Pteridium Aquilinum Research Articles

Біорізноманіття березняків у Цуманському лісництві (Ківерцівський національний природний парк «Цуманська пуща», Україна)

According to the results of field research during the growing season from 14.05.2022 to 25.09.2022, 32 species of vascular plants and representatives of 33 taxa of invertebrates were found in the birch grove of Tsuman Forestry (Kivertsi National Nature Park "Tsumanska Pushcha", Volyn Region, Ukraine). The survey was carried out at three sites in the district 4 of Tsuman Forestry. The forest is represented by Betula pendula Roth., Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaerth.) with an admixture of Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L., Populus tremula L., Sorbus aucuparia L. In growing layer were recorded Pinus sylvestris L., Prunus padus L., solitary Acer platanoides L., Fraxinus excelsior L. The shrub layer is poorly developed, represented by solitary Corylus avellana L., Frangula alnus Mill. Vaccinium myrtillus L. Carex brizoides L. are common in the grass layer, Maianthemum bifolium (L.) F.Wchmidt, Stellaria holostea L. are common, Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn was found in the «windows» with Polytrichum commune Hedw a representative of the Bryophyta division. The remoteness of the research area from the urban-type settlement Tsuman and highways contributed to the preservation of the plant cover - the native birch grove flora is represented by typical boreal (14 species, 43.75 %), nemoral (12 species, 37.5 %) and boreal- nemoral species (2 species, 6, 25 %). The synanthropic fraction is represented by only 4 species (12.5%) found on the border of PP-13, which indicates significant preservation of the spontaneous flora. The eudodominant group of invertebrates were representatives of various orders of the class Insecta 40.02%. The dominant position was taken by Collembola of the Poduromorpha and Symphypleona orders, mites Sarcoptiformes, Hymenoptera, in particular ants Formicidae and spiders Araneae. Myriapoda centipedes belong to the subdominants. Insects in this group include Carabidae, Staphylinidae, dung beetles Geortupidae, weevils Curculionidae and Diptera. Lumbricidae, Oniscidea, Opiliones, Pseudoscorpiones are recedents. Into soil traps occasionally fell such insects, as Lepismatidae, wood cockroaches Blattellidae, aphids Aphidoidea, cicadas Cicadidae, true bugs Heteroptera, true earwigs Forficulidae, locusts Acrididae, Psocidae, Lagriidae, Scarabaeidae, bark beetles Ipidae, Elateridae, Histeridae, goldflies Buprestidae, fleas Hystrichopsyllidae from the genus Palaeopsylla, Lepidoptera. The greatest faunal diversity according to the Margalef index is characteristic of burnt birch grove - 3.61. The fauna of the compared sample areas is similar, the indicators of the similarity index vary in the range of 0.91–0.87.

Alföldi páfrány-előfordulások másodlagos élőhelyekről

In this study we report the occurrence data of 14 fern species from the area of the Danube–Tisza Interfluve and the Tiszántúl (Great Hungarian Plain). All data have been collected from sec­ondary habitats, such as buildings and man-made structures, pine plantations and canals. We pre­sent new data on seven protected and one alien fern species (Azolla filiculoides). Seven and six species were found together on the brick walls of old buildings near the railway stations in Bácsalmás and Baja, respectively. The new occurrences of Gymnocarpium robertianum, Pteridium aquilinum, Asplenium adiantum-nigrum and Polypodium vulgare have great importance from a floristic point of view. The latter two species were recorded both in pine plantations and on brick walls.

What happens when you turn weed management off? A long-term appraisal of the effectiveness of Pteridium aquilinum (L.) kuhn control treatments and the role of sheep grazing.

