Sicyos Angulatus Research Articles

Enhanced sulfamethazine removal by steam-activated invasive plant-derived biochar

Recent investigations have shown frequent detection of pharmaceuticals in soils and waters posing potential risks to human and ecological health. Here, we report the enhanced removal of sulfamethazine (SMT) from water by physically activated biochar. Specifically, we investigated the effects of steam-activated biochars synthesized from an invasive plant (Sicyos angulatus L.) on the sorption of SMT in water. The properties and sorption capacities of steam-activated biochars were compared with those of conventional non-activated slow pyrolyzed biochars. Sorption exhibited pronounced pH dependence, which was consistent with SMT speciation and biochar charge properties. A linear relationship was observed between sorption parameters and biochar properties such as molar elemental ratios, surface area, and pore volumes. The isotherms data were well described by the Freundlich and Temkin models suggesting favorable chemisorption processes and electrostatic interactions between SMT and biochar. The steam-activated biochar produced at 700°C showed the highest sorption capacity (37.7mgg−1) at pH 3, with a 55% increase in sorption capacity compared to that of non-activated biochar produced at the same temperature. Therefore, steam activation could potentially enhance the sorption capacities of biochars compared to conventional pyrolysis.

Plant resources in seven Jeonju City reservoirs: Osongjae, Gisijae, Sunggokjae, Gujujae, Seounjae, Hwanghakjae and Hacksojae

The vascular plants of the seven reservoirs of Jeonju City were identified as consisting of 309 taxa; 87 families, 231 genera, 270 species, 35 varieties, and four forms. Eight taxa of endemic Korean plants were identified, including Taxus cuspidata var. caepitosa and Aster koraiensis. Ten taxa of rare and endangered species were identified, including T. cuspidata and Penthorum chinense. A total of 26 taxa of floristic special plants were recorded: class V species (5 taxa) included Magnolia kobus and Prunus yedoensis; class IV species (3 taxa) included Prunus davidiana and Campanula takesimana; class III species (5 taxa) included Acer palmatum and Alisma orientale. The hydrophytes of the seven reservoirs of Jeonju City were investigated and, of a total of 56 taxa, 46 taxa of emerged plants, two taxa of submerged plants, five taxa of floating-leaved plants, and three taxa of floating plants were identified. Thirty-two taxa of naturalized plants were identified. Among these, Sicyos angulatus, Lactuca scariola, Paspalum distichum var. indutum and P. distichum were identified, which are all wild plants that may disturb the ecosystem. The study suggests that these areas require management for the physical removal of these wild plants.

Invasive plant-derived biochar inhibits sulfamethazine uptake by lettuce in soil

Veterinary antibiotics are frequently detected in soils posing potential contamination of food crops. Sulfamethazine (SMT) uptake was investigated by lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in the soils treated with/without biochar derived from an invasive plant, burcucumber (Sicyos angulatus L.) (BBC700). Soils were contaminated with SMT at 5 and 50mgkg−1, and treated with/without 5% BBC700 (ww−1). The lettuces were harvested after 5weeks of cultivation and were analyzed for SMT by a high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry after solid-phase extraction. With 5% BBC700, the uptake of SMT was reduced by 86% in the soil spiked with 5mgkg−1 SMT compared to the control whereas a 63% reduction was observed in the soil spiked with 50mgkg−1 SMT. Application of BBC700, into soils effectively reduced the SMT uptake by lettuce.

Sorption and transport of sulfamethazine in agricultural soils amended with invasive-plant-derived biochar

Sulfonamides (SAs) are one of the most frequently used antibiotics in the veterinary industry, showing high mobility in soils. Objectives of this research were to determine the sorption, distribution coefficients and involvement of different ionic forms of sulfamethazine (SMZ), a representative SAs, and to evaluate the transport of SMZ in biochar treated soils. Biochars were produced from an invasive plant, burcucumber (Sicyos angulatus L.), under slow pyrolysis conditions at peak temperatures of 300 °C (biochar-300) and 700 °C (biochar-700), respectively. The abilities of the biochars to retain SMZ in loamy sand and sandy loam soils were examined under different pHs and SMZ loadings. Soil column experiments were performed with and without biochars addition. Results showed that biochar-700 had a high degree of SMZ retention, with resultant decreased pH in both soils. Modeled effective sorption coefficients (KD,eff) values indicated that the observed high SMZ retention at pH 3 could be attributed to the π-π electron donor–acceptor interaction and electrostatic cation exchange, whereas at pH 5 and 7, cation exchange was the main mechanisms responsible. There was no temporal retardation of SMZ in biochar treated soil as compared to the untreated soil. However, biochar-700 treatment achieved up to 89% and 82% increase in the SMZ retention in sandy loam and loamy sand soils, respectively. The overall results demonstrated that burcucumber biochar produced at higher temperature was effective in reducing the mobility of SMZ in the studied soils.

