Native Plant Research Articles

The Goods and Services Offered by Native Plants from Wadi Degla Protected Area, Northeastern Desert, Egypt, A Conservation Perspective.

The Goods and Services Offered by Native Plants from Wadi Degla Protected Area, Northeastern Desert, Egypt, A Conservation Perspective.

Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on root foraging and competitive ability depends on soil phosphorus distribution: evidence from two pairs of invasive and native plants

Besides uptake of nutrients by roots, plants can acquire nutrients through arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF play a crucial role in plant growth and competition. However, few studies have investigated the effects of AMF on root foraging and competition between invasive and native species in response to heterogeneous nutrients. Two pairs of invasive and native plants of the Asteraceae family were selected to create a common garden experiment involving three factors (heterogeneous vs. homogeneous phosphorus (P), with vs. without AMF, and monoculture vs. mixture). The results showed that AMF significantly reduced the foraging scale of the invasive species, Bidens pilosa, and decreased the precision of the invasive species, Praxelis clematidea, and the native species, Emilia sonchifolia. In monoculture, AMF significantly decreased the total biomass of the two invasive species under heterogeneous P rather than homogeneous P, which was confirmed by N and P uptake. In mixture, heterogeneity significantly decreased the tolerance competitive ability of B. pilosa but increased that of P. clematidea. In the homogeneous P, AMF significantly decreased the suppression ability of B. pilosa, while in the heterogeneous P, AMF decreased that of P. clematidea. Heterogeneous P with AMF increased the suppression ability of B. pilosa but decreased that of P. clematidea. The interactive effects of AMF and soil P distribution on root foraging and nutrient uptake and competition differ among the four species and show invasive-native pair differences. These findings provide valuable insights into the interactive effects and highlight the context dependency of these interactions.

Where have all the flowers gone? A systematic evaluation of factors driving native terrestrial plant decline in North America

Prior to the arrival of Europeans in North America, forest and grasslands individually covered a 3rd of the conterminous United States; however, following the colonial and pioneer periods, respectively, these land cover categories were reduced to 70% and 50% of their original prominence. The dominant driving force for native land conversion was agriculture, which expanded exponentially from the Atlantic to the Pacific, comprising over half the total land area of America at its peak in 1950. However, farmland area has subsequently declined by 25%, so what has been driving native plant declines north of the 30th latitudinal parallel over the past 75 years? Analysis of recovery plans issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that of the over 900 plant species “listed” as threatened and endangered the primary driver of decline was invasive species, followed by habitat alteration, and development, which collectively accounted for 93.2% of the primary drivers for listed species. In Canada, these three drivers of decline were the primary drivers for 81% of listed species. Comparatively, herbicides were identified as the primary or secondary driver in 13 out of 1124 cases (1.2%). Given that agricultural land area is contracting in the U.S. and Canada, there appears to be a misconception that agrochemicals are the seminal cause of native plant decline. Here, we explore the individual contribution of drivers relative to the historical events of North America to provide context and perspective as well as focus and prioritize conservation efforts accordingly.

Population genetic diversity and structure of Tephritis angustipennis and Campiglossa loewiana (Diptera: Tephritidae) based on COI DNA barcodes in the three-river source region, China.

Tephritis angustipennis (Diptera: Tephritidae)and Campiglossa loewiana (Diptera: Tephritidae) are phytophagous pests in China. Their damage has significantly impacted the collection and cultivation of germplasm resources of native Asteraceae plants. However, the genetic characteristics and structure of their population are unclear. This study focused on the highly damaging species of T. angustipennis and C. loewiana collected from the three-river source region (TRSR). We amplified the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (mtCOI) gene sequences of these pests collected from this area and compared them with COI sequences from GenBank. We also analyzed their genetic diversity and structure. In T. angustipennis, 5 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between France population FRPY (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) and China populations GLJZ (from Dehe Longwa Village, Maqin County), GLDR (from Zhique Village, Dari County), and GLMQ (from Rijin Village, Maqin County) was the strongest. GLJZ exhibited strong genetic differentiation from GLDR and GLMQ, with relatively low gene flow. For C. loewiana, 11 haplotypes were identified from 5 geographic locations; the genetic differentiation between the Chinese population GLMQ-YY (from Yangyu Forest Farm, Maqin County) and Finnish population FDNL (from Nylandia, Uusimaa) was the strongest, with relatively low gene flow, possibly due to geographical barriers in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Only 1 haplotype was identified across GLDR, GLMQ, and GLBM. High gene flow between distant locations indicates that human activities or wind dispersal may facilitate the dispersal of fruit flies and across different geographic. Geostatistical analysis suggested a recent population expansion of these 2 species in TRSR. Our findings provide technical references for identifying pests in the TRSR region and theoretical support for managing resistance, monitoring pest occurrences, analyzing environmental adaptability, and formulating biological control strategies for Tephritidae pests on Asteraceae plants.

