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Goat willow (Salix caprea L.) is an ecologically important, cold-tolerant pioneer species that spreads from central Anatolia to Black Sea regions in Türkiye. Completed and ongoing construction of hydroelectric plants, especially in northeastern Türkiye, threaten the genetic resources of goat willow in the region due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Therefore, it is important to assess genetic diversity structure and magnitude of goat willow populations in the northeastern Black Sea Region for effective conservation and utilization of genetic resources of the species. To characterize the genetic diversity of goat willow, 180 trees were sampled from 5 river systems and screened by using ten microsatellite markers for genotyping, consequently analysis were carried out to estimate population genetic diversity parameters of populations. The results revealed that both observed (Ho = 0.50) and expected (He = 0.53) genetic diversities were low, but observed genetic diversity was less than expected due fragmentation and reduction in population sizes. Genetic structure analysis of populations suggested the presence of three major groups. This structuring appeared to be caused by the restricted gene flow (pollen, seed or vegetative material) through insects, wind and water due to geographical barrier (the east Black Sea mountain ranges) acting as geographic isolation mechanism between the populations of the Çoruh river and the river systems located in the west of Çoruh river. To prevent further deterioration of genetic diversity due to habitat loss and fragmentation in the studied river systems in the region, we suggest that one population with high genetic diversity, unique alleles and low inbreeding from each genetic structure cluster should be designated as in situ conservation sites. The genetic resources from such in situ designated populations will facilitate future efficient restoration, genetic resource management and utilization works with the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in migratory behavior have been suggested to drive speciation, but the genetics underlying this process remain unknown. Identification and study of migratory divides can help us understand how differential migration can lead to reproductive isolation. Here, we genotyped Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus, from the Åland islands, located in between the ranges of the differentially migrating subspecies P. t. trochilus and P. t. acredula. We found that Willow Warblers on the Åland islands were genetically intermediate to allopatric populations of both parental subspecies, providing evidence that the islands constitute a previously unknown hybrid swarm, likely to be a migratory divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biased sex ratios among reproductive individuals are common in plants, but the underlying mechanisms, as well as the evolutionary consequences, are not well understood. The classical theory of Düsing and Fisher predicts an equal primary sex ratio at seed production, based on the selective advantage of the rare sex. Biased sex ratios among reproductive plants can arise from sexual dimorphism in survival and flowering. Sex ratio biases can also be present from the seed stage; in these cases, assumptions of Düsing's and Fisher's theory, for example, random mating or demographic equilibrium, are thought to be violated. We investigated mechanisms leading to female‐biased sex ratios in the arctic‐alpine dwarf willow Salix herbacea L. We studied sex ratios in three natural populations over 3 years as well as in 29 crosses (full‐sib families) under controlled conditions over four growth periods. We tested whether sex ratio was associated with habitat parameters (elevation and snowmelt time), or with germination, survival or flowering, and whether females and males differed in size or flowering that may cause observation bias. We detected a strong and consistent female bias, both in natural populations (sex ratio [proportion of females]: 0.71–0.82) and in our controlled experiment (overall sex ratio: 0.70–0‐72). Female bias became more pronounced with increasing elevation. Our data did not support sexual dimorphism in size or flowering. Family sex ratios varied largely (from 0.25 to 1), including many female‐biased families, unbiased families and two male‐biased families. Families with lower germination, seedling establishment, survival or flowering did not have stronger female bias, indicating that intrinsically higher survival or flowering in females does not explain overall female bias. Synthesis. Our results suggest that sex ratio bias in S. herbacea is already present in seeds and does not arise through intrinsic differences between sexes. Candidate mechanisms that can lead to both overall female bias and variation in sex ratio among families are meiotic drive or cyto‐nuclear interactions. The pioneer habit of Salix may lead to non‐equilibrium population dynamics that allow for the long‐term persistence of variable genetic sex ratio distortion systems that arise from genetic conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The pollution of soil by heavy metals, particularly Cd, is constitutes a critical international environmental concern. Willow species are renowned for their efficacy in the phytoremediation of heavy metals owing to their high Cd absorption rate and rapid growth. However, the mechanisms underlying microbial regulation for high- and low-accumulating willow species remain poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the responses of soil and rhizosphere microbial communities to high- and low-Cd-accumulating willows and Cd contamination. We analyzed soil properties were analyzed in bulk soil (SM) and rhizosphere soil (RM) planted with high-accumulating (H) and low-accumulating (L) willow species. Results: Rhizosphere soil for different willow species had more NH4+ than that of bulk soil, and RM-H soil had more than RM-L had. The available phosphorus content was greater in hyper-accumulated species than it was in lower-accumulated species, especially in RM-H. Genome sequencing of bacterial and fungal communities showed that RM-L exhibited the highest bacterial diversity, whereas RM-H displayed the greatest richness than the other groups. SM-L exhibited the highest diversity and richness of fungal communities. Ralstonia emerged as the predominant bacterium in RM-H, whereas Basidiomycota and Cercozoa were the most enriched fungi in SM-H. Annotation of the N and C metabolism pathways revealed differential patterns: expression levels of NRT2, NarB, nirA, nirD, nrfA, and nosZ were highest in RM-H, demonstrating the effects of NO3-and N on the high accumulation of Cd in RM-H. The annotated genes associated with C metabolism indicated a preference for the tricarboxylic pathway in RM-H, whereas the hydroxypropionate-hydroxybutyrate cycle was implicated in C sequestration in SM-L. Conclusions: These contribute to elucidation of the mechanism underlying high Cd accumulation in willows, particularly in respect of the roles of microbes and N and C utilization. This will provide valuable insights for repairing polluted soil using N and employing organic acids to improve heavy metal remediation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modification of food webs is a frequent cause of shifts in ecosystem states that resist reversal when the food web is restored to its original condition. We used the restoration of the large carnivore guild including gray wolves (Canis lupis), cougars (Felis concolor), and grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) to the northern range of Yellowstone National Park as a model system to understand how ecosystems might resist reconfiguration after the restoration of apex predators to the food web. The absence of wolves, cougars, and grizzly bears for nearly a century from the northern range was the primary cause of dramatic changes in riparian plant communities. Willows (Salix spp.) were suppressed in height by intense browsing by the dominant herbivore, elk (Cervus canadensis). The loss of activity by beavers (Castor canadensis) coincided with the loss of tall willows. We hypothesized that intense elk browsing interrupted the mutualism between willow and beavers: ecosystem engineering by beavers was a critical component of willow habitat and tall willows were a critical component of habitat for beavers. This interruption made riparian communities resilient to the disturbance caused by the restoration of apex predators. We hypothesized further that reductions in elk browsing attributable to reductions in elk population size were not sufficient to prevent the suppression of willow growth. To test these hypotheses, we conducted a 20‐year, factorial experiment that crossed simulated beaver dams with the exclusion of browsing. We found that willows grew to heights expected for restored communities only in the presence of dams and reduced browsing. Willows experiencing ambient conditions remained well below this expectation. We found no difference in heights or growth rates of willows in experimental controls and willows in 21 randomly chosen sites, confirming that the results of the experiment were representative of range‐wide conditions. A reorganized community of large herbivores was implicated in the suppression of willow growth. We conclude that the restoration of large carnivores to the food web failed to restore riparian plant communities on Yellowstone's northern range, supporting the hypothesis that this ecosystem is in an alternative stable state caused primarily by the extirpation of apex predators during the early 20th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy resources such as biomass are crucial for a sustainable global society. Trees are a major source of lignocellulosic biomass, which can vary in response to different environmental factors owing to epigenetic