特集「外来種と植生管理」 河川刈り取り除草におけるアレチウリ抑制対策―愛知県逢妻女川での事例

愛知県豊田市を流れる逢妻女川において平成 20年度から平成 22年度にかけて特定外来生物アレチウリの防除対策が講じられた。防除 1年目の平成 20年度には，結実前の 8月中旬に選択引き抜き除去と 2月の植生全面刈り取り，防除 2年目の平成 21年度には，結実前の 8月下旬にアレチウリが繁茂する河道内の植生を全面刈り取る手法を採用した。引き抜き除去や刈り取りによる植生変化を把握するために，除草対象範囲を区切り，アレチウリが繁茂し始める各年度の 7月中旬にアレチウリの発生有無と優占植生の把握を行った。アレチウリは選択引き抜き後 1年が経過する平成 21年度には確認区画数が増加したが，平成 22年度には取り組み前の 8割程度に減少することが確認された。また，植生全面刈り取りによりツルヨシ等の在来多年生植物群落の衰退が生じないことも確認された。アレチウリの発見初期対策では，既存植生が残存しており，選択引き抜き除去よりも植生全面刈り取りの方が効果的といえた。また河川維持管理による除草作業のタイミングと同調させることにより，継続的に除草ができる仕組みづくりにつながることが示唆された。

First Report of Cercospora Leaf Spot of Burcucumber Caused by Cercospora citrullina in Korea

Burcucumbers (Sicyos angulatus) showing necrotic leaf spots were found in several locations in Korea during 2008–2012. The causal agent was a fungus that was identified as Cercospora citrullina, based on morphological characteristics as well as sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region. Although C. citrullina has been known to attack various cucurbitaceous plants, this is the first report of this fungus on S. angulatus.

Eradication and control of invasive alien plants in the Mediterranean Basin: towards better coordination to enhance existing initiatives

The European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO), in the framework of its activities in the Mediterranean Basin, launched a questionnaire to gather information on eradication actions and control actions for invasive alien plants. Thirty‐four (34) eradication actions were reported, 16 occurring in Spain, 7 in Italy, 7 in France, 1 in Portugal, 1 in Malta, and 2 on the southern rim of the Mediterranean, with 1 in Israel and 1 in Tunisia. Twenty‐two (22) species were targeted, and the habitats where such actions were undertaken most frequently were coastal dunes, sandy shores and aquatic ecosystems. Most of the species that have been the object of an eradication action were known invasive species recorded in the EPPO lists, such as Ailanthus altissima, Buddleia davidii, Carpobrotus spp., Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia peploides, Pennisetum setaceum, Pistia stratiotes, Solanum elaeagnifolium and Sicyos angulatus. Other eradicated species have a limited distribution in the EPPO region and may represent emerging invasive plants, such as Ambrosia confertifolia, Cylindropuntia rosea, Leersia oryzoides, Leptochloa fusca subsp. uninervia and Marsilea drummondii. Control actions concerning 90 species were also reported. A large number of eradication actions, as well as management actions, are therefore happening in Mediterranean countries. At present countries appear to operate with complete autonomy, without consulting neighbouring countries or other stakeholders within the country. There is therefore a need for coordination of new eradication actions.

Taxonomic significance of spermoderm pattern in Cucurbitaceae

Studies on spermoderm using scanning electron microscope (SEM) were undertaken in 12 taxa under 11 genera of the family Cucurbitaceae sampled from India, China and Korea. The spermoderm pattern in the studied taxa varies from rugulate, reticulate to colliculate type. The spermoderm shows rugulate type in Benincasa hispida and Sicyos angulatus; reticulate type in Citrullus colocynthis, Cucumis melo var. agrestis, Diplocyclos palmatus, Hemsleya longivillosa, Luffa echinata, Momordica charantia, M. cymbalaria, Schizopepon bryoniifolius, and Trichosanthes cucumerina; and colliculate type in Gynostemma laxiflorum. The present study clearly reveals that the testa features greatly varies across the genera which can be used as micromorphological markers for identification as well as character states for deducing relationship of the taxa within the family.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v20i1.15465Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 20(1): 61-65, 2013 (June)

Flavonol 3,7-diglycosides from the aerial parts of Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae) in Korea and Japan

► Seven flavonol glycosides were isolated from Sicyos angulatus. ► All flavonols were identified as 3,7-O-glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol. ► These flavonoids were first time isolated from the genus Sicyos. ► These flavonoids showed differences with other genera of same tribe the Sicyeae. ► Four of the seven flavonoids have various biological activities.

