Thuidium Delicatulum Research Articles

Evidence of Allelopathy among Selected Moss Species with Lettuce and Radish

There is limited evidence on bryophyte-tracheophyte allelopathic interactions. Even less is known about such relationships among commercially important plants and mosses. With the aim of screening such interactions, various extract concentrations of nine different mosses were tested on the seed germination and seedlings, i.e., hypocotyl elongation and total chlorophyll content of lettuce and radish. The allelopathic effects are documented to be pairwise (moss-vegetable) and species-specific. Based on the results, the extracts of Leucodon sciuroides and Dicranum polysetum are not harmful to lettuce and radish. Lower extract concentrations of Leucodon sciuroides and Ctenidium molluscum have a positive effect on lettuce development, while those of Thuidium delicatulum, Ctenidium molluscum, and Dicranum polysetum showed to be effective on radish. Further, negative effects were noticed when applying higher extract concentration of Abietinella abietina, Isothecium alopecuroides, Dicranum polysetum, and Racomitrium elongatum to lettuce and Isothecium alopecuroides to radish. The dataset presented in this study offers numerous possibilities for further target pest/vegetable type applications since some of the moss extracts are shown to be positive, negative, or indifferent to the tested features in lettuce and radish.

Short-term fate of nitrogen fixed by moss-cyanobacteria associations under different rainfall regimes

Nitrogen (N) fixation by moss-cyanobacteria associations has been recognized as an important N input pathway in many ecosystems from arctic tundra to tropical forests. However, the transfer of fixed N2 from mosses to the soil as well as the effects of rainfall frequency and volume on this N transfer has hardly been studied – even though mosses can leach nutrients upon rewetting. In this study, we investigated the transfer of fixed N2 by moss-cyanobacteria associations in one month under four watering regimes with a combination of high and low volume and frequency. For this, we used two morphologically similar moss species collected from ecosystems with different climate and N availability (subarctic - Hylocomium splendens; and tropical - Thuidium delicatulum). Acetylene reduction assays were conducted as a measure of N2 fixation rates in mosses, and 15N-N2 tracing was used to follow the fixed N2 from moss to the underlying substrate. Nitrogen fixation rates were higher in T. delicatulum than in H. splendens, but rainfall volume and frequency did not show strong effects on N2 fixation rates. Nonetheless, the extent of N leached from mosses was more sensitive to an increase in rainfall volume than to an increase in frequency, and more N was lost from T. delicatulum under high volume precipitation than from H. splendens. Both total nitrogen and 15N enrichment results demonstrate that the fixed N2 was mostly stored in moss tissues with less than 1 % leached to the substrate. Our results show that both moss species retain almost all fixed N2 within their tissues under small rainfall disturbances within one month, while increased N availability under higher precipitation volume renders some moss species an important N source for the soil.

GLACIAL RELICT OF TOMENTHYPNUM NITENS (HEDW.) LOESKE (AMBLYSTEGIACEAE) IN THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS: DISTRIBUTION AND PHYTOCOENOTIC TIMING

We found that within the Ukrainian Carpathians Tomenthypnum nitens is a regionally rare species with a narrow ecological amplitude. The article provides a map of the current distribution of the species within the Ukrainian Carpathians, taking into account new findings. T. nitens was found exclusively on meso- and eutrophic bogs in the communities of three associations of the Scheuchzerio palustris-Caricetea fuscae class: ass. Caricetum davallianae Dutoit 1924, ass. Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifoliae Soό 1944, which belong to the order Caricetalia davallianae, as well as ass. Caricetum nigrae Braun 1915 of the order Caricetalia nigrae. Its greatest coenotic activity is shown in the ass. Carici flavae-Eriophoretum latifoliae. The detailed characteristics of plant communities with the participation of T. nitens and the idea of its inclusion in the Red List of Transcarpathia in order to preserve the gene pool of relict species of the Carpathians are substantiated. A list of mosses occurring in plant communities together with the Tomenthypnum nitens is given. Among them are Aulacomnium palustre, Helodium blandowii, Calliergonella cuspidata, Campulium stellatum var. protensum, Palustriella commutata, Thuidium delicatulum, Phylonotis fontana, Plagiomnium ellipticum, Climacium dendroides.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Bryophytes Extracts in LPS-Stimulated RAW264.7 Murine Macrophages.

