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Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, U.S.A. was historically cleared largely for pastoral purposes; it is now comprised of recently abandoned pastures dominated by non-native pasture species. To investigate the potential for reducing non-native species relative to native species, park managers initiated an experiment in 1995 that included mowing, herbicide application, planting of seed, and burning of replicate 20 × 50–m plots at each of two sites within Cades Cove. Between 1995 and 2001 we evaluated the response of the plant community (i.e., species-specific cover and frequency, biomass, diversity) to this suite of treatments and compared it with unmanipulated control plots at each site. Four years after treatment initiation abundance measures of Plantago lanceolata, Setaria geniculata, and Trifolium spp. averaged one-third lower in treated than control plots. Frequency of Festuca pratensis was lower in treated than in control plots for 2 years, but after 4 years its frequency, cover, and biomass did not differ between treated and control plots. By 2000 the cover of Sorghastrum nutans in treated plots increased to 23–47%, depending on the site. Total biomass and diversity increased in treated plots. The dominance of Lespedeza cuneata at one site apparently reduced planting success, biomass production, and diversity and evenness. Post-treatment lags in response for several species, coupled with interannual variation in response to environmental conditions, suggest that evaluations of treatment success would differ greatly depending on when the evaluation was conducted.

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata cv. Interstate 76) and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium cv. Aldous) were raised from seed in a glasshouse, transplanted into 5.7-l pots and placed into open-top chambers (OTC) on 6 June 1999. Following a 7-day adjustment period, each of six OTCs (duplicate OTCs per treatment) was ventilated with either air that had been carbon-filtered (CF) to remove ambient ozone (O3); non-filtered (NF), representative of ambient air; or enriched to twice-ambient O3 concentration (2X). Primary-growth forage was harvested on days 7, 32, 46, 59 and 72 following the start of fumigation, and regrowth forage from the first primary-growth harvest was harvested on days 36, 54 and 72 following the start of fumigation. Dry matter (DM) yield of either forage species did not differ among treatments except in the final regrowth period when yield of sericea lespedeza was greater for the NF than 2X O3 treatment. In vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and concentrations of crude protein (CP), soluble phenolics (SP) and condensed tannins (CT) in primary-growth sericea lespedeza did not differ between treatments, but NF primary-growth forage had higher concentration of protein-precipitating tannins (PPT) than did 2X primary-growth forage. Concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) were higher in NF and 2X than in CF primary-growth sericea lespedeza. Similarly, concentrations of NDF and ADL were higher, and IVDMD was lower for NF and 2X than for CF regrowth sericea lespedeza. Concentrations of ADF and ADL were lower, whereas IVDMD, in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) and concentrations of CP and SP were greater, in CF than in NF and 2X primary-growth little bluestem. Percentages IVDMD and IVNDFD and concentrations of CP and SP in NF primary-growth little bluestem were greater than those in forage exposed to 2X O3 treatment. No significant differences were observed among treatments in percentages IVDMD and IVNDFD, or concentrations of cell wall constituents or SP in little bluestem regrowth. Nutritive quality of little bluestem was decreased by < 2%, and that of sericea lespedeza by approximately 7% as a result of increased concentrations of cell wall constituents and decreased in vitro digestibility of NF and 2X compared with CF forages. Results indicate that existing and projected O3 levels can drive alterations in forage quality of select warm-season forages sufficient to have nutritional and economic implications for their utilization by ruminant herbivores.

Roundhead lespedeza, Lespedeza capitata Michx., is a deep. rooted, perennial legume native to the eastern and central USA and is relatively common on remnant upland prairies throughout the Midwest. Information on condensed tannin (CT) concentrations from different plant parts is needed for cultivar development and also to provide data for developing management and feeding strategies. The objectives of this study were to determine variation of CT concentrations in roundhead lespedeza leaves, stems, and inflorescences; evaluate genotype variation over environments; and select germplasm lines that could be used for breeding parents andlor bulked into a synthetic variety. Thirty-nine roundhead lespedeza plant introductions (PI) were sampled from replicated nurseries grown in two environments in 1996. Plant shoots were collected at flowering and seed filling. Each plant shoot sample was divided into leaf, stem, and inflorescence. Condensed tannin concentrations were determined by means of a modified vanillin-HCl method. We found that variation due to the environment was low, variation due to genotype was high, and variation due to genotype × environment interaction was high. Of these 39 plant introductions, we selected eight that were common to both environments and had low CT concentrations in leaves at flowering. The CT content of these plant introductions, however, was still relatively high when compared with sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don] that was bred for low tannin content. Collections should be made from a larger geographical region to look for germ-plasm with lower CT concentrations.

Sericea lespedeza is an invasive weed in the tallgrass prairies of the Southern Great Plains. Field experiments were initiated in 1995 at three locations in central Oklahoma to evaluate control of sericea lespedeza for several years after treatment with herbicide. Herbicide treatments included triclopyr at 560 and 840 g ae/ha, fluroxypyr at 210 and 560 g ae/ha, and metsulfuron at 13 and 21 g ai/ha applied at simple-stem (SS), branched-stem (BS), and flowering (FL) growth stages of sericea lespedeza. At all three locations, applications of triclopyr and fluroxypyr at the BS growth stage resulted in less than 4% of the pretreatment sericea lespedeza stem density remaining in the first growing season after treatment (GSAT). Metsulfuron applied at the FL growth stage resulted in 0 to 9% of the pretreatment stem density remaining in the first GSAT. Regardless of rate, triclopyr and fluroxypyr applied at the BS growth stage provided the most consistent long-term control of sericea lespedeza. Percentag...

