Lilac Research Articles

The inhibitory properties of the boiling extracts from Malus sylvestris and Syringa vulgaris flowers on the corrosion of stainless steel in sulphuric acid medium

The inhibitory properties of the boiling extracts from Malus sylvestris and Syringa vulgaris flowers on the corrosion of stainless steel in sulphuric acid medium

Висшата флора на рида Венеца (Столова планина) над град Белоградчик (Северозападна България) и съдържащите се в нея лечебни растения

As a result of a field research performed of the vascular flora of the Venetsa Hill (Stolova mountain), which flora falls within the Balkan Foothill floristic region, there were 80 vascular species of 72 genera and 33 families established. Out of these 80 species, 38 were determined to be medicinal plants. Two species have been determined to be with Critical endangered (CR) status: Eranthis bulgaricus Stef. and Galanthus elwesii Hook. f. and one species was determined to be with category Vulnerable (VU): Melica altissima L. There are 10 tertiary relicts: Acer campestre L., A. monspessulanum L., Betula pendula Roth, Carpinus orientalis Mill., Corylus avellana L., Fraxinus ornus L., Syringa vulgaris L., Eranthis bulgaricus Stef., Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe, Populus tremula L. One quaternary relict is Sternbergia colchiciflora Waldst. & Kit.

ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКОЕ И ПРАКТИЧЕСКОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ ВЫБОРА ПОДВОЯ ПРИ ВЕГЕТАТИВНОЙ РЕПРОДУКЦИИ ИНТРОДУЦЕНТОВ РОДА SYRINGA L. (OLEACEAE) В УСЛОВИЯХ ОРЕНБУРГСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The proper selection of rootstock and graft combinations in lilac introducers, in order to take full advantage of grafting, requires a thorough understanding of the synergy of cultivar-rootstock combinations, as well as the identification of factors that may influence this process. The article analyzes the results of three grafting experiments using Syringa vulgaris L. and Syringa josikaea J. Jacq. ex Rchb. seedlings and vegetative rootstocks (rooted shoots) of Syringa vulgaris L. as rootstocks. The grafting material was the dormant buds of four highly ornamental cultivars of S. vulgaris L. – ‘Au- cubaefolia’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Marc Micheli’, ‘Congo’ and the late hybrid Syringa × prestoniae МсКelveу ‘Miss Canada’. It was found that the survival rate of cultivars on a particular rootstock may depend on the systematic affiliation of the mother plants of the cultivars. The best survival rate among all studied cultivars in the climatic conditions of the Orenburg region is achieved when using rooted vegetative shoots of S. vulgaris as a rootstock (over 90%), the worst – on the seed rootstock of S. josikea J. Jacq. ex Rchb. (up to 40%). The influence of the ambient temperature and humidity at the time of oculant fusion on the survival rate of grafts using S. vulgaris L. vegetative rootstock has been demonstrated (Wilcoxon T-test, statistical significance level p <<0.05). It is recommended to select the rootstock individually for each cultivar in order to achieve maximum survival rates of lilac cultivars in the climatic and geographical conditions of the Orenburg region and/or regions with similar conditions.

European Spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) (Lepidoptera) outbreaks in some regions of European Russia in 2023

A study was conducted to investigate the distribution and significant increase in the abundance of Lymantria dispar within the forest-steppe zone of European Russia, encompassing the regions of Ryazan, Moscow, Vladimir, and Ulyanovsk. The examination of hotspots associated with this pest during the year 2023 involved an analysis of data derived from diverse sources. The investigation encompassed an assessment of plant species that either attracted or repelled the pest’s caterpillars under natural conditions. The defoliation phenomenon was observed to vary across distinct plant species, with notable instances of extensive destruction identified on Betula, Quercus robur, Populus tremula, and various Salix species at multiple observation plots. Conversely, conifers such as Larix sibirica, Picea abies, Pinus sylvestris, and certain invasive (introduced) species, including Acer negundo, Elaeagnus argentea, Hirrarchaea rhamnoides, and Syringa vulgaris, exhibited an absence of caterpillar presence.

BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES OF ANNUAL VEGETATIVE SHOOTS OF THE ROOT STOCK OF WILD SYRINGA VULGARIS L.

