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Coal-waste dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin are usually colonized by tall grass Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago canadensis, which influence the direction of vegetation formation and the soil chemistry. The aim of this study is to analyze and determine the content of major elements (Fe, Ca, P, Mg, Al, Na, K, S) and trace elements (Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, Sr, Cd, Cr) in aboveground and underground parts of the plants and the soil at the thermally active coal-waste dump. Analysis of the heavy metal concentrations reveals that they are higher in plant materials than in soil materials within the root zone of the plants. Environmental indicator analysis (geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, translocation factor) shows that the studied species exhibit varying degrees of pollution, with cadmium and zinc showing the highest accumulation rates. The content of elements in the analyzed species, both in washed and unwashed specimens, does not show significant differences, which is confirmed by the enrichment factor. Statistical analysis shows a positive correlation between the amount of microelements in plants (roots, aerial part) and soil samples in both thermally active and inactive zones. These findings broaden the scientific inquiry and hold practical significance for the reclamation of post-industrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA, 5.0%, w/w in lanolin) on the growth of Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) stem was studied, focusing on histological analyses, comprehensive analyses of phytohormones and polar metabolites. NPA substantially induced stem swelling at and above the application site and stimulated vascular cambium activity around the area of its application. The cambial zone in the swelling part of the stem was twice as wide as that treated with lanolin only (control). The proliferation of cambial cells increased xylem production and, consequently, vascular bundle thickness. A significant enlargement of parenchymatous pith cells and an increased diameter of the pith were also observed. Comprehensive phytohormone analyses revealed that NPA increased the content of indole-3-propionic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and indole-3-acetyl-aspartic acid in the swelling part of the stem, as well as trans-zeatin riboside. These results suggest that NPA-induced stem swelling depends on the dynamics of changes in aux-in and cytokinin metabolites. Furthermore, the contents of monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose) as well as malic, succinic, fumaric acids, cyclitols and quinic acid derivatives in-creased markedly in the swelling stem. This may indicate that the site of NPA-induced stem swell-ing is a physiological sink for polar metabolites needed for the growth of this tissue. Thus, it seems that auxins, in interaction with cytokinins, regulate the strength of the sink, controlling the transport of polar metabolites into the swelling part of S. canadensis stem.

Sweden's fauna and flora are constantly changing. Humans have not only deliberately promoted and introduced new species in horticulture, agriculture and forestry, they have also acted as a vector for the introduction of alien species through, for example, transportation and food. When these species spread rapidly and affect biodiversity, they are deemed 'invasive alien species'. This artistic research project explores and articulates how humans, as part of a system where nature and culture meet, affect complex functioning ecosystems through the movement of species. The starting point is the iconic elm tree and how its cultural and natural ecosystems have been wiped out in large parts of Europe by the invasive fungus Ophistoma novo ulmi. With the extinction of the elm come ecological and cultural losses. Those losses are examined and interpreted in this work, in a dialogue with nature and with people. At the same time, another species is explored, the Canadian goldenrod, which, unlike the elm, is expanding rapidly. With these explorations, life stories about the elm will be created not only for our collective memory, but also for speculation about what happens when a new and invasive alien species, such as the Canadian goldenrod, spreads. The form of my narrative is based in materials, crafts and objects. It is primarily the objects and the process that are the carriers of the stories. As a ceramicist, I use clay as a sketching material, binder and a tool for documentation. These species, the elm and the goldenrod, constitute the materiality that are part of the exploration and creation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweden's fauna and flora are constantly changing. Humans have not only deliberately promoted and introduced new species in horticulture, agriculture and forestry, they have also acted as a vector for the introduction of alien species through, for example, transportation and food. When these species spread rapidly and affect biodiversity, they are deemed ‘invasive alien species’. This artistic research project explores and articulates how humans, as part of a system where nature and culture meet, affect complex functioning ecosystems through the movement of species. The starting point is the iconic elm tree and how its cultural and natural ecosystems have been wiped out in large parts of Europe by the invasive fungus Ophistoma novo ulmi. With the extinction of the elm come ecological and cultural losses. Those losses are examined and interpreted in this work, in a dialogue with nature and with people. At the same time, another species is explored, the Canadian goldenrod, which, unlike the elm, is expanding rapidly. With these explorations, life stories about the elm will be created not only for our collective memory, but also for speculation about what happens when a new and invasive alien species, such as the Canadian goldenrod, spreads. The form of my narrative is based in materials, crafts and objects. It is primarily the objects and the process that are the carriers of the stories. As a ceramicist, I use clay as a sketching material, binder and a tool for documentation. These species, the elm and the goldenrod, constitute the materiality that are part of the exploration and creation.