The phytoremediation potential of using tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) grass and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata [Dum. -Cours.]) legume species was assessed using three different groups of organic contaminants in soil. One hundred parts per million (ppm) each of a nitroaromatic compound (TNT), a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (Pyrene), and a polychlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 1248) were used to contaminate the soils. The experiments were conducted using soils with high and low organic-matter content. The results indicate that recoveries of Pyrene and TNT were very low in all treatments in soil with high organic-matter content (6.3 percent) compared with recoveries in soil with low organic-matter content (2.6 percent). In contrast, recoveries of PCB from soil were not dependent on the soil's organic-matter content. Planting both the legume and grass species had significant effect on the transformations of TNT and PCB in the soil with low organic-matter content and did not affect the fate of Pyrene in both soils. The amount of TNT transformed in the four months of plant growth was 63 percent in the tall fescue and 46 percent in the sericea-planted soils, compared with only a 15 percent unaccounted loss in the unplanted control soils. Furthermore, the grass species, with its massive root system, was significantly better at causing TNT dissipation compared with the legume species, which has less root vegetative mass. The plant biomass, particularly the shoot weight of the tall fescue grass, was significantly increased as a result of TNT treatment. Tall fescue and sericea biomass did not appear to have any significant effect on Pyrene transformation. Planting sericea provided a significantly high level of PCB transformation in soils with either high or low amounts of organic matter. Tall fescue did not appear to have any significant effect on PCB transformation. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) is a Kansas statewide noxious weed that is spreading at an alarming rate. The genetic variation among different populations of this plant was investigated using the methodology of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples of sericea lespedeza were obtained at distinct sites throughout eastern Kansas and total DNA prepared from each. Four arbitrary primers were used individually in a RAPD-PCR and the combined amplification patterns used to generate a dendrogram. Sixteen plants from nine different populations were grouped into nine unique genotypic groupings using this method. These data indicate that significant genetic variation exists among the different populations of sericea lespedeza examined and that RAPD-PCR is a valid and reproducible means for the detection of these differences.

Prolific seed production, in combination with little or no grazing pressure, has contributed to the rapid spread of sericea lespedeza on Kansas rangelands. Increasing grazing pressure on sericea lespedeza may reduce seed production and slow its advance; however, development of appropriate research models to study sericea lespedeza intake by ruminants has been slow. Tannin concentration in sericea lespedeza changes dramatically during drying and storage. Therefore, avoidance of sericea lespedeza by grazing livestock is not generally observed when sericea lespedeza is fed to livestock in the form of sun-cured hay. Little is known about how harvest maturity and sun-curing influence the concentration of condensed tannins in sericea lespedeza or the degree of protein-binding by condensed tannins over the course of an entire growing season. Such information could lead to more effective research models for the study of sericea lespedeza intake by ruminant livestock. Therefore, the objective of our study was to examine changes in condensed-tannin concentrations and in protein-binding capacity of condensed tannins throughout the growing season in both sun-cured and fresh sericea lespedeza.

High prevalence of anthelmintic-resistant gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in goats has increased pressure to find effective, alternative non-synthetic control methods, one of which is adding forage of the high condensed tannin (CT) legume sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) to the animal's diet. Previous work has demonstrated good efficacy of dried SL (hay, pellets) against small ruminant GIN, but information is lacking on consumption of fresh SL, particularly during the late summer–autumn period in the southern USA when perennial warm-season grass pastures are often low in quality. A study was designed to determine the effects of autumn (September–November) consumption of fresh SL forage, grass pasture (predominantly bermudagrass, BG; Cynodon dactylon), or a combination of SL + BG forage by young goats [intact male Spanish kids, 9 months old (20.7 ± 1.1 kg), n = 10/treatment group] on their GIN infection status. Three forage paddocks (0.40 ha) were set up at the Fort Valley State University Agricultural Research Station (Fort Valley, GA) for an 8-week trial. The goats in each paddock were supplemented with a commercial feed pellet at 0.45 kg/head/d for the first 4 weeks of the trial, and 0.27 kg/head/d for the final 4 weeks. Forage samples taken at the start of the trial were analyzed for crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, and a separate set of SL samples was analyzed for CT in leaves, stems, and whole plant using the benzyl mercaptan thiolysis method. Animal weights were taken at the start and end of the trial, and fecal and blood samples were collected weekly for determination of fecal egg counts (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. Adult GIN was recovered from the abomasum and small intestines of all goats at the end of the experiment for counting and speciation. The CP levels were highest for SL forage, intermediate for SL + BG, and lowest for BG forage samples, while NDF and ADF values were the opposite, with highest levels in BG and lowest in SL forage samples. Sericea lespedeza leaves had more CT than stems (16.0 g vs. 3.3 g/100 g dry weight), a slightly higher percentage of PDs (98% vs. 94%, respectively) and polymers of larger mean degrees of polymerization (42 vs. 18, respectively). There were no differences in average daily gain or blood PCV between the treatment groups, but SL goats had lower FEC (P < 0.05) than the BG or SL + BG forage goats throughout most of the trial. The SL + BG goats had lower FEC than the BG forage animals by the end of the trial (week 8, P < 0.05). The SL goats had lower numbers (P < 0.05) of male Haemonchus contortus and tended to have fewer female (P < 0.10) and total (P < 0.07) H. contortus compared with the BG goats. The predominant GIN in all the goats was Trichostrongylus colubriformis (73% of total GIN). As a low-input forage with activity against pathogenic GIN (H. contortus), SL has a potential to reduce producers’ dependence upon synthetic anthelmintics and also to fill the autumn ‘window’ in good-quality fresh forages for goat grazing in the southern USA.

The influence of visual stimuli on female host location was investigated in Eurema hecabe (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Mated females with no oviposition experience were presented with artificial plant models treated with the methanol extract of the host plant, Lespedeza cuneata (Fabaceae). When models of different colours were presented to females, they landed and deposited eggs predominantly on the yellow-green model. However, the size of the model was not important. When females were presented with simple square models and a model on which small squares were assembled, they predominantly chose the assembly model. This suggests that female discern the pattern which resembles the leaf of their main host plants, which consists of many small leaflets. However, the whole image of a leaf of the host plant was not an essential cue for host location, as females also chose the square with the central space more frequently than that without the space. We suggest that the long contour of a complicated form plays a role in female host location.

