Search

With a rapid growth invasive alien plants cause a lot of problems not only to indigenous varieties of plants, but also for people, as they are often the cause of many health problems, such as allergies, and they also contribute to greater economic loss. Plant protection is an activity which, on the basis of appropriate scientific knowledge by means of various methods and an economical manner, protects cultivated plants from harmful organisms. In Slovenia, as well as worldwide, the use of pesticides in plant protection programmes is the most widespread method due to price and other benefits. Researchers are looking for new, environmentally more acceptable ways of protecting plants against harmful organisms due to adverse environmental effects of pesticides, their non-target activity, the occurence of resistance to pesticides, and increasingly stringent environmental policies. One such measure is also the study of plant extracts in the suppresing of economically important harmful organisms. In a review article, we focused on the literature review of the usefeulness of plant extracts of several invasive alien plant species in plant protection: knotweeds (Fallopia japonica [Houtt.] Ronse Decr), F. x bohemica (Chrtek & Chrtková) Bailey), goldenrods (Solidago canadensis L., S. gigantea Aiton), stag's-horn sumac (Rhus typhina L.), tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima [Mill.] Swingle), false indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L.) and stinkwort (Dittrichia graveolens [L.] Greuter), which we are studying within the project ApPLAuSE.

Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is a well-known invasive alien species in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and North America. The plant is known to have a negative impact on local biodiversity, flood risk and ecosystem services; but in the UK it is also considered to pose a significant risk to the structural integrity of buildings that are within seven m of the above ground portions of the plant. This has led to the presence of the plant on residential properties regularly being used to refuse mortgage applications. Despite the significant socioeconomic impacts of such automatic mortgage option restriction, little research has been conducted to investigate this issue. The ‘seven-m rule’ is derived from widely adopted government guidance in the UK. This study considered if there is evidence to support this phenomenon in the literature, reports the findings of a survey of invasive species control contractors and property surveyors to determine if field observations support these assertions, and reports a case study of 68 properties, located on three streets in northern England where F. japonica was recorded. Additionally, given the importance of proximity, the seven-m rule is also tested based on data collected during the excavation based removal of F. japonica from 81 sites. No support was found to suggest that F. japonica causes significant damage to built structures, even when it is growing in close proximity to them and certainly no more damage than other plant species that are not subject to such stringent lending policies. It was found that the seven-m rule is not a statistically robust tool for estimating likely rhizome extension. F. japonica rhizome rarely extends more than four m from above ground plants and is typically found within two m for small stands and 2.5 m for large stands. Based on these findings, the practice of automatically restricting mortgage options for home buyers when F. japonica is present, is not commensurate with the risk.

Des germinations in situ de renouées asiatiques invasives ont été récemment observées par différents botanistes, soulevant le problème d’une possible dissémination des espèces par les graines. C’est ce que confirme des essais réalisés en conditions expérimentales sur les cinq espèces de renouées présentes dans les Côtes d’Armor. Pour les auteurs, il convient donc de prendre en compte la reproduction sexuée dans les stratégies de contrôle et de lutte.

Context: Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc (Polygonaceae), the root of which is included in the Chinese Pharmcopoeia under the name 'Huzhang', has a long history as a medicinal plant and vegetable. Polygonum cuspidatum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of inflammation, hyperlipemia, etc., Objective: This article reviews the pharmacological action and the clinical applications of Polygonum cuspidatum and its extracts, whether in vivo or in vitro . We also summarized the main phytochemical constituents and pharmacokinetics of Polygonum cuspidatum and its extracts., Methods: The data were retrieved from major medical databases, such as CNKI, PubMed, and SinoMed, from 2014 to 2022. Polygonum cuspidatum , pharmacology, toxicity, clinical application, and pharmacokinetics were used as keywords., Results: The rhizomes, leaves, and flowers of Polygonum cuspidatum have different phytochemical constituents. The plant contains flavonoids, anthraquinones, and stilbenes. Polygonum cuspidatum and the extracts have anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, anticancer, heart protection, and other pharmacological effects. It is used in the clinics to treat dizziness, headaches, traumatic injuries, and water and fire burns., Conclusions: Polygonum cuspidatum has the potential to treat many diseases, such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, and cardiac hypertrophy. It has a broad range of medicinal applications, but mainly focused on root medication; its aerial parts should receive more attention. Pharmacokinetics also need to be further investigated.

