Polygonatum Multiflorum Research Articles

Bumblebees mediate landscape effects on a forest herb's population genetic structure in European agricultural landscapes.

Spatially isolated plant populations in agricultural landscapes exhibit genetic responses not only to habitat fragmentation per se but also to the composition of the landscape matrix between habitat patches. These responses can only be understood by examining how the landscape matrix influences among-habitat movements of pollinators and seed vectors, which act as genetic linkers among populations. We studied the forest herb Polygonatum multiflorum and its associated pollinator and genetic linker, the bumblebee Bombus pascuorum, in three European agricultural landscapes. We aimed to identify which landscape features affect the movement activity of B. pascuorum between forest patches and to assess the relative importance of these features in explaining the forest herb's population genetic structure. We applied microsatellite markers to estimate the movement activity of the bumblebee as well as the population genetic structure of the forest herb. We modelled the movement activity as a function of various landscape metrics. Those metrics found to explain the movement activity best were then used to explain the population genetic structure of the forest herb. The bumblebee movement activity was affected by the cover of maize fields and semi-natural grasslands on a larger spatial scale and by landscape heterogeneity on a smaller spatial scale. For some measures of the forest herb's population genetic structure, that is, allelic richness, observed heterozygosity and the F-value, the combinations of landscape metrics, which explained the linker movement activity best, yielded lower AICc values than 95% of the models including all possible combinations of landscape metrics. Synthesis: The genetic linker, B. pascuorum, mediates landscape effects on the population genetic structure of the forest herb P. multiflorum. Our study indicates, that the movement of the genetic linker among forest patches, and thus the pollen driven gene flow of the herb, depends on the relative value of floral resources in the specific landscape setting. Noteworthy, the population genetic structure of the long-lived, clonal forest herb species correlated with recent land-use types such as maize, which have been existing for not more than a few decades within these landscapes. This underscores the short time in which land-use changes can influence the evolutionary potential of long-lived wild plants.

Limited effects of population age on the genetic structure of spatially isolated forest herb populations in temperate Europe.

Due to multiple land-cover changes, forest herb populations residing in forest patches embedded in agricultural landscapes display different ages and, thus, experience differences in genetic exchange, mutation accumulation and genetic drift. The extent of divergence in present-day population genetic structure among these populations of different ages remains unclear, considering their diverse breeding systems and associated pollinators. Answering this question is essential to understand these species' persistence, maintenance of evolutionary potential and adaptability to changing environments. We applied a multi-landscape setup to compare the genetic structure of forest herb populations across forest patches of different ages (18-338 years). We studied the impact on three common slow-colonizer herb species with distinct breeding systems and associated pollinators: Polygonatum multiflorum (outcrossing, long-distance pollinators), Anemone nemorosa (outcrossing, short-distance pollinators) and Oxalis acetosella (mixed breeding). We aimed to assess if in general older populations displayed higher genetic diversity and lower differentiation than younger ones. We also anticipated that P. multiflorum would show the smallest while O. acetosella the largest difference, between old and young populations. We found that older populations had a higher observed heterozygosity (H o) but a similar level of allelic richness (A r) and expected heterozygosity (H e) as younger populations, except for A. nemorosa, which exhibited higher A r and H e in younger populations. As populations aged, their pairwise genetic differentiation measured by D PS decreased independent of species identity while the other two genetic differentiation measures showed either comparable levels between old and young populations (G" ST) or inconsistency among three species (cGD). The age difference of the two populations did not explain their genetic differentiation. Synthesis: We found restricted evidence that forest herb populations with different ages differ in their genetic structure, indicating that populations of different ages can reach a similar genetic structure within decades and thus persist in the long term after habitat disturbance. Despite their distinct breeding systems and associated pollinators, the three studied species exhibited partly similar genetic patterns, suggesting that their common characteristics, such as being slow colonizers or their ability to propagate vegetatively, are important in determining their long-term response to land-cover change.

