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Microfade testing (MFT) was used to examine standardized wool samples dyed with 14 natural historic dyes, each prepared with five different mordants, to determine whether the lightfastness and colourimetric properties of these dyes vary as a function of the mordant. The addition of mordants changed the original colour of the dyes as well as potential patterns corresponding to ΔL*, Δa*, and Δb* such that the variation of lightfastness ranges from 0.25–0.70 units of Blue Wool Equivalence (BWE). Disregarding the effect of mordants, MFT showed that all dyes have lightfastness equivalent to BW3, indicating that they belong in the category of 'high sensitivity to light'. All dye-mordant combinations vary in lightfastness, such that even the least lightfast dye will have a mordant combination that is more lightfast than the most lightfast dye combined with a mordant that renders it less lightfast. The effect of mordants varies by dye: while one dye may demonstrate a difference in lightfastness of 0.56 units of BWE between the least and most lightfast mordant combination, another may show little or no difference (as low as 0.07 units of BWE). Overall, alum based mordants tend to produce the least lightfast combinations, followed by tin and iron, with copper and chromium producing the most lightfast combinations. This paper shows that there are no simplistic patterns of lightfastness between mordant-dye combinations with these 14 natural dyes. Identifying both dye and mordant is useful to better estimate the lightfastness of a dyed textile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a case of a 60-year-old woman who, after using a blemish cream purchased at a health store, presented to our clinic with a large eschar on the right neck.  The active ingredient in this cream was found to be Sanguinaria canadensis, a known escharotic.  This substance is popularly marketed as a natural remedy for a host of skin diseases such as blemishes, moles, warts, skin tags, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, actinic keratoses, and even melanoma.  The patient was treated with topical corticosteroids but is still left with a scar from the healed eschar.  Dermatologists must be aware of the increasing popularity of “natural” medicinal skin cancer therapies, such as bloodroot-containing “cancer salves” and “herbal cures,” and emphasize to their patients that conventional excision, micrographic surgery, electrodessication, and/or curettage are highly successful treatments for most skin cancers with little morbidity.

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant that historically has been used in medicine for its antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. In dermatology, bloodroot has been utilized for its cytotoxic effects; it has been marketed as black salve as an anticancer treatment, but it does not come without notable toxicities. Unwanted cosmetic outcomes and even irreversible scarring and premalignant conditions have been reported. This article aims to bring awareness to both the therapeutic potential of S canadensis as well as the potential toxicities and risks associated with this North American plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Epidemic dropsy is a potentially life‐threatening condition resulting from the ingestion of argemone oil derived from the seeds of Argemone mexicana Linn. Exposure to argemone oil is usually inadvertent, arising from mustard cooking oil adulteration. Sanguinarine, an alkaloid present in argemone oil, has been postulated as a causative agent with the severity of epidemic dropsy correlating with plasma sanguinarine levels. Cases of epidemic dropsy have also been reported following the topical application of argemone containing massage oil. Black salve, a topical skin cancer therapy also contains sanguinarine, but at significantly higher concentrations than that reported for contaminated massage oil. Although not reported to date, a theoretical risk therefore exists of black salve inducing epidemic dropsy. This literature review explores the presentation and pathophysiology of epidemic dropsy and assesses the risk of it being induced by black salve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root skin color is one of the economically important traits in radish (Raphanus sativus), and the pigmentation in red skin varieties is largely attributable to anthocyanin accumulation. Pelargonidin was found as a major anthocyanin pigment accumulated in the sub-epidermal layer of red radish roots. In the 20 F2 population generated from the F1 with red root skins, root skins with red and white colors segregated in a 3:1 ratio. Additionally, a test cross between a red F3 individual and a white skin individual gave rise to 1:1 segregation of red and white, indicating that the root skin color of radish is determined by a single locus and red color is dominant over white. We performed association mapping for root skin color using SNPs obtained from RNA-seq analysis. Segregation analysis on the 152 F3 test-cross population revealed an RsMyb1 transcription factor as a candidate gene to determine root skin color. A PCR marker based on the polymorphism within 2 kb of RsMyb1 was developed and tested on 12 and 152 individuals from F2 and F3 test cross populations, respectively, and red and white root skin colors were completely distinguished corresponding to the genotypes. Expression levels of RsMyb1 in red or purple root cultivars were significantly higher than in white root cultivars. These findings suggest that RsMyb1 is a crucial determinant for anthocyanin biosynthesis in radish roots, and the molecular marker developed in this study will be useful for marker-assisted selection for red skin individuals at early seedling stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of complementary and alternative medicines in Australia has grown significantly. Much of this growth is due to their ease of accessibility from online vendors, often marketed with claims that are not scientifically tested. Black salve is a topical escharotic compound containing the active component sanguinarine, derived from the bloodroot plant. It has been advertised as a natural treatment for skin cancer. This article reviews the current state of black salve as an alternative skin cancer treatment, discussing its distribution and regulation, and provides a summary of clinical and laboratory studies. Clinical trials in this area are lacking, with most clinical data in the form of case reports demonstrating suboptimal therapeutic and cosmetic outcomes associated with its use. However, in vitro studies of sanguinarine suggest it causes indiscriminate destruction of healthy and cancerous tissue at doses higher than 5 µM, limiting its practical utility. It is vital that members of the public are aware of the potential effects and toxicity of commercial salve products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-occurring invasive plant species (invaders hereafter) and natives receive similar or even the same environmental selection pressures. Thus, the