Syringin and oleuropein were identified in annual vegetative shoots of the root stock of wild Syringa vulgaris L. in various phases of vegetation by high-performance liquid chromatography. The maximum amount of syringin occurs during the fruit ripening phase (specific content 15.0 ± 0.2%). The maximum amount of oleuropein was found in the phase of complete lignification of vegetative shoots (specific content 16.7±1.6%). Harvesting of annual vegetative shoots of the root stock of wild Syringa vulgaris L. is advisable to carry out in the fruit ripening phase (September) and in the phase of complete lignification of vegetative shoots (July). Annual vegetative shoots of Syringa vulgaris L. can be recommended to be used as a promising raw material source of syringin and oleuropein, for the development of domestic therapeutic and prophylactic agents.

Phytochemical analysis of Syringa vulgaris: Quantitative analysis of natural compounds by LC-ESI-MS/MS

The significant biological activity exhibited by medicinal plants is attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds, which makes them suitable for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In the case of Syringa vulgaris flowers, a quantitative analysis of its bioactive compound content was conducted using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Among the identified compounds, hesperidin was found to be the majör component, with a concentration of 0.33 mg/g extract. Additionally, the methanol extract of S. vulgaris flowers contained relatively high concentrations of naringenin (0.197 mg/g extract), chlorogenic acid (0.101 mg/g extract), o-coumaric acid (0.056 mg/g extract), salicylic acid (0.045 mg/g extract), and sinapic acid (0.04 mg/g extract). These findings highlight the presence of these bioactive compounds in S. vulgaris flowers and their potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.

Plant-associated bacteria of Syringa vulgaris L. in an urban environment

Plant-associated bacteria of Syringa vulgaris L. in an urban environment

Insights into historic and genetic relationships of diverse common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) genotypes based on whole-genome profiling

AbstractCommon lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.) is a popular landscaping plant. Our aim was to obtain a large set of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, to reveal the precise identities of the investigated S. vulgaris accessions, and to discover genetic relationships among them. The studied plant material included local Finnish, previously unidentified accessions, known reference cultivars, and so-called historical accessions i.e., old shrubs growing in historic cultural landscapes. We intended to verify cultivar names for some valuable local common lilac accessions and to provide insights into the history of common lilac cultivation in Finland. In the analyses, we used a set of 15,007 SNP markers. First, polymorphic information contents were calculated (mean 0.190, range 0.012–0.500 per marker). Then, to investigate genetic relationships among genotypes, a phylogenetic tree was constructed, and a principal coordinate analysis was conducted. A Bayesian analysis of population structure was performed to determine the number and distribution of genetic clusters among samples. Genetic marker data combined with existing historical and phenotypic knowledge revealed novel information on the unidentified cultivars and on the genetic relationships among studied accessions and solved the arrival and early history of common lilac in Finland. Overall, such comprehensive genomic characterization and deep understanding of genetic relationships of S. vulgaris can be used when utilizing present cultivars and developing new ones in future breeding programs.

ANTHOCYANINS IN LILAC FLOWERS SYRINGA VULGARIS

Anthocyanins from flowers of common lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.) of various color intensities and shades of lilac color from nine samples purchased at the Belgorod market were studied using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. To determine the structure of anthocyanins, we used the analysis of electronic absorption spectra recorded in the cuvette of a diode array detector and the analysis of mass spectra obtained by electrospray ionization with partial fragmentation. As a result, it was found that in all the studied samples the main component was delphinidin-3-rutinoside (84–90% by peak areas in the chromatogram). The level of cyanidin-3-rutinoside biosynthesis was significantly lower (6–19.6%). Among the minor compounds, delphinidin-3-glucoside and petunidin-3-glucoside were found. Among the unusual compounds, pyranoanthocyanin, built on the basis of delphinidin-3-rutinoside due to condensation with pyruvic acid, was found in a number of studied samples, but the reasons for its appearance have not yet been established. The total content of anthocyanins is low and amounts to 0.020–0.120 g per 100 g of fresh material (depending on the color intensity of the original plant material) in terms of cyanidin-3-glucoside. By drying flowers on a cut branch, air-dried material was obtained containing 0.100–0.300 g per 100 g of anthocyanins.