Bryophytes produce rare and bioactive compounds with a broad range of therapeutic potential, and many species are reported in ethnomedicinal uses. However, only a few studies have investigated their potential as natural anti-inflammatory drug candidate compounds. The present study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of thirty-two species of bryophytes, including mosses and liverworts, on Raw 264.7 murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or recombinant human peroxiredoxin (hPrx1). The 70% ethanol extracts of bryophytes were screened for their potential to reduce the production of nitric oxide (NO), an important pro-inflammatory mediator. Among the analyzed extracts, two moss species significantly inhibited LPS-induced NO production without cytotoxic effects. The bioactive extracts of Dicranum majus and Thuidium delicatulum inhibited NO production in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50 values of 1.04 and 1.54 µg/mL, respectively. The crude 70% ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts were then partitioned with different solvents in increasing order of polarity (n-hexane, diethyl ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol). The fractions were screened for their inhibitory effects on NO production stimulated with LPS at 1 ng/mL or 10 ng/mL. The NO production levels were significantly affected by the fractions of decreasing polarity such as n-hexane and diethyl ether ones. Therefore, the potential of these extracts to inhibit the LPS-induced NO pathway suggests their effective properties in attenuating inflammation and could represent a perspective for the development of innovative therapeutic agents.

西藏东部高寒草甸苔藓植物群落数量分类与排序

为探讨高寒草甸苔藓植物群落分布格局及其与环境因子之间的关系, 按网格法在西藏东部的林芝市和昌都市设置了28个高寒草甸样地, 采用双向指示种分析(TWINSPAN)、除趋势对应分析(DCA)和典范对应分析(CCA)的方法对群落进行数量分类和排序。结果显示, 共记录有苔藓植物19科30属60种, 均为藓类植物；其中, 丛藓科和真藓科的物种数占总种数的55%。群落优势种为北地对齿藓(Didymodon fallax)、垂枝藓(Rhytidium rugosum)、山羽藓(Abietinella abietina)、厚角绢藓(Entodon concinnus)、尖叶对齿藓芒尖变种(Didymodon constrictus var. flexicuspis)和短叶对齿藓(Didymodon tectorus)。根据TWINSPAN分析结果可将西藏东部高寒草甸苔藓植物群落划分为9个群丛, 分别为沙氏真藓(Bryum sauteri)群丛、细枝羽藓(Thuidium delicatulum)+狭网真藓(Bryum algovicum)+羽枝青藓(Brachythecium plumosum)群丛、尖叶对齿藓芒尖变种群丛、山羽藓+厚角绢藓+垂枝藓群丛、扭口藓(Barbula unguiculata)+垂枝藓+山羽藓群丛、垂枝藓+曲尾藓(Dicranum scoparium)群丛、厚角绢藓群丛、北地对齿藓群丛、短叶对齿藓群丛, 分类结果反映了群丛类型与环境之间的关系。CCA分析结果表明, 影响西藏东部高寒草甸苔藓植物群落分布的首要环境因子是纬度, 其次是归一化植被指数(NDVI), 再次是黏土比例, 海拔和太阳辐射也有一定影响。;To explore the distribution pattern of bryophyte communities in the alpine meadow and their relationships with environmental factors in eastern Tibet, 28 sample plots were set up in Nyingchi and Changdu based on the grid sampling method. Two-way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN), detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) were applied to the quantitative classification and ordination of bryophyte communities. The results showed that 60 species of bryophytes in 30 genera and 19 families were recorded, which all belonged to mosses. The number of species belonging to Pottiaceae and Bryaceae accounted for 55% of the total species richness. The dominant species of the communities were Didymodon fallax, Rhytidium rugosum, Abietinella abietina, Entodon concinnus, Didymodon constrictus var. flexicuspis, and Didymodon tectorus. According to the TWINSPAN analysis, bryophyte communities were classified into nine associations (i.e. Bryum sauteri association, Thuidium delicatulum + Bryum algovicum + Brachythecium plumosum association, Didymodon constrictus var. flexicuspis association, Abietinella abietina+Entodon concinnus+Rhytidium rugosum association, Barbula unguiculata+Rhytidium rugosum+Abietinella abietina association, Rhytidium rugosum+Dicranum scoparium, Entodon concinnus association, Didymodon fallax association, Didymodon tectorus association), which reflected the relationships between vegetation types and the environmental factors. CCA analysis revealed that latitude was the predominant environmental factor, followed by Normalized Vegetation Index (NDVI), percentage of soil clay, influencing the distribution pattern of bryophyte communities in the alpine meadow of eastern Tibet. In addition, altitude and solar radiation were the other two environmental factors which significantly affected the distribution pattern of bryophyte communities.

