Sorbus Torminalis Research Articles

Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Capacity of Fruits from Nine Sorbus Genotypes.

In this study, biochemical profile of fruits of 9 Sorbus genotypes was analyzed. The content of total sugars ranged from 69.7 g/kg ('Titan') to 217.5 g/kg (Sorbus torminalis) and total organic acids from 17.7 g/kg ('Businka') to 40.2 g/kg (S. torminalis). The highest content of total anthocyanins had 'Burka' (871 mg/kg FW) and 'Businka' (856 mg/kg FW). Quercetin derivatives represented more than 95% of total flavonols. 'Alaja krupnaja' had 3.5- to 29-fold higher rutin content than other analyzed genotypes. S. torminalis fruits had the greatest diversity of isorhamnetin and kaempferol derivatives. Chlorogenic acid was the major hydroxycinnamic acid and its share was 33% to 73% of total analyzed hydoxycinnamic acid derivatives. The richest in chlorogenic acid were 'Krasavica' and 'Alaja krupnaja' fruits. Cultivar 'Businka' had the highest content of epicatechin (40.7 mg/kg) and neochlorogenic acid (1061 mg/kg). Different procyanidin oligomers were detected among flavanols in Sorbus fruits. The highest content of total flavanols was measured in 'Alaja Krupnaja' fruits. Cultivars 'Krasavica' (84.5 mg/kg) and 'Burka' (85.1 mg/kg) had 1.2- to 6.9-fold higher amount of total carotenoids. 'Businka' was highlighted as the richest in total tannin and phenolic contents (3768 mg GAE/kg) and consequently, it had the highest antioxidant activity (57.6 mM TE/kg FW). Being abundant in polyphenolics, some extracts of Sorbus genotypes, for example, 'Businka,' 'Burka,' and 'Alaja krupnaja' could serve as valuable resource of bioactive compounds to food and pharmaceutical industries.

Clonal structure and high genetic diversity at peripheral populations of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz.

Abstract: Knowing the level of genetic diversity and structure in marginal plant populations is essential for managing their genetic resources. This is particularly important for rare scattered tree species, such as Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz. We investigated the genetic diversity and its spatial distribution in peripheral populations of S. torminalis. As the species is known to reproduce vegetatively, we also evaluated clonal structure within populations. Using 13 nuclear microsatellite loci designed in two multiplexes, we genotyped 172 individuals revealing the existence of 100 distinct genotypes. Number of ramets per genotype was variable across populations with an average of 1.72. Examples of somaclonal variation at particular loci were detected. Measures of genetic diversity of the total sample were relatively high (mean allelic richness AR = 10.293; expected heterozygosity He = 0.756), as compared to other S. torminalis populations. We noticed a slightly negative inbreeding coefficient (FIS = -0.029) indicating a small excess of heterozygotes, which is typical for self-incompatible plants. Genetic differentiation among populations was low (FST = 0.048), but Bayesian clustering methods revealed the existence of three distinct genetic clusters only in part related to population structure. Significant spatial genetic structure within populations was also detected (Sp = 0.0125) indicating fine-scale pattern of isolation by distance. Our study demonstrated that peripheral populations of S. torminalis may exhibit relatively high levels of genetic diversity despite the existence of vegetative propagation. Nevertheless, if the studied or similar populations are expected to be utilized as seed sources for ex-situ or in-situ conservation purposes, the existence of clonal structure and spatial genetic structure must be taken into account in order to avoid excessive sampling of the same or closely related genets.

The influence of climatic conditions on the tree-ring width of wild service trees (Sorbus torminalis L.) in Wielkopolska

Abstract The wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis L.) is a very rare tree species in Poland, where it reaches the north-eastern border of its natural range. The majority of this species’ stands is found in Wielkopolska. This study was aimed at examining the relationships between the growth and climate for trees of the species Sorbus torminalis L. growing in the Wielkopolska National Park and the Pniewy forest district (Wielkopolska). The samples for the analysis were taken from 63 trees. However, taking into account the missing growth rings and the difficult identification of the tree ring borders in sapwood, only ca. 30% of the samples could be synchronised and dated accurately. Applying the classic methods of dendrochronological dating, a 94- year STW chronology was constructed, spanning the years of 1920-2013. The chronology, in turn, was used as a basis for dendroclimatological analyses, including correlation, response function, and pointer years. The climatic data used in the analyses came from the meteorological station in Poznań; providing air temperature and precipitation for a period of 66 years (1948-2013) and 48 years of insolation data (1966-2013). Insolation had the highest negative impact and precipitation had the highest positive impact on the annual growth in May and June. Positive pointer years could be linked to humid months with low insolation during the growing season, while negative pointer years are characterised by deficient precipitation, a large number of sunny hours, and high air temperatures in the summer months.

