Youngia Japonica Research Articles

Species diversity of Asteraceae in Gayo Highlands, Bener Meriah District, Aceh Province, Indonesia

Abstract. Puspa VR, Zumaidar, Nurdin, Fitmawati. 2024. Species diversity of Asteraceae in Gayo Highlands, Bener Meriah District, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2828-2837. Asteraceae flourishes in the Gayo Highlands of the Bener Meriah District, Aceh Province, Indonesia despite being frequently overlooked due to its classification as a wild plant. There has been no comprehensive documentation of the non-cultivated Asteraceae species indigenous to this location. Thus, this study endeavored to elucidate the diversity of the Asteraceae species in the Gayo Highlands. Data on Asteraceae diversity were amassed using the quadrat method across eight sub-districts, encompassing abandoned land and roadside areas. The composition of species was scrutinized through the Important Value Index (IVI) and the diversity index was quantified utilizing the Shannon-Wiener index. The results revealed 13 species of Asteraceae comprising a total of 9,780 individual specimens, including Ageratum conyzoides L., Bidens pilosa L., Acmella uliginosa (Sw.) Cass., Crassocephalum crepidioides (Benth.) S. Moore., Galinsoga parviflora Cav., Erigeron sumatrensis Retz., Sonchus oleraceus L., Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn., Gerbera jamesonii Adlam., Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski., Emilia sonchifolia (L.), Tridax procumbens L., and Youngia japonica (L.) DC. Ageratum conyzoides registered the highest IVI at 143.91, whilst S. oleraceus had the lowest at 3.53. According to the Shannon-Wiener index, the diversity of the Asteraceae in the Gayo Highlands is denoted as low (?=1.69). This exploration provides contemporary insights into the Asteraceae diversity within the Gayo Highlands, serving as a valuable reference for both researchers and interested stakeholders.

Pollination and pollen plant diversity by Apis cerana cerana during olive flowering based on DNA metabarcoding

AbstractTo understand the role of Apis cerana cerana in olive tree (Olea europaea L.) pollination, pollinators and pollen carried by bees were collected from 11 experimental plots during the flowering period. The abundance and diversity of pollen plant species were investigated using DNA metabarcoding. A total of 583 pollinators were collected and A. cerana cerana accounts for 46.83%. Further analysis revealed a total of 56 families, 136 genera and 195 plant species in bee pollens. O. europaea is the dominant species accounting for 42.02 ± 34.89% and then followed by Sedum japonicum (8.70 ± 16.42%). Diversity index showed that the abundance and diversity of pollen plant species were the highest in Wanzhou (WZ) and lowest in Hechuan (HC). This suggests that Wanzhou sample plot has a greater abundance of plant species to supplement the bee diet. Excessive presence of miscellaneous flowering plants in olive plantations can distract bees from collecting olive tree pollens. Therefore, their abundances can be reduced appropriately while ensuring food diversity for the bees. Based on the abundance of plants in pollens, we recommend that appropriately planting of S. japonicum, Youngia japonica and Vicia villosa in olive plantations with fewer flowering plants could be an effective supplement of bee food. Our results not only contribute to future studies on olive tree pollination but also provide new ideas for enriching flowering plants in or around olive plantations.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera xanthii on Youngia japonica subsp. elstonii in Hainan Province, China.