Influence estimation of recreation pressure on the forest trail "Buchyna" NNP "Skolivski Beskydy"

Complex studies of the impact of recreational pressure on the forest trail "Buchina" of NNP "Skolivski Beskydy" were carried out. It was found that the air microclimatic parameters across the all transects were shown to fluctuate. The air temperature was stable, as well as the humidity changed very slightly. The wind force gradually decreased from the middle of the forest trail to the margins. The difference in the illumination of the soil surface on the trail and adjacent areas is the most noticeable. The impact of recreational activities on the microclimatic parameters of soils is more significant than this in the air. The temperature and humidity of the soil was decreased and the density of the structure was increased towards the center of the trail. Changes in water-physical parameters of soils let us identify the initial stages of digression in the studied recreational-pressed forest ecosystems. Brioindication studies have shown that the forest area on both sides of the route, which does not experience recreational pressure, is characterized by extremely weak development of moss cover. It was represented by 5 species of mosses such as Atrichum undulatum, Polytrichum formosum, Plagiomnium undulatum, Eurhynchium angustirete and E. striatum. Those species were represented by toll turf, dendroides and rough carpet growth forms. Species diversity at the trail edges were doubled. There were founded 10 spesies of bryobionta: A. undulatum, P. formosum, Plagiomnium cuspidatum, P. ellipticum, P. undulatum, E. angustirete, Pseudoscleropodium purum, Thuidium delicatulum, T. tamariscinum, Calliergonella cuspidatа, were represented by toll turf, dendroides, rough mats and weft growth forms. In the zone of intensive trampling on the forest trail, the moss cover was completely absent. Bryophytes, which were recorded in trail margins, marked the initial stages of recreational digression (I-II) and were belonging to the group of sensitive forest species. The strongest pressure was recorded on the central part of the forest trail. However, the density of the soil structure, even in this area, didn't overtop the indicator rate for the category of "very loose soils". Our study suggests that the organization of recreational activities for the planning of permanent tourist routes (so-called "ecological trails'') in the areas of spruce-beech forests haven't cause extremely pressure on the park ecosystems (equally for soil and vegetation cover) in NNP "Skolivski Beskydy". As a preventive measure, we recommend regulating the number of visitors to reduce the mechanical trampling on the forest trails and the arrangement of different fences, decks, etc.

Monitoring Air Quality with Transplanted Bryophytes in a Neotropical Andean City.

Air pollution is one of the main global environmental problems, where bryophytes, due to their high capacity to retain metals and other pollutants, have been widely used in active air quality monitoring studies in temperate and tropical zones. Thus, in this study, we analyzed for the first time the concentrations of eight metals (cadmium, copper, nickel, aluminum, iron, manganese, lead and zinc) in three species of transplanted mosses (Rhacocarpus purpurascens (Brid.) Paris, Sphagnum sp. and Thuidium delicatulum (Hedw.) Schimp.) from Ecuador. Significant differences were found for the three species in the concentrations of Al, Mn, Fe and Zn between urban and control areas, pointing to the Central zone as the main source of contamination with the highest concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn and Zn, related to vehicular traffic. Lead did not differ between zones for Rhacocarpus purpurascens and Sphagnum sp.; however, Thuidium delicatulum accumulated different concentrations between urban areas and the control areas. The three species of mosses provided valuable information on the contamination of Al, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn in the urban area of the city of Loja, and therefore can be used in future air quality monitoring programs over time in tropical cities.

