Stellaria Holostea Research Articles

Physiological aspects of selected indicator species of undergrowth of old forests

The study concerns the study of selected physiological features of three indicator species of the undergrowth of the oak-hornbeam forest (Anemone nemorosa L., Galeobdolon luteum Huds. emend. Holub and Stellaria holostea L.), after the forest canopy closure. Las Wolski, an isolated forest complex located within the city of Cracow (Southern Poland), was selected for the study. The plant material was collected at two points in the season – right after the forest canopy closure and a month later. Under laboratory conditions, the physiological characteristics of the indicator species were analysed. Light stress may play a smaller role here, and physiological parameters are probably most affected by the phenology of undergrowth species, which is adapted to seasonal changes in habitat conditions. However, these issues require more research.

UHPLC-MS Phytochemical Profiling and Insight into Bioactivity of Rabelera holostea (Greater Stitchwort) Extract.

Rabelera holostea (L.) M. T. Sharples & E. A. Tripp (Greater Stitchwort), formerly known as Stellaria holostea L., is widespread in the warm temperate areas of Europe and Western Asia, the Caucasus region, as well as in some countries of North Africa. Nowadays it is considered as a weed, but earlier it was often used raw in salads or for the treatment of various inflammatory disorders. The goal of this study was to determine the constituents of the methanol extract of R. holostea aerial parts and its biological potential in terms of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Until now, the constituents and biological activities of this plant were not reported in detail. A comprehensive phytochemical profiling of the extract has shown that phenolic acids, such as ferulic, chlorogenic, and p-coumaric acid, flavonoids and flavonoid glucosides, such as chrysoeriol, rutin, and naringin, are the most abundant compounds. The antioxidant activity of R. holostea extract towards DPPH and ABTS radicals, but also the total antioxidant capacity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation were moderate. The antimicrobial potential was pronounced mostly towards some fungi such as F. oxysporum (MIC 1.25 mg/mL), whereas the capacity of R. holostea to affect the growth of bacteria was much less pronounced. R. holostea extract was most inclined to anti-inflammatory activity. At a concentration of 50 µg/mL, it significantly inhibited both cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2) by 71.24% and 72.83%, respectively. Molecular docking studies indicated that chlorogenic acid and chrysoeriol are the main contributors to COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitory activity.

Обґрунтування природної цінності території "Дублянського парку" для надання статусу парку-пам'ятки садово-паркового мистецтва

Проаналізовано ландшафтну, планувальну, просторову структури "Дублянського парку" Самбірського району Львівської області. Встановлено, що на дослідженій території відсутні ознаки функціонального зонування, немає проєкту організації його території. Об'ємно-просторова структура цього парку, в основному, представлена закритим простором. Напіввідкриті простори виявлені вздовж русла річки Веретено та алеї біля північної межі парку. Переважає лісовий тип ландшафту, який виник на місці порушеного паркового ландшафту. Залишились окремі елементи регулярного парку у вигляді ділянки перерослого грабового боскету, які потребують реконструкції та збереження. Визначено основні види деревних і трав'яних рослин, що присутні на території, запропонованій для охорони у смт Дубляни Самбірського району. У дендрофлорі дослідженого парку більшість рослин належить до відділу Magnoliophyta. Видовий склад деревних рослин представлений 39 видами, які належать до 16 родин. Серед життєвих форм, які формують основу цього парку, переважають дерева (30 таксонів). Кущі представлені такими лісовими видами: Euonymus europaeus L., Cornus sanguinea L., Rosa canina L. У складі паркового фітоценозу смт Дубляни присутні інтродуковані вікові види, а саме: Juglans nigra L. та J. мandshurica Maxim,, Phellodendron amurense Rupr, Acer sacharinum L. та A. negundo L. За таких умов зростання для цих видів характерна досить висока стійкість, деякі з них дають природне поновлення, мають історичну та ботанічну цінність. У складі трав'яних рослин, здебільшого, переважають лісові види, що свідчить про відсутність належного догляду і витіснення штучних угруповань. Найвища частота трапляння та проєктивного вкриття спостерігається у Carex brizoides L., Stellaria holostea L., Aegopodium podagraria L., Pulmonaria obscura Dumort., Galeobdolon luteum Huds. Узагальнено назрілі проблеми функціонування досліджуваного парку, встановлено причини деградації зелених насаджень, намічено невідкладні природоохоронні та ландшафтно-планувальні завдання, обґрунтовано доцільність надання парку статусу парку-пам'ятки садово-паркового мистецтва місцевого значення у смт Дубляни Самбірського району Львівської області.