The longevity of cut <i>Polygonatum multiflorum</i> (L.) All. shoots depending on postharvest handling

The experiment was carried out to investigate the possibility of extension of the postharvest longevity of cut shoots of <i>Polygonatum multiflorum</i> depending on the type of conditioning. The shoots were collected for three experiments in May, June, and July. The following substances were used for conditioning: gibberellic acid (in May, June, and July) at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg dm<sup>-3</sup>, benzyladenine (in May) at a concentration of 50 or 100 mg dm<sup>-3</sup>, and 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate (in July) at a concentration of 200 mg dm<sup>-3</sup>. The conditioning was carried out at a temperature of 5 °C or 18 °C (May, June) or 18 °C (July). After conditioning, shoots were stored in a room at a temperature of 18 °C (May, June) or at 18 °C or 22 °C (July). The shoots of <i>Polygonatum multiflorum</i> harvested in July and conditioned with gibberellic acid at a concentration of 100 mg dm<sup>-3</sup> were characterized by extended longevity. Benzyladenine at a concentration of 50 mg dm<sup>-3</sup> proved to be useful for conditioning. In turn, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate had no influence on the longevity of the shoots. The variation in the temperature during conditioning and storage was found not to have a positive impact on longevity.

A Hanság gyertyános-tölgyesei (Scillo vindobonensi-Carpinetum)

The present study presents the associations of hornbeam-oak forests (Scillo vindobonensi-Carpinetum) in the northwestern part of Hungary based (Hanság) on 50 cenological images. We are faced with an azonal association moderately influenced by groundwater. Some submontane elements are striking in their stocks, which are generally rare in the Great Plains. In particular, Fagetalia elements are common: Actaea spicata, Adoxa moschatellina, Aegopodium podagraria, Allium ursinum, Anemone ranunculoides, Asarum europaeum, Athyrium filix-femina, Carex pilosa, Carex sylvatica, Circaea lutetiana, Corydalis cava, Corydalis pumila, Epipactis helleborine agg., Gagea lutea, Galanthus nivalis, Galeobdolon luteum, Galium odoratum, Hedera helix, Listera ovata, Milium effusum, Pimpinella major, Polygonatum multiflorum, Pulmonaria officinalis, Salvia glutinosa, Sanicula europaea, Scilla vindobonensis, Stachys sylvatica, Vinca minor, Viola reichenbachiana etc. These plants are probably remnants of the former "Beech I period" (2500 BC to 800 BC) with cooler, wetter and more even climates.

Age Structure of Polygonatum Multiflorum (L.) All. Cenopulations in the Precarpatian Region

For population studies, the determination of age status is more important than the determination of calendar age. The research conducted in the biotopes of Precarpathian region indicates that according to the age structure the populations of Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. belong to the normal type. Self-maintenance of coenopopulations occurs in a combined way as a result of generative and vegetative reproduction, the intensity of which depends on local edaphic and coenotic conditions. The spectra of their age states and reproductive potential are determined by a set of biotope conditions and have species specificity. The nature of the spectrum of age conditions and the value of the recovery index are the most informative indicative markers. Left-sided spectra in combination with high recovery indices indicate the presence of favorable conditions and a high reproduction potential of cenopopulations. The biotopes of felling areas are the most favorable for the realization of the reproduction potential of most cenopopulations of the studied species; the least favorable are the mainline biotopes.

Plant selection for roadside rain gardens in cold climates using real-scale studies of thirty-one herbaceous perennials

Plant selection for rain gardens along streets and roads in cold climates can be complicated, as the plants are subjected to combined stresses including periodic inundation, de-icing salts, road dust, splashes of water from the road, freezing and thawing of soil, and periods with ice cover during the winter. The purpose of this study was to identify species suited to grow in these conditions and determine their optimal placement within roadside rain gardens. Thirty-one herbaceous perennial species and cultivars were planted in real-scale rain gardens in a street in Drammen (Norway) with supplemental irrigation, and their progress was recorded during the following three growing seasons. The study highlights considerable differences between species’ adaptation to roadside rain gardens in cold climates, especially closest to the road. Some candidate species/cultivars had a high survival rate in all rain garden positions and were developed well. These were: Amsonia tabernaemontana, Baptisia australis, Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Overdam’, Hemerocallis ‘Camden Gold Dollar’, Hemerocallis ‘Sovereign’, Hemerocallis lilioasphodelus, Hosta ‘Sum & Substance’, Iris pseudacorus and Liatris spicata ‘Floristan Weiss’. Other species/cultivars appeared to adapt only to certain parts of the rain garden or had medium tolerance. These were: Calamagrostis brachytricha, Carex muskingumensis, Eurybia × herveyi ‘Twilight’, Hakonechloa macra, Hosta ‘Francee’, Hosta ‘Striptease’, Liatris spicata ‘Alba’, Lythrum salicaria ‘Ziegeunerblut’, Molinia caerulea ‘Moorhexe’, Molinia caerulea ‘Overdam’, and Sesleria autumnalis. Species/cultivars that showed high mortality and poor development at all rain garden positions should be avoided in roadside cold climate rain gardens. These include Amsonia orientalis, Aster incisus ‘Madiva’, Astilbe chinensis var. tacquettii ‘Purpurlanze’, Chelone obliqua, Dryopteris filix-mas, Eurybia divaricata, Geranium ‘Rozanne’, Helenium ‘Pumilum Magnificum’, Luzula sylvatica, Polygonatum multiflorum and Veronicastrum virginicum ‘Apollo’. The study also found considerable differences between cultivars within the same species, especially for Hosta cvv. and Liatris spicata. Further investigations are needed to identify the cultivars with the best adaption to roadside rain gardens in cold climates.

