Phlox Subulata Research Articles

Evaluation of Different Combinations of Ornamental Perennials for Sustainable Management in Urban Greening.

Ornamental perennial plants play a strategic role in reducing green areas' management costs, keeping the ground, sparing water, and avoiding weeds. The aim of this research is to evaluate the growing performances of seven combinations of six different ornamental perennial herbaceous species and their role in weed containment under low-maintenance conditions. The experiment was performed for three years (2019-2021) in an open field. The selected species were Hemerocallis "Stella de Oro" (A), Phedimus spurius (M.Bieb.) "t Hart 'John Creech" (B), Tulbaghia violacea Harv. (C), Phlox subulata L. "Trot Pink" (D), Potentilla neumanniana Rchb. (E), and Gaillardia "Kobold" (F). Four replicates for each combination were tested (28 plots, 4 m2 each): AB, CD, EF, AB + CD, AB + EF, CD + EF; AB + CD + EF. No watering or fertilization was performed during the cultivation period. Each year, from April to November, three manual weeding activities were performed and the dry weights of the weeds' aerial parts were measured. The ground cover performance was evaluated through digital image analysis using the mobile device application Canopeo. Dry aerial perennial biomass variations between the end and beginning of the experiment were calculated. As a result, CD showed the best performance for weed containment (0.5 g m-2 weed dry weight in the third year), ground cover (63.1% and 64.3% of plot coverages during the second and third years, respectively), and producing ornamental biomass (4316.8 g m-2). The highest total dry amount of harvested weeds was shown by AB + CD + EF (1114.6 g m-2), demonstrating that combinations with a higher number of species were less efficient in avoiding weeds. The research allowed us to identify the best combinations to always keep the soil covered and to improve the ornamental and environmental values of urban green spaces under low-maintenance regimes.

Phlox subulata

This datasheet on Phlox subulata covers Identity, Distribution.

Landscaping Project for a Private Garden Plot in the City of Zaporizhzhia

Landscaped areas provide individual, distinctive features and play an important role in shaping the environment of a private garden plot. The authors of the present study developed a landscaping project for a private garden plot at 80 Izmailivska Street, city of Zaporizhzhia. One of the main points of the works was to conduct an inventory of the available plantings. The authors identified the species composition of trees and shrubs located on the landscaping territory. In the project territory, the largest area is occupied by herbaceous cover and is 32.5%, while the smallest area is allocated for tree plantations – only 1.9%. The area under paving and flower beds will be increased at the expense of the territory that is not occupied in the reconstruction project. In the project area, most woody plants require only pruning and are in good condition. Pruning is planned for 10 black mulberry trees (Mórus nígra L.), remnants of a privet hedge (Ligústrum vulgáre), one bush of Vanhoutt Spiraea (Spiraea × vanhouttei (Briot) Zabel.) and one bush of rosehip corymbose (Rosa corymbifera), which have lost their decorative appeal. The formation of plantings in this study aims to create an orderly shape of the crowns of trees and shrubs, which will give them a geometric shape. For decorative purposes, it is also planned to plant the following plants: boxwood tree (Buxus sempervirens var.), iris brazenberry (Iris L. brazenberry), moss phlox (Phlox subulata L.). On the site located to the east of the outbuilding, it is proposed to set up a flower garden from groundcover and flowering plants in a peculiar geometric shape that would follow the shape of the path. On the north-western side of the plot, it is planned to replace the fence with a modular gabion wall covered with rambling vine. The colour of elements of this style should be made in cool, grey tones, white, blue and purple colours are well combined. As a result, it is planned to set up a decorative pond near the arbour, the contour of which will be decorated with smooth stones. The rest of the area is to be covered with a rolled lawn. As a result, an individual and beautiful style of landscape design will be selected for the project area

Unraveling Physiological and Metabolomic Responses Involved in Phlox subulata L. Tolerance to Drought Stress