Youngia japonica (L.) DC. is a polymorphic annual herb of the Asteraceae family. Although this plant originated in Asia, it is now world-widely distributed. In China, Y. japonica is used for edible or folk medicine to treat viral infections and various kinds of inflammation (Yu et al. 2021). As a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Y. japonica used for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as angina, leucorrhea, mastitis, conjunctivitis, and rheumatoid arthritis (Chen et al. 2006). During the spring of 2023, powdery mildew symptoms were observed on 60% of Y. japonica subsp. elstonii plants in a greenhouse on the Hainan Medical University campus (19° 58' 53″ N; 110° 19' 47″ E) in Haikou, Hainan Province, China. Powdery mildew colonies covered the leaf surfaces and stems of affected plants, causing discoloration and defoliation. Mycelia were superficial and hyphal appressoria were nipple-shaped. Conidiophores (n =30) were unbranched, cylindrical, 99 to 166 × 11 to 16 µm, and produced three to five immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot cells (n =30) were cylindrical, straight or sometimes curved at the base, and 35 to 61 µm long. Conidia (n =100) were ellipsoid-ovoid to doliiform, 21 to 40 ×13 to 21 µm (length/width ratio = 1.4 to 2.3), with well-developed fibrosin bodies, and produced germ tubes from the lateral position. Based on these morphological characteristics, the pathogen was provisionally identified as Podosphaera xanthii (Braun and Cook 2012). The teleomorph was not observed. A specimen was deposited in the Hainan Medical University Plant Pathology Herbarium as HMYJ-23. To confirm the genus identification and ascertain a putative species, genomic DNA was extracted from mycelium, conidiophores, and conidia using a fungal DNA kit (Omega Bio-Tek, USA). The rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and sequenced directly. The resulting 575-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (accession no. OR229712). A BLASTn search in GenBank of this sequence showed 99% similarity with the ITS sequences of P. xanthii isolates from China (MT260063, OP765400, MW422608, and MT739423), Thailand (LC270778, LC270779, and LC270780), and Argentina (AB525914). Additionally, the 613-bp 28S rDNA region was amplified using the primer pairs NL1 and NL4 (O'Donnell 1993; accession no. OR240257). This region shared 100% similarity with P. xanthii isolates (MK357436, LC371333, LC270780, OP765401, and AB936277) as well. To confirm pathogenicity, five healthy potted plants of Y. japonica subsp. elstonii were inoculated by gently pressing a powdery mildew-infected leaf onto the young leaves. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. All plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 24 to 30°C, 70% relative humidity, with a 16-h photoperiod. After 7 days, inoculated leaves showed powdery mildew symptoms whereas no symptoms were observed on control plants. The fungal colonies observed on inoculated plants were morphologically identical to those found on the originally infected leaves collected from Hainan Province. Based on the morphological characteristics and molecular identification, the fungus was identified as P. xanthii. To our knowledge, this is the first record of P. xanthii infecting Y. japonica subsp. elstonii in Hainan province, China. We are concerned that the pathogen could become a threat to the widespread planting of Y. japonica subsp. elstonii in the future.

Discovery of sesquiterpene from Youngia japonica with antitumor effect

Fourteen sesquiterpenes, including one undescribed sesquiterpene lactone, were isolated from Youngia japonica, and their structures were identified by NMR, HRESIMS, ECD and calculated ECD. Cytotoxic activities of all isolates against A549, HeLa, and 4 T1 cell lines were detected by CCK8 assay. Among them, 2 showed obvious cytotoxic activity against A549 cells. Subsequently, the production of ROS, and apoptosis of A549 cells treated with 2 were evaluated. The result showed that 2 distinctly increased the ROS level, and induced the apoptosis of A549 cells. Further anticancer mechanism studies showed that 2 increased the expression of cleaved caspase 3. Taken together, our results demonstrated that 2 might become potential leading compounds for the treatment of lung cancer.

Persistence of Root Exudates of Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis: Impacts on Invasive and Native Species.

Root exudates of the invasive Solidago canadensis and the cereal crop Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench cv. 'Hybridsorgo' were tested for allelopathic interactions against native and invasive plant species in a controlled environment. After the surface was sterilized, the seeds of two invasive species (Bromus sterilis and Veronica persica) and two native species (Youngia japonica and Rumex acetosa) were germinated and transplanted into the soil (1:1 mixture of coco peat and sand) that had been conditioned for one month by the cultivation of Solidago canadensis and Sorghum bicolor, both in combination or as unplanted controls. After an additional eight weeks of growth, morphometric measurements of the shoot and root, including foliar characteristics and above- and below-ground biomass accumulation, were performed. The results revealed significant inhibitory effects of root exudates released by Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis on native species' productivity and physiology. The invasive species exhibited variable growth responses, with Veronica persica showing reduced shoot and root expansion, but Bromus sterilis revealed increased shoot and root biomass allocation and nutrition under the exudate treatments. Exudates from Solidago canadensis and Sorghum bicolor together showed synergistic negative effects on native species, while they promoted growth and nutrition in Veronica persica. Taken together, the differential species responses indicate that the tested native species were more sensitive to the allelopathic compounds than the invasive species, which is in line with the theory of novel weapons. The legacy effects of root exudates of both Sorghum bicolor and Solidago canadensis could promote invasive establishment through imposing allelochemical interference competition against native plant species. Understanding the specific allelopathic mechanisms may help with the development of integrated strategies for managing invasive species.

