Search

Epiphytism is an example of an obligate interspecific interaction between plants, where a plant species grows on another plant species for physical support. In epiphytic orchids that rely on suitable host tree species (phorophytes) and mycorrhizal fungi for germination and growth, a distinct preference has been observed for particular host tree species. However, the factors driving this host preference remain unclear.In this study, we investigated whether mycorrhizal fungi that promote seedling development determine the preference of phorophytes in the epiphytic orchid Dendrobium wangliangii. First, we identified the preferred host tree species for this orchid. Next, in vitro and in situ germination experiments were conducted to identify potential fungi that promote seed germination. Finally, high‐throughput sequencing was used to assess the distribution of these fungi on both colonized host trees and potential host trees, including individual trees of the host species not yet colonized by the orchid and trees of another species growing in the vicinity of a colonized tree.Dendrobium wangliangii exhibited a preference for trees within the Fagaceae family. Two Fusarium species from the bark of host trees were identified as the primary fungi that promote seed germination. Successful protocorm formation and seedling development were observed exclusively on preferred phorophytes. Fungal community analyses further indicated that both Fusarium spp. occurred on all potential host trees, suggesting that the host preference of this epiphytic orchid is not constrained by the distribution of suitable mycorrhizal fungi.Synthesis: Regarding the epiphytes that depend on mycorrhizal fungi for successful seedling recruitment, we conclude that strong epiphyte–phorophyte associations do not arise from the limited distribution of mycorrhizal fungi but are more likely the result of other factors inherent in the phorophyte environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Batocera horsfieldi (Hope) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an important pole borer pest. It causes serious harm to various hosts, particularly Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae). In this study, headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and electroantennogram (EAG) responses were combined to examine the mechanism by which B. horsfieldi adults locate their host, J. regia. The results showed that J. regia contained 65 volatile compounds in all, with 36 and 42 volatile substances in bark and leaves, respectively. Moreover, terpenes accounted for the largest relative content among the volatile compounds of bark and leaves, 43.4 and 78.9%, respectively. Ten of 19 selected volatile components elicited significant EAG responses in adult B. horsfieldi, which indicated that the pest may prefer certain volatile compounds when selecting a host. Sex and volatile concentration affected the responses of B. horsfieldi. Male adults had the strongest EAG responses to 1‐octen‐3‐ol, whereas female adults had the strongest EAG responses to linalool. Host selection in B. horsfieldi was somewhat positively associated with the concentrations of the effective volatile compounds in the host. Furthermore, B. horsfieldi showed varying preferences for isomers. This work provided data support for the development of insect attractants, and laid a theoretical foundation for the ecological protection of local forestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of bark and xylem contribute to tree growth and survival under drought and other types of stress conditions. However, little is known about the functional coordination of the xylem and bark despite the influence of selection on both structures in response to drought. To this end, we examined relationships between proportions of bark components (i.e. thicknesses of tissues outside the vascular cambium) and xylem transport properties in juvenile branches of five Cupressaceae species, focusing on transport efficiency and safety from hydraulic failure via drought‐induced embolism. Both xylem efficiency and safety were correlated with multiple bark traits, suggesting that xylem transport and bark properties are coordinated. Specifically, xylem transport efficiency was greater in species with thicker secondary phloem, greater phloem‐to‐xylem thickness ratio and phloem‐to‐xylem cell number ratio. In contrast, species with thicker bark, living cortex and dead bark tissues were more resistant to embolism. Thicker phellem layers were associated with lower embolism resistance. Results of this study point to an important connection between xylem transport efficiency and phloem characteristics, which are shaped by the activity of vascular cambium. The link between bark and embolism resistance affirms the importance of both tissues to drought tolerance. Summary statement: The study highlights the functional coordination between xylem transport properties and bark structure of Cupressaceae. We found xylem transport efficiency strongly related to phloem characteristics, while xylem safety is associated with both dead and living cell content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Traditional moist chamber cultures (MCs) prepared in aseptic laboratory environments using sterile Petri dishes are commonly used to quantify the microbiota of rough‐bark tree species and woody vines. MCs are typically expensive and may be difficult to make, so a less expensive option made from easily available supplies was developed. These cost‐friendly MCs were compared with standard laboratory methods to demonstrate their efficacy. Methods and Results: Modified MCs were made using inexpensive, store‐bought supplies; compared to a standard laboratory setting, the modified MCs are shown to be less expensive with a faster setup time and larger size that facilitates a variety of tree and woody vine species. MC use resulted in the discovery of new species of fungi and myxomycetes with associated locality records. We provide detailed instructions for creating modified MCs, as well as a list of myxomycete species and their associated bark characteristics, pH values, and water‐holding capacity. Conclusions: This new, low‐cost MC technique makes the study of microbiota more inclusive and accessible for those in research laboratories, classrooms, and homes, including both amateurs and professionals. MCs are easy to prepare, versatile, and applicable for many areas of botany and the biological sciences, potentially allowing exploration into unexplored areas in urban ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jatropha, a traditional medicinal plant known for its anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticoagulant properties, was the subject of our study.We examined the morphology and chemical composition of three Jatropha species using cross‐ and longitudinal sections of fresh samples, observed with light microscopy. Histochemical analysis was conducted using various reagents to reveal the metabolites present.Anatomically, the distinguishing feature among the three Jatropha species was the presence of secretory cavities. These structures were identified in the petiole and stem bark of J. multifida, while in J. gossypiifolia and J. curcas they were present in roots. The stem bark cells of J. gossypiifolia were roundish in shape, whereas the others were rectangular. Laticifers were detected in the leaves, petioles, and stem bark of all three Jatropha species, while idioblasts were present in almost all organs. Histochemical tests revealed that excretory idioblasts and laticifers in Jatropha species contained alkaloids, phenolics, lipophilic compounds, and terpenoids. The cuticle of non‐glandular trichomes contained terpenoids, while phenolic compounds were found within the secretory cavities.These findings contribute to the identification of Jatropha species and provide valuable insights for the selection and collection of specific plant organs containing bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Nutrient allocation is central to understanding plant ecological strategies and forest roles in biogeochemical cycles. Thought to be mainly driven by environmental conditions, nutrient allocation to woody organs, especially to living tissues, is poorly understood.To examine the role of differences in living tissues (sapwood, SW, vs inner bark, IB), organs, ecological strategies, and environmental conditions in driving nutrient allocation and scaling in woody plants, we quantified nitrogen and phosphorus in main stems and coarse roots of 45 species from three tropical ecosystems with contrasting precipitation, fire regime, and soil nutrients.Nutrient concentration variation was mostly explained by differences between IB and SW, followed by differences between species and, in the case of phosphorus, soil nutrient availability. IB nutrient concentrations were four times those of SW, with root tissues having slightly higher concentrations than stem tissues. Scaling between IB and SW, and between stems and roots, was generally isometric. In cross‐sections, IB contributed half of total nutrients in roots and a third in stems.Our results highlight the important role of IB and SW for nutrient storage, the coordination in nutrient allocation across tissues and organs, and the need to differentiate between IB and SW to understand plant nutrient allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the southeastern United States, the establishment of short‐rotation intensively cultured plantations of hybrid poplar has been hindered by