Pollinator movement activity influences genetic diversity and differentiation of spatially isolated populations of clonal forest herbs

In agricultural landscapes, forest herbs live in small, spatially isolated forest patches. For their long-term survival, their populations depend on animals as genetic linkers that provide pollen- or seed-mediated gene flow among different forest patches. However, whether insect pollinators serve as genetic linkers among spatially isolated forest herb populations in agricultural landscapes remains to be shown. Here, we used population genetic methods to analyze: (A) the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of populations of two common, slow-colonizing temperate forest herb species [Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. and Anemone nemorosa L.] in spatially isolated populations within three agricultural landscapes in Germany and Sweden and (B) the movement activity of their most relevant associated pollinator species, i.e., the bumblebee Bombus pascuorum (Scopoli, 1,763) and the hoverfly Melanostoma scalare (Fabricus, 1,794), respectively, which differ in their mobility. We tested whether the indicated pollinator movement activity affected the genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of the forest herb populations. Bumblebee movement indicators that solely indicated movement activity between the forest patches affected both genetic diversity and genetic differentiation of the associated forest herb P. multiflorum in a way that can be explained by pollen-mediated gene flow among the forest herb populations. In contrast, movement indicators reflecting the total movement activity at a forest patch (including within-forest patch movement activity) showed unexpected effects for both plant-pollinator pairs that might be explained by accelerated genetic drift due to enhanced sexual reproduction. Our integrated approach revealed that bumblebees serve as genetic linkers of associated forest herb populations, even if they are more than 2 km apart from each other. No such evidence was found for the forest associated hoverfly species which showed significant genetic differentiation among forest patches itself. Our approach also indicated that a higher within-forest patch movement activity of both pollinator species might enhance sexual recruitment and thus diminishes the temporal buffer that clonal growth provides against habitat fragmentation effects.

New record of Polygonatum multiflorum in Hyrcanian forests, north of Iran

AbstractPolygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. (Asparagaceae) is a geophyte and remarkable forest species and the specimens have been collected from woodlands of highland forests in the Hyrcanian region. In this study, this species is described for the first time as a new record for the flora of Iran. Besides, based on localities of the observed and collected areas, the geographical distribution of the species is mapped in the Caspian forest zone from East to central parts of northern slopes of Alborz Mountain. According to the population status of the species, IUCN threat categories of these species have been discussed.

Edapho-climatic Characteristics of Precarpathian Biotopes in Participation of Cenopopulation of Polygonatum MILL. Species