Phytoremediation potential of twelve wild plant species for toxic elements in a contaminated soil

Green remediation of soils highly contaminated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can be achieved using suitable plants. Such phytoremediation procedure often takes into consideration PTE concentrations in plants only, but not produced biomass. Phytoremediation potential of certain species of wild plants for PTEs in contaminated floodplain soils has not been assessed yet. Therefore, in this work 12 native species were tested, 3 of which (Poa angustifolia, Galium mollugo, and Stellaria holostea) to our knowledge have never been used before, in a two-year pot experiment and assessed their potential as phytoremediation species. The results showed that plant PTE concentrations were dramatically elevated for Cd and Zn in Alopecurus pratensis, Arrhenatherum elatius, Bromus inermis, Artemisia vulgaris, Achillea millefolium, Galium mollugo, Stellaria holostea, and Silene vulgaris. A. vulgaris was by far the most highly PTE absorbing plant among the 12 tested in this work, especially concerning Zn, Cd, and to a lesser degree Cu and Ni. Also, among species non-studied-before, G. mollugo and S. holostea were characterized by high Zn and Cd uptake, while P. angustifolia did not. Assessing the number of harvests necessary to decrease soil PTE to half of the initial concentrations, it was found that for Cd plants would achieve site phytoremediation within 8 (A. vulgaris) to 28 (S. holostea) and 51 (G. mollugo) harvests, while for Zn, harvests ranged from 104 (A. vulgaris) to 209 (S. holostea), and 251 (A. millefolium). A clear grouping of the tested species according to their functional type was evident. Herbaceous species were collectively more efficient than grasses in PTE uptake combined by high biomass accumulation; thus, they may act as key-species in a phytoremediation-related concept. Our approach puts phytoremediation into a practical perspective as to whether the process can be achieved within a measureable amount of time. In conclusion, A. vulgaris behaved as a hyperaccumulator plant species in our heavily contaminated soil, while never-studied-before G. mollugo and S. holostea also had a hyperaccumulator behavior, especially for Cd and Zn. Although more research is necessary for conclusive results, our study is pivotal in that it would help in assessing plant species as potential phytoremediation species in heavily contaminated soils.

A Kerka-vidék gyertyános-tölgyesei

In this study, the phytosociological characteristics of oak-hornbeam forests in the Kerka valley, sW Hungary are summarized using 50 vegetation samples. These forests grow on alluvial soils affected by high groundwater table, and thus are best regarded as extrazonal communities exhibiting some characteristics of hardwood gallery forests. The high number of submontane elements are particularly typical of them: Aco-nitum vulparia,Adoxa moschatellina, Anemone nemorosa, Anemone ranunculoides, Asarum europaeum, Athyrium filix-femina, Cardamine bulbifera, Cerastium sylvaticum, Coryda-lis cava, Coridalis solida, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Gagea spathacea, Galanthus nivalis, Galeobdolon luteum, Isopyrum thalictroides, Knautia drymeia, Lathyrus vernus, Leucojum vernum, Lilium martagon, Luzula pilosa, Maianthemum bifo-lium, Mercurialis perennis, Milium effusum, Oxalis acetosella, Paris quadrifolia, Pulmonaria officinalis, Ranunculus lanugi-nosus, Sanicula europaea, Scilla drunensis, Stellaria holos-tea, Veronica montana, etc. The high frequency of Fritillaria meleagris is particularly noteworthy. These plants are likely to be relics of the cooler and wetter, and less extreme Beech I. phase of the Holocene. The occurrence of some sub-Med-iterranean species (Carex strigosa, Helleborus dumetorum, Knautia drymeia, Vicia oroboides) suggests some degree of relatedness to the oak-hornbeam forests in the zala Hills (Helleboro dumetorum-Carpinetum). The studied woods are sharply separated from the oak-hornbeam forests of Western Transdanubia (Cyclamini-Carpinetum), and exhibit relatively closer similarity to the oak-hornbeam forests of the Mura and Drava floodplains and the Raba River valley (Veronico montanae-Carpinetum). syntaxonomically, they are best identified with the latter under the name Veronico montanae-Carpinetum scilletosum drunensis.

