Symphoricarpos Albus Research Articles

Species diversity of wild fruit plants of the natural flora of the Kazakh Altai

The purpose of this work was identification of modern species diversity of wild fruit and berry plants in theflora of the Kazakhstan Altai and their ranking according to a set of biological indicators. As a result ofstudying the biodiversity of vascular plants of the Kazakhstan Altai, using the route-reconnaissance method,it was established that 52 species of fruit and berry plants belonging to 22 genera and 12 families grow on itsterritory. The largest number of species taxa is represented by 3 families: Rosaceae, Caprifoliaceae,Grossulariaceae, which contain 29 species, which is 55.77 % of the total. Among plant communities with theparticipation of fruit and berry species, forest (26 %) and meadow associations (23 %) occupy a dominant position,synanthropic phytocenoses with the participation of Solanum dulcamara and S. nigrum are also establishedin abandoned garden plots of settlements in the region. The growth of 7 alien fruit and berry specieswas identified: Alkekengi officinarum, Berberis vulgaris, Malus baccata, Ribes aureum, Sambucus racemosa,Sorbus aucuparia, Symphoricarpos albus, of which only Malus baccata formed its own communities. Accordingto life forms, fruit and berry species are represented by trees, shrubs, dwarf shrubs, subshrubs, andherbaceous perennials. Shrubs dominate by 36 species (69.2 %). In relation to the moisture factor, the identifiedspecies are ranked by 6 ecological groups, where mesophytes predominate — 36 species (69.2 %). Of thefruit and berry species, 3 species are currently protected at the state level: Daphne altaica, Paris quadrifoliaand Vaccinium microcarpum, included in the Red Book of Kazakhstan with the status of rarity category II.

Evaluating the Dermatological Benefits of Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus): A Comparative Analysis of Extracts and Fermented Products from Different Plant Parts.

Skin ageing is influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, with excessive ultraviolet (UV) exposure being a significant contributor. Such exposure can lead to moisture loss, sagging, increased wrinkling, and decreased skin elasticity. Prolonged UV exposure negatively impacts the extracellular matrix by reducing collagen, hyaluronic acid, and aquaporin 3 (AQP-3) levels. Fermentation, which involves microorganisms, can produce and transform beneficial substances for human health. Natural product fermentation using lactic acid bacteria have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, whitening, and anti-wrinkle properties. Snowberry, traditionally used as an antiemetic, purgative, and anti-inflammatory agent, is now also used as an immune stimulant and for treating digestive disorders and colds. However, research on the skin benefits of Fermented Snowberry Extracts remains limited. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the skin benefits of snowberry by investigating its moisturising and anti-wrinkle effects, comparing extracts from different parts of the snowberry plant with those subjected to fermentation using Lactobacillus plantarum. Chlorophyll-free extracts were prepared from various parts of the snowberry plant, and ferments were created using Lactobacillus plantarum. The extracts and ferments were analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine and compare their chemical compositions. Moisturising and anti-ageing tests were conducted to assess the efficacy of the extracts and ferments on the skin. The gallic acid content remained unchanged across all parts of the snowberry before and after fermentation. However, Fermented Snowberry Leaf Extracts exhibited a slight decrease in chlorogenic acid content but a significant increase in ferulic acid content. The Fermented Snowberry Fruit Extract demonstrated increased chlorogenic acid and a notable rise in ferulic acid compared to its non-fermented counterpart. Skin efficacy tests revealed that Fermented Snowberry Leaf and Fruit Extracts enhanced the expression of AQP-3, HAS-3, and COL1A1. These extracts exhibited distinct phenolic component profiles, indicating potential skin benefits such as improved moisture retention and protection against ageing. These findings suggest that Fermented Snowberry Extracts could be developed into effective skincare products, providing a natural alternative for enhancing skin hydration and reducing signs of ageing.

Underutilized Canadian wild berries as potential sources of lipophilic bioactive compounds with antihypertensive properties.