its susceptibility to stem cankers. We evaluated the tradeoffs between biomass yield and disease tolerance in hybrid poplar genotypes belonging to P. deltoides × P. maximowiczii (DM), P. deltoides × P. nigra (DN), P. trichocarpa × P. maximowiczii (TM), and P. deltoides × P. deltoides (DD) taxa. We hypothesized that canker resistant genotypes will have thicker bark but bark thickness and biomass yield will be negatively correlated. After two growing seasons, the DD genotypes developed thicker bark compared to the genotypes of other taxa and bark thickness was not correlated with biomass yield in the DD genotypes (R2 = 0.002). However, in the TM, DM, and DN genotypes, bark thickness was negatively correlated with biomass yield (R2 = 0.33–0.77). Disease incidence studies revealed that the DM genotypes were most susceptible to canker whereas no disease was detected in DD genotypes. Furthermore, bark analysis conducted by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis showed that that DD genotypes to be chemically separate from the three hybrid genotypes and that bark chemistry was correlated with canker disease incidence. Taken together, these results reveal that it is possible to generate hybrid poplar genotypes with thicker bark, disease resistance, and higher biomass yields. This insight should guide further efforts to develop genetically improved hybrid poplar genotypes, both in terms of biomass yield and disease tolerance, for cultivation in the southeastern United States. Hybrid poplar cultivation in southeastern United States is hindered by its susceptibility to stem cankers. We evaluated tradeoffs between yield and canker disease resistance in various hybrid poplar genotypes. After two growing seasons, the DD genotypes showed disease resistance and developed thicker bark that was chemically distinct from the other genotypes. Bark thickness was not correlated with yield in the DD genotypes but was negatively correlated with yield in the other genotypes. These results will guide the development of hybrid poplar genotypes that are both disease resistant and high yielding for cultivation in the southeastern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in woody tissue are poorly documented, but are necessary for understanding whole‐tree nutrient use and storage. Here, we report how wood macronutrient concentrations vary radially and along the length of a tree for 10 tropical tree species in Sabah, Malaysia. Bark nutrient concentrations were consistently high: 2.9–13.7 times greater than heartwood depending on the nutrient. In contrast, within the wood both the radial (sapwood vs. heartwood) and vertical (trunk bottom vs. trunk middle) variation was modest. Higher concentrations in sapwood relative to heartwood provide empirical support for wood nutrient resorption during sapwood senescence. Dipterocarp species showed resorption rates of 25.3 ± 7.1% (nitrogen), 62.7 ± 11.9% (phosphorus), and 56.2 ± 12.5% (potassium), respectively, while non‐dipterocarp species showed no evidence of nutrient resorption in wood. This suggests that while dipterocarps have lower wood nutrient concentrations, this family is able to compensate for this by using wood nutrient resorption as an efficient nutrient conservation mechanism. In contrast to other nutrients, calcium and magnesium tended to accumulate in heartwood. Wood density (WD) showed little vertical variation along the trunk. Across the species (WD range of 0.33 to 0.94 mg/cm3), WD was negatively correlated with wood P and K concentration and positively correlated with wood Ca concentration. As our study showed exceptionally high nutrient concentrations in the bark, debarking and leaving the bark of the harvested trees on site during logging operations could substantially contribute to maintaining nutrients within forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of four herbal plants glycolic extracts over mixed‐species biofilm composed of Candida albicans (C. albicans) and another pathogenic bacterium as alternative therapy to be investigated. Four plants extract of Pfaffia paniculata roots; Hamamelis virginiana leaf, Stryphnodendron barbatiman tree bark and Gymnema sylvestre stem and leaves were tested over multi‐species biofilm of C. albicans (ATCC 18804) and Streptococcus mutans (ATCC 35688), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 4083) or Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442) for 5 min and 24 h and colony forming units per millilitre was calculated. The data were analysed using Kruskal–Wallis with Dunn's test (p ≤ 0.05). All tested extracts showed antimicrobial action over the mixed‐species biofilms after 24 h. Some extracts eliminated totally the biofilms. The glycolic extract of P. paniculata, H. virginiana, S. barbatiman and G. sylvestre are effective over mixed‐species biofilms and may be indicated as endodontic irrigant or intracanal medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides the synthetic route for the arrangement of Fe3O4@Ag and α‐Fe2O3@Ag core‐shell nanoparticles (NPs) with cytotoxic capabilities. The production of Fe3O4@Ag and α‐Fe2O3@Ag core‐shell NPs was facilitated utilizing S. persica bark extracts. The results of Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD), Ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM), Energy Dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) supported the green synthesis and characterization of Fe3O4@Ag and α‐Fe2O3@Ag NPs. The particle size was measured by the TEM analysis to be about 30 and 50 nm, respectively; while the results of FESEM showed that α‐Fe2O3@Ag and Fe3O4@Ag particles contained multifaceted particles with a size of 50–60 nm and 20–25 nm, respectively. The outcomes of VSM were indicative of a saturation magnetization of 37 and 0.18 emu/g at room temperature, respectively. The potential cytotoxicity of the synthesized core‐shell nanoparticles towards breast cancer (MCF‐7) and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVEC) cells was evaluated by an MTT assay. α‐Fe2O3@Ag NPs were able to destroy 100 % of MCF‐7 cell at doses above 80 μg/mL, and it was confirmed that Fe3O4@Ag NPs at a volume of 160 μg/mL can destroy 90 % of MCF‐7 cells. Thus, the applicability of the prepared nanoparticles of these nanoparticles in biological and medical fields has been demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Vascular epiphytes represent c. 10% of all vascular plant species. In epiphytes, attachment is essential for survival throughout consecutive ontogenetic stages of their life, starting with: (1) initial propagule attachment to the host; followed by (2) the development of first root‐substrate connections; and (3) maintenance of this attachment despite increased size and mechanical disturbances by rain, wind, or crossing animals. Although structural dependence on a host is a defining characteristic of an epiphyte, the fundamental mechanism(s) of how these plants initially attach and remain attached to their hosts remain poorly understood. Bark characteristics such as stability and roughness have been highlighted as keys to an understanding of this connection. Here, we stress that the understanding of how an epiphyte attaches itself to the substrate is central for a meaningful quantification and interpretation of bark roughness. Without explicit information on the attachment mechanism or the relative sizes of the attaching structures, simply linking a haphazardly chosen index of bark roughness to epiphyte establishment is flawed. This review introduces a conceptual framework to explain the mechanistic link between epiphytes and host in different ontogenetic stages and should guide future work designed to improve our understanding of this vital part of epiphyte ecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The huge quantity of agricultural biomass has led Europe to issue directives to ensure that it is properly managed. Among the permanent European crops area, olive, orange, and apricot orchards are the most present. The management of these crops produces significant amounts of biomass, which very often is burned in the field. With a view to the circular economy, this study aims to analyze the secondary metabolites present in the biomass of these three crops. Results: Secondary metabolites were extracted from wood and bark by an Accelerated Solvent Extractor at 120° using water, ethanol, and a mixture of water and ethanol as solvents. In addition, the identification of the molecules present in the extracts was attempted using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS). The analysis showed that in the three crops, the highest yields of extract were measured in the bark while the species that has shown the highest yield compared to the others was the olive tree. HPLC–MS technique revealed interesting molecular compounds, such as catechins, epicatechins, and oleuropein, respectively in the apricot and olive extracts. Conclusion: The biomass extractives of these three species highlighted an interesting potential for applications in various industrial sectors such as for example, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chukrasia tabularis is an economically important tree and widely cultured in the southeast of China. Its barks, leaves, and fruits are consumed as a traditional medicine and perceived as a valuable source for bioactive limonin compounds. The extracts from root barks of C. tabularis showed significant anti‐inflammatory effect. The aim of this research was to explore the material basis of C. tabularis anti‐inflammatory activity, and to