Long-term strategies are needed for the ecological restoration of land invaded by perennial weed species comprising of two parts: (1) control of the invasive species and (2) restoration of native vegetation meeting agricultural/conservation objectives. We investigated this within a statistically-rigorous, 28-year experiment at a site where Pteridium aquilinum had invaded an acid-grass/heathland. Where P. aquilinum-control treatments were applied for 20 years (1993-2012) very good P. aquilinum control was achieved by cutting (once or twice yearly) or repeat applications of the herbicide asulam. Vegetation restoration treatments (±sheep-grazing, seed addition) were also included and an acid-grass/grass heath was stablished. All three P. aquilinum-control treatments were very effective. In 2013 all P. aquilinum-control treatments were stopped and P. aquilinum recovery was monitored along with changes in the understory flora. All P. aquilinum performance variables remained significantly lower than untreated controls but P. aquilinum recovery varied between P. aquilinum-control treatments; slowest in the asulam treatment, intermediate where cut twice yearly and fastest where cut once yearly. P. aquilinum recovery was also faster in ungrazed plots, especially when cut once yearly. The underlying plant community remained relatively stable albeit with a reduction in species diversity. These good results were obtained from a large number of interventions and it is recommended that an adaptive management approach be used with (1) the aim of reducing frond density to ≤2 fronds m-2, (2) continued monitoring, and (3) re-applying control treatments when frond density exceeds this value. We also found that sheep grazing at low densities slowed P. aquilinum recovery, especially in the spray and cut twice yearly treatments almost certainly by trampling. However it is suggested that this needs further investigation using a range of different species of greater body-weights and at increased densities.

Checklist of Ferns in Mt. Mariveles, Bataan, Philippines

A checklist of fern species in Mt Mariveles, Bataan was provided in two trails of the said mountain, Tarak ridge and Pantingan peak from 400 masl to 1000 masl with information in their growth forms, endemicity and conservation status. The collected specimens were identified and evaluated based on their conservation status. There were 28 taxa, 20 genera in 14 families of ferns observed at Mt. Mariveles Bataan. Among the 14 families, Aspleniaceae has the most numbered of species consisting of 5 taxa. There are 20 taxa of ferns, 14 genera in 10 families that are found in Tarak of Mt Mariveles while 11 taxa and 9 genera in 10 families were recorded in Pantingan of Mt Mariveles. More ferns were observed in Papaya River in Tarak and in 800 to 1000 masl in Pantingan. Mid-elevation forests had the highest maximum fern richness. It results from the combination of high humidity, precipitation, and moderate temperatures. The growth form of collected ferns are mostly epiphytic. Based on their conservation status there are two species that are Least Concern (LC) these are Pteridium aquilinum and Dicranopteris linearis while Angiopteris evecta of Marattiaceae was considered as Other threatened species (OT).

Children, common bracken and cows at work: re-considering work in multispecies relations through childhood memories

ABSTRACT Drawing on Tim Ingold’s conceptualization of taskscape, this article explores children´s being and working within the landscape through childhood memories and walking ethnography. It examines situated relationships among children, common bracken and cows as they jointly inhabited and shaped steljniki – specific patches of land in South Eastern Slovenia. In contrast to conventional perspectives that narrowly frame children’s work as either an economic necessity or an educational endeavour, our emphasis is on the symmetrical unfolding of work in the multispecies collaboration of children, common bracken and cows in shaping the landscape in keeping with the seasons, natural rhythms, topography, soil composition and temporality. Situated in the context of the subsistence agriculture of extensive farming, where children have actively participated in work for generations, our study reimagines work within multispecies relationality. This conceptual shift responds to the imperative of challenging prevailing paradigms governing the relationship between young people and the environment.

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids in Pteridium aquilinum via SPE combined with UPLC-DAD via QAMS

A novel method for the simultaneous determination of flavonoids in Pteridium aquilinum via SPE combined with UPLC-DAD via QAMS

Geographical distribution of caudatoside and ptaquiloside in bracken ferns in Northern Europe