К ЭКОЛОГИИ CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS L. (ORCHIDACEAE) В КИРОВСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The object of our research was one of the most common orchids in the world – Cypripedium calceolus L. As a rare species, it is listed in the Red book of the Russian Federation (3 category of rarity) [8], the Kirov region (3 category of rarity) [9], as well as in the Red books of 59 regions of the Russian Federation [2]. Limiting factors in the Kirov region are the violation of habitats as a result of anthropogenic impacts – deforestation, recreation, collection for bouquets, digging, reducing the number of species. Studies on the study of C. calceolus in the Kirov region are isolated [10–12]. The purpose of this work is to identify phytocenotic parameters and environmental conditions of C. calceolus habitats within the southern taiga fragment of the range. Studies of ecological and cenotic conditions of C. calceolus habitats were conducted in southern taiga forest ecosystems within the Kirov region (Slobodskaya, Afanasyevsky districts) (See table 1) in the period from 2012 to 2019. The studied habitats of C. calceolus are confined to non-morally-boreal-small-grass and grass spruce forests (Melico nutantis-Piceetum abietis subass. typicum, Maianthemo-Piceetum subass. typicum var. typical) (See fig. 1), pine trees with fir and spruce of various grasses (Melico nutantis-Pinetum sylvestris var. Lathyrus vernus). The growth of C. calceolus on the technogenically disturbed substrate of an old spent limestone quarry overgrown with coniferous rocks and various grasses was also noted. All the studied biotopes are characterized by a large constancy of non-moral species with not significant coverage of mosses. The stand of spruce forest types is dominated by Picea abies, pine-Pinus sylvestris. Abies sibirica occurs as an impurity. The undergrowth layer has a diverse species composition: Sorbus aucuparia, Frangula alnus, Lonicera xylosteum, Yuniperus communis, Daphne mezereum. In this tier of most studied phytocenoses there is a Atragene sibirica. The grass-shrub layer is also very diverse, which determines the high specificity of these communities. In addition to species of boreal small grass (Maianthemum bifolium, Orthilia secunda, Luzula pilosa, Rubus saxatilis), the presence of non – morals is characteristic-Lathyrus vernus, Melica nutans, Stellaria holostea, Asarum europaeum. Moss-lichen layer is fragmentary (covering up to 45 %), Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens act as sodominants. Phyto-indication of the studied C. calceolus habitats according to ten ecological scales of D. N. Tsyganov (See table 2, Fig. 2) showed that in relation to the complex of all environmental factors, the studied species is mesovalent (MV) (It total = 0.54) and has an average level of lability in relation to the studied environmental factors. In relation to the complex of all environmental factors, C. calceolus is a mesobiont species. On a scale of soil acidity, the species is semistarvation at termokhimicheskie and apolitically scale and dial illumination-shading – metavalent on the scale of the wealth of the soil nitrogen – hemimillennial at createmotions scale and the scale of continentality of the climate avivamento. Only on the scale of soil moisture and the scale of soil salt regime, C. calceolus is stenovalent, which indicates a very limited range of possible habitats for this factor. The species, in the studied habitats, realizes from 4.61 to 23.84 % of its potential according to the studied factors. For C. calceolus, the results obtained allow us to extend the scale of soil acidity by 0.75 degrees to the right. According to the other scales, the values of the ecological space of the studied CP are placed in the ranges given by D. N. Tsyganov for this type Edaphic conditions of C. calceolus on the scale of soil moisture correspond to regimes from dry-saline to wet-forest-saline; on the factor of soil salt regime-poor soils; soil acidity – acidic-slightly acidic soils; soil richness in nitrogen – nitrogen – poor soils; moisture variability-soils with relatively stable and poorly variable moisture.

Phylogenetic Relationships Within and Delimitation of the Cosmopolitan Flowering Plant Genus Stellaria L. (Caryophyllaceae): Core Stars and Fallen Stars

Abstract—Stellaria (Caryophyllaceae, tribe Alsineae) is a cosmopolitan genus of herbaceous plants that heretofore has lacked a stable estimate of total number of species. Here, we attempted to sample all species currently recognized under the name Stellaria to determine which belong to a core Stellaria genus versus which are masquerading under this name and are instead more closely related to one of several outgroup lineages. Phylogenetic relationships inferred with RAD loci were recovered with generally high levels of support, regardless of age of specimens (here up to 98 yr) utilized for molecular work. Analyses resolved a monophyletic, core radiation of Stellaria that is sister to Cerastium and others. Within core Stellaria, of which we sampled ca. 87% of species, we recovered five primary lineages. However, current infrageneric hypotheses are incongruous with phylogenomic data, and most morphology-based infrageneric hypotheses break down in light of these results. Outside of core Stellaria we recovered numerous other species currently ascribed to Stellaria that are in need of revised generic placement. Based on current results, however, we propose several new taxonomic and nomenclatural renovations within core Stellaria and external to this group as contribution towards stabilization of generic boundaries in Alsineae. These modifications include description of a new genus of Caryophyllaceae from eastern Asia, Nubelaria, as well description of a new genus, Rabelera, to accommodate the lineage previously and more widely known as Stellaria holostea. Nine new combinations are proposed in the genera Adenonema, Cerastium, Mesostemma, Nubelaria, Rabelera, and core Stellaria. Additionally, one new status, one new synonymy, and lectotypes for four species are proposed. We estimate core Stellaria to consist of approximately 112 species, a decrease from many other published species counts. Our results lay a robust foundation for future evolutionary, phylogenetic, and morphological comparisons within Stellaria and among relatives.

Фітотоксикологічна оцінка вмісту металів у рослинах природних екосистем (на прикладі зелених паркових зон)

Фітотоксикологічна оцінка вмісту металів у рослинах природних екосистем (на прикладі зелених паркових зон)

A new Caryophyllaceae-feeding species of Macrosiphum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Republic of Georgia, and a redescription of Macrosiphum hartigi Hille Ris Lambers.

Apterous and alate viviparous females and the alate males of Macrosiphum eastopi Barjadze & Blackman sp. n. living on Oberna multifida Ikonn. (=Silene multifida Rohrb.) (Caryophyllaceae) are described from the Republic of Georgia (Caucasus). Type specimens are deposited at the Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University (IZISU), Tbilisi, Georgia; the Natural History Museum (BMNH), London, U.K.; and the University of Catania (UCI), Sicily, Italy. Apterous and alate viviparous females of its close relative M. hartigi Hille Ris Lambers, 1947, living on Silenevulgaris(Moench) Garcke and Stellaria holostea L. (Caryophyllaceae) are redescribed, based on co-types and other material from Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. The hitherto unknown fundatrix, oviparous females and alate males of M. hartigi are described from Italy and Switzerland. Macrosiphum eastopi sp. n. is differentiated from the morphologically similar M. hartigi and compared with other Macrosiphum species living on Caryophyllaceae. A key is provided to apterous viviparous females of all aphid species recorded on Oberna multifida.