The territory of research on landscape-geographical zoning is confined to the Precarpathians - part of the Western Ukraine, within the Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions (Kravchuk, 1999). It stretches a relatively narrow strip between the Dniester valley and the northeastern foothills of the Ukrainian Carpathians (Koinov, 2014). Coenopopulations of four species of the genus Polygonatum Mill (Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All., Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce., Polygonatum verticillatum (L.) All., Polygonatum latifolium Desf.) were studied within the seven territorial divisions of the Precarpathian region. We studied these species at 59 research sites dedicated to 14 types of habitats (Didukh, 2011).
 The studied biotopes of the Precarpathian region are characterized by a number of edaphic and climatic indices. The humus content is 1.94–2.98 %, reaching the maximum values in the biotopes of the Pokutsk hills, and the minimum – in the Kalush (Limnitsko - Bolokhiv) basin. The average soil solution response rates are very acidic within the Storozhynets strand (pH (saline) – 4.33 units); strongly acidic level – within the Kalush and Stanislav basin and Pokuttia height (pH (salt) – 4.68; 4.82 and 4.76 units, respectively); slightly acidic level - within the Upper Dniester Basin and Voynylivskyi hills (pH (salt) – 5.34) and Chernivtsi hills (pH (salt) – 5.05). The moisture content, the amount of active temperatures and the level of illumination vary greatly depending on the type of biotope. The soils of wetland alder habitats are characterized by maximum moisture content (> 40%) and the minimum - the biotopes along the highways and abandoned pastures (<20 %). The sum of active temperatures at a depth of 20 cm is highest in non-forested areas with a low degree of loosening. The minimum level of illumination (in the range of 760 - 900 lux) was stated in forest biotopes, the maximum (> 2000 lux) was found in biotopes of abandoned pastures and hay meadows. Soils within the studied Precarpathian biotopes are characterized by low and medium supply of N, P and high content of K. The weighted average value of mobile phosphorus varies from 39.49 mg / kg in the biotopes of the Kalush Basin to 81.18 mg / kg in the biotopes of the Chernivtsi Upland; of hydrolyzed Nitrogen - from 68.07 in the biotopes of the Kalush Basin to 83.93 - Storozhynets Strand. The highest weighted average values of mobile potassium content were found within the Pokuttia Upland (150.70 mg/kg), the lowest – the Voynyliv Upland (84.1 mg/kg).

Complex Geochemical Characteristics of Soils and Plants in Natural Reserve Zones of Ukraine

The results of a comprehensive analysis of the microelement composition of soils — B, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn and plants — Ag, Co, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn (oak (Quercus robur L.), pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) perennial grasses — Kupena (Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.), wheatgrass (Elymus repens (L.) Gould)) of natural reserve belonging to different physical and geographical zones — Polessky reserve (mixed forest zone), Roztochya reserve (broad-leaved forest zone), Kanevsky reserve (forest-steppe zone), the reserve «Askania Nova» (steppe zone), the Chernogorsk massif of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve (KBR, Ukrainian Carpathians), which are proposed to be considered as background. It was found that in the soils of mixed and broad-leaved forests and the Chernogorsk massif KBR with an increase in the content of gross forms of Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, the content of their mobile forms increases, this dependence is inverse in the soils of the steppe zone, which is associated with a decrease in soil acidity and mobility microelements A positive correlation was revealed between the humus content in soils and Zn, Co (gross and mobile forms) and negative — B, Mo in the soils of all reserve zones. It was found that the greatest biogeochemical activity is characteristic of plants in the zone of deciduous forests — oak leaves (Quercus robur L.) and pine needles (Pinus sylvestris L.).

Comparative study of flowering phenology of selected plant life forms in urban and rural environments : Preliminary results

Global climate change has unforeseeable ramifications for the ecosystem of our home planet. In Europe, more than half of the vascular plant flora may become endangered by the year 2080 as a result of climatic changes. Urban climate conditions are considered similar to the changing global climate conditions. The concept of our study is based on the Space for Time Substitution method, utilizing its advantage of saving time and resources compared to long-term monitoring. To find out how excess heat in urban environments affects the phenological flowering patterns of species we planted specimens representing 6 different life-forms of the Raunkiær system (phanerophytes, chamaephytes, hemicryptophytes, geophytes, hemitherophytes, therophytes). Each category was represented by at least 5 species and each species by 5-5 specimens in Budapest, Füvészkert and in the MATE Botanical Garden of Gödöllő. All the species in the experiment averaged at 7.62 days earlier flowering onset in Budapest. The peak of the flowering had 12.94 days of difference, while the end of flowering had 2.9 days of difference, with the earlier being Budapest. There is a strong significant difference (P < 0.001) in the onset of the flowering of Globularia cordifolia between the locations, regarding the peaks of flowering there is a strong significance (P < 0.001) for Inula ensifolia, regarding the end of flowering there is a strong significance (P < 0.001) for Polygonatum multiflorum. To clarify other driving forces and the role of abiotic parameters in the flowering phenology patterns, further study is required.