Little prairie under the panel: testing native pollinator habitat seed mix establishment at three utility-scale solar sites in Minnesota

As more land is being utilized for large-scale solar energy projects, there are increasing discussions from stakeholders on how to utilize land under solar panels to promote biodiversity. One path is to plant habitat beneficial to pollinators and other insects, but there have been few long-term studies that examine how different vegetation and seed mixes establish underneath solar panels. This study addresses a scientific gap to determine whether native pollinator seed mixes successfully establish over time under solar arrays using a systematic assessment of eight seed mixes planted at three utility-scale solar sites in Minnesota. We assess establishment with a percent native coverage metric, which is an assessment of native species observations compared to total observations during percent cover analyses in our vegetative test plots. The percent native coverage metric allows for a measurement of how the seed mix established and how the seed mix persists over time. The percent native coverage under and in between the solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays rose from 10% after one year of planting to 58% after three years across all sites, while the native coverage of the full sun control area rose from 9.6% to 70% under the same period, showing that native prairie and pollinator plants successfully established under the array, although to a lesser extent than in full sun conditions. Percent native coverage under the PV arrays rose 5- to 8-fold for each of the three sites from over the course of the study, while the coverage of weeds decreased for all three sites over the same period. Percent native coverage varied by seed mix over the project years, but every seed mix experienced a higher percent native coverage year after year under the PV arrays. Our results did not indicate a difference in establishment across placement within the array; the center, west, and east portions of the areas in between panels had similar establishment rates at two out of three sites, indicating that the same seed mix can be applied throughout the array. Out of 101 plant species seeded, we observed the establishment of 68 species in our vegetative test plots, and we detailed the top 20 observed species to inform future seed mix development. Based on these findings, native pollinator vegetation can establish over time at solar arrays, and it can be suitable for creating habitat at utility-scale solar sites.

Biological Activities of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Green Synthesized Using the Aqueous Extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss.

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. is known as a native medicinal plant of Iran. In this study, aqueous extract of D. kotschyi was used to synthesize ZnO-NPs. To produce ZnO-NPs, aerial parts of D. kotschyi were powdered and then macerated for obtaining aqueous extract, after that, aqueous extract was used to reduse zinc nitrate to ZnO-NPs. To confirm nanoparticles synthesis, SEM, TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, and XRD were used. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were studied for antimicrobial activities by microdilution method for calculating MIC and MBC. Analysis of ZnO-NPs confirmed successful synthesis by extract of D. kotschyi. The sizes of ZnO-NPs were estimated 50-200 nm in diameter. Antibacterial and antifungal experiments showed potent activities against Staphylococos aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. The results of the studies showed that the nanoparticles synthesized with the aqueous extract of D. kotschyi have a much greater antimicrobial effect than the aqueous extract of D. kotschyi and zinc nanoparticles, each alone (MIC values 3.7 to 7.5 mg/ml). The noteworthy point is that the inhibitory rate of synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles is higher compared to broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol (MIC values 15 mg/ml). Determining the therapeutic and toxic dose of this product for humans requires further investigation and clinical trials.

Anacyclus pyrethrum extracts: examination of bioactive compounds and therapeutic implications through in vivo, in vitro, and in silico assays

Anacyclus pyrethrum, a native Algerian medicinal plant, demonstrates notable therapeutic efficacy. The bioactive profile of the Anacyclus pyrethrum extract was examined using HPLC-UV-VIS, which showed a high concentration of phenolic compounds (33.46 ± 0.57 mg EAG/g EP) and flavonoids (11.08 ± 0.24 mg E Qu/g EP). The Anacyclus pyrethrum extract exhibited significant antioxidant activity in iron chelation (IC50 = 0.019 ± 0.0006 mg/ml) DPPH (IC50 = 0.142± 0.001 mg/ml), ABTS+ (IC50 = 0.079 ± 0.0005 mg/ml) and OH (IC50 = 0.845 ± 0.052mg/ml) radicals. Anti-inflammatory investigations were conducted using both in vitro and in silico methods. The in vitro testing involved evaluating the denaturation of egg albumin and BSA, while the in silico tests focused on measuring the effect of caffeic acid on the COX-2 protein. The anti-inflammatory capacity of the substance was similar to that of Aspirin, with a value of 76.1 ± 1.04% compared to Aspirin’s 81.11 ± 1.6%. Our extract exhibited a fatal dose (LD50) of 45.847 ± 1.661 mg/ml and showed significant antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 2.5 to 27.5 mg/ml. The findings emphasize the wide range of medicinal uses of Anacyclus pyrethrum, underscoring its significance in both traditional and modern pharmacology.