Seeds of Syringa vulgaris L. as a possible object for phytoindication studies of urban environment in Orenburg

Urbanized environment is considered as a stressor for individual plants and their communities that form green frame of the city. Changes in structure of plant populations in cities are analyzed as an important indicator of environmental quality. Therefore, phytoindication of quality of the environment in conditions of the city is currently becoming relevant in the context of its optimization. The purpose of the research was to study biometric parameters and seed germination of Syringa vulgaris L., growing in areas with increased anthropogenic pressure in comparison with a conditionally clean area. Within the framework of this work, morphometric parameters of lilac seeds growing in areas with a high level of anthropogenic pollution were described. Indicators of reproductive ability of lilacs (laboratory and soil germination) were assessed. According to the results of the observations, it was established that the biometric parameters of S. vulgaris seeds are not indicative and cannot be used in assessing the quality of the environment. The data obtained during laboratory and soil germination of S. vulgaris seeds can be used to characterize the ecological state of sampling areas. Under more favorable environmental conditions (control), germination is much higher than under anthropogenically modified environmental conditions. Based on the results of a comprehensive assessment of laboratory and soil germination, the following distribution of the administrative districts of Orenburg was established according to the degree of anthropogenic pollution (from the most clean to the most environmentally unstable): Zauralnaya Grove Industrial District Dzerzhinsky District Leninsky District Central District.

Аккумуляция тяжелых металлов в почвах и фитомассе на урбанизированных территориях

Purpose: To carry out a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the content of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd) in soils and aboveground vegetation organs of plants of the Olive family, namely the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) growing in urban areas, using the example of the central part of the city of St. Petersburg. To assess the accumulation of iron, zinc, cadmium and lead by soil cover and phytomass, depending on the remoteness of the street-traffic network adjacent to garden-park areas, and the traffic intensity along the studied highways. Methods: The experimental method, based on the “Methodology for determining vehicle emissions for conducting summary calculations of urban air pollution”, has been used to determine the composition and traffic intensity of the traffic flow passing along highways adjacent to the study areas. Subsequently, the obtained data have been statistically processed. A total of 20 sampling points have been identified at the study sites, at different distances from the pollution source. Based on the adopted “Methodological guidelines for determining heavy metals in soils of agricultural lands and crop products”, samples have been taken and further sample preparation has been carried out for research by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. In the laboratory of the testing center “Ecological and Occupational Safety” of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education PGUPS, using the method of flame atomic absorption spectrometry, a quantitative analysis of the content of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd) in selected soil and phytomass samples has been carried out. Results: The quantitative and qualitative composition of the intensity of the traffic flow passing through the central part of the city of St. Petersburg has been determined. The concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cd, Pb) have been determined in all selected soil samples and phytomass at the beginning and at the end of the growing season, leaves of common lilac shrubs growing in the central regions of the city of St. Petersburg. In most samples, elevated concentrations of heavy metals have been found in the aboveground vegetation organs of shrubs taken at the end of the growing season, compared with those taken at the beginning of the growing season. Practical significance: It is shown that the accumulation of heavy metals in plants and soil largely depends on the location of the pollution source and its intensity. The data obtained can be recommended for practical use.

Study on selection of woody plants to create sustainable green spaces in sparsely forested rural areas

For sustainable development of rural areas in low forested regions it is necessary to create additional areas of artificial plantations from the adapted gene pool of woody plants. The existing artificial plantations were created more than 70 years ago, so they do not effectively fulfill their ameliorative functions. The aim of the research is the selection of woody plants to form landscaping spaces of recreational type in sparsely forested regions. Bioecological studies of 18 tree species of the families Rosaceae, Oleaceae, Fabaceae, Fagaceae, Cornaceae, Caprifoliaceae, Corylaceae, Anacardiaceae, Rhamnáceae in dendrological collections of the Federal Research Centre of Agroecology RAS were carried out from July to October 2021 under field conditions. Conventional methods for evaluating crown structure on microclimatic parameters and ornamental value were applied. Original data were obtained by non-invasive method (Dualex Scientific device), which showed species-specificity of quantitative indicators of photopigments, their lability as an indicator of resistance to high temperatures was given. Dynamics of pigment indices in leaves showed that interspecific variation of the index is higher than intraspecific variation. The adapted assortment of trees and shrubs for arid regions has been identified. It is established that trees (Quercus robur) and shrubs with dense crowns (Ligustrum vulgare, Syringa vulgaris, Rosa rugose, etc.) reduce air temperature more effectively (by 2.2-4.3°C) than woody species with openwork crowns (species of genera Gleditsia and Robinia). It is shown that changing the composition of phytodiversity will increase the quality class of plantations. Quercus robur, Robinia pseudoacacia, Rhus typhina, Cotinus coggygria, species of Gleditsia and Amelanchier are recommended for creation of artificial plantations in the research region.