Communities of broadleaved woodlands of the lower part of the forest belt of the Belaya river basin (North-Western Caucasus)

The study of phytocoenotic diversity of oak and oak-hornbeam forests of the lower part of the forest belt in the Belaya river basin (Western Caucasus) was performed using the Braun-Blanquet approach. Five floristically different groups of releves were identified based on quantitative classification (Ward's method, Jaccard Distance Measure). An association rank was established for each group. According to the results of comparative syntaxonomic analysis, three associations of moderately masic oak and oak-hornbeam forests - Geranio sanguinei-Quercetum petraeae ass. nova hoc loco (diagnostic species: Pinus sylvestris, Calamagrostis arundinacea, Rhododendron luteum, Geranium sanguineum, Vaccinium arctostaphylos), Inulo salicinae-Quercetum petraeae ass. nova hoc loco (diagnostic species: Brachypodium pinnatum, Inula salicina, Dorycnium graecum, Laser trilobum, Trifolium medium, Viola alba, Stachys officinalis, Pyrethrum poteriifolium, Phleum phleoides, Teucrium chamaedrys, Genista patula) and Acero tatarici-Carpinetum betuli ass. nova hoc loco (diagnostic species: Phalacroloma annuum, Thalictrum minus, Torilis japonica, Prunus divaricata, Physalis alkekengi, Lamium maculatum, Acer tataricum) were included in the alliance Crataego-Carpinion Passarge 1981, order Lathyro-Carpinetalia Passarge 1981, class Carpino-Fagetea Jakucs et Passarge 1968. The correct syntaxonomic position of two associations of mesic hornbeam and oak-hornbeam forests - Dryopterido filicis-maris-Carpinetum betuli ass. nova hoc loco (diagnostic species: Dryopteris filix-mas, Circaea lutetiana, Aegopodium podagraria, Paris incompleta, Abies nordmanniana, Impatiens noli-tangere, Festuca gigantean, Symphytum grandiflorum, Dipsacus pilosus, Aconitum orientale, Asperula caucasica, Moehringia trinervia, Polygonatum orientale) and Vincetoxico scandentis-Carpinetum betuli ass. nova hoc loco (diagnostic species: Viola hirta, Vincetoxicum scandens, Ligustrum vulgare, Lathyrus vernus, Polygonatum multiflorum, Rubus caucasicus, Euphorbia squamosa) has not been determined, however their relations to beech and beech-hornbeam forests of the order Rhododendro-Fagetalia orientalis Passarge 1981 were noted. The described associations of oak-hornbeam forests correspond to the regional ecological series of communities along the moisture gradient.

Anatomical Structure of Polygonatum Mill. Species in the Precarpathian Region

Polygonatum Mill. species are found in woods of the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. There are four species growing in Ukraine, the most common of which is Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. In forest and shrub habitats are also widespread Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce., Polygonatum latifolium Desf. and Polygonatum verticillаtum (L.) All. Polygonatum species have rhizomes of the sympodial type. They are of a primary anatomical structure. In the primary growth of the stem, as well as rhizomes, there is the central cylinder (stele) and the cortex. The structure of the leaf blade is related to the performance of basic functions: photosynthesis, respiration and transpiration. The leaves are isolateral with a lighter adaxial and shaded abaxial sides. The leaf is covered with epidermis. Beneath the epidermis is chlorenchyma, which makes up the leaf pulp - mesophyll.
 The microscopic structure of Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. was studied. The anatomic description includes the characteristic of rhizomes, leaves and stems structure.

Effect of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) on the Biochemical and Physiological Parameters of Postharvest Quality of Polygonatum multiflorum L. All. ‘Variegatum’ Cut Foliage

Due to the dynamic development of the floriculture market, new species and varieties of plants that can potentially be used as a source of cut greenery are constantly being sought. The experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of the cultivation site (unheated foil tunnel and open field) and treatments with the Pentakeep V formulation (0.00%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.06%) on the vase life and postharvest quality of Polygonatum multiflorum ‘Variegatum’ cut foliage. There was a positive effect of the cultivation in the unheated foil tunnel on the vase life and biochemical parameters, namely the electrolyte leakage (EL), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), chlorophyll a + b (Chl. a + b), proline, peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), of P. multiflorum cut foliage. Foliar application of Pentakeep V formulation at concentrations of 0.04% and 0.06% contributed to a decrease in the TBARS content in the P. multiflorum cut leaves, regardless of the plant cultivation site. Additionally, it reduced proline production in cut leaves of P. multiflorum cultivated in the unheated foil tunnel, which was confirmed by the analyses carried out after the 30 days of the experiment. Furthermore, the exogenous application of ALA during P. multiflorum cultivation inhibited POD activity, irrespective of its concentration and the site of plant cultivation.

