Selected Plant Species Research Articles

Combining phytoremediation with bioenergy production: developing a multi-criteria decision matrix for plant species selection

The use of plants to extract metal contaminants from soils has been proposed as a cost-effective means of remediation, and utilizing energy crops for this phytoextraction process is a useful way of attaining added value from the process. To simultaneously attain both these objectives successfully, selection of an appropriate plant species is crucial to satisfy a number of imporTant criteria including translocation index, metal and drought tolerance, fast growth rate, high lignocellulosic content, good biomass production, adequate calorific value, second generation attribute, and a good rooting system. In this study, we proposed a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to aid decision-making on plant species based on information generated from a systematic review survey. Eight species Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Brassica juncea (Indian mustard), Glycine max (soybean), Salix spp. (willow), Populus spp. (poplar), Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), Typha latifolia (cattails), and Miscanthus sinensis (silvergrass) were examined based on the amount of hits on a number of scientific search databases. The data was normalized by estimating their min–max values and their suitability. These criteria/indicators were weighted based on stipulated research objectives/priorities to form the basis of a final overall utility scoring. Using the MCDA, sunflower and silvergrass emerged as the top two candidates for both phytoremediation and bioenergy production. The multi-criteria matrix scores assist the process of making decisions because they compile plant species options quantitatively for all relevant criteria and key performance indicators (KPIs) and its weighing process helps incorporate stakeholder priorities to the selection process.

Plant selection for pollinator restoration in seminatural ecosystems

Individual plant species play valuable roles in meeting restoration goals for pollinators. However, the selection of plant species for pollinator restoration is rarely informed using empirical evidence and is usually developed in agroecosystems, which experience frequent human interventions to ensure plant success as compared to seminatural ecosystems. We highlight concepts and future research needs to design planting mixes that fulfill the ecological requirements of pollinators in seminatural ecosystems. Native plants that are attractive to pollinators, increase the stability of pollination services, and provide consistent floral resources across the landscape and growing season should be prioritized in pollinator restoration projects in seminatural ecosystems. Furthermore, condensing criteria of desirable plant traits into a composite score can aid managers in selecting plant species that meet restoration goals. Developing restoration strategies for pollinators on seminatural lands is important for preserving organisms essential for biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem function.

Community preferences for agroforestry patterns in supporting future forestry development

Through the selecting cropping patterns can be used as a strategy to regulate the success rate of land management it can contribute to deciding the level of the earth’s temperature through the selection of plant species. The high level of the earth’s temperature causes various impacts such as an increase in drought, which affects the agricultural industry, changes in weather that affect the success of planting, to the food crisis. Therefore, the selection of plant species must be done correctly and in accordance with the preferences of farmers. The choice of plant types that are by following the wishes of farmers can increase the motivation of farmers to maintain and caring for plants so that the success rate of planting will be higher. Therefore, it is essential to research farmers’ preferences in choosing crop types and agroforestry cropping patterns (simple agroforestry and complex agroforestry) because the amount of carbon stored by plants will depend on farmers’ preferences. The purpose of this study is to determine the preferences of farmers in choosing types of crops and agroforestry cropping patterns by using decision-making analysis methods. The study was conducted from December 2020 to February 2021 at the Batutegi Forest Management Unit, Tanggamus Regency, and Lampung Province. Research results show that the aspects considered by farmers are the aspects considered by farmers in choosing plant types and cropping patterns were production orientation (100%), time and labor (95.65%), biophysical conditions (80.43%), knowledge (80.43%) and the ability to invest in plants (36.96%). The reasons for farmers choosing crop types and cropping patterns are income (100%), productivity (88.89%), production speed (82.22%), and ease of harvesting (37.78%). As many as 73% of farmers who choose complex agroforestry cropping patterns have a more significant role in minimizing the impact of global warming. This happens because complex agroforestry cropping patterns are able to minimize the effects of global warming more optimally with larger stored carbon stocks of 765.61 tons/ha when compared to simple agroforestry planting patterns with carbon stocks of 356.21 tons/ha.

