Paulownia Tomentosa Research Articles

First Report of Pythium myriotylum Causing Stem and Root Rot of Kidney Bean in Taiwan

HomePlant DiseaseVol. 107, No. 3First Report of Pythium myriotylum Causing Stem and Root Rot of Kidney Bean in Taiwan PreviousNext DISEASE NOTE OPENOpen Access licenseFirst Report of Pythium myriotylum Causing Stem and Root Rot of Kidney Bean in TaiwanY. R. Liang and F. C. LiaoY. R. Liang†Corresponding author: Y. R. Liang; E-mail Address: [email protected]https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9232-3936Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Taichung 41358, TaiwanSearch for more papers by this author and F. C. LiaoTaiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Taichung 41358, TaiwanSearch for more papers by this authorAffiliationsAuthors and Affiliations Y. R. Liang † F. C. Liao Taiwan Agricultural Chemicals and Toxic Substances Research Institute, Taichung 41358, Taiwan Published Online:14 Feb 2023https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-06-22-1464-PDNAboutSectionsView articlePDFSupplemental ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailWechat View articleKidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris Linn.) are widely grown in central and southern Taiwan. In June 2021, kidney beans showing stem and root rot symptoms were observed in a 3,000 m2 plot in Xinyi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan (23.62°N, 120.87°E; with around 600 plants). About 15% of the plants on site displayed similar symptoms with stem and root rot. Small pieces (3 to 4 mm) of affected tissue were surface disinfected by immersion in 0.6% sodium hypochlorite for 5 min, rinsed twice in sterile distilled water, and placed on a V8 agar plate. Plates were incubated at 28°C for 24 h in the dark. A Pythium-like organism was consistently isolated. Genomic DNA was extracted from one of the isolates using a DNA extraction kit (Kaneka Easy DNA Extraction Kit version 2; Takasago, Japan). The identities were confirmed by the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence (accession no. MZ994503), which had 100% homology with KY019264.1; and the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) (Robideau et al. 2011) sequence (accession no. OK513021), which had 100% homology with MT222434.1. For morphological characterization, the pathogen was cultured on V8 agar to produce oogonia (24 to 27 μm), lobulate sporangia, and zoospores. Isolates were identified as P. myriotylum based on morphological characteristics (Watanabe 2002) and ITS and COI sequences. Koch’s postulates were completed in the greenhouse on kidney beans at the four- to five-leaf stage. Six plants were inoculated with a 3-mm mycelial plug of 3-day-old V8 plates and the plugs were placed beside the collar of these plants without wounding. Four control plants were inoculated with a 3-mm water agar plug using the same method. All plants were kept in wet plastic bags (near 100% relative humidity) at 25 ± 2°C for 48 h and maintained in a growth chamber with a 12-h photoperiod. The experiment was repeated twice. Two days after inoculation, symptoms similar to the original were observed on the inoculated plants. Koch’s postulates were confirmed by reisolating the same pathogen from diseased plants and sequencing the same ITS region. Control plants remained symptomless. P. myriotylum has previously been described as infecting a wide range of plants in temperate and tropical regions (Perneel et al. 2006). It has been described occurring on ginger (Zingiber officinale), peanut (Arachis hypogaea), rape (Brassica rapa var. rapa), lettuce (Lactuca sp.), tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), and royal paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) in Taiwan. To our knowledge, this is the first report of root rot on kidney bean caused by P. myriotylum in Taiwan.The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Impact of Salinity on the Energy Transfer between Pigment-Protein Complexes in Photosynthetic Apparatus, Functions of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex and Photochemical Activities of Photosystem II and Photosystem I in Two Paulownia Lines.

The present study shows the effect of salinity on the functions of thylakoid membranes from two hybrid lines of Paulownia: Paulownia tomentosa x fortunei and Paulownia elongate x elongata, grown in a Hoagland solution with two NaCl concentrations (100 and 150 mM) and different exposure times (10 and 25 days). We observed inhibition of the photochemical activities of photosystem I (DCPIH2 → MV) and photosystem II (H2O → BQ) only after the short treatment (10 days) with the higher NaCl concentration. Data also revealed alterations in the energy transfer between pigment-protein complexes (fluorescence emission ratios F735/F685 and F695/F685), the kinetic parameters of the oxygen-evolving reactions (initial S0-S1 state distribution, misses (α), double hits (β) and blocked centers (SB)). Moreover, the experimental results showed that after prolonged treatment with NaCl Paulownia tomentosa x fortunei adapted to the higher concentration of NaCl (150 mM), while this concentration is lethal for Paulownia elongata x elongata. This study demonstrated the relationship between the salt-induced inhibition of the photochemistry of both photosystems and the salt-induced changes in the energy transfer between the pigment-protein complexes and the alterations in the Mn cluster of the oxygen-evolving complex under salt stress.

A carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 from Paulownia tomentosa determines visual and aroma signals in flowers

Paulownia tomentosa is an economically important fast-growing tree, and its flowers and fruits are a rich source of biologically active secondary metabolites. In addition, the flowers of P. tomentosa are distinguished by a strong aroma and are also excellent nectariferous plants. The flowers are pale lilac and characterized by the presence of yellow nectar guides, whose color changes during the development of the flower, representing reliable signals to pollinators while enhancing reproductive success. The chemical analyses of the nectar guides revealed the presence of carotenoids as the pigments responsible for the observed coloration, with β-carotene levels determining the color changes observed after anthesis, with a reduction at anthesis and further increase and accumulation in post anthesis. To understand how β-carotene accumulation was controlled in the nectar guides, the expression of genes related to carotenoid biosynthesis and metabolism was analyzed. Carotenogenic gene expression was not associated with the observed changes in β-carotene during flower development. However, the expression of a gene encoding a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase, CCD4–4, was co-related with the levels of β-carotene in the nectar guides. In addition, CCD4–4 cleavage β-carotene at C9-C10 and C9'-C10' positions, resulting in the generation of β-ionone, which was detected in flowers at anthesis. The obtained results indicated a developmental stage specific regulation of apocarotenoid formation through β-carotene cleavage, resulting in color changes and volatile production as key traits for plant-pollinator interactions. Data availabilityData will be made available on request.

Effects of Energy Crop Monocultures and Sewage Sludge Fertiliser on Soils and Earthworm Community Attributes

Biomass is one of the most significant renewable energy sources. Doubts arise from large-area plantations of energy monocultures, which can lead to the depletion of, and a decrease in, soil biodiversity. Community association analyses of Lumbricidae may help to indicate environmental change. Therefore, the study objectives were to determine the qualitative and quantitative diversity of Lumbricids in plantations of energy crops—basket willow (Salix viminalis L.), foxglove tree (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.), and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.)—by investigating the following cultivation treatments: SV and SVSS—S. viminalis without (w/o) and with the addition of sewage sludge to the soil (+SS); PT and PTSS—P. tomentosaw/o and + SS; RP and RPSS—R. pseudoacaciaw/o and +SS; and MW—meadow community. A significantly higher density (p < 0.05) and biomass (p < 0.05) of earthworms were found in the SV and SVSS plantations than in other sites. The application of sewage sludge contributed to a significant increase in the mean number and biomass of all Lumbricids within cultivations of S. viminalis and R. pseudoacacia, which were significantly higher than those in the control site. This work suggests that woody energy crop production with an appropriate selection of plants and fertilisation can be a favourable habitat for the development of earthworm populations.

Impact of Enterococcus italicus ONU547 on the growth and acclimatization of micropropagated Rubus fruticosus L. and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. plants to ex vitro conditions.

Clonal micropropagation is an effective method for plant reproduction, applicable in both scientific and industrial domains. However, a significant number of microclones are lost during the ex vitro acclimatization process. To address this, the introduction of beneficial microorganisms into the rhizosphere of micropropagated plants could have a positive effect on the survival rates and external characteristics of acclimatized plantlets. The aim of this study was to determine the protective and growth-promoting potential of Enterococcus italicus ONU547 and its effect on micropropagated plants during acclimatization. The antagonistic activity of the bacteria was determined using the agar block method. Lepidium sativum L. seeds were inoculated with bacterial suspensions at concentrations of 106, 107, and 108 CFU/ml. Subsequently, the roots of the microclones were treated with suspensions of 106 and 107 CFU/ml, and biometric characteristics were measured. The results demonstrated antagonistic properties against various phytopathogenic fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria alternata, Alternaria tenuissima, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Penicillium expansum, and Paecilomyces variotii. Inoculation of L. sativum L. seeds resulted in improved germination rates, increased root numbers, and enhanced root and shoot lengths. Similarly, the effects of the studied bacteria on Rubus fruticosus L. and Paulownia tomentosa Steud. during the acclimatization stage led to higher survival rates, increased shoot lengths, greater node numbers, and larger leaf areas. A concentration of 107 CFU/ml was identified as optimal for inoculating the microclones. The findings indicate that E. italicus ONU547 holds promise for the inoculation of micropropagated plants during the acclimatization process. Further research is recommended to establish the specific interaction mechanisms between these bacteria and plants.