purify and identify anti‐inflammatory active ingredients. By a bioassay‐guided isolation of dichloromethane fraction obtained two novel phragmalin limonins, Chukrasitin D and E (1 and 2), together with 12 known limonins (3–14). The chemical structure of these compounds is determined on the basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical reactivity. In addition, the activities of these isolated limonins on the production of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) in RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated. Limonins 1 and 2 indicated significant anti‐inflammatory activity with IC50 values of 6.24 and 6.13 μM. Compound 1 notably inhibited the production of NF‐κB, TNF‐α and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) in macrophages. The present results suggest that the root barks of C. tabularis exhibited anti‐inflammatory effect and the limonins may be responsible for this activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative water uptake pathways through leaves and bark complement water supply with interception, fog or dew. Bark water‐uptake contributes to embolism‐repair, as demonstrated in cut branches. We tested whether bark water‐uptake could also contribute to supplement xylem‐water for transpiration. We applied bandages injected with 2H‐enriched water on intact upper‐canopy branches of Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica in a boreal and in a temperate forest, in summer and winter, and monitored transpiration and online isotopic composition (δ2H and δ18O) of water vapour, before sampling for analyses of δ2H and δ18O in tissue waters. Xylem, bark and leaf waters from segments downstream from the bandages were 2H‐enriched whereas δ18O was similar to controls. Transpiration was positively correlated with 2H‐enrichment. Isotopic compositions of transpiration and xylem water allowed us to calculate isotopic exchange through the bark via vapour exchange, which was negligible in comparison to estimated bark water‐uptake, suggesting that water‐uptake occurred via liquid phase. Results were consistent across species, forests and seasons, indicating that bark water‐uptake may be more ubiquitous than previously considered. We suggest that water taken up through the bark could be incorporated into the transpiration stream, which could imply that sap‐flow measurements underestimate transpiration when bark is wet. Summary Statement: We applied bandages soaked in isotopically enriched water to intact branches of Pinus sylvestris and Fagus sylvatica and measured isotopic composition of transpiration and tissue water. Our experiments showed that water taken up through the bark could be incorporated into the xylem and feed transpiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree and shrub barks have been used as folk medicine by numerous cultures across the globe for millennia, for a variety of indications, including as vasorelaxants and antispasmodics. Here, using electrophysiology and myography, we discovered that the KCNQ5 voltage‐gated potassium channel mediates vascular smooth muscle relaxant effects of barks used in Native American folk medicine. Bark extracts (1%) from Birch, Cramp Bark, Slippery Elm, White Oak, Red Willow, White Willow, and Wild Cherry each strongly activated KCNQ5 expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Testing of a subset including both the most and the least efficacious extracts revealed that Red Willow, White Willow, and White Oak KCNQ‐dependently relaxed rat mesenteric arteries; in contrast, Black Haw bark neither activated KCNQ5 nor induced vasorelaxation. Two compounds common to the active barks (gallic acid and tannic acid) had similarly potent and efficacious effects on both KCNQ5 activation and vascular relaxation, and this together with KCNQ5 modulation by other tannins provides a molecular basis for smooth muscle relaxation effects of Native American folk medicine bark extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers worldwide. This complex and often fatal disease has a high mortality rate. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is crucial in CRC. Many studies have indicated that Shh is overexpressed in cancer stem cells (CSCs), and shh overexpression is positively correlated with CRC tumorigenesis. New drugs that kill CRC cells through the Hh pathway are needed. Toosendanin (TSN), a natural triterpenoid saponin extracted from the bark or fruit of Melia toosendan Sieb. et Zucc, can inhibit various tumors. Here, we investigated the effects of TSN in CRC and explored the possible targets and mechanisms. Shh‐Light Ⅱ cells were treated with TSN and tested by dual luciferase reporter assays to determine the relationship with the Hh pathway. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assays were used to test the inhibitory effects of TSN on CRC cells. The expression of Hh components after TSN treatment was detected using western blots and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cellular thermal shift assays confirmed the targets of TSN. The same effects of TSN on xenograft tumor growth were investigated in vivo. The average weight, volume of the finally resected tumor, and the expression of Shh in the TSN‐treated groups were significantly lower than those of the control group. This result strongly suggested that TSN administration inhibited CRC growth in vivo. Our research preliminarily demonstrated that the target of TSN was Shh and that TSN inhibits CRC cell growth by inhibiting the Hh pathway, identifying a new anticancer molecular mechanism of TSN in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paeonol is extracted and isolated as a rich and sustainable natural bioresource from the root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa, the derivatives of which exhibit numerous biological activities. It is well known that ester compounds play a very important role in pest control, such as organophosphorus, carbamate and pyrethroid pesticides. Results: To discover biorational natural product‐based pesticides, three series of (60) paeonol ester derivatives (7a–t, 8g,p, 9g,p, 10g–j,n–u, 11g,u, 12g,u, 13a–p, 14b,c, and 15b,c) were prepared by structural modification of paeonol, and their structures were well characterized by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), carbon‐13 nuclear magnetic resonance (13C‐NMR), high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), and melting point. Furthermore, we assessed the compounds as insecticidal, nematicidal, and anti‐oomycete agents against three serious agricultural pests, Mythimna separata, Heterodera glycines, and Phytophthora capsici. Among all tested compounds: (i) compound 8p showed more significant insecticidal activity than toosendanin, and the final mortality rates of 8p and toosendanin against M. separata (1 mg mL−1) were 70.4%, and 51.9%, respectively; (ii) compound 7a exhibited more promising nematicidal activity than paeonol, and the median lethal concentration (LC50) values of 7a and 1 against H. glycines were 15.47 and 50.80 mg L−1, respectively; (iii) compounds 7n and 13m displayed more significant anti‐oomycete activity compared to zoxamide against Phytophthora capsici, and the median effective concentration (EC50) values of 7n, 13m, and zoxamide were 23.72, 24.51, and 26.87 mg L−1, respectively; and the protective effect of the compounds against Phytophthora capsici in vivo further confirmed the effectiveness of the agents. Conclusion: This study suggested that the introduction of a nitro at the C5 or C3 position of paeonol could improve its bioactivity against M. separata, H. glycines, and Phytophthora capsici. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The avian beak is a key morphological trait used for foraging. If parasites alter beak shape, we may expect changes in host foraging behaviour. Larvae of the avian vampire fly Philornis downsi cause naris enlargement in Darwin's finch nestlings when first and second instar larvae consume keratin, blood and tissue from inside the beak of the developing host. This naris malformation persists into adulthood, where nares that are >15% of total beak length are considered enlarged.We measured effects of parasite‐induced naris enlargement on foraging behaviour, foraging niche overlap and body condition in Darwin's finches on Floreana Island. Foraging behaviour was ranked by the stress per foraging technique exerted on the beak and ranged from least stress for 'gleaning' to most stress for 'chip off bark'.Naris enlargement occurred in 34% of adult birds. The most common foraging technique differed among species: medium tree finches (Camarhynchus pauper) often chipped off bark to extract subsurface prey, small tree finches (C. parvulus) often gleaned surface prey from foliage, hybrids gleaned prey from bark and foliage, and small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa) mostly foraged on the ground. In C. pauper, birds with naris enlargement did more gleaning and less subsurface prey excavation. Foraging niche across species was most similar in birds with naris enlargement. Finally, body condition was lower in insectivorous tree finches with malformed beaks.A novel aspect of this study is the idea that parasite‐induced alterations to phenotype affect ecological processes and interspecific interactions at large temporal and spatial scales. The parasitism occurs early in life but the ecological effects of this parasitism, if causative, are happening later. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Wood density is a crucial plant functional trait related to plant life history strategies. Its ecological importance in small‐stature growth forms (e.g., shrubs) has not been extensively examined. Given that hydraulic conduit dimensions vary positively with plant height and that there is a negative relationship between conduits' diameter and wood density, I hypothesized an also negative relationship between wood density and plant height. Knowing that bark and pith proportions are significant in small‐diameter stems, I additionally disentangled the contribution of wood, bark, and pith to stem density. Methods: I determined density in small‐diameter stems across 153 species spanning all major angiosperm and gymnosperm orders by considering a diversity of growth forms (trees, treelets, shrubs, vines, and hemiparasites). Stem cross sections were dissected to consider the densities of wood with bark and pith; wood with pith and without bark; wood with bark and no pith; and wood without bark and pith. Secondary growth was also measured. Results: Trees showed similar wood densities as non‐self‐supporting vines, and both showed significantly less dense wood than treelets, shrubs, and hemiparasites. General comparisons showed that wood was significantly denser than all other tissues, and these differences did not depend on growth form. Wood density was significantly and negatively related to growth rate and pith area proportions but not to bark thickness proportion. Conclusions: An implicit negative relationship between maximum plant height and stem density emerges as a property of plants likely linked to hydraulic conductive size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The whole‐plant economics spectrum (PES) refers to the trade‐offs among the many plant functional traits that are commonly used as indicators of major adaptive strategies, thereby providing insights into plant distributions, ecosystem processes and evolution. However, there are few studies of what may be called the whole‐PES that integrates bark, wood and leaf functional traits for different leaf types and growth habits (evergreen vs. deciduous species).To address this gap in our knowledge, 6 bark traits, 7 wood traits (including mechanical support and nutrient transport characteristics) and 12 leaf traits (including chemical, structural and physiological characteristics) of 59 representative subtropical woody species were examined using principal component analysis (PCA) to determine PES strategies.The economics spectra of bark (BES), wood (WES) and leaves (LES), and the entire PES indicated that major traits represent resource acquisition strategies and conservation strategies clustering on the opposite ends of the PCA axis. A significant correlation was observed among the 25 functional traits. The data indicated that N and P nutrient levels were at the hub of BES, WES, LES and PES interrelationships. Evergreen and deciduous species had different WES and LES, and thus PES resource acquisition strategies. With the exception of the BES, evergreen species clustered on the conservative side, whereas deciduous species clustered on the acquisitive side.Synthesis. The PES presented here informs our understanding of whole‐plant responses to environmental differences, particularly regarding the role of N and P traits at the whole‐plant level. It also reveals and further supports the notion that evergreen and deciduous species, respectively, manifest conservative and acquisitive strategies, further informing our understanding of species biodiversity maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Clusia (Clusiaceae) is notorious for its difficult taxonomy; most species are dioecious, with distantly related species having similar morphology, and closely related species having cryptic morphological differences. Because of this, Clusia spp. are often misidentified or, as in the case of C. suborbicularis and C. flava, considered to be the same species. Chemometric analyses of the HPLC metabolic profiles from bark extracts of C. suborbicularis and C. flava, combined with molecular evidence from ITS molecular markers were used to establish the metabolomic similarities and phylogenetic relationship between C. suborbicularis and C. flava, previously identified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. The principal component analyses of the HPLC metabolic profiles of bark extracts from individuals of C. suborbicularis and C. flava showed significant differences, suggesting they should be recognized as distinct species. This assumption was confirmed by phylogenetic reconstructions based on the molecular marker ITS. Furthermore, a theoretical geographical distribution analysis suggests C. suborbicularis could be considered a native species to the Yucatán Peninsula. The results from this investigation support C. suborbicularis as a distinct species, and not a synonym of C. flava. The identification of these two species represents a relevant contribution for the cataloguing, conservation and bioprospecting of Clusia spp. occurring in the Yucatán Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species growing in fire‐prone savannas usually persist by resprouting from their buds. In this study, we evaluated how various persistence traits allow bud protection for improved survival in fire‐prone ecosystems.Using an integrative morphological and macroanatomical approach, we analysed how woody plants protect their buds. We tested bud protection at the community level and evaluated: (a) how bud protection changes along a fire frequency gradient, (b) if it differs between shrubs and trees and (c) whether the level of bud protection is related to post‐fire responses of 28 woody savanna species.A mix of traits involving bud protection may enable woody species persistence in fire‐prone ecosystems. Savanna species better protected their buds than forest species by developing bark and trichomes that allowed resprouting after fire. Regarding growth forms, shrub species capable of resprouting above‐ground had their buds better protected than trees.Bud protection is not only linked with their position to the bark, but also with the presence of trichomes. Profuse trichomes covering buds were related to savanna species. Some species with no bud protection by bark but with trichomes covering their buds were able to resprout after fire. The presence of accessory buds is also a trait more related to savannas, possibly influencing the resprouting after fire as they are better protected and increase the bud bank. Finally, different persistence traits interact with one another to better protect the buds, requiring a detailed screening of the traits to assess species responses to fire.Synthesis. During fire, species have their aerial biomass consumed by the flames. To be able to resprout new branches and persist in the environment, they must have well‐protected buds. In this study, we evaluated different ways that woody species protect their buds and related them with their resprouting strategy after fire. We investigated the protection by the bark, the presence of trichomes and accessory buds. By studying the woody community in a gradient of savannas and forests we found that buds can be protected by bark, trichomes or soil. Species can present a mix of these traits and strategies, which enhances their resprouting after fire. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Olea europaea L. tree has played a central role in Mediterranean culture since ancient times. Several studies have highlighted the health‐promoting properties both of its primary products (olives) and its by‐products (leaves, pomace, husk, stone, mill wastes, and wood). In this study, pruning residues from 25‐year‐old olive trees located in a Mediterranean region (Basilicata, Italy) were analyzed. The antioxidant activity of hydro‐alcoholic extracts from wood samples were analyzed through three complementary in vitro assays. The molecular composition of the extracts was thoroughly evaluated using a gas chromatography apparatus coupled with a mass spectrometer (GC–MS). Our study demonstrated that all but three extracts had remarkable antioxidant activity, which was likely due to the meaningful presence of phenolic compounds, mostly derived from lignin. Moreover, the results showed that bark extracts obtained with ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) had the highest antioxidant activity. In this extract, several known compounds with demonstrated antioxidant activity were found, including hexylresorcinol, 1‐methyl‐N‐vanillyl‐2‐phenethamine, and allopurinol. This research suggests that woody olive by‐products are a potential natural resource of antioxidants. These compounds could be useful for functional foods and in industry, and could help to solve the problem of pruning residues, increasing their potential economic value. © 2021 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review gives an overview of recent advances in research on the role of tree bark material in bark‐cement bio‐composites, and their potential as building insulation materials. Suberin and other bark extractives seem to be of great importance for the insulation properties of such composites. Bark is a readily available, biological raw material with unique properties and it has revealed promising results as a bio‐insulation material, either alone or in mixtures with different matrices (cement, lime, resins, polymers, etc.). The thermal, mechanical, acoustic, and hygroscopic properties of these bark‐insulating composites depend on several factors, primarily the type of tree bark, the density and mechanical strength of the bark, the density of the boards produced, and the ratio of bark material to the binder material used in the board production (cement, lime, resins, polymers, etc.). The size of granules and the thickness of the board produced seem to be factors with a lower impact on the properties of the bark‐cement composites. A low proportion of bark fibers or particles (0.5–1%) in bark‐cement composites has proven highly beneficial to their mechanical and thermal properties and ensures higher workability of the mixture. Different modification treatments of bark material should be investigated, with the aim of decreasing the bark extractives content, to improving the cement setting, decreasing the unstable hemicellulose components and their hygroscopic nature, improving the bark particles' durability in alkaline environments, and upgrading their adherence properties. As the demand for alternative, sustainable structural materials keeps rising, the cement‐bark composites will undoubtedly keep attracting the attention of the scientific and industrial world. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant economics spectrum integrates trade‐offs and covariation in resource economic traits of different plant organs and their consequences for pivotal ecosystem processes, such as decomposition. However, in this concept stems are often considered as one unit ignoring the important functional differences between wood (xylem) and bark. These differences may not only affect the performance of woody plants during their lifetime, but may also have important "afterlife effects." Specifically, bark quality may strongly affect deadwood decomposition of different woody species. We hypothesized that (1) bark quality strongly influences bark decomposability to microbial decomposers, and possibly amplifies the interspecific variation in decomposition by invertebrate consumption, especially termites; and (2) bark decomposition has secondary effects on xylem mass loss by providing access to decomposers including invertebrates such as termites. We tested these hypotheses across 34 subtropical woody species representing five common plant functional types, by conducting an in situ deadwood decomposition experiment over 12‐month in two sites in subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest in China. We employed visual examination and surface density measurement to quantify termite consumption to both bark and the underlying xylem, respectively. Using principal component analysis, we synthesized seven bark traits to provide the first empirical evidence for a bark economics spectrum (BES), with high BES values (i.e., bark thickness, nitrogen, phosphorus, and cellulose contents) indicating a resource acquisitive strategy and low BES values (i.e., carbon, lignin, and dry matter contents) indicating a resource conservative strategy. The BES affected interspecific variation in bark mass loss and this relationship was strongly amplified by termites. The BES also explained nearly half of the interspecific variation in termite consumption to xylem, making it an important contributor to deadwood decomposition overall. Moreover, the above across‐species relationships manifested also within plant functional types, highlighting the value of using continuous variation in bark traits rather than categorical plant functional types in carbon cycle modeling. Our findings demonstrate the potent role of the BES in influencing deadwood decomposition including positive invertebrate feedback thereon in warm‐climate forests, with implications for the role of bark quality in carbon cycling in other woody biomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apart from frugivory, we have limited knowledge of the ecological consequences of primate herbivory. We aimed to ascertain the effects of spring folivory and winter bark/bud herbivory by Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) on tree species and succession patterns of cool‐temperate forests with heavy snow. To evaluate the impact of herbivory on individual trees, we assessed the growth and mortality of trees consumed by simulating herbivory on nine tree species over 4 years. Additionally, we assessed the cumulative impacts of bark/bud herbivory observed at the tree community level by monitoring the patterns of natural herbivory for almost a decade and evaluating the structure of tree assemblages in places with different cumulative impacts of herbivory. The results of simulated herbivory showed that the mortality caused by both spring and winter herbivory was limited (<20%) for almost all tree species monitored; however, the simulated folivory led to delayed tree growth and/or weakening of tree architecture. In contrast, the simulated bark/bud herbivory sometimes resulted in overcompensation of the tree consumed. The multiyear monitoring of natural herbivory demonstrated that, while bark/bud herbivory did not reduced the diversity and biomass of tree assemblages, the cumulative impacts of natural herbivory could have affected the tree succession pattern, resulting in increasing the availability of bark/buds preferably fed by macaques. The key cause for this feedback effect of herbivory on available foods of macaques might be heavy snow conditions, which could physically and physiologically restrain the excessive bark/buds herbivory by macaques. Research Highlights: In the multiyear experiments of simulated herbivory, the tree mortality caused by spring folivory and winter bark/bud herbivory by Japanese macaques was limited (<20%).Spring folivory led to delayed tree growth and/or weakening of tree architecture.Winter bark/bud herbivory resulted in affecting the tree succession pattern by increasing the availability of food trees preferred by macaques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating industrial symbiosis benefits into biorefinery opportunities can reduce new investment costs and possibly improve the green credentials of processes. The existing wood‐processing cluster at Kawerau, New Zealand, with easy access to wood‐processing residues, excess on‐site geothermal energy, and on‐site use of products, could provide significant symbiotic benefits for the development of biorefinery opportunities. To quantify the potential benefits of this site symbiosis, we undertook a detailed techno‐economic and risk analysis for co‐production of bark briquettes and tannin adhesive from wood bark in greenfield and in Kawerau scenarios. Kawerau site benefits were quantified and their impacts on opportunity viability were assessed. Symbiotic use of the tannin adhesive produced on site and the use of the geothermal heat available in Kawerau reduced the utility cost by 45% and total capital investment by 56% compared with a greenfield operation. This improved the overall economics significantly, with the internal rate of return increasing from 6 to 22%. Monte Carlo simulations showed that the water : bark ratio and tannin yield have profound effects on process economics. Process improvements show a greater effect on improving the overall economics than price volatilities of input materials. The study findings confirm the significant economic benefits of incorporating industrial symbiosis at existing wood‐processing sites, and help to identify research needs for tannin process improvements. © 2021 Argonne National Laboratory. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residues obtained after wood biomass liquefaction were used as precursors for the synthesis of two activated biochars. The source of biomass liquefaction constituted of industrial wood processing by‐products, including bark and wood sawdust. The liquefied residues were analyzed in terms of chemical components and structure. Carbonization under nitrogen atmosphere followed by physical CO2 activation allowed to obtain microporous activated carbons with specific surface areas of 741 and 522 m2 g−1, and micropore volumes of 0.38 and 0.27 cm3 g−1, respectively. The obtained activated carbons were used to remove toxic hexavalent chromium from the aquatic environment. The observed sorption capacities were 80.6 mg g−1 versus 36.7 mg g−1 for wood bark‐derived and wood sawdust‐derived carbon, respectively, indicating a key role of the wood residue source in the effectiveness of Cr(VI) removal by resulting carbons. Despite the dominant microporous structure, the adsorption kinetics was surprisingly fast, especially for the bark‐derived carbon, since the adsorption equilibrium was reached within 2 h. The sorption mechanism of chromium was based on the carbon surface‐mediated reduction of toxic hexavalent form to its non‐toxic trivalent form, as confirmed by the X‐ray photoelectron analysis. Therefore, the residues from wood liquefaction can be easily converted into porous activated biocarbons capable of adsorbing significant amounts of hazardous Cr(VI) while reducing them to non‐toxic Cr(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Polishing entire stem and root samples is an effective method for studying their anatomy; however, polishing fresh samples to preserve woods with soft tissues or barks is challenging given that soft tissues shrink when dried. We propose sanding fresh or liquid‐preserved samples under water as an alternative, given that it preserves all tissues in an intact and clear state. Methods and Results: By manually grinding the surface of the samples under water using three ascending grits of waterproof sandpapers, an excellent polished sanded surface is obtained. The wood swarf goes into the water without clogging the cell