Effects of varying strip widths of four species of cover crops on the growth of sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) seedlings planted as a short-rotation bioenergy woody crop were studied. Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L. a winter annual grass); tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb a cool-season perennial grass); crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L. a winter annual legume); and Interstate sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don. a summer growing perennial legume), were planted using two different strip widths (1.22 and 2.44 m ) between trees on a 1.5×3 m spacing. The control had no competition. Height, ground-line diameter and volume index of trees were determined on a monthly basis. Lespedeza and tall fescue significantly reduced ground line diameter, height and volume index compared to ryegrass and the control. Crimson clover significantly reduced ground line diameter compared to the control and volume index more than ryegrass and the control. During first two growing seasons, there was no benefit from legumes as a cover crop over grasses. All cover crops except rye grass significantly reduced sweetgum biomass compared to control. The results indicate that cover crops lespedeza, tall fescue, crimson clover and ryegrass reduced biomass by approximately 41%, 37%, 27% and 15%, respectively, compared to the control. The 2.44 m strip width reduced sweetgum growth 40% relative to the control vs. 20% with the 1.22 m strip width. Strip width had a greater impact on diameter and volume index than height.

Nematode resistance to anthelmintic drugs affects small ruminant production globally. This study evaluated in vivo effects of five plant extracts as alternative nematode treatments. Animals were divided into six groups. Each group was randomly assigned a treatment: Abamectin and Praziquantel (CAP) (positive Control), ethanol extracts of Ananas comosus (AC), Aloe ferox (AF), Allium sativum (AS), Lespedeza cuneata (LC) and Warburgia salutaris (WS). These were applied as an oral dose (100 mg kg−1 BW), one dose per week per sheep for 42 days (Phase 1). From day 42 sheep were orally dosed for 3 consecutive days with the same treatments in the same groups (Phase 2). Rectal faecal samples were taken every 7 days up to day 63. Eggs per gram of faeces were counted in individual rectal samples, L3 larval stage was counted in faecal cultures, with four replicates per group. For plant extracts, EPG decreased (P < 0.001) with time and efficacy of plant increased (P < 0.001) with time. Ananas comosus and L. cuneata treatments had the highest efficacies of 58 % and 61 %, respectively, in Phase 1; and 77 % and 81 %, respectively, in Phase 2. Continuous treatment with these plants could further reduce nematode parasites and improve host health.

Selected forage and soil conservation grasses and legumes were evaluated in the greenhouse for their abilities to stimulate dissipation of PCB, TNT, and pyrene in a soil. The grasses tested were tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), switchgrass (Panicum variegatum L.), and deertongue (Panicum clandestinum L.). The legumes were alfalfa (Medicago sauva L.), crownvetch (Coronilla varia L.), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata Dum‐Cours.), and flatpea (Wagner pea) (Lathyrus sylvestris L). The plants were grown in 13.5x15.0 cm pots containing soils that were fortified with 100 mg/kg nominal concentrations of the respective compounds and aged in the laboratory. After six months, 51% or less of an initial 100 mg/kg dose of aroclor 1248 was recovered from soils planted with reed canarygrass, switchgrass, and flatpea. Between 64–70% of the initial dose was recovered from soils planted with tall fescue, deer tongue, and sericea lespedeza, and about 80 % or m...

In a previous paper, the syntheses of potassium galactolespedezate ( 1 ) and potassium galactoisolespedezate ( 2 ), artificial leaf-opening substances useful for bioorganic studies of nyctinasty were reported. The fluorescent probe compounds, fluorescence-labeled galactoisolespedezate ( 3 ) and iodo-one ( 4 ), designed on the basis of 1 and 2 were prepared. Especially, compound 3 was bioactive at 5×10 −5 M, one-fiftieth as strong as the natural leaf-opening substance. This fluorescent probe would be useful for bioorganic studies of nyctinasty.

This study was designed to test whether the cultivation of cover crops between tree rows in short-rotation woody crop (SRWC) plantations could reduce erosion. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) seedlings were planted as the SRWC at a 1.5×3 m spacing. Four cover crops, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L. a winter annual grass); tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L. a cool-season perennial grass); crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L. a winter annual legume); and Interstate sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don. a summer growing-perennial legume], were tested at two different strip widths (1.22 and 2.44 m) in comparison with complete competition control. Erosion was measured from 1 August, 1995 to 8 March, 1997 (585 days) by sediment accumulation near the fence where 72 PVC pipes were inserted into soil on a 4.65 m2 (50 ft3) grid area of each plot. The total rainfall recorded during this period was 2422.91 mm (95.3 in.). All cover crops reduced erosion over the complete competition free plot (control), although tall fescue performed poorly at the narrow strip width. There were no significant differences between grasses and legumes for erosion control. Winter annual crops provided significantly more erosion protection than summer growing-perennials. With the exception of tall fescue, narrow strip widths performed as well as wider strip widths. The results indicate that cover crops ryegrass, crimson clover, lespedeza and tall fescue controlled about 64, 61, 51 and 37% soil erosion respectively as compared to the control during the critical early years of stand development in SRWC hardwood plantations.

Potassium lespedezate (1) is the leaf-opening substance of a nyctinastic plant, Lespedeza cuneata G. Don. We have synthesized two sugar-derivatives of 1, potassium galactolespedezate (4) and mannolespedezate (6). Both 4 and 6 were quite effective for the leaf-opening of Cassia. mimosoides at 8 × 10−7 M, as strong as 1. However, 1 kept the leaf open only for a few days; on the other hand, 4 and 6 kept the leaf open after a week at that concentration. Additionally, remarkable difference was observed in the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis of natural and artificial leaf-opening sustance by using commercially available β-glucosidase Therefore, 4 and 6 would not be hydrolized in the plant body, and are potentially useful molecular probes for the studies of the control of the nyctinastic leaf-movement by a biological clock.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L), red clover (Trifolium pratense L), birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L), sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop), crownvetch (Coronilla varia L), cicer milkvetch (Astragrlus cicer L), sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours) G Don) and kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M Bieb) were subjected to sequential detergent fibre analysis to investigate the effects that the addition of sodium sulphite to neutral detergent has on the recovery and composition of fibre and lignin from forage legumes that vary in levels of proanthocyanidin (PA). Soluble, insoluble and neutral detergent insoluble PA (NDIPA) concentrations were highest in sericea, moderate in crownvetch, sainfoin and birdsfoot trefoil and absent in alfalfa, cicer milkvetch, red clover and kura clover. Addition of sodium sulphite reduced levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen (NDIN) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN) recovered from most forages tested. The addition of sodium sulphite effectively eliminated NDIPA from NDF. The difference between fibre fractions prepared without and with the addition of sodium sulphite during the neutral detergent procedure was related to PA concentration. Neutral detergent fibre difference was positively correlated with soluble PA (r = 0.730, p = 0.0001), insoluble PA (r = 0.905, p = 0.0001) and NDIPA (r = 0.913, p = 0.0001). Acid detergent fibre difference was positively correlated with soluble PA (r = 0.796, p = 0.0001), insoluble PA (r = 0.976, p = 0.0001) and NDIPA (r = 0.974, p = 0.0001). Acid detergent lignin difference was positively correlated with soluble PA (r = 0.846, p = 0.0001), insoluble PA (r = 0.992, p = 0.0001) and NDIPA (r = 0.972, p = 0.0001). Neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen difference was positively correlated with soluble PA (r = 0.475, p = 0.0255), insoluble PA (r = 0.579, p = 0.0047) and NDIPA (r = 0.570, p = 0.0056). Acid detergent insoluble nitrogen difference was positively correlated with soluble PA (r = 0.798, p = 0.0001), insoluble PA (r = 0.969, p = 0.0001) and NDIPA (r = 0.979, p = 0.0001). Sodium sulphite has large effects on fibre values of PA-containing species. Our results suggest that the difference between fibre fractions prepared with and without the addition of sulphite to neutral detergent may be used to determine the effects of PA on protein solubility in detergents. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry

The presence and density of methanotrophic bacteria has been shown to play an important role in the bioremediation of trichloroethylene (TCE). This article describes the methanotrophic bacterial densities in rhizosphere soils from two areas of the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina. A direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) technique was evaluated to determine the presence of methanotrophic bacteria in roots and rhizospheres from vascular plants. The first site, the Miscellaneous Chemical Basin (MCB), was contaminated with a mixture of chemicals, including chlorinated solvents. The second site will be potentially affected by outcropping of TCE-contaminated groundwater. Significantly higher numbers of methanotrophic bacteria were observed with DFA in rhizosphere soils and on roots of Lespedeza cuneata and Pinus taeda (that previously showed higher rates of 14C-TCE mineralization) compared with nonvegetated soils. In addition, viable and heterotrophic microbial counts wer...

Field trials were conducted to evaluate weed control and crop safety with postemergence-applied herbicides in two cultivars of low-tannin seedling sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata). Two applications of either 2,4-D amine at 0.28 kg ae/ha or 2,4-DB amine at 0.56 kg ae/ha controlled sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) ≥ 90%. Equivalent control of smallflower morningglory (Jacquemontia tamnifolia) required either two applications of 2,4-D or three of 2,4-DB. Three applications of either herbicide were required for comparable spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) control. Sericea lespedeza was not adversely affected when either herbicide was applied up to three times per season over two consecutive seasons. Tolerance to 2,4-D and 2,4-DB was equal between two sericea lespedeza cultivars. Absorption of foliar-applied14C-2,4-D was greater in sicklepod and smallflower morningglory than in sericea lespedeza. Translocation of absorbed14C-2,4-D was equivalent between sicklepod and sericea lespedeza but greater in smallflower morningglory than in sericea lespedeza. Absorption and translocation of foliar-applied14C-2,4-DB was equivalent between sicklepod and sericea lespedeza. Furthermore,14C-2,4-DB absorption was less in smallflower morningglory than in sericea lespedeza.

Potassium lespedezate (1) is the leaf-opening substance of a nyctinastic plant, Lespedeza cuneata G. Don. We synthesized two sugar-derivatives of 1, potassium galactolespedezate (2) and mannoisolespedezate (3). Both 2 and 3 were quite effective for the leaf-opening of L. cuneata. at 8 × 10−7 M, as strong as 1. However, 1 kept the leaf open only for a few days; on the other hand, 2 and 3 kept the leaf open after a week at that concentration. Thus, it is assumed that 2 and 3 could not be hydrolyzed by β-glucosidase in the plant body, and are therefore potentially useful molecular probes for the studies of the control of the nyctinastic leaf-movement by a biological clock.

Phyllanthurinolactone ( 1 ) and phyllurine ( 2 ) were isolated from Phyllanthus urinaria L. as bioactive substances for nyctinasty. Compound 1 was quite effective for leaf-closing of the plant at 1 × 10 −7 M in the daytime and 2 was quite effective for the leaf-opening at 2.5 × 10 −5 M, whereas both 1 and 2 were not effective for other nyctinastic plants even at 1 × 10 −4 M. The concentration of 1 increased before leaf-closure in the plant body, whereas that of 2 was constant through a day. Thus, the leaf-movement of P. urinaria L. is proposed to be controlled by the change in the balance of concentration between 1 and 2 , which is regulated by a β-glucosidase, similar to the case of Lespedeza cuneata G. Don.

Many plants close their leaves in the evening like sleeping and open early in the morning. Such a circadian rhythm has been known to be controlled by their internal clock. Moreover, rapid seismonastic movement was also observed in Mimosa pudica L.Since Ricca's ingenious experiments suggested that some chemicals play an important role in leaf-movement of Mimosa pudica, many biologists and chemists have attempted to search for leaf-closing substances, and a number of compounds have been obtained, particularly, by Schildknecht et al. But, we have now demonstrated that the genuine leaf-movement factor of Mimosa is the mixture of three chemical substances, two of the three were identified as potassium L-malate and magnesium transaconitate. The mixture of these substances was effective at 10-8-10-9 M.On the other hand, we have isolated chemical substances that control the nyctinastic leaf-movement from several nyctinastic plants. Each substance was effective at 10-6-10-7 M only for the original plant, but not for other nyctinastic species. Thus, different leaf-movement factors exist in every nyctinastic plants. This is contrary to the old theory established by Schildknecht. This movement is controlled by the change in the balance of two inversely effective factors, leaf-closing and opening factor. Me0H-extracts of a nyctinastic plant, Lespedeza cuneata G. Don. collected in the daytime and at night showed inverse bioactivity. Thus, the balance of concentration between two leaf-movement factors in this plant which is controlled by biological clock was really inversed through a day. This mechanism for the control of nyctinastic movement is common among all nyctinastic plants.

Sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours) G. Don.] is a perennial legume with high polyphenol (tannin) concentration. The decomposition and nutrient release of sericea lespedeza residues with two tannin levels (high = 22% or low = 16%), which were either placed on the soil surface or buried at a depth of 5 cm were studied. An experiment was carried out at two sites for 2 yr. Litter mass loss and nutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Mo, Co) release were recorded. Litter mass loss was higher for the low-tannin residues and for those buried. From the beginning of the experiments, the C : N ratio was lower than 25 : 1 and N was mineralized for most of the studied cases; this means that N increased in availability to plants. The release of the rest of the studied nutrients was higher at the depth of 5 cm than on the soil surface and higher for low-tannin residues than for high-tannin. The observed accumulation of some nutrients in the first months presumably depended on microbial activity. The rate of release was higher for the macronutrients than for the micronutrients, with the exception of B, which had the same behaviour as the macronutrients.

The nyctinastic leaf-movement of plants is controlled by an endogenous biological clock. In a nyctinastic plant, Lespedeza cuneata G. Don, this movement is controlled by the balance of the concentration between the leaf-closing and -opening substances. Quantitative HPLC analysis revealed that the change in the concentration of this leaf-opening substance is inversed through a day, and the deactivation of this substance is performed by a glucosidase whose activity is controlled by a biological clock. The leaf-movement of nyctinastic plants is caused by the balance of two leaf-movement factors, which is controlled by the enzymatic transformation.

Protein in forages often is poorly utilized by ruminants because of extensive degradation in the rumen. Our objectives were to assess the variation in ruminal protein degradability among forage legumes and to determine whether degradability was reduced by tannins. Legumes representing a range of species adapted to temperate regions were harvested on 29 Aug. 1989 and 31 Aug. 1990 from triplicate plots, then lyophilized, ground, and analyzed for tannins by radial diffusion. Ruminal protein degradation rates and escapes, estimated assuming a passage rate of 0.06 h -1 , were determined both years by an in vitro limited substrate inhibitor procedure, and on samples from 1990 by a Michaelis-Menten method. Protein degradation rates and escapes (limited substrate method) in 1989 ranged from 0.27 h -1 and 18% for white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to 0.001 h -1 and 96 and 97% for two cultivars of sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don]. In 1990, rates and escapes ranged from 0.21 h -1 and 21% for alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) to virtually 0 and 93 to 97% for two cultivars of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) and three of sericea lespedeza. More rapid degradation rates were obtained with the Michaelis-Menten approach for the most slowly degraded entries. Differences in degradation rate and ruminal escape were proportional to tannin concentration. However, red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), which does not contain tannins, had a protein degradability comparable with forages with low levels of tannin. These data suggest that differences in ruminal protein degradation among forage legumes are only partly explained by the presence of tannins.

Potassium d -idarate ( 1 ) was isolated from Lespedeza cuneata G. Don as a bioactive substance for nyctinasty. The compound was quite effective for leaf-closing of the plant at 1 × 10 −6 M in the daytime and caused leaf-closing movement on the leaf of Cassia mimosoides L. Inversely effective two leaf-movement factors, 1 and potassium lespedezate ( 2 ), were isolated from the same plant. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Infection with Eimeria spp. (coccidia) can be devastating in goats, particularly for young, recently-weaned kids, resulting in diarrhea, dehydration, and even death. Feeding dried sericea lespedeza [SL; Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours.) G. Don.] to young goats has been reported to reduce the effects of internal parasites, including gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) but there have been no reports of the effects of feeding this forage on Eimeria spp. in goats. Two confinement feeding experiments were completed on recently-weaned intact bucks (24 Kiko-cross, Exp. 1; 20 Spanish, Exp. 2) to determine effects of SL pellets on an established infection of GIN and coccidia. The bucks were assigned to 1 of 2 (Exp. 1) or 3 (Exp. 2) treatment groups based upon the number of Eimeria spp. oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces. In Exp. 1, the kids were fed 1 of 2 pelleted rations ad libitum; 90% SL leaf meal+10% of a liquid molasses/lignin binder mix and a commercial pellet with 12% crude protein (CP) and 24% acid detergent fiber (n=12/treatment group, 2 animals/pen). For Exp. 2, treatment groups were fed (1) 90% SL leaf meal pellets from leaves stored 3 years (n=7), (2) 90% SL pellets from leaf meal stored less than 6 months, (n=7), and the commercial pellets (n=6) ad libitum. For both trials, fecal and blood samples were taken from individual animals every 7 days for 28 days to determine OPG and GIN eggs per gram (EPG) and packed cell volume (PCV), respectively. In Exp. 2, feces were scored for consistency (1=solid pellets, 5=slurry) as an indicator of coccidiosis. In Exp. 1, EPG (P

Although invasion risk is expected to increase with propagule pressure (PP), it is unclear whether PP-invasibility relationships follow an asymptotic or some other non-linear form and whether such relationships vary with underlying environmental conditions. Using manipulations of PP, soil fertility and disturbance, we tested how each influence PP-invasibility relationships for Lespedeza cuneata in a Kansas grassland and use recruitment curve models to determine how safe sites may contribute to plant invasions. After three growing seasons, we found that the PP-invasibility relationships best fit an asymptotic model of invasion reflecting a combination of density-independent and density-dependent processes and that seeds were aggregated within the plant community despite efforts to uniformly sow seeds. Consistent with some models, community invasibility decreased with enhanced soil fertility or reduced levels of disturbance in response to changes in the fraction of safe sites. Our results illustrate that disturbance and soil fertility can be a useful organizing principle for predicting community invasibility, asymptotic models are a reasonable starting point for modeling invasion, and new modeling techniques—coupled with classic experimental approaches—can enhance our understanding of the invasion process.