regulation, such as DNA C‐methylation. To investigate the effects of DNA methylation on plant development and wood formation, and its impacts on gene expression, with a focus on secondary cell wall (SCW)‐associated genes, Salix purpurea plantlets were cloned from buds derived from a single hybrid tree for both treatment and control conditions. For the treatment condition, buds were exposed to 50 μM zebularine in vitro and a combined strategy of whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA‐seq was employed to examine the methylome and transcriptome profiles of different tissues collected at various time points under both conditions. Transcriptomic and methylome data revealed that most of the promoter and gene body demethylation had no marked effects on the expression profiles of genes. Nevertheless, gene expression tended to decrease with the increased methylation levels of genes with highly methylated promoters. Results indicated that demethylation is less evident in centromeric regions and sex chromosomes. Promoters of secondary cell wall‐associated genes, such as 4‐coumarate‐CoA ligase‐like and Rac‐like GTP‐binding protein RHO, were differentially methylated in the secondary xylem samples collected from two‐month potted treated plants compared to control samples. Our results provide novel insights into DNA methylation and gene expression landscapes and a basis for investigating the epigenetic regulation of wood formation in S. purpurea as a model plant for bioenergy species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of bioproduct feedstocks such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and willow (Salix spp.) on degraded lands provides an opportunity to grow dedicated bioenergy crops with the potential to capture and store carbon in the soil while reducing competition with land for food production. However, how the production of these crops alters plant–soil–microbe interactions that govern soil C accumulation in highly degraded soil is underexplored. The objectives of this study were to examine select biological and chemical properties related to stable soil organic matter (SOM) production from the growth of switchgrass and willow on marginal soil over two growing seasons and whether biochar amendment can positively affect these parameters. To address our objectives, paired former surface mined lands and non‐mine impacted marginal agriculture sites were selected across West Virginia, USA, and biochar and unamended control treatments were imposed. Through the first two growing seasons, microbial activity and demand for carbon (C) increased and was accompanied by a shift in extracellular enzyme investment for decomposition‐associated enzymes. Mineral‐associated organic matter C increased over the two growing seasons, and this increase was greater in the mine sites compared to the agriculture sites. Compared to each site's previous land use, C losses were observed under bioproduct systems in the agriculture, but not the mine sites. Biochar amendments did not impact microbial activity but did increase the C:N of SOM. Overall, our results suggest that the early growth of switchgrass and willow can result in C accumulation in marginal and highly degraded lands. Core Ideas: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) and willow (Salix spp.) can be produced for bioproducts on highly degraded soil.Microbial demand for carbon (C) increased, while C inputs from the crops were variable over the first two growing seasons.Short‐term C losses were observed as compared to the previous land usein the agriculture, but not the reclaimed mine sites.There is potential for carbon accumulation in Appalachian reclaimed mine and marginal agriculture soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Riparian woody plant communities, including shrubs and trees, are essential for maintaining biodiversity, protecting against floods, reducing erosion, and transporting nutrients. However, these habitats are greatly threatened by human activities, particularly agricultural land acquisition, and the introduction of invasive species. This study examined species diversity and interspecific association in riparian woody plant communities along rivers in the Romanian Carpathians. The study focused on communities of Salix purpurea, S. alba, and Hippophaë rhamnoides in mountain regions, with varying sampling efforts at different sites for each species. A total of 174 plant species were found, predominantly herbaceous (77.9%), followed by trees (11.6%) and shrubs (10.5%). While S. alba and S. purpurea communities show high species richness and abundance, S. alba has slightly higher diversity (H′ ≈ 2.23, SD = 0.28) than S. purpurea (H′ ≈ 1.69, SD = 0.42). Contrarily, significant differences exist between H. rhamnoides and S. alba communities in species richness (p =.007) and Shannon diversity (p =.004). PCA analysis elaborated on distinct distribution patterns of plant associations within habitats S. purpurea community, H. rhamnoides community, and S. alba community. Four invasive species (Oenothera biennis L. and Oxalis stricta L. in S. alba communities, Reynoutria sachalinensis Nakai in both S. purpurea and H. rhamnoides communities, and Erigeron canadensis L. in H. rhamnoides communities) were identified, as requiring conservation efforts. Hemicryptophytes dominate species richness, while microphanerophytes and megaphanerophytes significantly contribute to plant abundance. H. rhamnoides formed Hippophaë rhamnoides dunes (2160) Natura 2000 habitat, while S. alba created galleries within the 92A0 Salix alba and Populus alba habitat. In conclusion, the findings from this study highlight the importance of preserving riparian habitats because their value goes beyond local or regional considerations and extends to the global scale due to their unique characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) play a critical role in environmental sensing and data transmission. However, their performances are often hindered by challenges like localization accuracy and storage capacity. Existing variants of DV-Hop algorithm suffer from issues like high memory usage, low localization accuracy, and limited applicability in realistic three-dimensional (3D) environments. To overcome these challenges and solve the localization problem for DV-Hop based WSN nodes in 3D space, this research proposes a novel hybrid optimizer called PCWCO (Parallel Compact Willow Catkin Optimization Algorithm). The PCWCO algorithm incorporates compact technique and a new parallel strategy into the Willow Catkin Optimization (WCO) framework, aiming to reduce memory usage while enhancing solution quality. Rigorous numerical validations are conducted using benchmark functions from the CEC2017 to assess the performance of the proposed PCWCO optimizer. The results demonstrate that PCWCO exhibits competitive performance compared to classical intelligent optimization algorithms. Moreover, we synergistically integrate the PCWCO algorithm with DV-Hop to form a hybrid approach called PCWCO-3D-DV-Hop to facilitate the localization efficiency of WSN nodes in 3D space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB), Anoplophora glabripennis Motschulsky, is a serious wood borer of hardwood trees in North America, Europe, and China, causing substantial economic and ecological losses. Several ALB management strategies have been applied; however, certain drawbacks have been identified with these strategies. To explore effective and environmentally sustainable management options, we investigated the biological characteristics of ALB, including the distribution of frass and emergence holes on trees and preferred branches for ALB foraging and ovipositing. The results showed that 76.31–78.88% of frass holes and 85.08–87.93% of emergence holes were located above a height of 200 cm. Adults showed a preference for feeding on branches 2–3 cm in diameter, and eggs were predominantly laid on 5 cm branches, primarily located above a height of 200 cm. These findings suggest a correlation between the number of ALBs and the height of the tree crown. To test this hypothesis, we investigated whether the number of ALBs decreased when the tree crown was removed above 200 cm (high trunk truncation, HTT). The results revealed a significant decrease in the number after the implementation of HTT. Based on our results we advocate for HTT as an effective ALB management strategy, offering valuable insights into the development of a sustainable approach to controlling the number of ALBs. The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) causes substantial economic and ecological losses, thus, an environmentally friendly management strategy is needed. Here, we propose high trunk truncation (HTT), the removal of the above 200 cm portion of trees, as a sustainable management strategy to control ALB. To examine the hypothesis, an initial step involved the assessment of various biological characteristics of ALB. Subsequently, a controlled field experiment was carried out utilizing HTT. Finally, HTT was applied in two additional ALB infestation regions. The results of the study of the biological characteristics of ALB showed that 76.31–78.88% of frass holes and 85.08–87.93% of emergence holes were located on branches above 200 cm. Adults preferred to feed on branches 2–3 cm in diameter, ALB eggs were predominantly laid on 5 cm branches, and both were primarily located above 200 cm. These results revealed a correlation between the number of ALBs and the tree crown height. The controlled field experiment showed that the number of ALBs was significantly decreased when the HTT strategy was implemented: approximately 90% of frass holes and 95% of adults were eradicated by HTT compared with the control. Different field surveys involving HTT have shown similar results. These findings provide valuable insights into a sustainable and efficient management strategy for reducing the number of ALBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid biomass can be used for energy generation and the production of various renewable bioproducts. The aim of this study was to determine the yield and characteristics of wood obtained as debarking residue from 14 genotypes of short-rotation woody crops (SRWCs). These included five Populus genotypes, one Robinia genotype, and eight Salix genotypes, harvested in both annual and quadrennial cycles. The results showed that the highest dry wood yield (12.42 Mg ha−1 y−1 DM) and yield energy value (244.34 GJ ha−1 y−1) were obtained from willow (cultivar Żubr) harvested in a quadrennial cycle. The best effect among the poplar genotypes was achieved for the Hybryda275, and it was particularly marked in the quadrennial harvest cycle. The poorest results were determined for black locust. The Robinia characteristics included the significantly lowest moisture content (31.6%), which was a positive attribute from the energy point of view, but, on the other hand, it had some adverse characteristics—the highest levels of sulfur (0.033% DM), nitrogen (0.38% DM), and ash (0.69% DM). More beneficial properties in this respect were determined for willow and poplar wood. Moreover, willow and poplar wood contained more cellulose—51.8 and 50.0% DM, respectively—compared with black locust. Extending the SRWC shoot harvest cycle from annual to quadrennial resulted in an increase in cellulose, lignin, and carbon, higher heating value, and a decrease in nitrogen, sulfur, ash, and moisture content. Therefore, extending the harvest cycle improved the parameters of SRWC wood as an energy feedstock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Homeodomain-leucine zipper (HD-Zip) transcription factors are plant-specific and play important roles in plant defense against environmental stresses. Identification and functional studies have been carried out in model plants such as rice, Arabidopsis thaliana, and poplar, but comprehensive analysis on the HD-Zip family of Salix suchowensis have not been reported. Results: A total of 55 HD-Zip genes were identified in the willow genome, unevenly distributed on 18 chromosomes except for chromosome 19. And segmental duplication events containing SsHD-Zip were detected on all chromosomes except chromosomes 13 and 19. The SsHD-Zip were classified into 4 subfamilies subfamilies (I-IV) according to the evolutionary analysis, and members of each subfamily shared similar domain structure and gene structure. The combination of GO annotation and promoter analysis showed that SsHD-Zip genes responded to multiple abiotic stresses. Furthermore, the results of qPCR analysis showed that the SsHD-Zip I gene exhibited different degrees of expression under salt stress, PEG treatment and heat treatment. Moreover, there was a synergistic effect between SsHD-Zip I genes under stress conditions based on coregulatory networks analysis. Conclusions: In this study, HD-Zip transcription factors were systematically identified and analyzed at the whole genome level. These results preliminarily clarified the structural characteristics and related functions of willow HD-Zip family members, and it was found that SsHox34, SsHox36 and SsHox51 genes were significantly involved in the response to various stresses. Together, these findings laid the foundation for further research on the resistance functions of willow HD-Zip genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In nature, plants are exposed to a range of climatic conditions. Those negatively impacting plant growth and survival are called abiotic stresses. Although abiotic stresses have been extensively studied separately, little is known about their interactions. Here, we investigate the impact of long-term mild metal exposure on the cold acclimation of Salix viminalis roots using physiological, transcriptomic, and proteomic approaches. We found that, while metal exposure significantly affected plant morphology and physiology, it did not impede cold acclimation. Cold acclimation alone increased glutathione content and glutathione reductase activity. It also resulted in the increase in transcripts and proteins belonging to the heat-shock proteins and related to the energy metabolism. Exposure to metals decreased antioxidant capacity but increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activity. It also resulted in the overexpression of transcripts and proteins related to metal homeostasis, protein folding, and the antioxidant machinery. The simultaneous exposure to both stressors resulted in effects that were not the simple addition of the effects of both stressors taken separately. At the antioxidant level, the response to both stressors was like the response to metals alone. While this should have led to a reduction of frost tolerance, this was not observed. The impact of the simultaneous exposure to metals and cold acclimation on the transcriptome was unique, while at the proteomic level the cold acclimation component seemed to be dominant. Some genes and proteins displayed positive interaction patterns. These genes and proteins were related to the mitigation and reparation of oxidative damage, sugar catabolism, and the production of lignans, trehalose, and raffinose. Interestingly, none of these genes and proteins belonged to the traditional ROS homeostasis system. These results highlight the importance of the under-studied role of lignans and the ROS damage repair and removal system in plants simultaneously exposed to multiple stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mongolian willow (Salix linearistipularis) is a naturally occurring woody dioecious plant in the saline soils of north-eastern China, which has a high tolerance to alkaline salts. Although transcriptomics studies have identified a large number of salinity-responsive genes, the mechanism of salt tolerance in Mongolian willow is not clear. Here, we found that in response to Na2CO3 stress, Mongolian willow regulates osmotic homeostasis by accumulating proline and soluble sugars and scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) by antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Our quantitative proteomics study identified 154 salt-sensitive proteins mainly involved in maintaining the stability of the photosynthetic system and ROS homeostasis to cope with Na2CO3 stress. Among them, Na2CO3-induced rubredoxin (RUB) was predicted to be associated with 122 proteins for the modulation of these processes. The chloroplast-localized S. linearistipularis rubredoxin (SlRUB) was highly expressed in leaves and was significantly induced under Na2CO3 stress. Phenotypic analysis of overexpression, mutation and complementation materials of RUB in Arabidopsis suggests that SlRUB is critical for the regulation of photosynthesis, ROS scavenging and other metabolisms in the seedlings of Mongolian willow to cope with Na2CO3 stress. This provides more clues to better understand the alkali-responsive mechanism and RUB functions in the woody Mongolian willow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrub willows are widely planted for landscaping, soil remediation, and biomass production, due to their rapid growth rates. Identification of regulatory genes in wood formation would provide clues for genetic engineering of willows for improved growth traits on marginal lands. Here, we conducted an expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) analysis, using a full sibling F1 population of Salix suchowensis, to explore the genetic mechanisms underlying wood formation. Based on variants identified from simplified genome sequencing and gene expression data from RNA sequencing, 16,487 eQTL blocks controlling 5505 genes were identified, including 2148 cis-eQTLs and 16,480 trans-eQTLs. eQTL hotspots were identified, based on eQTL frequency in genomic windows, revealing one hotspot controlling genes involved in wood formation regulation. Regulatory networks were further constructed, resulting in the identification of key regulatory genes, including three transcription factors (JAZ1, HAT22, MYB36) and CLV1, BAM1, CYCB2;4, CDKB2;1, associated with the proliferation and differentiation activity of cambium cells. The enrichment of genes in plant hormone pathways indicates their critical roles in the regulation of wood formation. Our analyses provide a significant groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory network of wood formation in S. suchowensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The practice of beating willows on Hoshanah Rabbah is a very unusual one, with no explanations offered in the Talmud or Midrash. In the ancient world, the willow represented both fertility and infertility, life and death, and the beating of willows can be connected both to beating with plants as a fertility ritual and as a form of scapegoat ritual. Echoes of both of these ideas are found in Sephardic folk practices associated with beating people with willows as well as the earliest Gaonic explanation for this practice, in addition to the later explanations found in the Zohar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stigmella zelleriella (Snellen, 1875) (Lepidoptera: Nepticulidae) is reported breeding at Dungeness, East Kent in 2022. Mines were found on Salix repens L. var. argentea (Sm.) Wimm. et Grab. across the peninsula and adults reared to confirm the identification. The identification and biology of this species in the UK are considered and the significance of this find for the species' conservation is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) is a tall, wetland‐tolerant native podocarp tree that has potential for restoration of New Zealand wetlands currently dominated by invasive Grey willow (Salix cinerea). We investigated methods to jump‐start establishment of Kahikatea saplings in the Ramsar‐listed Whangamarino Wetland. Treatments involved planting saplings after full herbicide clearance of the willow canopy (FULL), partial herbicide