Усадьба Виц-Григорьевых (Костромская область): история создания и современное состояние

Provincial noble estates are an important component of the domestic architectural and landscape heritage. Over the years, there has been a loss of significance of noble estates as a phenomenon of Russian national culture. Therefore, the role of noble estate and park complexes as cultural landscapes and as elements of preserving the cultural identity of Russia is increasing. This issue is of particular relevance for the Kostroma region, where there is an extremely low safety of rural noble estates. The aim of the study was to examine the history of the creation of the noble estate of the Vits-Grigorievs and the current state of its natural and anthropogenic landscapes (Kologrivsky district of the Kostroma region). The research was carried out in several stages using the following methods: historical and archival expertise, field surveys, graphic-analytical method. By 1917, the manor complex included the main house with outbuildings, garden and park and utility parts, an orphanage with a school. To date, none of the manor buildings have survived. The basis of the complex is a larch-linden park, formed in two stages: in the first half and in the last quarter of the 19th century. An assessment of the sanitary condition of plantings and the structure of the tree canopy made it possible to conclude that an active process of decay of park plantings is taking place. To date, there has been an almost complete displacement of ornamental plants on the estate by species from wild flora. Since 1917, musk strawberry (Fragaria moschata), germander meadowsweet (Spiraea chamaedryfolia), Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens) and common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) have remained in the assortment of ornamental plants. To preserve the historical and cultural value of the object, it is necessary to carry out measures for its reconstruction. Modern use of the territory may include the creation and implementation of a tourist route.

Development of Cryopreservation Technique for Meristems of Syringa vulgaris L. Cultivars

Cryopreservation is considered to be one of the most effective methods for long-term storage of plant genetic resources, particularly for ornamental species. However, there is a very little research on cryopreservation of lilacs. In this study, for the first time the cryopreservation protocol (a variation of a pregrowth-dehydration method) was successfully applied to two cultivars of Syringa vulgaris: ‘Aucubaefolia’ and ‘Polina Osipenko’. Explants of both cultivars were able to withstand the different steps of the protocol, and high survival and regrowth percentages were obtained after exposure to liquid nitrogen (67–100% and 63–88%, respectively). The current study is mainly focused on the preculture conditions of the applied method. Based on our results, we propose the use of paclobutrazol (PBZ) with the combination of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and thidiazuron (TDZ) in the preculture medium for increasing explant tolerance to subsequent dehydration and freezing. During post-LN recovery, the explants appeared morphologically normal, and after 12–16 weeks after thawing, they were propagated and cultured as normal plantlets. Therefore, the reported method is effective for long-term storage of lilac meristems and could be used to create a cryobank of achievements in lilac breeding.

Yeasts associated with mines on tree leaves in the urban areas.

Mines on tree leaves and undamaged leaves were studied to investigate yeast complexes in urban areas (Aesculus hippocastanum, miner - Cameraria ohridella; Betula verrucosa, miner - Caloptilia betulicola; Populus nigra, miner - Lithocolletis populifoliella; Quercus robur, miner - Tischeria companella; Salix caprea, miner - Trachys minuta; Syringa vulgaris, miner - Caloptilia syringella; Tilia cordata, miner - Phyllonorycter issikii; Ulmus laevis, miner - Carpatolechia fugitivella). The abundance and taxonomic structure of yeasts were studied using a surface plating method on solid media (GPY agar). Identification of yeast species was based on the ITS rDNA nucleotide sequence. The average abundance of yeasts during the first stages of mine formation in the internal tissues of leaves was 103cfu/g. After 23-25days, during the last stage of larval metamorphosis before mine destruction, the abundance of yeasts in the mines increased by two orders of magnitude to 105cfu/g. No significant differences were observed in the abundance of yeasts in mines formed by different insects on different trees. A total of twelve yeast species were observed. The fast-growing ascomycetous yeasts Hanseniaspora uvarum and H. occidentalis dominated the mines. On undamaged leaves, the basidiomycetous yeasts Papiliotrema flavescens and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, typical in the phyllosphere, dominated. The opportunistic yeast Candida parapsilosis was detected in the yeast complexes of all mines examined and was not found on the surface of leaves. Comparison of the relative abundance of yeast species between the studied mines and undamaged leaves using principal component analysis showed that all studied yeast communities in the mines were significantly different from the epiphytic yeast complexes of the undamaged leaves. Thus, miners in urban environments provoke the formation of short-lived endophytic yeast complexes with high abundance of Hanseniaspora. For leaf miners, the yeasts serve primarily as a food source for insect larvae rich in vitamins and amino acids. The adult leaf miners, in turn, contribute to the reproduction of the yeasts and create favorable conditions for their development.