The effect of molecular weight of condensed tannins (CT) from a variety of warm-season perennial legumes commonly consumed by sheep and goats on anthelmintic activity has not been previously explored. The objectives of this study were to determine if molecular weight of CT from warm-season perennial legumes could predict the biological activity of CT relative to anthelmintic activity against ivermectin resistant L3 stage Haemonchus contortus (HC) using a larval migration inhibition (LMI) assay. A second objective was to determine if CT from warm-season perennial legumes possess anthelmintic properties against L3 stage (HC). Lespedeza stuevei had the greatest concentration of total condensed tannin (TCT; 11.7%), whereas, with the exception of Arachis glabrata, a CT-free negative control, Leucaena retusa had the least TCT (3.3%). Weight-average molecular weight of CT ranged from 552 Da for L. stuevei to 1483 Da for Lespedeza cuneata. The treatments demonstrating the greatest percent LMI were L. retusa, L. stuevei and Acacia angustissima var. hirta (65.4%, 63.1% and 42.2%, respectively). The ivermectin treatment had the smallest percent LMI (12.5%) against ivermectin resistant L3 HC. There was a weak correlation (R(2)=0.34; P=0.05) between CT MW and percent LMI, suggesting that molecular weight of CT is a weak contributing factor to CT biological activity as it relates to LMI of L3 stage HC. L. stuevei, L. retusa and A. angustissima var. hirta STP5 warrant further evaluation of anthelmintic properties in vivo.

Leaves of sericea lespedeza exhibit a high proportion of condensed tannin, resulting in poor forage quality. The white rot fungi Ceriporiopsis subvermispora and Cyathus sterocoreus are known to preferentially degrade lignin in a variety of plants and were evaluated for their ability to degrade condensed tannin from sericea leaves with the aim of improving digestibility. Relative levels of condensed tannin, cutin, pectin, and cellulose were monitored as a function of fungal treatment by solid-state cross-polarization and magic angle spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Total soluble phenolics, soluble tannins, and soluble and insoluble proanthocyanidin levels in fungus-treated and control samples were measured by established chemical techniques. Results indicate that both species of fungus preferentially degrade condensed tannin and that C. subvermispora is markedly superior to C. stercoreus in this capacity.

Sericea lespedeza [ Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont de Courset) G. Don.] is a deep-rooted legume that is well adapted to the acid, eroded soils found throughout the southeastern region of the U.S.A. A field experiment aimed at measuring biomass yield and biomass composition of 81 genotypes of sericea lespedeza harvested once every season was conducted. Results indicated substantial differences for biomass yield among sericea lespedeza genotypes. However, dry matter percentage was the same. Genotype R194-79-290-9 had the highest mean biomass yield (9.0 Mg ha −1 ) and, consistently, ranked among the top four during the four years that this study was conducted. Other genotypes that also exhibited a good performance over the four years were the cultivar Serala (7.8 Mg ha −1 ) and the breeding line 75-2-3 (7.8 Mg ha −1 ). Differences in yield stability over time among genotypes were observed, hence, long term performance would need to be considered in a breeding program. These results suggested that sericea lespedeza genotypes with a consistently high biomass yield can be selected. No significant differences were found among genotypes for crude protein concentration. Crude protein concentrations were about 25% lower than those previously reported. Significant differences among genotypes for neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and holocellulose concentration were observed. However, no significant differences for acid detergent fiber, lignin, cellulose concentration, and holocellulose yield were measured. In summary, there is variability and potential to select for biomass yield and quality traits that are considered important for biofuel production.

Poor and slow seed germination are major problems in growing sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont de Courset) G. Don.]. Knowledge about the temperatures for optimum seed germination is vital to selecting the best seeding date for this forage legume. The objectives of this study were to determine the variability of sericea lespedeza germplasm for germination under several temperatures and the effect of seed weight on percentage and rate of germination. Germination response to temperature of 54 breeding lines and 26 accessions were tested. Mechanically-scarified seed of each of the 80 genotypes were weighed and germinated in the dark in a germinator at constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C. An additional temperature (35°C) was included to test the germinability of the 26 accessions. Germination counts were recorded daily for 14 d to calculate total percent germination (TPG) and Maguire germination rate index (GRI). Temperature had a significant effect on TPG and GRI. Optimum germination temperature for sericea lespedeza ranged between 20 and 30°C. Thus, seeding time for this species for a particular location should be selected to match the optimum range of soil temperatures provided that adequate soil moisture is available. Mean TPG and GRI were significantly different among the genotypes at each temperature. However, genotypes with a consistently high TPG and GRI at a wide range of temperatures were found. Seed weight was correlated with TPG at 10 (r = 0.401) and 15°C (r = 0.459), and also with GRI (r = 0.388-0.475) at all temperatures for the breeding lines. However, seed weight was not correlated with TPG or GRI for the 26 accessions. THe TPG and GRI were highly interrelated, thus, measuring TPG alone should provide adequate information when describing response to environmental stresses in sericea lespedeza

In this study, 39 specimens belonging to Lespedeza species (Lespedeza cyrtobotrya, L. bicolor, L. maximowiczii, and Lespedeza cuneata) (Leguminosae) were classified phenotypically and genotypically. We constructed a phylogenetic tree based on the combined nrDNA (internal transcribed spacer; ITS) and cpDNA (trnL-trnF) sequences with the aim of classifying the genotypes. Samples were mainly divided into three genotypes. Samples of L. cyrtobotrya and L. bicolor were mixed in a single branch, whereas samples of L. maximowiczii and L. cuneata were clustered within species, respectively. We performed a liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling analysis to classify the phenotypes. Multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) were used for the clustering pattern analysis and distance analysis between species, respectively. According to the PCA and HCA results, leaves were classified into four phenotypes according to species. In both the genetic and chemotaxonomic classification methods, the distance between L. cyrtobotrya and L. bicolor was the closest between species, and L. cuneata was the farthest away from the other three species. Additionally, orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis was employed to identify significantly different phytochemicals between species. We classified L. cyrtobotrya and L. bicolor by identifying significantly different phytochemicals. Interestingly, leaves and stems showed different phenotypic classifications based on the chemotaxonomic classification. Stem samples of the other three species were mixed regardless of species, whereas L. cyrtobotrya stem samples were clustered within species. The phenotypic classification of leaves coincided more with the genotypic classification than that of stems. Key message We classified four wild-type Lespedeza sp. by analyzing the combined nrDNA (ITS) and cpDNA (trnL-trnF) sequences. We also classified leaves and stems of Lespedeza sp. by applying liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy-based metabolite profiling.