Metabolic responses are important for plant adaptation to abiotic stress. To investigate the responses of Phlox subulata L. to drought stress, we analyzed its physiological and metabolic changes using gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. Based on the physiological indices, P. subulata L. has tolerance to drought to some degree. Our results showed that there were a total of 30 key metabolites induced by drought stress, including amino acids, organic acids, sugars and sugar alcohols, nucleic acid and its derivatives, and other organic compounds. The glutamic acid-mediated proline biosynthesis pathway is continuously upregulated under drought stress, which could regulate osmotic pressure and maintain intracellular environmental stability. More secondary metabolites are used to increase glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid cycle, to accelerate energy production and to enhance the glutamic acid-mediated proline biosynthesis pathway, which are necessary to increase osmotic regulation. Prolonged drought stress induced progressive accumulation of compatible osmolytes, such as proline and inositol, sugars, and amino acids. Therefore, drought caused systemic alterations in metabolic networks involving transamination, TCA cycle, gluconeogenesis/glycolysis, glutamate-mediated proline biosynthesis, shikimate-mediated secondary metabolisms, and the metabolism of pyrimidine. These data suggest that plants may utilize these physiological and metabolomic adjustments as adaptive responses in the early stages of drought stress. These results deepen our understanding of the mechanisms involved in P. subulata L. drought tolerance, which will help improve the understanding of drought’s effects on plant systems.

Indications of Susceptibility to Calonectria pseudonaviculata in Some Common Groundcovers and Boxwood Companion Plants

Knowing the host range of a pathogen is critical to developing and implementing effective disease management programs. Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) is known to attack a number of species, varieties, and cultivars in the genus Buxus as well as three Pachysandra species (Pachysandra terminalis, Pachysandra procumbens, and Pachysandra axillaris) and several Sarcococca species, all in the Buxaceae family. The objective of this study was to evaluate non-Buxaceae groundcovers and companion plants commonly associated with boxwood plantings for their susceptibility to Cps. Twenty-seven plant species belonging to 21 families were exposed to different levels of inoculum: 50 to 300 conidia per drop for detached leaf assays and 30,000 to 120,000 conidia per 1 ml for whole-plant assays. Inoculated plants were incubated in humid environments for at least 48 h to facilitate infection. Cps infection and sporulation were observed on 12 plant species: Alchemilla mollis, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, Brunnera macrophylla, Epimedium × youngianum, Galium odoratum, Geranium sanguineum, Phlox subulata, Tiarella cordifolia, Callirhoe involucrata, Iberis sempervirens, Mazus reptans, and Vinca minor. These results suggest that there may be more hosts of Cps commonly grown in nurseries and landscapes. If corroborated by observations of natural infection, these findings have implications for the Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program instituted by the National Plant Board and for planning disease mitigation at production and in the landscape.

PsCor413pm2, a Plasma Membrane-Localized, Cold-Regulated Protein from Phlox subulata, Confers Low Temperature Tolerance in Arabidopsis.

Low temperature stress adversely affects plant growth and development. Isolation and characterization of cold response genes from cold-tolerant plants help to understand the mechanism underlying low temperature tolerance. In this study, PsCor413pm2, a cold-regulated (COR) gene isolated from Phlox subulata, was transferred to Arabidopsis plants to investigate its function. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that PsCor413pm2 expression was induced by cold. Subcellular localization revealed that the PsCor413pm2-green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein localized to the plasma membrane in tobacco and Arabidopsis plants. Furthermore, overexpression of PsCor413pm2 in Arabidopsis plants enhanced tolerance to low temperature stress. Transgenic Arabidopsis roots had more influx of Ca2+ after a cold shock than wild-type plants, as shown using non-invasive micro-test technology (NMT). Moreover, the transcription abundance of five COR and two C-repeat (CRT) binding factor (CBF) genes in transgenic Arabidopsis plants was higher than that in the wild-type plants under cold stress. Taken together, our results suggest that overexpression of PsCor413pm2 enhances low temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis plants by affecting Ca2+ flux and the expression of stress-related COR and CBF genes.