The Use of Reference Materials In the Analysis of Medicinal Plant Raw Materials and Herbal Medicinal Products

The need to improve pharmacopoeial approaches to the standardization of medicinal plant raw materials (MPRMs) and herbal medicinal products (HMPs), and the need to ensure the implementation of the principle of «cross-cutting» standardization in the series «medicinal plant raw material – phyto-substance – herbal medicinal product» determine the relevance of developing new, more rational approaches to the analysis of objects of plant origin.The purpose of the research was the theoretical and experimental substantiation of the use of reference materials in the development of assay procedures on the example of certain types of plant raw materials and products based on it from the standpoint of the chemical composition, stability and physicochemical properties of the biologically active compounds contained in them.Assay of active substances was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using a Milichrome-6 chromatograph with a spectrophotometric detector in the ultraviolet (UV-) region. The UV spectra were recorded using a Specord 40 spectrophotometer. The measurement results were processed using the WinASPECT and Microsoft Excel 2016 programs.As a result of research, procedures for assay of syringin in the bark of Syringa vulgaris, and in the rhizomes and roots of Eleutherococcus senticosus, rosavin and salidroside in the rhizomes and roots of Rhodiola rosea, arbutin in the leaves of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Vaccinium vitis-idaea, isosalipurposide in the flowers of Helichrysum arenarium, the amount of anthracene derivatives in fresh leaves of Aloe arborescens were developed and validated. Spectrophotometric methods for determining the amount of biologically active phenylpropanoids in terms of eleutheroside B (syringin) in MPRMs and HMPs of Eleutherococcus senticosus and the amount of aralosides in the roots of Aralia Manchurian were introduced. Based on the data obtained, the scientific rationale for the use of reference materials of syringin (Syringa vulgaris bark, Eleutherococcus senticosus rhizomes and roots), rosavin and salidroside (Rhodiola rosea rhizomes and roots), the sum of ammonium salts of aralosides (Manchurian aralia root), arbutin (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi and Vaccinium vitis-idaea leaves), mixtures of aloins A and B (Aloe arborescens fresh leaves) in the analysis procedures was provided. The concept of a systematic approach to the analysis of medicinal plant raw materials and products based on it was formulated.

Comparative Analysis of Foliar Diseases of Some Native and Non-Native Tree Species in Belarus and Siberia

Urban green spaces are known to be subjected to additional anthropogenic stress. Using native plants in monoculture, i.e., planting trees of the same species, may favour disease outbreaks and plant death. Non-native plants to be used in large cities for creating sustainable plantations are being searched for worldwide. Meanwhile, it is necessary to control plant pathogens in the variable conditions of the region and natural habitat. In Siberian cities, non-native European trees are used, and non-native Siberian plants are introduced in Belarus. This article reports long-term observations of foliar fungal pathogens attacking 21 woody plants (19 European, 2 Siberian) in Siberian and Belarusian cities. In both regions, 48 leaf fungal pathogens were detected, with powdery mildew fungi predominating in Belarus and leaf spotting fungi prevailing in Siberia. In both research regions, the greatest number of fungal species was found on Syringa vulgaris L. In Siberia, many pathogens were found on the non-native European plant Berberis vulgaris (9 species) and native plant Caragana arborescens Lam. (8 species). We have not detected the pathogens on European plants: Acer campestre L., Acer platanoides L., Euonymus europaeus L., Lonicera caprifolium L. in urban green areas in Siberia, while we have identified one to four foliar fungal pathogens on these plants in Belarus. To sum up: more pathogens were found on native plants in Siberia and Belarus; some leaf pathogen species (Sawadaea tulasnei (Fuckel) Homma, Erysiphe alphitoides (Griffon & Maubl.) U. Braun & S. Takam., Cladosporium syringae (Oudem.) Montem., Erysiphe syringae Schwein., Erysiphe palczewskii (Jacz.) U. Braun & S. Takam.) followed their host plants (Acer tataricum L., Syringa vulgaris L., Caragana arborescens Lam.) when introduced into new areas; and some local pathogens were also observed to spread to the non-native plants of closely related species.

