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Previous studies have illustrated that different bioactive legume fodders containing condensed tannins might represent one of the options for integrated sustainable control of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in ruminants, which may help address the worldwide development of resistance to synthetic anthelmintics. More recently, impetus has been given to assess the potential antiparasitic activity of less conventional resources, represented by different agro-industrial by-products (AIBPs). This review presents in vitro and in vivo results obtained with a range of tannin-containing AIBPs of various geographical and botanical origins, namely AIBP of nuts, temperate and tropical barks, carob, coffee and cocoa. They tend to confirm the “proof of concept” for their antiparasitic effects and also for other aspects of ruminant production in an agro-ecological context. Socio-economic aspects of the exploitation of such non-conventional resources are also discussed as potential models of the circular economy, by using waste. The different modes of use of these resources are presented in this review, as well as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analyses to illustrate the advantages and limitations of on-farm use.

Calendula officinalis L. is a well-known plant widely used in traditional medicine due to the presence of various biologically active compounds. The main raw material for the production of medicinal preparations is the inflorescence, which consists of ligulate and tubular flowers. However, the characteristics of the metabolome of these flowers are not fully understood. This study identified and compared the levels of major metabolites in the ligulate and tubular flowers of two C. officinalis cultivars, 'Golden Sea' (GS) and 'Paradise Garden' (PG). The metabolome was analysed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection and a Q Exactive Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometer. It was found that the tubular flowers of both PG and GS cultivars had higher levels of lipids, phenolamides and caffeoylquinic acids and lower levels of triterpenoid glycosides than the ligulate flowers. It was also shown that the inflorescences of the GS, which had a 35% higher proportion of tubular flowers, contained 30% more phenolic compounds and 50% more lipids than the PG. Thus, the results obtained extend our understanding of the features in the metabolomes of ligulate and tubular flowers and suggest that the quality of inflorescences of C. officinalis cultivars, as a source of medicinal preparations, is strongly influenced by the proportion of ligulate and tubular flowers. [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]

Variability in galling caused by Leptocybe invasa Fisher & La Salle has been reported in several species and hybrids of Eucalyptus.Genetic diversity within Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. could confer resistance to L. invasa via variation in plant specialized metabolites or plant responses detrimental to insect herbivores. Moreover, optimal defence theory proposes that plants will invest more constitutive resistance in parts that are vulnerable to herbivore attack, such as immature leaves and apical buds, which are prone to galling.We investigated constitutive resistance of subspecies and genotypes of E. camaldulensis to L. invasa while controlling for differences among growing conditions characteristic of their autochthonous Australian habitats using common nursery and garden arboreta plantings. Data on galling intensity, gall size, leaf phenolics and leaf physical attributes were used to investigate differences in susceptibility.We show that E. camaldulensis exhibits both constitutive and induced resistance to L. invasa. Intraspecific variability in galling was pronounced and correlated with concentrations of quinic acid derivatives and hypersensitive abscission of leaves. Whether these metabolites directly affect the survival of eggs or larvae remains to be determined. Hypersensitive leaf abscission in subspecies of E. camaldulensis in response to injury by a galling insect has not been reported previously and warrants investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]