Ecological characteristics of epilithic and epiphytic Rhodobryum ontariense (Bryaceae) in western North Carolina1

Rhodobryum ontariense is a dendroid moss that occurs both as a facultative epilith and as a facultative epiphyte. A few studies have addressed its chemical constituents, but almost none have examined its ecological characteristics, even though it is a common and characteristic species of eastern deciduous forests. We collected data on substrate, patch size, chlorophyll content, overstory trees, and associated bryophytes of R. ontariense at three sites in western North Carolina: the Big Ivy area of Pisgah National Forest, Catawba Falls, and Dupont State Forest. Rhodobryum ontariense occurred mostly on rocks at Catawba Falls, mostly on trees at Dupont Forest, and nearly equally on rocks and trees at Big Ivy, where patch size did not differ between substrates. Epiphytic patches occurred most often on Liriodendron tulipifera and Quercus alba, and trees hosting epiphytic patches tended to be larger in diameter than trees nearest to epilithic patches. We documented 28 species of associated bryophytes, including 25 mosses and three liverworts. Eleven species (including all three liverworts) were only on rocks, eight were only on trees, and nine were on both rocks and trees. Only five species occurred at all three sites, including Thuidium delicatulum, which was the most common associate on both substrates, followed by Anomodon attenuatus. Chlorophyll levels did not differ between epilithic and epiphytic R. ontariense, suggesting that photosynthetic capacity was similar on both substrates.

Toxic effects of knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum s.l. rhizome on the mosses Atrichum angustatum and Thuidium delicatulum

Knotweed Polygonum cuspidatum s.l. is a large, suffrutescent, perennial forb native to northeastern Asia that was imported as an ornamental and has become a widespread invasive species in urban and rural environments of North America and Europe. Studies have demonstrated knotweed allelopathy to the germination and growth of many tracheophytes, but we have found no studies of knotweed toxicity to bryophytes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if knotweed extracts affected the growth of the gametophytes of two mosses: Atrichum angustatum and Thuidium delicatulum. Both moss species were exposed to aqueous rhizome extracts of knotweed in concentrations of 0 (control), 10, 25, 50 and 75% for a total of nine days in the laboratory. All non-zero concentrations resulted in significant losses of green biomass, with the greatest losses occurring at the highest concentrations. Samples exposed to the three highest concentrations lost 80% of green mass after nine days. These results help explain the scarcity of moss growth on or near live knotweed crowns.

La importancia comercial de los musgos en el estado de Tlaxcala, México

Los musgos son un recurso forestal no maderable de importancia económica en el centro de México durante la temporada navideña. Sin embargo, en el estado de Tlaxcala no existe información del origen, la cantidad recolectada y las especies con importancia comercial durante esta época. Por tal motivo, se analizó la información de los permisos para explotación comercial del 2005 al 2008 de la Secretaría de Medioambiente y Recursos Naturales-Tlaxcala y se seleccionaron cuatro predios para ser visitados y recolectar musgos en tres cuadrantes de 20 cm × 20 cm, además, se adquirieron tres muestras de musgos en los mercados de las principales ciudades del estado de Tlaxcala para complementar la información. La superficie y el peso fresco fueron calculados solo con las muestras de los mercados y los datos se extrapolaron a los permisos oficiales. La región de Tlaxco presenta la mayor cantidad de permisos de explotación comercial y en general, la superficie declarada para explotación comercial varía de 10 ha a 167 ha y el peso fresco de 10 t a 65 t. El precio de las muestras en los mercados es de 22 MXN/m2 a 52 MXN/m2 con peso fresco calculado de 15.89 MXN/kg a 64.10 MXN/kg. El valor comercial aproximado es de 372 500 MXN/ha y 40 000 MXN/t. Revisando los datos de los permisos se determinó que hay una capacidad de extracción anual de 1.63 t/ha. Se identificaron un total de 14 especies, observando que Thuidium delicatulum subsp. delicatulum se encuentra presente en campo y en el mercado, pero Hypnum amabile solo se observó en los mercados.