Fallopia japonica (Japanese knotweed) is a well-known invasive alien species in the UK and elsewhere in Europe and North America. The plant is known to have a negative impact on local biodiversity, flood risk and ecosystem services; but in the UK it is also considered to pose a significant risk to the structural integrity of buildings that are within seven m of the above ground portions of the plant. This has led to the presence of the plant on residential properties regularly being used to refuse mortgage applications. Despite the significant socioeconomic impacts of such automatic mortgage option restriction, little research has been conducted to investigate this issue. The 'seven-m rule' is derived from widely adopted government guidance in the UK. This study considered if there is evidence to support this phenomenon in the literature, reports the findings of a survey of invasive species control contractors and property surveyors to determine if field observations support these assertions, and reports a case study of 68 properties, located on three streets in northern England where F. japonica was recorded. Additionally, given the importance of proximity, the seven-m rule is also tested based on data collected during the excavation based removal of F. japonica from 81 sites. No support was found to suggest that F. japonica causes significant damage to built structures, even when it is growing in close proximity to them and certainly no more damage than other plant species that are not subject to such stringent lending policies. It was found that the seven-m rule is not a statistically robust tool for estimating likely rhizome extension. F. japonica rhizome rarely extendsmore than four m from above ground plants and is typically found within two m for small stands and 2.5 m for large stands. Based on these findings, the practice of automatically restricting mortgage options for home buyers when F. japonica is present, is not commensurate with the risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control of weeds is a globally recognised approach to the management of some of the most troublesome invasive plants in the world. Accidental introductions of agents accounted for all weed biological control agent establishments in the European Union until 2010, but these examples include some current or emerging control successes both large and small, from the redistribution of the weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyllenhal (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) for the control of small outbreaks of Azolla filiculoides Lam. (Azollaceae), to the large scale control provided by the cochineal insect Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae), used against some problematic prickly pears (Opuntia spp. (Cactaceae)), and the ragweed beetle Ophraella communa LeSage (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), against common ragweed, Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae), which are providing benefits to an increasing number of Member States of the European Union. Recent programmes involving the intentional introduction of biological control agents against target weeds including Fallopia japonica (Hout.) Ronse Decr. (Polygonaceae), Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Balsaminaceae) and Acacia longifolia (Andrews) Willd (Fabaceae) show a shift from luck to judgement in the European Union. The inclusion of new weed targets on the European Invasive Species Regulation should lead to a growth in the profile and use of biological control which would be assisted by the publication of any successes from the few intentional introductions covered in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Slovenica is the property of Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana 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 recent years, Asclepias syriaca, a invasive neophyte, has spread aggressively in intensively farmed agricultural landscape in the Central Slovakia.

