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As an agroforestry resource willow species (Salix spp.) becoming increasingly important in the protection of riverbanks, recovery of floodable lands, soil bioremediation, biomass production, and wicker furniture manufacture, Babylon willow (Salix babylonica) is widely planted all over the world and is found throughout Iran as part of the rural landscape and is mostly planted for ornamental or bioremediation purposes. Rust fungi in the genus Melampsora usually cause disease on Salix species. Identification of Melampsora species is often complicated because there are few differences in spore morphology and little is publicly available in comparative sequence data. Willow trees in Iran have been reported to be infected by 15 Melampsora species; however, most of these records are based on morphological characterization. During surveillance activities carried out in June 2007, a rust species was detected on isolated Babylon willow trees in an area in Northern Iran. Both the rust fungus and the host plant were identified on the basis of morphological features and DNA sequencing. Based on a combination of morphology, large subunit (LSU) rDNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, our rust specimen was identified as Melampsora ferrinii, which is newly reported from Iran on Salix babylonica. Melampsora ferrinii was originally described from the Americas and this is the first time that this rust has been observed on its telial host, Babylon willow, in Asia. The documentation of the rust fungus was performed using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy. Additionally, an identification key for Melampsora species reported on Salix spp. in Iran is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cecal gas (GP) and methane (CH4) production and cecal fermentation kinetics when corn grain (CG) was replaced with prickly cactus (PC) in a horse’s diet at different levels of Salix babylonica (SB) extract was investigated. Three total mixed rations where CG was replaced with PC at three levels (/kg): 0 g (Control), 75 g (PC75) or 150 g (PC150) were prepared and SB extract added at four levels: 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL/g dry matter (DM) of substrates. No ration type × SB extract dose interaction was observed (P > 0.05) for GP kinetics and CH4 production. Increasing the level of PC in the ration quadratically increased (P < 0.01) the asymptotic GP and decreased (P < 0.01) the rate and lag time of GP. Increasing the level of PC in the ration, increased GP values (P < 0.05). Increasing the level of SB extract linearly decreased (P = 0.001) the lag time of GP of all diets without affecting the asymptotic GP or the rate of GP. Ration type and SB level had no effect (P > 0.05) on CH4 production; however, at 36 h of incubation, SB extract decreased CH4 production. The rations PC75 and PC150 increased cecal pH compared with the control ration. The PC150 ration had the highest (P < 0.05) DM degradability, short chain fatty acids production, and gas yield after 24 h of incubation, with no effect (P > 0.05) of SB inclusion on all investigated fermentation kinetic parameters. It is concluded that increasing the level of PC in the diet of horse and replacing CG up to 60%, increased GP and improved cecal fermentation kinetics without affecting CH4 production. Inclusion of S. babylonica extract in the tested rations had weak effects on fermentation kinetics although it decreased the lag time of GP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field study was conducted at Taq-Taq region, Kirkuk province, Iraq, during 2018 to evaluate the susceptibility of host trees to tiger lace bug, Monosteria buccata. The trees studied were Populus deltoides, Populus euramericana, and Salix babylonica belonging to family Salicaceae. Adults appeared by the end of April and average infestation reached 16.6%. The infestation increased gradually in subsequent months and ultimately disappeared by the end of October. The results of the ecological study indicated that the population density of insects under field conditions reached a high in July and August and a total number of insects recorded were 5240 and 4635, respectively. This was estimated to be 89.1 and 83.9 % for two summer months, respectively. It was observed that P. deltoides was the most susceptible species to infestation with an average of 872.85 insects, followed by P. euramericana (84,750 insects), and S. babylonica being least susceptible with an average insect population of 62,666 insects. Biological studies showed that insect had four nymph instars and 4 generations/year. The correlation values between number of insects and average temperature and humidity were variable depending on the tree species. There were a significant positive correlation with temperature and negative correlation with relative humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The removal of pollutants from textile wastewater via electrochemical oxidation and a coupled system electrooxidation—Salix babylonica, using boron-doped diamond electrodes was evaluated. Under optimal conditions of pH 5.23 and 3.5 mA·cm−2 of current density, the electrochemical method yields an effective reduction of chemical oxygen demand by 41.95%, biochemical oxygen demand by 83.33%, color by 60.83%, and turbidity by 26.53% at 300 minutes of treatment. The raw and treated wastewater was characterized by infrared spectroscopy to confirm the degradation of pollutants. The wastewater was oxidized at 15-minute intervals for one hour and was placed in contact with willow plants for 15 days. The coupled system yielded a reduction of the chemical oxygen demand by 14%, color by 85%, and turbidity by 93%. The best efficiency for the coupled system was achieved at 60 minutes, at which time the plants achieved more biomass and photosynthetic pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sphaceloma murrayae is a significant fungal pathogen of Salix spp. It causes greyish‐white leaf spots, which were reported worldwide except in China. Its morphological characteristics were described in the early literature; however, there is a lack of molecular information pertaining to this fungus. This study identified and characterized three fungal isolates that obtained from weeping willow leaf spots in China. Based on disease symptoms, morphological characteristics and single nomenclature rules for fungi, these isolates are proposed to be new combinations of Elsinoë murrayae (Synonym: S. murrayae). Phylogenetic analysis that combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), RBP2 and TEF1‐α DNA sequences indicated that E. murrayae isolates and Elsinoë salicina—another Elsinoë sp. isolated from Salix sp.