Characterisation and pathogenicity of Ditylenchus dipsaci isolated from Phlox subulata in Japan

Moss phlox, Phlox subulata L., commonly known as ‘Shiba zakura’ (turf cherry), is one of the most important ornamental plants in Japan. Since 1956, thousands of visitors have gathered each spring in different prefectures to enjoy the beauty of this Phlox as part of a traditional festival. Recently, foliage dieback symptoms were observed in Phlox from many parks in the Chubu area of Japan, causing significant commercial losses (Fig. 1A-C). Dieback is a common symptom caused by Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuhn) Filipjev (Hooper, 1972), which primarily infects onion and garlic but can also occur in many flowering plants, including Phlox, and is a quarantine species (Jones et al., 2013). The occurrence of this nematode in Japan is well documented on onion, narcissus, lily, tulip and hyacinth (Inagaki, 1985; Katsunori, 1987), but has never been documented on Phlox, although D. dipsaci was reported in 1993 by the Hokkaido Plant Protection Office (unpubl.). Herein, we report the first confirmed occurrence of D. dipsaci on Phlox from the Chubu area of Japan, the nematode identity being confirmed through morphological, molecular and phylogenetic methods. This finding is of quarantine importance for other areas of Japan.

A novel cold-regulated gene from Phlox subulata, PsCor413im1, enhances low temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis

Low temperature stress adversely affects plant growth, development, and crop productivity. Analysis of the function of genes in the response of plants to low temperature stress is essential for understanding the mechanism of chilling and freezing tolerance. In this study, PsCor413im1, a novel cold-regulated gene isolated from Phlox subulata, was transferred to Arabidopsis to investigate its function under low temperature stress. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis revealed that PsCor413im1 expression was induced by cold and abscisic acid. Subcellular localization revealed that PsCor413im1-GFP fusion protein was localized to the periphery of the chloroplast, consistent with the localization of chloroplast inner membrane protein AtCor413im1, indicating that PsCor413im1 is a chloroplast membrane protein. Furthermore, the N-terminal of PsCor413im1 was determined to be necessary for its localization. Compared to the wild-type plants, transgenic plants showed higher germination and survival rates under cold and freezing stress. Moreover, the expression of AtCor15 in transgenic plants was higher than that in the wild-type plants under cold stress. Taken together, our results suggest that the overexpression of PsCor413im1 enhances low temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis.

遮荫对丛生福禄考茎部发育特性的影响

目的：探讨不同遮荫程度对丛生福禄考越夏生长的影响，为该植物夏季遮荫管理提供参考依据。方法：以丛生福禄考一年生扦插苗为试验材料，设全光照处理、50%遮荫、70%遮荫、90%遮荫4个水平，测定其茎长，茎数、分级数、分蘖数、蓬径指标，并分析不同遮荫程度丛生福禄考茎发育培性状变化的影响。结果：不同遮荫处理时，丛生福禄考的茎长、茎数、分蘖数、分级数、分蘖数均显著影响(P < 0.05，下同)；茎长、茎数、分级数随着遮荫强度的增加，生长量下降，但遮荫程度不同，茎部趋势并不一致且差异显著；茎长“先增后减”，茎数和分级数则持续降低。丛生福禄考的茎长增幅、蓬径增幅、茎数增幅两两之间存在极显著正相关(P < 0.01，下同)。分级数的增幅与分蘖数的增幅之间有显著正相关。结论：福禄考在越夏时期，不需要遮荫，是喜阳植物，对于弱光环境有一定的耐性。 Objective: The influence of shading measures on the cultivation characteristics of Phlox subulata was studied to provide references for summer shade management. Method: One-year-cuttings of Phlox subulata were used as material, and four treatments of full exposure, shading of 50%, 70% and 90% were set to measure the effects of stem length, number of stem, grading number, tiller number and canopy diameter. Result: Different shading treatments, Phlox subulata stem length, number of stem, number of grading, sprout number had significant effects (P < 0.05, the same be-low). Stem length, number of stem, number of grading decreased with the increase of the shading intensity. But among the different degree of shading, the growth trend of stem was not consistent and the difference was significant. The length of stem increased first and then decreased, and the number of stems and the number of grades decreased continuously. Among the increase of stem length, number of stem and canopy diameter were showing highly significant positive correlation (P < 0.01, the same below). There was a significant positive correlation between the increase of classification number and tiller number. Conclusion: In summer, Phlox subulata does not need any shade. It is heliophile, but it can endure a certain shade environment.