Morphophysiological screening of potential organisms for biomonitoring nitrogen deposition

• Local species of different functional groups can be screened in regions of interest. • This proof-of-concept focused on the highly polluted megalopolis of Mexico City. • The moss Braunia secunda is a potential biomonitor of N deposition. • The moss Thuidium delicatulum experienced damage under all N treatments. • Neither Tillandsia had visual nor physiological response to simulated N deposition. The intensification of different anthropic activities has led to a doubling of the emitted reactive nitrogen species since the second half of the XX century, resulting in the increase of nitrogen deposition. This poses a major threat to global biodiversity. However, in developing countries the monitoring of atmospheric deposition has shown to be difficult. For these reasons, the aim of this study was to assess, by means of a greenhouse dose-response experiment, the biomonitoring potential of two mosses, Braunia secunda and Thuidium delicatulum , and two epiphytic bromeliads, Tillandsia recurvata and Tillandsia usneoides , which are widely distributed in Latin America. A significant increase of the phosphomonoesterase activity was observed for the mosses, particularly under a High-nitrogen treatment, a parameter that decreased for the bromeliads. In turn, the nitrate reductase activity decreased over the course of the experiment for the mosses, but it remained almost unchanged for both tillandsias. While the nitrogen content for the mosses increased, it fluctuated for the bromeliads. Braunia secunda became greener under the Low-nitrogen than under the other treatments, while the coloration for T. delicatulum turned to brown under all treatments. The tillandsias remained visually unchanged under all treatments. The mosses had a clear response to the simulated nitrogen deposition, with B. secunda being more tolerant than T. delicatulum . Neither tillandsia presented a clear response to the treatments. Thus, the moss B. secunda is a very suitable species for biomonitoring nitrogen deposition, while the other species evaluated were deemed unsuitable.

Antimicrobial Activity Found in Appalachian Moss

As antibiotic resistance continues to pose more of a threat everyday, the search for new sources leads researchers to the world of plants. Much investigation has gone into various plants, but a lot remains unknown of mosses. What is known is that they contain exciting secondary metabolites that allow them to survive in the presence of pathogens and other environmental stressors. Scientists are now exploring the potential use of moss in the pharmaceutical world by testing these metabolites against a number of bacteria. The purpose of this experiment was to analyze the antibacterial properties of two moss species collected in the Appalachian area. Methanol extractions were performed on the moss species Entodon seductrix and Thuidium delicatulum. The extractions were plated against three bacterial species: Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. This allowed for the observation of their antibacterial activity. Results showed that both moss species presented zones of inhibition against the three bacterial species. This concurs with other literature. Determining the antimicrobial activity of plants, specifically moss, through extracts and antibacterial assays could potentially lead researchers to a further understanding of the metabolic processes of the secondary metabolites or a new antibiotic source.

Cyanobacteria associations in temperate forest bryophytes revealed by δ15N analysis1

Abstract Bryophytes have an important biogeochemical role in many forest ecosystems, where they regulate soil temperature and moisture and influence carbon and nitrogen (N) cycling. Associations between bryophytes and N2-fixing cyanobacteria have been reported in northern latitude forests and are shown to provide a substantial N input to these ecosystems, but whether the association extends into temperate forests remains largely unknown. We investigated the extent of bryophyte-cyanobacteria associations in common understory bryophytes in a temperate forest in New York using δ15N analyses and ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy. Of the seven taxa examined, three (Fissidens taxifolius, Marchantia polymorpha, and Thuidium delicatulum) were associated with cyanobacteria, with colonization observed in 15–85% of the leaves examined. The taxa with cyanobacterial associations exhibited δ15N values that were 3.9‰ higher compared with taxa that did not, and the δ15N signatures were close to the atmospheric N2 signa...

The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of extracts obtained from some moss species in Turkey

Summary Introduction: Pharmaceutical industry is forced to develop new pharmacologically active molecules. Like other plants, mosses are considered to be potential source of new biologically active compounds. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of 8 moss species: Hypnum cupressiforme, Homalothecium sericeum, Thuidium delicatulum, Homalothecium lutescens, Homalothecium nitens, Leucodon sciuroides, Ctenidium molluscum, and Eurhynchium striatulum obtained from Turkey. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of extracts was investigated against four Gram (+) and six Gram (−) bacterial strains and three tested fungi. Total phenolic content (TPC), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays were applied to determine the antioxidant activity. Results: All moss extacts were found to be active against all the organisms except Homalothecium nitens. Especially, H. sericeum and E. striatulum showed the best antioxidant activity. Conclusion: The obtained results show that mosses may be used as possible natural antioxidant, antimicrobial agents to control various human, animal and plant diseases.