—were distinguishable species. With trypan blue staining and stereomicroscopic observation, we found that large‐scale cell death occurred at 2 days postinoculation (dpi) and slight disease symptoms started at 3 dpi when the conidia were inoculated on Salix babylonica leaves. Pathogenicity analysis revealed that three isolates can successfully infect mature leaves of S. babylonica, Salix fragilis and Salix suchowensis, but not Salix matsudana. In addition, a necrosis‐ and ethylene‐inducing‐like proteins’ (NLP) gene, named EmNLP1, was cloned. The cytotoxicity of EmNLP1 was confirmed by transient assay in tobacco. During infection, EmNLP1 dramatically peaked at 2 dpi and maintained a high‐level expression in the necrosis lesion growing stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salix matsudana is a large and rapidly-growing tree, with erect or spreading branchlets (upright willow). However, S. matsudana var. pseudomatsudana is one of the varietas, with pendulous branchlets (weeping willow). It has high ornamental value for its graceful pendulous branches. In order to study the molecular basis for this weeping trait, leaves and stems collected at different developmental stages were analyzed using RNA-seq coupled with digital gene expression. Although weeping trees are used worldwide as landscape plants, little is known about the genes that control weeping. Our growth results indicated that branches in weeping willow developed and elongated throughout all developmental stages, but branches in upright willow grew rapidly in the initial stages and then grew slowly and began shoot branching in the middle stages. A total of 613 hormone-related genes were differentially expressed in willow development. Among these, genes associated with auxin and gibberellin (GA) were highly likely to be responsible for the weeping trait, and genes associated with auxin and ethylene probably play crucial roles in shoot elongation. The genes with differential expression patterns were used to construct a network that regulated stem development, and auxin-related genes were identified as hub genes in the network in the weeping willow. Our results suggest an important role of gibberellin and auxin in regulating the weeping trait in Salix matsudana. This is the first report on the molecular aspects of hormonal effects on weeping trait in willow using transcriptomics and helps in dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which the weeping trait is controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A good knowledge of species diversity is essential for urban forest planning and management. In this study, we analyzed species diversity of urban forests in China using data synthesized through a systematic review. Our analysis showed that 3740 taxa of woody plants at species level and below have been reported in urban forests in 257 cities. Merging to the species level, there were 2640 species, including 1671 trees, 743 shrubs, and 226 lianas. Salix babylonica L. was the most widely distributed urban tree species in China. Overall, native species accounted for 76.02% of the observed species while the rest were exotic species. Inside cities, parks contained more species than other types of land use. Among cities, composition similarity of urban forests decreased as spatial distances among them increased. Besides, there was a latitudinal pattern in compositional similarity of urban forests in China. The relatively low ratio of the number of woody plant species in urban forests to these naturally distributed in China indicates that there is plenty of room for increasing species diversity of urban forests in China. However, cautions must be taken to avoid increasing compositional similarity of urban forests in China at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the phytoremediation capability of Cd by Salix babylonica L. we studied Cd accumulation and translocation, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, and soluble protein contents in S. babylonica exposed to 10, 50, and 100 μM Cd for 7, 14, 21, and 28 d. The results indicated that seedling growth was accelerated by 10 μM Cd, and significantly inhibited by 50 and 100 μM Cd. The contents of Fe and Mn decreased significantly. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in roots exposed to Cd was significantly higher than that in leaves. The level of peroxidase (POD) was significantly higher than that of control except for the roots treated with 10 and 50 μM Cd on day 28. POD activity in leaves was lower than that in roots. The level of catalase (CAT) was significantly lower than that of control. At 100 μM Cd, malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased significantly during the whole experiment. 50 μM Cd could induce high content of MDA in leaves. In general, the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2·-), and soluble protein showed an increasing trend. S. babylonica could be an efficient phytoextraction plant as it had considerable ability to accumulate Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, Salix babylonica leaves powder (SBLP) has been used for the removal methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions by adsorption process. The surface of SBLP analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The effects of changing parameters such as adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH, temperature, and initial dye concentration on methylene blue adsorption were investigated. Three isotherm equations, Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin, have been tested in order to describe the equilibrium characteristics of adsorption. The experimental data fitted well by Langmuir isotherm, with maximum adsorption capacity 60.97 mg/g. The experimental data were fitted using pseudo-first-order and pseudo- second-order and intraparticle diffusion models. The experimental results were fitted better with pseudo-second-order model compared to the other two models. The amount of thermodynamic parameters such as Gibbs free energy (∆ G ° ), change in enthalpy of adsorption (∆ H ° ), and change in entropy (∆ S ° ) were calculated and this parameter showed that MB adsorption on SBLP is spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The result of experimental shows that SBLP is suitable low-cost adsorbent for removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to test the potential anthelmintic activity of Salix babylonica (SB) extract for the control of gastrointestinal and pulmonary parasites in sheep and goats under field conditions. A representative sample of 20 % of all animals reared in 8 sheep and 7 goat farms was used in the study. Animals from each farm were randomly selected for a total number of 93 sheep and 75 goats. Animals suffered a natural gastrointestinal nematode infection and had never been treated with chemical anthelmintic drugs. The SB extract (20 mL) was orally administered weekly before the morning feeding to each animal for 60 days. Fecal eggs or oocysts were counted at 0, 1, 20, 40, and 60 days after starting the extract administration. Differences ( P < 0.01) in the fecal oocyst and egg output of Eimeria, Dictyocaulus, and