Принципи фітотоксикологічної класифікації металів та рослин в умовах природних екосистем

Actuality. Metals excessive concentrations reduce biomass of plants in ecosystem. Trace elements effect on biotic systems as biochemical agents, breaking the ultrastructure of cells, physiological processes and metabolism of plants, affect the species composition, reproduction and recovery processes, productivity and resistance to pathogens. As the plants mainly define the environment of ecosystem, the determination of phytotoxicological risk plays an important role in ecosystem assessment. In large cities, natural ecosystems are confined to park areas. Goloseyevsko-Feofanivska and Koncha-Zaspivska green parks are very popular in Kyiv. Phytotoxicological assessment of the metals behavior risk in natural ecosystems is based primarily on classification principles. The phytotoxicological classification should be considered in two aspects. The first aspect concerns the metals toxicity for plants. The second aspect concerns the plants reaction to metals concentration in phytomass. Analysis of recent research and publications. According to the opinion of many scientists, species and families of plants differ in chemistry, and only due to the lack of research in this direction have to be limited in the classification of their morphological features. There are no classifications of metals and plants according to concentration in phytomass. Studies concerning the phytotoxicity of metals or the sensitivity (or the opposite of resistance) of certain types of plants to metallic pollution are non-systemic and relate solely to physiological aspects. The purpose of the study was to rank metals and plants by metals concentration in the phytomass in natural ecosystems of Goloseevo-Feofanivska and Koncha-Zaspivska green zones of Kyiv. Materials and methods of research . Goloseyevsky-Feofanivska and Koncha-Zaspivska green areas of Kyiv are part of the landscape of elevated hilly-sloping plains on the Paleogene-neogene basis, composed of forest sanded loams. Thanks to convex relief and loamy soils, studied areas have intensive removing of elements, in particular, anthropogenic pollutants. Both studied parks are located at the junction of the Right-bank Polissya and the Forest-Steppe zones of Ukraine in warm medium-tempered agro-climatic zone. The content of Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Ni, Pb in the phytomass was analyzed in: Gagea lutea L., Tussilago farfara L., Anemone ranunculoides L., Ficaria verna Huds., Pulmonaria obscura Dum., Stellaria holostea L., Convallaria majalis L., Hypericum perforatum L.. The photosynthetic fraction of the phytomasses of the first and second tier of the trees was analyzed in: Quercus robur L., Carpinus betulus L., Salix caprea L., Tilia cordata Mill., Acer platanoids L.; Trees of the third tier: Sambucus nigra L., Prunus padus L.. Results and discution . The phytotoxicological classification of metals (Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Zn, Cu) was developed for their concentration in phytomass. According to the Stargess equation, the metals were ranged in four dangerous classes. The middle arithmetic mean of each metal concentration in plants was used for calculation the scope of the metal’s dangerous class. The highest level of phytomass concentration in plants had copper, the lowest concentration in plants had cadmium and cobalt. Zinc as a physiologically important trace elements, and lead, whose physiological role is not thoroughly investigated, are both were in the middle phytotoxicological class. The middle arithmetic mean of metals concentration in each plant was used for calculation the scope plant class. Plants with low and moderate metals concentration in phytomass were: Carpinus betulus L. , Acer platanoides L. , Quercus robur L ., Prunus padus L. , Salix caprea L ., Tilia cordata Mill. , Sambucus nigra L. . Plants with high metals concentration in phytomass were: Tussilago farfara L ., Anemone ranunculoides L. . Highest metal concentration among the trees was in Goloseevka green park area near Goloseevsky Avenue. In our researches we tried to zoning the studied area according to metals concentration in trees. With helps of Fisher’s criteria the difference between trees concentration in different zones of studied areas was highlighted. The Ghoryhuvatska locality was characterized as most polluted zone than others in studied area. More pollution obviously could be explained by proximity to highway Goloseevsky Avenue. Conclusions and perspectives . The phytotoxicological classification of metals and phytotoxicological classification of plants were proposed for metals risk assessment in nature ecosystems. For the first time the algorithm of the metals ranking for the four danger classes according to metals concentration in phytomass was proposed. There were ranged all studied plants due to metals concentration in their phytomass. Assignment the metals and plants to phytotoxicological classes will allow not just only to characterize the hazard of metals for plants, but to detect the reaction of plants to metals influence in nature ecosystems.

Stratification of the ant species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) in the urban broadleaf woodlands of the city of Kiev

