodiode array detection and mass spectrometry (electrospray ionization) (HPLC-DAD-MS (ESI+)) analysis, it was evident that the ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of S. minor Scop. contains the highest content of phenolic compounds at 160.96 mg/g p.s., followed by the flower and root extract (131.56 mg/g dw and 121.36 mg/g dw, respectively). While in S. officinalis, the highest amount of phenols was recorded in the root extract (127.06 mg/g), followed by the flower and leaves extract (102.31 mg/g and 81.09 mg/g dw, respectively). Our results show that among the two species, S. minor Scop. is richer in phenolic compounds compared with the S. officinalis L. sample. In addition, the antimicrobial potential of each plant organ of Sanguisorba species was investigated. The ethanol extract of S. minor Scop. leaves exhibited better antibacterial activity against all of the bacteria tested, especially on Staphylococcus aureus, with an inhibition zone of 15.33 ± 0.83 mm. Due to the chemical composition and antimicrobial effect, the Sanguisorba species can be used as food supplements with beneficial effects on human health.

A Comprehensive Review of Genus Sanguisorba: Traditional Uses, Chemical Constituents and Medical Applications.

Genus Sanguisorba (family: Rosaceae) comprises nearly 148 species, distributed widely across the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (S. officinalis) has been used as a hemostatic and scald treating medicine in China for a long time. Numerous studies have demonstrated that plant extracts or monomers from S. officinalis exhibit several pharmacological effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-virus, anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. The other species of genus Sanguisorba are also being studied by researchers worldwide. Sanguisorba minor Scop. (S. minor), as an edible wild plant, is a common ingredient of the Mediterranean diet, and its young shoots and leaves are often mixed with traditional vegetables and consumed as salad. Reports on genus Sanguisorba available in the current literature were collected from Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer, and PubMed. The Plant List (http://www.theplantlist.org./tpl1.1/search?q=Sanguisorba), International Plant Name Index (https://www.ipni.org/?q=Sanguisorba) and Kew Botanical Garden (http://powo.science.kew.org/) were used for obtaining the scientific names and information on the subspecies and cultivars. In recent years, several in vivo and in vitro experiments have been conducted to reveal the active components and effective monomers of S. officinalis and S. minor. To date, more than 270 compounds have been isolated and identified so far from the species belonging to genus Sanguisorba. Numerous reports on the chemical constituents, pharmacologic effects, and toxicity of genus Sanguisorba are available in the literature. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current traditional applications of plants, which are supported by a large number of scientific experiments. Owing to these promising properties, this species is used in the treatment of various diseases, including influenza virus infection, inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, type 2 diabetes and leukopenia caused by bone marrow suppression. Moreover, the rich contents and biological effects of S. officinalis and S. minor facilitate these applications in dietary supplements and cosmetics. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of genus Sanguisorba. The present comprehensive review may provide new insights for the future research on genus Sanguisorba.

Differences in the phenolic composition and nutraceutical properties of freeze dried and oven-dried wild and domesticated samples of Sanguisorba minor Scop

Recent studies have dealt about the phenolic compounds and the nutraceutical properties of Sanguisorba minor Scop and about the possibility of their domestication to standardise the plant production. However, it is also known that the storage conditions can affect the bioactive compounds present in plants. Thus, wild (W) and domesticated (F1, F2, F3) S. minor samples were exposed to different drying methods (oven-drying at 60 °C until constant weight named OD or freeze-drying until constant weight named FD) and studied for their content in phenolic compounds, antioxidant, antimicrobial, cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties. In general, OD samples showed the highest nutraceutical properties and the highest content in phenolic compounds. The most abundant phenolic compounds in both drying methods were kaempferol-3-O-glucoside and caffeoyl ester, with some differences between wild and domesticated samples. Wild samples showed higher antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity than domesticated ones, except for the OD F3 and FD F2 samples that reported cytotoxicity against HeLa cells. This study provides important information to choose the most adequate methodology to retain phenolic compounds and nutraceutical properties of S. minor species. Further researches are necessary to standardise the domestication of the studied wild species and verify the highest efficiency of the OD method.