RESEARCH ON SEED GERMINATION STIMULATION AT PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA THUNB. STEUD.

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Sieb. & Zucc. Ex Steud. (syn. P. Imperialis Sieb. & Zucc.), is a native species to China, popularly being called “Princess Tree”. In Romania, the species is sensitive to the early frosts, which cause frostbite of non-lignified stems. Unprotected trees can be destroyed to ground level, but recover vigorously from shoots. Paulownia tomentosa is an invasive species introduced to the US from China as an ornamental and landscape tree in the mid-1800s. The family name derives from its genus Paulownia Siebold & Zucc., 1835 whose name was given in honour of the Danish princess Anna Paulowna or Pavlovna (1795-1865), the consort of King William II of the Netherlands and the daughter of Tsar Paul I of Russia (Gledhill, D., 2008). The aim of the research was to speed up the germination of Paulownia tomentosa seeds with Nitrozyme (based upon a highly concentrated and purified extract of marine kelp) in different concentrations: 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 0.7%, 0.9%. The germination capacity of the seeds decreases from the moment of dispersal even in optimal conditions of storage in the laboratory. In the case of treated seeds with 0.1% Nitrozyme the values of height and diameter of the seedling increased slightly.

A potential host and virus targeting tool against COVID-19: Chemical characterization, antiviral, cytoprotective, antioxidant, respiratory smooth muscle relaxant effects of Paulownia tomentosa Steud

COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly emerging infectious disease that spread across the world, caused by the novel coronavirus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite the advancements in science that led to the creation of the vaccine, there is still an urgent need for new antiviral drugs effective against SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral effect of Paulownia tomentosa Steud extract against SARS-CoV-2 and to evaluate its antioxidant properties, including respiratory smooth muscle relaxant effects. Our results showed that P. tomentosa extract can inhibit viral replication by directly interacting with both the 3-chymotrypsin-like protease and spike protein. In addition, the phyto complex does not reduce lung epithelial cell viability and exerts a protective action in those cells damaged by tert-butyl hydroperoxide , a toxic agent able to alter cells’ functions via increased oxidative stress. These data suggest the potential role of P. tomentosa extract in COVID-19 treatment, since this extract is able to act both as an antiviral and a cytoprotective agent in vitro.

C4 photosynthesis in Paulownia? A case of inaccurate citations

Societal Impact StatementC4 photosynthesis is an ultra‐efficient mode of photosynthesis found in some of our most productive crop species yet is notably rare in trees. Given C4 photosynthesis is associated with high yield in herbaceous species, especially under hot and dry conditions, C4 trees may seem an attractive prospect for biomass production and carbon sequestration in a rapidly changing climate. This may explain why some in the literature have optimistically linked C4 photosynthesis with the exceptionally fast‐growing tree Paulownia. However, this claim is lacking in evidence and represents an example of poor citation practices leading to the spread of misinformation.Summary The rapid growth of trees in genus Paulownia (Paulowniaceae) has been attributed in the literature to their use of C4 photosynthesis, a complex trait that confers increased photosynthetic efficiency under certain environmental conditions. After careful examination of citations used to support the idea that Paulownia species use C4 photosynthesis, we find that there is no data underpinning this claim. Despite this, many investment schemes utilise information about the physiology of Paulownia, including photosynthetic type, to legitimise the use of Paulownia trees for financial investment and carbon offsetting. This study uses leaf physiology, anatomy and stable isotope data to determine whether or not three species in Paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa, Paulownia fortunei and Paulownia kawakamii) use C4 photosynthesis. These data are compared with existing data for C3 and C4 woody species in the literature. We show that the leaf physiology, anatomy and stable isotope phenotypes of the three Paulownia trees considered in the study are not consistent with those of C4 plants. Our findings highlight how inaccurate citation of scientific findings can contribute to the spread of misinformation beyond the scientific community, as some of those promoting investments in Paulownia plantations reference the photosynthetic superiority of Paulownia as a means to legitimise its use in carbon offsetting.

