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Tailings dust can negatively affect the surrounding environment and communities because the tailings are vulnerable to wind erosion. In this study, the effects of halides (sodium chloride [NaCl], calcium chloride [CaCl2], and magnesium chloride hexahydrate [MgCl2·6H2O]), and polymer materials (polyacrylamide [PAM], polyvinyl alcohol [PVA], and calcium lignosulfonate [LS]) were investigated for the stabilization of tailings for dust control. Erect milkvetch (Astragalus adsurgens), ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) were planted in the tailings and sprayed with chemical dust suppressants. The growth status of the plants and their effects on the mechanical properties of tailings were also studied. The results show that the weight loss of tailings was stabilized by halides and polymers, and decreased with increasing concentration and spraying amount of the solutions. The penetration resistance of tailings stabilized by halides and polymers increased with increasing concentration and spraying amount of the solutions. Among the halides and polymers tested, the use of CaCl2 and PAM resulted in the best control of tailings dust, respectively. CaCl2 solution reduces the adaptability of plants and therefore makes it difficult for grass seeds to germinate normally. PAM solutions are beneficial for the development of herbaceous plants. Among the three herbaceous species, ryegrass exhibited the best degree of development and was more suitable for growth in the tailings. The ryegrass plants planted in the tailings sprayed with PAM grew the best, and the root-soil complex that formed increased the shear strength of the tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because reactive oxygen species are involved in the regulation of biological rhythms, we hypothesized that intra-annual variability of seed progeny quality at low doses of ionizing radiation (LDIRs) would differ from that of background plants. We conducted 12 consecutive experiments using the roll culture method by germinating seeds (monthly for 3 weeks) of six herbaceous plant species (Bromus inermis, Geum aleppicum, Plantago major, Rumex confertus, Silene latifolia, and Taraxacum officinale) growing under conditions of chronic radiation in the East Ural Radioactive Trace (EURT). We assessed physiological (seed viability and abnormality frequency) and biochemical (low-molecular-weight antioxidants, LMWAs) parameters of seedlings. Total absorbed dose rates of maternal plants (TADRplants) and seed embryos (TADRseeds) in the EURT exceeded background levels by 1–3 and 1–2 orders of magnitude, respectively. Nonlinear dependencies on TADR were mainly characteristic of physiological and biochemical parameters. For most populations of the studied species (B. inermis, G. aleppicum, R. confertus, and S. latifolia), seedling survival and root length decreased in the autumn–winter period, while the frequency of abnormal seedlings increased. The content of LMWAs could be ranked as R. confertus > B. inermis > G. aleppicum > S. latifolia, in good agreement with the presence of anthocyanin pigmentation in the plants. The lowest synthesis of antioxidants in seedlings was observed in winter. A high LMWA content promoted growth and reduced the frequency of abnormal seedlings. These results underscore a multistage nature of the impact of LDIRs on intra-annual biological rhythms in plants. High heterogeneity in reference group 'wild grasses' and diversity of their radiobiological effects should help to develop methods of radiation protection for natural ecosystems and facilitate approaches used by the International Commission on Radiological Protection. Absorbed dose rates for six plant species in the East Ural Radioactive Trace (EURT) area range from 0.11 to 73.89 µGy h−s (plants) and 0.11 to 6.88 µGy h−s (seed embryos). Intra-annual rhythms of physiological and biochemical parameters in the EURT zone differ from those in background seedlings. Plants in the EURT area exhibit a wide range of trait variability, asynchrony of the manifestation of the effects, nonlinear dose–response relations, and hormesis. A high content of low-molecular-weight antioxidants (LMWAs) is associated with low frequency of developmental abnormalities and high viability of seed progeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Ectomycorrhizal (ECM and ECM-like) structures associated with plant root systems are a challenge for scientists. The dispersion pattern of roots within the soil profile and the nutritional conditions are both favourable factors to motivate the plants to make ECM associations. Results This study discusses the colonization of mycorrhizal associations in Kobresia and Polygonum species including Polygonum viviparum, Kobresia filicina, K. myosuroides, Alnus nitida, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, and Trifolium repens grown naturally in cold stressed soils of Gilgit-Baltistan (high-altitude alpine Deosai plains), Hazara, Swat, Dir, and Bajaur. Sieved soil batches were exposed to +5 °C (control), -10, -20, -30, -40, -50, -125 °C for 5 h, and selected plants were sown to these soils for 10 weeks under favourable conditions for ECM colonization. Ectomycorrhizal associations were examined in the above mentioned plants. Some ECM fungi have dark mycelia that look like the mantle and Hartig net. Examples of these are Kobresia filicina, K. myosuroides, and Polygonum viviparum. Findings of this study revealed that K. myosuroides excelled in ECM root tip length, dry mass, and NH4 concentration at -125 °C. Contrarily, A. nitida demonstrated the lower values, indicated its minimum tolerance. Notably, T. repens boasted the highest nitrogen concentration (18.7 ± 1.31 mg/g), while P. sylvestris led in phosphorus (3.2 ± 0.22 mg/g). The B. pendula showed the highest potassium concentration (9.4 ± 0.66 mg/g), emphasising species-specific nutrient uptake capabilities in extreme cold conditions. The PCA analysis revealed that the parameters, e.g., NH4 in soil mix (NH4), NO3 in soil mix (NO3), phosphorus in soil in species of Polygonum viviparum, Kobresia filicina, K. myosuroides, Alnus nitida, Betula pendula, Pinus sylvestris, and Trifolium repens are most accurately represented in cases of + 5 °C, -10 °C, and -20 °C temperatures. On the other hand, the parameters for ECM root tips (ECM) and Dry Mass (DM) are best described in -40 °C, -50 °C, and − 125 °C temperatures. All parameters have a strong influence on the variability of the system indicated the efficiency of ECM. The heatmap supported the nutrients positively correlated with ECM colonization with the host plants. Conclusion At lower temperatures, hyphae and spores in roots were reduced, while soluble phosphorus concentrations of leaves were increased in cold stress soils. Maximum foliar nutrient concentrations were found in K. myosuroides at the lowest temperature treatments due to efficient functioning and colonization of ECM.