Visual quality and nutraceutical properties upon storage of Sanguisorba minor Scop. proposed as a new fresh-cut product

Visual quality and nutraceutical properties upon storage of Sanguisorba minor Scop. proposed as a new fresh-cut product

Mature herbs as supplements to ruminant diets: effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation and ammonia production

Context High concentrations of crude protein in ruminant diets may lead to excessive production of ruminal ammonia, which may stress the animal’s metabolism and impact nitrogen efficiency. This may become a problem in zero-concentrate feeding systems when pasture grass is rich in crude protein. Polyphenols such as tannins may protect part of dietary protein from ruminal degradation and thus inhibit ammonia formation. Aims The present study screened mature herbs for their potential to mitigate ruminal ammonia formation in cattle, when provided as a supplement to a forage diet. Methods Thirty-five temperate-climate, herbaceous meadow plant species (including three legumes) that appear in biodiverse natural and sown pastures were investigated for their effects on ruminal ammonia production. Aboveground material was harvested during ripening of the seeds and analysed for nutrient and phenol concentrations. Net energy and protein absorbable at the duodenum were calculated. Incubations (24 h) with cattle rumen fluid following the in vitro Hohenheim Gas Test protocol were performed to compare the effects of the test plants on ruminal gas and ammonia formation. Test plants replaced one-third of a basal mixture consisting of 57% Lolium perenne L. and 43% Medicago sativa L. (air-dry-matter basis). Results were compared with those obtained with the basal mixture alone. Key results According to regression analysis, ammonia concentration after incubation was negatively related to concentrations of total extractable phenols and total tannins in feed mixtures, whereas the relationship was weakly positive with dietary crude protein. In 23 and 19 of the test diets, respectively, in vitro gas production (indicating ruminal organic matter digestibility) and ammonia concentrations in the incubation medium after 24 h were significantly lower than with the basal mixture alone. Incubations containing Galium verum L., Leontodon hispidus L., Lotus corniculatus L., Onobrychis viciifolia Scop., Plantago lanceolata L., Sanguisorba minor Scop. and Scabiosa columbaria L. maintained gas production and estimated in vitro organic matter digestibility while at the same time lowering ammonia concentrations. Conclusions Seven mature herbs of a screening of 35 proved to have potential for positive effects on ruminal protein utilisation without impairing fermentation. Implications These herbs are of particular interest as dietary supplements for dairy cows grazing protein-rich pastures.

In vitro digestibility of mountain-grown irrigated perennial legume, grass and forb forages is influenced by elevated non-fibrous carbohydrates and plant secondary compounds.

Perennial legumes cultivated under irrigation in the Mountain West USA have non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) concentrations exceeding 400 g kg-1 , a level commonly found in concentrate-based ruminant diets. Our objective was to determine the influence of NFC concentration and plant secondary compounds on in vitro rumen digestion of grass, legume and forb forages compared with digestion of their isolated neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fraction. Forages were composited from ungrazed paddocks of rotationally stocked, irrigated monoculture pastures between May and August 2016, frozen in the field, freeze-dried, and ground. The maximum rate (RMax ) of gas production was greater for the legumes alfalfa (ALF; Medicago sativa L.) and birdsfoot trefoil (BFT; Lotus corniculatus L.) than for the legume cicer milkvetch (CMV; Astragalus cicer L.) the grass meadow brome (MBG; Bromus riparius Rehm.) and the non-legume forb small burnet (SMB; Sanguisorba minor Scop.), and intermediate for the legume sainfoin (SNF; Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.). The RMax of isolated NDF was greatest for BFT and CMV, intermediate for ALF, SNF and SMB and least for MBG. More than 900 g of organic matter kg-1 dry matter of legumes was digested after 96 h. Across forages, the extent of whole-plant digestion increased with NFC and crude protein concentrations, decreased with NDF concentrations, and was modulated by secondary compounds. The extent of digestion of isolated NDF decreased with concentration of lignin and residual tannins. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Hydroponically Grown Sanguisorba minor Scop.: Effects of Cut and Storage on Fresh-Cut Produce.