Bracken ferns (genus Pteridium) are among the most prevalent plants worldwide, with their distribution expanding due to their invasive nature. The environmental implications of their proliferation in areas affected by human activity, natural disasters, or land-use changes are concerning, primarily because of the carcinogenic illudane glycosides they produce. These compounds cause domestic and wildlife animal poisoning, as well as contamination of dairy products and drinking water. Several illudane glycosides are known, but usually only ptaquiloside (PTA) is monitored. This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in illudane glycosides PTA, caudatoside (CAU) and ptesculentoside (PTE) across two phenotypes of Pteridium aquilinum (vars. aquilinum and latiusculum) over a broad geographic range spanning Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, encompassing 66 locations. We analysed different parts of the fern fronds (the tips and the lowest pinnae) using LC–MS and statistically explored the influence of phenotype, frond part, geographic location, sunlight exposure, and the surrounding ecosystem on glycoside content. Our findings reveal that PTA accounts for approximately two-thirds of the total illudane glycoside content, followed by CAU at nearly one-third, and a minor contribution from PTE. Glycoside levels were not influenced by phenotypic varieties or the studied environmental factors, but were significantly affected by geographic location. Specifically, CAU levels increased progressively towards the northeast, while PTA concentrations were highest in Denmark and markedly decreased in northeastern countries by over threefold, presumably due to climatic gradient. It has been further supported by temporal analysis in selected PTA-dominant regions indicating a reduction in PTA towards the end of the growing season, aligning its levels with those of CAU. Our study highlights that CAU concentrations in bracken ferns may equal or surpass PTA, contesting the prevailing view that PTA is the only notable illudane glycoside in Bracken. To provide unbiased assessment of the potential risks posed by P. aquilinum in the region, environmental and toxicological research should include measurements of not only PTA, but also CAU and, if possible, PTE.

Understorey vegetation response to post‐tornado salvage logging

AbstractQuestionsHow does salvage logging alter understorey vegetation composition? To what extent does abundance of recalcitrant understorey species influence conifer tree regeneration? How does salvage logging influence microclimate conditions?LocationScientific Forest Management Area, Baxter State Park, Maine, USA.MethodsIn 2013, a rare tornado and subsequent salvage operation created three clear “treatments” for evaluation of post‐disturbance understorey community response: blowdown, blowdown followed by salvage logging and an undisturbed forested control. Ten years post tornado, we inventoried understorey vegetation at 10 sampling points within each of these treatments. We installed automated sensors to track temperature and soil moisture throughout a growing season and used hemispherical photographs to characterize canopy openness.ResultsNon‐metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination based on species importance values indicated distinct species groupings according to treatment, with the salvage treatment supporting a higher abundance of the recalcitrant species, Rubus idaeus and Pteridium aquilinum. Abundance of conifer regeneration was notably lower in areas with high abundance of Rubus idaeus or Pteridium aquilinum. Daily soil surface temperature fluctuations and canopy openness (both factors that influence seed germination) decreased in the order salvage > blowdown > control. Ordination results suggest that these two factors were the primary drivers of the observed compositional differences.ConclusionsThis study furthers our understanding of the interactions among disturbance, microclimate, and understorey communities, highlighting the need for increased consideration of long‐term effects on vegetation development following salvage logging. Our findings support recommendations to intermingle salvage patches within blowdown areas to promote landscape heterogeneity and species diversity.

Ethnobotany around the Virovitica Area in NW Slavonia (Continental Croatia)-Record of Rare Edible Use of Fungus Sarccoscypha coccinea.