differences in functional traits between natives and invaders have become widely recognized as a major driving force of the success of plant invasion. Meanwhile, increasing amounts of acid are deposited into ecosystems. Thus, it is important to elucidate the potential effects of acid deposition on the functional traits of invaders in order to better understand the potential mechanisms for the successful invasion. This study aims to address the differences in functional traits between native red amaranth ( Amaranthus tricolor L.; amaranth hereafter) and invasive redroot pigweed ( A. retroflexus L.; pigweed hereafter) under simulated acid deposition with a gradient of pH levels. Pigweed was significantly taller than amaranth under most treatments. The greater height of pigweed can lead to greater competitive ability for resource acquisition, particularly for sunlight. Leaf shape index of pigweed was also significantly greater than that of amaranth under all treatments. The greater leaf shape index of pigweed can enhance the efficiency of resource capture (especially sunlight capture) via adjustments to leaf shape and size. Thus, the greater height and leaf shape index of pigweed can significantly enhance its competitive ability, especially under acid deposition. Acid deposition of pH 5.6 significantly increased amaranth leaf width in the co-cultivation due to added nutrients. The pH 4.5 acid deposition treatment significantly increased the specific leaf area of amaranth in the monoculture compared with the pH 5.6 acid deposition treatment and the control. The main mechanism explaining this pattern may be due to acid deposition mediating a hormesis effect on plants, promoting plant growth. The values of the relative competition intensity between amaranth and pigweed for most functional traits were lower than zero under most treatments. Thus, competitive performance arose in most treatments when the two species were grown together. This may be due to the enhanced competitive intensity under interspecific coexistence. However, the values of the relative competition intensity of the leaf functional traits between amaranth and pigweed were all higher than zero under the pH 5.6 simulated acid deposition treatment. Thus, interspecific facilitation occurs when the two species are co-cultivated under the pH 5.6 simulated acid deposition treatment. This may be due the positive nutritional effects induced in the pH 5.6 simulated acid deposition treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant phenology, especially the onset of flowering in angiosperms, is a useful tool for studying the effects of climate change on native flora because it is influenced by temperatures. Numerous studies in different biomes have provided evidence of earlier bloom times in response to increasing temperatures. We examined herbarium specimen data to determine whether three spring-blooming species (Sanguinaria canadensis, Iris cristata, and Trillium rugelii) at the southern terminus of the Appalachians exhibit a similar change in onset of flowering over several decades. All three species exhibited significantly earlier flower onset during the past 120 years, a change that could have reproductive and ecological consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the effects of density of red root pigweed on growth and physiological parameters of corn, an experiment was conducted in Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University of Fasa, located in southeastern region of Fars Province in Iran. The experiment involved the effects of various densities of red root pigweed at five levels including zero, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants in each meter of plant row on the yield and yield components of single cross 500 corn variety, carried out in the form of complete randomized blocks design in three replications under farm conditions. The results showed that the highest yield of corn was obtained under no pigweed treatment, which had no significant difference with the treatment involving the density of one pigweed plant in each meter of planting row. The lowest yield for corn was obtained when the density of pigweed was 8 plants, which had no significant statistical difference with the treatment involving 4 plants of pigweed in each meter of planting row. Among the yield components, the highest weight of 1000 grains, the number of grains in each cob, and the number of grains in each row of corn cob were obtained under the treatment involving no pigweed and the lowest values for these components were obtained under the treatment involving eight plants of pigweed in each meter of planting row, with no significant difference with the 4 plant treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black salves are escharotic skin cancer therapies in clinical use since the mid 19th century. Sanguinaria canadensis, a major ingredient of black salve formulations, contains a number of bioactive phytochemicals including the alkaloid sanguinarine. Despite its prolonged history of clinical use, conflicting experimental results have prevented the carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine from being definitively determined. Sanguinarine has a molecular structure similar to known polyaromatic hydrocarbon carcinogens and is a DNA intercalator. Sanguinarine also generates oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress resulting in the unfolded protein response and the formation of 8-hydroxyguanine genetic lesions. Sanguinarine has been the subject of contradictory in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and murine carcinogenesis test results that have delayed its carcinogenic classification. Despite this, epidemiological studies have linked mouthwash that contains sanguinarine with the development of oral leukoplakia. Sanguinarine is also proposed as an aetiological agent in gallbladder carcinoma. This literature review investigates the carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine. Reasons for contradictory genotoxicity and carcinogenesis results are explored, knowledge gaps identified and a strategy for determining the carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine especialy relating to black salve are discussed. As patients continue to apply black salve, especially to skin regions suffering from field cancerization and skin malignancies, an understanding of the genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of sanguinarine is of urgent clinical relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive glossy buckthorn could reduce restoration potential for understory native forest herbs by compromising their growth and biodiversity. Few studies of glossy buckthorn's effects on forest herbs exist, and none were done in early-successional, partially open hardwood forests. This study was conducted in a mature hybrid poplar plantation invaded by buckthorn, located in southeastern Québec.We tested the effect of buckthorn removal on the growth of three forest herb species, whether this effect varied among species, and if canopy type (two poplar clones) influenced this