Wild edible plants have been used in cooking since ancient times. Recently, their value has improved as a result of the scientific evidence for their nutraceutical properties. Sanguisorba minor Scop. (salad burnet) plants were hydroponically grown and two consecutive cuts took place at 15 (C1) and 30 (C2) days after sowing. An untargeted metabolomics approach was utilized to fingerprint phenolics and other health-related compounds in this species; this approach revealed the different effects of the two cuts on the plant. S. minor showed a different and complex secondary metabolite profile, which was influenced by the cut. In fact, flavonoids increased in leaves obtained from C2, especially flavones. However, other secondary metabolites were downregulated in leaves from C2 compared to those detected in leaves from C1, as evidenced by the combination of the variable important in projections (VIP score > 1.3) and the fold-change (FC > 2). The storage of S. minor leaves for 15 days as fresh-cut products did not induce significant changes in the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity, which indicates that the nutraceutical value was maintained. The only difference evidenced during storage was that leaves obtained from C2 showed a lower constitutive content of nutraceutical compounds than leaves obtained from C1; except for chlorophylls and carotenoids. In conclusion, the cut was the main influence on the modulation of secondary metabolites in leaves, and the effects were independent of storage.

Chemical composition and bioactive properties of Sanguisorba minor Scop. under Mediterranean growing conditions.

Sanguisorba minor Scop. is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region which exhibits several medicinal activities. In the present study, plant growth, chemical composition, and antitumor and antimicrobial properties of S. minor plants were evaluated under different growing conditions. In particular, plants were grown on different substrates, namely (A) peat, (B) peat : perlite (1 : 1) and (C) peat : perlite (2 : 1). The dry weight of the aerial parts and roots was higher for the peat treatment (A), whereas plant growth was severely affected in the peat : perlite (1 : 1) treatment (B). The major detected sugars were fructose and glucose, while the peat : perlite (2 : 1) treatment resulted in a significant increase of α-tocopherol, glucose and total sugars content, especially in the aerial parts. Oxalic acid and citric acid were the major organic acids detected, with a varied effect of growth substrate on organic acid profile. Growth substrate and plant part also had a significant effect on fatty acid composition, especially on linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid content which was higher in the peat : perlite (1 : 1) treatment in both aerial parts and roots. An impact on the composition of phenolic compounds was also observed, where the plants grown on peat : perlite (2 : 1) and peat : perlite (1 : 1) substrates had the highest content of individual and total phenolic compounds in their aerial parts and roots, respectively. Moreover, roots contained significantly higher amounts of phenolic compounds than the aerial parts. Moreover, plant extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against four tumor cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7 and NCI-H460) and a primary culture of porcine liver cells (PLP2), as well as significant antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, S. minor presented significant bioactive properties, while growth substrates affected the nutritional value, chemical composition, antitumor and antimicrobial properties of the species which could be probably attributed to the higher phenolic compound content and different compositions of phenolic compounds. Therefore, although the species is commonly found in the Mediterranean region, it is underexploited yet and its plant tissues could be a potential source of natural bioactive compounds with further use in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications.

Three eriophyoid mite species (Acari: Eriophyoidea: Eriophyidae) from Iran.

Three mite species of the family Eriophyidae from Iran are described and illustrated. They are: Tegolophus marrubiumer sp. nov. on Marrubium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae); Phyllocoptes sp. cf. balasi Farkas, 1962 on Sanguisorba minor Scop. subsp. minor (Rosaceae) and Aceria fasciculifolis sp. nov. on Astragalus fasciculifolius Boiss. (Fabaceae). Both new species described herein are vagrants on their respective host plants.

Phytochemistry and Biological Properties of Burnet Weed (<i>Sanguisorba</i> spp.): A Review

Great burnet (Sanguisorba officinalis L.) and small burnet (Sansguisorba minor Scop.) are edible, perennial weeds widely distributed in the world. These are the most widespread Sanguisorba species. The bioactive components of Sanguisorba plants include phenolics (phenolic acids, flavonoids and neolignans) and terpenoids. Large potential exists to use burnets as medicinal plants. Sanguisorba species are known to show anticancer properties, antioxidative, antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Also, Sanguisorba extracts show anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory properties. Small burnet extracts could also be a useful alternative to synthetic fungicides for crop production. This review focuses on biological activities of Sanguisorba extracts and emphasizing their potential applications in pharmaceutical areas.