Quality characteristics of the selected variant of Paulownia tomentosa (Robust4) wood cultivated in Hungary

Besides the continuously increasing demand for wood, the significant increase in its price also contributes to the increasingly broader use of fast-growing wood species and cultivars. Newer variants are continue to be cross-bred as a result. In case of a new variant within a species, it is questionable how it would adapt to a particular climatic environment and the quality of wood it would yield. The characteristics of the Paulownia tomentosa (Robust4) wood obtained from Hungarian plantations of are generally identical to those of the Paulownia tomentosa. The value of the air dry density - as typically for paulownia species- are very low i.e. 273 kg/m3. Its strength values (compressive strength: 9,6 MPa; tensile strength: 39,3 MPa; bending strength: 41,7 MPa; modulus of elasticity: 4116 MPa; impact bending strength: 1,4 J/cm2) also reach, and in some cases, exceed those of the Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. and the Paulownia Clone in vitro 112 variant. Based on these, we can expect the same wood quality from the Robust4 version as from the other paulownia variants.

Comparative Study of Biochemical Composition of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. Genotypes

The review of previous studies on Paulownia spp. showed that these plants are valuable raw materials with polyfunctional use among which are medicinal, forage, energetic, etc. This study demonstrated the accumulation of selected biochemical components in the different parts of Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud. genotypes plants by the end of vegetation collected from experimental collections of M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The accumulation of selected nutrients in the leaves was the following: a dry matter of 24.09–29.44%, lipid content of 5.01–8.58%, total sugar content of 5.51–9.82%, mono sugar content of 1.73–6.17%, ash content of 1.09–8.96%, phosphorus content of 0.47–1.60%, calcium content of 1.41–3.43%, and heating value of raw material of 4,083.09–4,353.11 Kcal.kg-1. In the branches of investigated genotypes on average accumulated 37.5–46.0% of dry matter, 3.69–6.52% of lipids, 6.66–19.96% of total sugar content, 1.95–5.75% of mono sugar content, 1.43–2.93% of ash content, 0.38–0.89% of phosphorus content, 0.515–1.61% of calcium content, and 3,911.45–4,290.78 Kcal.kg-1of heating value. The trunks had 40.09–51.5% of dry matter, 2.0–6.14% of lipids, 6.44–20.48% of sugars, 1.6–3.67% of mono sugars, 1.18–2.53% of ash, 0.22–0.40% of phosphorus, 0.37–0.63% of calcium, and 4,073.45–4,525.28 Kcal.kg-1 of heating value. A very strong correlation was found between sugars and mono sugars content in the leaves (r = 0.859), lipids and phosphorus (r = 0.864) in the branches, heating value, and calcium (r = 0.820) in the trunks. Due to the increasing interest in the growth and use of P. tomentosa during the last time, this study can be useful for further breeding work with this species as biofuel, forage, and medicinal plants.

Features of creating fast-growing and multifunctional field-protecting forest strips in the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine

To ensure the maximum protection of agricultural crops from climatic factors unfavorable for their growth and development, it is necessary to create an optimal number of field protection forest strips. In particular, for the Forest-Steppe zone of Ukraine, less than half of the optimal needs are available, which indicates an urgent need for their additional creation. The expediency of creating fast-growing and multifunctional field forest strips is substantiated, and the productivity of new bioenergy crops during their formation for use in beekeeping and as biofuel is determined. For this purpose, a model of the artificial formation of a forest strip with its possible further exploitation is proposed. The most optimal one is to develop the concept of creating field forest strips with the use of multifunctional tree species, which, in addition to the function of wind, water and dust retention, will also perform other economic tasks. In particular, along with their intended purpose, they can be used as raw materials for biofuel production and as early honey plants. For the accelerated creation of field protection forest strips, it is advisable to use mixed 6–8- row plantings, where the middle 2–3 rows are planted with the involvement of tree species, including the use of species valuable as raw materials for beekeeping. These forest strips are complemented on both sides by planted strips of energy crops, which are important for beekeeping and are a valuable resource for obtaining fuel raw materials. For this purpose, it is advisable to plant 10–12 thousand pieces on one hectare poplar cuttings (Populus sp.), 1250 pieces of paulownia plants (Paulownia tomentosa Steud.) with a row width of 2×4 m and 17–18 thousand pieces cuttings of energy willow (Salix viminalis L.). It is also possible to replace part of the poplar cuttings with cuttings of common robinia (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and linden (Tilia cordata Mill.). The creation of such plantations near settlements will contribute to their significant use of raw materials and will be quite effective in carrying out their main function of ecological stabilization of agro-landscapes.