Slavonia is the most developed agricultural region in Croatia. With rich and fertile soils that have enabled the cultivation of a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and cereals, Slavonia has always met the food needs of its population. Today, the biocultural diversity of local varieties and semi-natural vegetation has irretrievably disappeared. Our aim was to document the remaining local knowledge of plant use in this area through in-depth semi-structured interviews, which were conducted in 2022-2023. All possible aspects of the use of plants and fungi were recorded as food, animal feed, medicine, construction, jewelry, rituals and ceremonies, dyes, etc. The names and uses of local plant varieties were also recorded. The results show 1702 entries-a total of 296 plant taxa from 76 families and 28 fungi from 16 families. The most frequently named plants were: Urtica dioica, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rosa canina, and Sambucus nigra. The plants with the greatest variety of uses were Morus alba, Rosmarinus officinalis, Triticum aestivum, and Zea mays. Interesting uses were identified. The leaves of the ornamental plant Hosta sieboldiana are still used today as food for wrapping meat with rice, the aquatic plant Trapa natans is eaten like chestnuts, and Pteridium aquilinum was once consumed as a vegetable. In addition, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Sambucus ebulus were given to horses to prevent and avoid blood poisoning. Some forest species had a special significance and were revered or favored. The most frequently mentioned edible fungi were Boletus sp., Cantharellus cibarius, and Lactarius piperatus. Auricularia auricula-judae is the only species stated to have been used exclusively as a raw snack. Evidence of edible use of Sarccoscypha coccinea, which was reported as traditionally consumed in the past, was of particular interest. Despite the modernization and agricultural nature of the region, many interesting uses of plants and fungi were identified. Further efforts should be directed towards documenting this knowledge to facilitate its dissemination in the communities that possess it, or at least to preserve it for future generations.

Environmental correlates of Whinchat Saxicola rubetra breeding territory retention in a declining upland population

ABSTRACT Capsule In a 461 km2 unenclosed upland landscape in south-west England, long-term breeding Whinchat Saxicola rubetra persistence is more likely in areas characterized by a mixture of Bracken Pteridium aquilinum, ericaceous vegetation, and very low tree densities, situated in steep-sided valleys at mid-altitudes, further from agriculturally improved grassland or arable. Aims To establish the correlates of Whinchat breeding territory retention between 1979 and 2015–2022 in a declining upland population. Methods Historical Whinchat territories (identified in 1979) were revisited to assess range occupancy, producing a lost (n = 104) and retained (n = 60) sample. Territory retention probability was modelled at local (100 × 100 m) and broad (500 × 500 m) scales against remotely sensed data and field habitat data measured in 2022. Results At the local scale, territory retention probability was greater in steeper valleys, further from arable or agriculturally improved grassland, peaked at five trees per ha in a quadratic response, and where Bracken cover was greater. Bracken cover effects were enhanced when ericaceous vegetation was also present. At the broad scale, retention probability was again greater in steeper valleys, with greater Bracken cover, and at very low tree densities in a quadratic response (but the latter was not important at the bottom of steep-sided valleys). Retention also peaked at around 350–400 m elevation in a quadratic response at the broad scale. Conclusions In this population in south-west England, steep-sided valleys at 350–400 m, with a light scattering of trees, situated further from intensive enclosed farmland are more likely to retain Whinchats long term. Within these areas, a mixed Bracken and ericaceous field-layer should be encouraged, and blanket afforestation avoided, although lower densities of native trees appear to be more tolerated.

Distribution and Conservation Status of Plants’ species in the Botanical Garden and Arboretum domiciled in University of Uyo, Nigeria

This research assessed the plant species composition, distribution and International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) conservation status of plants in University of Uyo botanical garden and arboretum using systematic sampling technique. The species were sampled in 10 x 10 m quadrats spaced at least regular intervals of 20 m from each quadrat. Thirty-one and thirty-eight species were encountered in the arboretum and botanic garden respectively. In terms of the frequency, Chromolaena odorata and Nauclea diderichii had the highest values (75%), while Acanthus montanus, Anthocleista djalonensis, Anthonotha macrophylla, Baphia nitida, Barteria nigritiana, Carpolobia lutea, Ceiba pentandra, Cnestis ferruginea, Entandrophragma utile, Hura crepitans, Lonchocarpus griffoneonus, Rauvolfia vomitoria, Senna siamea, Tamarindus indica, Tectona grandis and Treculia africana had the least frequency (25% each). For the density, Nauclea diderichii had the value of 250±15.30 st/ha. In the botanic garden, Ageratum houstonianum, Alchornea cordifolia, Chromolaena ordorata and Croton hirtus had the highest frequency (100%) while Allamanda cathartica, Asystasia gangetica, Bambusa vulgaris, Caladium bicolor, Centrosema virginianum, Cnestis ferruginea, Culcasia scandens, Cyathula prostrata, Desmodium scorpiurus, Emilia sonchifolia, Heliconia psittacorum, Ipomea involucrata, Lagenaria sphaerica, Mimosa pudica, Nephrolepis bisserata, Panicum sp., Pentaclethra macrophylla, Plumeria rubra, Polyalthia longifolia, Pteridium aquilinum, Scoparia dulcis, Senna siamea, Sesamum radiatum and Sida acuta had the least frequency (33.33%). The vegetation of both sites indicated variation in composition of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and ferns. These heterogeneities may be a pointer to their varying adaptation levels and differential responses of plant species to pedological and anthropogenic influences.