effect. Forest herbs were planted in herbicide (buckthorn removed) and control treatments in the plantation understory, an environment similar to that of early-successional hardwood forests. Over the first two growing seasons, species showed specific reactions to buckthorn cover. Mean relative growth rate (RGR) for Asarum canadense and Polygonatum pubescens was increased in the herbicide treatment (48% and 33%, respectively) and decreased in the control treatment (--35% and --33%, respectively). Sanguinaria canadensis growth was the highest among species, with no difference between treatments. No effects of canopy type were detected. Results suggest that planting forest herbs for restoration purposes may be unsuccessful if buckthorn is present. Important changes in understory flora biodiversity are likely to occur over the long term in forests invaded by buckthorn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sanguinaria canadensis, also known as bloodroot, is a traditional medicine used by Native Americans to treat a diverse range of clinical conditions. The plants rhizome contains several alkaloids that individually target multiple molecular processes. These bioactive compounds, mechanistically correlate with the plant's history of ethnobotanical use. Despite their identification over 50 years ago, the alkaloids of S. canadensis have not been developed into successful therapeutic agents. Instead, they have been associated with clinical toxicities ranging from mouthwash induced leukoplakia to cancer salve necrosis and treatment failure. This review explores the historical use of S. canadensis, the molecular actions of the benzophenanthridine and protopin alkaloids it contains, and explores natural alkaloid variation as a possible rationale for the inconsistent efficacy and toxicities encountered by S. canadensis therapies. Current veterinary and medicinal uses of the plant are studied with an assessment of obstacles to the pharmaceutical development of S. canadensis alkaloid based therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genome of tetterwort vein chlorosis virus (TVCV) from South Korea has been completely sequenced. Its genomic organization resembles those of other criniviruses, with several new features, indicating that TVCV is a member of a new species in the genus Crinivirus, family Closteroviridae. RNA1 contains 8467 nucleotides, with at least four opening reading frames (ORFs). ORF1a encodes a protein with predicted papain-like protease, methyltransferase, and helicase activities. ORF1b encodes a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase that is apparently expressed through a +1 ribosomal frameshift. RNA2 contains 8113 nucleotides encoding at least nine proteins, similar to most crinivirus RNA2s. The 3′ untranslated regions of the bipartite RNA genome share 82.1 % nucleotide sequence identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three putative resistant Amaranthus retroflexus L. populations were collected in Heilongjiang province in China. Whole plant bioassays indicated high resistance (RI > 10) to imazethapyr in the three populations. In vitro acetolactate synthase (ALS) assays revealed that ALS from populations H3, H17 and H39 was less sensitive to imazethapyr inhibition compared to the susceptible population H76. The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (I 50 ) values for H3, H17 and H39 were 14.83, 15.27 and 268 times greater, respectively, than that of the susceptible population H76. Three nucleotide mutations resulted in three known resistance-endowing amino acid substitutions, Ala-205-Val, Trp-574-Leu and Ser-653-Thr in the three resistant populations respectively. Therefore, ALS target-site mutations in resistant A. retroflexus could be responsible for imazethapyr resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Statue of Freedom , which sits on top of the Capitol Dome in Washington, DC, was created by Thomas Crawford. At the peak of his career in 1856, while busy completing multiple commissions for the new Capitol extensions, he developed diplopia and consulted the leading oculists of the time in Paris, Drs. Desmarres and Sichel, who were certain he had an intraorbital tumor. Two American physicians were also involved in Crawford's care. Both became controversial after treating Crawford, one because of his method of diagnosis, the other because of his unproven method of treating cancer. Desperate, Crawford agreed to undergo an experimental treatment that destroyed the eye and orbital contents. He died 5 months later at age 44 and never saw any of his sculptures placed in the Capitol building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Redroot pigweed is one of the injurious agricultural weeds on a worldwide basis. Understanding of its interference impact in crop field will provide useful information for weed control programs. The effects of redroot pigweed on cotton at densities of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 plants m-1 of row were evaluated in field experiments conducted in 2013 and 2014 at Institute of Cotton Research, CAAS in China. Redroot pigweed remained taller and thicker than cotton and heavily shaded cotton throughout the growing season. Both cotton height and stem diameter reduced with increasing redroot pigweed density. Moreover, the interference of redroot pigweed resulted in a delay in cotton maturity especially at the densities of 1 to 8 weed plants m-1 of row, and cotton boll weight and seed numbers per boll were reduced. The relationship between redroot pigweed density and seed cotton yield was described by the hyperbolic decay regression model, which estimated that a density of 0.20–0.33 weed plant m-1 of row would result in a 50% seed cotton yield loss from the maximum yield. Redroot pigweed seed production per plant or per square meter was indicated by logarithmic response. At a density of 1 plant m-1 of cotton row, redroot pigweed produced about 626,000 seeds m-2. Intraspecific competition resulted in density-dependent effects on weed biomass per plant, a range of 430–2,250 g dry weight by harvest. Redroot pigweed biomass ha-1 tended to increase with increasing weed density as indicated by a logarithmic response. Fiber quality was not significantly influenced by weed density when analyzed over two years; however, the fiber length uniformity and micronaire were adversely affected at density of 1 weed plant m-1 of row in 2014. The adverse impact of redroot pigweed on cotton growth and development identified in this study has indicated the need of effective redroot pigweed management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red root rot disease caused byGanoderma philippiiis one of the most economically important diseases of tropicalAcaciaspecies. Research on field control of the disease has to date focused on inoculum reduction, silviculture practices and application of biological control agents. Incorporation of tolerant genotypes, a key component of integrated disease management, has not been adequately explored because of a lack of reliable and quick screening protocols. Recently, we developed a more