Plant-based nano-fertilizer prepared from Paulownia Tomentosa: fabrication, characterization, and application on Ocimum basilicum

BackgroundThe use of hazardous and toxic chemical material has become limited by the green synthesis of nano-particles (NPs) from plants and other living organisms. In the current study, a new nano-fertilizer was green synthesized from Paulownia tomentosa leaves and then its effectiveness in alleviation of drought stress in Ocimum basilicum was investigated. Five concentrations of nano-fertilizer (0, 50, 70, 90 and 110 ppm) at three irrigation regimes including 100% of field capacity (IRF100), 75% of field capacity (IRF75), and 50% of field capacity (IRF50) were evaluated. Nano-fertilizers were prepared using the green hydrothermal method.ResultsBased on TEM analyses nanoparticles sizes were 5–8 nm. The results of FTIR appearance indicated the main distinctive peaks of the Paulownia-based nano-fertilizer (NFPs) in the spectrum. In addition, the nitrogen peaks in the XPS spectra indicate that the prepared carbon dots NFPs are nitrogen-doped. Moreover, there are functional groups, such as COOH or OH groups on the surface of Paulownia-based nano-fertilizer (NFPs). The results illustrated that drought stress increased proline (73%), alcohol-soluble carbohydrates (78%), and malondialdehyde (41%) in comparison with normal irrigation; in contrast, soluble proteins (73%), Chlorophyll a (46%), Chlorophyll b (39%), Chlorophyll total (42%), and carotenoid (77%) were reduced in the same condition. The O. basilicum biological yield was reduced in moderate (12.40%) and severe (24.42%) drought stress in comparison with full irrigation conditions (IRF100). Paulownia-based nano-fertilizer (NFPs) caused an increase in soluble proteins and photosynthetic pigments. Application of NFP-90 reduced the production of proline and malondialdehyde, respectively, 51.8% and 30.8% compared to non-application under severe stress conditions, which indicates alleviated the adverse effect of drought stress. The highest biological yield of basil was obtained at a 110 ppm concentration of NFPs.ConclusionOverall, results showed that using NPs biosynthesized from Paulownia leaves could be an economically and environmentally friendly method as a nano-fertilizer.Graphical

Characterization of a Translucent Material Produced from Paulownia tomentosa Using Peracetic Acid Delignification and Resin Infiltration

Paulownia tomentosa, a tree species that allows for efficient production of translucent wood, was selected as an experimental wood species in this study, and a two-step process of delignification and polymer impregnation was performed. For delignification, 2–4 mm thick specimens were immersed in peracetic acid for 8 h. The delignified-wood specimens were impregnated using epoxy, a commercial transparent polymer. To identify the characteristics of the resulting translucent wood, the transmittance and haze of each type of wood section (cross- and tangential) were measured, while bending strength was measured using a universal testing machine. The translucent wood varied in properties according to the wood section, and the total transmittance and haze were 88.0% and 78.5% for the tangential section and 91.3% and 96.2% for the cross-section, respectively. For the bending strength, untreated wood showed values of approximately 4613.5 MPa modulus of elasticity (MOE), while the epoxy impregnation to improve the strength of the wood had increased the MOE up to approximately 6089.9 MPa, respectively. A comparative analysis was performed in this study with respect to the substitution of balsa, which is used widely in the production of translucent wood. The results are anticipated to serve as baseline data for the functionalization of translucent wood.

The effects of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) leaf extract enriched diets on meat quality, sensory attributes, and the potential economic impact of broilers