Antibacterial and fungicidal activities of ethanol extracts of 38 species of plants

Galenic preparations are broadly used against microorganisms pathogenic to humans, thought their poteintial in this aspect is not studied completely. In our in vitro experiment we studied the influence of alcohol tinctures from 38 species of plants on 15 species of bacteria and one species of fungus. Zones of growth inhibition of colonies measuring over 8 mm were observed during the use of ethanol extracts of Maclura pomifera against eight species of microorganisms (Escherichia сoli, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Yersinia enterocolitica, Salmonella typhimurium, Rhodococcus equi, Campylobacter jejuni and Corynebacterium xerosis), Ginkgo biloba – against eight species (Enterococcus faecalis, S. marcescens, Y. enterocolitica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Listeria іnnocua, L. monocytogenes, Р. аeruginosa and C. jejuni), Genista tinctoria – against seven species (E. coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus mirabilis, K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, Р. аeruginosa and Rh. equi), Phellodendron amurense – against seven species (E. faecalis, S. marcescens, S. typhimurium, Rh. equi, C. jejunі, C. xerosis and Candida albicans), Berberis vulgaris – against seven species (P. mirabilis, S. marcescens, K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium, C. jejuni, Р. аeruginosa and C. xerosis), Vitex negundo – against six species (E. faecalis, E. coli, P. mirabilis, K. pneumoniae, S. typhimurium and Rh. equi), Koelreuteria paniculata – against six species (E. faecalis, P. mirabilis, S. marcescens, S. typhimurium, C. jejunі and E. coli), Magnolia kobus – against six species (E. faecalis, E. coli, P. mirabilis, S. marcescens, S. typhimurium, C. jejunі and C. xerosis), Liriodendron tulipifera – against six species (K. pneumoniae, Listeria іnnocua, Р. аeruginosa, C. jejuni, Rh. equi and C. albicans), Clematis flammula – against six species (E. faecalis, P. mirabilis, L. monocytogenes, Р. аeruginosa, C. jejuni and C. xerosis), Wisteria sinensis – against five species (E. coli, S. typhimurium, L. monocytogenes, Rh. equi and C. albicans), Chimonanthus praecox – against five species (E. faecalis, S. marcescens, L. monocytogenes, C. jejuni and Rh. equi), Colchicum autumnale – against five species (S. marcescens, K. pneumoniae, L. ivanovi, L. monocytogenes and Р. аeruginosa). As a result of the study, these plants were found to be the most promising for further study of in vivo antibacterial activity. In the search of antibacterial and antifungal activities, the following plants were observed to be less promising: Ailanthus altissima, Aristolochia manshuriensis, Artemisia absinthium, Callicarpa bodinieri, Campsis radicans, Catalpa duclouxii, Celastrus scandens, Dictamnus alba, Eucommia ulmoides, Geranium sanguineum, Laburnum anagyroides, Nepeta racemosa, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Polygonatum multiflorum, Prunus dulcis, P. laurocerasus, Ptelea trifoliata, Pteridium aquilinum, Quercus castaneifolia, Q. petraea iberica, Salvia officinalis, Securigera varia, Styphnolobium japonicum, Tamarix elongata and Vitex agnus-castus.

Response of Polygonatum Multiflorum and P. Odoratum morphological Characteristics and Population Structure to Variation in Environmental Factors

AbstractThe morphological variation and population structure were studied in seven populations of Polygonatum multiflorum and 19 populations of P. odoratum. The mean number of flowers per shoot and per inflorescence as well as inflorescence number per shoot in both species correlated negatively with total tree and shrub canopy cover, while the mean number of flowers per inflorescence in P. odoratum correlated positively with the soil pH. The shoot density and life stage composition in P. odoratum populations depended on total tree and shrub canopy cover, which negatively correlated with the density of generative shoots in populations of both species. The results of this study revealed the crucial effect of light availability expressed via total tree and shrub canopy cover in the habitats of Polygonatum species to their flowering intensity and population structure.