clearance of the canopy (PARTIAL), and manual cutting of light wells (MANUAL). Saplings were planted as individuals or clusters of seven. Treatment plots were established in 2015 and monitored until 2020. Despite Kahikatea being considered a "light‐demanding" species, saplings grew best in the PARTIAL treatment which had the lowest ambient light levels (x̄=32% of non‐intercepted sunlight). PARTIAL treatment saplings were estimated to require 24–36 years to reach the height of the surrounding willow canopy if they maintained similar growth rates. Preconditioning saplings by soaking roots before planting provided a growth advantage in the PARTIAL treatment plots, whereas nonconditioned plants grew better in the higher‐light MANUAL and FULL plots. No benefit was found for cluster planting. Restoration toward a native Kahikatea‐dominated forest will be contingent on saplings reaching willow canopy height before the faster‐growing willows reestablish, or periodic management of willows to maintain light levels above the compensation point for continued growth. Ultimately, the utility of this approach depends on what on‐going facilitation is required and whether seedlings subsequently produced by these emergent podocarp "islands" are able to jump‐start a long‐term change in the successional trajectory of the surrounding willow‐dominated wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract—From 2001 to 2020, for each long-eared owl nest on the territory of the Crane Homeland Nature Reserve with an area of 48 km2, the following microhabitat parameters were determined using standard field methods: the nest type built by different bird species, the presence of a nest roof, the nesting tree species, and the nest height above the ground. In most cases, for nesting the long-eared owl reused magpie nests (Pica pica) (77%) and half of the nests were found on willow trees (family Salicaceae) (50%). The nest height above the ground varied from 1.5 to 22 meters. Vegetation on the nesting area with a radius of 500 m was determined using the "Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin" automatic vegetation classifier of the QGIS software. Five habitat types were classified: forests, shrubs, meadows, arable land, and satellite image mistakes. Village areas were allocated separately. The average shares of the largest habitat types for over 20 years on the nesting sites included meadows (51.1%) and shrubs (16%). From 2001 to 2020, a habitat change in the nesting area was observed: forest and shrub areas decreased, while the meadow, village, and arable land areas increased. An analysis of the effect of habitat types on the nesting success was evaluated by means of the "gbm" and "dismo" modules in the R program using the Boosted Tree classifier algorithm. The presence of habitat types in the nesting site such as villages (24.2%), shrubs (19.3%), meadows (11.8%), and habitat heterogeneity (11.6%) most strongly affected the probability of nesting success of the owl. The reason that owls tend to use anthropogenic and agricultural territories is associated with the diversity, easy foraging, and more effective protection from predators during the breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood ash is sometimes used as an alternative to mineral fertilizers; however, there is still a paucity of reliable data concerning its effect on plants—and on biological properties of soil. The present study aimed to determine the possible extent of soil pollution with ash from Salix viminalis that does not disturb the growth of Zea mays L., intended for energetic purposes, in order to identify how the increasing ash doses affect biochemical and physicochemical properties of soil and to finally to establish the neutralizing effects of soil additives, i.e., compost and HumiAgra preparation, on this soil pollutant. The study demonstrated that the heating value of Zea mays L. was stable and not modified by the excess content of ash from Salix viminalis in the soil. This finding points to the feasibility of Zea mays L. cultivation on soils contaminated with ash from Salix viminalis and its use in bio-power engineering. The biomass of the aboveground parts of Zea mays L. was significantly reduced after soil contamination with Salix viminalis ash dose of 20 g kg−1 d.m. soil, whereas the smaller ash doses tested (5–10 g kg−1 d.m. soil) did not impair either the growth or the development of Zea mays L. The ash inhibited activities of all analyzed soil enzymes but increased soil pH and sorption capacity. Fertilization with compost proved more effective in neutralizing the adverse effect of ash on enzymatic activity of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer's etiology is linked to oxidative stress. As a result, it's vital to find effective natural antioxidant remedies. Salix mucronata and Triticum spelta plant extracts were prepared using five different solvents and examined for their cytotoxicity against liver HepG2 cancer cell line. It was found that Salix mucronata ethanolic extract is high in antioxidant mediated anti-cancer activity. The functional constituents (phenolic and flavonoids) as well as preparation of different ethanolic concentrations used to study their properties that include DPPH, oxygen, hydroxyl, nitrogen radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing power and metal chelating activities. The MTT assay was used to determine antioxidant-mediated anti-cancer activity against human liver (HepG2) and colorectal (Caco-2) cancer cells to calculate the half-maximal growth inhibitory concentration (IC50). Moreover, flow cytometry analysis was used to quantify the apoptotic effect on the treated cancer cells. Additionally, qRTPCR of p53, BCL2, Cyclin D, MMP9 and VEGF were measured. Furthermore, HPLC was used to assess the most effective ingredients of the plant extract. Salix mucronata 50% ethanol extract had the highest polyphenolic content, anti-oxidant, and anti-proliferative activity. Salix mucronata increased the number of total apoptotic cells, and caused an upregulation of p53 gene expression by more than five folds and a downregulation of gene expression level of BCL2, Cyclin D, MMP9 and VEGF by more than five folds. Consequently, that could modulate oxidative stress and improve the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Results, also, showed that Triticum spelta ethanolic extract was less effective than Salix mucronata. Therefore, Salix mucronata ethanolic extract represents promising surrogate natural therapy for apoptosis-mediated cancer and recommended for further investigation using animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay, we explore Cooper's theorizing of institutional aesthetics and technology to analyse a field study of a commoning process at a recreational area at Linnarhult near Gothenburg, Sweden. The paper focuses on a series of craft interventions that used the willow plant to make the area a common space. Using Cooper's theories, we analyse the community craft activities conducted at Linnarhult as an aesthetic process of making a common space by crafting frames, boundaries and reflections on site. We thus conclude by highlighting the process of commoning through institutional aesthetics, and we reflect on our attempt to use Cooper's theoretical ideas in analysing a concrete case. His emphasis and exemplary writing on the aesthetics of institutions has inspired us greatly, but our exploration has come with challenges and probably a deal of betrayal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Poplar (Populus cathayana)and willow (Salix rehderiana) are important fast-growing trees in China. Grafting plays an important role in improving plant stress resistance and construction of ornamental plants. It is found that willow scions grafted onto poplar rootstocks can form ornamental plants. However, this grafted combination has a low survival rate. Many studies have reported that the xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH) family plays an important role in the healing process of grafts. Results: A total of 38 PtrXTHs and 32 SpuXTHs were identified in poplar and willow respectively, and were classified into three subfamilies. Tandem duplication was the main reason for the expansion of the PtrXTHs. Grafting treatment and Quantitative real time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that five XTH genes differentially expressed between self-grafted and reciprocal grafted combinations. Specifically, the high expression levels of SrXTH16, SrXTH17, SrXTH25, PcXTH22 and PcXTH17 may contribute to the high survival rate of the grafted combination with willow scion and poplar rootstock. Subcellular localization identified that the SrXTH16, SrXTH17, SrXTH25, PcXTH17 and PcXTH22 proteins were located on the cell walls. Transcription factors (NAC, MYB and DOF) may regulate the five XTH genes. Conclusions: This study provides a new understanding of the roles of PcXTH and SrXTH genes and their roles in grafting. Our results will give some hints to explore the molecular mechanisms of PcXTH and SrXTH genes involved in grafting in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas from anaerobic digestion is a versatile energy carrier that can be upgraded to compressed biomethane gas (CBG) as a renewable and sustainable alternative to natural gas. Organic residues and energy crops are predicted to be major sources of bioenergy production in the future. Pre-treatment can reduce the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic energy crops such as Salix to anaerobic digestion, making it a potential biogas feedstock. This lignocellulosic material can be co-digested with animal manure, which has the complementary effect of increasing volumetric biogas yield. Salix varieties exhibit variations in yield, composition and biomethane potential values, which can have a significant effect on the overall biogas production system. This study assessed the impact of Salix