Amidst rapid urbanization and escalating environmental degradation in China's urban areas due to climate change, traditional drainage systems struggle to cope with rainfall, resulting in frequent flood disasters. In response, rain gardens have emerged as ecologically practical stormwater management solutions that integrate urban flood control with landscape design. Leveraging the dual benefits of rainwater purification and aesthetic enhancement provided by vegetation, herbaceous plant-based rain gardens have assumed a pivotal role in green infrastructure. However, dedicated research on the application of herbaceous plants in rain garden design is limited, especially within China's water-stressed context. This study employs a literature review and case analysis to explore this critical issue. Initially, it delineates the concept of the sponge city introduced by the Chinese government. Subsequently, it reviews concepts and methods of plant biodiversity design in urban settings and rain gardens and elucidates the structure and function of rain gardens. Four Chinese rain gardens in different urban environments (old industrial areas, university campuses, urban villages, and urban highway green belts) were selected to examine the selection and arrangement of herbaceous plants while identifying deficiencies in their designs. Finally, feasibility suggestions are provided for the design of herbaceous plant diversity in Chinese rain gardens. This study's findings can provide a reference for the planting design of herbaceous plants in rain gardens for other countries and regions with similar climates and environmental conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Projections of spatial biodiversity dynamics under climate warming are often based on models including only climate variables, and when non-climatic factors (e.g. soil) are included, data are often at much coarser spatial resolutions than those experienced by plants. Field studies along elevation gradients permit the gathering of detailed soil data, while still covering a wide climatic gradient. Here, an intensive field survey of four spring forest herbs along an elevation gradient showed that soil properties had substantial impacts on the occurrence/abundance of all species, and that soil effects were more pronounced at higher elevations. For Trillium erectum and Claytonia caroliniana, very infrequent occurrences at high elevation were strongly associated with rare microsites with high pH or nutrients. In a seven-year transplant experiment with T. erectum, we found that individuals grew to much smaller sizes at high than low elevation, suggesting that environmental factors rather than dispersal limitation constrain the species' upper range limit, despite substantial warming in recent decades. Our study demonstrates that soil factors interact strongly with climate to determine plant range limits along climatic gradients. Unsuitable soils for plants at high elevations or latitudes may represent an important constraint on future plant migration and biodiversity change. This article is part of the theme issue 'Ecological novelty and planetary stewardship: biodiversity dynamics in a transforming biosphere'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface vegetations are one of the key factors affecting the spread of green space fires. To explore the combustibility of commonly used local surface layer herbaceous species in Beijing, and to provide a reference for the construction and management of urban green space, we comprehensively evaluated the combustibility of Carex giral- diana, Carex breviculis, Liriope spicata, Iris lactea, Iris tectorum, and Buffaloe dactyloides, with the entropy weight method and K-mean cluster analysis based on the principal component analysis method. We measured the combustion characteristics indicators (blade ignition point, combustion time and heat release rate), physical and chemical indicators (leaf moisture content and crude fat content), and biological characteristics indicators ( blade thickness and unit load) during the key period of fire prevention. The results showed that blade thickness and ignition point got the highest weight and affected the overall combustibility most. Peak heat release rate and ignition time had the lowest weight and minimal impact on the overall combustibility. The combustibility of the six species followed an order of B. dactyloides > C. breviculmis > L. spicata > C. giraldiana > I. lactea > I. tectorum. Results of the cluste-ring analysis showed that the combustion ability of B. dactyloides, C. breviculmis, and L. spicata were in class I, with the strongest combustion ability; C. giraldiana was in class H ; I. lactea and I. tectorum were in class M, with the lowest flammability. As widely used surface vegetations, critical attention should be paid on B. dactyloides, C. breviculmis and L. spicata for fire prevention in winter and spring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climbing cucurbit Echinocystis lobata, native to North America and alien to many European countries, was assessed for its genetic diversity and differentiation across its introduced range of populations by applying markers of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Various tests, including an evaluation of the intrapopulation diversity, principal coordinate, and molecular variance analyses, showed that the Central and Eastern European populations differing in geography and arrival history are also distinct in the genetic parameters. Genetic diversity, defined as the percentage of polymorphic AFLP loci, ranged within 28–62% (on average 51%) at the regional scale (in Romanian, Baltic State, and Central Russian populations), and was very similar to this parameter at the local scale (on average 52% for Lithuanian populations). The differentiation was significant among the populations of the regions (Ф = 0.125, p = 0.001) and at the local scale (among the Lithuanian populations of the different river basins, Ф = 0.058, p = 0.010). The Bayesian results suggested the presence of three genetic clusters among the 29 sites, with populations from Romania, Latvia, Estonia, and the northern part of Lithuania