rapid method of screening for red root rot tolerance inAcacia mangium,A. crassicarpaandA. mangium A. auriculiformishybrid planting stock, in which groups of five, 6-week-old plants were subjected to inoculum consisting of a rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) wood block culture of the pathogen held within a polythene bag. As symptoms start to appear 10 weeks after inoculation, experiments can be completed in a six-month period instead of the years needed by the traditional pot system. Using this technique we were able to identify variations in tolerance and/or susceptibility toG. philippiiinA. mangium,A. crassicarpaandA. mangium×A. auriculiformishybrid planting stock in a more consistent manner. Tolerant and susceptible genotypes subsequently have been selected for further experiments or crosses. While the ultimate goal of this study was to develop and deploy high-yieldingAcaciagenotypes that are also tolerant to red root rot disease, results of the current screening studies may also be used to investigate the basis for tolerance toG. philippiiinAcaciaspecies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field experiments were conducted in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the competitive ability of bush type red kidneybean (RKB) ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivars against redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus L.). Three cultivars of RKB (Akhtar, Sayyad and D81083) and five A. retroflexus densities (0, 4, 8, 16 and 32 plants m −2 ) were established in a factorial arrangement. A. retroflexus had a greater plant height and growth rate (GR) but a lower leaf area index (LAI) than RKB cultivars in almost all treatments. Higher densities of A. retroflexus increased LAI and GR but decreased yield of RKB cultivars. The cv. Sayyad and D81083 had the greatest and lowest LAI and GR, respectively, in competition with A. retroflexus . The maximum intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at noon by A. retroflexus was 90.4 and 66.0% in competition with cv. D81083 and Sayyad, respectively. The seed yield and pod number per plant of RKB cultivars decreased severely with increasing A. retroflexus density. A. retroflexus seed number m −2 was the highest and lowest in competition with cv. D81083 and Sayyad, respectively. The competitive ability of RKB cultivars was compared using parameters estimated through two-parameter yield loss-relative leaf area model. The relative ranking of the RKB cultivars examined for their competitiveness, supported by modeling results, was Sayyad > Akhtar > D81083. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the findings of a retrospective questionnaire-based survey which shows the efficacy of bloodroot ointment from Newmarket, a supplier of veterinary medicine, in treating the sarcoids, a skin tumor in equine. It mentions that the choice of treatment of sarcoids depends on the compliance of animal owners and options include laser therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Also mentioned is that bloodroot ointment can be used by the owners after consultation with veterinarian.

Abstract: Extracts from bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L., Papaveraceae) are used in herbal medicines due to their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tumouricidal properties. Benzophenanthridine alkaloids are the purported bioactive molecules. Although substantial investigative attention has been given to isolated alkaloids, little attention has been given to whole-plant extracts such as those used in both traditional and contemporary herbal medicine. The purposes of this investigation were to: (a) investigate the immunomodulatory properties of bloodroot rhizome ethanol extracts using a human peripheral blood mononuclear cell model of in vitro cytokine production and cell proliferation; (b) characterize alkaloid content of the extracts using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS); and, (c) determine if the flowering and fruiting status of bloodroot influenced the preceding outcomes by sampling plants over a 6-week springtime period. LC/MS detected seven quaternary benzophenanthridine alkaloids, six which could be quantified (chelerythrine, chelilutine, chelirubine, sanguilutine, sanguirubine, and sanguinarine) and one detected in trace amounts (protopine). Sanguinarine was most abundant. Extracts demonstrated immunosuppressive effects on production of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-8, and cell proliferation. Production of other cytokines including IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, and tumour necrosis factor was not influenced by treatment. Extract immunomodulatory activities were consistent across all time points sampled. Alkaloid content did not differ significantly across the time points sampled and could not be correlated to immune outcomes, suggesting that traditional marker components may not adequately explain bloodroot rhizome extract immunomodulatory activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Weeds can be a friend of the agroecosystem rather than a foe. [•] First report of corn–pigweed mixture response to different water regimes and N rates. [•] The corn–pigweed mixture was superior to the corn in terms of input use efficiency. [•] The N leaching intensity decreased in the presence of weeds and in response to N. [•] Corn and weed cooperation to produce high quantity and quality forage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

To evaluate probable allelopathic effect of different parts of Russian knapweed (Acroptilon repens L.) on the growth of redroot amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) seedling, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University in 2012 (Iran). In this experiment, treatments were different parts of Russian knapweed (aerial part, flower and root) in different amounts (1, 2, 3 and 4 g/pot). Pots included 300 g of soil. Results showed the significant effect of Russian knapweed plant parts on the seedling emergence percent, root length, ratio of root/shoot length, seedling length, seedling fresh weight, and the significant effect of plant material amounts on the seedling emergence percent, seedling fresh weight and seedling dry weight. Interaction effect between plant material type and amount on the shoot length, root length, ratio of root/shoot length, seedling length was significant, too. The longest shoot (3.51 cm), root (1.75 cm), the highest ratio of root/shoot length (0.49) and seedling length (5.26 cm) belonged to control treatment. The highest seedling emergence percent of Amaranthus retroflexus (34.73%) and seedling fresh weight (0.176 g) were occurred at pots treated by Russian knapweed aerial part. The lowest seedling emergence percent (21.94 %) and seedling fresh weight (0.111 g) were obtained from application of Acroptilon repens powdered root. The maximum seedling dry (0.0126 g) and fresh (0.177 g) weight of Amaranthus retroflexus were obtained from control treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of irrigation regimes and N rates on corn (Zea mays L.) yield and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) growth in sandy soils is not completely understood. Therefore, field experiments were conducted in a semiarid region of Iran in 2010 and 2011 to determine the influence of N rates and irrigation regimes on corn and redroot pigweed leaf area index (LAI), dry matter and grain yield, N uptake, irrigation water productivity (IWP) and N leaching loss. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete-block design with a split-factorial arrangement of treatments in four replicates. The main plots were subjected to either a low (L) or a full (F) irrigation regime. The subplots were arranged in a factorial scheme with four N rates (0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha-1) and two levels of redroot pigweed interference with corn (weed free, CW0; and weedy, CW1). The results indicated that the more N was applied, the higher were corn grain yield losses in both irrigation regimes due to weed interference. The difference in corn grain yield between CW0F and CW1F treatments was 400 and 1800 kg ha-1 at N0 and N450 levels, respectively. In contrast, the difference between CW0L and CW1L reached 300 and 800 kg grain ha-1 at N0 and N450 levels, respectively. Based on the information gained in this study, we do not recommend increasing inputs (water and N), especially in sandy soils, to diminish the redroot pigweed/corn competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red root rot caused byPoria hypolateritiais a dreadful disease in tea plant due to sudden death of bushes. In response to fungal pathogen, variation in the defence-related enzymes was investigated. The infected tea root was undertaken to study about various defence-related and pathogen-related enzymes. The infected root, as a prime response to disease attack, was subjected to the analysis of phenolics, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, tyrosine ammonia lyase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, catalase, chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase and protease were assayed. The results on assay of defence-related enzymes revealed that the activity was significantly higher in infected roots when compared with healthy roots. Phenolics were accumulated more in infected roots. The sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis further confirmed the presence of induced pathogenesis-related proteins in the infected root tissues. The activity of all enzymes was increased up to threefold amount when compared with normal ones. The accumulation of defence enzymes in plants revealed the virulence of root pathogen in stimulating induced systemic resistance of tea plants and phytopathogenicity causing pathogenesis. This study exemplify to recognise underlying processes in causing infection and to identify the existence of host–pathogen relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) is one of the most serious weeds in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), but selective herbicides controlling this weed have not been reported. A field experiment was conducted in 2010 and repeated in 2011 in Greece to study the efficacy of herbicides flumioxazin and sulfosulfuron, applied pre- or post-emergence, on field bindweed and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), as well as their phytotoxicity on potato. Gas chromatography-mass spectrography (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were conducted for possible herbicide residues in potato tubers. Also, the efficacy of these herbicides on field bindweed generated from root fragments was investigated in greenhouse pot experiments. In pots, both herbicides provided 78% to 100% control of field bindweed generated from root fragments. In field, both herbicides when applied pre-emergence at 72 to 144 g ai ha-1 provided 65% to 100% field bindweed control. However, the corresponding post-emergence applications did not provide satisfactory weed control. All treatments provided excellent control of redroot pigweed. Potato growth was not significantly affected by herbicide application in 2010. However, in 2011, post-emergence applications of flumioxazin caused significant crop injury and yield reduction. The results of this study indicate that satisfactory control of field bindweed and redroot pigweed, as well as high potato yield can be obtained by the pre-emergence application of flumioxazin of sulfosulfuron at 72 to 144 g ai ha-1, without herbicide residues on potato tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rhizome of Sanguinaria canadensis (SC, bloodroot) contains an active principle with antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidative and immunomodulatory effects. For this reason SC extract has been added to toothpastes and mouthwashes in various concentrations. When tested separately, neither the toothpastes nor the mouthwashes with SC extract had any demonstrable clinical effectiveness against dental plaque and gingivitis. Although using them together twice a day seemed more effective than using placebo, more recent studies have shown conflicting results. Preclinical safety studies up to 2000, which did not include studies longer than 6 months, were thought not to indicate any appreciable potential for harm - to the oral mucosa in particular. In 2003, the FDA Subcommittee on Oral Health Care Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use concluded from a review that using SC-containing products is safe. However, for reasons unknown, the review failed to consider publications between 1999 and 2001 that suggested a possible link between the use of SC-containing products and the pre-neoplastic lesion, leukoplakia. As it happened, bloodroot had already been removed (in 2001) from the formula of one of the most widely used products in question and the brand has since then disappeared altogether from the worldwide market. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual culture method was practiced in order to observe the interaction between Poria and the soil isolates. This method was slightly modified by allocating Poria in the middle and the soil isolate was inoculated 2 cm from the periphery of the plate; opposite to each other. The soil isolates was labeled as Noor Fazila (NF)-1, NF- 2, NF- 3, NF- 4, NF- 5, NF- 6, NF- 7, NF- 8, NF- 9, NF- 10, NF- 11 and NF- 12. After twelve days of interaction, two isolates; NF-1 and NF-5 were identified as potential antagonist organisms and suspected to be Cunninghamella sp. Other successfully isolated fungi are Trichoderma, Stylopage, Verticillium, Blastomyces, Ovulariopsis, Periconia and Ustilago. The rest of the fungi showed either agonism or mutualism interaction against Poria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate yield loss models in safflower–redroot pigweed systems, two field experiments were conducted during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. The relative yield loss of the crop was recorded in plots laid out in a split-plot design with three irrigation treatments as main plots [100, 75 and 50% FC (field capacity)] and five