Moniezia were observed between sheep and goats. In addition, the treatment influenced ( P < 0.05) egg outputs of Cooperia, Dictyocaulus, and Trichuris. Fecal egg or oocyst counts of Haemonchus contortus, Eimeria, Cooperia, Chabertia, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and Ostertagia were time-dependent ( P < 0.05). For sheep, administration of SB decreased ( P < 0.05) the fecal eggs count of H. contortus, Cooperia, Chabertia, Dictyocaulus, Moniezia, and Trichuris. After 20 days of treatment, H. contortus, Cooperia, or Moniezia were not detected. For goats, SB reduced ( P < 0.05) the fecal egg counts of H. contortus, Cooperia, Chabertia, and Moniezia. Moreover, decreases were observed ( P < 0.05) for Chabertia, Trichostrongylus, and Ostertagia. Eggs of H. contortus and Moniezia were not present in the feces after 1 day of administration of the extract. It could be concluded that the weekly administration of SB extract at 20 mL per animal can be used to treat gastrointestinal and lung nematodes of small ruminants in organic and traditional farming systems of tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was made to investigate effect of exogenous enzyme of xylanase, Salix babylonica extract and their combination on blood haematological and biochemical profile in lambs and goats. Suffolk lambs (4) and Saanen goats (4) were used in a Latin square design (4 animals x 4 treatments in 4 periods) for 15 days of adaptation. Animals were fed the basal diet plus 30 ml of water (control), or plus 30 ml of exogenous enzyme xylanase (EZ), or plus 30 ml of S. babylonica extract (SB), or plus 30 ml of xylanase + 30 ml of SB extract (EZSB). The daily dose of treatments was given orally before the morning feeding. Blood samples (5 ml) were collected on day 15 of each period and analyzed for haematological and biochemical profile. Treatments had affected hematocrit in lambs; eosinophils and glucose in goats. Since all the studied blood parameters were within the normal range for healthy goats and there were no signs of disease, it is concluded that xylanase, S. babylonica and their combination did not pose any threat to the health of the animals under the conditions of the experiment where both feed additives are innocuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to assess the effect of the chemical substances of Salix babylonica (SB) extract on in vitro rumen fermentation of five mixed rations with different maize silage to concentrate ratios. Fifty-nine compounds were identified in SB extract using the retention time and mass spectral technique. Interactive effects were noted (P < 0.001) for the asymptotic gas production (GP) (b), the rate of production (c), the initial delay before GP begins (L), pH, dry matter digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), gas yield at 24 h (GY24), microbial crude protein, and in vitro GP. Both 1.2 and 1.8 mL SB/g DM had the highest (P < 0.05) b and c values. Addition of 1.2 and 1.8 mL SB/g DM linearly improved (P < 0.001) ME, OMD, SCFAs, and GY24. It could be concluded that, based on the highly detected interaction effects between ration types and extract doses for fermentation parameters and GP, the most effective dose of SB varied between incubated total mixed rations. However, the ration of 25% silage and 75% concentrate had the highest nutritive value, especially at doses of 1.2 to 1.8 mL SB/g DM total mixed ration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rust fungi in the genus Melampsora usually cause disease on hosts in the Salicaceae. Identification of Melampsora species is often complicated due to few differences in spore morphology and little publicly available comparative sequence data. Weeping willow trees (primarily Salix babylonica and its hybrids) have been reported to be infected by 11 Melampsora species; however, most of these records are based on morphological characterization. New collections of rust fungi on weeping willows from the central USA were analysed using a combination of morphology, ITS and LSU r DNA sequencing, and host data to determine that they represent an undescribed rust fungus, Melampsora ferrinii sp. nov. Additional studies of herbarium material revealed that M. ferrinii has occasionally been collected but identified as M. epitea. In addition to North America, M. ferrinii is also present in South America and has been infecting weeping willows there since at least the 1990s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melampsora coleosporioides produces uredinia and telia on the leaves of Salix babylonica . Since the life cycle of this fungus is largely unknown, inoculation experiments were conducted to find alternate host plants. Results showed that M. coleosporioides can use Corydalis incisa as a spermogonial and aecial host. The morphological characteristics of the spermogonial and aecial states of the fungus are first described. Furthermore, field observations and histological studies demonstrated that the fungus was able to overwinter in twigs of S. babylonica and produced urediniospores in early spring. Thus, the leaf rust occurs on S. babylonica every year and alternation with the spermogonial and aecial host is not necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of increasing levels of twofeed additives composed of Salix babylonica (SB) extract and minerals mixture (MM) or their combination on in vitro gas production (GP) and dry matter (DM) degradability of total mixed ration (TMR; 50 concentrate: 50 corn silage, on DM basis). Combinations of four levels of SB extract (0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL/g DM) with four levels of MM (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 g/100 g DM) were evaluated in a completely random design. Samples of TMR (1 g) were weighed in 120 mL serum bottles with addition of SB extract and/or MM. Then, 10 mL of particle free ruminal fluid were added followed by 40 mL of the buffer solution. The GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Addition of SB extract, without MM, increased (P<0.05) asymptotic GP (mL/g DM), the rate of GP (/h), GP and DM degradability (DMD). Addition of MM, without SB, increased (P<0.05) b and decreased c and ruminal pH. Increasing the levels of SB increased (P<0.05) b, c, L, and GP in addition to linearly increase (P<0.001) DMD. Increasing levels of MM increased (P<0.05) b and c while decreased pH. An interaction occurred between different SB extract and MM levels: the most effective levels of SB extract and MM on ruminal fermentation and kinetics were 1.8 mL SB extract/g DM and 2.5 g MM/100 g DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty Pelibuey 3-4 month old and 23.7±3.3 kg body weight male lambs were used in a randomised design to study the effects of daily oral administration of Salix babylonica (SB) extract on dry matter (DM), water intake, average daily gain (ADG), and feed efficiency for 72 days. Animals were divided into four