comprising one prevailing cluster, populations from the Nemunas river basin of Lithuania comprising either the former mentioned cluster or the second cluster, and populations of Central Russia comprising the third genetic cluster. Overall, E. lobata in Europe has probably originated from multiple introductions. The intentional anthropogenic seed dispersal by marketing accompanied by hydrochory might have an impact on such a profile of genetic clusters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the contemporary understanding process of herbaceous plants and their contributions are elaborated. The systematic idea of "mountain, river, forest, field, lake, and grass are a community of life" has led the grass to enter a new era of development. Broadly speaking, vegetation includes grassland, forest, Crop, garden, etc., while herbaceous vegetation is the most widely distributed on earth. From the macro and micro perspectives of soil and water ecology, this paper discusses the position and role of herbaceous vegetation in the earth's soil and water ecosystem, especially the fundamental position in mountain, river, forest, field, lake, grass and sand. Starting from the concept of soil and water ecology, the integrated protection and systematic management of mountain, river, forest, field, lake, grassland, and sand is proposed. Essentially, it is the protection and management of soil and water ecology, which summarizes various ecological systems on earth. The successful application of herbaceous plants in ecological restoration projects of mine has further enriched and developed the theory of soil and water ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The drought and cold climate of the Loess Plateau, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and Inner Mongolia–Xinjiang Plateau has bred rich herbaceous plant germplasm resources, forming a herbaceous plant germplasm resource bank in arid and cold regions of Western China. Actively developing herbaceous plant germplasm resources in the arid and cold regions is conducive to improving the germplasm innovation and utilization level and better supporting the development of grass seed industry in Western China. This study analyzes the current situation regarding the collection, protection, research, and utilization of herbaceous plant germplasm resources in China and abroad, and identifies the major problems faced by the development of these resources in the arid and cold regions of Western China. Based on the advantages of the region, an innovative development mechanism for the herbaceous plant germplasm resources in the arid and cold regions of Western China is proposed. Specifically, the advantages of herbaceous plant germplasm resources should be transformed as disciplinary and industrial advantages the soonest possible, the innovation and utilization ofherbaceous plant germplasm resources should be promoted, the exploitation and utilization of herbaceous plant germplasm resources should be guided from decentralized development to systematic integration, and a mechanism for tracking and promoting herbaceous plant germplasm innovation should be established. Furthermore, the construction of a science and technology park for herbaceous plant germplasm innovation and utilization is proposed in order to build a seed industry capital and innovation highland of Western China.

Amidst rapid urbanization and escalating environmental degradation in China’s urban areas due to climate change, traditional drainage systems struggle to cope with rainfall, resulting in frequent flood disasters. In response, rain gardens have emerged as ecologically practical stormwater management solutions that integrate urban flood control with landscape design. Leveraging the dual benefits of rainwater purification and aesthetic enhancement provided by vegetation, herbaceous plant-based rain gardens have assumed a pivotal role in green infrastructure. However, dedicated research on the application of herbaceous plants in rain garden design is limited, especially within China’s water-stressed context. This study employs a literature review and case analysis to explore this critical issue. Initially, it delineates the concept of the sponge city introduced by the Chinese government. Subsequently, it reviews concepts and methods of plant biodiversity design in urban settings and rain gardens and elucidates the structure and function of rain gardens. Four Chinese rain gardens in different urban environments (old industrial areas, university campuses, urban villages, and urban highway green belts) were selected to examine the selection and arrangement of herbaceous plants while identifying deficiencies in their designs. Finally, feasibility suggestions are provided for the design of herbaceous plant diversity in Chinese rain gardens. This study’s findings can provide a reference for the planting design of herbaceous plants in rain gardens for other countries and regions with similar climates and environmental conditions.

In order to use plant biomass as biochar for storing carbon in soils, the relationship between the chemical composition of plants and biochar yield obtained by thermogravimetric (TG) analysis was studied. The extractive content of herbaceous plants such as dokudami (Houttuynia cordata), halcyon (Erigeron philadelphicus), and mugwort (Artemisia Spp.) was higher than that of Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), and the yields at 250 and 300 °C tended to decrease with increasing extractive content of plants. This indicated the possibility that thermal decomposition of herbaceous plants can be conducted at low temperatures (below 350 °C). In addition, the content of crystalline carbohydrates (remaining upon treatment with 5% sulfuric acid) of herbaceous plants was lower than that of Japanese cypress, and the yield at 400 °C tended to decrease with increasing crystalline carbohydrate content of plants. This indicated the possibility that herbaceous plants can be used to obtain biochar with higher yield at 400 °C than woody plants. Therefore, herbaceous plants are considered to be feasible resources as raw materials for biochar production for storing carbon in soils.