The ability of reusing municipal treated water for irrigation the landscaping in Vietnam. The research in constructed wetland in municipal wastewater treatment plant, Danang city

All around the world, the constructed wetland is a variation for for reusing treated water by irrigation the landscaping. Based on the synthesis and metabolism of different plant species, nutrients, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, in wastewater has been removed. Therefore, the article evaluates the ability of reusing municipal treated water from combined sewerage system for technology constructed wetland. Based on building and operating model wetland in municipal wastewater treatment plant for 2 months, adaptability of 2 selected plant species in model include Canna generalis and Portulaca grandiflora has been determined. At first, the experiment evaluates of the growth and development of plants. After that, based on operated model with with hydraulic rention time was 48 hours and hydraulic loading rate is approximately 0.2 m3/m2/d, the efficiency transformation of Nitrogen in range 30 – 40% with Canna generalis and 20 – 30% with Portulaca grandiflora. Moreover, the preformance removing ortho phosphorus of both models in range 40 – 60%. Sumerize, the synthesis and metabolism of nutrients by these plants will reduce the loading of biological reactor in wastewater treatment plants.

Design for urban biodiversity: Flourishing the vertical plane

Nature-based solutions (NBS) emphasize the importance of linking biodiversity conservation with climate-resilient and sustainable development plans. In the built environment, artificial ecosystems, such as vertical gardens (VG), cannot be considered NBS if factors such as biodiversity and sustainability are disregarded. This project demonstrates the workflow of incorporating the suitable plant composition in the process of designing a conceptual VG, in a case study in Athens, Greece, while additionally explores the vegetation influence in buildings’ microclimate. Initially, the process relies on digitizing data pertaining to suitable native plant species along with their growth and maintenance parameters; this further enables the establishment of criteria for selecting plants for VG within the architectural proposal. In the second part, a conceptual design experiment of a VG is conducted, where the selected plant species are evaluated in terms of site-specific characteristics, before reflecting on the prospects of the process, in the third part. As a result, this work demonstrates a design approach that is extended to harness local plant capital for the benefit of urban biodiversity. In doing so, it promotes transdisciplinarity by merging different concepts into a coherent, valuable research set that is replicable and accessible to all.

Evaluation-perception of site attributes and plant species selection in the public urban green space of a compact city

Evaluation-perception of site attributes and plant species selection in the public urban green space of a compact city

Identification of Tropical Planting Selection for Sustainable Campus Design

Tropical planting plays a crucial role in sustainable campus design in Malaysia. Incorporating tropical planting into campus design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also offers numerous environmental benefits. This research aims to identify suitable tropical plant species for sustainable campus design. The selection of appropriate plant species plays a crucial role in creating environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing campus landscapes. The study employs an observational research approach to gather data on plant characteristics, growth patterns, ecological requirements, and overall sustainability. Data was collected at Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Bachok Campus. The results revealed that selection criteria for plants were based on their adaptability to tropical climates, aesthetic appeal, low maintenance requirements, and positive ecological impact. This paper outlines the strength of tropical plantings selection for sustainable campus design based on native trees, shade trees, climbing plants and vines, ground covers, ornamental shrubs, and medicinal and aromatic plants. Some of the tropical plants such as mahogany, kapok tree, frangipani offer numerous benefits in sustainable campus design, contributing to climate resilience, water efficiency, biodiversity conservation, and a vibrant and healthy campus environment. Thus, this research will provide valuable insights for landscape architects, campus planners, and any related built environment professionals in developing sustainable campus designs in tropical regions.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential of Ethnomedicinal Plants of Sikkim Himalaya

In the present study, four important ethnomedicinal plants of Sikkim Himalaya viz., Astilbe rivularis Buch- Ham ex. D. Don, Eupatorium adenophorum Spreng., Bergenia ciliata (Haw.) Sternb and Artemisia vulgaris L. were investigated to ensure its ethno pharmacological potency. The methanolic root extracts of the selected plants were investigated for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Among the tested extracts, the root methanolic extract of Bergenia ciliata contained the highest total phenolic content (911.4±0.124 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract) and showed exceptional activity in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assays with halfmaximal inhibitory concentration value of 10 μg/ml and 1.0 μg/ml, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration of Bergenia ciliata root methanolic extract was also found to be the lowest for gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (600 μg/ml) and actinomycetes Streptomyces sp. (800 μg/ml), suggesting high and effective potency against microbes. Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis root extracts were further investigated for phenolic compounds using high performance liquid chromatography. The extracts of Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis were found to contain substantial amount of bergenin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, p-coumeric and m-coumeric acid. In conclusion, this study gives scientific evidence on the biological activities of the selected plant species and recommends Bergenia ciliata and Astilbe rivularis as candidate plants for pharmaceutical drug development.