groups fed the same total mixed ration with different doses of SB: 0 (Control), 20 (SB20), 40 (SB40) and 60 (SB60) mL/lamb/d. In vitro gas production (GP) of the same diet fed to lambs as a substrate was measured with different doses of SB (0, 0.3, 0.7, 1.0 mL/g DM). Daily administration of SB to lambs had no effects (P=0.05) on growth performance and DMI (linear effect, P=0.2805; quadratic effect, P=0.3747). Both low and moderate doses of SB (SB40>SB20) tended to increase (linear effect, P=0.4010; quadratic effect, P=0.9166) ADG. The asymptotic GP quadratically increased (P<0.001) with decreased GP rate and with increasing SB extract doses. In vitro GP increased (P<0.05) with advancing of incubation time in all SB doses. During the first 24 h of incubation, 0.3 mL SB/g DM had the highest GP, whereas 1.0 mL SB/g DM quadratically increased (P<0.001) GP. The low dose of SB extract increased ME (linear effect, P=0.024) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (linear effect, P=0.023). However, the highest dose quadratically decreased (P=0.02) DM degradability. In conclusion, administration of SB extract at 40 mL/lamb/d tended to increase DM intake, improve daily weight gain in growing lambs with increasing asymptotic in vitro ruminal GP and SB dose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sixteen growing Katahdin×Pelibuey lambs (24±0.3kg body weight) were used to study the effects of oral administration of extracts of Salix babylonica (SB) and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) leaves on ruminal pH, total and individual volatile fatty acids (VFA) and NH3-N concentrations, as well as ruminal protozoal counts, urinary purine derivatives (PD) excretion and estimated microbial protein synthesis. Lambs were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 219 and 141gkg−1 of CP and NDF, respectively. Four treatments (4lambs/treatment) were Control (no extract added), SB (SB extract at 30mld−1), LL (LL extract at 30mld−1) and SBLL (mixture of SB at 15mld−1+LL at 15mld−1). Extracts were administered orally to each lamb before the morning meal daily. Measurements were on days 22 (P1), 43 (P2) and 63 (P3) of the experiment. Ruminal pH increased (P=0.014) with SBLL extract and decreased with SB. The ratio of acetate to propionate was higher (P=0.042) with SBLL compared to the control. Ruminal NH3-N concentration was not affected by extract administration (P=0.309) or experimental period (P=0.087). Protozoal counts were not affected (P=0.489) by extract addition but decreased (P<0.001) in P3 compared with P1 and P2. Uric acid concentration increased (P<0.001) with individual extracts of SB and LL compared with the control or SBLL. Excretion of other purine derivatives (allantoin, xanthine, and hypoxanthine), creatinine and microbial protein synthesis were not changed (P>0.05) by extracts administration. Overall, oral administration of S. babylonica and L. leucocephala extracts, or their 1:1 mixture, to lambs for 63d had only minor effects on ruminal fermentation, urinary purine derivative excretion and microbial protein synthesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Leaf phenology has been shown to be one of the most important indicators of the effects of climate change on biological systems. Few such studies have, however, been published detailing the relationship between phenology and climate change in Asian contexts. With the aim of quantifying species' phenological responsiveness to temperature and deepening understandings of spatial patterns of phenological and climate change in China, this study analyzes the first leaf date (FLD) and the leaf coloring date (LCD) from datasets of four woody plant species, Robinia pseudoacacia, Ulmus pumila, Salix babylonica, and Melia azedarach, collected from 1963 to 2009 at 47 Chinese Phenological Observation Network (CPON) stations spread across China (from 21° to 50° N). The results of this study show that changes in temperatures in the range of 39-43 days preceding the date of FLD of these plants affected annual variations in FLD, while annual variations in temperature in the range of 71-85 days preceding LCD of these plants affected the date of LCD. Average temperature sensitivity of FLD and LCD for these plants was −3.93 to 3.30 days °C and 2.11 to 4.43 days °C, respectively. Temperature sensitivity of FLD was found to be stronger at lower latitudes or altitude as well as in more continental climates, while the response of LCD showed no consistent pattern. Within the context of significant warming across China during the study period, FLD was found to have advanced by 5.44 days from 1960 to 2009; over the same period, LCD was found to have been delayed by 4.56 days. These findings indicate that the length of the growing season of the four plant species studied was extended by a total of 10.00 days from 1960 to 2009. They also indicate that phenological response to climate is highly heterogeneous spatially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The culture-dependent method and a degenerate primer-based culture-independent method were combined in an effort to identify N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) producers in rhizosphere of wetland plants, Salix babylonica (willow) and Phragmites australis (reed). Overall, eight potential AHL-producing genera were found, which were Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Polymorphum, Agrobacterium, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Ensifer, and Pectobacterium. Thin layer chromatograph assay revealed various AHL profiles from cultivable AHL-producers. The degenerate primer pair RAHL352F and RAHL461R was found to cover AHL synthetase genes from families Rhizobiaceae and Rhodobacteraceae. Little overlap was found in taxa of potential AHL-producers obtained by the two methods, indicating that they were well complement to each other. This is the first survey for AHL-producers that employed combined culture-dependent and -independent methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3×3 Latin Square design was used to evaluate effects of 0, 150 and 300 mL of Salix babylonica (SB) extract mixed into the diet on daily milk production and composition in cows. Three Brown Swiss dairy cows (420±30.3 kg body weight), at late lactation (220±25.1 d in milk), were fed a diet with a restricted amount of concentrate and oat hay ad libitum twice daily in equal amounts. The SB extract was mixed daily with a small amount of concentrate and fed to the cows. In vitro gas production of the diet fed to the cows was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation with 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL SB/g DM. Intake of oat hay was increased (P<0.05) by 11.5% with the SB addition at 150 mL/d. Milk production was also increased with extract addition at 150 or 300 mL/d by about 13.3 and 8.9% respectively, compared with control. Milk fat was lower (P<0.05) with SB addition, while milk protein