Biology and Management of Asiatic False Hawksbeard (Youngia japonica) in Florida Ornamental Production and Landscapes

Asiatic false hawksbeard is a common, annual broadleaf weed found across Florida landscapes, agricultural production systems, home gardens, and natural areas. This article is written for home gardeners, commercial growers, and other green industry professionals to aid in the proper identification and management of Asiatic false hawksbeard in the landscape and in nursery production.

THE TAXONOMIC STUDY OF TRICHOME MORPHOLOGY IN SELECTED ASTERACEAE SPECIES OF PAHANG, MALAYSIA

A comparative study of foliar trichomes for selected Asteraceae collected in Pahang was observed. The selected species were Ageratum conyzoides L., Tridax procumbens L., Eclipta prostrata (L.) L., Sphagneticola trilobata (L.) Pruski, Emilia sonchifolia (L.) DC. and Youngia japonica (L.) DC. The objective of this study is to document various trichomes among selected Asteraceae species in Pahang. Trichomes are known as one of the micromorphological characteristics that can be investigated for the assisting identification of Asteraceae. The trichomes were examined under a light microscope and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The trichomes in this study were classified into eight types. The diagnostic characteristics in Ageratum conyzoides consist of glandular trichomes while the non-glandular trichomes are mostly shown in Tridax procumbens. Tridax procumbens showed four diagnostic characteristics which are simple multicellular trichome (coned shape), simple multicellular trichome (long, pointed-end), simple multicellular trichome (long, tapered-end), and stellate trichome. This study proved that data from plant anatomy can be used as supporting data for plant classification in Asteraceae.

LEAF ANATOMY OF YOUNGIA JAPONICA (L.) DC. (ASTERACEAE) FROM PAHANG, MALAYSIA

Leaf anatomical and micromorphological studies on Youngia japonica (Asteraceae family) were accomplished. In the North America, this wild plant is consumed as salad as a healthy diet. The whole plant is edible and has been consumed in past years especially during famine. The Chinese community has been using this plant to perform blood cleansing, to cure sore throat, diarrhoea, mastitis, shingles, sprains, and bruises. Since there is yet any comprehensive study on the taxonomic study of Y. japonica in Kuantan, this study aims to investigate and examine its leaf anatomical and micromorphological characteristics that can be used as a complete guidance for its identification and additional data for its species classification. The methods involved in the leaf anatomy included a cross sectioning method on the petiole, midrib, lamina, and margin using a sliding microtome, clearing of venation using basic fuchsin, and epidermal peel methods using Jeffrey solution. The micromorphology of the leaf was observed under a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result of the characteristics of leaf anatomical and micromorphological studies for Y. japonica found the type of vascular bundle at petiole which was an opened system, noncontinuous ring of separated vascular bundle arranged in arc-shaped with additional vascular bundles, there were presence of mucilage cells, incomplete marginal venation, anomocytic stomata at leaf epidermis, granules and crust of wax, and multicellular trichomes with different ended and capitate glandular trichome. In conclusion, the findings have shown that the anatomical and micromorphological characteristics have their taxonomic value and can be useful in the identification, differentiation, and classification of the plant at the species level.

LC-MS metabolic profiling comparison of domesticated crops and wild edible species from the family Asteraceae growing in a region of São Paulo state, Brazil

• Metabolic profile comparison of three domesticated and six wild species. • Results were similar to chemophenetics at the tribal level. • Bidens , Youngia and Acmella had metabolic profile distinguished from other species. • Cichorium endivia was more similar to some wild species than C. intybus. Wild plants are consumed as food mainly during periods of famine and by poorer populations but could be alternatives to improve food variety in regions with high biodiversity. Wild edible plants can be a rich source of nutrients and/or dietary phytochemicals (secondary metabolites), but there has thus far been a lack of studies comparing the chemical composition of wild with domesticated species. This study presents an LC–MS-based metabolic profiling approach to compare chemical profiles of three domesticated and six wild edible plants from the family Asteraceae that are popular worldwide. Metabolic profiles of the leaves of the following species were compared: Cichorium endivia , C. intybus , Lactuca sativa , L. canadensis , Sonchus oleraceus, and Youngia japonica from the tribe Cichorieae, Acmella oleracea , tribe Heliantheae, Bidens pilosa , tribe Coreopsideae, and Galinsoga parviflora , tribe Millerieae, of which the first three are domesticated species and the latter six wild species. Chemical profile similarity of the investigated species followed chemophenetic characteristics at the tribal level. The presence of chalcones, flavanones, and aurones in B. pilosa and alkylamides in A. oleracea distinguished their chemical profiles from the other samples. The profile of Cichorium intybus was distinct from the other species from the tribe Cichorieae. Samples of L. canadensis , S. oleraceus, and C. endivia showed similar chemical profiles with each other and with a few L. sativa samples. Although wild edible plants are reported in the literature as a richer source of secondary metabolites than domesticated ones, this study highlights the chemical diversity in Asteraceae species focusing the importance of the taxonomic relationship and the metabolic profiles of the samples, since domesticated and wild species belonging to the same tribe showed similar chemical profiles.