The bean plataspid, Megacopta cribraria (F.), recently was discovered in the United States feeding on kudzu, Pueraria montana Lour. (Merr.) variety lobata (Willd.), an economically important invasive vine. We studied its biology on kudzu and its impact on kudzu growth. We also tested its ability to use other common forest legumes for oviposition and development. Flight intercept traps operated from 17 May 2010 to 31 May 2011 in a kudzu field near Athens, GA showed three peaks of adult flight activity suggesting there are two generations per year on kudzu. Vine samples examined for eggs from April 2010 to April 2011 and June to October 2011 showed two periods of oviposition activity in 2010, which coincided with the peaks in adult activity. In 2011, the second period of oviposition began on or before 24 June and then egg abundance declined gradually thereafter until late August when we recovered

The effect of forage drying method on interrelationships between condensed tannins and fiber as determined by the detergent system of analysis was studied in a randomized block field experiment with three cultivars of sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) (Dum-Cours) G Don). Harvested forage was ovendried and freeze-dried, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was determined with and without sodium sulfite added during the extraction. Acid detergent fiber (ADF), permanganate lignin, cellulose, and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (N) were determined by separate and sequential ADF analyses. Without sodium sulfite, oven-drying, compared with freeze-drying, increased NDF, neutral detergent insoluble N, and sequentially-analyzed ADF and lignin, due to precipitation of condensed tannins and protein in neutral detergent. Acid detergent fiber, lignin, and acid detergent insoluble N were higher in sequentially-analyzed oven-dried and freeze-dried forages, compared with separate-sample analyses, with a greater effect in oven-dried samples. Neutral detergent fiber of both oven-dried and freeze-dried samples contained tannin-protein complexes (precipitants), with more occurring in oven-dried samples. When sodium sulfite was included in the neutral detergent extraction, all drying treatment differences in NDF, neutral detergent insoluble N, ADF, acid detergent insoluble N, and lignin were removed. Sequential NDF-ADF analysis with sodium sulfite is recommended to minimize influence of condensed tannin on the detergent fiber system for sericea lespedeza.

The generally warm, moist environmental conditions in the southern United States (U.S.) are ideal for survival and growth of the egg and larval stages of Haemonchus contortus and other gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of sheep and goats. Consequently, infection with GIN is the greatest threat to economic small ruminant production in this region. With anthelmintic resistance now reaching epidemic proportions in small ruminants in the U.S., non-chemical control alternatives are critically needed. The Southern Consortium for Small Ruminant Parasite Control (SCSRPC) was formed in response to this crisis and over the last decade has successfully validated the use of several novel control technologies, including FAMACHA© for the implementation of targeted selective treatments (TST), copper oxide wire particles (COWP), nematode-trapping fungi, and grazing or feeding hay of the high-tannin perennial legume sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dum.-Cours. G. Don)]. Producer attitudes toward GIN control in the U.S. have been shifting away from exclusive dependence upon anthelmintics toward more sustainable, integrated systems of parasite control. Some novel control technologies have been readily adopted by producers in combination with appropriate diagnostic tools, such as FAMACHA©. Others techniques are still being developed, and will be available for producer use as they are validated. Although new drugs will likely be available to U.S. goat and sheep producers in the future, these will also be subject to development of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, the adoption and implementation of sustainable GIN control principles will remain important. With emerging markets for grass-fed or organic livestock, there will continue to be a critical need for research and outreach on development and on-farm application of integrated GIN control systems for small ruminants in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.

The spatial scale on which microbial communities respond to plant invasions may provide important clues as to the nature of potential invader-microbe interactions. Lespedeza cuneata (Dum. Cours.) G. Don is an invasive legume that may benefit from associations with mycorrhizal fungi; however, it has also been suggested that the plant is allelopathetic and may alter the soil chemistry of invaded sites through secondary metabolites in its root exudates or litter. Thus, L. cuneata invasion may interact with soil microorganisms on a variety of scales. We investigated L. cuneata-related changes to soil bacterial and fungal communities at two spatial scales using multiple sites from across its invaded N. American range. Using whole community DNA fingerprinting, we characterized microbial community variation at the scale of entire invaded sites and at the scale of individual plants. Based on permutational multivariate analysis of variance, soil bacterial communities in heavily invaded sites were significantly different from those of uninvaded sites, but bacteria did not show any evidence of responding at very local scales around individual plants. In contrast, soil fungi did not change significantly at the scale of entire sites, but there were significant differences between fungal communities of native versus exotic plants within particular sites. The differential scaling of bacterial and fungal responses indicates that L. cuneata interacts differently with soil bacteria and soil fungi, and these microorganisms may play very different roles in the invasion process of this plant.

Poor seedling emergence is a major limitation in establishing sericea lespedeza [Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont de Courset) G. Don). A series of controlled-environment and field experiments were conducted to determine relationships among maximum hypocotyl length (MHL), seed weight, and percentage and rate of emergence in sericea lespedeza and to define criteria (or selecting sericea lespedeza with good field emergence. The best time to distinguish MHL among sericea lespedeza genotypes was 9 d after emergence at alternating temperature of 26/22 °C (13/11 h). Seed weight and MHL were positively correlated, and both were positively correlated with field emergence. Selection for heavier-seeded genotypes, which should tend to increase MHL, is easy [...]

The effectiveness of soil erosion control of various vegetative aisle covers was evaluated using Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) type plots. ‘Appalow’ sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata (Dumont) G. Don ‘Appalow’), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) aisle treatments and a clean till plot were established on a 5% slope Typic Paleudult soil. Previously established ‘Indian Magic’ crabapple (Malus ‘indian magic’) and silver maple (Acer saccharium L.) were grown parallel to the slope in the center of each plot. Runoff from the clean till aisle resulted in the greatest sediment concentration, runoff volume, and sediment runoff. Crimson clover and perennial ryegrass runoff was similar. The ‘Appalow’ lespedeza aisle cover had the highest runoff volume of any vegetative aisle cover. However, runoff sediment concentration and sediment runoff were least from ‘Appalow’ lespedeza covered aisles.