Volatile secondary metabolome and transcriptome analysis reveals distinct regulation mechanism of aroma biosynthesis in Syringa oblata and S. vulgaris

Lilacs have high ornamental value due to their strong aroma. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of aroma biosynthesis and metabolism in lilac were largely unclear. In this study, two varieties with distinct aroma, Syringa oblata ‘Zi Kui’ (faint aroma) and Syringa vulgaris ‘Li Fei’ (strong aroma), were used for exploring the regulation mechanism of aroma difference. Via GC-MS analysis, a total of 43 volatile components were identified. Terpene volatiles was the most abundant volatiles constituting the aroma of two varieties. Notably, 3 volatile secondary metabolites were unique in ‘Zi Kui’ and 30 volatile secondary metabolites were unique in ‘Li Fei’. Then, a transcriptome analysis was performed to clarify the regulation mechanism of aroma metabolism difference between these two varieties, and identified 6411 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Interestingly, ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis genes were significantly enriched in DEGs. We further conducted a correlation analysis between the volatile metabolome and transcriptome and found that TPS, GGPPS, and HMGS genes might be the key contributors to the differences in floral fragrance composition between the two lilac varieties. Our study improves the understanding in the regulation mechanism of Lilac aroma and would help improve the aroma of ornamental crops by metabolic engineering.

Chemical Composition of Tissues of Syringa vulgaris L. and Soil Features in Abandoned Cemeteries

Abandoned anthropogenic sites are transformed when they come into use. In the present study, such objects were abandoned Evangelical cemeteries located in the Land of the Great Mazurian Lakes (northern Poland). This study aims to compare the concentrations of selected major (Ca, Na, Mg, Al, Fe) and potentially toxic elements (Zn, Cd, Pb) in the roots, leaves, and branches of Syringa vulgaris and buried necrosols and unburied soils in which this species grows. The soils analysed differ in their profile structure; in the case of burial necrosols, anthropogenic layers are present, while Brunic Arenosol has a natural horizon arrangement. Regarding pH, the soils analysed are characterised in the weakly acidic (6.6–6.8) to alkaline (7.2–8.6) range, both in KCl and H2O. Total phosphorus has high values in the humus and anthropogenic horizons, especially at coffin sites (Rudówka Mała: layer of Ccoffin—759 mg∙kg−1; Szymonka—844 mg∙kg−1). Necrosols are characterised by a slightly higher variation in major element content than soils outside the burial area. The highest elemental content in Syringa vulgaris is accumulated in leaves and roots. Potassium (K) has the highest content in the studied tissues, and cadmium (Cd) is the lowest. The study showed no significant differences in heavy metal accumulation for plants directly associated with necrosols and soils formed outside of burials, which is confirmed by analyses of environmental indicators. The study showed that plant chemistry is more influenced by the soil substrate and soil-forming process than the soil anthropogenisation associated with burials. There was no significant effect of burials on the chemical composition of individual parts of Syringa vulgaris.

Specialist Herbivore Performance on Introduced Plants During Native Host Decline.

Ash (Fraxinus spp.) is in rapid decline across the northeastern USA due to the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire). Three recently co-occurring confamilial species may serve as alternative larval host plants for ash-reliant Lepidoptera. These prospective hosts are nonnative shrubs often planted in managed suburban landscapes and are sometimes invasive or naturalized in North America. Given the imminent decline of ash trees, we considered potential downstream effects on insect herbivores historically specialized on ash foliage. We measured the performance of three ash-specialist hawkmoths (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) on native white ash (Fraxinus americana L.) and alternative host plants: common lilac (Syringa vulgaris L.), weeping forsythia [Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl], and European privet (Ligustrum vulgare L.). We found the nonnative host plants provided varied support for larval survival to pupation, with biomass and growth rate affected differently by both plant and insect identity. Nearly all caterpillars reared on one alternative host, European privet, exhibited distinct malformations of the wing buds at pupation. Given caterpillar presence on privet in the field, privet may constitute an ecological trap (i.e., when female moths select a sub-optimal host, offspring survival and fitness are reduced). This work demonstrates how performance testing can reveal species-specific effects of host plant loss on mono- or oligophagous insects. For some ash specialists, alternative nonnative host plants may be suboptimal, but some cultivated host plants may be able to support certain specialist insects during native host decline. We suggest that landscaping decisions can be tailored to support threatened insect species.