Spatial Genetic Structure within Populations of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz: Comparative Analysis of the Self-incompatibility Locus and Nuclear Microsatellites

AbstractDistribution of genetic diversity among and within plant populations may depend on the mating system and the mechanisms underlying the efficiency of pollen and seed dispersal. In self-incompatible species, negative frequency-dependent selection acting on the self-incompatibility locus is expected to decrease intensity of spatial genetic structure (SGS) and to reduce population differentiation. We investigated two populations (peripheral and more central) of wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis(L.) Crantz), a self-incompatible, scattered tree species to test the differences in population differentiation and spatial genetic structure assessed at the self-incompatibility locus and neutral nuclear microsatellites. Although, both populations exhibited similar levels of genetic diversity regardless of the marker type, significant differentiation was noticed. Differences betweenFSTandRSTsuggested that in the case of microsatellites both mutations and drift were responsible for the observed differentiation level, but in the case of theS-RNaselocus drift played a major role. Microsatellites indicated a similar and significant level of spatial genetic structure in both populations; however, at theS-RNaselocus significant spatial genetic structure was found only in the fragmented population located at the north-eastern species range limits. Differences in SGS between the populations detected at the self-incompatibility locus were attributed mainly to the differences in fragmentation and population history.

Arum-type of arbuscular mycorrhizae, dark septate endophytes and Olpidium spp. in fine roots of container-grown seedlings of Sorbus torminalis (Rosaceae)

The aim of this study was to determine the mycorrhizal status of nursery seedlings of the wild service tree (<em>Sorbus torminalis</em>), which belongs to the Rosaceae family. Its mycorrhizal associations are still fragmentarily known, and data from the few existing studies indicate that it forms ectomycorrhizal symbiosis (ECM). We analyzed the degree of mycorrhizal colonization of thirty 2-year-old container-grown <em>S. torminalis</em> nursery seedlings, which belonged to three single-tree progenies. The roots were dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizae (AM), with the morphology of the <em>Arum</em>-type containing arbuscules, vesicles and hyphae; however, no ECM structures were found. The degree of root colonization of the analyzed seedlings by AM fungi was 83.6% and did not differ significantly between the three single-tree progenies. In addition to AM, structures of dark septate endophytes (0.7%) and sporangia of <em>Olpidium</em> spp. (1.1%) were found in wild service tree roots. In agreement with previous studies, we confirmed arbuscular mycorrhizae for <em>S. torminalis</em>. Moreover, this is the first report that roots of this <em>Sorbus</em> species show the <em>Arum</em>-type morphology of AM and are associated with <em>Olpidium</em> species.

Growth-climate relationships at yew and wild service trees on the eastern edge of their range in Europe