Investigations were carried out in June–August 2012 and 2013 in broadleaf forests and planted stands of the northern red oak Quercus rubra in Kiev. The ant visitation rates of 3–6 most abundant plant species within each vegetation layer were analyzed. In all, 16 species of ants were found in the broadleaf forest (Quercus robur + Acer spp. + Carpinus betulus), with the dominance of three species: Formica rufa, Lasius fuliginosus, and L. emarginatus. Eight ant species occurred in Q. rubra stands with the undergrowth of Acer campestre and A. platanoides; the dominant species were Lasius fuliginosus and L. emarginatus. The northern red oak stands with conspecific undergrowth had only four ant species with no dominants among them. Plants with the highest ant visitation rates in the herbage layer of the broadleaf forest were the invasive Impatiens parviflora and the native Aegopodium podagraria. Ants were rare or absent on the remaining herbs: Impatiens noli-tangere, Carex sylvatica, Stellaria holostea, and Galium odoratum. The herbage layer was mostly visited by influents, the dominants being represented only by Lasius emarginatus. Within the shrub layer, ants most frequently visited the undergrowth of the maple Acer platanoides, often harboring colonies of the aphid Periphyllus lyropictus; the highest visitation rates were recorded in the dominants L. emarginatus and L. fuliginosus. The arboreal layer had the highest visitation rate and was most often visited by the dominants Lasius fuliginosus, L. emarginatus, and F. rufa. The common oak Q. robur was the most visited tree in broadleaf forests. In addition to providing ants with food (colonies of the aphids Lachnus roboris and Stomaphis quercus, and also phytophagous insects and other invertebrates), these trees were used for nesting by the dominants L. fuliginosus and L. emarginatus. The presence of aphid colonies was also typical of ripe trees and undergrowth of the maple A. platanoides, the second-visited tree in broadleaf forests. The common hornbeam Carpinus betulus was the least frequently visited, though some ant species, usually L. emarginatus, nested in the trunks and branches of old trees. The vertical distribution of ants in broadleaf forests and red oak stands formed two clusters: the influents occupied the lower (herbage and shrub) vegetation layers, while the subdominants and dominants occupied the upper (shrub and arboreal) ones. The smallest number of ant species (1 or 2) in all the vegetation layers was recorded in the areas with F. rufa; areas with L. fuliginosus had twice as many species; the greatest numbers of ant species were found in the areas with L. emarginatus and in those without dominants. This pattern may result from different territoriality of the dominants: the strongest in F. rufa (defending the whole territory) and the weaker in the other two species (defending only a part of the territory). Plants of all the vegetation layers varied in their attractiveness to ants. As a result, the layers had a mosaic structure in their vertical (between-layer) and horizontal (between different plant species within one layer) arrangement. From 60 to 100% of plants of certain species were visited by ants while plants of other species were not visited at all. The main reason for visiting plants by ants was the presence of aphid colonies.

Неморальнотравные ельники Европейской России

The objectives of this paper are the reviewing nemoral herb spruce forests of European Russia (ER), elaborating diagnostic species combination, revealing species diversity, discussing syntaxonomical position, and validation of nemoral herb spruce forest syntaxa. The study concern 62 coenofloras (published and unpublished data from 11 regions of ER) and 448 rele­vés. The initial diagnosis of the association (Korotkov, Morozova, 1986; Zaugolnova, Morozova, 2004), origi­nally based on local and incomplete materials, was refined, as a result of the generalization of a vast literature and factual data. All nemoral herb spruce forests of ER belong to ass. Rhodobryo rosei–Piceetum abietis Korotkov 1986 (RP) with three subassociations: RP typicum, RP abietetosum sibiricae and RP caricetosum pilosae. The issues of syntaxonomic assignment of the association to the higher units are discussed. The position of association within the class Carpino-Fagetea, order Carpinetalia and alliance Querco-Tilion was justified by predominance of nemoral species in lower layers of communities. Diagnostic species of association (Picea abies (upper layer), Athyrium filix-femina, Circaea alpina, Daphne mezereum, Dryopteris expansa, Gymnocarpium dryopteris, Mycelis muralis, Oxalis acetosella, Phegopteris connectilis, Pyrola rotundifolia, Stellaria nemorum; Cirriphyllum piliferum, Plagiochila porelloides, Plagiomnium affine, P. medium, Rhodobryum roseum, Sciuro-hypnum starkei, S. curtum) are identified by fidelity index (Chytrý et al., 2002) and largely coincide with species of suballiance Tilio-Piceenion (Morozova, 2016). Alliance of Eastern European oak and lime tree forests Querco-Tilion is divided into two suballiances including proper deciduous forests (Querco-Tilienion) and spruce forests with nemoral herb and moss layers (Tilio-Piceenion), reflecting the zonal features of deciduous-coniferous forests in ER. The specific traits of the association communities are the species polydominance and total predominance of nemoral species in the lower layers. Thus, nemoral species can be considered as a collective dominant, with a cover approximately equal to or exceeding that of Oxalis acetosella (Vasilevich, Bibikova, 2004). Dominant species in the herb-subshrub layer vary not only due to the local conditions, but also to the age of forest stands. O. acetosella, as well as Aegopodium podagraria, Carex pilosa, Galeobdolon luteum, Galium odoratum, Mercurialis perennis, Pulmonaria obscura, Stellaria holostea, and some fern species can predominate. For subassociation, an ecological characteristics estimated by Ellenberg indicator scales (Ellenberg et al., 1991) are given. The floristic originality of syntaxa and the role of environmental factors are demonstrated by the method of nonlinear multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Differentiation of the internal structure of the association at the lower hierarchy levels is difficult, since these forests are a very polymorphic group regarding the dominating species. The predominance of one or combination of several species is related to speci­fic environments and can be identified at the level of the variants, which is reflected in development of regional classifications (Semenishchenkov, Kuzmenko, 2011; Morozova, Tikhonova, 2012; Semenishchenkov, 2012). The area of eastern European nemoral herb spruce forests covers the territory from the east of the Baltic countries to the Volga river. Communities of association represent a zonal type of vegetation in the broad-leaved coniferous subzone and southern half of the southern taiga, but are extrazonal both in the north and south of their distribution. These forests occur on moraine loamy plains: in the southern taiga — mainly on the tops and slopes of hills, while in the broad-leaved coniferous subzone — on well drained plains and ­gentle slopes. Subassociations are differentiated by their geographical location: RP typicum represents west and central nemoral herb spruce forests, RP abietetosum occurs in the north-east of association range and RP caricetosum — in the south. For the most distinctive subassociation RP abietetosum character are the presence of Abies sibirica, hydrophylous and some species of Siberian tall herbs, and a smaller proportion of nemoral species. The number of species in the coenofloras is not ­being changed on the latitudinal gradient, but the species richness of the communities, as well as the cover of the lower layers, decrease southwards. Perhaps this is due to the increased presence of hazel, which creates a pronounced level of the undergrowth in the RP caricetosum. The floristic comparison and proposed concept of the nemoral herb spruce forests syntaxonomy make the regional syntaxonomic units comparable in volume and allow to adequately outline the modern range of forests of this type in ER.