STUDIES ON THE WEED FLORA OF AGASTYAMUNI BLOCK, RUDRAPRAYAG DISTRICT, UTTARAKHAND

Weed commonly called ‘khar- kabad’ in Uttarakhand or ‘kharpatvar’ in India, and is one of the major biological constraints that limits crop productivity. The present communication pertains to survey and inventory of weed flora in Agastyamuni block of district Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand. The study was based on extensive and intensive field survey made during July 2018 to October 2019. During the study period the authors have reported a total 312 species belonging to 188 genera and 54 families from dicots, monocots and pteridophyta. Asteraceae was found to be the most dominant family followed by Poaceae, Lamiaceae and Fabaceae respectively. Survey results also revealed that most of the recorded species were annuals followed by perennials and biennials. Most abundant species were Bidense pilosa, Chenopodium album, Erigeron canadensis, Cynodon dactylon, Gallinsogo parviflora, Eupatorium adenophorum, Oxalis conrniculata, Parthenium hysterophorus, Lantana camara, Soncchus arvensis, Ageratum conozoides, Plantago major, Ganaphallium lutealbum, Siegesbeckia orientalis, Youngia japonica, Amaranthus virids, Stellaria media and Phalaris minor. Many weeds are ethnobotanically important and utilized by the local community.

Phytoremediation potential of Youngia japonica (L.) DC: a newly discovered cadmium hyperaccumulator.

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic contaminants, causing a lot of harm to environment and the human health. An outdoor pot experiment for 60days was conducted to study the Cd(II) effects on growth, biomass, physiological properties, Cd uptake, and accumulation in Youngia japonica plants but also to evaluate the effect of Y. japonica growth on enzyme activity of Cd-contamination soils. Generally, the application of Cd(II) less than 120mgkg-1 stimulated the growth of the plants, whereas at 160mgkg-1 or higher levels, a significant reduction was observed. For all treatments > 10mgkg-1 Cd(II) in soil, values of Cd in roots and aboveground parts were more than the critical value of 100mgkg-1 and reached highest values of 252.51 and 314.29mgkg-1, respectively. The bioconcentration factors (BCF) and translation factors (TF) for all Cd treatments were more than 1.0, with the former ranging from 1.03 to 5.46 and the later from 1.04 to 1.33. The activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), as well as the levels of glutathione (GSH) and proline in Y. japonica plants after exposure to 10-200mgkg-1 Cd(II) were stimulated, implying that they were defensive guards to the oxidative stress produced by Cd. The urease, dehydrogenase, and alkaline phosphatase activities under low Cd concentrations can be enhanced by planting Y. japonica species but inhibited under high Cd concentrations. Our data provide comprehensive evidence that Y. japonica has the typical properties of a Cd hyperaccumulator and thus may be practically employed to alleviate Cd from contaminated soils.

Micromorphological and cytological comparisons between Youngia japonica and Youngia longiflora using light and scanning electron microscopy.

The genus Youngia Cass. is taxonomically complex and widely distributed in East Asia. Despite the high diversity of species, only two species, Youngia japonica (L.) DC. and Youngia longiflora (Babc. & Stebbins) C.Shih, are currently found in Korea. Among them, Y. longiflora was once recognized as a subspecies of Y. japonica. However, based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA sequences, as well as morphology, Y. longiflora was found to be a distinct species. Here, the two Korean Youngia species were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and light microscope for chromosome number, pollen, cypselae, and leaf micromorphological characters to evaluate if the examined characters are informative for taxonomy. Pollen morphology is described, and the micromorphological characters of Y. longiflora are described for the first time. Cypselae and pollen surface ornamentation, as well as trichome morphology and stomatal size varied between the two species. Y. japonica had longer chromosomes than Y. longiflora, while other chromosomal characters including the localization of the NOR (nucleolar organizer region) were similar. The present micromorphological and cytological results are of great taxonomic value for Youngia species identification in Korea.