Antifungal activity of total and fractionated phenolic extracts from two wild edible herbs

The chemical characterization of phenolic extracts of salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor Scop. s.l.) and broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) was performed. Active fractions were separated and characterized and, in the case of O. crenata, two phenolic compounds, verbascoside and is overbascoside, were quantitatively extracted, purified and characterized. These compounds proved to be effective in reducing the growth of some important fungi responsible for the decay of fresh fruit and vegetables in postharvest. Verbascoside showed significant activity against Penicillium italicum, fairly inhibited Monilinia laxa, P. expansum, and Aspergillus carbonarius, and showed little activity against Botrytis cinerea, M. fructicola and P. digitatum. Isoverbascoside completely inhibited B. cinerea, P. digitatum, P. italicum, and P. expansum; it fairly inhibited M. laxa and A. carbonarius; while it showed to be less effective against M. fructicola. The obtained results support the possible use of some wild edible plants as a source of phenolic substances for the postharvest biological control of fresh fruit and vegetable rots.

Some Anther Structures in Sanguisorba minor Scop. (Rosaceae)

In this study, investigation of some anther structures in Sanguisorba minor Scop. subsp. muricata was aimed. Therefore, anthers were squashed by modified glycerine-gelatine method and additionally different histochemical stainings also were tested. The result illustrated that in different parts of anther, such as marginal, connection tissue, starch and protein granules accumulated. Furthermore, during maturation these deposits were detected in pollen grains also. In addition, a very interesting feature, balloon-like structures filled by proteins, were observed in anther cavity. In the light of these findings, their importance on pollen development was discussed.

Comparative effects of plant-derived smoke and potassium nitrate on germination and post-germination parameters of four medicinal species

The effect of smoke water and Potassium nitrate on germination and post germination parameters of four medicinal species of the Rosaceae (Sanguisorba minor Scop.), Apiaceae (Pimpinella anisum L.), Lamiaceae (Melissa officinalis L.) and Ranunculaceae (Nigella sativa L.) was tested. Dry seeds were exposed to smoke water (1:500) and KNO3 (150 mM) for 1h. Smoke enhanced some seed germination parameters of the study species. In species of S. minor, germination percentage (GP) and germination speed (GS) was stimulated by 1h of smoke water exposure while in species of P. anisum only GS was enhanced by smoke water. In addition, 1h of smoke water exposure enhanced the post-germination parameters including shoot length (SL), root length (RL), total seedling length (TSL), seedling fresh mass (SFM), vigour index (VI), and germination value (GV) in S. minor and SL, VI, and GV in species of P. anisum. In species of M. officinalis, smoke water enhanced parameters of RL, root/shoot ratio, and SFM. The species of N. sativa no had response to smoke. Potassium nitrate enhanced GS, SL, VI, and GV in P. anisum species, GS, SL, RL, TSL, SFM, VI, and GV in species of M. officinalis and SL in N. sativa. Pearson's correlation coefficients revealed significant relation between response to smoke and Potassium nitrate for germination percentage (0.577, p<0.01), germination speed (0.606, p<0.01), root/shoot ratio (cm) (p<0.01) and germination value (0.429, p<0.05) in the examined species.

Ploidy Determination and Agronomic Characterization of Small Burnet Germplasm

Small burnet (Sanguisorba minor Scop.) is an evergreen forb readily utilized by livestock and wildlife that lacks persistence under heavy grazing. Our objective was to characterize all available National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) small burnet germplasm for ploidy level and agronomic characteristics before initiating a breeding program. Ploidy level was determined by flow cytometry. Forage yield, flowering date, mortality, growth habit, and leafiness were determined at two locations in Utah. Of the materials tested 68% were tetraploids (2n = 4x = 28) and 32% octaploids (2n = 8x = 56). Significant variation was observed for all traits. Mean forage yield of the small burnet was 1.45 Mg ha−1, ranging from not measurable to 2.96 Mg ha−1 compared to Ladak alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at 2.28 mg ha−1 Flowering date varied among accessions by 12 d while mortality ranged from 0 to 100%. Variation was displayed in growth habit, including prostrate and upright forms, and leafiness. The range among accessions was similar within the two ploidy levels for all traits except flowering date which was 2 d earlier in the octaploids. It was shown that tetraploids and octaploids are present in roughly a 2:1 ratio in the NPGS small burnet germplasm. The forage production of some small burnet accessions can be comparable to alfalfa, and phenotypic variation is such that the germplasm has potential for improvement through recurrent selection.