Aim of study: The aim of the study was the construction of regional chronologies for South-Western Poland for yew (Taxus baccata L.) and wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis L.), two of the rarest native tree species on the edge of their range in Europe. The relationships growth-climate and incremental dynamics at both these species were investigated as well.Area of study: The eastern borders of the ranges of yew and wild service trees run across Poland. The majority of the yew occurrence sites are situated in South Poland, within the area of uplands and mountains, whereas the wild service tree grows in the western part of the country. The study plots (5 for yew trees, 4 for wild service trees) were located in nature reserves in SW Poland.Material and Methods: The research materials were cores from 200 trees (115 yew trees and 85 wild service trees). The annual growth widths were measured, then, local chronologies were constructed using classic methods of dating. Regional chronologies were based on yew trees with the Student’test t > 6.0, and wild service trees with t > 5.9. The chronologies were subjected to the indexation and used for dendroclimatological analyses: pointer years, correlation and response function.Main results: The yew chronology, spanning 219 years (1790-2008), was established on the basis of 51 samples, the average width of annual growths amounted to 0.61 mm. The wild service tree chronology, representing the period 1841-2013 (173 years), was produced from 37 samples, the average width of annual growth amounted to 0.60 mm (from 0.27 up to 0.58 mm). Dendroclimatological analyses of the yew indicated thermal conditions of the winter months and beginning of spring (straight correlations) as the predominating factor affecting the annual growth widths. Summer drought was an additional factor limiting growth. For the wild service trees cool and humid summer months in the growing season favour the formation of wide growths.Research highlights: On account of strong dispersion and limited small populations of these two tree species, there are few dendrochronological studies available. Therefore, every piece of information on the ecology of the yew and wild service tree allows us to broaden our knowledge of these rare species enriching the biodiversity of the native tree flora.Keywords: tree-ring width; Taxus baccata L.; Sorbus torminalis L.; dendroclimatology; Poland.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal symbiosis with Sorbus torminalis does not vary with soil nutrients and enzyme activities across different sites

Effects of soil chemical properties on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) symbiosis with wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis L. Crantz) were examined for study the rates of root colonization at three forest sites: Kheiroud, Lalis, and Takrin in northern Iran. Soil characteristics including pH, available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), organic matter, total nitrogen, acid and alkaline phosphatase activities, CaCO3, spore density (SD) and AMF colonization of soil and root samples were analyzed. The study sites were investigated in spring and autumn to highlight the effects of soil chemical properties on AMF statues for better nurseries and reforestation management of this rare tree species in forests. Changes in soil pH, P, K, organic matter, total nitrogen, acid and alkaline phosphatase, CaCO3, SD, and AMF colonization of soil and root samples were analyzed at the study sites. K, pH, root colonization, SD and acid phosphatase activity showed no significant differences among sites in spring and autumn, while total nitrogen, P, organic matter and alkaline phosphatase activities showed significant differences among sites and seasons. AMF colonization rates were more than 51% and 32% of roots in spring and autumn, respectively. No correlation between root colonization and soil chemical parameters in spring and autumn were detected. There was no correlation between percentage of AM root colonization and SD nor other soil parameters in spring and autumn. SD and CaCO3 were significantly negatively correlated in spring and autumn. Despite differences in soil characteristics, the results showed that SD and root colonization were not significantly different among the sites. They also showed that wild service trees had strong symbiosis with AMF, while soil properties might not have a significant effect on this symbiosis. Therefore, colonized seedlings can be considered as an appropriated method for reforestation and conservation of this rare tree species.

Polyploid wild service tree: first record of a triploidSorbus torminalis(Rosaceae) in Britain

The genus Sorbus L. is known for its complex taxonomy involving many polyploid species. However, Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz has long been assumed to be uniformly diploid. An analysis of DNA content using flow cytometry revealed a triploid individual within 0.5 km of tetraploid S. devoniensis E.F. Warb. at South Tawton, Devon. The leaf morphology suggests the novel Sorbus to be a spontaneous S. torminalis triploid rather than the result of interspecific hybridisation.

Antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz (wild service tree) fruits

In this study, the antioxidant and antiacetylcholinesterase activities of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz fruits were evaluated. Total phenolic and flavonoid compounds, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothioazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activities and ferric-reducing antioxidant power of water, ethyl acetate, acetone, and methanol extracts were determined for the measurement of the antioxidant activity. Quercetin and α-tocopherol were used as standard antioxidants. The inhibitory effect of the water extract on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was evaluated using the Ellman method and galantamine was used as a standard. Water extract had the highest total phenolic concentration and the strongest antioxidant activity followed by ethyl acetate and acetone extracts whereas methanol extract has the lowest phenolics and weakest antioxidant activity. Moreover, water extract showed moderate ability to inhibit AChE. It was concluded that fruits of S. torminalis have antioxidant and anti-AChE activities and that the plant might be a natural source of antioxidants and AChE inhibitors.