Traditional berries are small fruits and are widely distributed in the Canadian prairies. The current study investigates the lipophilic bioactive compounds such as fatty acids, phytosterols, and terpenes, and their bioactivities, such as lipid peroxidation, as well as the antihypertensive activities of fourteen underutilized Canadian wild berries. These berries include Saskatoon berries (Amelanchier alnifolia), gooseberries (Ribes hirtellum), wild grapes (Vitis riparia), blackcurrants (Ribes nigrum), redcurrants (Ribes rubrum), haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea), wild raspberries (Rubus idaeus), wild blueberries (Vaccinium angustifolium), chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica), highbush cranberries (Viburnum trilobum), chokecherries (Prunus virginiana), nannyberries (Viburnum lentago) and snowberries (Symphoricarpos albus). The fatty acids, phytosterols, and terpenes were identified using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Lipid peroxidation and the antihypertensive activity assessed by measuring the berries' angiotensin converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibitory activity were determined using in vitro methods. Notably, wild grapes exhibited the highest (p < 0.05) total fat content (7659 ± 312 μg per g DW), followed by haskap berries (4650 ± 184 μg per g DW). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were highest (p < 0.05) in wild grapes (74%). Predominant phytosterols and terpenes identified in Canadian wild berries included β-sitosterol, isofucosterol, phytol, and α-amyrin. Saskatoon berries and gooseberries showed a distinct phytosterol and terpene profile compared to the other wild berries. Snowberries demonstrated the highest (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation and the lowest (p < 0.05) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE1) activity. This research provides valuable insights into the lipophilic bioactive compounds and their potential activities in vitro of the Canadian wild berries, offering a foundation for further exploration and potential applications in the context of nutraceuticals and functional foods.

In vitro genotoxicity assessment of biosynthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles.

There are various studies on the toxicological potentials of conventionally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, which are useful tools for many medical applications. However, knowledge about the biologically synthesized ones is still limited. In this study, the potential of producing ZnO nanoparticles via a green synthesis method, which enables safer, environmentally, economical and controlled production by using the Symphoricarpos albus L. plant, was investigated. For this purpose, aqueous extract was obtained from the fruits of the plant and reacted with zinc nitrate precursor. Characterization of the synthesized product was carried out by SEM and EDAX analyzes. In addition, the biosafety of the product was also investigated by using the Ames/Salmonella, E. coli WP2, Yeast DEL, seed germination, and RAPD test systems. The results obtained from SEM studies showed that spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 30nm were synthesized as a result of the reaction. EDAX findings confirmed that these nanoparticles were composed of Zn and O elements. On the other hand, according to the findings of the biocompatibility tests, the synthesized nanoparticle did not show any toxic and genotoxic effects up to a concentration of 640μg/ml in any of the test systems. Accordingly, considering the findings of our study, it was concluded that the aqueous extract of S. albus fruits can be used for the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, the products obtained successfully passed the biocompatibility tests in our study, and additionally, more comprehensive biocompatibility tests should be performed before industrial scale production.

АНАЛИЗ ПОРОДНОГО СОСТАВА КУСТАРНИКОВ В ГПКИО ИМ. М.ГОРЬКОГО И ПАРКЕ ПОБЕДЫ

The article provides an analysis of the state and assortment of existing shrubby vegetation in the City Park of Culture and Recreation named after. Gorky and Victory Park, Saratov. Green spaces perform a number of important environmental functions: reducing noise, gas pollution and dustiness of the air, enrichment with oxygen and phytoncides, improving microclimatic indicators, etc. When classifying green spaces, the approaches outlined in the work of T.G. Guzenko were used. During the survey of plantings, the species affiliation of shrubs was established, the Latin names of species are given according to S.K Cherepanov. The species diversity on the presented objects is quite high. To improve the living condition of shrubby vegetation, it is necessary to additionally reconstruct or create a hedge around the perimeter of landscaping facilities, which will isolate the indoor air environment of plantings from various pollutants. The most promising species for increasing the share of shrubs in the park can be considered Mahonia aquifolium Nutt, Symphoricarpos albus L., Córnus álba, Lonícera caprifólium L., Juniperus media P.J. van Melle, Ribes aureum Pursh, Philadelphus coronarius L., Syringa vulgaris L., which have proven themselves well in these environmental conditions. Particular attention should be paid to the introduction of coniferous species such as, Thúja occidentális L., Juniperus scopulorum Sarg., Juniperus media P.J. van Melle into plantings.