저관리 경량형 옥상녹화의 식재 유형별 여름철 표면온도 비교

Significant efforts are being devoted in mitigating the urban heat island effect, and extensive green roofs are an option for mitigation. The purpose of this study was to compare the surface temperature, vegetation types, and plant species on an extensive green roof. Test beds were created in May 2015, and the surface temperature was monitored from June to August. The test beds comprised polyculture and monoculture. Polyculture was divided into three types, and monoculture comprised eight plant species. An extensive green roof is effective in reducing temperature by forming a shade and preventing sunlight from falling on the surface of buildings, which mitigates the urban heat island effect. Consequently, the surface temperature of the green roof and that of concrete during summer reduced from <TEX>$17.8^{\circ}C$</TEX> to <TEX>$7.3^{\circ}C$</TEX>. The temperature reduction was greater on using polyculture than on using monoculture, but monocultures of Sedum takesimense, Hemerocallis dumortieri, Allium senescens, Aster yomena, Belamcanda chinensis, and Aster koraiensis also produced good results. The temperature reduction effects of Polygonatum odoratum var. pluriflorum f. variegatum, Phlox subulata, and Thymus quinquecostatus var. japonica were excellent compared with those of concrete but were less than those of other plant species. Careful attention is needed for the management of extensive green roofs. Studies on the plant species and types of extensive green roof should continue to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Genome size and ploidy levels of creeping phlox and related germplasm of mat-forming taxa from eastern and western North America

The eastern North American creeping phlox (Phlox subulata L.) is a widely cultivated flowering groundcover with a history of breeding and selection. Little is known about genome size variation and ploidy of P. subulata and related taxa. Mean holoploid (2C) and monoploid (1Cx) genome sizes and ploidy were analyzed with flow cytometry for a germplasm collection (n=53) of 11 morphologically similar creeping phlox taxa from natural plant populations, cultivars and hybrids obtained from nursery sources, and the related Microsteris gracilis. Holoploid genome sizes of accessions from natural populations were more variable than cultivated taxa and ranged from 7.47 to 22.86pg and corresponded to diploid (2n=2x=14) tetraploid (2n=4x=28), and hexaploid (2n=6x=42) levels, but most accessions were diploid and genome size ranged from 7.60 to 8.47pg. Two tetraploid accessions were discovered, but hexaploids were limited to one population of P. subulata. Most accessions consisted of a single cytotype, but intrapopulation differences in holoploid genome size were found among P. subulata and P. nivalis. The monoploid genome size of M. gracilis differed significantly from all Phlox, supporting separation of the genera. All cultivar accessions were diploid with genome sizes similar to wild diploid P. subulata, however Phlox×procumbens had a mean genome size (8.73pg) intermediate to parental taxa, P. stolonifera×P. subulata, supporting hybrid origin. Knowledge of cytotype variation in Phlox germplasm will be useful for plant breeders, systematists, and conservationists.

Analysis of Photoenvironment Simulation according to Apartment Building Type and Plant Selection, Considering Illumination Level