Floral scent and its correlation with AFLP data in Sorbus

Comparisons between floral scent-based and DNA-molecular-based taxonomies are rare, yet such comparisons indicate that scent can provide useful taxonomic information. Here, we correlate the phytochemical differentiation in floral scent to the DNA-molecular-based differentiation in the genus Sorbus. Inflorescence scent patterns of the apomictic and endemic Sorbus latifolia microspecies Sorbus franconica, Sorbus adeana, and Sorbus cordigastensis originated by hybridization as well as their parental taxa Sorbus aria agg. and Sorbus torminalis were investigated with the dynamic headspace method. The scent data (presence/absence of compounds) were used to construct an UPGMA tree, to calculate a similarity matrix, and to correlate them with the published amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) data of the same individuals, populations, and taxa. Flow cytometry was used to estimate the DNA-ploidy level of the taxa. Scent analyses showed a total of 68 substances, among them aromatic compounds, terpenoids, aliphatics, and nitrogen-containing compounds. The scent patterns were taxon-specific, and the number of scent components differed among taxa. The correlations with the published AFLP data on population and individual level are highly significant, indicating that the scent and AFLP data are highly congruent in the plants studied. Scent therefore provides useful taxonomic characters in Sorbus.

Phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI) polymorphism in Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz

Dormant buds of individual <em>Sorbus torminalis</em> trees collected from eight Polish populations were tested with horizontal gel electrophoresis according to one locus of PGI enzyme system. Three allozymes of different frequency were identified in each population. Genetic variability based on PGI locus A was high within seven populations (mean Ho=0.602 and mean Pg=0.491). Only one population with A3A3 genotypes was monomorphic, most probably due to intensive vegetative propagation or founder effect. The level of genetic differences among populations based on one variable locus reached GST=0.13.

Influence of land relief and soil properties on stand structure of overgrown oak forests of coppice origin with Sorbus torminalis

Traditional forest management as coppicing and coppicing-with-standard are recently considered as beneficial for biodiversity in woodlands. Cessation of coppicing leads to changes in stand structure and often loss of biodiversity. In contemporary Polish forestry coppicing is not applied, however some stands of coppice origin persist in Silesia until present. The overgrown coppice oak forests that cover the southern slopes at the foothills of the Sudetes Mountains (Silesia, Central Europe) are considered to be Euro-Sibe- rian steppic woods with a Quercus sp. habitat (91I0): a priority habitat in the European Union, according to the Natura 2000 system. They support one of the largest populations of wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis Crantz) in Poland. In this study we investigated the relation of stand structure and trees parameters with environmental variables. The results showed considerable variability of stand volume, tree density and stems' size correlated mostly with soil texture, but not nutrient content. We attributed it to soil dryness which seems to be the crucial factor controlling growth of trees. The natural regeneration of trees con- centrated mostly on non-exposed sites on less acidic soils, but seedlings of wild service tree were present almost exclusively on most insolated sites, with shallow acidic soils. However, the regeneration of trees in sapling stage was restrained by browsing. Results suggest that maintaining of Sorbus torminalis requires protection against browsing, and some kind of active management is necessary to retain the observed stand structure with high proportion of wild service trees in stands on more fertile soils.

Lithuanian forests and climate change: possible effects on tree species composition

Outputs from the HadCM3 Global Climate Circulation Model according to scenarios A2 and B1 were used for climate change predictions in Lithuania. According to scenario A2, the annual temperature will increase by approximately 4.0 °C from 2061 to 2090, while scenario B1 predicts an increase of 2.0 °C. In contrast to scenario B1, scenario A2 predicts an annual increase in precipitation of 15–20 % at the end of the century. Based on the predicted climatic data for the two scenarios and climate maps by European Food Safety Authority for the EU, we created climate analogues for Lithuania for 2031–2060 and 2061–2090. These areas were overlain by the digital map of native tree species distributions in Europe, which was created from the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme database. If climate changes occur according to scenario B1, in 2031–2060, Lithuania’s climate will become suitable for approximately five to six alien species, such as Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus, Fagus sylvatica, Populus nigra, and Prunus avium. In 2061–2090, these species will be joined by Sorbus domestica and Tilia platyphyllos. If climate changes occur according to scenario A2, at the end of the twenty-first century, Castanea sativa, Quercus pubescens, and Sorbus torminalis could expand this list. With respect to species dispersal rates, there is a high probability that the species A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, P. nigra, and P. avium will become immigrants to Lithuanian forests at the end of the twenty-first century. Approximately 20 new species native to Europe will be suitable for cultivation (scenario A2). Climate change will affect the distributions of native species too. An increase in the proportion of deciduous tree species (except Alnus incana) and some reduction in the proportion of conifers, Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), are expected in Lithuanian forests.