Сахароза в тканях однолетних побегов древесных растений-интродуцентов

Expanding the species diversity of urban plantations in the North requires taking into account the physiological characteristics of introduced species. The paper analyzes the winter hardiness and dynamics of sucrose content in tissues of annual shoots of plants growing in towns of the Vologda region, considering their natural habitats. The authors show that the sucrose content in the studied species undergoes seasonal fluctuations and also varies significantly depending on the geographical origin of the species. Most of the studied trees are characterized by a fairly high level of winter hardiness, which occurs against the background of moderate fluctuations in sucrose content throughout the year. Shrubs, compared to trees, are characterized by higher content of sucrose and its significant fluctuations during the growing season. The minimum content of sucrose is observed from April till June in most of the studied plants; during the autumn months its content increases; and then from November to spring there is a decrease. Species that showed a high level of winter hardiness: European spindle (Euonymus europaeus L.), white dogwood (Cornus alba L.), hedge cotoneaster (Cotoneaster lucidus Schltdl.), and Amur maple (Acer ginnala Maxim.). They accumulate sucrose by October and then smoothly consume it during the autumn-winterspring period. Introduced shrubs with low winter hardiness are the following: Atlantic ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius (L.) Maxim.), Spiraea salicifolia (Spiraea salicifolia L.), and common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F. Blake). They accumulate maximum sucrose by October–November and then rapidly consume it during the winter months. English dogwood (Philadelphus coronarius L.) is known for freezing the shoots to the level of snow, which may be due to the almost complete consumption of sucrose by January. The article provides options for strategies of sugars accumulation and consumption by plants belonging to different floristic areas. For citation: Andronova M.M., Platonov A.V. Sucrose in the Tissues of Annual Shoots of Introduced Woody Plants. Lesnoy Zhurnal [Russian Forestry Journal], 2022, no. 1, pp. 62–76. DOI: 10.37482/0536-1036-2022-1-62-76

Inhibition of GSK_3β by Iridoid Glycosides of Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus) Effective in the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Using Computational Drug Design Methods.

The inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activity prevents tau hyperphosphorylation and binds it to the microtubule network. Therefore, a GSK-3β inhibitor may be a recommended drug for Alzheimer’s treatment. In silico methods are currently considered as one of the fastest and most cost-effective available alternatives for drug/design discovery in the field of treatment. In this study, computational drug design was conducted to introduce compounds that play an effective role in inhibiting the GSK-3β enzyme by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The iridoid glycosides of the common snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), including loganin, secologanin, and loganetin, are compounds that have an effect on improving memory and cognitive impairment and the results of which on Alzheimer’s have been studied as well. In this study, in the molecular docking phase, loganin was considered a more potent inhibitor of this protein by establishing a hydrogen bond with the ATP-binding site of GSK-3β protein and the most negative binding energy to secologanin and loganetin. Moreover, by molecular dynamics simulation of these ligands and GSK-3β protein, all structures were found to be stable during the simulation. In addition, the protein structure represented no change and remained stable by binding ligands to GSK-3β protein. Furthermore, loganin and loganetin have higher binding free energy than secologanin; thus, these compounds could effectively bind to the active site of GSK-3β protein. Hence, loganin and loganetin as iridoid glycosides can be effective in Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment, and thus, further in vitro and in vivo studies can focus on these iridoid glycosides as an alternative treatment.