There are no models for estimating the above- and belowground biomass (AGB and BGB) of herbaceous and fern species in Southeast Asia, and therefore we developed a set of allometric equations for this purpose that were applicable to Malaysia. Grass species, herbs, and ferns of different sizes were harvested and excavated to measure the AGB and BGB. After being harvested and oven-dried, the biomass of plant parts was weighed to develop allometric equations between plant size parameters (height and diameter) and biomass. When comparing the allometric equations among the three plant groups (grass, herbs, and ferns), no differences were found between grass and fern groups in both AGB and BGB, whereas herbs versus grass and/or ferns significantly differed. This suggests that the accuracy of the estimation may improve if plant species were separated into these groups. The allometric equation, which pooled all groups, also showed significant relation with high correlation coefficient, and thus it was possible to make estimations with a certain degree of accuracy, even without grouping. The ratio of BGB to AGB (RSR) increased with plant size for herbs and ferns, whereas the RSR was constant with plant size for grasses. These relationships indicated that the RSR potentially used to estimate BGB from AGB with size parameter in each group, though there was larger variation compared with allometric equations. We concluded that developed allometric equations and the RSR can be used to estimate the AGB and/or BGB without the destructive sampling of grassland species in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The climbing cucurbit Echinocystis lobata, native to North America and alien to many European countries, was assessed for its genetic diversity and differentiation across its introduced range of populations by applying markers of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Various tests, including an evaluation of the intrapopulation diversity, principal coordinate, and molecular variance analyses, showed that the Central and Eastern European populations differing in geography and arrival history are also distinct in the genetic parameters. Genetic diversity, defined as the percentage of polymorphic AFLP loci, ranged within 28–62% (on average 51%) at the regional scale (in Romanian, Baltic State, and Central Russian populations), and was very similar to this parameter at the local scale (on average 52% for Lithuanian populations). The differentiation was significant among the populations of the regions (Ф = 0.125, p = 0.001) and at the local scale (among the Lithuanian populations of the different river basins, Ф = 0.058, p = 0.010). The Bayesian results suggested the presence of three genetic clusters among the 29 sites, with populations from Romania, Latvia, Estonia, and the northern part of Lithuania comprising one prevailing cluster, populations from the Nemunas river basin of Lithuania comprising either the former mentioned cluster or the second cluster, and populations of Central Russia comprising the third genetic cluster. Overall, E. lobata in Europe has probably originated from multiple introductions. The intentional anthropogenic seed dispersal by marketing accompanied by hydrochory might have an impact on such a profile of genetic clusters.

To study whether spraying chemical dust suppressants in the copper tailings pond will affect plants， three kinds of plants were selected and planted in copper tailings. Water or two chemical dust suppressant solutions were sprayed regularly. The germination rate of grass seeds， the growth status of plant and root， the shear strength of root-soil complex were used as evaluation indexes to study the effects of chemical dust suppressor on the adaptability of plants. The results showed that the adaptability of the three plants to copper tailings from high to low was Ryegrass， Astragalus adsurgens and Cynodon dactylon. The plants sprayed with calcium chloride solution did not germinate. Spraying polyacrylamide can improve the adaptability of plants， and its growth is even better than the plants sprayed with water. Ryegrass sprayed with polyacrylamide solution grew the best. Therefore， it can be determined that Ryegrass is suitable for regreening of copper tailings ponds. The polyacrylamide solution can be sprayed regularly in the tailings ponds， which can not only fix soil and suppress dust， but also improve the adaptability of plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

【Objective】To understand the current situation and distribution characteristics of the wild poisonous vascular plant resources in Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia in order to provide references for the prevention of livestock poisoning as well as the development and utilization of the wild poisonous vascular plant resources in Chifeng City.【Methods】 Field sampling, site visiting, and literature viewing were used to statistically analyze the number of species, water ecotype, life form, habitat type, toxic parts, toxicity, and toxic components of wild poisonous vascular plants in Chifeng City.【Results】In Chifeng City, there were 249 different species of wild poisonous vascular plants that belonged to 64 families and 150 genera, accounting for 95.52%, 80.21%, and 70.94% of all the families, genera, and species of poisonous vascular plants in Inner Mongolia. Mesophytes, which made up 200 species belonged to 60 families and 132 genera and accounted for 80.32% of all species, predominated the water ecotype. The majority of the life form consisted of herbaceous plants, which made up 211 species belonged to 47 families and 127 genera, accounted for 84.74% of all species. The habitat types were mainly grassland and meadow, with 130 and 116 species, respectively. In Chifeng City, with 176 species in total, vascular plants that were poisonous across the entire plant were most prevalent. There were 180 species of vascular plants that were moderately toxic, 66 species that were slightly toxic, 2 species that were highly toxic, and 1 species that were strong vascular toxic plant. The majority of toxic vascular plants containing glycosides and alkaloids as toxic components, with 86 species and 72 species, respectively.【Conclusion】The wild poisonous vascular plant resources were abundant in Chifeng City. Most of the toxic components were glycosides and alkaloids. Stellera chamaejasme was most widely distributed. The comprehensive research and utilization of poisonous vascular plants should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin of Botanical Research is the property of Bulletin of Botanical Research Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to understand the root morphology distribution and mechanical properties of typical herbaceous plants, and to evaluate the ability of soil reinforcement by the plant roots, root morphology investigation, single root tensile test in laboratory and root cohesion evaluation by the Wu-Waldron model were carried out on two local representative herbaceous plants, Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad and Artemisia sacrorum Ledeb. in the Loess Plateau of China. The results showed that the root morphological indexes (root number, single root diameter, root cross-sectional area, root surface area, root volume and root area ratio) of the two herbaceous plants decreased with the increase in soil depth, and the ratio of root to shallow soil layer was the highest in the 0–10 cm soil layer. The efficiency of root reinforcement could be higher in the shallow soil layer less than 10 cm. A positive correlation was observed between the root tensile force and root diameter in power function or exponential function, and a negative correlation was observed between the root tensile strength and root diameter in power function. The root cohesion of Kochia scoparia (2.73 kPa, or 0.92 kPa–1.37 kPa) was greater than that of Artemisia sacrorum (1.60 kPa, or 0.54 kPa–0.8 kPa), which