varietal differences on the overall mass and energy balance of a co-digestion system using steam pre-treated Salix biomass and dairy manure (DaM) to produce CBG as the final product. Six commercial Salix varieties cultivated under unfertilised and fertilised conditions were compared. Energy and mass flows along this total process chain, comprising Salix cultivation, steam pre-treatment, biogas production and biogas upgrading to CBG, were evaluated. Two scenarios were considered: a base scenario without heat recovery and a scenario with heat recovery. The results showed that Salix variety had a significant effect on energy output–input ratio (R), with R values in the base scenario of 1.57–1.88 and in the heat recovery scenario of 2.36–2.94. In both scenarios, unfertilised var. Tordis was the best energy performer, while the fertilised var. Jorr was the worst. Based on this energy performance, Salix could be a feasible feedstock for co-digestion with DaM, although its R value was at the lower end of the range reported previously for energy crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the economic, ecological, and scientific importance of the genera Salix L. (willows) and Populus L. (poplars, cottonwoods, and aspens) Salicaceae, we know little about the sources of differences in species diversity between the genera and of the phylogenetic conflict that often confounds estimating phylogenetic trees. Salix subgenera and sections, in particular, have been difficult to classify, with one recent attempt termed a "spectacular failure" due to a speculated radiation of the subgenera Vetrix and Chamaetia. Here, we use targeted sequence capture to understand the evolutionary history of this portion of the Salicaceae plant family. Our phylogenetic hypothesis was based on 787 gene regions and identified extensive phylogenetic conflict among genes. Our analysis supported some previously described subgeneric relationships and confirmed the polyphyly of others. Using an f branch analysis, we identified several cases of hybridization in deep branches of the phylogeny, which likely contributed to discordance among gene trees. In addition, we identified a rapid increase in diversification rate near the origination of the Vetrix–Chamaetia clade in Salix. This region of the tree coincided with several nodes that lacked strong statistical support, indicating a possible increase in incomplete lineage sorting due to rapid diversification. The extraordinary level of both recent and ancient hybridization in both Salix and Populus have played important roles in the diversification and diversity in these two genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the dearth of information on Justicia americana (American Water Willow) establishment and occurrence in rivers, we conducted a 4-year study in 2 Ohio state scenic rivers to evaluate the factors influencing planting success. We surveyed 1 river with extensive American Water Willow colonies and then planted American Water Willow at 15 sites in another river largely devoid of American Water Willow colonies. We also compared hydrologic regimes between the 2 rivers. Percent occurrence of planted individuals was greatest in sites receiving 1 early spring planting of dormant individuals and 2 summer plantings of non-dormant individuals. Percent survival differed only in 2021 and was greatest in sites receiving 1 early spring planting of dormant individuals and 2 summer plantings of non-dormant individuals. Greater percent survival was associated with cobble-dominated substrate compared to clay-, sand-, or gravel-dominated substrates. Colony survival and flooding frequency were greater in the river with extensive existing colonies than in the river with few existing colonies and greater flooding intensity. Our results suggest that the establishment and growth of American Water Willow are influenced by planting method, substrate type, and flooding intensity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The improvement effect of willow (Salix matsudana cv. zhuliu) cultivation on coastal saline soil and the main factors affecting soil properties were studied. Three treatments were designed: willow seeding site (SS), willow afforestation site (AS) and natural control site (CK). The results showed that soil pH and ECe decreased from 8.50 to 7.43 and from 6.8 dS/m to 0.8 dS/m at 0–20 cm layer, respectively. Willow cultivation significantly increased soil organic matter both in SS (3.64 g kg−1 – 4.05 g kg −1) and AS (2.82 g kg−1 – 3.92 g kg −1) treatments. The soil total nitrogen and available potassium of different treatments were increased with time and ranked AS > SS > CK. The AS16 treatment has a higher soil enzyme activity (soil urease, catalase, sucrase and phosphatase) and soil microbial population (bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes). Redundancy analysis suggested that soil pH and salinity were the key factors (85.4%) determining soil microbial quantities. Principal component analysis showed that the soil improvement by willow cultivation was significantly affected by soil enzyme activity, and AS16 had a better effect on costal saline soil especially in reducing soil salinity and improving microbial environment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Dark circles in the infraorbital area are a common cosmetic concern among individuals because they exhibit fatigue and are undesirable across all ages. Of the dark circle etiologies, blood stasis by poor‐vascular integrity can cause darkening of the lower eyelid skin, which might be alleviated by reduced endothelial permeability. In this study, we investigated the effects of Salix alba bark extract (SABE) on the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA) in fibroblasts and vascular integrity protection from inflammatory cytokine. We also performed a clinical trial investigating the effect of SABE on dark circles. Methods: To confirm the effect of SABE on HA synthesis in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs), we performed ELISA and real‐time PCR. We investigated the interaction HDF‐secreted substance with vascular integrity, and human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC‐1) were treated with conditioned medium (CM) from HDF treated with or without SABE. Subsequently, we conducted a clinical study on 29 subjects by having them apply SABE containing cream for 8 weeks. Results: Salix alba bark extract treatment increased HA synthesis and regulated HMW–HA‐related gene expressions in HDF. CM from SABE‐treated HDF alleviated endothelial permeability and led to improved vascular integrity in HMEC‐1 cells. Treatment with the cream containing 2% SABE for 8 weeks improved the parameters measuring dark circles, skin microcirculation and elasticity. Conclusion: Our results showed that SABE could protect against dark circles in vitro, and that topical treatment of SABE improved the clinical indexes of dark circles in a clinical study. Therefore, SABE can be used as an active ingredient for improving dark circles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Dominant in many ecosystems around the world, clonal plants can reach considerable ages and sizes. Due to their modular growth patterns, individual clonal plants (genets) can consist of many subunits (ramets). Since single ramets do not reflect the actual age of genets, the ratio between genet size (radius) and longitudinal annual growth rate (LAGR) of living ramets is often used to approximate the age of clonal plants. However, information on how the LAGR changes along ramets and how LAGR variability may affect age estimates of genets is still limited. Methods: We assessed the variability of LAGR based on wood‐section position along the ramets and on the duration of the growing season on three genetically distinct genets of Salix herbacea growing in the Northern Apennines (Italy). We compared genet ages estimated by dividing genet radius by the LAGRs of its ramets. Results: LAGR increased significantly from the stem apex to the root collar; indicating that ramet growth rate decreased with time. Furthermore, a difference of ca. 2 weeks in the onset of the growing period did not impact LAGR. Considering the high LAGR variability, we estimated that the three genets started to grow between ~2100 and ~7000 years ago, which makes them the oldest known clones of S. herbacea even considering the most conservative age estimate. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that analyzing ramets at the root collar provides an integrative measurement of their overall LAGR, which is crucial for estimating the age of genets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salix psammophila was converted to value-added chemicals in the presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) and water by the hydrothermal liquefaction method. [Bmim]Cl acted as both liquefier and catalyst, while water served as both co-solvent and reactant. The optimal reaction parameters for the highest liquefaction yield were determined by an orthogonal experiment. The possibility of application of the recycled [Bmim]Cl was investigated. FT-IR spectra results of the fresh used, the firstly reused, and the secondary reused IL [Bmim]Cl confirmed the high stability of [Bmim]Cl. Moreover, an explanation of the possible liquefaction mechanism for S. psammophila was also provided. This study may provide fundamental data for S. psammophila conversion and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Space use by animals is usually considered in two horizontal dimensions, less often with a separate analysis of the vertical stratification. Studies on three-dimensional (3D) utilisation of space, with individual movements modelled simultaneously in three dimensions, appeared only recently. In ornithology, such approaches were applied to study home ranges of large birds tagged with radio and GPS transmitters or during visual observations of colour-banded passerine