Impact of fire exclusion and aspect on soil carbon fractions in Afromontane grasslands, Cathedral Peak, South Africa

AbstractDespite the importance of South Africa's Afromontane grasslands for ecosystem services (water supply and biodiversity), soil organic carbon (SOC) research remains limited. These grasslands evolved with fire, and fire exclusion leads to native plant afforestation. This study investigated SOC fractions and origin to understand the impact of fire‐exclusion‐driven afforestation and aspect on SOC storage in Afromontane grasslands. This study in Cathedral Peak Research Catchments, initiated in the 1940s, compared an afforested fire‐excluded site (AF) to a periodically burnt (accidental fires, 2–5 years interval) grassland (PB) within the same catchment (Catchment‐IX). Additionally, it compared a south‐facing periodically burnt grassland (Catchment‐IX) to a north‐facing biennially burnt grassland (Catchment‐VI). Soil samples collected at soil‐depth increments (0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, 20–30, 30–60 and 60–100 cm) revealed that, within Catchment IX, PB had more topsoil SOC stocks and microbial activity than AF but similar active carbon (C) concentrations. As expected, δ13C values revealed that SOC in PB originates from C4 grasses, whilst it mostly originates from C3 plants in AF. The south‐facing slope (Catchment‐IX) had more SOC stocks, microbial activity and active C compared to the north‐facing slope (Catchment‐VI). Fire‐exclusion‐driven afforestation changed SOC input from roots to litter, thus reducing SOC storage. Cooler south‐facing slopes are better C reservoirs. Afromontane grasslands show greater potential for C sequestration than afforested systems.

Effects of tree and shrub species on soil quality, sediment detachment capacity caused by rills and surface slope stability in forest lands of Northern Iran

A root system is an important factor to increase soil resistance to detachment of soil particles. However, due to the large number of species, there is a need for studying the impacts of native plant species on soil quality and soil erodibility. This investigation did flume experiments at various soil slopes (9.2%, 18.1%, 25.1%, and 32.5%) and different water flow rates (0.56, 0.67, 0.74, 0.81, and 0.94 L/(m·s)), to evaluate sediment detachment capacity caused by rills (Dc) and rill erodibility (Kr) as well as the soil quality of hillslopes with three common species including Carpinus betulus (as a natural tree species), Alnus glutinosa (as a planted tree species) and Mespilus germanica (as a shrub species) in forestland of northern Iran. The variability of Dc has been associated with soil properties and root characteristics of Carpinus betulus. Dc was significantly lower (average, −45%) for soils under Carpinus betulus compared to soils with the two other plant species (p < 0.01). This was due to the higher values of soil properties including medium weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD), organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) as well as to the more extended root system, as confirmed by the negative correlations between Dc and the studied variables. Kr also was different among the studied soils and plant species. The root system of Carpinus betulus also played a useful role for increasing soil resistance to rill erosion yielding a safety factor (1.61) in the studied forest ecosystem. Overall, the current study supports a broader use of native species (such as Carpinus betulus) in areas exposed to surface erosion and instability, as an effective eco-engineering conservation technique and an alternative technology instead of utilizing artificial and expensive management practices.

Peptide derived from plant defensins: A promising 68Ga radiolabelled agent for diagnostic of infection foci in PET.