could be used as the preferred herbaceous plant species for soil erosion control. The results could provide a scientific basis for selecting dominant species in the fields of ecological slope protection and soil and water conservation plant engineering in the loess area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic production of bio-oil can potentially solve the impending fossil fuel depletion crisis. Two practical problems related to bio-oil are the yield and quality, which are determined by the catalyst. Until recently, little work has focused on the relationship between biomass, catalyst, yield, and quality. To cover this deficiency, this work reviews the influence of metal oxides and zeolites on the yields and qualities of bio-oil derived from woody, herbaceous, agricultural, and algae biomasses. Generally, both catalysts decreased the yield and increased the quality at the same time, and more acidic catalysts decreased the yield further. Thus, zeolites usually decreased the yield more than metal oxides. Although the quality was increased, the oxygen content and calorific value were both increased, which favored further applications. Wood biomass had a lower ash content and nitrogen content than herbaceous, agricultural, and algae biomasses, simultaneously resulting in better yield and quality. This review helps understand the current status of bio-oil investigations and can help find new research directions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The total root morphological traits decreased markedly from 20° to 30° slope. • The reduction rates of soil detachment capacity did not differ with slope gradient. • The rill erodibility and critical shear stress peaked at 30° slope. • Soil detachment capacity declined exponentially with the increase of root morphology. Plant roots interact closely with soils and significantly affect soil erosion, which can be reflected in various root traits. Slope gradient is a topographic factor that considerably affects the interactions between root traits and soil erosion. However, little is known about the relationships between root traits and soil erosion, which are affected by slope gradient. This study investigated the responses of root traits and soil detachment to variable slope gradients in a representative purple-soil sloping grassland. Topsoil samples with vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) roots (VT) and without roots (CK) were collected at three gradients (20°, 30°, and 40°) to determine the soil detachment capacity, the rill erodibility and critical shear stress. The root mass and morphology of the VT were also measured. The results showed that root mass density and root morphological traits related to the total roots (irrespective of root diameter) and roots with diameter ≤ 1.0 mm decreased markedly from 20° to 30°. The proportions of root morphology with diameter > 1.0 mm increased as slope gradients increased, suggesting that steep slopes could promote coarse roots. The soil detachment capacity was 34.1–49.6 % lower in VT than in CK under studied slope gradients, whereas these reductions did not differ with slope gradients. Lower rill erodibility and higher critical shear stress were found in VT under each slope than in CK, highlighting the role of roots in enhancing soil erosion resistance. Our results contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which roots on control soil water erosion in complicated, changing environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf traits are important indicators of plants' adaptive strategy to environmental changes. It is an established fact that leaf traits are jointly regulated by climatic and edaphic factors besides genetic factors. However, the relative importance of these abiotic forces in determining the general patterns of herbaceous plant leaf traits across different climatic regions in China is far from clear. We collected 1,653 observations of 542 species of herbaceous plant leaf traits including leaf mass per area, leaf nitrogen, and leaf phosphorus from 316 sampling sites across four climatic regions. We found that the leaf mass per area in the arid region was apparently larger than the others, whereas the smallest mass-based leaf nitrogen and mass-based leaf phosphorus were found in the humid region. Increased growing season temperature and evapotranspiration consistently promoted a conservative growth strategy indicated by higher relative benefit of leaf mass per area, especially in the arid region. Solar radiation in growing season promoted an acquisitive growth strategy indicated by higher relative benefits of mass-based leaf nitrogen and phosphorus in the humid region, but opposite patterns were found in the arid region and semi-humid region. Of all the soil nutrients including soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available nitrogen, soil available nitrogen was the strongest predictor of relative benefits of leaf traits associated with a nutrient acquisitive strategy, except in the nutrient-rich semi-humid region. There was a relatively larger number of abiotic factors contributing to relative benefits of leaf traits in the arid and humid regions. We concluded that plant functionality could respond divergently to the same factor facing different habitat conditions. Moreover, the relative benefits of leaf traits tended to be more vulnerable to abiotic filtering in more stressful conditions. Our findings have important implications for understanding the context-dependency of plant functionality to environmental filtering and further improving the predictability of plant dynamics under global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agro-Environment Science is the property of Journal of Agro-Environment Science Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Leaf traits are important indicators of plants’ adaptive strategy to environmental changes. It is an established fact that leaf traits are jointly regulated by climatic and edaphic factors besides genetic factors. However, the relative importance of these abiotic forces in determining the general patterns of herbaceous plant leaf traits across different climatic regions in China is far from clear. We collected 1,653 observations of 542 species of herbaceous plant leaf traits including leaf mass per area, leaf nitrogen, and leaf phosphorus from 316 sampling sites across four climatic regions. We found that the leaf mass per area in the arid region was apparently larger than the others, whereas the smallest mass-based leaf nitrogen and mass-based leaf phosphorus were found in the humid region. Increased growing season temperature and evapotranspiration consistently promoted a conservative growth strategy indicated by higher relative benefit of leaf mass per area, especially in the arid region. Solar radiation in growing season promoted an acquisitive growth strategy indicated by higher relative benefits of mass-based leaf nitrogen and phosphorus in the humid region, but opposite patterns were found in the arid region and semi-humid region. Of all the soil nutrients including soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and available nitrogen, soil available nitrogen was the strongest predictor of relative benefits of leaf traits associated with a nutrient acquisitive strategy, except in the nutrient-rich semi-humid region. There was a relatively larger number of abiotic factors contributing to relative benefits of leaf traits in the arid and humid regions. We concluded that plant functionality could respond divergently to the same factor facing different habitat conditions. Moreover, the relative benefits of leaf traits tended to be more vulnerable to abiotic filtering in more stressful conditions. Our findings have important implications for understanding the context-dependency of plant functionality to environmental filtering and further improving the predictability of plant dynamics under global change.