Anti-ulcerogenic activity of some plants used in folk medicine of Pinarbasi (Kayseri, Turkey)

Several ethnomedicinal plant remedies used in Pinarbasi, Kayseri, in particular those which are used for the treatment of several peptic ulcer symptoms such as stomach ache, heartburn, etc. were selected for evaluation of their anti-ulcerogenic potential. In order to confirm the claimed activities, decoctions were prepared from aerial parts of Malva neglecta Wallr. (Malvaceae), leaves of Potentilla reptans L. (Rosaceae), fruits of Rumex patientia L. (Polygonaceae), aerial parts of Sanguisorba minor Scop. ssp. muricata (Spach) Briq. (Rosaceae), aerial parts of Sideritis caesarea Duman, Aytac&Baser (Lamiaceae), and flowers of Verbascum cheiranthifolium Boiss var. cheiranthifolium (Scrophulariaceae) according to their described folkloric applications. Pharmacological experiments clearly demonstrated that the extracts of all plants given orally showed significant gastric protection against the ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model in rats. Furthermore, healing effects were also confirmed through histopathological examination.

Grassland species response to soil disturbance and nutrient enrichment on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales

An experiment was established in an area of long-grazed temperate grassland on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales to investigate individual species response to mechanical soil disturbance and nutrient enrichment. Grazing was excluded for the duration of the experiment. The total species pool available in the experiment included 56 native and 24 exotic species recorded in the plots, as well as seven exotic species that were artificially introduced (i.e. sowing treatment). Eighteen months after treatment, total species richness was significantly lower under high soil disturbance (mean of 14.7 ± 0.85 species m–2) than under low (21.1 ± 0.67 species m–2) and moderately (21.7 ± 0.77 species m–2) disturbed conditions. Total species richness was not significantly affected by nutrient enrichment or sowing. Most of the annuals analysed were exotic and their relative cover increased with nutrient enrichment (Aira cupaniana Guss., Briza minor L. and Vulpia spp.), but was unresponsive to soil disturbance. Perennials showed varied responses, with the abundance of most decreasing with high soil disturbance and being unaffected by moderate soil disturbance levels. All four perennials favoured by high soil disturbance were exotic (Dactylis glomerata L., Lolium perenne L., Hypochaeris radicata L. and Sanguisorba minor Scop.); three of these were sown. Most perennials showed no significant response to nutrient enrichment, although the occurrence of a small number was either reduced (Aristida ramosa R.Br., A. warburgii Mez., H. radicata and S. minor) or increased (Carex inversa R.Br., D. glomerata, Fimbristylis dichotoma (L.) Vahl., Sporobolus creber De Nardi and Tricoryne elatior R.Br.). Most interactions (i.e. species response to one experimental factor depends on another experimental factor) occurred because few individuals survived on the severely soil-disturbed plots to respond to nutrient enrichment. However, in this particular grassland, the short-term response of most species to soil disturbance was independent of the level of nutrient enrichment.

Understory Species Response to Utah Juniper Litter

A greenhouse study was conducted to determine the effects of litter leachate and litter depth of Utah juniper [Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) Little] on seedling emergence and emergence rate of 8 common herbaceous understory species. Species tested were: ?Secar' bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegnaria spicata (Pursh) A. Love], bottlebrush squirreltail [Elymus elymoides (Raf.) Swezey], cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum L.), ?Paiute' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), ?Appar' Lewis flax (Linum lewisii Pursh), ?Delar' small burnet (Sanguisorba minor Scop.), antelope bitterbrush [Purhsia tridentata (Pursh) DC.], and mountain big sagebrush [Artemisia tridentata spp. vaseyana (Rydb.) J. Boivin]. Three water treatments (distilled water, 1%, and 10% litter leachates) and 3 litter depths (0, 3, and 5 cm) were tested. Leachates decreased seedling emergence of orchardgrass and small burnet. Emergence rate was unaffected by leachate treatments. Seedling emergence of all species tested decreased significantly with increasing litter depth. Emergence rate was initially slower in pots with litter, but after 2 weeks no differences were found. DOI:10.2458/azu_jrm_v56i1_horman