and lactose were not affected by the extract addition. Milk efficiency was improved (P<0.05) with extract addition versus control. In vitro gas production of the diet increased (P<0.05) dramatically with increasing levels of extract addition with a short lag time and high rate of gas production per hour vs control. Addition of SB extract at 150 mL/d improved milk production by 13.3%, while it decreased its fat content and improved milk efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metallic nanoparticles (NPs), in general, are able, due to the high surface area per unit volume, to absorb the maximum incoming light flux through the vicinity of plasmonic structures and then provide local heating. Thus, silver (Ag) NPs has been used to generate heat and increase the temperature of water from solar radiation energy. The optimal plasmonic heating generation can be obtained as soon as the wavelength of the light source is close to the plasmonic resonance wavelength of Ag NPs., Objective: Ag NPs have been fabricated through a straightforward, cheap, as well as environmentally friendly approach. In this study, Salix babylonica L., weeping willow leaf extract has been utilized as a reducing, capping, and stabilizing agent, without using any other toxic materials. The importance of this study lies in the generation of hot electrons, which can be obtained by collecting the solar spectrum near the infrared and infrared regions, which cannot be obtained by the conventional photocatalytic devices., Methods: Numerous characterization techniques such as; UV-Vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis were used to study the optical, chemical, structural, morphological, properties of the Ag NPs., Results: The impact of pH on the properties of Ag NPs and their performance to generate heat during solar irradiation have been investigated intensively. This study showed that the synthesized Ag NPs with pH value 12 is the optimum condition and can increase the temperature of water dramatically., Conclusion: An evaluation of the current patents displays that the field of green synthesis Ag NPs utilizing plant extracts is a vital field and produces rather stable, safe and effective Ag NPs. The novelty of this patent is that Ag NPs can be synthesized from a one-pot reaction without using any exterior stabilizing and reducing agent, which is not conceivable by means of the existing processes. This study, also, is rare and distinctive, and it demonstrates that even a slight quantity of the Ag NPs is significantly raising the temperature of water effectively., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine if adaptation of lambs to ingestion of tree leaf extracts of Salix babylonica and Leucaena leucocephala can modify in vitro gas production of Celtis ehrenbergiana, Ficus trigonata, Fraxinus excelsior and Prunus domestica. Samples of leaves were collected in triplicate (i.e., three individual samples of each tree leaf). Rumen inoculum was collected from 8 growing lambs fed a total mixed ration ad libitum (control; RC). Incubations were repeated with the rumen fluid collected from another 8 growing lambs of the same breed fed the same ration, but fed a daily dose of 30ml/d of S. babylonica and L. leucocephala extracts in a 1:1 (v:v) mixture (treatment; RX). Leaf samples were incubated with each rumen fluid (i.e., RC and RX inoculums) in 3 runs on different weeks. Data of each of the three runs within sample replicate were averaged and used as the mean value of each individual sample within tree species for statistical analysis in a 4 (tree species)×2 (rumen inoculum) factorial design. In vitro gas production was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72h of incubation. After 72h, the incubation was stopped and supernatant pH was determined, and then filtered to determine apparent degraded substrate (ADS). Fermentation parameters, such as the 72h partitioning factor (PF72), 24h gas yield (GY24), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acids concentration (SCFA), and microbial protein production (MP) were estimated. The crude protein content of the leaves ranged from 147 (F. trigonata) to 241 (C. ehrenbergiana) g/kg dry matter. The lowest fiber fraction values was in P. domestica, while F. excelsior had the highest, and C. ehrenbergiana and F. trigonata were intermediate. Secondary metabolites (i.e., total phenolics, saponins, aqueous fraction) were lowest in P. domestica and highest in F. trigonata. Accumulated gas production was highest (P<0.05) in F. excelsior during the first 24h of incubation. All fermentation parameters (i.e., ADS, SCFA, GY24, PF72, IVOMD, ME, MP) varied (P<0.01) among tree leaves. The ADS, SCFA and MP were highest (P<0.01) in F. excelsior, lowest (P<0.01) in F. trigonata, and intermediate in P. domestica and C. ehrenbergiana. Incubation of tree leaves with RX inoculum did not affect gas production in the first 6h, but it was lower (P<0.05) at 24–72h, except for F. trigonata. C. ehrenbergiana had the highest (P<0.05) potential gas production, but rate of gas production and the discrete lag time did not differ among leaves. As incubation of tree leaves with RX inoculum lowered (P<0.05) all fermentation parameters, oral administrated extracts of S. babylonica and L. leucocephala did not seem to adapt the rumen microbial population to better utilize these tree leaves. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents an investigation of the capacity of four different plants to remove and assimilate ferri-cyanide at different pH conditions. Detached roots of weeping willows ( Salix babylonica L.), rice ( Oryza sativa L. cv. JY 98), soybean ( Glycine max L. cv. WH) and maize ( Zea mays L. var. HK) were hydroponically exposed to ferri-cyanide in a closed system at 25 ± 0.5°C for 24 h kept under darkness. Almost all applied ferri-cyanide was in the complex form in the hydroponic solution at pH ≥ 7.0 in the absence of light, while dissociation of ferri-cyanide to free cyanide and iron in solution was detected at pH ≤ 6.5. All plant species used were found to be able to remove and assimilate ferri-cyanide efficiently. The uptake and assimilation rates appeared to be inversely related to the pH, in which positive effects were observed at pH 6.0 and 6.5. Remarkable decreases in the assimilation rates were found at pH 8.0. Results presented here suggest that changes in solution pH have a substantial influence on not only the speciation of ferri-cyanide in the plant growth media, but also the uptake and assimilation mechanisms of ferri-cyanide by plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of root architecture, physical tree characteristics, and soil shear strength on overturning moment due to flooding were investigated using Salix babylonica and Juglans ailanthifolia, exotic and invasive plants in Japanese rivers. Tree-pulling experiments that simulated flood action were conducted, and the resulting damage was examined to assess the