Growth, regeneration and shade tolerance of the Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz) in aged oak coppice forests

Sorbus torminalis L. (Crantz) is a rare species in Central European forests with very limited quantitative information on its regeneration and growth dynamics. Since coppicing is no longer practiced in the most parts of Central Europe, it is unclear whether S. torminalis, which has usually a shorter end height than companion species, can persist in high forest systems. Here, we quantified species frequency on three 1 ha sample plots of former oak coppice forest. To determine whether S. torminalis regenerated continuously and how it might compete with oaks, the age of 80 trees was determined, and diameter and height growth were reconstructed for the 20 largest trees by stem analysis. To assess its shade tolerance, photosynthesis was measured for leaves located in high and low light conditions. Dendrochronological data demonstrated that, over the last 80 years, continuous recruitment of S. torminalis occurred. Growth patterns and photosynthesis measurements suggest that S. torminalis is a highly shade-tolerant species. We conclude that abandonment of coppicing in these forests does not threaten the status of S. torminalis, which can persist beneath the canopy of oaks.

Production potential and stability of a broadleaved mixed oak/hornbeam forest stand situated on a eutrophic site, Ždánický les

The paper focuses on assessing the growth and production of a mixed oak/hornbeam forest stand established by combined regeneration in 1940 to 1942. The stand is situated at an altitude of 460 m. Since 1961, it is left to its natural development. The 25–year–old stand was characterized as an individually mixed, both diameter- and height-differentiated pole-stage stand. The proportion of tree species was as follows: sessile oak 77 %, hornbeam 19 %, birch 1 %, lime 1 %, black poplar 1 %, wild cherry tree, wild service tree, and field maple. During 41 years of measurements, the proportion of oak slightly decreased to 76 %, on the other hand, the proportion of hornbeam increased to 22%. The initial growing stock of the 25–year–old stand, 75 m3.ha−1, increased to 323 m3.ha−1 at an age of 66 years in 2008. At present, current volume increment ranged between 6.3 m3.ha−1.year−1 and 11.6 m3.ha−1.year−1 during years 1967 and 1998. Since the age of 61, the growth of the stand has decreased and then even ceased due to increased mortality of oak.

Genetic structure of three Sorbus latifolia (Lam.) Pers. taxa endemic to northern Bavaria

The Franconian Alb (Bavaria, Germany) is rich in endemic Sorbus taxa, considered as apomictic microspecies and derived by hybridization between Sorbus aria aggregate and Sorbus torminalis (Sorbus latifolia aggregate). Molecular studies using the AFLP technique, neighbour joining, Bayesian clustering, principal coordinate analysis (PCo) and voucher studies were used to investigate genetic structure and origin of adult plants and cultivated offspring of three endemic S. latifolia taxa, namely Sorbus cordigastensis, Sorbus franconica and Sorbus adeana and probable parental species from the S. aria agg. and S. torminalis. The S. latifolia taxa, adults and progeny, showed low genetic variability and a more or less clonal structure, confirming an apomictic mode of reproduction. The investigated S. latifolia taxa were remarkably different among each other, confirming their status as microspecies. The AFLP data confirmed the hybrid origin of the S. latifolia taxa, they were 1.3–1.5 times more closely related to S. aria agg. than to S. torminalis. The S. aria agg. showed a complicate genetic structure and fell into four main groups, two intermediate groups besides Sorbus pannonica and Sorbus aria sensu stricto (S. aria s.str.). Some progeny of S. pannonica was more variable than expected and clustered partly with other groups indicating gene flow within S. aria agg. Different subgroups of the S. aria aggregate may be parental for the S. latifolia taxa, contributing to the remarkable genetic distances between them.