Planting clonal shade-tolerant herbs in young urban woodlands—Effects of compost on plant growth, flowering and survival

Rich herbaceous layers supply important ecosystem functions and amenity values in urban woodlands. However, due to poor dispersal and recruitment, typical woodland herbs often remain absent in woodlands established on post-agricultural and post-industrial sites, especially in fragmented urban landscapes. Efficient methods for active restoration of the herbaceous layer are therefore needed. In a plantation experiment in an 11-year-old oak stand established on post-agricultural land just outside Malmö City, southern Sweden, this study investigated the effects of compost addition and weed control on post-planting survival, growth and flowering of three typical shade-tolerant woodland herb species: Galium odoratum, Lamiastrum galeobdolon and Stellaria holostea. Removal of competing weed vegetation did not affect plant performance, but compost addition dramatically increased growth and flowering of all three species during the first two growing seasons, and also increased survival in S. holostea. This positive treatment effect probably derived from a more suitable top soil structure and a higher soil moisture in the compost treatment. We conclude that combined use of planting and composting is an effective method for rapid achievement of profusely flowering carpets of summer-green woodland herbs, which can provide important amenity values in the many woodlands established in and around cities in north-west Europe in recent decades. The method may also be applicable in other woodland restoration projects, where it can promote colonisation by typical shade-tolerant woodland herb species.

Reproduction in plants of grass and subshrub layer as a factor of the forest ecosystem stabilization

Reproduction in a broad sense is the process by which female parents generate some or other germs (diasporas) able to form new individuals that are genetically similar to the female parents. The two main types of reproduction are found in forest grasses and subshrubs: seed (or by spores in spore-bearing plants) and vegetative. The establishment of features of plan reproduction of grass and subshrub layer is an important scientific issue in the context of the preservation and restoration of forest ecosystems, because plants of grass and subshrub layer have a significant impact on the initial stages of natural regeneration of plants of the first layer. Some features of reproduction of plants of different layers of forest ecosystems – from grass to woody – have been studied on the basis of our own observations and literature data. The observations were carried out on the territory of Desnyansko-Starogutsky National Nature Park and the adjacent territories. Forest ecosystems of the north-east of Ukraine have been in active use for a long time. Currently, these forests, in part, have obtained conservation status, and the volume of logging has been sharply reduced. Therefore, the majority of forests are characterized by the progressive succession, during which the proportion of plant silvan species increases and, consequently, the number of motile vegetative plant species increases in the lower layers of forest. The eight plant species of grass and subshrub layer, such as Aegopodium podagraria L., Asarum europaeum L., Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull, Carex pilosa Scop., Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench., Stellaria holostea L. Vaccinium myrtillus L., Vaccinium vitis-idaea L., have been selected as models. It is established that the capacity for vegetative propagation and clone formation is an important feature of reproduction of most forest grasses. The key parameters of generative reproduction of clone forming plants of grass and subshrub layer and their dependence on the ecological and coenotic factors have been shown as well. To establish the level of reproduction the following morphometric parameters were determined: weight of generative organs (g), number of generative shoots (pieces), reproductive effort (%), share of generative individuals in the population (%). In case of generative reproduction, an important biological characteristic is the so-called reproductive effort, which characterizes the contribution of organic matters and energy in the reproductive process. It is typically shown as the percentage of phytomass of the reproductive structures of the total phytomass. In general, generativity of the investigated plants of grass and subshrub layer was determined by the ecological and cenotic conditions, and therefore varied from association to association. Forest grasses and subshrubs, in turn, are an important factor for regeneration of all types of woody species in forest ecosystems. Depending on the composition and abundance of plants of grass and subshrub layer, the number of seedlings and little undergrowth of all woody species of trees is reduced in varying degrees, and the indicators of their growth are getting worse. The impact of the live ground cover on undergrowth of woody species is ultimately determined by the specificity of the ecological and coenotic situation in the areas of regeneration and the specific ecological and phytocoenotic properties of undergrowth of certain woody species. The main environmental problems of recreational zones from the perspective of possibilities of natural regeneration of woody species are the effect of mechanical actions on the soil. Grass and subshrub layer as a sensitive indicator of the increase in anthropogenic load is the first to undergo such transformation in recreational forests. Under its influence its species composition varies and is depleted, distribution of certain species as well as their phytomass and projective cover decrease. Many forest species disappear from the cover, and weeds begin to grow. Protection of forests as holistic ecosystems is an important issue, being developed during the XX century, and not having lost its significance even today. The main directions of its solution are connected with the development of the ecological network of Ukraine and the proper use of all forest resources.