This study aims to suggest a way in order for the plants to adapt to an adequate growing environment by dividing areas according to illumination level and through selecting suitable plants. Based on the result of photoenvironment simulation, the type that showed the most satisfactory illumination level was type Y, and it is followed by the tower type, mixed type and straight type, in that order. The result of plant selection according to illumination level based on light, shade and mixed environment analyzed by photoenvironment shows that as for shade plants, there are 7 species such as, Thalictrum rochebrunianum var. grandisepalum (H.Lév.) Nakai, Lysimachia nummularia‘Aurea’ and Liriope platyphylla F.T.Wang & T.Tang. For sun plants, there are 13 species such as Phlox subulata L., Prunella vulgaris var. lilacina Nakai and Mazus miquelii Makino. For mixed environment plants, there are 27 species such as Sedum kamtschaticum Fisch. & Mey., Lysimachia barystachys Bunge and Veronica linariifolia Pall. ex Link. Mixed plants are analyzed to be apt for planting in most spaces of apartment building complexes, therefore, they are analyzed to be suitable, in fact, for the widest spectral areas inside the apartment complex. Keywords: Herbaceous plants, Illumination level of growing environment, Plant selection, Photoenvironment of apartment building

De Novo Transcriptome Sequencing of Low Temperature-Treated Phlox subulata and Analysis of the Genes Involved in Cold Stress.

Phlox subulata, a perennial herbaceous flower, can survive during the winter of northeast China, where the temperature can drop to −30 °C, suggesting that P. subulata is an ideal model for studying the molecular mechanisms of cold acclimation in plants. However, little is known about the gene expression profile of P. subulata under cold stress. Here, we examined changes in cold stress-related genes in P. subulata. We sequenced three cold-treated (CT) and control (CK) samples of P. subulata. After de novo assembly and quantitative assessment of the obtained reads, 99,174 unigenes were generated. Based on similarity searches with known proteins in public protein databases, 59,994 unigenes were functionally annotated. Among all differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 8302, 10,638 and 11,021 up-regulated genes and 9898, 17,876, and 12,358 down-regulated genes were identified after treatment at 4, 0, and −10 °C, respectively. Furthermore, 3417 up-regulated unigenes were expressed only in CT samples. Twenty major cold-related genes, including transcription factors, antioxidant enzymes, osmoregulation proteins, and Ca2+ and ABA signaling components, were identified, and their expression levels were estimated. Overall, this is the first transcriptome sequencing of this plant species under cold stress. Studies of DEGs involved in cold-related metabolic pathways may facilitate the discovery of cold-resistance genes.

Creation of paddy levees to enhance the ecosystem service of weed seed predation by crickets

The influence of ground cover plants on the ecosystem service of weed seed predation by crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) was evaluated on paddy field levees in Japan in 2010 and 2011. We compared the activity density of crickets and invertebrate seed predation on Lolium multiflorum, a non-native grass weed, among five vegetation types grown on paddy levees: the ground covers Eremochloa ophiuroides, Phyla canescens, Phlox subulata, and Zoysia japonica, and weedy vegetation dominated by Digitaria ciliaris. Camera recordings showed that crickets were the predominant invertebrate seed predators. Cricket density tended to be higher on levees with E. ophiuroides, Phyla canescens, and Phlox subulata [5.8–7.2 individuals/trap/day (individuals/trap/d) (2010); 5.4–7.6 individuals/trap/d (2011)] than in those with Z. japonica and weedy vegetation [1.0–2.2 individuals/trap/d (2010); 2.2–3.2 individuals/trap/d (2011)]. Invertebrate seed predation on levees with Phyla canescens and Phlox subulata tended to be relatively high in both years. These results suggest that E. ophiuroides, Phyla canescens, and Phlox subulata can increase cricket density, and that Phyla canescens and Phlox subulata, in particular, can stably enhance weed seed predation on paddy field levees.