Contribution to the floras of Lipetsk and Voronezh Regions (new vascular plant records from Usmansky pine forest)

The materials presented in the article supplement the information of “Flora of the middle zone of the European part of Russia” (Maevskiy, 2014) for the floras of Voronezh and Lipetsk Regions. The materials were collected in the period 2007–2020 on the protected areas of Usmansky Bor: in the Voronezhsky State Reserve, its protected zone and in the Federal Preserve “Voronezhsky”. The flora of the Lipetsk Region is supplemented by 9 species: Alchemilla argutiserrata, Aronia mitschurinii, Carex remota, C. tomentosa, Centaurea majorovii, Cotoneaster lucidus, Hieracium sylvularum, Scirpoides holoschoenus, Symphoricarpos albus. The data on 11 new taxa are given for the Voronezh Region flora: Cotoneaster lucidus, Crataegus ucrainica, Hieracium sylvularum, Nymphaea × marliacea, Phytolacca acinosa, Philadelphus latifolius, P. serotina, Spiraea chamaedryfolia, Thuja occidentalis, Veronica polita, Wolffia globosa. The article reports on new finds of Carex bohemica and Prunus cerasifera, species that were previously noted in the region, but not included in “Flora ...” (Maevskiy, 2014). Among the 20 marked species, 11 taxa are alien ornamental plants and fruit trees and shrubs noted outside of cultivation areas. Leaving the places of cultivation by alien plants and naturalization in natural communities is a modern problem of protected areas in the European part of Russia.

Urban Naturalization for Green Spaces Using Soil Tillage, Herbicide Application, Compost Amendment and Native Vegetation

Naturalization is a new and promising ecological approach to green space development for urban environments, although knowledge is sparse on techniques to implement it. We evaluated naturalization of eight native trees and shrubs, with site preparation (tillage, herbicide) and soil amendment (compost rates) treatment combinations at six sites in the city of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Soil texture improved with all compost rates, and acidity, electrical conductivity and total carbon increased, especially with 100% compost. Soil nutrients generally increased with compost then declined within a year. Plant species with highest potential for use in urban green spaces were Picea glauca, Symphoricarpos albus and Rosa acicularis. Herbicide was the most influential site preparation treatment, positively increasing survival and growth of planted woody species, while negatively lowering non-native species cover and increasing noxious weed cover. Soil amendment with compost influenced cover not species richness, with high compost amendment reducing vegetation cover across sites, and increasing individual plant size. This study suggests amendment of soil with compost and appropriate site preparation can positively influence naturalization of these woody species for urban green spaces.

Phenology and growth indicators of honey trees and bushes in Uzbekistan

This article presents the results of research on the study of some bioecological properties of honey-producing trees and shrubs. The flowering period of the main trees and shrubs is March-June and allows to obtain a high amount of honey. During the summer months, Lycium barbarum, Symphoricarpos albus, Sophora japonica species continue to bloom until autumn. According to the data, the growth rates of all trees and shrubs were at the level of demand. In particular, when growing linden trees in the spring, their height increased from 190.5 cm to 230.5 cm in autumn. That was, it grew by 40 cm during one vegetation. The Ligustrum bush had the highest growth rate, with seedlings planted in spring averaging 90 cm in height and 155.8 cm in autumn, with an annual growth rate of 65.8 cm. These indicators depicted that the conditions in the experimental fields were suitable for the growth of trees and shrubs.

ВИДЫ КУСТАРНИКОВ ДЛЯ МНОГОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНЫХ НАСАЖДЕНИЙ ВОЛГОГРАДСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The Volgograd region, with its complex soil and climatic conditions, needs to develop and preserve an assortment of shrub species suitable for various landscaping purposes. Among the introduced and already existing species in the plantings, the most promising include Cotoneaster lucidus Schltdl., Rosa cinnamomea L., Ribes aureum Pursh., Berberis vulgaris L.,Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh.) Nutt., Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F. Blake, Amelanchier Canadensis (L.) Medik., Ligustrum vulgare L., Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach. The authors found that the studied species, due to their wide distribution area, perfectly adapted to the conditions of the region. In addition, the shrubs described in the paper, while forming new forest-agrarian landscapes, play an important role in enriching the species composition of flora and fauna, serve to preserve and increase the natural resources of the area, perform sanitary, aesthetic, recreational and other functions, which is of great importance in the conditions of desertification. The biological features of the studied species make them promising for agroforestry areas and soil zones with different precipitation levels. Due to the lack of natural seed bases in the territories occupied by protective forest stands, shrubs form the basis for growing planting material that has the entire set of economically valuable characteristics. Being recommended for use in an arid region, shrub species have good growth, development, well-developed shoots; they retain annual growth and decorative properties, and can be used to preserve the collection of the multifunctional plantings.