Mechanical properties of Polygonatum multiflorum leaves after treatment with growth stimulants

The mechanical properties of leaves are important in many aspects of plant science. Because of their delicate structure, leaves are sensitive to different, potentially harmful, environmental factors. The mechanical properties of leaves are important factors affecting leaf quality, longevity, susceptibility to damage, and decomposition. Two growth stimulants were applied to investigate selected mechanical properties of Solomon’s seal Variegatum [Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All.] leaves grown under field cultivation and in an unheated polytunnel. The mechanical properties of leaves were assessed by measuring Young’s modulus. The agents used in the treatment were Actisil Hydro Plus at a concentration of 0.4% in the first series and Pentakeep V at a concentration of 0.04% in the second series. Foliar treatment with the stimulants was conducted six times at weekly intervals. The control plots were sprayed with distilled water. The research was carried out between 2012 and 2014. In comparison to the test series, the respective effects of Actisil Hydro Plus and Pentakeep V on the change in Young’s modulus was more notable in plant leaves obtained from the tunnel than those from field cultivation. Specifically, growth stimulants had more impact on the stiffness of leaves obtained from plants grown in the tunnel. Generally, plant leaves from field cultivation were stiffer than those from the tunnel.

Morphological Characteristics and Allometric Relationships of Shoot in Two Undergrowth Plants: Polygonatum odoratum and Polygonatum multiflorum

The main purpose of this investigation was to describe the spatial arrangement of shoot tissues, as seen in transverse section, and allometric relationships in two contrasting species of Polygonatum i.e., Polygonatum odoratum which commonly grows in mixed pine-oak forest with shoots rectangular in shape, and Polygonatum multiflorum found in oak-hornbeam forest with cylindrical shoots. The mass and length of the aerial shoots of each individual plant were measured. The shoot regions of each plant were then categorized as basal (b), central (c) or apical (a). Transverse sections of these shoot regions were subsequently cut, and the following parameters were measured: (1) Diameter of shoots, (2) thickness of the outer and inner zones of parenchyma and (3) thickness of the sclerenchyma zone. Additional allometric relationships between the various measurements were computed and determined as Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r). Both species of Polygonatum differed significantly with respect to the length, diameter and thickness of the outer zone of parenchyma. Shoots of P. multiflorum were taller but narrower than those of P. odoratum, which had a significantly wider zone of outer parenchyma. Allometric relationships were stronger for P. multiflorum, and for both species, they were generally stronger in the basal part of the shoot. We conclude that in P. multiflorum, the strong correlation between the diameter and length of the shoot seems to be important to the growth in shaded environments.

THE EFFECT OF SILICON ON MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. ‘VARIEGATUM’ CUT SHOOTS

Garden perennials are a source of floristry material produced in field or under covers. A perennial producing long, leafy shoots, which in flower arrangements might successfully substitute fern or palm leaves, is Polygonatum multiflorum. The variety characterizing with decorative white margined leaves is ‘Variegatum’. To improve their quality, the growth stimulator Actisil Hydro Plus, which contains 0.6% of active silicon in a form of orthosilicic acid was applied. The aim of the conducted experiment was to estimate the influence of silicon and a place of cultivation (tunnel and open field) on post-harvest quality determined with morphological features, vase life longevity and mechanical properties of Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. ‘Variegatum’ stems. The plants were sprayed with water solutions of Actisil in concentrations: 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%, six times during the growing season in weekly intervals, starting from the first decade of May, always in the morning. It was stated that cultivation of Polygonatum in the unheated foil tunnel increases quality of shoots for cut greenery, determined with morphological features and post-harvest longevity. Cultivation of Polygonatum in a foil tunnel and spraying plants with Actisil in concentrations of 0.3 or 0.4% is advantageous due to possibility to increase a number of shoots from 20% to over 31%, their length from 9% to 11% and fresh weight from 52% to 71%, in comparison to control plants. It is advised to treat plants cultivated in a tunnel, with Actisil in concentration of 0.4% as it improved shoots quality evaluated with their diameter and lower leaves blade area. Spraying plants with Actisil in concentrations of 0.2–0.4% in the tunnel and 0.2% in field prolongs post-harvest shoots longevity by 3–4 days. Plants cultivated in the tunnel characterize with higher strength of shoots determined with higher maximum force causing permanent damage and lower stem deflection than plants cultivated in field. Plants grown in a tunnel and sprayed with Actisil in concentrations of 0.4% characterized with the strongest shoots after 14 days of storage, however a similar effect was observed with the concentration of 0.3% and in case of plants cultivated in field and sprayed with 0.4% of Actisil.