The development of new radiopharmaceuticals for the detection of hidden infection foci has great relevance for early detection and the selection of the correct treatment, particularly in immunosuppressed patients. In that sense, the labelling of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) that are capable of binding specifically to the pathogenic microorganism which causes the infection, should provide a sufficiently specific agent, able to distinguish an infection from a sterile inflammation. Defensins are particularly interesting molecules with antimicrobial activity, the EcgDf1 defensin was identified from the genome of a Uruguayan native plant, Erythrina crista-galli, the 'Ceibo' tree. Our group has previously reported a synthetic biologically active short analogue EcgDf21 (ERFTGGHCRGFRRRCFCTKHC) successfully labelled with 99mTc. Herein we present a shorter analogue which also preserves the γ-core domain, as a pharmacophore for a potential infection detection agent. This peptide was derivatized with the bifunctional chelating agent 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA) through a lysine linker in the amino-terminal group (NOTA-KGHCRGFRRRC) and radiolabelled with 68Ga ([68Ga]Ga-NOTA-K-EcgDf1(10)). The [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-K-EcgDf1(10) labelling procedure rendered a product with high radiochemical purity and stability in the labelling milieu. The Log P value indicated that the complex has a hydrophilic behaviour, confirmed by the biodistribution profile. The [68Ga]Ga-NOTA-K-EcgDf1(10) complex demonstrated specific binding to cultures of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Its biodistribution showed renal elimination and low accumulation in the rest of the body. It was possible to successfully differentiate sterile inflammation from infection by PET images in nude mice with a target/non-target ratio of 3.3 for C. albicans and 3.7 for A. niger, respectively.

Vegetative growth drives the negative effects of an invasive species on resident community diversity and is not limited by plant-soil feedbacks: A temporal assessment.

Many pathways of invasion have been posited, but ecologists lack an experimental framework to identify which mechanisms are dominant in a given invasion scenario. Plant-soil feedbacks (PSFs) are one such mechanism that tend to initially facilitate, but over time attenuate, invasive species' impacts on plant diversity and ecosystem function. PSFs are typically measured under greenhouse conditions and are often assumed to have significant effects under field conditions that change over time. However, direct tests of PSFs effects in natural settings and their change over time are rare. Here we compare the role of PSFs with the effects of biomass in limiting the dominance of an invasive species and impacts on resident species diversity. We characterized the effects of the invader Bromus inermis (Leyss.) on native plant communities over time and measured changes in its conspecific PSFs and vegetative growth to understand their integrated effects on community diversity. To do so, we combined data from a 6-year field study documenting the rate and impacts of invasion with a short-term greenhouse experiment quantifying PSF as a function of time since invasion in the field. We found that the nature and strength of B. inermis PSFs did not change over time and were not mediated by soil microbial communities. Though PSFs impacted B. inermis reproduction, they did not sufficiently limit vegetative growth to diminish the negative impacts of B. inermis biomass on native species. B. inermis experienced the full strength of its negative PSFs immediately upon invasion, but they were ineffective at reducing B. inermis vigor to facilitate the recovery of the native plant community. We recommend that conservation efforts focus on limiting B. inermis vegetative growth to facilitate community recovery.

Phylogeny, biogeography, and host range of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) feeding on spores of rust fungi (Basidiomycota: Pucciniales).

Rust fungi (Pucciniales) are plant pathogens that can cause devastating yield losses to economically important crops and threaten native plants with extinction. Rusts are usually controlled with fungicides when rust-resistant plant varieties are unavailable. However, natural enemies may offer an alternative to chemicals by acting as biological controls. The larvae of Mycodiplosis Rübsaamen (49 spp.) feed on the spores of rusts and powdery mildew fungi and have been suggested as a potential biocontrol candidate for disease-causing rusts. However, little is known about the phylogenetic relationships, biogeography, and host range of this genus. We screened 5,665 rust specimens from fungarium specimens and field collections and recovered a total of 363 larvae on 315 rust specimens from 17 countries. Three mitochondrial and 2 nuclear loci were amplified and sequenced for the phylogenetic reconstruction of 129 individuals. We recovered 12 clades, of which 12 and 10 were supported with maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, respectively. Of the 12 clades, 7 comprised species from multiple continents and climatic regions, and 5 comprised species from a single region. Individuals forming clades were collected from 2 to 18 rust species, suggesting that Mycodiplosis species have a broad host range. In total, Mycodiplosis larvae were identified on 44 different rust species collected from 18 plant families. Future studies should focus on expanding field sampling efforts, including data from additional gene regions, and incorporating morphological data to further elucidate species diversity and distribution patterns.

Chemical Profiling of Drimys granadensis (Winteraceae) Essential Oil, and Their Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticholinesterase Properties.