Antidyslipidemic Effect of Diherbal mixture of Pteridium Aquilinum and Caesalpinia bonducella in Albino Rats

Pteridium aquilinum and Caesalpinia bonducella are plants commonly used in the management of various ailments in Nigerian folk medicine. Each of them have been found to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help in maintaining cardiovascular health. In the present study, the effect of the herbal mixture on the lipid profile of albino rats was investigated. A total of twenty albino rats were used in the study. These rats were randomly distributed into 5 groups of 4 rats per group. The rats were allowed to acclimatize for ten days prior to treatment. Rats in group 1 (control) were kept on water and feed. While rats in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were treated with 200, 400, 600 and 800mg/kg bwt. of the di-herbal mixture respectively. The treatments lasted for 21 days. Twenty four hours after treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Blood samples collected and prepared for lipid profile. The following parameters: total cholesterol (TC), High-density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) were evaluated by standard methods. Results showed that the di-herbal mixture exhibited a dose-dependent reduction in Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Triglyceride. For instance, the control rats had a total cholesterol value of 91.28± 3.54mg/dl. When the herbal mixture was introduced at the dose of 200mgkg bwt, cholesterol value reduced to 90.28±3.77mg/dl. Dose-dependent increments in HDL Cholesterol levels were however, recorded. For instance, the control rats had a HDL Cholesterol value of 32.28 ± 1.81mg/dl. When the herbal sample was given at the initial dose of 200mg/kg bwt, HDL Cholesterol level increased to 34.21 ± 1.72mg/dl. When the extract dose was further increased to 400mg/kg bwt. HDL Cholesterol level was found to be 34.61± 2.10mg/dl. The conclusion was thus drawn that the sample has the potency of maintaining healthy levels of the cardiac function parameters investigated.

Network pharmacology analysis of the renal protective effects of bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) using experimental data obtained in an avian (quail) hyperuricemia model.

To investigate the nephroprotective potential of orally administered bracken Pteridium aquilinum extract against renal damage in quails, induced by a high-purine diet, to form a foundation for subsequent clinical studies and applications. A mass spectrometry analysis was conducted on the pteridophyte subjected to steam explosion. Network pharmacological methods were then utilized to pinpoint shared targets and pathways, which suggested that Pteridium aquilinum has a capability to counteract renal injury. A total of 48 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) "Difaku" quails were selected and segregated into six distinct groups. The control group received a standard diet, whereas the other groups were fed a high-purine diet. Beginning on day 14, each group was subjected to designated therapeutic measures. The study continued for 40 days, after which relevant biological markers were assessed. Active compound peaks from the steam-exploded Pteridium aquilinum were isolated. Subsequently, 101 targets and several pathways associated with renoprotective effects were discerned, indicating that the Pteridium aquilinum achieves its nephroprotective function through comprehensive regulatory mechanisms. The high-purine diet successfully induced hyperuricemia in the quails, resulting in renal impairment. Following intervention with varied Pteridium aquilinum dosages, renal protective outcomes were evident, though xanthine oxidase activity remained unaffected. Histological analyses demonstrated a notable decrease in renal lesion dimensions post-intervention. The steam-exploded bracken Pteridium aquilinum may provide nephroprotective benefits against hyperuricemia-induced renal damage in quails through comprehensive regulatory processes. This highlights the Pteridium aquilinum's potential as an innovative nephroprotective therapeutic and dietary solution, presenting a promising avenue for hyperuricemia and renal damage treatment and prevention.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fern Pteridium aquilinum Ethanol Extract Gel on Mice (Mus musculus) Incision Wounds