Sozological peculiarities of the flora of the Desna Plateau (Ukraine)

According to the goals and objectives of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation for 2011–2020 studying and monitoring the rare component of regional floras is highly relevant. This article presents the results of a nature conservation study of the flora of the Desna Plateau (Кrolevets’ and Hlukhiv geobotanic region), situated in the northeast part of Ukraine at the border line of two geomorphological regions (the Central Russian Upland and the Polesia-Dnipro lowland) and of two physical-geographical zones (Novhorod-Sivers`ke Polesia and the Sums`ky forest-steppe. In the orographic aspect, the territory is made up of the western spurs of the Central Russian Upland with the dissectioned forms of the relief. The studied area consists of about 4000 km2. Field route studies aimed at compiling floral lists, geobotanical description and herbarizing were conducted in the period 2002–2016. Separate sites of nature conservation interest were re-examined in different seasonal periods. The basis of the annotated summary of the rare species of vascular plant flora is made up by the materials of original research, as well as herbarium (KW) and literary reviews. The complex floristic analysis of the rare component of the regional flora was carried out in cameral conditions, which made it possible to identify the systematic, geographical, ecological, phytocenological and nature conservation structures of the rare species of vascular plant flora in the investigated area. According to the data received, the total number of species of vascular plants endangered by anthropogenic impact is composed of 85 species belonging to 32 families, 54 genera. Among the families, the following predominate: Orchidaceae (14 genera), Asteraceae, Ranunculaceae (8 genera in each), Iridaceae (5), Aspidiaceae, Cyperaceae (4 genera in each). Among the genera, the following predominate – Carex (4 species); Dryopteris, Orchis, Iris, Jurinea – 3 species in each. It was concluded that among the rare species there are plant species of different physical and geographical zones and this corresponds to the ecotone location of the region. Among species at the edge of their range, 14 are on the extreme northern border of their typical range (Linum flavum L., Carex rhizina Blytt ex Lindb., Centaurea ruthenica Lam., Trinia multicaulis Schishk, Aster amellus L., Galatella linosyris (L.) Rchb. f., Stipa tirsa Steven), 7 species are found on the southern border of their range (Cypripedium calceolus L., Pedicularis sceptrum-carolinum L., Parnassia palustris L., Lycopodium annotinum L., 4 species (Anemone nemorosa L., Salix myrsinifolia Salisb., Galanthus nivalis L., Gladiolus imbricatus L. are found on the eastern border of their distribution. The nature conservation structure includes 4 species from the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Dracocephalum ruyschiana L., Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill s.l., Salvinia natans L., Ostericum palustre (Bess) Bess); 3 species from the supplement to the CITES Convention (Adonis vernalis L., Cypripedium calceolus L., Orchis militaris L.), 27 species from the Red Book of Ukraine (Lilium martagon L., Allium ursinum L., Neottia nidus-avis (L.) Rich, Stipa pennata L.), 49 species from Sumy region rare species list (Clematis recta L., Pulsatilla patens (L.) Mill., Eremogone saxatilis (L.) Ikonn., Drosera rotundifolia L., Pedicularis kaufmannii Pinzg., Carex limosa L., C. umbrosa Host.). In addition, we suggest including into this list Sanquisorba officinalis L., Briza media L., Beckmania eruciformis (L.) Host., Melica nutans L., Coronilla varia L., Salvia nutans L., Scilla siberica Haw., Corydalis solida (L.) Clairv., Valeriana officinalis L., Vincetoxicum hirundinaria Medic., Menyanthes trifoliata L., Hesperis matronalis L., Naumburgia thyrsiflora (L.) Rchb., Thalictrum aquilegifolium L., T. minus L., Verbascum nigrum L., Polygonatum multiflorum (L.) All. It was found that among the rare species of the region mesophytes predominate and they are confined to meadow and forest habitats. To a lesser extent, xeromesophytes and xerophytes of meadow-steppe, as well as hygrophytes and hydrophytes of shoreline and water habitats are represented. The nature reserve fund of the region was analyzed according to the methodology of assessing the nature reserves by botanical value priority criteria. To optimize the region's nature reserve fund, a rationale for creating a landscape reserve of local significance “Zvenyhorods'ky” with a total area of 2,000 hectares was compiled, giving it the status of a regional biodiversity centre.