A complete and comprehensive chemical and biological study of Drimys granadensis, a native Ecuadorian aromatic plant, was conducted. By conventional steam distillation from dried leaves, a yellowish, translucent essential oil (EO) with a density of 0.95 and a refractive index of 1.5090 was obtained. The EO was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and an FID detector (GC/FID), respectively. Enantiomeric distribution was also carried out by GC/MS using a chiral selective column (diethyl tert-butylsilyl-BETA-cyclodextrin). The microdilution broth method was employed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the EO against a panel of opportunistic microorganisms. Antioxidant capacity was measured using diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. Finally, the inhibitory potential of the EO against acetylcholinesterase was also valued. Sixty-four chemical compounds, constituting 93.27% of the total composition, were identified, with major components including γ-muurolene (10.63%), spathulenol (10.13%), sabinene (5.52%), and δ-cadinene (4.22%). The characteristic taxonomic marker of the Drimys genus, Drimenol, was detected at very low percentages (<2%). Two pairs of enantiomers ((1S,5R)-(+)-α-pinene/(1S,5S)-(-)-α-pinene; (1S,5R)-(+)-β-pinene/(1S,5S)-(-)-β-pinene) and one pure enantiomer (1R,4S)-(-)-camphene were identified. Regarding antimicrobial potency, the EO exhibited a significant moderate effect on Listeria monocytogenes with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 250 µg/mL, while with the remaining microorganisms, it exerted less potency, ranging from 500 to 2000 µg/mL. The EO displayed moderate effects against the ABTS radical with a half scavenging capacity of 210.48 µg/mL and no effect against the DPPH radical. The most notable effect was noticed for acetylcholinesterase, with a half inhibition concentration (IC50) of 63.88 ± 1.03 µg/mL. These antiradical and anticholinesterase effects hint at potential pharmacological applications in Alzheimer's disease treatment, although the presence of safrole, albeit in low content (ca. 2%), could limit this opportunity. Further in vivo studies are necessary to fully understand their potential applications.

Product Development Strategy Of Durian Peresak Fruit Nature Tourism In West Lombok Regency West Nusa Tenggara

Indonesia has extraordinary tourism potential which consists of natural, cultural and artificial potential and isspread throughout the archipelago, Natural potential is flora or plants from which leaves, wood, fruit, flowers,and root oil are taken and processed into bio briquettes. Plants in Indonesia come from native Indonesia andsome plants came from other countries during the colonial period as export commodities with high economicvalue, such as spices, tea, coffee, vanilla, and so on. The existence of this plant is even able to attract the attentionof other nations to come to Indonesia. The spread of this plant starts from western to eastern IndonesiaOne of the Indonesian islands is Lombok Island in West Nusa Tenggara Province. Tourism on Lombok Island isincreasingly developing in line with government policies and the increasing number of investors who invest inof the tourism sector. Growth of tourism on this island is growing because the natural conditions of LombokIsland are suitable for the growth of various unique flora including the peresak durian that has been recognizedby many parties as having potential and superiority, unfortunately, the income from selling Peresak Durian isstill limited so it only serves as additional income for residents when the harvest season arrives. It is necessaryto think about a development strategy using using SWOT an analysis that describes the strength, a weakness,an opportunity, and a threat.Keywords: Development Strategy, Durian Peresak, Natural Tourism Products, SWOT Analysis.

CIPLUKAN’S ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS: MECHANISMS UNCOVERED

Background: Ciplukan (Physalis angulata Linn) is a native American plant widely distributed in tropical regions including Indonesia. This herb has been used as a traditional ingredient to treat inflammation as well as other diseases. Ciplukan’s anti-inflammatory effects are thought to be triggered by the active compounds in the various parts of the herb. Objective: This review aims to describe the herb’s anti-inflammatory effects and its mechanisms. Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles using Boolean operations with keywords related to Physalis angulata and inflammatory components. We included literature in English and Indonesian without limiting the publication time range. Results: Ciplukan has an anti-inflammatory effect by regulating inflammatory mediators, inhibiting immune signaling pathways, and the genes associated with the immune system.

Unveiling the Medicinal Potential of Berberis aristata: A Traditional Native Plant of Uttarakhand

Since ancient times, indigenous medicinal system of India has included herbal plants as a traditional source of medicine. India is known as a rich repository of medicinal plants, and one such plant is Berberis aristata which belongs to the family Berberidaceae which grows mainly in the sub-Himalayan region and the Nilgiri Hills of Southern India. Berberis aristata is used as traditional medicine in various communities to treat eye disorders, piles, osteoporosis, joint pain, skin diseases, malaria, diarrhoea, dysentery, fever, allergic conditions, ophthalmia, metabolic disorders and during menopause. The plant contains various phytochemical constituents, mainly alkaloids like berberine, oxyberberine, berbamine, aromoline, karachine, palmatine, oxyacanthine, and taxilamine. Berberine, the major alkaloid, is found in roots, stem bark, rhizomes, and leaves, with the highest concentration in the roots. Various pharmacological properties of Berberis aristata have been reported such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-microbial, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective and improved reproductive health. This review aims to highlight the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Berberis aristata which will be helpful to give insights on medicinal utility of the plant. Although more elaborated clinical trials and studies at molecular level will be required to fully understand and validate these properties.