Effects of applying hyperaccumulator straw after planting grape seedlings on soil enzyme activity under cadmium stress

The effects of mulching with four hyperaccumulator plants Crassocephalum crepidioides, Galinsoga parviflora, Youngia japonica, and Gnaphalium affine straws on soil enzyme activity of grape seedlings under cadmium (Cd) stress were studied by a pot experiment. The results showed that mulching with four kinds of hyperaccumulators straws, the soil catalase, phosphatase and sucrase activity were increased compared with the monoculture. Only the straw-mulch Y. japonica decreased the soil urease activity, which decreased by 0.10%, and others treatments all increased the soil urease activity. In conclusion, the treatment of G. affine is the best, C. crepidioides followed it.

Effects of Mulching with Hyperaccumulator Straw on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Grape Seedlings under Cadmium Stress

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of mulching with straw of different cadmium hyperaccumulators (Crassocephalum crepidioides, Galinsoga parviflora, Youngia japonica and Gnaphalium affine) on antioxidant enzyme systems of grape seedlings under cadmium stress. The results showed that all the straw-mulch treatments increased the peroxidase (POD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and soluble protein content of grape seedlings, but decreased the catalase (CAT) activity and malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content of grape seedlings. Mulching with straw of Y. japonica, the POD activity and SOD activity reached the highest level, which was 35.81% and 19.63% higher than monoculture respectively. Mulching with straw of Galinsoga parviflora, the soluble protein content reached the highest level, which was 29.23% higher than monoculture. However, all the straw-mulch treatments decreased CAT activity and MDA content compared with monoculture, and mulching with Y. japonica straw was the lowest, which was 85.49% and 68.49% lower than monoculture. In conclusion, covering different cadmium hyperaccumulator straws under cadmium stress can promote the growth of grape seedlings.

Effects of Mulching with Hyperaccumulator Straw on Photosynthetic Pigment Contents in Grape Seedlings under Cadmium Stress

To study the effects of mulching with straw of different cadmium hyperaccumulators (Crassocephalum crepidioides, Galinsoga parviflora, Youngia japonica and Gnaphalium affine) on photosynthetic pigment contents in grape seedlings was conducted by a pot experiment under cadmium stress. The results showed that mulching with straw of C. crepidioides and G. parviflora increased the content of chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll of grape seedlings. All the straw-mulch treatments increased the chlorophyll b content of grape seedlings, and the chlorophyll a/b for all the treatments had no significant difference. Except mulching with Y. japonica reduced the content of carotenoid, other straw-mulch treatments increased the carotenoid content of grape seedlings. Especially, mulching with G. parviflora significantly increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid, with a increasing of 40.60%, 47.85%, 42.80% and 47.79%, respectively. In conclusion, mulching with G. parviflora straw could increase photosynthetic pigment contents of grape seedlings under cadmium stress.

Effects of Mulching with Hyperaccumulator Straw on Growth and Cadmium Content of Grape Seedlings under Cadmium Stress

A pot experiment was conducted to study the effects of mulching with straw of different cadmium hyperaccumulators (Crassocephalum crepidioides, Galinsoga parviflora, Youngia japonica and Gnaphalium affine) on the growth and cadmium content of grape seedlings under cadmium stress. The results showed that mulching with straw of cadmium hyperaccumulators could increase the biomass of grape seedlings commonly. The cadmium content in root of all the straw-mulch treatments except mulching with G. parviflora was higher than monoculture, but all the straw-mulch treatments decreased cadmium content in stem, leaf and shoot. Especially, the biomass of root and shoot of grape seedlings for the treatment of mulching with straw of G. parviflora reached maximum, which were 85.68% and 22.73% higher than monoculture, respectively. Mulching with straw of G. parviflora decreased the content of cadmium in root and shoot of grape seedlings. The cadmium content in root and shoot for the treatment was lowest, and it decreased by 2.13% and 27.82% respectively compared with monoculture. In conclusion, mulching with straw of cadmium hyperaccumulators could promote the growth of grape seedlings, and decrease cadmium content in shoot of grape seedlings, and G. parviflora straw worked best.