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of paulownia (Paulownia tomentosa) leaf extract (PLE) enriched diets on the quality of meat and the economic efficiency of broiler chickens. A total of 180 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to four treatments with five replications each (9 birds per replicate). The chickens were fed corn-soybean-based diets supplemented with different levels of PLE (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 g kg−1) for 42 days. The results showed that the inclusion of up to 0.5 g kg−1 PLE in the diet of broiler chickens significantly improved the live body weight, carcase weight, and carcase components (liver, heart, and gizzard) weights compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Enriched broiler diets with 0.5 g kg−1 of PLE significantly reduced collagen and lipid content as well as increased total protein levels in both breast and thigh muscle compared to the un-supplemented group (P < 0.001). Subjective evaluation of the breast meat showed a significant linear improvement in flavour and juiciness of meat samples from birds fed with dietary PLE in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Supplementation with different levels of PLE significantly improved the sensory attributes (flavour, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability) of thigh meat in a dose-dependent manner (linear; P < 0.05). Total potential return and net profit were significantly increased in all groups fed PLE compared to the control group. Birds that received PLE-supplemented diets at a level of 0.5 g kg−1 had the highest economic efficiency (P < 0.05). Conclusively, supplementation with 0.5 g PLE/kg in broiler diets could improve meat quality and economic efficiency. Highlights Enriched broiler diets with 0.5 g paulownia leaf extract significantly enhanced carcase measurements. Supplemented broiler diets with 0.5 g PLE significantly enhanced the meat quality and sensory attributes of thigh meat. Birds fed PLE-supplemented diets at a level of 0.5 g/kg had the highest economic efficiency.

Physical and Mechanical Properties of Paulownia tomentosa x elongata Sawn Wood from Spanish, Bulgarian and Serbian Plantations

The aim of this research is the characterization of physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia sawn wood from three plantation sites in Europe, namely Spain, Bulgaria and Serbia. As a fast-growing wood species, Paulownia has a significant positive forecast for the European markets and a wide range of possible applications that still need to be explored. For this purpose, Paulownia tomentosa(Tunb.) x elongata(S.Y. Hu) wood species was investigated. Sorption behaviour, Brinell hardness, 3-point bending strength, flexural modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, compressive strength and screw withdrawal resistance were examined in detail. The samples from Spain have the higher average bulk density (266 kg/m3), 3-point flexural strength (~40 N/mm2), 3-point flexural modulus of elasticity (~4900 N/mm2), compressive strength (~23 N/mm2), tensile strength (~44 N/mm2) and screw withdrawal resistance (~56 N/mm). The plantation wood from Bulgaria has the highest average of annual ring width (46 mm). Paulownia wood has potential in lightweight applications and can replace successfully expensive tropical species as Balsa.

Effect of Chemical Fertilizer and Humic Acid on the Growth and Development of Paulownia tomentosa Seedlings.

Silvicultural treatments were applied in forest nursery to produce high quality and quantity seedlings. Fertilizer application is one of the most important treatments that were used to improve seedling morphological and physiological traits. The study investigated the influence of NPK fertilizer levels viz. 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g pot-1, Humic acid levels viz. 0, 5, 10 and 15 g pot-1 and their interactions on growth and physiological properties of Paulownia tomentosa. Morphological growth parameters (the increment in the stem height, stem diameter and leaf number) and physiological parameters (leaf area, chlorophyll content and protein percent, and N, P, K content) were measured. The results indicate that the highest values of stem height and stem diameter increment were (52.70 cm and 10.69mm) at (1.5g) of NPK fertilizers. The maximum values of both traits were (51.40 cm and 10.33mm) recorded at (15g) of Humic acid. The highest mean value of nitrogen (2.90 and 2.53 %) reported from application of (1.5 g NPK and15g Humic acid), respectively. Among physiological parameters chlorophyll content recorded the highest value which were (56.97 and 56.04) at (1.5g NPK and 10g Humic acid,) respectively. From interaction between (1g NPK x 15g Humic acid) recorded the highest value of potassium which was (3.74%). The results will help will improve nursery practices to produce healthy and a high quality of P. tomentosa seedlings to meet the plantation programs.

Phytoremediation of Soil Contaminated by Organochlorine Pesticides and Toxic Trace Elements: Prospects and Limitations of Paulownia tomentosa.

Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud is a drought-resistant, low-maintenance and fast-growing energy crop that can withstand a wide range of climatic conditions, provides a high biomass yield (approximately 50 t DM ha−1 yr−1), and develops successfully in contaminated sites. In Kazakhstan, there are many historically contaminated sites polluted by a mixture of xenobiotics of organic and inorganic origin that need to be revitalised. Pilot-scale research evaluated the potential of P. tomentosa for the phytoremediation of soils historically contaminated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and toxic trace elements (TTEs) to minimise their impact on the environment. Targeted soils from the obsolete pesticide stockpiles located in three villages of Talgar district, Almaty region, Kazakhstan, i.e., Amangeldy (soil A), Beskainar (soil B), and Kyzylkairat (soil K), were subjected to research. Twenty OCPs and eight TTEs (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were detected in the soils. The phytoremediation potential of P. tomentosa was investigated for OCPs whose concentrations in the soils were significantly different (aldrin, endosulfans, endrin aldehyde, HCB, heptachlor, hexabromobenzene, keltan, methoxychlor, and γ-HCH) and for TTEs (Cu, Zn, and Cd) whose concentrations exceeded maximum permissible concentrations. Bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation (TLF) factors were used as indicators of the phytoremediation process. It was ensured that the uptake and translocation of contaminants by P. tomentosa was highly variable and depended on their properties and concentrations in soil. Besides the ability to bioconcentrate Cr, Ni, and Cu, P. tomentosa demonstrated very encouraging results in the accumulation of endosulfans, keltan, and methoxychlor and the phytoextraction of γ-HCH (TLFs of 1.9–9.9) and HCB (BCFs of 197–571). The results of the pilot trials support the need to further investigate the potential of P. tomentosa for phytoremediation on a field scale.

Comparison of physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia tomentosa and Pinus koraiensis wood heat-treated in oil and air

Comparison of physical and mechanical properties of Paulownia tomentosa and Pinus koraiensis wood heat-treated in oil and air

IN VITRO MUTAGENESIS AND PROPAGATION OF PAULOWNIA TOMENTOSA (THUMB) FOR SALT TOLERANCE

The study aimed to refine a protocol for micropropagation and to develop the plant's ability to withstand salinity by the use of physical and chemical mutations, so that it can be cultivated in new lands that are not suitable for other crops. Shoot tips and stem segments of Paulownia tomentosa were firstly sterilized and cultured on different media types containing benzyl amino purine (BAP) at 0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/l to choose the best combination for explant growth and proliferation. To examine the plant's ability to withstand salinity, Paulownia tomentosa shoots were first irradiated with the doses of gamma rays at 0.0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 Gray (Gy) and secondly, cultured on a WPM medium containing sodium azide "NaN3" at 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8. and 1.0 mM for 5 min. Both irradiated and NaN3-treated shoots were cultured on different levels of NaCl. Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) technique was used to detect variations caused by gamma rays and NaN3. Results showed that at 120 Gy of gamma-ray, one fragment with primer UBC824 vanished and one fragment with primer 17898B at 150 Gy appeared. In comparison, one fragment with primer either UBC873 or UBC867 at 1.0 mM and 0.8 mM of NaN3, respectively, can be considered a positive marker of Paulownia salt tolerance. Treated shoots gave the greatest number of roots/shoot (6.0) on WPM half strength with NAA at 2.0 mg/l. Increasing gamma doses or NaN3 concentrations decreased survival rate. Variation created by mutation provides the raw material for natural selection and is a driving force in evolution.

C-geranylated flavonoids from Paulownia tomentosa Steud. fruit as potential anti-inflammatory agents

Ethnopharmacological relevancePaulownia tomentosa Steud., a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, was used for many centuries in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of remedies for many illnesses, including inflammatory diseases. It is a rich source of phenolic compounds, mainly geranylated flavonoids, which are currently studied for their promising biological activities. Aim of the studyThe study aimed to isolate minor geranylated flavanones and flavones from P. tomentosa fruit and evaluate their cytotoxicity and possible anti-inflammatory effects in a cell-based model of inflammation. Materials and methodsChromatographic separation of chloroform portion of the ethanolic extract of P. tomentosa fruit led to the isolation of twenty-seven flavonoids (1–27), twenty-six of them geranylated with different modifications and one non-geranylated flavanone, and two phenolic compounds. Compounds were identified using UV, IR, HRMS, NMR, and CD spectroscopy. Ten of these compounds (7–10, 12, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 27) were determined to be new flavonoid derivatives obtained from a natural source for the first time. Selected compounds were analyzed for cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential to affect the activation of nuclear factor κB/activator protein 1 (NF-κB/AP-1) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. ResultsAll the test compounds (1–21 and 23–26) reduced the activation of NF-κB/AP-1 24 h after the addition of LPS. Eight compounds (5, 14–18, 21, and 26) were more active than prednisone, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug. However, this effect was not seen significantly on the level of TNF-α and IL-1β, which can be explained by the plurality of possible outcomes of activation of the NF-κB pathway in cells. ConclusionsResults of the presented study confirmed that constituents from traditional Chinese medicinal plant P. tomentosa Steud. have promising anti-inflammatory activities and can serve as a potential source of inspiration for new anti-inflammatory medications.