Diverging pathways: Differential benzenoid and phenylpropanoid volatile production in Phlox subulata L. cultivars

Previous research into the genetic mechanisms of benzenoid and phenylpropanoid volatile biosynthesis has suggested the potential for metabolic flux, in which phenylalanine substrate dedicated to one pathway branch (i.e., benzenoid production) could alter volatile production in other pathways (i.e., phenylpropanoid production). However, little research has been conducted in planta to verify the validity of this hypothesis. We examined the emission rates of representative benzenoid and phenylpropanoid volatiles from seven cultivars of Phlox subulata L. to determine if cultivars had metabolic flux differences in terms of these two compound categories. Cultivars that produced large quantities of methyl benzoate and benzaldehyde were found to emit little or no phenylacetaldehyde and 2-phenylethanol, and vice versa. These results suggest that P. subulata cultivars experience phenylalanine substrate flux directed toward one pathway and away from the alternate branch. Such a pattern may be the result of differential selection pressures, in which gene expression has been altered to direct flux away from either benzenoid or phenylpropanoid production. Moreover, if these patterns hold true in wild populations, metabolic flux may lead to differential pollinator behavior and further phenotypic evolution. Future research using molecular tools could verify the role of metabolic flux in determining scent phenotypes and pinpoint the exact nature of the genetic mutations leading to phenotypic differences in odor. Simplified metabolic flux pattern found in Phlox subulata ; phenylalanine substrate can be directed toward phenylpropanoid (phenylacetaldehyde and 2-phenylethanol) or benzenoid (benzaldehyde and methyl benzoate) production. • Phlox subulata cultivars emit benzenoid and phenylopropanoid volatiles. • Plants with high benzenoid emission emit little/no phenylpropanoids and vice versa. • This pattern suggests differential phenylalanine flux through biochemical pathways. • Such a pattern may result from differential selection and gene expression.

Differential Growth Response to Salt Stress Among Selected Ornamentals

ABSTRACT Evaluation of salt tolerance in herbaceous perennials was performed with mature potted plants under greenhouse conditions. Six herbaceous perennial species were evaluated for their tolerance to aqueous solutions of various sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations over a 21 day period by measuring growth, water transpiration, and leaf nutrient content. Potential exists for utilization of these species in somewhat challenging saline environments along roadsides and in urban landscapes. Species evaluated in a mature growth stage included Achemilla mollis, Nepeta x faassenii, Sedum acre, Thymus praecox, Phlox subulata and Solidago cutleri. On the basis of relative growth rate and water transpiration responses to NaCl (0–400 mM) treatments, groundcovers were grouped into three tolerance categories: highly sensitive to salt treatment (S. acre), those with intermediate sensitivity (A. mollis, N. x faassenii, T. praecox, and P. subulata), and those exhibiting tolerance (S. cutleri). Sodium content in leaf foliage of S. cutleri was about ten-fold lower than other groundcover species in the 200 mM NaCl treatment, consistent with greater tolerance to NaCl treatments in terms of transpiration, biomass accumulation, and retention of green foliage. Comparison of foliar nutrient levels among groundcover species and treatments suggested strong differential response to NaCl treatment, indicating that changes in nutrient levels over time may be a reasonable way to predict NaCl tolerance in groundcovers.

In vitro induction of tetraploids in Phlox subulata L.

Tetraploid plants of Phlox subulata L. were induced successfully by treating shoot tips in vitro with colchicine. Shoot tips excised from in vitro shoots were treated with four different concentrations of colchicine (0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04%) in solid MS medium supplemented with 4.54 μM TDZ and 0.49 μM IBA for 10, 20 or 30 days, respectively. The survival rates of shoots tips were affected by the concentration of colchicine and the duration of treatment. High concentration and longer duration reduced survival of the shoot tips, but the effect of duration of colchicine was more than that of concentration. Tetraploid plants were obtained in all of the treatments, but the percentages of tetraploids varied among different treatments, from 25.0% to 75.0%. The most efficient condition for inducing tetraploids was to treat shoot tips with 0.005% colchicine for 20 days, with 30.0% survival rate of shoot tips and 6 tetraploid plants out of 10 plants examined. The rooted tetraploid plants were transplanted successfully in a solar greenhouse. Under the same growing condition, significant varieties in flower bud and flower sizes were detected between 2x and 4x plants. The flower diameters of tetraploid and diploid plants were 2.91 cm and 2.24 cm, respectively.