The effect of vegetation in apple orchard edges on the phenology of parasitoids from the subfamily Pimplinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)

Wild vegetation neighbouring orchards may be a factor attracting imagines of parasitoids from the subfamily Pimplinae into fruit tree plantations and thus increase both their species diversity and population size in this habitat. For this reason in the years 2008–2010 a study was initiated on the phenology of 8 dominant Pimplinae species in apple orchards and on their edges, which included shrubberies and roadside avenues of trees and shrubs. Slightly higher numbers of Pimplinae were recorded in orchards compared to their edges. At strong correlation was observed between the counts of Pimplinae in both habitats. The preference of selection of orchards by Pimplinae was observed in the autumn period, while no such preference was found in the spring or summer months. Analyses showed that flowering plants in the orchard edges such as Tilia cordata, Symphoricarpos albus, Cirsium arvense and Galium aparine may have attracted Pimplinae to the orchards.

Фітосанітарний стан зелених насаджень міста Херсон

Проаналізовано фітосанітарний стан зелених насаджень міста Херсон, багатий видовий склад дерев і кущів якого зумовили широкий спектр патогенних організмів та шкідників, що їх уражають. З'ясовано, що підвищення техногенного навантаження в урбанізованих екосистемах призвели до зниження життєздатності деревних рослин-едифікаторів Херсона. Встановлено, що патогенними організмами уражаються 45 видів досліджених деревних рослин міста. Виявлено, що найбільш вразливими до патогенних організмів є Acer negundo L., A. platanoides L., A. saccharinum L., Quercus robur L., Tilia cordata Mill., Aesculus hippocastanum L., Juglans regia L., Fraxinus excelsior L. За інтенсивністю пошкодження, яке впливає на життєвий стан рослин та їх декоративність, найбільш вразливими до дії фітопатогенів та ентомошкідників виявились Aesculus hippocastanum L., Buxus sempervirens L., Buxus sempervirens (Du Roi) Moench, Prunus divaricata Ledeb., Rosa canina L., Pinus pallasiana D. Don, Picea pungens Engelm., Juniperus virginiana L. З'ясовано, що низка дерев і кущів (Quercus rubra L., Betula pendula Roth, Betula pubescens Ehrh., Cotinus coggyria Scop., Sophora japonica L., Gymnocladus dioicus (L.) Koch, Mahonia aquifolium (Purh.) Nutt., Maclura acuminata L., Populus simonii Carr., Eucomia ulmoides Oliv., Albizia julibrissin Durazz, Symphoricarpos albus (L.) Blake, Ginkgo biloba L., Taxus baccata L.) є стійкими до дії шкідників та хвороб. Дослідження показали, що різні типи насаджень відрізняються за видовим складом патогенних організмів, а також за інтенсивністю пошкодження рослин-господарів. У паркових насадженнях частіше трапляються хвороби та шкідники листя або хвої деревних рослин. У вуличних насадженнях деревні рослини частіше пошкоджуються збудниками стовбурових і кореневих гнилей, листя рослин пошкоджуються американським білим метеликом та комахами-мінерами. Появі уражень та захворювань сприяють перестиглий вік насаджень, велике рекреаційне навантаження на зелені зони, а також відсутність регулярного кваліфікованого догляду за насадженнями. Тому на території дослідження рекомендовано проведення рубок формування та вибіркових санітарних рубок, а також регулярне та своєчасне здійснення агротехнічних заходів.