Moss and Soil Substrates Interact with Moisture Level to Influence Germination by Three Wetland Tree Species

To assess germination success in different microsites of a forested wetland environment, seeds of three common western New York wetland tree species, Acer x freemanii, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Ulmus americana, were sown into flats in the greenhouse with three substrates (mosses Hypnum imponens or Thuidium delicatulum or bare soil) and three hydrological conditions (wet, moist, or dry) in a factorial design. For the three species both treatment regimes and the interaction were highly significant, except for Acer, in which the substrate regime was not significant. Fraxinus germination had the highest tolerance for wet conditions and lowest for dry conditions followed by Acer and then Ulmus. Significant interactions showed that the effect of hydrological regime on germination is influenced by substrate type. Moss decreased germination under drier conditions and increased germination under wet conditions by lifting the seeds away from the soil and creating drier conditions than on bare soil. It is also possible that interspecific competition for moisture played a role in decreasing germination under dry conditions. By influencing the regeneration niche for three major tree species of swamps in the northeastern United States, the bryophyte layer plays an important role in determining community composition.

<p><strong>Utilization of <em>Thuidium delicatulum</em> (Hedw.) Mitt. as bioindicator for environmental zinc, copper and lead contamination in Boquete, Province of Chiriquí, Panamá</strong><br /><strong>Utilización de <em>Thuidium delicatulum</em> (Hedw.) Mitt. como bioindicador de contaminación ambiental por zinc, cobre y plomo en Boquete, provincia de Chiriquí, Panamá</strong></p>

The use of the moss Thuidium delicatulum (Hedw.) Mitt. was studied as bioindicator of environmental contamination by zinc, copper and lead in the city of Boquete (Chiriqui, Panama), for a period of 43 days from January to March, 2008. The methodology of transplant of mosses samples was used and the zinc, copper and lead deposition levels were quantified. Twelve stations were established along Los Fundadores avenue, up to Alto Chiquero zone, in a 12 km transect. Chemicals methods as spectrophotometer of atomic absorption and voltamperometry of anodic redisolution were used. Results show high concentrations of metals (406.92 ppm of Zn; 118.04 ppm of Cu and 7301.8 ppm of Pb) in the sample places next to the urban zone. Probably, these results were related to the presence of car repair shops, gas stations, cabinetmakers shops and bus stations in the area. Also high concentration of metals as zinc (397.40 ppm) and lead (5688.00 ppm) at a sample place near to a crop area were found. Agrochemicals in this area were considerate the main emission source of these metals.

A preliminary study of lower group of plants in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala (India)

A preliminary study of lower group of plants from Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary revealed the occurrence of 36 species of lichens, 20 species of bryophytes and 81 species of pteridophytes. Under bryophytes the following 7 species Campylopus flexuosus, Dicranum majus, Homaliodendron flabellatum, Rhodobryum roseum, Theriotia sp., Thuidium delicatulum, Tortella tortuosa are new records to Kerala. All species are enumerated along with their frequency of occurrence.

Experimental investigations of five different mosses on accumulation capacities of Cu, Pb and Zn

Uptake of Pb, Cu and Zn by different epiphytic moss species Floribundaria floribunda (Doz. & Molk.) Fleisch., Taxiphyllum giraldii (C. Muell.) Fleisch. and Thuidium sparsifolium (Mitt.) Jaeg., an epilithic moss Thuidium delicatulum (L.) Mitt. and a leafy liverwort Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Linderb.) Nees. was studied experimentally. The plant bodies were treated with single metal and mixed metal solutions of Pb(NO3)2, CuCl2 and ZnCl2 at different concentrations ranging from 10−10 to 10−2 mol L−1. Higher uptake of Pb, Cu and Zn by T. giraldii, T. sparsifolium and P. striatus than by F. floribunda and T. delicatulum was shown in both treatments. Compared with the single metal treatment, the uptake of Zn was very low at higher concentrations in the mixed metal treatment. A slight depletion of Zn was noticed in the long-term exposure. Leaching of naturally accumulated Zn from the mosses and leafy liverwort was also observed when treated with higher concentrated (10−4, 10−2 mol L−1) Pb(NO3)2 and CuCl2 solutions. Similarly, the leaching of naturally accumulated Cu was observed in leafy liverwort P. striatus with 10−2 mol L−1 Pb(NO3)2 and ZnCl2 treatments. However, insignificant changes were observed on naturally accumulated Pb and Cu in mosses. From these experiments, the epiphytic mosses T. giraldii and T. sparsifolium, which have high Cation exchange capacity and large leaf surface area, have been found to be suitable for assessing heavy metal concentration in a moderately or slightly contaminated environment.