Effect of Abscisic Acid on Drought Tolerance of Selected Plant Species

Abscisic acid is a phytohormone produced by plants and has various roles in plants growth and development. ABA function in plants is still not well understood, despite of its involvement in abscission. However, ABA has a critical role in reducing a variety of stress reactions. Drought stress is one of the abiotic stress and is defined as a prolonged period of reduced water supply. ABA controls plants response to various conditions such as salinity, low temperature, and drought. It plays a vital role in regulating a variety of processes involved in plant growth, such as floral induction, seed dormancy, embryo maturation, seed germination and root growth. The present research work is carried out to analyse the drought tolerance and leaf chlorosis by the application of ABA on selected three medicinal plant species Talinum paniculatum, Bryophyllum pinnatum and Sauropus androgynus.

THE EFFECTS OF ACID MIST ENVIRONMENT ON PLANT GROWTH: A REVIEW

The wet (rain, snow, fog, sleet, dew) and dry (transport of aerosol, particles and gases) deposition of acidic substance in environment results due to human, automobile, fossil fuel burning and industrial activities. Acid deposition is worldwide environmental degradation problems and in recent years these acidic materials are increasing at alarming scale in the environment both in developed and developing countries, including Pakistan. Some scientific literature survey reports suggest that plant growth and agriculture yield decrease due to consequence of acid rain. In addition, acid rain is found responsible for producing toxic effects on the morphological parameters of agricultural crop. The evidence collected from last more than fifty years showed the common significant effects of acid rain on seed germination percentage, seedling height, root hair and structure, alteration in leaf anatomy, size and area, stomatal structure, size, pollen germination, photosynthetic pigments and physiological changes in herbs, shrubs and trees. Still, little is known on the impact of acid rain on plant growth. This study was aimed to review the effects of acid mist on growth performances of some selected plant species. This review is contributed with the help of literature survey, research work published on the impact of acid rain on the plant growth.

Willow and Herbaceous Species' Phytoremediation Potential in Zn-Contaminated Farm Field Soil in Eastern Québec, Canada: A Greenhouse Feasibility Study.

Phytoremediation shows great promise as a plant-based alternative to conventional clean-up methods that are prohibitively expensive. As part of an integrated strategy, the selection of well-adapted plant species as well as planting and management techniques could determine the success of a long-term program. Herein, we conducted an experiment under semi-controlled conditions to screen different plants species with respect to their ability to phytoremediate Zn-contaminated soil excavated from a contaminated site following a train derailment and spillage. The effect of nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) application on the plants and soil was also comprehensively evaluated, albeit we did not find its use relevant for field application. In less than 100 days, substantial Zn removal occurred in the soil zone proximal to the roots of all the tested plant species. Three perennial herbaceous species were tested, namely, Festuca arundinacea, Medicago sativa, and a commercial mix purposely designed for revegetation; they all showed strong capacity for phytostabilization at the root level but not for phytoextraction. The Zn content in the aboveground biomass of willows was much higher. Furthermore, the degree of growth, physiological measurements, and the Zn extraction yield indicated Salix purpurea ‘Fish Creek’ could perform better than Salix miyabeana, ‘SX67’, in situ. Therefore, we suggest implementing an S. purpurea—perennial herbaceous co-cropping strategy at this decade-long-abandoned contaminated site or at similar disrupted landscapes.

Selected Seeds as Sources of Bioactive Compounds with Diverse Biological Activities.

Seeds contain a variety of phytochemicals that exhibit a wide range of biological activities. Plant-derived compounds are often investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic, anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-platelet, anti-apoptotic, anti-nociceptive, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, hepatoprotective, or neuroprotective properties. In this review, we have described the chemical content and biological activity of seeds from eight selected plant species-blackberry (Rubus fruticosus L.), black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miq.), grape (Vitis vinifera L.), Moringa oleifera Lam., sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), Gac (Momordica cochinchinensis Sprenger), hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), and sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L). This review is based on studies identified in electronic databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SCOPUS. Numerous preclinical, and some clinical studies have found that extracts, fractions, oil, flour, proteins, polysaccharides, or purified chemical compounds isolated from the seeds of these plants display promising, health-promoting effects, and could be utilized in drug development, or to make nutraceuticals and functional foods. Despite that, many of these properties have been studied only in vitro, and it's unsure if their effects would be relevant in vivo as well, so there is a need for more animal studies and clinical trials that would help determine if they could be applied in disease prevention or treatment.