Chromosome numbers of some Asteraceae species from Universitas Indonesia Campus, Depok, Indonesia

Salamah A, Oktarina R, Ambarwati EA, Putri DF, Dwiranti A, Andayani N. 2018. Chromosome numbers of some Asteraceae species from Universitas Indonesia Campus, Depok, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2079-2087. Asteraceae is the largest plant family, comprising of more than 1,600 genera and 23,000 species with a worldwide distribution. Many species of Asteraceae are found to be very significantly abundant in a range of habitats and are used as sources of medicines, food, forage, and other useful products. Many cytological studies have been carried out on Asteraceae. However, information about the chromosome numbers of Asteraceae in Indonesia is still very limited. In this study, the chromosome numbers of 15 species of Asteraceae found around the Universitas Indonesia campus were counted. For chromosomal preparations, the root/shoot tips were pretreated with 2 mM 8-hydroxyquinoline, stained with aceto-orcein, prepared using the squash method, and then observed with a microscope. Of the 15 species, 12 showed variation in chromosome numbers: Cosmos caudatus, Elephantopus scaber, Tridax procumbens, Mikania micrantha, Sphagneticola trilobata, Ageratum conyzoides, Cyanthillium cinereum, Chromolaena odorata, Synedrella nodiflora, Youngia japonica, Eclipta prostrata, and Porophyllum ruderale. The other three species showed no variation in chromosome number: Emilia sonchifolia (2n=10), Sonchus arvensis (2n=18), and Cosmos sulphureus (2n=24). We also found new variations in chromosome numbers that have not yet been listed in the Index to Plant Chromosome Numbers (IPCN).

Biodegradation of di-butyl phthalate (DBP) by a novel endophytic bacterium Bacillus subtilis and its bioaugmentation for removing DBP from vegetation slurry

Di-butyl phthalate (DBP) is a widely used plasticizer, recalcitrant and hazardous organic compound with high detection frequencies and concentrations in water and soil that pose a great threat to human health. A novel endphytic bacterium strain N-1 capable of efficiently degrading DBP and utilizing it as sole carbon source was isolated from Ageratum conyzoides. This bacterium was identified as Bacillus subtilis based on its morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Under the optimal culture conditions (pH 7.0, 30 °C), degradation percentage of DBP (12.5–100 mg/L) was up to 95% within five days, and its biodegradation half-life was less than 7.23 h. Degradation percentage of high DBP concentration (200 mg/L) was relatively lower (89%) with half-life of 56.8 h. DBP was degraded by Bacillus subtilis N-1 into mono-butyl phthalate and phthalic acid as evidenced by GC-MS analysis. Bioaugmentation of Youngia japonica plant slurry with strain N-1 greatly accelerated DBP dissipation with 97.5% removal percentage (higher by 47% than non-inoculation). The results highlighted that strain N-1 has great potential for bioremediation by plant-endophyte partnerships and for lowering PAE accumulation in crops.

<em>Youngia japonica</em> (L.) DC. (Compositae), recently detected in Barcelona

Se cita por vez primera en la península ibérica Youngia japonica, recientemente introducida en una zona ajardinada de Barcelona. Desde la primera observación la especie ha permanecido en el mismo lugar sin expandirse, pero reapareciendo los años posteriores. Se sugiere su posible introducción como contaminante de semillas o plantas de Zoysia, utilizada como alternativa de los céspedes de grama.

강원 횡성 및 제주지역 더덕밭 잡초발생양상

The weed flora in the Codonopsis lanceolata upland fields were surveyed in Hoengseong and Jeju in May, August, and October of 2014. The objectives of this study were to use the survey data for establishing weed control methods and to bring awareness of possible problematic weeds occurred in C. lanceolata upland fields in Korea. Altogether 207 weed species of 47 families were identified, of which 87 were annual, 47 species were biennial and 73 were perennial. Based on the morphological characteristic of the leaves, 182 species were broad leaves, 18 species were grasses, and 7 species were sedges. The dominance was highest in the Artemisia princeps followed by Digitaria ciliaris, Commelina communis, Persicaria longiseta and Echinochloa crus-galli etc. Fifty-nine species were exotic weeds with 29% of a total presence, of which Erigeron annuus was highest, followed by Crassocephalum crepidioides, Bidens frondosa, Hypochaeris radicata etc. In the PCA plot, weeds presented in the C. lanceolata upland fields of Hoengseong were divided into three groups, E. annuus, Sigesbeckia pubescence and C. communis communities and those of Jeju were divided into four groups, C. crepidioides-Cyperus iria, Spergula arvensis, Poa annua and Youngia japonica communities.