wintering birds and residents in the tropics, but to our knowledge, they were never used for studying 3D territories advertised by singing in passerines during the breeding period in the Palearctic Region. We studied the 3D territoriality of Willow Warblers Phylloscopus trochilus during the breeding period in the Kola Peninsula, Arctic Region, Northwest Russia. Using the method of Cooper et al. (Auk 131:681–693, 2014), we located points at which individually marked males sang using 3D coordinates and analysed 2D and 3D territories and their overlap. We found out that 2D methods, compared to 3D methods, overestimated individual spatial overlap by 8.5% and total spatial overlap by 16.7%. Thus, Willow Warblers in Arctic forests could partition their territorial space in three dimensions. In addition, using the overlap indices adopted for 3D data, we showed that birds could avoid the areas where territory overlap did occur. Furthermore, we demonstrated for the first time that an overestimation of the territory overlaps by 2D versus 3D methods grew higher as the number of neighbour territories increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iran is located in a dry climate zone, and climate change has substantially reduced its precipitation and water resources. Reusing wastewaters from urban communities can meet some requirements for irrigation and fertilization of tree plantations in arid environments, leading to sustainable wastewater recycling, enhanced biomass production, and reduced land degradation. The objective of this study was to test the growth, biomass, nutrition, and heavy-metal accumulation of poplars [Populus nigra L. "62/154," P. alba L. "20/45," P. euramericana (Dode) Guinier "92/40"], and willow (Salix excelsa S.G. Gmel) in a pot experiment at four and eight months after planting when grown in soils irrigated with tap water (SITW) and wastewater (SIWW). After four months, SIWW treatment had no significant effect on growth, biomass, nor absorption of macronutrients. After eight months, SIWW treatment of poplars and willow significantly (p = 0.000) increased: (1) height, (2) leaf area, (3) root, stem, leaf, and total biomass, and (5) phytoextraction and phytoaccumulation of macro-/micro-nutrients and heavy metals in tree tissues, over trees receiving the SITW treatment. There were significant differences in growth, biomass, and accumulation of micronutrients and heavy metals in poplar versus willow tissues, with the highest biomass production and tissue-specific content of heavy metals in P. nigra trees, and the greatest total concentrations of heavy metals in P. alba and S. excelsa trees. In contrast, uptake of Fe, Cu, Ni, Cr and Pb were similar between poplar and willow, and phytoaccumulation of these elements was primarily in the roots. Leaf concentrations were highest for Zn and Mn. While P. nigra outperformed all other species overall, tolerance index (TI; defined as the tolerance to the heavy metals as calculated by the ratio of the biomass of SIWW trees relative to SITW trees) values exceeding 100% for all one-year-old poplar and willow trees demonstrated that they can be considered for planting in soil affected by urban wastewaters with similar contaminant profiles as in the current study. Since the species would differ in their growth, biomass, and phytoremediation responses to the nutrient and heavy metal concentrations of the wastewater over time, this research is important for the development of silvicultural prescriptions of these fast-growing trees that support effective wastewater reuse strategies throughout heterogeneous landscapes and across variable human community resources and needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence points out that increasing plant productivity associated with greater erect shrub abundance alters soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in the Arctic. However, the underlying plant economic traits remain poorly examined, which limits our understanding of plant–environment interactions driving tundra carbon cycling. We explored how erect shrub abundance leads to SOC variation in a High Arctic tundra (Bylot Island, Nunavut, Canada), where the only erect shrub, Salix richardsonii, has settled along currently active and abandoned channel zones of alluvial fans. The effects of vegetation and local environmental changes on SOC were evaluated through a paired sampling of soil materials and plant aboveground functional traits associated with plant carbon supply and nutrient demand processes. The occurrence of S. richardsonii, characterized by a tenfold increase in aboveground biomass, induced a 28% increase in SOC compared to adjacent plots dominated by prostrate shrubs and graminoids. Yet, this vegetation effect was solely observed along active channels, where higher SOC was associated with greater leaf and stem biomass. A path analysis showed that shrub leaf area index and total leaf nutrient content best represented plant carbon supply and nutrient demand dynamics, respectively, and jointly regulated SOC variation. This study underscores that vegetation structural changes associated with increasing erect shrub abundance in the Arctic can promote soil organic carbon storage, but that this pattern may be mediated by strong plant–environment interactions. Accounting for changes in functional traits driving plant carbon supply and nitrogen demand proves important for a better mechanistic understanding of how shrubification impacts tundra carbon cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diverse specialised metabolites contributed to the success of vascular plants in colonising most terrestrial habitats. Understanding how distinct aspects of chemical diversity arise through heterogeneous environmental pressures can help us understand the effects of abiotic and biotic stress on plant evolution and community assembly. We examined highland and lowland willow species within a phylogenetic framework to test for trends in their chemical α‐diversity (richness) and β‐diversity (variation among species sympatric in elevation). We show that differences in chemistry among willows growing at different elevations occur mainly through shifts in chemical β‐diversity and due to convergence or divergence among species sharing their elevation level. We also detect contrasting phylogenetic trends in concentration and α‐diversity of metabolites in highland and lowland willow species. The resulting elevational patterns contribute to the chemical diversity of willows and suggest that variable selective pressure across ecological gradients may, more generally, underpin complex changes in plant chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a subarctic forest at Kvaløya, northern Norway, willow grouse Lagopus lagopus fed at snow level by clipping bits of twigs from mountain birch Betula pubescens during winter. Birch has two types of twigs ending in a terminal bud: long twigs with a smooth bark, and short twigs with rings of thicker bark. The grouse selected ringed twigs above smooth twigs despite a surplus of smooth twigs in the forest. Ringed twigs had more bark cm−1 of twig length and a higher relative bark/wood ratio than smooth twigs. Smooth twigs had growth nodes that increased in diameter inwards from the tip. Because of the non‐linear relation between the area and the circumference of a circle, the bark/wood ratio decreased for each node. Although being able to clip much thicker twigs, 90% of smooth twigs clipped by grouse were ≤ 2 mm in diameter. It is concluded that willow grouse fed optimally on birch in winter by selecting twigs to minimize fibrous wood intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plantation forests are one of the main productive activities in the Lower Delta of the Paraná River. The plantation area corresponds to a wetland in which hydrological processes are a fundamental part of the landscape dynamics. However, forestation is also known for generating different environmental impacts, which must be understood in order to effectively manage it. In a context of studies at the regional scale, it is useful to identify the relationships between functional attributes of plantation forests and those derived from satellite images. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the use of remote sensing for the recognition of phenological patterns of Pinus spp., Salix spp. and Populus spp. forestation of the Paraná River Delta. We use medium spatial resolution satellite images for the period of 2008 to 2018. Normalized differential vegetation index (NDVI) patterns were analyzed through the use of geographic information systems and Google Earth Engine algorithms. NDVI records, by genus and by date, were used to generate seasonal, annual and monthly time series. The plantations showed a markedly seasonal response, with lower values in winter and higher values in spring/summer. Pinus spp. showed mean annual NDVI values higher than Populus spp. and Salix spp., according to its perennial (Pinus spp.) and semi-deciduous (Salicaceae) characteristics. New information and methodologies regarding the spectral responses of forestation in the region was obtained from large volumes of data available in the Cloud, which made it possible to understand in detail the phenological patterns of different types of forestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we analyzed seven wooden bows and 13 arrows excavated from the cemeteries of Subeixi Culture (13th century BCE–AD second century) in the Turpan Basin, northwest China. A total of six taxa, viz. Morus sp., Salix sp., Picea sp., Lonicera sp., Betula sp., and Tamarix sp. were identified. Some of these taxa have been generally accepted to be suitable for bow‐and‐arrow production. All these taxa were local in origin but distributed in different ecotonal zones, including oases, saline‐alkali lands, and mountain areas. Previous archaeological studies have confirmed that the Subeixi populations