ABSTRACT: A 1-year monitoring program was performed to examine the seasonal variation in shoot-borne heavy metal(loid)s in a dominant herbaceous plant species (creeping bentgrass) growing in contaminated soils developed from industrial wastes of Industrial Revolution age in Greater Manchester, UK. Heavy metal(loid)s in soil and plant tissues were quantified by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The results show that different heavy metal(loid)s in the shoot tissue had different seasonal variation patterns. Seasonal shoot cutting-regrowth did not markedly affect the accumulation of various heavy metal(loid)s in the shoots. The concentration of shoot-borne heavy metal(loid)s was below the maximum tolerable level set for cattle except for Cd during spring-summer. The seasonal variation pattern for removal rate of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn was strongly controlled by seasonal variation in biomass yield. The heavy metal(loid) removal from the soils via seasonal shoot harvest was 0.11, 0.56, 0.57, 3.56, 60.4, 0.34, 0.27 and 12.3 mg/m2 for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively. It is estimated that during the 1-year monitoring period, only 0.0002, 0.4014, 0.0142, 0.0423, 0.1627, 0.0154, 0.0008 and 0.1840% of the total metal(loid)s were removed from the soil by the plant shoots for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively. Phytoextraction literally had negligible effects on removing the investigated heavy metal(loid)s from the contaminated soils except for Cd, Mn and Zn. The average bioaccumulation factor for the investigated heavy metal(loid)s was in the following decreasing order: Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Cd > Pb > As. The translocation factor for Cd was over 10 under either non-regrowth or cutting-regrowth conditions although the bioaccumulation factor was smaller than 0.5. The research findings obtained from this study have implications for risk assessment and management of the industrial waste-turned contaminated soils.

Celosia spp. is a widely cultivated ornamental plant in gardens or parks in Taiwan. In September 2021, withering leaves and grayish-brown lesions were observed on the lower stem of plumed cockscombs ( C. argentea var. plumosa ) in Taichung City, with an incidence of about 22% in 136 plants after continuous precipitation, impacting the aesthetic value of the landscape. Symptomatic plants were collected, surface disinfected with 70% EtOH for ~20 sec., blotted dried, and excised diseased tissues (~ 3×3 mm 2 ) were placed on 2% water agar. Four representative isolates were obtained after purification and the colonies were white with aerial and non-septated hyphae on V8 agar for 7 days. Sporangia were ovoid, ellipsoid or obpyriform, papillate, (26.3-55.9) 38.0 × 29.0 (20.1-40.6) µm (n = 200) (Ahonsi et al. 2007). Chlamydospores were spherical, terminal or intercalary, 26.0 (15.1-40.4) µm (n = 200). All isolates belong to A2 mating type with amphigynous antheridia and plerotic oospores, 21.0 (17.7-25.7) µm (n = 200), resembling the descriptions of Phytophthora (Erwin & Ribeiro 1996). For molecular identification, sequences of the ITS, β-tubulin (β-tub), and EF-1α regions of all isolates were amplified using ITS1/ITS4, TUBUF2/TUBUR1, and ELONGF1/ELONGR1 primers, respectively (White et al. 1990; Kroon et al. 2004). BLAST analyses of isolates cap1-2 (ITS: OQ581785; β-tub: OQ590022; EF-1α: OQ590026), cap1-3 (ITS: OQ581786; β-tub: OQ590023; EF-1α: OQ590027), cap2-1 (ITS: OQ581787; β-tub: OQ590024; EF-1α: OQ590028), and cap2-2 (ITS: OQ581788; β-tub: OQ590025; EF-1α: OQ590029) showed 100% of ITS identity, 99.5 to 99.9% of β-tub identity, and 99.4 to 99.6% of EF-1α identity with Phytophthora nicotianae (ITS: MG865551; β-tub: MH493987; EF-1α: MH359043). Phylogenetic trees were constructed using concatenated ITS, β-tub, and EF-1α sequences based on maximum likelihood with a GTR+G model in MEGA X and Bayesian inference method in Geneious Prime 2022.2. All isolates were clustered in P. nicotianae with similar topology, thereby were identified as P. nicotianae . To confirm pathogenicity, 7 to 10-day-old seedlings and 6-week-old plumed cockscomb plants were inoculated in separate trials and each experiment was conducted twice. For each seedling, the lower stem was inoculated with 50 μl of zoospore suspension (10 4 zoospores/ml), 3 plants per isolate, and then incubated at 30±2℃ with 12 h light. For adult plants, each was inoculated with mycelial plugs from one V8 plate of 10-day-old P. nicotianae , 5 plants per isolate, and incubated at 25±2℃ in a greenhouse. Control plants were inoculated with sterile water and V8 agar plugs, respectively. Stem and root rot were observed on seedlings 4 days after inoculation while wilting and lower stem browning were observed on adult plants 2 months after inoculation. All control plants remained healthy at the end of repeated trials and identical pathogens were re-isolated only from symptomatic plants, thus fulfilling Koch's rules. P. nicotianae has been reported causing root rot and stem necrosis not only on cockscomb ( C . plumosa Hort. ex Burvenich) in Argentina (Frezzi 1950), but also infecting several ornamental plants recently in Taiwan (Ann et al. 2018). To our knowledge, this is the first report of stem blight caused by P. nicotianae on plumed cockscombs in Taiwan. This finding suggests limited options for landscaping and the host preference of the isolates obtained in this study should warrant further studies.