effects of physical tree characteristics and root architecture on the maximum resistive bending moment ( M) for overturning. In situ soil shear strength tests were conducted to measure soil strength parameters. The effects of species differences on the M were examined by analyzing root architecture. S. babylonica has a heart-root system that produces a greater overturning moment due to the strong root anchorage and the large amount of substrate that must be mobilized during overturning. J. ailanthifolia has a plate-root system that produces a smaller overturning moment. However, trees with the plate-root system may withstand overturning better due to an increased root:shoot ratio. The results of the study show that the M of a tree for overturning had significant ( P < 0.05) correlations with a tree's physical characteristics, including height ( H), trunk diameter at breast height ( D), D, height multiplied by the second power of D (trunk volume index H × D), and root-soil plate depth ( R), and root-soil plate radius ( R). Considering the strategy of J. ailanthifolia to increase the root:shoot ratio for anchoring in the substrate, the trunk volume index ( H × D) is a better parameter than D because it indirectly involves the difference in below-ground volume and surface area. Different soil cohesion values were found at different experimental sites, and the average M for overturning each species decreased linearly with increasing soil cohesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Thirty two Katahdin×Pelibuey crossbreed male lambs 3–4 months of age and 24±0.3kg body weight (BW) were used to study effects of administration of extracts rich in secondary compounds from Salix babylonica (SB) and Leucaena leucocephala (LL) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and growth. After 2 weeks of adaptation consuming a total mixed ration (TMR; 219 and 141g/kg of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), respectively), lambs were weighed and distributed by BW into 4 pens of 8 lambs/pen in a completely randomized design with: Control group TMR; SB group TMR (as Control plus S. babylonica extract at 30ml/d); LL group TMR (as Control plus L. leucocephala extract at 30ml/d); SBLL group TMR (as Control plus 30ml/d of S. babylonica and L. leucocephala extracts in a (1:1, v:v) mixture) for a 63 days experiment. Weekly stock volumes (2l each) of the individual extracts as well as their 1:1 mixture were prepared for daily administration. Extracts were orally administered before the 08:00h feeding to each lamb. Feed intake was recorded daily and BW was recorded at d 22 (P1), d 43 (P2) and d 63 (P3) of the experiment. Each experimental period ended with a digestibility measurement. Average daily gain (ADG), metabolizable protein (MP) intake and metabolizable energy (ME) intake were calculated. Plant secondary metabolites of total phenolics, saponins and the aqueous fraction were 50% lower in SB versus LL extracts. An extract×experimental period interaction occurred for intake of all nutrients (SB>LL=Control>SBLL, P<0.05). Intake of DM, OM, CP and ADFom were lowest in P3 than other periods, whereas the highest nutrients intake were in P2 and P1 (P<0.05). Individual extracts improved (SB>LL, P=0.05) the digestible DM, OM, EE and CP more than their 1:1 mixture compared with control or SBLL. Digestible DM was improved (P=0.03) by 5 and 3% with SB and LL extracts respectively, compared to control, whereas digestible CP was improved (P=0.005) by 7 and 5%, respectively, compared to control. Digestible ADFom was drastically lower in P1 and increased steadily in periods P2 and P3 (P<0.001). Feed intake was not affected by extract addition although it was reduced from P1 and P2 to P3. Relative to control, addition of extracts increased (P=0.024) ADG while the other performance parameters (i.e., MP intake, ME intake) had a tendency (P=0.05) to improve with extract addition. ADG was improved by about 22 and 21% with SB and LL extracts respectively, while their mixture (i.e., SBLL) was 2% compared to control (i.e., SB=LL>Control=SBLL, P=0.024). MP and ME intakes were decreased (P<0.0001) from P1 and P2 to P3. Results show that daily administration of individual extracts of S. babylonica and L. leucocephala improved lamb performance by 22 and 21%, but that a mixture of both had a much lower benefit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fusarium wilt disease is one of the major plant diseases that affect tomato production. The effects of neem (Azadirachta indica) and willow (Salix babylonica) aqueous extracts on fusarium wilt disease in tomato seedlings were investigated. Four weeks old tomato seedlings were treated with 10% of either neem and willow aqueous extracts and then infected with Fusarium oxysporum after 4days of treatment. The results showed that the percentage of disease incidence was increased in non treated tomato seedlings in time dependent manner and reached the maximum level (65%) after 6weeks of infection. Treatments of tomato plants with neem and willow aqueous extracts reduced the percentage of disease incidence to the level of 25.5% and 27.8% after 6weeks of infection respectively. The results show that infection of tomato seedling with Fusarium oxysporum led to many morphological and biochemical changes including, reducing the growth of tomato shoot and root, increasing the level of lipid peroxidation and marked increase in the activities of antioxidant defensive enzyme i.e. POX, CAT, and SOD. Treatment with neem and willow aqueous extracts significantly exhibited a growth promotion of tomato shoot and root in infected or non infected seedling. Moreover, application of neem and willow aqueous extracts with fusarium, significantly reduce the level of lipid peroxidation and induce high activities of antioxidant defensive enzymes after 3 and 7days of infection. Electrophoretic pattern of POX demonstrated that Fusarium oxysporum caused up regulation of several POX isoenzymes. It could be concluded that neem and willow aqueous extracts reduced the disease incidence of fusarium wilt in tomato seedlings by increasing the activities of antioxidant defensive enzymes and decreasing the level of lipid peroxidation [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present investigation reports the results of the cadmium accumulated by Salix matsudana, S. alba var. Tristis and S. babylonica in a pot experiment at six different levels of cadmium supply (0, 0.5, 2, 6, 25, 60 mg/kg). All tested Salix species showed the different abilities to remove cadmium, which depend on species and concentrations level. Cadmium accumulated by the leaves, twigs and roots linearly increased with increasing cadmium supply levels. The higher concentration cadmium treatments significantly promoted the cadmium accumulation. S. matsudana always performed the stronger ability of cadmium accumulation under different cadmium supply treatments, while S. alba var. Tristis and S. babylonica had the