lived an agro‐pastoral life. By analyzing the possible provenance of these wood samples, it can be hypothesized that these ancient agro‐pastoralists moved between the Turpan Basin and the Tianshan Mountains on a seasonal basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dye injection method has been applied to many species to analyze the xylem water transport pathway in trees. However, traditional dye injection methods introduced dye tracers from the surface of cut stems, including several annual rings. Furthermore, the traditional dye injection method did not evaluate radial water movement from the outermost annual rings to the inner annual rings. In this study, we assessed the difference in radial water movement visualized by an injected dye, between stem base cut and current-year root cut samples of Salix gracilistyla Miq. , with current-year roots grown hydroponically. The results showed that the number of stained annual rings in the root cut samples was smaller than that in the stem cut samples, and the percentage of stained vessels in the root cut samples was significantly smaller than that in the stem base cut samples in the second and third annual rings. In the current-year root cut samples, water transport mainly occurred in the outermost rings from the current-year roots to leaves. In addition, the theoretical hydraulic conductivity of stained vessels in the stem cut samples was higher in the current-year root cut samples in the second and third annual rings. These findings indicate that the previously reported dye injection method using stem cut samples overestimated the water transport pathway in the inner part of the stems. Moreover, previous hydraulic conductivity measurement methods might not have considered the effects of radial resistance through the annual ring boundary, and they might have overestimated the hydraulic conductivity in the inner annual rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Willow bark (Salix spp., Salicaceae) is a traditional analgesic and antirheumatic herbal medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the phytochemical and antioxidant profiles of leaf and bark extracts of six species of the genus Salix obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and to examine the inhibitory potential of target bioactive compounds against two inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), through in silico molecular docking. The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the extracts was estimated using spectrophotometric methods and the antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and hydroxyl radical (•OH) scavenging assays. Chemical profiling of extracts was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to differentiate the sample extracts based on their phytochemical profiles and amounts of target bioactive compounds. Chemical composition varied among the analyzed willow species and also among the plant organs of the same species. The major bioactive compounds of the extracts were salicin, chlorogenic acid, rutin and epicatechin. The extracts exhibited significant DPPH● and ●OH scavenging activities. Results of molecular docking revealed that chlorogenic acid had the highest binding affinity toward TNF-α and IL-6. UAE extracts represent valuable sources of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NAC (NAM-ATAF1/2-CUC) transcription factor family is one of the largest plant-specific transcription factor families, playing an important role in plant growth and development and abiotic stress response. As a short-rotation woody plant, Salix integra (S. integra) has high lead (Pb) phytoremediation potential. To understand the role of NAC in S. integra Pb tolerance, 53 SiNAC transcripts were identified using third-generation and next-generation transcriptomic data from S. integra exposed to Pb stress, and a phylogenetic analysis revealed 11 subfamilies. A sequence alignment showed that multiple subfamilies represented by TIP and ATAF had a gene that produced more than one transcript under Pb stress, and different transcripts had different responses to Pb. By analyzing the expression profiles of SiNACs at 9 Pb stress time points, 41 of 53 SiNACs were found to be significantly responsive to Pb. Short time-series expression miner (STEM) analysis revealed that 41 SiNACs had two significant Pb positive response patterns (early and late), both containing 10 SiNACs. The SiNACs with the most significant Pb response were mainly from the ATAF and NAP subfamilies. Therefore, 4 and 3 SiNACs from the ATAF and NAP subfamilies, respectively, were selected as candidate Pb-responsive SiNACs for further structural and functional analysis. The RT-qPCR results of 7 transcripts also confirmed the different Pb response patterns of the ATAF and NAP subfamilies. SiNAC004 and SiNAC120, which were randomly selected from two subfamilies, were confirmed to be nuclear localization proteins by subcellular localization experiments. Functional prediction analysis of the associated transcripts of seven candidate SiNACs showed that the target pathways of ATAF subfamily SiNACs were "sulfur metabolism" and "glutathione metabolism", and the target pathways of NAP subfamily SiNACs were "ribosome" and "phenylpropanoid biosynthesis". This study not only identified two NAC subfamilies with different Pb response patterns but also identified Pb-responsive SiNACs that could provide a basis for subsequent gene function verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to assess and quantify the impact of salt stress on key morpho-physiological traits that influence biomass production in Salix clones. In February 2021, a pot experiment was conducted using stem cuttings of five selected Salix clones. The experiment followed a Factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The clones were subjected to different levels of NaCl treatments (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mM) during the active growth period. The observations on growth and physiological characteristics of clones were recorded at an interval of two months after initiation of salinity treatments i.e. , May, July and October. However, the biomass parameters were recorded at the end of experiment. All the growth and biomass traits showed significant reduction with increase in salinity treatments. Among physiological traits significant reduction were observed in total chlorophyll, carotenoids and relative water content, while salinity stress raised the content of proline, total soluble sugar, total soluble protein and Na+/K+ ratio in all the clones. The enzymatic activities of POD and SOD increased in all the clones when subjected to higher levels of salinity stress. On the basis of overall mean performance, clone UHF-03 showed optimum growth and biomass accumulation at 80 mM and was found to be the most tolerant to salinity stress. SEM and EDS mapping confirmed anatomical changes and Na accumulations in the roots and leaves of Salix in response to salinity stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reach-scale experiments simulating the physical characteristics of natural woody plants are required for the improved modeling of flow resistance in channels with instream and floodplain vegetation. The first aim of this study was to investigate the flow resistance caused by patches of foliated woody vegetation at low volumetric blockage factors (4% to 10%) under emergent conditions, as most studies on the effect of patchiness are limited to submerged aquatic plants. Experiments with nature-like willow patches were performed in a reach-scale outdoor flume, where the density and layout of the patches were altered. The bulk friction factors were based on the friction slopes, calculated using the water surface slopes and velocity heads measured by a set of high-accuracy pressure sensors under several flow conditions. Compared to unvegetated conditions, the patches increased the bulk friction factor by 1.7–5.5 times, depending on the patch density and blockage factor. The second aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of four momentum-based models in estimating the bulk friction factors in flows with such flexible patches. For this process, a methodological approach suited for patchy woody vegetation at reach scale was developed to determine the input parameters required in each model. Estimation results using the newly modified and parameterized formulas compared favorably to the experimental data, demonstrating more reliable performance for models explicitly addressing the reconfiguration of vegetation. Overall, this study provides a practical methodology for estimating flow resistance caused by complex distributions of woody riverine vegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The Salicaceae, including Populus and Salix, are dioecious perennials that utilize different sex determination systems. This family provides a useful system to better understand the evolution of dioecy and sex chromosomes.Here, a rare monoecious genotype of Salix purpurea, 94003, was self‐ and cross‐pollinated and progeny sex ratios were used to test hypotheses on possible mechanisms of sex determination. To delimit genomic regions associated with monoecious expression, the 94003 genome sequence was assembled and DNA‐ and RNA‐Seq of progeny inflorescences was performed.Based on alignments of progeny shotgun DNA sequences to the haplotype‐resolved monoecious 94003 genome assembly and reference male and female genomes, a 1.15 Mb sex‐linked region on Chr15W was confirmed to be absent in monecious plants. Inheritance of this structural variation is responsible for the loss of a male‐suppressing function in what would otherwise be genetic females (ZW), resulting in monoecy (ZWH or WWH), or lethality, if homozygous (WHWH).We present a refined, two‐gene sex determination model for Salix purpurea, mediated by ARR17 and GATA15 that is different from the single‐gene ARR17‐mediated system in the related