Ethnobotany and folk medicinal uses of major trees and shrubs in Northern Iran

This research was carried out to introduce important useful plants and their medicinal characteristics in Heyrat indigenous region. Approximately 16 medicinal species of trees and shrubs belonging to 12 families were recorded. It is found that all these plants are used by the rural people in traditional uses and food consumption, and that the main species of them included: Borago officinalis, Arctium lappa, Sambucus ebulus, Lamium album, Hyoscyamus niger, Mespilus germanica, Crataegus oxyacantha, Grossularia reclinata, Sorbus torminalis, Berberis vulgaris, Rosa canina, Ferula gummosa, Plantago major, Viscum album, Althaea officinalis, and Rosmarinus officinalis. The conventional ethnomedicinal plants were mostly used as antipyretic, anti diarrheal, anti inflammatory, laxative, blood purifiers and for toothache. The studies presented here could suggest new inputs for further photochemical, pharmacological and toxicological studies among Iranian folk pharmacopoeia. Key words: Ethnobotany, folk medicine, medicinal plants, Heyrat, Mazandaran province, Iran.

Distribution and ecological requirements of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz in the Czech Republic

Distribution and ecological requirements of Sorbus torminalis (L.) Crantz in the Czech Republic

Seltenes und zerstreutes Vorkommen: Auswirkungen auf den Paarungserfolg des Speierlings

Rare and scattered: consequences for the mating success of the service tree Using a population genetic approach, we studied the effect of the highly scattered occurrence of the rare service tree (Sorbus domestica) in the canton of Schaffhausen (Switzerland) on the realised mating system. Therefore, we mapped all tree individuals in our extended study area and genotyped all 189 trees using microsatellites. Additionally, we genotyped 1183 seeds from 49 different mother trees and assigned the corresponding pollen-donor (father tree). We showed that effective pollinations occur over large spatial distances (>16 km). Because the amount of effectively dispersed pollen decreased with increasing distance from its source, the spatial position of a tree in relation to its conspecific neighbours has a significant impact on the genetic composition of its offspring (seeds) — the more isolated a tree was, the higher was the proportion of self-fertilised offspring. Based on these results, we discuss management strategies aimed at securing the survival and increasing the fecundity, in particular flowering, of adult trees in the study area. If priorities have to be set, trees belonging to denser local groups of service trees should be favoured as they have a higher potential to produce genetically diverse offspring. These progenies can be used to produce high-quality planting material for artificial regeneration, a conservation measure which we consider necessary since we observed no natural regeneration from seeds in the study area. Stands may be managed in a silvicultural practice similar to that of coppice-with-standards. Promoting the regeneration of light-demanding and rare forest tree species, like service tree, wild service tree, wild pear and wild apple, may allow them grow to mature trees of high value, both ecologically and economically.

Antitumor and antibacterial activities of <i>Viscum album</i> L. grown on different host trees

AIM: The present study aims to investigate for the first time antitumor and antibacterial activities of Viscum album L. grown on different host trees. METHODS: Two different bioassays (antitumor and antibacterial) were performed to evaluate the biological activities of European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) plants collected from 13 different host trees (Crataegus tanacetifolia, Crataegus monogyna, Abies nordmanniana, Pinus sylvestris, Pyrus elaeagnifolia, Pyrus communis, Malus sylvestris, Prunus spinosa, Prunus divaricata, Robinia pseudoacacia, Salix alba, Populus nigra and Sorbus torminalis). For each mistletoe sample collected from different host trees, 2 different extracts (aqueous and ethanol) were prepared and totally 26 extracts were tested. Antitumor activity was evaluated with potato disc diffusion bioassay. The disc diffusion assay was used to screen for antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Proteus vulgaris, Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae which are Gram-negative bacteria, and Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes which are Gram-positive bacteria were used. RESULTS: The aqueous extract of V. album collected from P. divaricata (87.3 % inhibition) revealed the best antitumor activity. Furthermore, aqueous extract of mistletoe hosted by P. elaeagnifolia (69.0 % inhibition) and ethanolic extract of mistletoe hosted by P. sylvestris (67.6 % inhibition) exhibited significant antitumor activity. All mistletoe extracts did not reveal any antibacterial activity against used bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a significant effect of host tree on the antitumor activity of V. album.