poorer accumulation ability. Cadmium in soil was more intensively absorbed in the leaves and twigs for all three Salix species, was not retained in roots and was transferred to aboveground plant tissues. The results indicated that Salix has an excellent potential for cadmium phytoremediation because of its high accumulation ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Air samples in four seasons at one site and tree bark samples from four districts were determined to investigate seasonal variation and regional distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in Beijing, China. The total concentrations of PBDEs (∑PBDE) and HBCD (∑HBCD) were in the range of 57–470 and 20–1800pgm−3 in the atmosphere, respectively. The ∑PBDE and ∑HBCD concentrations were significantly influenced by the total suspended particulate matter in atmosphere. The total concentrations of PBDEs and HBCD in tree bark samples were in the range of 99–3700 and 26–3400ngg−1 lipid weight. It was found that regional distribution of PBDEs and HBCD was related to the function of each district. In addition, the study found that weeping willow bark was an ideal atmospheric PBDEs and HBCD passive sampler. Finally, atmospheric levels of BDE-209 and HBCD at tree bark sampling districts were estimated via applying an established bark/air partitioning model, which had been verified by the measured concentrations in tree bark and atmosphere in Beijing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As environmental legislation has become stricter in recent years, the issue of wastewater treatment in rural areas has become an increasing concern. Choice of the most suitable on-site purification systems is based on the key issues of affordability and appropriateness in Chinese rural areas. This paper describes an integrated household constructed wetland (IHCW) system planted with willow (Salix babylonica) to treat household domestic wastewater in rural villages in northern China. The precast frame structure of IHCW is strong and waterproof. It can be mass-produced and installed per a standard set of specifications. The IHCW has achieved high overall removal efficiencies for BOD5, TSS, NH4-N, and TP: 96.0%, 97.0%, 88.4% and 87.8%, respectively. A 0.4m biomass layer cover on the system provided significant system thermal insulation, maintaining high treatment performance in freezing winter conditions. The system is cost effective and does not need any operational energy inputs, demonstrating its feasibility for single-family use in developing countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chemical constituents in the extracts of Leucaena leucocephala (Lamk.) de Wit. and Salix babylonica L. foliage were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their relative concentrations determined. L.leucocephala extract contained 44 compounds: 2(H)-benzofuranone-5,6,7,7a-tetrahydro-4,4,7a-trimethyl (23.1%), pentadecanoic acid-14-methyl-methyl ester (8.2%), and 6,10,14- trimethyl-2-pentadecanone a ketone (4.2%) were the principal constituents. Fifty nine compounds were identified in S. babylonica leaves, but the main constituents were tritetracontane (15.2%), octadecenoic acid-1,2,3-propanetriyl ester (11.1%), hexadecanoic acid-methyl ester (10.5%), and 1,3-dioxane-4-(hexadecyloxy)-2-pentadecyl (10.3%). Results suggest that the alcohol extract is mainly composed of oxygenated hydrocarbons of C10 to C60 compounds and contains predominantly phenolic hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the removal characteristics of different wetland plants, gravel-based pilot-scale subsurface wetlands vegetated by monoculture vegetation of Salix babylonica, Phragmites australis, Typha angustata, Zizania latifolia, and Lythrum salicaria with stem densities of 20, 1,010, 135, 105, and 58 stem m−2 were used to treat artificial sewage characterized by chemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) pollution. It was revealed that chemical oxygen demand, TN, and TP removal loads of S. babylonica, P. australis, T. angustata, and Z. latifolia vegetation reached 0.112–0.172, 5.7–7.1, and 0.0674–0.152 g m−2 day−1, respectively, accounting for 24.5–37.6%, 34–42%, and 36.1–81.4% of that of the unvegetated control wetland. Moreover, there were exponential relationships between TN removal and evapotranspiration rate in wetlands vegetated by T. angustata, L. salicaria, and S. babylonica, whereas there were linear relationships between TP removal and evapotranspiration rate in wetlands vegetated by P. australis, T. angustata, Z. latifolia, and L. salicaria. After harvest, the N and P standing stocks of all the five kinds of vegetation were only 4.3–9.6 g P m−2 and 2.2–23.9 g N m−2 because both the above-ground biomass and the N and P contents of wetland vegetation harvested in late autumn were low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uptake, assimilation, and toxicity of exogenous iron cyanide complexes in plants were investigated. Pre-rooted young weeping willows (Salix babylonica L.) were exposed to hydroponic solutions spiked with potassium ferrocyanide at 24.0±1°C for 192h. Transpiration rates, chlorophyll contents, soluble protein, and activities of superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) of the plants were monitored to determine toxicity to the cuttings. Of all selected parameters, POD activity in leaves was the most sensitive bioindicator to the increase of ferrocyanide concentrations. Between 11% and 19% of applied ferrocyanide in the solutions was removed by willows at the end of the incubation period. Only small amounts of ferrocyanide were recovered in different parts of the plant materials. Mass balance analysis showed that more than 90% of the ferrocyanide taken up from the hydroponic solutions was assimilated by plants. The assimilation of ferrocyanide by plants showed a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggest that phytoremediation of ferrocyanide-contaminating wastewater and soils can be possible for the environmental cleaning up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article examines the uptake and translocation of selenium (Se) in willows. It provides quantitative information for field application whether Se phytoremediation is feasible and ecologically safe. Intact pre-rooted plants of hybrid willows and weeping willows were grown and treated with selenite or selenate. It reveals that selenite in plant materials was more mobile than selenate. It also states that significant decrease in removal rates of both chemical forms of Se, selenite and selenate, was detected for willows without any leaves. Moreover, significant differences in extraction and transport ways for selenite and selenate exist in willow trees.