Dairyland populations of bur cucumber (Sicyos angulatus) as a possible seed source for riverbank populations along the Abukuma River, Japan

In 2006, the distribution of bur cucumber (Sicyos angulatus L.) along the river bank of the Abukuma River, Japan, was examined. Twenty‐six populations were found in the area surrounding the upper reach of the river and they were limited to dairy land. On the basis of polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for four of the six polymorphic loci that were detected in 16 non‐coding regions of the chloroplast DNA from 300 samples, five multilocus haplotypes (A–E) were identified. Despite its smaller size, the surrounding area's population showed a higher genetic diversity at the haplotype level than did the riverbank population. The haplotype composition of the surrounding area's population was similar to that of the riverbank population in the upper‐stream region. The distribution of haplotype D was biased towards the upper reach of the river, possibly because of migration from the surrounding area's population. The distribution of haplotype E was biased towards the middle‐to‐lower reaches of the river and was associated with the existence of source populations other than the surrounding area's population. The results also showed that the estimated seed flow from another dairy land could transport seeds into the middle reach of the river at a high frequency, suggesting that dairy land is largely responsible for the development of the riverbank populations. The eradication of dairyland populations should be given priority in order to prevent future migration along the river bank and to protect the existing endangered wetland species from invasive S. angulatus.

남한강 비내늪의 공사전후 관속식물상과 생태적 특성

This study is to offer the basic data for restoration and conservation of wetland ecosystem by surveying and analysing the flora distributed in the Binae marsh, Namhan River, Chungju-si. The flora in the Binae marsh were verified 204 taxa including 48 families, 152 genera, 179 species, 23 varieties and 2 forms. In flora, pteridophyta were 2 taxa including 1 family, 1 genus and 2 species, among angiospermae, dicotyledonae were 153 taxa including 37 families, 110 genera, 138 species, 13 varieties and 2 forms and monocotyledonae were 49 taxa including 10 families, 41 genera, 39 species and 10 varieties. In the result of classifying the life form of flora, megaphanerophytes (M), nanophanerophytes (N) and chamaiphytes (Ch) were each 9 taxa (4.4%), 37 taxa (18.1%) of hemicryptophytes (H), 19 taxa (9.3%) of geophytes (G), 97 taxa (47.6%) of therophytes (Th) and 24 taxa (11.8%) of hydrophytes (HH). The rare plant designated by Korea Forest Service was 1 taxa (Aristolochia contorta), and the endemic plant was 1 taxa (Salix koriyanagi) too. The specific plants by floristic region were 6 taxa. From among these, the species of degree I were 5 taxa including Salix chaenomeloides, Aristolochia contorta, Artemisia selengensis, Cirsium pendulum and Vallisneria natans, and degree III was 1 taxa including Alisma orientale. The naturalized plants were 45 taxa and the invasive alien plants were 3 taxa including Sicyos angulatus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia and Ambrosia trifida. The naturalized index (NI) was about 22.1%, 16.1% of urbanized index (UI) and 27.3% of disturbed index (DI). The extinct species by construction were 17 taxa including Persicaria sagittata, Typha orientalis, Zizania latifolia and so forth. The new-occured species were 14 taxa including Brassica juncea, Thlaspi arvense, Carduus crispus and so forth. The important species among the extinct species were Aristolochia contorta, Alisma orientale and Vallisneria natans.