Availability of butterfly species (Lepidoptera) at different location of Bramhananda Keshab Chandra College campus and selection of respective nectar plant species

Availability of butterfly species (Lepidoptera) at different location of Bramhananda Keshab Chandra College campus and selection of respective nectar plant species

Allelopathic Effects of Amomum villosum Lour. Volatiles from Different Organs on Selected Plant Species and Soil Microbiota.

Amomum villosum Lour. is a perennial herb of the Zingiberaceae family, which is widely distributed in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province in Southwest China. Large amounts of volatile components contained in this plant enter the surrounding atmosphere and soil through volatilization, foliar leaching, root exudation, and residue decomposition. However, the ecological role of these compounds is currently unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in the composition of volatile oils from stems, leaves, and young fruits of A. villosum, identify chemicals that had allelopathic effects, and explore the effects of the oil on the diversity and composition of soil microbiomes. Volatile oils were obtained by steam distillation and characterized by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry, and then were tested for allelopathic activity using seedlings of Lactuca sativa L. and Lolium perenne L. as test species. The results showed that the oils from stems and leaves were rich in monoterpene hydrocarbons, unlike the oxygenated monoterpenes which dominated oils from young fruits. Leaves > stems > young fruits: this was the order of the allelopathic effects of volatile oils from various A. villosum organs. Among the four main chemical components in the oils, only α-pinene, which is abundant in leaves, had a stronger allelopathic action than the crude oils, implying that it might be a potential allelochemical. Experiments on soil microorganisms indicated that 3.0 mg/mL oil had the greatest effect on the structure of the soil fungal community. It can be concluded that A. villosum is capable of releasing allelochemicals which affect the growth of other plant species and the diversity and community structure of soil microorganisms.

Relationships between denitrification rates and functional gene abundance in a wetland: The roles of single- and multiple-species plant communities

Wetland soil denitrification removes excess inorganic nitrogen (N) and prevents eutrophication in aquatic ecosystems. Wetland plants have been considered the key factors determining the capacity of wetland soil denitrification to remove N pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. However, the influences of various plant communities on wetland soil denitrification remain unknown. In the present study, we measured variations in soil denitrification under different herbaceous plant communities including single Phragmites karka (PK), single Paspalum thunbergia (PT), single Zizania latifolia (ZL), a mixture of Paspalum thunbergia plus Phragmites karka (PTPK), a mixture of Paspalum thunbergia plus Zizania latifolia (PTZL), and bare soil (CK) in the Estuary of Nantiaoxi River, the largest tributary of Qingshan Lake in Hangzhou, China. The soil denitrification rate was significantly higher in the surface (0–10 cm) than the subsurface (10–20 cm) layer. Wetland plant growth increased the soil denitrification rate by significantly increasing the soil water content, nitrate concentration, and ln(nirS) + ln(nirK). A structural equation model (SEM) showed that wetland plants indirectly regulated soil denitrification by altering the aboveground and belowground plant biomass, nitrate concentration, abundances of denitrifying functional genes, and denitrification potential. There was no significant difference in soil denitrification rates among PT, PK and ZL. The soil denitrification rate was significantly lower in PTZL than PTPK. Two-plant communities did not necessarily enhance the denitrification rate compared to single planting, the former had a greater competitiveness on N uptake and consequently reduced the amount of nitrate available for denitrification. As PTPK had the highest denitrification rate, co-planting P. thunbergia and P. karka could effectively improve N removal efficiency and help mitigate eutrophication in adjacent aquatic ecosystems. The results of this investigation provide useful information guiding the selection of appropriate wetland herbaceous plant species for wetland construction and the removal of N pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.

Effects of street lights on the web site selection of two species of spiders Neoscona theisi (Walckenaer, 1841) and Leucauge decorata (Blackwall, 1864)

Neoscona theisi and Leucauge decorata are two orb-web weaving spiders that are generally found between the branches of the bushes, the shrubs and the trees. Ever since the artificial lightening of the streets became the norm in modern cities, it became a major component of urbanization which influences the overall biodiversity all around the world. This study concentrates mainly on the web-site selection based on the presence and the absence of the street light which may influence the prey abundance at that particular area. The spider species studied are found in higher abundance on the trees that are in the close proximity to the streetlights. The majority of the arthropod prey species are dipterans. Other arthropods prey belonging to Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera and Odonata are also found on the webs of these two spider species on the selected plant species in which they were studied.