Regeneration of vegetation in manor park in Laskowice (Dąbrowa Forest District)

Laskowice is a village located in Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship, in Świecie Upland near Świecie. On the edges of the village there is a manor-palace complex established by Franz von Gordon in the first half of the 19th century. Since the palace was destroyed in 1945, the maintenance of the park was ceased. Currently the object is administrated by Dąbrowa Forest District. The aim of the study was to determine the direction of vegetation transformation of the park in the light of lack of use. Lack of human interference within examined object has initiated regeneration processes. At present the vegetation of the park refers to structure and species composition of natural forest plant communities. Phytosociological research carried out in 2015 and 2016 revealed the presence of following associations: Ficario-Ulmetum , Fraxino-Alnetum and Tilio-Carpinetum. Shrub vegetation of Rhamno-Prunetea class develops in places. Non-forest vegetation of meadows ( Arrhenatheretum elatioris ) and nitrophilous edges ( Urtico-Aegopodietum ) are present. In case of analyzed object the physionomy and species composition of forest communities differs from typical forms. An attention is paid to a strongly developed layer of brushwood. There is a lack of some characteristic species, alien species are present in treestand and shrub layers. A large share in phytocoenoses of Ficario-Ulmetum and Tilio-Carpinetum has Sambucus nigra and in case of the first association also alien species – Philadelphus coronarius and Symphoricarpos albus . Values of calculated indices of synanthropization confirm the regeneration of forest communities: index of natural character achieves value 40% and synanthropization index ranges from 48.78% for Tilio-Carpinetum to 60.00% for Fraxino-Alnetum.

Mofette Vegetation as an Indicator for Geogenic CO2 Emission: A Case Study on the Banks of the Laacher See Volcano, Vulkaneifel, Germany

A geogenic CO2 emitting site (mofette U1) at the banks of the Laacher See, Eifel Mountains, was chosen to study the relationship between heavy postvolcanic soil degassing and vegetation during spring season. To test any interrelation between soil CO2 degassing and vegetation, soil chemism (pH, water content, conductivity, and humus content) and vegetation studies (number of species, plant-soil coverage) were performed. Geogenic soil degassing patterns of carbon dioxide and oxygen were clearly inhomogeneous, resembling soil porosity and distinct permeation channels within the soil. CO2 concentrations ranged from zero to 100%. Soil CO2 increased, while soil oxygen decreased with increasing soil depth. There was a reasonable correlation between CO2 degassing and soil pH as well as soil conductivity. Soil organic matter (SOM) resembled soil water distribution. The number of plant species (from a total of 69 species) as well as plant coverage strongly followed geogenic CO2 degassing. The total number of growing species was highest in low CO2 soils (max. 17 species per m2) and lowest at high CO2-emitting sites (one species per m2). Plant coverage followed the same pattern. Total plant coverage reached values of up to 84% in slightly degassing soils and only 5-6% on heavy CO2-venting sites. One plant species proved to be highly mofettophilic (marsh sedge, Carex acutiformis) and strictly grew on CO2 degassing sites. Most other species like grove windflower, spring fumewort, fig buttercup, wood bluegrass, addersmeat, and common snowberry showed a mofettophobic behavior and strictly avoided degassing areas. Specific plant species can thus be used to detect and monitor pre- or postvolcanic CO2 degassing.

The effects of post-wildfire salvage logging on plant reproductive success and pollination in Symphoricarpos albus, a fire-tolerant shrub

Post-wildfire salvage logging is an increasingly used land management tool with poorly understood ecological consequences for understory flowering plants and their interactions with pollinators. Understanding these consequences of salvage logging is important because an essential aspect of post-wildfire forest succession involves pollination and plant reproduction. For snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), an ecologically-important and fire-tolerant shrub, we tested the long-term effects of post-wildfire logging on plant reproduction and pollen limitation using a supplemental-pollen experiment coupled with pollinator observations of S. albus and of potential co-flowering competitors of S. albus. Nearly a quarter century after these disturbances, we found no effects of post-wildfire logging on the reproduction of naturally-pollinated plants. The reproduction of some S. albus individuals were pollen limited, but only in unlogged areas, suggesting that plants in unlogged areas have higher potential reproduction compared to those logged areas but are unable to achieve this higher level of reproduction due to lack of pollination. This pollen limitation of S. albus reproduction is consistent with the relatively high floral densities of potential competitors of S. albus and generally low pollinator visitation rates in unlogged areas. Together, these results suggest that legacies of post-wildfire logging may restrict the reproductive potential of this shrub for at least several decades after the logging is complete, but this restriction is likely due to altered abiotic conditions and not via lack of pollination.