How people perceive risks posed by invasive non-native plants (INNP) can influence attitudes and consequently likely influence behavioural decisions. Although some drivers of risk perception for INNP have been identified, research has not determined those for INNP in domestic gardens. This is concerning as domestic gardens are where people most commonly encounter INNP, and where impacts can be particularly acute. Using a survey approach, this study determined the drivers of perceptions of risk of INNP in domestic gardens and which risks most concern people. Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica, in Cornwall, UK, where it is a problematic INNP in domestic gardens, was used as a case study. Possible drivers of risk were chosen a priori based on variables previously found to be important for environmental risks. Participants perceived Japanese knotweed to be less frequent on domestic property in Cornwall if their occupation involved the housing market, if they had not had Japanese knotweed in their own garden, if they did not know of Japanese knotweed within 5 km of their home, or if they were educated to degree level. Participants who thought that the consequences of Japanese knotweed being present on domestic property could be more severe had occupations that involved the housing market, knew of Japanese knotweed within 5 km of their home, or were older. Although concern about the damage Japanese knotweed could do to the structure of a property was reported as the second highest motivation to control it by the majority of participants, the perception of threat from this risk was rated as relatively low. The results of this study have implications for policy, risk communication, and garden management decisions. For example, there is a need for policy that provides support and resources for people to manage INNP in their local area. To reduce the impact and spread of INNP we highlight the need for clear and accurate risk communication within discourse about this issue. The drivers identified in this study could be used to target awareness campaigns to limit the development of over- or under-inflated risk perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive alien plant species negatively impact native plant communities by out-competing species or changing abiotic and biotic conditions in their introduced range. River systems are especially vulnerable to biological invasions, because waterways can function as invasion corridors. Understanding interactions of invasive and native species and their combined effects on river dynamics is essential for developing cost-effective management strategies. However, numerical models for simulating long-term effects of these processes are lacking. This paper investigates how an invasive alien plant species affects native riparian vegetation and hydro-morphodynamics. A morphodynamic model has been coupled to a dynamic vegetation model that predicts establishment, growth and mortality of riparian trees. We introduced an invasive alien species with life-history traits based on Japanese Knotweed ( Fallopia japonica), and investigated effects of low- and high propagule pressure on invasion speed, native vegetation and hydro-morphodynamic processes. Results show that high propagule pressure leads to a decline in native species cover due to competition and the creation of unfavorable native colonization sites. With low propagule pressure the invader facilitates native seedling survival by creating favorable hydro-morphodynamic conditions at colonization sites. With high invader abundance, water levels are raised and sediment transport is reduced during the growing season. In winter, when the above-ground invader biomass is gone, results are reversed and the floodplain is more prone to erosion. Invasion effects thus depend on seasonal above- and below ground dynamic vegetation properties and persistence of the invader, on the characteristics of native species it replaces, and the combined interactions with hydro-morphodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive non-native plants ( INNPs) can have serious and widespread negative ecological and socio-economic impacts. It is therefore important they are managed appropriately. Within domestic gardens management decisions, which will tend to be made by individual members of the public, are likely to vary depending on (a) understanding of problems caused by INNP, and (b) knowledge of best practice., Using content analysis, an approach seldom employed in an ecological context, this study analysed variation in internet-based information sources regarding INNP to determine how this collective discourse might influence risk perceptions and management decisions for domestic garden owners/managers. We used Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica in the UK, as a case study, as it is one of the most ecologically and economically damaging INNP in the region. Our analysis categorized the types of author disseminating information about Japanese knotweed, the relative frequency of documents between author categories, and variation in content and style between and within author categories., We identified five author categories: environmental NGOs, control companies, government, media and the property market. There was extensive variation in document structure, topics discussed, references and links to other sources, and language style; sometimes this variation was between author categories and sometimes within author categories. The most significant variation in topics discussed between author categories was indirect socio-economic problems, with control companies discussing these most. The number of pieces of legislation referenced and the proportion of militaristic words used were also highly significantly different between author categories. Some documents used neutral terminology and were more circumspect, whilst others were more forceful in expressing opinions and sensational., The author category returning the highest number of documents was the subcategory local government, the shortest of which contained neither links to other information nor referenced any organizations. Further analysis of local government documents revealed conflicting advice regarding the disposal of Japanese knotweed waste material; confusion about this topic could result in decisions being made that spread Japanese knotweed further and are potentially unlawful., The potential implications of our findings for the management of INNP in domestic gardens