The utilization of natural resources around the community is one of the alternative anti-inflammatory medications. One of the several studies on this area reported that commonly people use Pteridium aquilinum leaves to heal wound instead of commercial gel medications. The research aimed to determine the activity and it effective dose of Pteridium aquilinum ethanol extract gel as an anti-inflammatory. The ethanol extract of Pteridium aquilinum was formulated in a gel with varying dosage concentrations of 1%, 1.5%, and 3% for 2 times applied a day in 14 days, with the incision wounds without fern ethanol extract gel as negative control and incision wound was treated with commercially as positive control. Observation on the wound length and the injured tissue histology of mice incision wound carried out on 3, 5, 7, and 14 days of treatment. The results prove that fern ethanol extract gel formula has anti-inflammatory activity on mice incision wound. Wound healing indicated by the closure of the wound on the skin. Based on the results can be concluded that Pteridium aquilinum ethanol extract has anti-inflammatory and heals mice incision wound affectively in 14 days with the best dosage concentration of 3%.

Variation in hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) presence in hedge and scrub habitats

Abstract Habitat restoration at a landscape scale is key to reversing the loss of biodiversity arising from habitat destruction. In landscapes that are intensively used by people, such as for agriculture, valuable restoration efforts might be applied not just to ‘prime’ habitats that are known to have strong associations with target species, but also to ‘sub‐prime’ habitats that might nevertheless provide sufficient resources to support populations. Hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) populations are in chronic decline in the UK. The species is typically associated with broadleaf woodland but restoration of this habitat at scale in agricultural landscapes is difficult. Other habitats used by dormice might, therefore, provide opportunities for restoration. We investigated the use by hazel dormice of hedgerow and scrub habitats in southwest England. From June–November 2022, using footprint‐recording tunnels, we surveyed 38 hedges and 21 scrub patches in the vicinity of 18 sites known to contain established dormouse populations. We found that dormice were frequently present in scrub (9.3 detections per 100 tunnel checks, 95% confidence interval 6.6–12.0) and less frequently in hedges (4.5 detections, 95% CI 3.2–5.8). In scrub patches, dormice were present more frequently as the abundance of dormice in the closest population increased, and less frequently where bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) was dominant. In hedges, dormice were detected more frequently where there was abundant hazel (Corylus avellana) and honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum), as frequency of intersections with other hedges increased, and where an earthen bank was not present. Understanding hazel dormouse association with a wide range of habitats, particularly scrub, offers more opportunities for habitat restoration as part of species conservation strategies.

Influence of Fly Ash on Soil Properties and Vegetation of Fresh Coniferous Forest during Long-Term Observation