Black Fruit Plant (Haplolobus Monticola) Ethanolic Extract as a Good Source of Chemical Compound Content with The Potential as A Safe Antioxidant and Antibacterial Agent

Black fruit is a native Papuan plant that faces extinction if it is not propagated. The availability of scientific information on the potential use of black fruit can help proliferate this plant. This study investigates the potential of black fruit plants in the leaves and flesh of the fruit using extraction, characterization, and extract activity testing. Extraction was carried out by maceration using a 96% ethanol solvent. Characterization was carried out by FTIR, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, and phytochemical screening. The antioxidant activity test was carried out by the DPPH method, the antibacterial test was carried out by the well diffusion method, and the toxicity test was carried out by the BSLT (Brine Shrimp Lethality Test) method. The results showed that the ethanol extract of black fruit flesh separated into two layers when stored in the refrigerator, while the leaf extract did not. Leaf extract is richer in phytochemical content compared to fruit flesh. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were higher in leaf extracts than in fruit pulp extracts. Toxicity test results showed that the ethanol extract of black fruit leaves has the potential to be used as a food additive for antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The potential benefits of the ethanol extract of black fruit leaves and flesh can encourage cultivation and post-harvest management of this plant.

Solidago gigantea invasion homogenizes soil properties and native plant communities

Solidago gigantea invasion homogenizes soil properties and native plant communities

Assembly, Persistence, and Disassembly Dynamics of Quaternary Caribbean Frugivore Communities.

AbstractHow communities assemble and restructure is of critical importance to ecological theory, evolutionary theory, and conservation, but long-term perspectives on the patterns and processes of community assembly are rarely integrated into traditional community ecology, and the utility of communities as an ecological concept has been repeatedly questioned in part because of a lack of temporal perspective. Through a synthesis of paleontological and neontological data, I reconstruct Caribbean frugivore communities over the Quaternary (2.58 million years ago to present). Numerous Caribbean frugivore lineages arise during periods coincident with the global origins of plant-frugivore mutualisms. The persistence of many of these lineages into the Quaternary is indicative of long-term community stability, but an analysis of Quaternary extinctions reveals a nonrandom loss of large-bodied mammalian and reptilian frugivores. Anthropogenic impacts, including human niche construction, underlie the recent reorganization of frugivore communities, setting the stage for continued declines and evolutionary responses in plants that have lost mutualistic partners. These impacts also support ongoing and future introductions of invader complexes: introduced plants and frugivores that further exacerbate native biodiversity loss by interacting more strongly with one another than with native plants or frugivores. This work illustrates the importance of paleontological data and perspectives in conceptualizing ecological communities, which are dynamic and important entities.

Naturally diverse plant communities do not resist invasion by the strong competitor, Microstegium vimineum.

Theory predicts and empirical studies have shown that ecologically manipulated communities with high species diversity are resistant to invasion, but do these predictions and results hold true when applied to highly competitive invaders in natural communities? Few studies of diversity-mediated invasion resistance have measured both invasion resistance and invader impact in the same study. We used a two-year field experiment to test: (1) diversity-mediated competitive resistance to patch expansion by the grass, Microstegium vimineum; and (2) the competitive effect of M. vimineum on resident plant diversity. We examined responses of M. vimineum to two native plant density-reduction treatments that had opposite effects on species diversity: (1) reducing species richness via the removal of rare species; and (2) reducing dominance by reducing the density of the dominant resident species. We examined the effects of M. vimineum reduction by pre-emergent herbicide on resident diversity in the second year of the study. Neither rare species removal nor dominant species reduction significantly increased M. vimineum density (relative growth rate). The pre-emergent herbicide dramatically reduced M. vimineum in year 2 of the study, but not most resident plants, which were perennials and indirectly benefited from the herbicide at a more productive site, presumably due to reduced competition from M. vimineum. Diversity-mediated resistance did not effectively deter invasion by a highly competitive invader. In the case of M. vimineum and at more productive sites, it would appear that nearly complete removal of this invader is necessary to preserve plant species diversity.