lumina, rendering the surfaces adequate for cell visualization and description. We show results in palms, liana stems, roots, and wood blocks. Conclusions: Using this simple, inexpensive, rapid technique, it is possible to polish either fresh, dry, or liquid‐preserved woody plant samples, preserving the integrity of both the soft and hard tissues and allowing for detailed observations of the stems and roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Quassinoids, a class of highly oxygenated triterpenes, have been isolated as bitter principles from the plants of Simaroubaceae family. Five new quassinoids, chouchunlactone A—E (1—5), and two known ones were identified from the root barks of Ailanthus altissima Swingle (Simaroubaceae). The chemical structures of the new compounds were deduced by spectroscopic data analyses, NMR calculations and DP4+ probability analysis. The absolute configurations were defined by comparison of their experimental and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra data, and compounds 1—2 were further confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Biologically, compound 5 showed potencies equivalent to sorafenib (IC50 value, 9.70 μmol·L–1) against HepG2 cells. The Hoechst 33342 staining, JC‐1 fluorescent dye and Annexin V/PI analysis studies demonstrated that 5 can induce apoptosis and attenuate mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark contributes approximately 20% to the total above‐ground biomass of trees, yet bark is not properly accounted for when estimating carbon sequestered by trees. Current allometric functions estimate tree volume from diameter measured over the bark, and derive bark density and carbon content from estimates for wood. As the bark density of hardwood species is 40%–50% lower than the wood density, but nearly equivalent in conifers, bark carbon is overestimated for most species. The latter is further exacerbated by variation in bark volume with bark surface morphology.Fissured bark volume is overestimated by diameter over bark measurements by up to 40%. The vacant space in fissures can be accounted for by a bark fissure index (BFI). We calculate bark carbon for Australian species from a non‐destructive and effective BFI using bark thickness measured in the field.Bark volume, and in turn bark carbon, scaled inversely with tree size (diameter) so that bark volume comprised 42% of small trees (10 cm diameter at breast height, DBH) but 23% of large trees (50 cm DBH). Our BFI method using a bark thickness gauge (BGM) yielded similar results than using the less time‐efficient contour gauge method (CM) to estimate BFI (bias BGM‐CM −1.3%, non‐significant at p = 0.72). Both BGM and CM had an error of <4% compared to digitized BFI from destructive sampled stem disks. An average of 15 bark gauge measurements per tree estimated bark thickness (and inconsequence BFI) for both fissured and unfissured bark with <20% error relative to the exact value.Using the bark gauge method, BFI can be rapidly measured from large numbers of trees needed for estimating bark carbon at the community level and modelling carbon uptake, storage and cycling in woody biomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ellagitannins may have a beneficial impact in cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of high-fat diet (HFD) and the efficacy of Castanea sativa Mill. bark extract (ENC) on cardiac and vascular parameters. Rats were fed with regular diet, (RD, n = 15), HFD (n = 15), RD + ENC (20 mg/kg/day by gavage, n = 15), and HFD + ENC (same dose, n = 15) and the effects on body weight, biochemical serum parameters, and inflammatory cytokines determined. Cardiac functional parameters and aorta contractility were also assessed on isolated atria and aorta. Results showed that ENC reduced weight gain and serum lipids induced by HFD. In in vitro assays, HFD decreased the contraction force of left atrium, increased right atrium chronotropy, and decreased aorta K+ -induced contraction; ENC induced transient positive inotropic and negative chronotropic effects on isolated atria from RD and HFD rats and a spasmolytic effect on aorta. In ex vivo experiments, ENC reverted inotropic and chronotropic changes induced by HFD and enhanced Nifedipine effect more on aorta than on heart. In conclusion, ENC restores metabolic dysfunction and cardiac cholinergic muscarinic receptor function, and exerts spasmolytic effect on aorta in HFD rats, highlighting its potential as nutraceutical tool in obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coordination of traits from individual organs to whole plants is under strong selection because of environmental constraints on resource acquisition and use. However, the tight coordination of traits may provide underlying mechanisms of how locally adapted plant populations can become maladapted because of climate change.To better understand local adaptation in intraspecific trait coordination, we studied trait variability in the widely distributed foundation tree species, Populus fremontii using a common garden near the mid‐elevational point of this species distribution. We examined 28 traits encompassing four spectra: phenology, leaf economic spectrum (LES), whole‐tree architecture (Corner's Rule) and wood economic spectrum (WES).Based on adaptive syndrome theory, we hypothesized that trait expression would be coordinated among and within trait spectra, reflecting local adaptation to either exposure to freeze‐thaw conditions in genotypes sourced from high‐elevation populations or exposure to extreme thermal stress in genotypes sourced from low‐elevation populations.High‐elevation genotypes expressed traits within the phenology and WES that limit frost exposure and tissue damage. Specifically, genotypes sourced from high elevations had later mean budburst, earlier mean budset, higher wood densities, higher bark fractions and smaller xylem vessels than their low‐elevation counterparts. Conversely, genotypes sourced from low elevations expressed traits within the LES that prioritized hydraulic efficiency and canopy thermal regulation to cope with extreme heat exposure, including 40% smaller leaf areas, 67% higher stomatal densities and 34% higher mean theoretical maximum stomatal conductance. Low‐elevation genotypes also expressed a lower stomatal control over leaf water potentials that subsequently dropped to pressures that could induce hydraulic failure.Synthesis. Our results suggest that Populus fremontii expresses a high degree of coordination across multiple trait spectra to adapt to local climate constraints on photosynthetic gas exchange, growth and survival. These results, therefore, increase our mechanistic understanding of local adaptation and the potential effects of climate change that in turn, improves our capacity to identify genotypes that are best suited for future restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Melasma can be recalcitrant to treatment, and relapses are common. Pycnogenol has been reported to be effective in treating melasma. Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety and tolerability of 75 mg pycnogenol taken orally twice a day vs. a placebo, in association with the triple combination and broad‐spectrum sunscreen for the treatment of facial melasma. Methods: A randomized, double‐blind, parallel, placebo‐controlled study was conducted on 44 women with facial melasma in a single centre from May 2019 through November 2019. Patients with melasma were randomly assigned to orally take 75 mg pycnogenol (PYC) or a placebo (PLAC) twice a day for 60 days. Both groups also received tinted sunscreen [Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50; Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) 17] for daytime use and a topical triple combination at bedtime. The primary outcome was a change from the baseline Modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI) score. Secondary outcomes were improvements in the patients' quality of life (MELASQoL), colorimetric indices and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Results: All participants completed the trial. The mean (SD) age of the participants was 39 (7) years, and 91% were phototypes III–IV. Both groups exhibited a reduction in mMASI scores, MELASQoL scores and colour contrast (P < 0.01). The mean (CI 95%) reductions of the mMASI scores were 49% (36–61%) for PYC and 34% (16–47%) for PLAC. The reductions in mMASI scores and colorimetric contrast were superior for the PYC group (P < 0.05). The analysis of GAIS resulted in an improvement of 86% (CI 95%: 68–96%) for the participants in the PYC group and 55% (CI 95%: 32–73%) for those in the PLAC group. There were no adverse effects related to oral treatment. Conclusion: Pycnogenol is well‐tolerated and increases the effectiveness of broad‐spectrum sunscreen and the triple combination in the treatment of facial melasma in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) are crucial for forest resilience, but little is known regarding the role of bark in NSC storage. However, bark's abundance in woody stems and its large living fraction make it potentially key for NSC storage. We quantified total NSC, soluble sugar (SS) and starch concentrations in the most living region of bark (inner bark, IB), and sapwood of twigs, trunks and roots of 45 woody species from three contrasting tropical climates spanning global extremes of bark diversity and wide phylogenetic diversity. NSC concentrations were similar (total NSC, starch) or higher (SS) in IB than wood, with concentrations co‐varying strongly. NSC