Soil salinity in the coastal areas of Bangladesh has been rising. The responses of forest communities to the rise of salinity are somehow documented. However, the adjustments of non-forest plant communities against salinity are still limited in the literature. This study explains the phytosociology and the herbaceous plant biodiversity along with the soil salinity gradients in Shyamnagar, Bangladesh. Twenty-five roadside quadrants were systematically selected and studied for herbaceous plant diversity and soil properties. Soil Electrical conductivity (EC) and moisture show a generally rising trend from the north to the south. Moreover, the quadrants closer to the river or aquaculture with low elevation represent the salinity hot spots. About 1116 herbaceous plants belonging to 11 species were recorded. Croton bonplandianum baill is the dominant species and showed higher adaption capacity against soil EC values. Four out of 25 quadrants with higher EC, moisture and lower elevation recorded no plants. The herbaceous plant biodiversity reveals a strong spatial pattern and tendency to shrink with the rise of soil salinity while progressing towards the southeast direction. The area shows aggregated population, contagious distribution of plant species, and accommodates four dominant clusters. Roadside herbs not only hold medicinal value but also offer important cooking fuel choices to the fuel-scarce coastal communities. The outcome of this study provides important insights into herbaceous plant diversity and its relationships with soil salinity. Overall, the study outcomes improve our understanding of the impact of environmental stressors on the distribution of herbaceous plants in the coastal area.

Background and Aims Although the plant economic spectrum seeks to explain resource allocation strategies, carbohydrate storage is often omitted. Belowground storage organs are the centre of herb perennation, yet little is known about the role of their turnover, anatomy and carbohydrate storage in relation to the aboveground economic spectrum. Methods We collected aboveground traits associated with the economic spectrum, storage organ turnover traits, storage organ inner structure traits and storage carbohydrate concentrations for ~80 temperate meadow species. Key Results The suites of belowground traits were largely independent of one another, but there was significant correlation of the aboveground traits with both inner structure and storage carbohydrates. Anatomical traits diverged according to leaf nitrogen concentration on the one hand and vessel area and dry matter content on the other; carbohydrates separated along gradients of leaf nitrogen concentration and plant height. Conclusions Contrary to our expectations, aboveground traits and not storage organ turnover were correlated with anatomy and storage carbohydrates. Belowground traits associated with the aboveground economic spectrum also did not fall clearly within the fast–slow economic continuum, thus indicating the presence of a more complicated economic space. Our study implies that the generally overlooked role of storage within the plant economic spectrum represents an important dimension of plant strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Surface vegetations are one of the key factors affecting the spread of green space fires. To explore the combustibility of commonly used local surface layer herbaceous species in Beijing, and to provide a reference for the construction and management of urban green space, we comprehensively evaluated the combustibility of Carex giraldiana , Carex breviculis , Liriope spicata , Iris lactea , Iris tectorum , and Buffaloe dactyloides , with the entropy weight method and K-mean cluster analysis based on the principal component analysis method. We measured the combustion characteristics indicators (blade ignition point, combustion time and heat release rate), physical and chemical indicators (leaf moisture content and crude fat content), and biological characteristics indicators (blade thickness and unit load) during the key period of fire prevention. The results showed that blade thickness and ignition point got the highest weight and affected the overall combustibility most. Peak heat release rate and ignition time had the lowest weight and minimal impact on the overall combustibility. The combustibility of the six species followed an order of B. dactyloides > C. breviculmis > L. spicata > C. giraldiana > I. lactea > I. tectorum. Results of the clustering analysis showed that the combustion ability of B. dactyloides , C. breviculmis , and L. spicata were in class Ⅰ, with the strongest combustion ability; C. giraldiana was in class Ⅱ; I. lactea and I. tectorum were in class Ⅲ, with the lowest flammability. As widely used surface vegetations, critical attention should be paid on B. dactyloides , C. breviculmis and L. spicata for fire prevention in winter and spring.

Patterns of biomass allocation among organs in plants are important because they influence many growth processes. The Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (YGP) is considered to be one of the most sensitive areas in China to climate changes, but we know little about how current climatic gradients on the plateau influence plant biomass allocation. Gentiana rigescens and G. rhodantha, on the YGP, are important species because they are used in traditional Chinese medicines. We therefore analyzed the biomass allocation patterns of the two species across an elevation gradient (1000–2810 m a.s.l.) on the YGP to understand and predict the impact of climate change on these plant species. We found that the total biomass, reproductive biomass, vegetative biomass, aboveground biomass, and belowground biomass in G. rigescens were all significantly larger than those in G. rhodantha (p<0.05). However, for both species the aboveground biomass was nearly isometrically related to belowground biomass, regardless of elevation, mean annual temperature (MAT) ranging from 8.4°C to 18.8°C, and mean annual precipitation (MAP) ranging from 681 to 1327 mm, while the reproductive biomass was allometrically related to vegetative biomass. Intriguingly, there was a significant positive relationship (p<0.05) between the slope of the allometric scaling of reproductive and vegetative biomass and elevation among G. rigescens populations, i.e. plants growing at high elevations allocate proportionately more biomass to reproduction at larger sizes and less at smaller sizes than plants growing at lower elevations. However, for G. rhodantha the reproductive allocation was negatively correlated with latitude. The results suggested different strategies in reproductive allocation in the two Gentiana plants on the YGP. Further studies are needed to investigate other environmental factors, such as nutrients and light, and genetic factors, in order to understand the trend of reproductive allometry along the environmental gradients. Our study has implications for the management and conservation practices of the two Gentiana species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple elements are required to be allocated to different organs to meet the demands for plant growth, reproduction, and maintenance. However, our knowledge remains limited on the stoichiometry in all plant organs in response to heterogeneous environments. Here, we present the systematic investigation of multielemental stoichiometry in organs of the alpine plant Gentiana rigescens across different environmental conditions. The slopes of N–P stoichiometric relationships among organs in G. rigescens did not differ significantly between environments even in flowers, the most active organ with the highest N and P level. C:P ratios had strong positive relationships with N:P ratios within and between organs. Zn had strong positive correlations with Fe, S, or Cu in each organ, indicating the potential interactions among the homeostases of these elements. The contents of macroelements, such as C, N, P, Ca, Mg, and S, were higher in plant organs than those in soil and exhibited a relatively narrow range in plant organs. However, G. rigescens reduced Fe uptake from soil and showed the strictest homeostasis in its root, implying its resistance to excess Fe. Furthermore, precipitation and temperature associated with geography, followed by soil P, were the main divers for the multielemental stoichiometry in this species. Plant stoichiometry responded differently to abiotic environmental factors, depending on organ type and element. N:P ratio, no matter in which organ, showed little flexibility to climate factors. The results have implications for understanding the regulation of multielemental stoichiometry in plant individuals to environmental changes. Further studies are needed on the interactions of multielement homeostasis in plants.