weed densities (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 m−2) as subplots in three replicates. Among Cousens, Spitters, and Kropff & Lotz models, Spitters was the best predictor of yield loss and showed the lowest RMSE (0.001–0.002), high Adj-R 2 (0.824–0.929), highest precision (0.962–0.981) and accuracy (constant and systematic biases of 0.000–0.103 and 0.863–1.040, respectively), and random residuals plot. The Cousens, and Kropff & Lotz models showed relatively good fit, although they had higher RMSE values, larger constant and systematic biases, and nonrandom residual plots. The reliability of all models was influenced by irrigation treatment, with generally larger constant and systematic biases at 50% irrigation, causing yield loss under/overprediction under 100 and 50% irrigation, respectively. The parameters of the Spitters model correctly explained the biological function of water shortage on yield response; however, the parameters of other models failed to represent a biologically acceptable yield response function, particularly at 50% irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effect of nitrogen (N) levels on N uptake by high weed densities at early growth stages of corn (Zea mays L., CV. Double Cross 370) was investigated for two years (2008- 2009) at the Agricultural Research Station of Shiraz University. The experiment was arranged in a split-plot arrangement in the randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Two levels of weed control (weedy and weed free) and three levels of preplanting N (0, 50, and 90 kg ha-1) were employed as main and subplots, respectively. One month after crop sowing, total weed species were determined and shoot dry weights of both corn and weeds were measured. The highest weed biomass and N uptake by weeds were obtained from the application of 50 kg N ha-1. In the first year of the study, average N content of weed seedlings grown at any rates were not significantly different, whereas in the second year, N content of the weeds in the zero N plot was 31 and 39 % less than the weeds grown in 50 and 90 kg N ha-1 applied plots, respectively. Higher uptake of N by weeds, especially redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus) at the early corn growth stage is an important issue for crop-weed competition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of different yield loss models from an exponential family was evaluated in safflower-redroot pigweed systems in two field experiments conducted during 2007 and 2008 growing seasons at the research field of Agricultural College of Shiraz University, Iran. The yield loss of safflower was recorded as relative yield loss in experimental plots laid out in split plot design with three replicates. Three different irrigation treatments were allocated to the main plots and consisted of full irrigation or 100% field capacity (FC), 75% FC, and 50% FC, while five weed densities (0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeds m-2) were assigned to the sub-plots The Logistic and Gompertz models and a user defined Power-Exponential model were fitted to the data to relate crop yield loss to the weed densities under different water stress conditions. The Power-Exponential model was chosen as the best fit to the data with statistically acceptable model diagnostics. Logistic and Gompertz models showed good fit to the observed data, but underestimated the yield loss under three levels of irrigation. Model performance in all cases was influenced by water stress as models generally showed greater constant and systematic biases under severe water stress (50% FC). Model parameters were used to explain the impact of water stress in crop/weed system. The exponential family models globally performed better over common empirical models such as Spitters, Kropff and Lotz and Cousens models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weed control in no-tillage (NT) zucchini squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) was determined for various preemergence (PRE) herbicide combinations in herbicide-killed ‘Wheeler’ winter rye (Secale cereale L.) or bare soil. Winter rye provided 65% and 75% control of redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) and smooth crabgrass [Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.], respectively, in the absence of herbicides compared with no control in the bare soil system. Tank mixing dimethenamid [2-chloro-N-(2,4-dimethyl-3-thienyl)-N-(2-methoxy-1-methylethyl)-acetamide], halosulfuron [methyl 3-chloro-5-(4,6-dimethoxy-2-pyrimidinylcarbamoylsulfamoyl)-1-methylpyrazole-4-carboxylate], or imazamox [2-(4,5-dihydro-4-methyl-4-(methylethyl)-5-oxo-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-5-(methoxy-methyl)-3-pyridine-carboxylic acid] with clomazone [2-(2-chlorophenyl)methyl-4,4-dimethyl-3-isoxazolidinone] and ethalfluralin [N-ethyl-N-(2-methyl-2-propenyl)-2,6-dinitro-4-(trifluoromethyl) benzenamine] increased redroot pigweed control compared with clomazone and ethalfluralin alone, and the presence of winter rye did not affect redroot pigweed control from any herbicide treatment except the no herbicide control. Squash plants were injured by treatments containing halosulfuron regardless of winter rye residues. Clomazone and ethalfluralin + imazamox and clomazone and ethalfluralin + dimethenamid provided some minor stunting to squash plants early in the growing season. Marketable squash yields were influenced by herbicide but not cover crop, and halosulfuron alone and clomazone and ethalfluralin + halosulfuron resulted in lower marketable yields compared to most other herbicide combinations. However, clomazone and ethalfluralin + imazamox was the only herbicide combination with similar high yields as the weed-free control; early season squash injury caused by this herbicide combination did not result in yield reductions. The lack of season-long weed control using small grain cover crops and PRE herbicides in NT squash continues to be a major impediment to the widespread implementation for this type of production system. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mesic deciduous forest herbs often disperse seed with morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) that prevents germination during unfavorable periods for seedling survival. However, for seeds of some species with MPD, seasonal separation of root and shoot emergence and variation in dormancy levels can complicate interpretation of seedling emergence timing in the field. We tested whether dormancy-break and germination requirements differed among co-occurring perennial forest herbs, Actaea racemosa, Hydrastis canadensis, and Sanguinaria canadensis, which are wild-harvested for their medicinal properties and known to have MPD. Seeds of all species exhibited a summer → autumn → winter requirement for seedling emergence in spring. However, species differed in seed-bank persistence due to variation in primary dormancy levels and stratification requirement of seeds. A. racemosa and H. canadensis can form short-term persistent seed bank, whereas S. canadensis can form a long-term persistent seed-bank, regardless of whether elaiosomes were removed from seeds prior to burial. A. racemosa seeds are dispersed in autumn with weak physiological dormancy, as seeds germinated to high rates at 15/6°C after 8 weeks. In contrast, most seeds of the summer dispersed species, H. canadensis and S. canadensis, require summer temperatures to overcome physiological dormancy. Consequently, seedling emergence is reduced and delayed by 1 year if seeds are not sown immediately following the period of natural dispersal. Seedling emergence was much lower in the field than in controlled conditions for all species, especially in the small-seeded A. racemosa. Interspecific variation in dormancy levels and germination traits must be considered when establishing populations for conservation purposes and in understanding recruitment limitation in perennial forest herbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Case Description—2 dogs were referred for surgical removal of cutaneous tumors that had previously been treated by intratumoral injection of a herbal preparation containing blood- root (San guinaria canadensis) extract. Clinical Findings—11 days following injection of bloodroot extract into a small dermal tumor, dog 1 developed a large, soft, fluctuant cutaneous mass at the site of injection. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the mass revealed a fluid-filled central cavity with increased echogenicity of the surrounding subcutaneous tissues. Dog 2 had a small dermal tumor under the left mandible that had been treated in similar fashion. However, an exuberant reaction was not observed following injection of bloodroot extract in this dog. Treatment and Outcome—Both dogs underwent surgical excision of the cutaneous tumors. Histologic evaluation revealed severe necrosis and inflammation in the excised tissues from dog 1. This dog experienced postsurgical wound complications and had a pro- longed postsurgical recovery. Similar, although less severe, histopathologic findings were apparent in the excised tissues from dog 2; this dog recovered without complications. Clinical Relevance—Various products containing bloodroot are marketed on the Internet for topical and parenteral treatment of cutaneous neoplasms in domestic animals. However, the antineoplastic properties, therapeutic efficacy, and adverse effects of these products are poorly described in the veterinary literature. Clinicians should be aware of the potential for harm caused by the use of these products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mesotrione has recently been registered for weed control in maize in Ontario, Canada; however, there is still little information on the doses required to provide 90% control for the complete spectrum of broadleaved weeds that the product controls. Our objective was to determine mesotrione doses that would provide at least 90% control of four economically important weeds, without impacting final maize yield by more than 5% in comparison to a weed-free control. Sixteen field trials were conducted at six Ontario locations in 1999–2001 to evaluate the effectiveness of mesotrione at doses ranging from 9 to 280 g ai ha−1. The doses required to reduce weed biomass by at least 90% (I90) varied with location and year, and for common lambsquarters and velvetleaf differed by application timing. For lambsquarters, the estimated doses required ranged from 10 to 1984 g ai ha−1 for preemergence applications and 15–38 g ai ha−1 for postemergence applications. Doses of 45 and 19–243 g ai ha−1 were required to effectively reduce the biomass of redroot pigweed. Velvetleaf was effectively controlled preemergence with 288 g ai ha−1 and postemergence with 31 g ai ha−1 of mesotrione. Final maize yield was only reduced by more than 5% of a weed-free control when a dose of less than 35 g ai ha−1 of mesotrione was applied. These results show that biologically effective weed control with reduced doses of mesotrione is possible depending on the spectrum of broadleaved weed species present in the field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Weeds that emerge along with or immediately after crop plants usually can reduce the yield of those crops. Two randomized complete block design experiments were conducted during 2006 and 2007 in Tabriz, Iran to determine the critical period of redroot pigweed control in the green bean hybrid “Cantander”. The treatments were weed-infested and weed-free plots at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14 weeks after bean emergence (WABE). The green bean biomass was affected by the early emergence of redroot pigweed, but it was not reduced when redroot pigweed emerged at 10 weeks after crop emergence, along with crop emergence, and grew with green bean until 4 WABE. The redroot pigweed biomass decreased by 2.7 g m−2 per day when weed emergence was delayed. Each 100 g m−2 of weed biomass that was produced resulted in a 1.4 kg ha−1 loss in the green bean yield. When redroot pigweed interference lasted for ≥4 weeks after green bean emergence, the green bean yield was reduced significantly. Weeds, which emerged 2 weeks after green bean and thereafter were controlled, did not decrease crop productivity significantly. The highest crop yield was obtained when the weed emerged at 14 WABE. The critical period of redroot pigweed control, considering a 10% yield loss, was between 19 and 55 days after green bean emergence. Thus, weed control practises should be begun no later than 3 WABE and should continue until at least 8 WABE in order to obtain the maximum green bean yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The purpose of this multidisciplinary investigation was to characterize cytokine production by human blood mononuclear cells after 2 contrasting exercise bouts (a maximal graded oxygen consumption [VO2max] test and 90 min of cycling at 85% of ventilatory threshold [VT]) when stimulated in vitro with extracts from bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis), coneflower (Echinacea tennesseensis), or solvent vehicle controls. Blood was sampled pre- and post-exercise. Production of TNF, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. In the VO2max test there was a main effect of exercise such that exercise increased cytokine synthesis and a main effect of stimulant such that bloodroot extracts significantly increased cytokine production compared to other stimulants or controls. In the 90-min bout, there was a main effect of exercise for TNF and IL-1β (but not IL-10) such that exercise decreased cytokine synthesis and a main effect of stimulant such that bloodroot extracts significantly increased cytokine production compared to other stimulants or controls, with exercise×stimulant interactions for both IL-1β and IL-10. A similar though weaker effect was seen with Echinacea extracts; subsequent biochemical analyses suggested this was related to alkamide decay during 3 years undisturbed storage at ultralow (−80 °C) temperature. In this study, the VO2max test was associated with enhanced cytokine production whereas the 90-min cycling at 85% VT was associated with