Commercial moss harvest in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia: targeted species and incidental take

We examined “moss” (mosses and liverworts) purchased from commercial harvesters at a regional buying shed and in potentially harvestable field sites to find out which species are impacted by the moss harvest trade in West Virginia. First, we found that 60% of mats from 15 commercial quality bags were gathered from rocks. Thuidium delicatulum comprised 65% of total cover, with 77% of the mats from rocks and 23% from logs. Hypnum species (mainly H. imponens and H. curvifolium) comprised 25% of total cover, with 59% from logs and 41% from rocks. Although most of the commercial quality bags were dominated by Thuidium or Hypnum, 73 other bryophytes of low commercial value were incidentally harvested. Thuidium was associated with more incidental bryophytes than Hypnum and these associates often indicated very mesic to aquatic habitats. Commercial quality bags differed in composition from bags culled by the buying shed for low quality. Five such culled bags included Anomodon attenuatus and Metzgeria conjugata and a large number of walking ferns (Asplenium rhizophyllum). Second, we conducted limited field sampling at four sites on or near the Monongahela National Forest to determine the composition of bryophyte communities vulnerable to harvest, including one site thought to have been recently commercially harvested for moss. Results of field studies, albeit preliminary, generally corroborated our bag studies with regard to the ecology of moss harvest (what species are harvested together and from what habitats) and with regard to the prevalence of patchy harvest from rocks. Nevertheless, it was clear that a much greater variety of habitats and/or a larger geographic area is impacted by moss harvest than was sampled, and that direct study of harvesting practices is needed. In addition to the large number of incidentally collected bryophytes, which species-area curves suggest are still not fully captured, many incidentally collected vascular plants and animals were observed in both the buying shed bags and field sampling. We present outstanding information needs and preliminary management recommendations for the Appalachian region.

Impact of Heavy Metals (Copper, Zinc, and Lead) on the Chlorophyll Content of Some Mosses

The effects of the heavy metals copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) on the chlorophyll content of two mosses Thuidium delicatulum (L.) Mitt. and T. sparsifolium (Mitt.) Jaeg., as well as leafy liverwort Ptychanthus striatus (Lehm. & Linderb.) were examined to understand the impact of metal accumulation on the chlorophyll content of mosses and leafy liverwort, which are found only in uncontaminated sites of the Kathmandu valley. These plants were treated with different concentrations of CuCl(2, )ZnCl(2), and Pb(NO(3))(2), ranging from 10(-10) M to 10(-2) M, in isolation and in combination under experimental conditions. Metal accumulation in the plant bodies increased with metal concentrations. Cu accumulation showed a significant inhibitory effect on chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, and total chlorophyll in the mosses and the leafy liverwort. An insignificant decrease in chlorophyll content in both Thuidium species, but a significant decrease in leafy liverwort, was observed after Zn and Pb accumulation. Chlorophyll-a decreased significantly in T. sparsifolium; chlorophyll-b and total chlorophyll decreased significantly in T. delicatulum; and all chlorophyll contents decreased insignificantly in P. striatus after accumulation of Cu+Zn+Pb ions together from mixed metal solution. The ratio of chlorophyll-a to -b decreased more rapidly in both Thuidium species, with higher concentrations occurring when Cu+Zn+Pb ions were together than when Cu, Zn, or Pb ions were alone. This indicated a more destructive effect of Cu metals on the chlorophyll contents of both Thuidium species. High concentrations of Cu are known to activate oxidative damage and alter cell-membrane properties by lipid peroxidation, thereby demonstrating the inhibitory effect on the enzymes involved in chlorophyll production. The greater loss of chlorophyll from heavy-metal accumulation in P. striatus than in T. delicatulum and T. sparsifolium may have been caused by relatively more K(+) efflux in leafy liverwort than in the mosses, thus indicating their differences in membrane integrity.