Multiple elements are required to be allocated to different organs to meet the demands for plant growth, reproduction, and maintenance. However, our knowledge remains limited on the stoichiometry in all plant organs in response to heterogeneous environments. Here, we present the systematic investigation of multielemental stoichiometry in organs of the alpine plant Gentiana rigescens across different environmental conditions. The slopes of N–P stoichiometric relationships among organs in G. rigescens did not differ significantly between environments even in flowers, the most active organ with the highest N and P level. C:P ratios had strong positive relationships with N:P ratios within and between organs. Zn had strong positive correlations with Fe, S, or Cu in each organ, indicating the potential interactions among the homeostases of these elements. The contents of macroelements, such as C, N, P, Ca, Mg, and S, were higher in plant organs than those in soil and exhibited a relatively narrow range in plant organs. However, G. rigescens reduced Fe uptake from soil and showed the strictest homeostasis in its root, implying its resistance to excess Fe. Furthermore, precipitation and temperature associated with geography, followed by soil P, were the main divers for the multielemental stoichiometry in this species. Plant stoichiometry responded differently to abiotic environmental factors, depending on organ type and element. N:P ratio, no matter in which organ, showed little flexibility to climate factors. The results have implications for understanding the regulation of multielemental stoichiometry in plant individuals to environmental changes. Further studies are needed on the interactions of multielement homeostasis in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and vitamin C from Clinacanthus nutans were extracted by an ultrasonic microwave-assisted method. The optimal extraction conditions were established in distilled water, solid-liquid ratio 1 : 55 g/ml, irradiation power 90 W, and extraction cycle with 75 seconds. Results revealed that the solid-liquid ratio exerted a significant effect on polyphenols, whereas the irradiation power played a key role in the extraction of flavonoids, triterpenoids, and vitamin C. Under these conditions the extraction yield of each component was: polyphenols 8.893, flavonoids 25 936, triterpenoids 16 789, and vitamin C 0.166 mg/g. These results showed that the ultrasonic microwave-assisted extraction was an efficient technology to extract bioactive substances from Clinacanthus nutans and Clinacanthus nutans could potentially be a source of natural antioxidants.

Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), an invasive non-native species in central Europe, can outcompete other aphidophagous species. The distribution and abundance of H. axyridis vary depending on different host plants, and its effects on native coccinellid communities may change accordingly. The distribution and abundance of coccinellids in central Europe (50°N, 14°E) were investigated from 2010 to 2016. Coccinellids were counted at regular intervals on cereals (Avena, Hordeum, and Triticum), herbaceous plants (Matricaria and Urtica) and trees (Acer, Betula, and Tilia). Additionally, the occurrence over time of each species on these plants was assessed and used as an index of persistence. Across all years, the adults and larvae of H. axyridis were the dominant species of coccinellid on trees. However, H. axyridis was less abundant on herbaceous plants and cereals than on trees. Populations of native coccinellids and H. axyridis co-occurred on trees and persisted for the same length of time, while native coccinellids persisted longer than H. axyridis on herbaceous plants and cereals. Compared to 1976–1986, in the 2010s, the abundance of native species decreased on all plants by 50–70%. The presence of H. axyridis could be considered as a factor driving changes in the assemblages of native coccinellids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there have been studies of the temperature regimes within flowers, micrometeorology within stems seems to have been overlooked. We present ideas, hypotheses, and a diagrammatic model on the biophysical and thermodynamic processes that interact in complex ways to result in elevated temperature regimes within hollow stems of herbaceous plants. We consider the effects of the ambient air around the stems, the possible importance of insolation, and greenhouse effects as influenced by stems’ orientation and optical properties, i.e., reflection, absorption, emissivity, translucence, pigmentation, and thermal conductivity. We propose that greenhouse effects contribute significantly to and are influenced by the above phenomena as well as by the gross anatomy (volume:surface ratio; wall thickness), evapotranspiration, and the thermal properties of the gas mixture in the lumen. We provide examples of those elevated temperatures that can be several degrees Celsius above the temperature of the surrounding atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]