Fly ashes produced in huge amounts during coal combustion requires proper management. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of fly ash from burning hard coal used in large doses (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 t ha−1) on soil properties and vegetation of fresh mixed coniferous forest within 43 years from the ash application. The experiment was established in the Podzols in the forest habitat of Czułów, Katowice Forest district, Upper Silesia, Poland. Eight tree species were planted in ridges created by ploughing: Pinus sylvestris, P. nigra, Larix decidua, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Q., Acer pseudoplatanus and Fagus sylvatica. The changes in soil morphology caused significant transformations in the physical and chemical properties of the soil such as soil texture, pH, macronutrients (P, K and Mg) content and C:N ratio. Increasing of ash doses changed the granulometric composition of the soil levels from loamy sand (250 t/ha−1) to silt loam (2000 t ha−1). Initially, the acidic Podzols were alkalized under the influence of the fly ash and then acidified, possibly due to the impact of accumulated litter layers, and the reaction of organic soil horizons changed from strongly acidic (250–1000 t ha−1) to alkalis (2000 t/ha−1). The macronutrients content increased in proportion to the fly ash dose, but the subsequent acidification resulted in a gradual decrease in the macronutrients share in the soil layers. The value of the C:N ratio grew after the ash application and then it gradually reduced, even by half. The transformations of soil horizons’ properties also increased the capacity of the soil sorption complex (CEC). All these processes led to a change in the trophic status of the habitat expressed by the soil habitat index (SIG) and the initial coniferous forest site can be classified as a mixed forest habitat even with the lowest ash dose used. The composition of plant communities developed forty years after the ash application was similar at the lower ash doses and the most frequent and abundant tree species were L. decidua, P. nigra and P. silvestris. B. pendula was previously co-dominant, but it was eliminated from the tree stands during the experiment. Planted trees characteristic of late stages of succession, such as Q. robur, Q. rubra, F. sylvatica and A. pseudoplatanus either did not survive or remained in very low quantities. The herb and moss layers developed in the process of spontaneous colonization, and together with the trees led to phytostabilisation of the bare substrates. After acidification of the topsoil horizons, the herb layers consisted mostly of coniferous, mixed, and deciduous forest species, and the most frequent or abundant were Lysimachia europea and Pteridium aquilinum. The moss layers were represented by coniferous forest flora. At the ash dose of 2000 t ha−1, Tilia cordata settled in one of the seral stages of spontaneous succession and this species dominated in the community and formed a dense tree stand. After the soil acidification, a shift from calcicole to calcifuge plant strategy took place among species of the herbaceous layer. The transformations of plant communities’ composition occurred in relation to changes in the soil properties.

Assessing Environmental Safety Risks associated with Ptaquiloside: A Rapidly Leaching Glucoside from Bracken Ferns

Ptaquiloside (PTA), a glucoside found in common tropical bracken ferns like Pteridium aquilinum, possesses genotoxic and DNA-damaging properties. Its water-solubility makes it susceptible to rapid leaching during rainfall, resulting in its presence in groundwater. PTA's DNA alkylation ability contributes significantly to tumorigenesis, substantiating its carcinogenic potential in animals including humans. Its presence has been confirmed not only in groundwater but also in meat and milk. The unique leaching behavior of PTA, along with evidence of multiple mechanisms leading to cellular mutations, warrants further attention. Research is needed to enhance the isolation and purification of PTA from samples. While the current understanding points to DNA alkylation as the primary mechanism of action, emerging studies suggest potential alternate mechanisms that remain elusive.

Fungal endophyte Cryptomycina pteridis (Rebent.) Syd. on the native fern Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn in Poland

Cryptomycina pteridis (Ascomycota, class Sordariomycetes) is a highly host-specific fungus, infecting only a native, fern Pteridium aquilinum. This endophyte is usually overlooked, although it is easy to recognise due to its characteristic symptoms on bracken fern fronds, especially advanced narrowing and shrivelling of pinnae and pinnules. Infested plants have pinnae and pinnules curling upwards, and dark stromata along the veins on the undersides of pinnules. The fungus is an obligate systemic endophyte, which disturbs fern growth. The paper presents some old and new records of C. pteridis in Poland.

Distribution and migration of uranium, chromium, and accompanying metal(loid)s in soil-plants system around a uranium hydrometallurgical area

Distribution and migration of uranium, chromium, and accompanying metal(loid)s in soil-plants system around a uranium hydrometallurgical area

Three new flavonoid glycosides isolated from Pteridium aquilinum

Three new flavonoid glycosides, (S)-4′,6,8-trihydroxyflavanone-7-C-glucoside (1), (R)-4′,6,8- trihydroxyflavanone-7-C-glucoside (2) and distenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside (3), along with nine known flavonoids (4-12) were isolated from the aerial of Pteridium acquilinum. Their structures were elucidated by the analysis of spectroscopy data and their comparison with the reported values. The two C-glycosyl flavanones (1 and 2), were isolated from this specie, which might be chemotaxonomic markers of this specie. In addition, three new flavonoids were preliminarily examined for their anti-inflammatory activity. Compounds 1-3 inhibited the NF-κB induction by 46.3%, 59.6% and 29.2%, respectively.