genus Populus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals adjust their use of alarm calls depending on social environments. We tested whether dominant (adult) and subordinate (juvenile non-kin) male crested tits (Lophophanes cristatus) warn each other and heterospecific willow tits (Poecile montanus) across the wintering season. Birds rarely alarm called when feeding alone. Both adult and juvenile crested tits warned each other in early winter, and adults did so in the middle of wintering season. However, juvenile males rarely warned conspecific adult males in the middle of the winter. Both adult and juvenile males stopped giving alarm calls when feeding together at the end of wintering season. The results suggest that the mid-winter reduction of juvenile alarms could increase the likelihood of successful predator attacks on adults, increasing the chances for juveniles to replace adults and acquire their territories. By contrast, both adult and juvenile males produced alarm calls throughout the season when foraging together with willow tits. Whether juvenile male crested tits could be selectively altering alarm call propensity to endanger adult males, thereby selfishly enhancing their own succession to territory ownership, is discussed. The results add to the understanding of the origin of mixed-species groups and explain the dynamics of social communication. This article is part of the theme issue 'Mixed-species groups and aggregations: shaping ecological and behavioural patterns and processes'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shrub willow (Salix spp.) is a potential source of biomass feedstock for bioenergy, biofuels, and other bioproducts, but, to be considered sustainable, production systems must not result in long-term degradation of soil resources. Shrub willows are expected to reduce soil loss and improve soil health over time, but data are lacking to model soil erosion from shrub willow cropping systems. Our objectives were to characterize shrub willow across a chronosequence of age classes and to use these data to parameterize the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) and model estimated soil loss from a range of soil types, slopes, management practices, and willow cultivars. Predicted average annual soil loss from shrub willow over seven 3-year rotations ranged from 1.68 to 1.97 Mg ha−1 yr−1, below the estimated soil loss tolerance value (T = 6.7 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Steeper slopes and silty soils were more susceptible to soil loss, but soil loss estimates across the production cycle were consistently below T. However, in all cases, the first year of production resulted in predicted soil loss above T (11–17 Mg ha−1 yr−1 under typical growing conditions). Soil disturbance during site preparation and planting and the lack of cover until canopy closure in the second year of production leave the soil susceptible to erosion in the first growing season. Cover crops, if they do not interfere with the growth of the willow crop, may reduce risk to the soil and provide additional benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extreme water-level fluctuations in river reservoirs have led to ecological problems. Among those problems, the degradation of riparian vegetation has drawn much attention. Planting suitable plants to rehabilitate riparian areas in the water-level-fluctuation zone (WLFZ) of the reservoir has therefore became a focus. Methods: We planted two-year-old S. matsudana cuttings in the WLFZ of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). After three years of periodic submergence of the TGR, we investigated the plant growth and non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs), N, and P concentrations of roots, branches, and leaves of Salix matsudana subjected to low-intensity (120 days per year) and high-intensity submergence (180 days per year) in the WLFZ of the TGR. Results: The growth of S. matsudana was inhibited, and the NSCs storage and N and P investment efficiency were reduced after three years of high-intensity submergence. However, we did not find similar negative responses from the S. matsudana exposed to low-intensity submergence. Conclusions: Our findings can provide practical guidelines for the rehabilitation of the WLFZ along the TGR or the shorelines of other reservoirs in the study area. We suggest planting S. matsudana in habitats where the maximum submergence duration is no more than 120 days. Moreover, it is not recommended to introduce S. matsudana to a location that suffers from high-intensity submergence, such as 180 days' submergence in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brensocatib is an oral, selective, reversible inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-1 (DPP-1), responsible for activating neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) including neutrophil elastase (NE), proteinase 3 (PR3), and cathepsin G (CatG). In chronic inflammatory lung diseases such as non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFBE), neutrophils accumulate in the airways resulting in excess active NSPs that cause damaging inflammation and lung destruction. Methods: The 24-week WILLOW trial (NCT03218917) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in patients with NCFBE conducted at 116 sites across 14 countries. In this trial, treatment with brensocatib was associated with improvements in clinical outcomes including time to first exacerbation, reduction in exacerbation frequency and a reduction in NE activity in sputum. An exploratory analysis of NE activity in white blood cell (WBC) extracts and NE, PR3 and CatG activity in sputum was conducted to further characterize brensocatib's effect and identify potential correlated effects. Results: NE, PR3 and CatG activities were reduced in sputum and NE activity was reduced in WBC extracts in a dose-dependent manner after four weeks of brensocatib treatment, with a return to baseline four weeks after the end of treatment. Brensocatib produced the greatest reduction in the sputum activity of CatG, followed by NE and then PR3. Positive correlations among the sputum NSPs were observed both at baseline and in response to treatment, with the strongest correlation among the sputum NSPs for NE and CatG. Conclusions: These results suggest a broad anti-inflammatory effect of brensocatib underlying its clinical efficacy observed in NCFBE patients. Trial registration: The study was approved by the corresponding ethical review boards of all participating centers. The trial was approved by the Food and Drug Administration and registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03218917) on July 17, 2017 and approved by the European Medicines Agency and registered at the European Union Clinical trials Register (EudraCT No. 2017-002533-32). An independent, external data and safety monitoring committee (comprising physicians with pulmonary expertise, a statistician experienced in the evaluation of clinical safety, and experts in periodontal disease and dermatology) reviewed all adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in botanical diet compositions among a large number of moose faecal samples collected during winter correlated with the nutritional differences identified in the same samples (Mantel‐r = 0.89, p = 0.001), but the nutritional differences were significantly smaller (p < 0.001).Nutritional geometry revealed that moose mixed Scots pine Pinus sylvestris and Vaccinium spp. as nutritionally complementary foods to reach a nutritional target resembling Salix spp. twigs, and selected for Salix spp. browse (Jacob's D > 0).Available protein (AP) and total non‐structural carbohydrates (TNC) were significantly correlated in observed diets but not in hypothetical diets based on food availability.The level of Acetoacetate in moose serum (i.e. 'starvation') was weakly negatively associated with digestibility of diets (p = 0.08) and unrelated to increasing AP:TNC and AP:NDF ratios in diets (p > 0.1).Our study is the first to demonstrate complementary feeding in free‐ranging moose to attain a nutritional target that has previously been suggested in a feeding trial with captive moose. Our results add support to the hypothesis of nutritional balancing as a driver in the nutritional strategy of moose with implications for both the management of moose and food resources. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the effects of harvest on wildlife populations is fundamental to theoretical wildlife science and applied wildlife management. Demographic compensation plays a key role in models of wildlife population dynamics and in developing harvest strategies. The degree and form of compensation in a given population depend on its particular ecological and life‐history characteristics and the timing and magnitude of harvest. Consequently, substantial variation exists in compensatory potential among populations, and it cannot be assumed that a particular population is capable of compensating for harvest. This underscores the importance of population‐specific assessments of responses to harvest. We examined the hypothesis that concentrated hunting pressure in road‐accessible areas reduces subsequent breeding season densities of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus), in Alaska, USA, 2014–2015. We estimated breeding season densities of ptarmigan territories at sites within hunted access corridors and at remote sites with little or no hunting pressure. Estimated densities were substantially higher at remote sites (5.3–5.8 territories/km2) than at accessible sites (1.8–3.7 territories/km2). Two habitat‐proxy covariates, distance to water and elevation (modeled as smoothed effects), exhibited strong associations with the density of ptarmigan territories. These results suggest a possible additive effect of spatially concentrated harvest on local breeding densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]