concentrations varied widely across organs and species within communities and were not significantly affected by climate, leaf habit or the presence of photosynthetic bark. Starch concentration tended to increase with density, but only in wood. IB contributed substantially to NSC storage, accounting for 17–36% of total NSC, 23–47% of SS and 15–33% of starch pools. Further examination of the drivers of variation in IB NSC concentration, and taking into account the substantial contribution of IB to NSC pools, will be crucial to understand the role of storage in plant environmental adaptation. Bark contribution to non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) storage is very poorly understood. Across tropical woody species, bark contributes up to a third of NSC pools. NSC concentrations change across organs and species, but not climate or leaf habit, likely in coordination with wood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavonoids are a diverse family of plant compounds that are involved in pigmentation, protection, and endogenous regulation. Flavonoids also have medicinal applications, suggesting that they may exert chemoprotective effects. However, some studies have shown, that some plant flavonoids have oxidative and toxic effects, including those produced by Schinus terebinthifolius. In Brazil, extracts of this plant are widely used for medical purposes. In this study, we analyzed the mutagenic potential of two flavonoid‐enriched fractions from Brazilian pepper tree stem bark using Escherichia coli CC strains deficient and proficient in enzymes involved in the DNA repair of oxidative lesions. The highest mutagenic response was detected in the CC104mutMmutY strain but CC104mutY showed a higher mutation frequency than CC104mutM. The spectrum of mutations induced in plasmid DNA is composed of mutations typically caused by oxidative lesions. However, a new type of lesion must be occurred to explain the cytotoxicity, higher mutation rates in the CC104mutY strain, and the rare A:T → T:A and G:C → C:G transversions found in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presented study concerns the efficiency of removing nutrients, organic compounds and metal cations from municipal sewage by a cylindrical photobioreactor (PBR) with the biomass of microalgae growing on pine bark. The study was conducted in two cylindrical PBRs fed with municipal wastewater for 42 days. PBRs were internally illuminated with red and blue light at night. The sewage was additionally enriched in CO2 and CaCO3. The concentration of NH4+, NO32−, PO43−, metal cations and organic carbon (TOC) was determined in the treated sewage. The results indicated that the development of algal‐bacterial biofilm contributed to the reduction of NH4+ (>99%), PO43− (96–99%) and TOC (71–77%) concentrations. Amongst the metal cations, the highest reduction of concentration was noted for Cu, K, Mn, Zn and Fe. Immobilisation of algae on pine bark is an effective method of wastewater treatment in PBR and supports the separation of proliferated biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constitutive and inducible terpene production is involved in conifer resistance against insects and fungal infestations. To gain knowledge about local defence responses of Norway spruce bark against pathogens and to find potential chemical markers for resistance breeding, we inoculated the stem of 8‐year‐old Norway spruce (Picea abies) clonal trees with both Endoconidiophora polonica (Ep, a common fungal pathogen associated with the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus) and Heterobasidion parviporum (Hp, a severe pathogen causing root and stem rot disease). Three weeks after inoculation, the fungal‐inoculated and intact bark from each tree was sampled. The terpenes in tree bark were extracted with hexane and characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The two fungi induced varied terpene responses in the four spruce clones used. Three of the clones showed a 2.3‐fold to 5.7‐fold stronger terpene response to Hp relative to Ep inoculation, while one clone responded similarly to inoculation with the two fungal pathogens. The amount of the diterpenes thunbergol and geranyllinalool varied between the clones. The level of thunbergol was higher in both intact and fungal‐inoculated bark from the less susceptible clones compared with the more susceptible clones. Geranyllinalool was present in higher amounts in the susceptible clones and is thus a possible marker for susceptibility. Our observations show that Norway spruce employs a similar chemical mechanism against the two fungal pathogens. Based on the present and earlier published data, we suggest that certain Norway spruce genotypes have a strong defence reaction against these two pathogens. The diterpenes thunbergol and geranyllinalool might be useful markers of susceptibility in tree‐breeding programmes and should be the focus of further detailed investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cittadella di Alessandria (Italy) is a military fortification that was built in the 18th century. The site has recently been abandoned and is now colonised by weeds, including the invasive Ailanthus altissima. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of different herbicides (glyphosate, a mixture of aminopyralid + fluroxypyr and triclopyr + fluroxypyr) applied to cut stumps or to the basal bark of A. altissima. For the cut stump application, plants were first cut at the base and then immediately sprayed and for the basal bark application, the lower 50 cm of the plants was sprayed with the herbicides; untreated cut plants were used as a control, for comparison. Two runs per study were carried out (in summer 2015 and in spring 2016). Efficacy was assessed up to 2018 by counting the resprouts and their height in the cut stump application and, for the basal bark treatment, by measuring the variation in the plant circumference after treatment. The cut stump treatment carried out in summer greatly reduced the number of resprouts, compared to the spring treatment, to less than one sprout per plant when aminopyralid + fluroxypyr was used, and its efficacy lasted for about two years. The basal bark treatment did not control the species, but lower levels of variation in circumference and greater mortality were detected in plants treated with aminopyralid + fluroxypyr. Considering the high level of infestation of the site and the high risk of plant resprouting, repeated cut stump treatments with aminopyralid + fluroxypyr would be preferable to eradicate this invasive species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Effects of plasticisers (glycerol, sorbitol and polypropylene glycol) and blend ratios on release behaviour, molecular vibration, mechanical and water barrier properties in agar and carrageenan films incorporating pine bark extract were investigated. Infrared spectra indicated hydrogen bonding of sorbitol and polypropylene glycol with film polymers which improved water diffusion and agar solubility but showed no effect in carrageenan films due to high water affinity. Hydrophilicity of the plasticisers modified dissolution of films and strongly affected the release behaviours of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity (DPPH• and FRAP). Film solubility showed high correlation to release behaviours. Fick's diffusion kinetics fitted well to release behaviour of pine bark to aqueous media (water, 3% acetic acid and 10% ethanol). Agar gave a higher diffusion coefficient that was improved by the addition of sorbitol and polypropylene glycol. Increased diffusion coefficients enhanced degree of release, with some diversions suggesting that solvent modified matrices and, hence, release properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, high‐performance countercurrent chromatography was employed to isolate six anthraquinone diglucosides, namely, cascarosides A–F, from cascara sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana DC [Rhamnaceae]) bark. The n‐butanol–soluble extract of cascara sagrada was separated by off‐line two‐dimensional high‐performance countercurrent chromatography. The first‐dimensional high‐performance countercurrent chromatography resolved the n‐butanol‐soluble extract (510 mg) of cascara sagrada using the flow‐rate gradient method with a chloroform–methanol–isopropanol–water (6:6:1:4, v/v/v/v, normal‐phase mode) system to afford four anthraquinone diglucoside fractions (groups I [cascarosides C–D, 71 mg], II [cascarosides E–F, 56 mg], III [cascaroside A, 53 mg], and IV [cascaroside B, 31 mg]). Groups I and II were separated by the second‐dimensional high‐performance countercurrent chromatography using an ethyl acetate–n‐butanol–water (7:3:10, v/v/v, normal‐phase mode) system to yield cascarosides C (34 mg), D (26 mg), E (19 mg), and F (15 mg). Additionally, one‐step preparative‐scale high‐performance countercurrent chromatography method was developed to isolate large amounts of cascarosides A (389 mg) and B (187 mg) from the water‐soluble extract (2.1 g) of cascara sagrada using an ethyl acetate–n‐butanol–water (2:8:10, v/v/v, normal‐phase mode) system. The current study demonstrated that high‐performance countercurrent chromatography is a powerful technique for the isolation of marker compounds from herbal materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the non‐targeted large‐scale plant metabolomics (UPLC‐Q‐Orbitrap‐MS) was performed for the comparison of chemical profiling of the leaves, barks, flowers, peels, pulps, and seeds of Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels (called "wampee"). A total of 364 metabolites were identified, and 62 potential biomarkers were selected by the multivariate statistical analysis. Hierarchical cluster analysis suggested that the selected biomarkers were significant differential metabolites among various parts of wampee. Metabolic pathway analysis showed a significant enrichment of the "Flavone and flavonol synthesis" and "Isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis" pathway. This study provides important information for the isolation and identification of functional components from different tissues of wampee and the metabolic biosynthesis pathway elucidation in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It will be necessary to make efficient use of our resources if our society is to be converted into a bio‐based economy. Every year large side streams of bark are produced in sawmills and pulp mills. In addition to utilizing the bark for heat and electricity production, as happens today, high‐value chemical components could be extracted prior to energy conversion. These components include tannins. Cationized tannins have already been indicated as promising renewable flocculants in wastewater treatment. However, today's industrial production of tannins uses species from subtropical or temperate climates, and there has so far been little attention to the use of tannins from Norway spruce (Picea abies), an important species in forestry in the subarctic climate. The present life‐cycle assessment (LCA) was undertaken to understand the environmental performance of the production of cationized tannins from the bark of Norway spruce and how the environmental impact is distributed along the production system. This work was connected to the Interreg Botnia‐Atlantica TanWat research project, which studies the production and use of cationized tannins from Norway spruce for wastewater treatment at a pilot scale. The present LCA shows that the main environmental impact stems from the reagents used in the cationization step. The purification step could also be a significant issue depending on the possibility of reusing the eluent (ethanol) and the lifetime of the resin. The importance of running the processes with as concentrated streams as possible to minimize the need of process water and energy was also confirmed © 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biotropica is the property of Wiley-Blackwell 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.)

Summary: Late Paleozoic arborescent lycopsids have been thought to have grown from sporelings into large trees through the production of a periderm cylinder, particularly massive in the proximal portion of the trunk and tapering distally, with this rind of bark providing most of their structural support.Here, we argue that physiological limitations would have prohibited the production of thick periderm and test this hypothesis using multiple independent lines of evidence derived from anatomical permineralization and surface impression fossils that allow both direct and indirect measurement of periderm radial thickness.Across all six genera of Pennsylvanian arborescent lycopsids that were investigated, all evidence indicates limited periderm production: typically < 5 cm, always < 15 cm, even in trunks that would have reached 1 m or more in diameter.The large amount of arborescent lycopsid periderm in Middle Pennsylvanian coals represents taphonomic enrichment rather than a true anatomical signal, complicating interpretation of their biology including biomechanics and early ontogeny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignins from different tree barks, including Norway spruce (Picea abies), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), mimosa (Acacia dealbata) and blackwood acacia (A. melanoxylon), are thoroughly characterized. The lignin from E. globulus bark is found to be enriched in syringyl (S) units, with lower amounts of guaiacyl (G) and p‐hydroxyphenyl (H) units (H/G/S ratio of 1:26:73), which produces a lignin that is highly enriched in β‐ether linkages (83 %), whereas those from the two Acacia barks have similar compositions (H/G/S ratio of ≈5:50:45), with a predominance of β‐ethers (73–75 %) and lower amounts of condensed carbon–carbon linkages; the lignin from A. dealbata bark also includes some resorcinol‐related compounds, that appear to be incorporated or intimately associated to the polymer. The lignin from P. abies bark is enriched in G units, with lower amounts of H units (H/G ratio of 14:86); this lignin is thus depleted in β‐O‐4′ alkyl–aryl ether linkages (44 %) and enriched in condensed linkages. Interestingly, this lignin contains large amounts of hydroxystilbene glucosides that seem to be integrally incorporated into the lignin structure. This study indicates that lignins from tree barks can be seen as an interesting source of valuable phenolic compounds. Moreover, this study is useful for tailoring conversion technologies for bark deconstruction and valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of energy from wood biomass is as old as humanity itself. There has been enormous progress in research of sustainable pyrolysis processes for optimal energy conversion in the past 30 years. Pyrolisis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (PY‐GC‐MS) was used to examine the components of bark and wood of Toona sinensis for expanding high value utilization different parts of trees. In the study, 174 chemical constituents were identified in the bark; 169 chemical constituents were identified in the wood, respectively. The chemical composition of bark is different from that of wood. The change in thermal cracking 30 min ago is not very large. In the retention time is more than 30 min, they are very different. Because the ash content of bark had much large corresponding wood. Mainly the phenols and their derivatives formed after the pyrolysis of lignin and extractives. The chemical composition of T. sinensis provides a scientific basis for the development and utilization of the plant. The richer chemical constituents of T. sinensis are found, which will provide new scientific evidence for further development and utilization of bark and wood of T. sinensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canopy and tree morphology are assumed to play a significant role in modulating the amount of rainfall water during its routing throughout the vegetation and the near‐surface Critical Zone. One crucial point of research addresses the spatial extent of stemflow (SF) infiltration, because its concentration over small areas at the trunk base appears to affect the magnitude and timing of water and solutes input to the soil and hence amplify biogeochemical cycling. By a Brilliant Blue tracer experiment, we examined the flow patterns of SF water along the trunk surface of two broadleaved tree species (Fagus sylvatica and Acer pseudoplatanus) and the infiltration area at the trunk base and down to 0.12‐m soil depth following natural rainfall events. Our results point to highly preferential SF with smaller washed‐off stem areas for sycamore maple (≤15%) compared with European beech (≤39%). The infiltration area is remarkably smaller than the basal area (BA), accounting for only 17% of the BA for beech and for 30% for maple. Differences in decolourized stem areas between the trees do not relate to the magnitude of infiltration areas at the soil surface, suggesting a strong effect of coarse root abundance and run‐off properties on the funnelling of SF water. In essence, our investigation exhibited that SF routing along bark surfaces and infiltration at the trunk base were spatially more concentrated than commonly assumed. The outcome of this study might contribute to our understanding on hydrological and biogeochemical interlinkages between the plant cover and the near‐surface Critical Zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aims of this work were to assess phylogenetic relationships of the trentepohlialean photobionts in tropical, mainly sterile, lichens collected in Bolivia, to examine their genetic diversity, host specificity, and the impact of habitat factors on the occurrence of Trentepohliales. Based on rbcL marker analysis, we constructed a phylogenetic tree with eight major clades of Trentepohliales, of which seven free‐living species are intermingled with lichenized ones. Our analyses show that the studied photobionts are scattered across the phylogenetic tree and algae from temperate and tropical regions do not form monophyletic groups, except within one clade that seems to be restricted to the tropics. There is no significant occurrence pattern of lichenized Trentepohliaceae on a specific substratum, except Cephaleuros spp. and Phycopeltis spp., which are restricted to leaves, while some clades with lichenized algae may be specialized to tree bark and wood. Moreover, we found two patterns of associations: first, closely related algae can associate with distantly related mycobionts; second, some other trentepohlioid algae associate with selected lineages of fungi (e.g., Arthoniaceae or Graphidaceae). We also found that some lineages of photobionts are even more selective and associate exclusively with one species (e.g., Dichosporidium nigrocinctum, Diorygma antillarum) or closely related lichen‐forming fungi (Herpothallon spp.). Concluding, we found that occurrence of some trentepohlialean photobionts may correlate with the particular type of the mycobiont. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]