An Evaluation of the Allelopathic Potential of Selected Perennial Groundcovers: Foliar Volatiles of Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii) Inhibit Seedling Growth

Six perennial groundcovers including Alchemilla mollis, Nepeta x faassenii, Phlox subulata, Sedum acre, Solidago cutleri, and Thymus praecox were investigated for the allelopathic potential of their respective foliar tissues via evaluation of volatile constituents produced by foliage. These groundcovers were selected for further laboratory evaluation because of superior performance as weed-suppressive groundcovers in previous field experiments. Foliar volatile components of N. x faassenii exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on seedling growth of curly cress (Lepidium sativum), but S. cutleri also showed allelopathic potential by reducing shoot growth of curly cress seedlings with extracted volatiles. Although A. mollis and P. subulata exhibited strong weed-suppressive traits in past field experiments, weed suppression is apparently associated with either competition for resources or other allelopathic mechanisms rather than an allelopathic effect caused by volatiles. Volatiles of N. x faassenii were further evaluated with gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 21 chemical constituents were identified in the volatile cocktail; 17 components were identified from a direct crude leaf sample extraction, including sabinene, beta-pinene, beta-myrcene, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethanol, 1,8-cineole, ocimene, neryl Acetate, 4aalpha,7alpha,7aalpha-nepetalactone, alpha-copaene, trans-caryophyllene, alloaromadendrene, 4abeta,7alpha,7abeta-nepetalactone, germacrene D, beta-farnesene, chi-cadinene, germacrene B, and beta-sesquiphellandrene. Five additional constituents were identified in a methanolic extract of dried of N. x faassenii foliage, but not the volatile cocktail collected from N. x faassenii foliage. These included methyl benzoate, 2,4-decadienal, neryl acetate, isodihydronepetalactone, and caryophyllene oxide. Three components, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy)-ethanol, alloaromadendrene, and chi-cadinene, were not only detected in both the volatile mixture and the methanolic extract, but also in an aqueous foliar extract that exhibited potential allelopathic activity.

Development of different herbaceous perennial species on the experimental extensive green roof of Corvinus University Budapest

During 2003-2004 six "traditional" herbaceous plant species (Sedum reflexum, Sedum acre 'Aureum', Sedun spurium„Sedum floriferum, Festuca glauca) and six "new" plant species (Sedum pulchellum, Prunus tenella, fivericum polyphyllum, CeraiTtignIct plumbaginoides, Dianthus plumarius and Phlox subulala) were tried on four different types of roof insulation on the 100 m large experimental extensive green roof of the Building K of Corvinus University Budapest, at Villányi street, Budapest. According to the results obtained so far, the viability and good decoration values of all the "traditional" plants were proved. From the six "new" plants Ceratostigma plumbaginoides, Dianthus plumarius and Sedum pulchellum (with some restrictions) proved to be suitable. A significantly poorer development was showed by the remaining "new" species (Phlox subulata, 1-1yericum polyphyllum, Prunus tenella) than the "traditional" ones. As for the different types of roof insulation, the best was with the direct order of layers, and drainage layer with water storage capacity.

Evaluation of Herbaceous Perennials as Weed Suppressive Groundcovers for Use Along Roadsides or in Landscapes

Abstract Fifteen herbaceous perennials were evaluated in field experiments in two New York State locations to determine their utility in roadside and landscape areas as weed suppressive groundcovers. Four species, Alchemilla mollis, Nepeta x faassenii, Phlox subulata, and Solidago sphacelata were strongly weed suppressive in both managed (weeds removed) plots and unmanaged (weeds not removed) plots. Weed suppressivity of perennial groundcovers was significantly increased in year two in both locations when perennials were well established. The most suppressive perennials showed several similar characteristics likely associated with their successful establishment. Successful groundcovers possessed dense foliage which strongly reduced light transmittance at the soil surface and emerged relatively early in spring. Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Thymus praecox proved to be more successful over a 2-year period when managed by weed removal in early spring. Although Leymus arenarius, a relatively tall monocot, also inhibited weed growth, this species demonstrated invasive characteristics due to its spread outside plots by fast-growing rhizomes.