and societal perceptions of risks posed by INNP are discussed., Synthesis and applications. To help prevent inappropriate management of invasive non-native plants ( INNPs), for example Japanese knotweed Fallopia japonica in domestic gardens, we recommend that local and national authorities collaborate and work towards disseminating more consistent messages about (a) the potential socio-economic and ecological problems caused by INNP, whilst avoiding hyperbole, and (b) the most appropriate management techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of the invasive plant Japanese Knotweed ( Fallopia japonica) on native plant and invertebrate communities in its introduced range have been relatively well studied, and studies have revealed predominantly negative impacts. However, little research has focused on the impact of knotweed on higher trophic levels. This study investigated how riparian bird communities respond to different levels of knotweed invasion. Birds were counted in 21 fixed-width transects located along ten streams in Pennsylvania, a prime avian breeding area, winter roosting site, and migratory staging area located along the Atlantic Migratory Flyway. Species richness and overall abundances did not significantly differ between levels of knotweed coverage. However, three species exhibited significant positive correlations with knotweed cover, and one species exhibited a significant negative correlation. Species and foraging guild composition differed between survey locations with and without knotweed. Species frequently found around human habitation and in degraded habitats were associated with knotweed, while more sensitive species were associated with native vegetation. Locations with knotweed were also associated with fewer foraging guilds and lacked an association with shoreline gleaners, water ambushers, and ground foragers, indicating a potential loss of ecological function. Given the widespread distribution of Japanese Knotweed, management actions to reduce or eliminate knotweed from riparian corridors are necessary in order to preserve avian diversity and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus is a key plant nutrient linked to plant growth during the early stages of primary succession in volcanic soils. Available phosphorus is thought to include soil and atmospheric phosphorus, but it is not well understood. Here, we focused on deposition as a potential phosphorus source. We evaluated the contribution of deposition to phosphorus uptake and growth in Fallopia japonica, a key pioneer species of primary succession. When we experimented with growing F. japonica under field conditions, F. japonica not covered by a roof absorbed more phosphorus than that covered by the roof, suggesting the influence of total (dry + wet) deposition. Furthermore, we tested the effects of deposition by treating F. japonica seedlings with wet deposition or distilled water in six volcanic soils. Plants that received the wet deposition treatment exhibited higher phosphorus contents and growth rates than those treated with distilled water. The phosphorus from wet deposition and the phosphorus from soil contributed nearly equally to F. japonica development. Our findings suggest that F. japonica grows during primary succession and builds up the phosphorus cycle by absorbing a trace amount of phosphorus from deposition and volcanic soils., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and Bohemian knotweed (Fallopia × bohemica) are invasive plants that use allelopathy as an additional mechanism for colonization of the new habitat. Allelochemicals affect the growth of roots of neighboring plants. In the present study, we analyze the early changes associated with the inhibited root growth of radish seedlings exposed to aqueous extracts of knotweed rhizomes for 3 days. Here, we show that cells in the root cap treated with the knotweed extracts exhibited reduced cell length and displayed several ultrastructural changes, including the increased abundance of dilated ER cisternae filled with electron-dense material (ER bodies) and the accumulation of dense inclusions. Moreover, mitochondrial damage was exhibited in the root cap and the meristem zone compared to the non-treated radish seedlings. Furthermore, malfunction of the intracellular redox balance system was detected as the increased total antioxidative capacity. We also detected increased metacaspase-like proteolytic activities and, in the case of 10% extract of F. japonica, increased caspase-like proteolytic activities. These ultrastructural and biochemical effects could be the reason for the more than 60% shorter root length of treated radish seedlings compared to controls., (© 2023 The Authors. Physiologia Plantarum published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.)

Polygonum cuspidatum (Huzhang, HZ) is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for treating gouty arthritis (GA), but the specific mechanism is not clear. This study employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of HZ on GA. The network pharmacology approach, including active ingredient and target screening, drug-compound-target-disease network construction, protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, enrichment analysis, and molecular docking, was used to explore the mechanism of HZ against GA. Ten active ingredients of HZ were predicted to interact with 191 targets, 14 of which interact with GA targets. Network pharmacology showed that quercetin, physovenine, luteolin, and beta-sitosterol are the core components of HZ, and IL (interleukin)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are the core therapeutic targets. The mechanism of HZ in GA treatment was shown to be related to the IL-17 signaling pathway, NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and is involved in the inflammatory response, positive regulation of gene expression, cellular response to lipopolysaccharide, and other biological processes. Molecular docking showed that all four core compounds had good binding properties to IL-1β, with luteolin and beta-sitosterol showing better docking results than anakinra, suggesting that they could be used as natural IL-1β inhibitors in further experimental studies. The mechanism of action of HZ against GA has multi-target and multi-pathway characteristics, which provides an important theoretical basis for the study of the active ingredients of HZ as natural IL-1β inhibitors., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)