Co-existence of Sicyos angulatus and native plant species in the floodplain of Tama River, Japan

Invasive alien plants have encroached and outcolonized many native species in almost all Japanese river floodplains in recent years. Sicyos angulatus is one of the most notorious invasive lianas. To monitor the impact of S. angulatus and its association with other species, S. angulatus colonies were explored by volunteer bio-monitors in the Tama River floodplain from 2006 to 2009. The data were analyzed to determine the relationship among the composition of S. angulatus colonies and the flooding regime of the Tama River using detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). The results revealed that Miscanthus sacchariflorus was the most frequent (60.4%) understory herbaceous species found in association with S. angulatus colonies. The DCA coordination triplot gave that the association of S. angulatus changed after a major flood and its understory layer was replaced byLolium X hybirdum, Phalaris arundinacea and Bromus catharticus. M. sacchariflorus was almost absent in the understory group, and the soil depth of quadrats became deeper than it was in the pre-flood condition. We concluded that S. angulatus were strongly invading M. sacchariflorus, and that influence in combination with both the invasion of S. angulatus and the disturbance from flooding caused M. sacchariflorus colonies to change to pasture. Key words: Flood disturbance, Sicyos angulatus, species association, Tama River, riparian, volunteer bio-monitoring.

Plumbagin as a new natural herbicide candidate for Sicyon angulatus control agent with the target 8-amino-7-oxononanoate synthase

A natural compound plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) was isolated from the leaves of Plumbago auriculata and found to inhibit the enzyme, 8-amino-7-oxononanoate synthase (AONS, also known as 7-keto-8-aminopelargonate synthase, KAPAS) an IC50 of 2.1μM in vitro. Biotin supplement significantly rescued the plant injury caused by the plumbagin treatment, and this result confirmed the target site, AONS. Foliar application of 1000∼2000μg/mL plumbagin in a greenhouse condition showed lethal activity against eight species of weeds, containing three grass species of Sorghum bicolor, Echinochloa crus-galli, Digitaria sanguinalis and five broad leaf species of Solanum nigrum, Aeschynomene indica, Abutilon avicennae, Xanthium strumarium, Calystegia japonica. Field trial of foliar application with plumbagin 2000μg/mL have successfully controlled 10∼15 leaf-stages and 2∼3m vine lengths of Sicyos angulatus at the natural habitats around riparian zone in the Nam-Han River in Korea. Visual symptom of desiccation might be induced by the physiological cellular leakage which was significantly dose dependent on the plumbagin treatment regardless of light.

경상남도 양산시 주요지역의 관속식물상과 관리방안 - 천태산, 낙동강습지, 법기수원지, 양산천, 천성산을 중심으로 -

The purpose of this study is to offer the raw data for conserving the biodiversity of urban ecosystem by objective surveying and analysing the vascular plants distributed in major sites of Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The results are as follows. The numbers of vascular plants were summarized as 522 taxa including 110 families, 314 genera, 459 species, 4 subspecies, 46 varieties and 13 forms. The rare plants were 5 taxa including Aristolochia contorta, Drosera rotundifolia, Potentilla discolor, Viola albida and Hydrocharis dubia. The endemic plants were 13 taxa including Salix koriyanagi, Carpinus laxiflora, Stewartia pseudocamellia, Weigela subsessilis and so forth. The specific plants by floristic region were 30 taxa including Caltha palustris, Caryopteris incana, Ilex macropoda, Monochoria korsakowii and so forth. The naturalized plants were 44 taxa including Phytolacca americana, Lepidium virginicum, Solanum americanum, Aster subulatus var. sandwicensis, Panicum dichotomiflorum and so forth. The invasive alien plants were 5 taxa including Sicyos angulatus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Ambrosia trifida, Aster pilosus and Paspalum distichum.

Combinational dormancy in seeds of Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae, tribe Sicyeae)

AbstractSeeds with a water‐impermeable seed coat and a physiologically dormant embryo are classified as having combinational dormancy. Seeds of Sicyos angulatus (burcucumber) have been clearly shown to have a water‐impermeable seed coat (physical dormancy [PY]). The primary aim of the present study was to confirm (or not) that physiological dormancy (PD) is also present in seeds of S. angulatus. The highest germination of scarified fresh (38%) and 3‐month dry‐stored (36%) seeds occurred at 35/20°C. The rate (speed) of germination was faster in scarified dry‐stored seeds than in scarified fresh seeds. Removal of the seed coat, but leaving the membrane surrounding the embryo intact, increased germination of both fresh and dry‐stored seeds to > 85% at 35/20°C. Germination (80–100%) of excised embryos (both seed coat and membrane removed) occurred at 15/6, 25/15 and 35/20°C and reached 95–100% after 4 days of incubation at 25/15 and 35/20°C. Dry storage (after‐ripening) caused an increase in the germination percentage of scarified and of decoated seeds at 25/15°C and in both germination percentage and rate of excised embryos at 15/6°C. Eight weeks of cold stratification resulted in a significant increase in the germination of scarified seeds at 25/15 and 35/20°C and of decoated seeds at 15/6 and 25/15°C. Based on the results of our study and on information reported in the literature, we conclude that seeds of S. angulatus not only have PY, but also non‐deep PD, that is, combinational dormancy (PY + PD).