Selenium uptake, transformation and inter-element interactions by selected wildlife plant species after foliar selenate application

Plants are characterized by differing capabilities to accumulate selenium. A model small-scale field experiment was set up to investigate the selenium (Se) uptake by twelve different plant species growing at an uncultivated meadow, as well as the effect of Se foliar application on the uptake of essential elements for plants calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Foliar application of sodium selenate (Na2SeO4) was carried out in two rates (25 and 50g Se/ha), and an untreated control variant was included and the element contents in the aboveground biomass were determined. The results showed that selenium levels actually increased due to application of selenium where confirmed the hypothesis, that foliar application of selenium will lead to an increase of this element content, depending on the plant species. The highest Se contents were determined in Veronica chamaedrys (1.052±0.024mg Se/kg), Stellaria holostea (0.775±0.064mg Se/kg), Gallium aparine (0.745±0.027mg Se/kg) and Urtica dioica (0.720±0.011mg Se/kg) biomass whereas Cirsium arvense and Carex vesicaria showed the lowest Se uptake. No symptoms of potential Se phytotoxicity were observed at these concentration levels. Among the selenium compounds, selenate and selenomethionine (SeMet) were the predominant ones regardless of the plant species documenting relative low ability of plants to transform the applied selenate to the organoselenium compounds. Regarding the minor organoselenium compounds such as selenocystine (SeCys2) and Se-methylselenocysteine (Se-MeSeCys) the results suggested differences in Se transformation between monocotyledoneous and dicotyledoneous plants where Se-MeSeCys exceeded SeCys2 in monocotyledoneous and opposite pattern was observed in dicotyledoneous plants. These findings as well as the ambiguous changes in other essential element contents in the plant biomass needs to be investigated in further research.

The formation and structure of clones of forest herbs in ecosystems of north-eastern Ukraine

The clonal structure of forest herbs of north-eastern Ukraine, such as Aegopodium podagraria L., Asarum europaeum L., Carex pilosa Scop., Stellaria holostea L., has been examined using the total mapping method. The regularities of changes within the radii of clones, density of partial bushes and their age have been found out. The author has suggested an original statistical and graphical method which allows to estimate age state of each clone and make its land zoning.

Синтаксономия темнохвойных зональных лесов южной тайги Западно-Сибирской равнины и гумидных низкогорий Алтае-Саянской горной области

Синтаксономия темнохвойных зональных лесов южной тайги Западно-Сибирской равнины и гумидных низкогорий Алтае-Саянской горной области

Genetic Diversity and Spatial Genetic Structure of Stellaria Holostea Populations from Urban Forest Islands

Abstract Stellaria holostea is a clonal herb highly confined to well-established deciduous forests. This study examined whether its genetic diversity and spatial genetic organization in urban forest islands is similar to the values from well-established populations outside urban landscape. We studied four populations in Warsaw and two populations from well preserved forests outside the city. Genetic diversity was greater in populations from well-preserved forests than from forests heavily exploited in the past. High clonal diversity indices indicate that the studied populations did not lose the ability to reproduce sexually. The small populations in urban forests differed from the remaining sites in spatial organization. High overall FST (0.24) and the lack of correlation between genetic and geographic distance between the studied populations indicate limited gene flow. Urban forests may be of great value for conservation of S. holostea and other ancient forest species as they may still harbor substantial genetic variability despite their isolation.

Фитоценотическое разнообразие сероольховых лесов на юго-западе Нечерноземья России