Inflorescences of Kummerowia are compound and the component axes appear to terminate in a flower. In order to clarify whether or not the flower is truly terminal, inflorescences of Kummerowia were studied organographically, ontogenetically and anatomically. Four inflorescence phyllomes are usually produced immediately below the seemingly terminal flower and appear to be borne on the same axis. The second phyllome subsequent to the lowest one is located at right angles to the lowest one, and the third and fourth ones located opposite each other and at right angles to the second. The lowest phyllome is sometimes undeveloped in K. stipulacea . Ontogenetic observation revealed the presence of two abortive apices. Anatomical observation revealed that these two abortive apices remain rudimentary in the flowering stage. On the basis of the arrangement of these phyllomes and the presence of the remnants of apices, the structure of the component inflorescence axis in Kummerowia is interpreted as follows: the component axis branches off a lateral axis, which is reduced entirely in length, from the axil of the lowest phyllome, and terminates in an abortive apex; the lateral axis in turn branches off one lateral axis of the next order, which is also reduced in length, from the axil of the second phyllome and terminates in an abortive apex; the lateral axis of the next order produces the third and fourth phyllomes and is terminated by a flower. The flower, which seems to terminate the component axis, is therefore axillary in origin. The axillary branch of the lowest phyllomes occasionally bears two lateral flowers. The branching system of the inflorescence of Kummerowia is identical with that of an inflorescence of Lespedeza cuneata . Kummerowia and Lespedeza are continuous in characteristics of the inflorescence, indicating the relationship between the inflorescence of Kummerowia and the pseudoraceme of Lespedeza.

The production of by-product gypsum materials is likely to increase greatly in the future and will require storage in large stacks. Therefore, technology to cover these materials with vegetation will be required. The nutrient requirements for successful plant growth were investigated on three materials [phosphogypsum (PG) from Florida, and two flue gas desulfurization gypsums (FGDG) from Florida and Illinois] using weeping lovegrass (Eragrostic [Eragrostis] curvula) and lespedeza (Sericia [Sericea] lespedeza) as indicator plants []

Symbiotic nitrogen fixation is an essential ecological attribute for sustained amelioration of severely eroded, low fertility soils. The long‐lived perennial, Sericea (Lespedeza cuneata (Dument) G. Don.), is highly tolerant of depleted soil conditions and has exceptional nitrogen fixation capabilities. Objectives of this study were to determine nodulation characteristics, with adjunctive governing factors, that influence 20 year‐age Sericea growth, effectual nitrogen fixation and subsequent improved soil productivity of eroded Dougherty loam (Loamy, mixed, thermic, Arenic Haplustalf). A first‐year lime application resulted in significant favorable Sericea growth and nitrogen fixation throughout the 20‐year period. Sericea growth and nodulation declined approximately one‐third during the second decade of plant age. However, annual nodule regeneration remained at nearly the same level. Peak nitrogenase activity levels occurred with favorable mycorrhizal colonization. Distinctive nonmature and matur...

Effect of sericea lespedeza [SL; Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours.) G. Don.] leaf meal feeding was evaluated in two experiments in indoor reared goats with experimental infection of Haemonchus contortus larvae. In the first experiment, ten 8-10 month old male Spanish and Alpine cross kids pair matched for body weight and age were fed SL or bermudagrass [BG; Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay one week before infection and were infected with 5000 H. contortus L(3). The animals were maintained on the same diet for the remaining period and were slaughtered 28 days post-infection (DPI) to determine the establishment of incoming infective larvae. Goats fed SL had lower establishment (P0.05) of H. contortus larvae than that of the control goats fed BG hay. In the second experiment, twenty-five 8-10 months old male Alpine cross, Saanen, Nubian×Saanen and Spanish kids reared in confinement on BG were experimentally infected with 5000 H. contortus L(3). On 35 DPI, the animals were allocated to two groups after blocking by fecal egg count (FEC), and one group was fed SL leaf meal (n=13), and another control group remained on BG (n=12). Four goats/group were slaughtered successively on days 7, 14, and 28 days post SL feeding, except on day 7, when five SL fed goats were slaughtered. Fecal egg counts and blood packed cell volume (PCV) were measured at weekly intervals and worm count, female worm fecundity, worm length and mucosal eosinophils, mast cells and globule leucocytes were measured after slaughter. Goats fed SL had a lower FEC (P0.05) one week after feeding, as compared to those fed on BG, and the values remained at low level thereafter. Similarly, PCV was also significantly affected by feeding (P0.01), and feeding and time interaction (P0.05). However, worm burden, female worm fecundity, parasite length, and mucosal inflammatory cell count were similar between the groups. Feeding SL reduced the establishment of infective larvae and FEC of H. contortus in experimental studies and this plant could be used for biological control of parasite infection under field conditions to limit the harmful effects of the parasites in goats.

Many plants close their leaves in the evening like sleeping and open early in the morning. Such a circadian rhythm has been known to be controlled by their internal clock. Moreover, rapid seismonastic movement was also observed in Mimosa pudica L.Since Ricca's ingenious experiments suggested that some chemicals play an important role in leaf-movement of Mimosa pudica, many biologists and chemists have attempted to search for leaf-closing substances, and a number of compounds have been obtained, particularly, by Schildknecht et al. But, we have now demonstrated that the genuine leaf-movement factor of Mimosa is the mixture of three chemical substances, two of the three were identified as potassium L-malate and magnesium transaconitate. The mixture of these substances was effective at 10-8-10-9 M.On the other hand, we have isolated chemical substances that control the nyctinastic leaf-movement from several nyctinastic plants. Each substance was effective at 10-6-10-7 M only for the original plant, but not for other nyctinastic species. Thus, different leaf-movement factors exist in every nyctinastic plants. This is contrary to the old theory established by Schildknecht. This movement is controlled by the change in the balance of two inversely effective factors, leaf-closing and opening factor. Me0H-extracts of a nyctinastic plant, Lespedeza cuneata G. Don. collected in the daytime and at night showed inverse bioactivity. Thus, the balance of concentration between two leaf-movement factors in this plant which is controlled by biological clock was really inversed through a day. This mechanism for the control of nyctinastic movement is common among all nyctinastic plants.