Функціональна діагностика адаптивності інтродукованих видів роду сніжноягідник (Symphoricarpos duhamel) в умовах Києва

The important condition of the environmental improvement is mobilization and wide introduction of introduced trees and shrubs, which have already had successful preliminary investigation in the botanical gardens and dendrological parks and have shown characteristics of high ornamentality. The snowberries are such perspective but not so widespread plants now, which have very high decorativeness and attractiveness during almost the whole vegetative period, which is especially important when creating urban landscape compositions. Observations on the development of snowberries in the street landscapes ofKievhave shown quite high resistance of plants to the megapolis conditions, which made us to conduct the study of their functional state in the places with the most intensive traffic. The purpose of the study was to determine the functional state and photosynthetic potential of plants of the genus snowberry ( Symphoricarpos Duhamel) different species in the megapolis conditions. Seasonal inductive changes of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of leaves of 9 species of the genus snowberry ( Symphoricarpos Duhamel): S. albus (L.) S.F.Blake, S. × chenaultii Rehder, S. × doorenbosii Krűssm., S. hesperius G.N.Jones, S. mollis Nutt., S. occidentalis Hook., S. orbiculatus Moench, S. oreophilus A.Gray, S. rivularis Suksd. are studied. For the assessment of the functional state of green plants a method based on the study of correlation of changes of intensity of chlorophyll fluorescence induction (CFI) with photosynthetic reactions in chloroplasts of leaves was used. To measure parameters of fluorescence and its inductive changes in the field conditions we used a portable device – a fluorometer Floratest (developed by the Engineering Center of V. M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of National Academy of Sciences ofUkraine). The study of seasonal changes in the parameters of CFI of the leaves has revealed very small seasonal variability of the parameters of CFI in the leaves of snowberries: on average, the intensity of fluorescence at the maximum F p 1 and F p 2 decreased by 4,0 and 1,5 %, and the coefficient К 1 by 3,4 %, indicating on the high stability of electron transport processes near the reaction centers of photosystem II (FSII). The analysis of normalized inductive changes of fluorescence intensity in the time range of the slow decline of fluorescence showed slight decrease in the intensity of dark photochemical processes: К 2 ( Rfd ) ratio decreased only by 6,0 %. Thus, by means of the comprehensive analysis of functional indicators we found the high stability of photosynthetic processes in snowberry leaves, which allow the plants to maintain their ornamental features for the long periods of time. The analysis of the content of metal pollutants in the different parts of common snowberry plants ( S. albus ) was carried out using an atomic absorption spectroscopy method. Preparation of the bioprobes was carried out by such method as ozonation in a muffle furnace, followed by extraction in nitric acid. Determination of the content of metals in the prepared filtrates was carried out with the use of flame atomization (in the case of determination of large quantities) on the «C115-M1» spectrophotometer and electrothermal atomization (in the case of determination of trace quantities) on the «Saturn-3» spectrophotometer with the complex «Graphite-2». The comparative analysis of the accumulation of metal pollutants and the parameters of CFI of S. albus leaves in the park zone and near the transport line at Sevastopolska square has established the negative influence of the complex of factors on the activity of reaction centers and the effectiveness of dark photochemical processes. So, according to the «coefficient of plateau» K pL , which controls the number of inactive reactive centers of FSII, their growth is determined by 50–60%. Also, within the limits of 30–50%, the reduction of the Rfd parameter is registered, indicating a decrease in the activity of dark photochemical processes, that is the Calvin cycle. At the same time, the effectiveness of the light phase of photosynthesis in the leaves of S. albus on the experimental plots of Sevastopolska square in relation to similar indices obtained for plants of the park zone of the Institute of Horticulture of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, does not change significantly, within 4,0–6,5%. The latest information obtained indicates that there is significant stability of the light phase of photosynthesis in the relation to the dark photochemical processes in snowberry plants and their high adaptive potential in the conditions of the urban environment. The results of the research allow us to recommend previously tested in Kyiv city conditions introduced snowberry species for the further usage in the plantations in the megacity conditions, and in particular in the places with the high level of contamination.