In the paper the phytocoenotic diversity of gray alder forests, common in the South-Western Nechernozemye of Russia, is characterized. On the territory of studies A. incana occurs in Bryansk, Kaluga, Smolensk and Orel regions. In the European Russia gray alder forests represented by a lot of forest types described by T. A. Rabotnov (1939), A. A. Nitsenko (1972), V. I. Vasilevich (1998), S. V. Degteva (2002), N. S. Liksakova (2004) etc. At the southeastern border of A. incana distribution in the South-Western Nechernozemye of Russia the gray alder forests are presented by mesophytic and hygrophytic ecologic-dynamic groups. Hygrophytic forests probably represent the azonal-zonal type of forest vegetation which is widespread in the valleys of rivers and streams. They are characterized by the presence and high constancy of hygrophyte and helophytic species. These forests belong to the alliance Alnion incanae, but they have essential floristic differences with hygrophyte alder forests of the Central Europe. Plant communities described from the South-Western Nechernozemye of Russia are characterized by a lack of Western- and Central European species, which are widely represented in Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic and partly Ukraine: Acer pseudoplatanus, Carex brizoides, Circaea lutetiana, Chaerophyllum hirsutum, Geranium phaeum, Euonymus europaea, Lysimachia nemorum, Primula elatior, Ranunculus lanuginosus, Sambucus nigra, Viola reichenbachiana. In the Central Europe the communities of the ass. Alnetum incanae include the constantly-varying species: Abies alba, Anthriscus nitida, Astrantia major, Carduus personata, Carex remota, Carpinus betulus, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Cruciata glabra, Dactylis polygama, Doronicum austriacum, Euphorbia amygdaloides, Fagus sylvatica, Gentiana asclepiadea, Heracleum sphondylium, Petasites albus, P. hybridus, Prenanthes purpurea, Salvia glutinosa, Senecio nemorensis, S. ovatus, Symphytum cordatum, Valeriana dioica, etc. In communities of the Northern part of European Russia absent some nemoral species: Acer platanoides, Adoxa moschatellina, Ajuga reptans, Brachypodium sylvaticum, Carex sylvatica, Corylus avellana, Daphne mezereum, Galium odoratum, Fraxinus excelsior, Lamium maculatum, Mercurialis perennis, Poa nemoralis, Quercus robur, Ranunculus auricomus, R. cassubicus, Scrophularia nodosa, Stachys silvatica, Tilia cordata, Ulmus glabra. These species are more widely represented in Central European forests, as well as in communities of the South-Western Nechernozemye of Russia – near the southern border of the hemiboreal forests. The results of the floristic comparison do not allow considering our forests to be belong to the ass. Alnetum incanae Lüdi 1921 distinguished for the Central Europe Therefore they are allocated in the new ass. Scirpo sylvatici―Alnetum incanae ass. nov. hoc loco. The plant communities differentiate the block of predominantly helophyte and hygrophyte species characteristic for riparian habitats and communities of wetland forests: Agrostis canina, Calliergon cordifolium, Juncus effusus, Glyceria fluitans, Lycopus europaeus, Scirpus sylvaticus, Solanum dulcamara, Stachys palustris. Two variants of the association were discribed. Chaerophyllum aromaticum var. communities are characterized by the dominance of nitrophilous species Chaerophyllum aromaticum. Var. typica combines typical communities and it has no own diagnostic species. The mesophytic alder forests of the Southern Nechernozemye of Russia represent stages of demutation restoration of the mesic spruce and broad-leaved-spruce forests of the order Fagetalia sylvaticae. The specified successional status does not allow considering the mesophytic communities of a gray alder as an independent association. More correct to refer them to the temporary facies of ass. Rhodobryo rosei―Piceetum abietis Korotkov 1986, similar to the secondary birch and aspen forests representing widespread changes of the mesophytic spruce and broad-leaved-spruce forests. This facies is characterized for three variants established by the dominance of some plant species. The most mesophytic forests are represented by var. Galeobdolon luteum, which differentiated by mesophytic species of spruce and broad-leaved-spruce forests: Galeobdolon luteum, Corylus avellana, Stellaria holostea. Communities with abundant undergrowth of Padus avium, formed along the margins of forest swamps in wet loam, were classified as var. Padus avium. Its diagnostic species are following: Padus avium, Crepis paludosa, Stachys sylvatica. Var. typica combines typical communities and it has no own diagnostic species as well. The floristic peculiarities and a role of the ecological factors in differentiation of syntaxa are demonstrated by the DCA-ordination. Communities of the South-Western Nechernozemye of Russia are largely differentiated from the others on the complex gradient corresponding increase in soil moisture, light and temperature. In general, the DCA-1 axis can be regarded as a complex gradient of continentality, soil richness, and the reaction of the substrate; DCA-2 – soil moisture, temperature, and light.

Multispecies weed competition and their economic threshold on the wheat crop

Two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of multispecies weed competition on wheat grain yield and to determine their economic threshold on the crop. The experiments were conducted in 2002, on two sites in Iran: at the Agricultural Research Station on Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (E1) and on the fields of Shirvan's Agricultural College (E2). A 15 x 50 m area of a 15 ha wheat field in E1 and a 15 x 50 m area of a 28 ha wheat field in E2 were selected as experimental sites. These areas were managed like other parts of the fields, except for the use of herbicides. At the beginning of the shooting stage, 30 points were randomly selected by dropping a 50 x 50 cm square marker on each site. The weeds present in E1 were: Avena ludoviciana, Chenopodium album, Solanum nigrum, Stellaria holostea, Convolvulus spp., Fumaria spp., Sonchus spp., and Polygonum aviculare. In E2 the weeds were A. ludoviciana, Erysimum sp., P. aviculare, Rapistrum rugosum, C. album, Salsola kali, and Sonchus sp. The data obtained within the sampled squares were submitted to regression equations and weeds densities were calculated in terms of TCL (Total Competitive Load). The regression analysis model indicated that only A. ludoviciana, Convolvulus spp. and C. album, in E1; and A. ludoviciana, S. kali, and R. rugosum, in E2 had a significant effect on the wheat yield reduction. Weed economic thresholds were 5.23 TCL in E1 and 6.16 TCL in E2; which were equivalent to 5 plants m-2 of A. ludoviciana or 12 plants m-2 of Convolvulus spp. or 19 plants m-2 of C. album in E1; and 6 plants m-2 A. ludoviciana, 13 plants m-2 S. kali and 27 plants m-2 R. rugosum in E2. Simulations of economic weed thresholds using several wheat grain prices and weed control costs allowed a better comparison of the experiments, suggesting that a more competitive crop at location E1 than at E2 was the cause of a lower weed competitive ability at the first location.