Plant Species Selection of Urban Landscaping in Handan Under the Background of Sponge City Construction

Plant Species Selection of Urban Landscaping in Handan Under the Background of Sponge City Construction

Selection of Plant Species for Particulate Matter Removal in Urban Environments by Considering Multiple Ecosystem (Dis)Services and Environmental Suitability

To select plant species for particulate matter (PM) removal from urban environments, it is important to consider the plant species’ ecosystem (dis)services and environmental suitability in addition to their effectiveness in PM removal. In this study, 61 plant species were ranked for PM removal using three separate models: (i) leaf traits, (ii) leaf saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), and (iii) ecosystem services and disservices. The plant species’ effectiveness in PM accumulation and the effective leaf traits were identified using leaf SIRM. In each model, plant species were assigned scores and weights for each criterion. The weighted average or the product (Π)-value was calculated for each plant species. The weighted average of each plant species was multiplied by the scores of leaf longevity and leaf area index (LAI) to scale up to a yearly basis and per unit of ground surface area. The preference ranking organization method for enrichment of evaluations (PROMETHEE) method was employed for the services and disservices model because of the lack of precise weights for the included criteria in the model. A scenario analysis was performed to determine a change in the ranking of plant species when the weights of the criteria were modified in the services and disservices model. The plant species with increased ecosystem services and reduced ecosystem disservices were Tilia cordata (Mill.), Tilia platyphyllos (Scop.), Alnus incana (L.), Acer campestre (L.), and Picea abies (L.). The findings of this study can be relevant to urban planners for recommending suitable choices of plant species for the development of urban green spaces.

Bentonite as a Functional Material Enhancing Phytostabilization of Post-Industrial Contaminated Soils with Heavy Metals.

Growing awareness of the risks posed by pollution of the soil environment is leading to the development of new remediation strategies. The technique of aided phytostabilization, which involves the evaluation of new heavy-metal (HM)-immobilizing amendments, together with appropriately selected plant species, is a challenge for environmental protection and remediation of the soil environment, and seems to be promising. In this study, the suitability of bentonite for the technique of aided phytostabilization of soils contaminated with high HM concentrations was determined, using a mixture of two grass species. The HM contents in the tested plants and in the soil were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The application of bentonite had a positive effect on the biomass of the tested plants, and resulted in an increase in soil pH. The concentrations of copper, nickel, cadmium, lead and chromium were higher in the roots than in the above-ground parts of the plants, especially when bentonite was applied to the soil. The addition of the analyzed soil additive contributed significantly to a decrease in the levels of zinc, copper, cadmium and nickel in the soil at the end of the experiment. In view of the above, it can be concluded that the use of bentonite in the aided phytostabilization of soils polluted with HMs, is appropriate.

Plant species selection and impact on tree resprouts by semi-free ranging pigs in a temperate deciduous forest

Silvopastoral systems with grazing pigs are mainly concentrated in Mediterranean regions, for instance in Iberian dehesas and montados. Conversely, in European deciduous forests, outdoor pig farming has almost disappeared, despite it could provide several environmental and socioeconomic benefits. For instance, pig grazing could be used for habitat restoration and conservation, while providing high quality meat products and promoting local breeds. In this study, we investigated (i) the plant species selection and (ii) the impact on tree resprouts (after a silvicultural cut) by semi-free ranging pigs in a degraded oak temperate forest in Northwestern Italy. We monitored pigs foraging behavior by direct observations and discriminated the plant species into three groups: preferred, indifferently consumed and avoided plants. The impact on the resprouts of six tree species was assessed by modeling the percentage of damaged shoots and their height through time using Generalized Linear and Additive Mixed Models. Swine expressed a selective foraging behavior, which was likely influenced by the forage quality and toxicity of plant species. The leaves and resprouts of Corylus avellana and Castanea sativa were highly consumed, whereas Acer and Quercus species and Fraxinus ornus were avoided. Mature leaves of Robinia pseudoacacia were highly preferred while its young resprouts were only slightly impacted, suggesting that pig grazing may not be effective to control this alien invasive species. Contrarily, pigs consumed Rubus sp. abundantly, suggesting they could be used to clear the understory in degraded forests.