Nest-site preference and reproductive performance of Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) in historically extant and colonist shrub species

Many studies report mixed results on the influence of invasive plants on native animals, partly due to uncertainties about habitat preference and reproductive performance in native animals before and after plant invasion. We used vegetation surveys 20 years apart and 18 years of breeding data from Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia (A. Wilson, 1810)) to compare nest-site preference and reproductive performance during the colonization of Mandarte Island, British Columbia, by one shrub species native to the region but historically absent from the island (red elderberry, Sambucus racemosa L.) and another species that is exotic to North America (Himalayan blackberry, Rubus armeniacus Focke = Rubus bifrons Vest). Nest-site preference declined where red elderberry increased but was unrelated to change in the cover of Himalayan blackberry. Song Sparrows nested in trailing blackberry (Rubus ursinus Cham. and Schltdl.) and its exotic congener Himalayan blackberry in preference to two common shrubs native to Mandarte Island (Nootka rose, Rosa nutkana C. Presl; snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F. Blake) and built just 1 of 1051 nests in red elderberry. In contrast, reproductive performance was similar in all shrub species used regularly as nest substrates. Our results show that Song Sparrow nest-site preference and reproductive performance were independent of plant species origin.

Identification of Host Fruit Volatiles from Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus), Attractive to Rhagoletis zephyria Flies from the Western United States.

A mixture of behaviorally active volatiles was identified from the fruit of snowberry, Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus, for Rhagoletis zephyria flies reared from snowberry fruit. A nine-component blend containing 3-methylbutan-1-ol (3%), dimethyl trisulfide (1%), 1-octen-3-ol (40%), myrcene (8%), nonanal (9%), linalool (13%), (3E)-4,8-dimethyl-1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT, 6%), decanal (15%), and β-caryophyllene (5%) was identified that gave consistent electroantennogram activity and was behaviorally active in flight tunnel tests. In other flight tunnel assays, snowberry flies from two sites in Washington state, USA, displayed significantly greater levels of upwind oriented flight to sources with the snowberry volatile blend compared with previously identified volatile blends from domestic apple (Malus domestica) and downy hawthorn (Crataegus mollis) fruit from the eastern USA, and domestic apple, black hawthorn (C. douglasii) and ornamental hawthorn (C. monogyna) from Washington state. Selected subtraction assays showed that whereas removal of DMNT or 1-octen-3-ol significantly reduced the level of upwind flight, removal of myrcene and β-caryophyllene, or dimethyl trisulfide alone did not significantly affect the proportion of upwind flights. Our findings add to previous studies showing that populations of Rhagoletis flies infesting different host fruit are attracted to unique mixtures of volatile compounds specific to their respective host plants. Taken together, the results support the hypothesis that differences among flies in their behavioral responses to host fruit odors represent key adaptations involved in sympatric host plant shifts, contributing to host specific mating and generating prezygotic reproductive isolation among members of the R. pomonella sibling species complex.

Three new genera and three new species of Nearctic Lasiopteridi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae: Cecidomyiinae) from Asteraceae and Caprifoliaceae, and the tribe Rhopalomyiini subsumed under Oligotrophini.

Three new Nearctic genera of gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), each with a new species, are described: Helianthecis Gagné for Helianthecis capitum Gagné, new species, that lives in flower heads of Helianthus spp. (Asteraceae) from North Dakota to Texas; Lonicerae Gagné for Lonicerae russoi Gagné, new species, and Lonicerae lonicera (Felt), new combination, that form bud galls on Lonicera spp. (Caprifoliaceae) in California; and Chiosperma Gagné for Chiosperma turgidum Gagné, new species, that forms a bud gall on Symphoricarpos albus (L.) S.F. Blake (Caprifoliaceae) in Washington. The three new genera belong to the supertribe Lasiopteridi and are placed in the tribe Oligotrophini. The tribes Oligotrophini and Rhopalomyiini are combined.