Effects of the synthetic chelator ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA) on uptake and internal translocation of hexavalent and trivalent chromium by plants were investigated. Two different concentrations of EDTA were studied for enhancing the uptake and translocation of Cr from the hydroponic solution spiked with K2CrO4 or CrCl3 maintained at 24.0±1°C. Faster removal of Cr3+ than Cr6+ by hybrid willows (Salix matsudana Koidz x Salix alba L.) from the plant growth media was observed. Negligible effect of EDTA on the uptake of Cr6+ was found, but significant decrease of the Cr concentration in roots was measured. Although the translocation of Cr6+ within plant materials was detected in response to EDTA concentration, the amount of Cr6+ translocated to the lower stems was considerably small. EDTA in the nutrient media showed a negative effect on the uptake of Cr3+ by hybrid willows; the removal rates of Cr3+ were significantly decreased. Translocation of Cr3+ into the stems and leaves was undetectable, but roots were the exclusive sink for Cr3+ accumulation. Weeping willows (Salix babylonica L.) showed lower removal rates for both chemical forms of Cr than hybrid willows. Although EDTA had a minor effect on Cr6+ uptake by weeping willows, positive effect on Cr6+ translocation within plant materials was observed. It was also determined that EDTA in plant growth media significantly decreased the amount of Cr3+ taken up by plants, but significantly increased Cr3+ mobilization from roots to stems. Results indicated that EDTA was unable to increase the uptake of Cr6+ by both plant species, but translocation of Cr6+-EDTA within plant materials was possible. Addition of EDTA in the nutrient media showed a strong influence on the uptake and translocation of Cr3+ in both willows. Cr3+-EDTA in tissues of weeping willows was more mobile than that in hybrid willows. The information has important implications for the use of metal chelator in plant nutritional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biotransformation and metabolic responses of plants to cyanide were investigated using pre-rooted plants of weeping willows (Salix babylonica L.) grown hydroponically in growth chambers and treated with potassium cyanide. Various physiological parameters of the plants were monitored to determine toxicity from exogenous cyanide exposure. Cyanide doses used in this study showed growth-promoting effects on plants, exhibiting higher measured values of transpiration rates, chlorophyll contents and soluble protein contents compared with the non-treated control plants. Superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities in leaves showed a slight change to cyanide application in most treatments. Of all selected parameters, soluble proteins of plants were the most sensitive indicator to cyanide application. Almost all applied cyanide was removed from the hydroponic solution in the presence of plants in all treatment groups. Small amounts of cyanide were detected in the plant tissues. Recovery of cyanide in different compartments of plants varied significantly, root being the dominant sink for cyanide accumulation. Mass balance studies showed that >97% of the applied cyanide was metabolized during transport through weeping willows and the metabolic rates of cyanide by plants were linearly increased with increasing of cyanide applied in the growth media. Results from this study indicated that neither visible toxic symptom nor metabolic lesion was observed for the plants after 192h of exposure, largely due to the well-established detoxification systems in willows. These findings suggest that cyanide has a beneficial role in plants and phytoremediation is a desirable solution of treating environmental sites contaminated with cyanide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) is the most commonly used anionic surfactant in laundry detergents and cleaning agents. LAS compounds are found in surface waters and soils. The short-term acute toxicity of LAS to weeping willows (Salix babylonica L.) was investigated. Willow cuttings were grown in hydroponic solution spiked with LAS at 24.0±1°C for 192h. The normalized relative transpiration of plants was used to determine toxicity. Severe reduction of the transpiration was only found for high doses of LAS (⩾240mgl−1). Chlorophyll contents in leaves of treated plants varied with the dose of LAS, but there was no significant linear correlation. The activities of the enzymes superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD) were quantified at the end of experiments. At higher concentrations of LAS (⩾240mgl−1), the activities of SOD and CAT were decreased. The correlation between the dose of LAS and the POD activity in leaf cells was the highest of all enzyme assays (R 2 =0.5). EC50 values for a 50% inhibition of the transpiration of the trees were estimated to 374mgl−1 (72h) and 166mgl−1 (192h). Results from this experiment indicated that phytotoxic effects of LAS on willow trees are not expected for normal environmental conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The response of cyanide metabolism rates of two woody plants to changes in temperature is investigated. Detached leaves (1.0g fresh weight) from weeping willow (Salix babylonica L.) and Chinese elder (Sambucus chinensis Lindl.) were kept in glass vessels with 100ml of aqueous solution spiked with potassium cyanide for a maximum of 28h. Ten different temperatures were used ranging from 11°C to 32°C. The disappearance of aqueous cyanide was analyzed spectrophotometrically. The cyanide removal rate of Chinese elder was higher than that of weeping willow at all temperatures. The highest cyanide removal rate for Chinese elder was found at 30°C with a value of 12.6mgCNkg−1 h−1, whereas the highest value of the weeping willow was 9.72mgCNkg−1 h−1 at 32°C. The temperature coefficient values, Q 10, which are the ratio of removal rates at a 10 degree difference, were determined for Chinese elder and weeping willow to 1.84 and 2.09, respectively, indicating that the cyanide removal rate of weeping willow was much more susceptible to changes in temperature than that of the Chinese elder. In conclusion, changes in temperature have a substantial influence on the removal rate of cyanide by plants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study gives the pollen morphologies of such tree species in Turkey as Salix babylonica L., Populus thevestina Dode (Salicaceae), Acer negando L., and Acer platanoides L. (Aceraceae) as examined by using Light microscope (LM). Salix babylonica pollen is tricolpate, prolate-spheroidal, and ornamentation is reticulate, Populus thevestina pollen is inaperturate, spheroidal, and ornamentation is granulate. Acer platanaoides and Acer negundo pollens are tricolpate, subprolate, suboblate and spheroidal, and their ornamentation is striate. The total protein assessment regarding each species was conducted by Lowry method. It was determined that the total amounts of protein are much more in Acer platanoides(46.53%) and Salix babylonica (37.08%) than in Populus thevestina (10.47%) and Acer negundo (24.27%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]