The role of soil characteristics in the succession of two herbaceous lianas in a modified river floodplain

AbstractThe Tamagawa floodplain of Japan experienced a series of changes in the structure of its plant community after 1960. Today, two dominant lianas – Pueraria lobata and Sicyos angulatus – have colonized the area and are competing for space. This study explores their competitive abilities in relation to soil factors and flooding disturbance downstream of the Tama River. Several colonies of these species were selected in three spots of the Tamagawa floodplain having different soil characteristics and flooding frequencies. Our results revealed that S. angulatus can only grow on fine sediment, whereas P. lobata can grow on soil with a wide range of particle sizes. Soil moisture and nitrogen requirements are higher for S. angulatus. S. angulatus grows only on fine sediment for two reasons: first, fine sediment stores a higher concentration of nitrogen and moisture; second, S. angulatus has a very shallow root system. P. lobata has an extensive root system with nodules, with which it can thrive on coarse and relatively dry soil with lower nitrogen. However, P. lobata requires higher soil phosphorus than S. angulatus does. The earlier patchy colonization of S. angulatus on the Tamagawa floodplain was provoked by flooding, when the perennial Miscanthus sacchariflorus and other species trapped fine sediments. Gradually, sediments became finer and nutrient‐rich due to vegetative decomposition, and S. angulatus invaded the area. The soil at that time was not deep enough for the root system of P. lobata. Subsequently, P. lobata outcompeted S. angulatus on the various types of soil that developed. Severe washing of fine substrates by floodwaters makes the area unsuitable for S. angulatus, whereas P. lobata continues to thrive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Sicyos angulatus

<i>Sicyos angulatus</i>

Whole‐seed development in Sicyos angulatus (Cucurbitaceae, Sicyeae) and a comparison with the development of water‐impermeable seeds in five other families

Abstract Sicyos is the only member of the Cucurbitaceae known to have water‐impermeable seeds, that is, physical dormancy (PY), and development of seeds with PY has not been studied in detail in this family. Our primary aim was to describe seed development in Sicyos angulatus from pollination to seed maturity and to compare it with the development of water‐impermeable seeds in other families reported in the literature. Full seed stage (highest moisture content [MC]) occurred 4–6 days after pollination (DAP) and physiological maturity occurred 20 DAP. Seeds became water impermeable 32 DAP, with 14.6% MC. The hilum was the site of water loss during the final stage of maturation drying. Excised embryos could germinate from 20 DAP to 36 DAP, whereas no intact seeds germinated during any stage of seed development. Mechanical scarification did not promote germination of seeds after the seed coat became water impermeable at 32–36 DAP. Based on a previous study of seed dormancy and germination in S. angulatus, we suggest that germination in these scarified seeds may have been prevented by resistance of inner membrane and fruit‐seed coat to embryo expansion. The MC when seeds became impermeable (14.6%) is in the range of that reported for seeds of species in five other families with PY. Information on seed development in S. angulatus will be useful in planning the timing of management strategies for this pernicious annual weed.

Study on the Vascular Plants Found in Nearby Island Regions of Ganghwado

The total number of vascular plants found in the Ganghwado and nearby island regions (Seokmodo, Gyodongdo, Boreumdo, Jumundo) was 107 families, 388 genera, 616 species, 5 subspecies, 81 varieties, 11 forms. and 713 taxa. Among these, the area with the highest number of taxa was Ganghwado at 92 families 279 genus 454 taxa, followed by Seokmodo at 90 families 271 genera 442 taxa, Gyodongdo at 82 families 228 genera 338 taxa, Boreumdo at 66 families 196 genus 286 taxa and Jumundo at 145 taxa. Among the studied plants, there were 6 taxa of endemic plants to Korea, 11 taxa of rare species, and 14 taxa of Degree III or higher in terms of ecological significance. A total of 94 taxa of naturalized plants were confirmed, marking 13.2% of all the taxa studied. As a special note, ecologically detrimental species, such as Ambrosia trifida and Sicyos angulatus were observed in Boreumdo and Jumundo respectively, which is a reason for concern of rapid spread.

都市河川におけるアレチウリ群落での刈り取りが種組成・種多様性に与える影響

都市河川におけるアレチウリ群落での刈り取りが種組成・種多様性に与える影響