suppressed cytokine production. Bloodroot extracts were able to increase cytokine production in both contexts. Herbal extracts purported to offset exercise-associated effects on immune activity warrant continued investigation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The mutual effects of redroot pigweed ( Amaranthus retroflexus) on corn ( Zea mays) were evaluated in an experiment conducted in 2005 at the Iranian Plant Protection Research Institute at Qazvin, considering the different densities of redroot pigweed against four different corn densities. Redroot pigweed, at 0, 35, 50, 65, and 80 plants m−1 row−1, was arranged factorially with corn at four, five, six, and seven plants m−1 row−1 in a randomized complete block design. Crop–weed competition resulted in a reduction in the total dry matter, Leaf Area Index, and crop growth rate of corn. Furthermore, an increasing weed density ≤65 plants m−1 row−1 reduced the corn grain yield and biological yield. Overall, six corn plants m−1 row−1 was suggested as the optimum density of this crop in competition with redroot pigweed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The light-sensitive red-root mutant, designated as HG1, was newly observed from an indica rice variety, Nankinkodo, when seedlings were grown with roots exposed to natural light. The root color of the mutant began to turn slight-red when the roots were exposed to the light at the intensity of 29 μmol/(m2·s), then turned dark-red at the light intensity of 180 μmol/(m2·s), suggesting that the root color of the mutant was evidently sensitive to light. Furthermore, genetic analysis showed that the character of light-sensitive red-root of the HG1 mutant was controlled by a single dominant gene, tentatively designated as Lsr. With simple sequence repeat markers, Lsr gene was located between the markers RM252 and RM303 on chromosome 4 with the genetic distances of 9.8 cM and 6.4 cM, respectively. These results could be useful for fine mapping and cloning of Lsr gene in rice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Previous studies have suggested that phytomedicinal preparations from bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.) may harbor immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of alcohol tinctures and water infusions generated from bloodroot flowers, leaves, rhizomes, and roots on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cytokine production and proliferation in vitro. PBMCs were collected from 16 healthy young adults and cultured with bloodroot extracts or respective controls for interleukins-1β, -2, -8, -10, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor. Proliferative capabilities of both PBMCs and K562 cells (an immortalized human myelogenous leukemia cell line) after extract treatment were determined. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify berberine, chelerythrine, and sanguinarine in the extracts and to correlate extract composition with observed effects. Overall, infusions demonstrated greater immunomodulatory capabilities than tinctures, and flower- and root-based extracts showed greater immunomodulatory properties than leaf- or rhizome-based extracts (some effects seen with root-based extracts may be due to endotoxin). Several extracts were able to augment PBMC proliferation and diminish K562 proliferation, suggesting a selective anticarcinogenic activity. The rhizome alcohol tincture had a markedly stronger effect against K562 cells than other extracts. Chelerythrine, sanguinarine, and endotoxin (but not berberine) sometimes correlated with observed effects. The in vitro activities demonstrated here suggest bloodroot extracts may have potential as therapeutic immunomodulators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competitive relationship, yield performance, and dynamics of canopy dominance of cowpea [ Vigna sinensis (L.) Savi ex Hassk.] and redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.) grown at different levels of phosphorus (F), planting densities, and density proportions, were studied under field conditions in Summer 2001. Both species behaved differently in response to different planting densities, density proportions, and P treatments. Shoot dry weights (DW) of cowpea increased in line with its proportion in the mixture, and cowpea leaf area was greater than that of A. retroflexus, but the weed over-topped the cowpea plants and established a greater leaf area over the crop canopy. The CO2 assimilation rate of A. retroflexus was greater than that of cowpea. In mixed stands, A. retroflexus produced relatively higher yields when present in an equal proportion with cowpea, with a relative aggressivity of 0.42. CO2 assimilation rate was the parameter that contributed most to variations in the shoot DWs of both species. The effect of proportion of the mixed density on shoot DW was due mainly to its effect on the CO2 exchange rate required for carbohydrate production and growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Doctrine of Signatures (DOS) is found throughout the world. Most scholars dismiss it as a ‘primitive’ or ‘prescientific’ idea. Despite its long history, the doctrine has had little critical review. A careful evaluation of signatures suggests four things. (1) There is no evidence that morphological plant signatures ever led to the discovery of medicinal properties. Considering DOS in this manner is unproductive and largely untestable. (2) Signatures are post hoc attributions rather than a priori clues to the utility of medicinal plants. (3) It is productive to redefine signatures to include organoleptic properties associated with therapeutic value. Plants with strong odors or bitter tastes, for example, commonly are found in pharmacopoeias. (4) DOS should be considered for what it primarily is—a way of disseminating information. DOS fundamentally is a mnemonic and, therefore, is exceedingly valuable in traditional cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acclimated and non-acclimated potted plants of Sanguinaria canadensis L. were harvested at early and late dormancy, anthesis, and immature and mature fruiting stages. Sanguinarine content and concentration were determined for rhizomes (distal, proximal, and middle sections), roots, leaves, flower, and fruit. Rhizomes had highest sanguinarine content and concentrations, and exhibited decreasing concentration gradients from the distal to proximal third. Concentrations in roots were a tenth of rhizome concentration. Concentrations in leaves, flowers, and fruit were one-thousandth of rhizome concentration. Sanguinarine content in whole acclimated plants was constant. Content in whole non-acclimated plants increased as the plant became physiologically active, but was constant during fruit maturation: content in roots, leaves, and fruit did not change. The substantial increase in whole-plant dry weight coupled with the unchanging sanguinarine content during fruit maturation suggests either a shift in photosynthate allocation from defense to growth, or a constant turnover of sanguinarine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]