This study examined the effect of modifying Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) biomass on its sorption capacity of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 anionic dyes. The scope of the research included the characteristics of sorbents (FTIR, elementary analysis, pHPZC), the effect of pH on dye sorption efficiency, sorption kinetics, and the maximum sorption capacity (describing the data with Langmuir 1 and 2 and Freundlich models). FTIR analyses showed the appearance of amine functional groups in the materials modified with ammonia water, which is indicative of the sorbent amination process. The amination efficiency was higher in the case of materials pre-activated with epichlorohydrin, which was confirmed by elemental analysis and pHPZC values. The sorption efficiency of RB5 and RY84 on the tested sorbents was the highest in the pH range of 2–3. The sorption capacity of the goldenrod biomass pre-activated with epichlorohydrin and then aminated with ammonia water was 71.30 mg/g and 59.29 mg/g in the case of RB5 and RY84, respectively, and was higher by 2970% and 2510%, respectively, compared to the unmodified biomass. Amination of biomass pre-activated with epichlorohydrin can increase its sorption capacity, even by several dozen times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic climate change and species invasion are two major threats to biodiversity, affecting the survival and distribution of many species around the world. Studying the responses of invasive species under climate change can help better understand the ecological and genetic mechanisms of their invasion. However, the effects of warming and phosphorus deposition on the phenotype of native and invasive plants are unknown. To address the problem, we applied warming (+2.03 °C), phosphorus deposition (4 g m−2 yr−1 NaH2PO4), and warming × phosphorus deposition to Solidago canadensis and Artemisia argyi to measure the direct effects of environmental changes on growth and physiology at the seedling stage. Our results reveal that the physiology parameters of A. argyi and S. canadensis did not change significantly with the external environment. Under phosphorus deposition, S. canadensis had higher plant height, root length, and total biomass compared to A. argyi. Interestingly, warming has an inhibitory effect on the growth of both A. argyi and S. canadensis, but overall, the reduction in total biomass for S. canadensis (78%) is significantly higher than A. argyi (52%). When the two plants are treated with warming combined with phosphorus deposition, the advantage gained by S. canadensis from phosphorus deposition is offset by the negative effects of warming. Therefore, under elevated phosphorus, warming has a negative effect on the invasive S. canadensis and reduces its growth advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop bio-based adhesives that can be used for various packaging papers. In addition to commercial paper samples, papers produced from harmful plant species in Europe, such as Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, were used. In this research, methods were developed to produce bio-based adhesive solutions in combinations of tannic acid, chitosan, and shellac. The results showed that the viscosity and adhesive strength of the adhesives were best in solutions with added tannic acid and shellac. The tensile strength with adhesives of tannic acid and chitosan was 30% better than with commercial adhesives and 23% for combinations of shellac and chitosan. For paper from Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, the most durable adhesive was pure shellac. Because the surface morphology of the invasive plant papers was more open and had numerous pores compared to the commercial papers, the adhesives penetrated the paper structure and filled the voids. There was less adhesive on the surface and the commercial papers achieved better adhesive properties. As expected, the bio-based adhesives also showed an increase in peel strength and exhibited favorable thermal stability. In summary, these physical properties support the use of bio-based adhesives use in different packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We determined the composition of essential oils from stems, leaves and inflorescences of invasive weed Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) and their repellent activity against aphids in laboratory. To our very best knowledge, this is the first such preliminary testing. In the field research, we evaluated the abundance of aphids within the grasslands invaded and uninvaded by S. canadensis L. The Spathulenol was detected as the major component in the inflorescences essential oils (EOs) (13.57 %), cyclocolorenone dominated EOs from stems and leaves (30.7 % and 11.9 % respectively). The repellent activity of C. goldenrod essential oils of separated plant organs against aphids responded repellency class I. (leaves) and II. (stems, inflorescences). Simultaneously, the abundance of Aphididae family representatives was lower in the invaded grasslands. Goldenrod EO composition as well as its repelent activity was variable depending on plant organs, locality of plant material origin and EO contents. Although S. canadensis L. essential oil had moderate repellent activity against aphids, we suppose, that volatile essential oils produced by invasive C. goldenrod could make the differences in aphids abundance between invaded and uninvaded grasslands, and also other aboveground, plant associated invertebrates groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monograph «Goldenrod» SPhU 2.0 describes the general morphological and anatomical features of two species – Solidago gigantea Ait and Solidago canadensis L., which are similar. Not all diagnostic signs can be identified in powdered raw materials. It was important to investigate domestic series of сanadian goldenrod and to identify additional diagnostic signs. The aim of the work was to study the series of domestic raw materials of сanadian goldenrod by anatomical features and to determine the totality of individual features of the species to establish the identity of raw materials. The object of the study were samples of сanadian goldenrod grass, which were harvested in August 2020 in the regions of Ukraine. We used an iPhone XR camera, Item PB-2610 V microscope. Important features of the anatomical structure of the raw material of сanadian goldenrod include: the cells of the stem epidermis are parenchymal, ortho-walled, porous, the leaves – sinuous- and ortho-walled. The presence in the pubescence of stems and leaves 3 types of hairs: simple long, 5–8-celled (up to 20), with thickened walls and pointed cell; short, 2–3-celled, with a dormant apical cell; short and headed with a 2–3-celled stalk and a rounded unicellular head; on the surface and edge of the leaves of the involucre – simple short and 3–4-cell hairs, corollas of flowers – multicellular double-row hairs; stem vessels are spiral, ladder, porous and reticulate; schizogenous structures in the stems, leaves and leaves of the involucre; sphenocrystals of inulin in the parenchyma and vessels of the stem, the cells of the corollas of flowers. A series of domestic raw materials of сanadian goldenrod has been studied according to anatomical features, a set of individual features of the species has been determined. The obtained results can be used in plant taxonomy for comparative analysis of morphologically similar species of the genus Zolotushnik, as well as to supplement the section «Identification B» of the monograph SPhU 2.0 «Zolotushnik».

This study examined the effect of modifying Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) biomass on its sorption capacity of Reactive Black 5 (RB5) and Reactive Yellow 84 anionic dyes. The scope of the research included the characteristics of sorbents (FTIR, elementary analysis, pHPZC), the effect of pH on dye sorption efficiency, sorption kinetics, and the maximum sorption capacity (describing the data with Langmuir 1 and 2 and Freundlich models). FTIR analyses showed the appearance of amine functional groups in the materials modified with ammonia water, which is indicative of the sorbent amination process. The amination efficiency was higher in the case of materials pre-activated with epichlorohydrin, which was confirmed by elemental analysis and pHPZC values. The sorption efficiency of RB5 and RY84 on the tested sorbents was the highest in the pH range of 2–3. The sorption capacity of the goldenrod biomass pre-activated with epichlorohydrin and then aminated with ammonia water was 71.30 mg/g and 59.29 mg/g in the case of RB5 and RY84, respectively, and was higher by 2970% and 2510%, respectively, compared to the unmodified biomass. Amination of biomass pre-activated with epichlorohydrin can increase its sorption capacity, even by several dozen times.

Both soil microbes and soil N:P ratios can affect plant growth, but it is unclear whether they can interact to alter plant growth and whether such an interactive effect depends on nutrient levels. Here, we tested the hypothesis that soil microbes can ameliorate the negative effects of nutrient imbalance caused by low or high N:P ratios on plant growth and that such an ameliorative effect of soil microbes depends on nutrient supply levels. We grew individuals of six populations of the clonal plant Solidago canadensis at three N:P ratios (low (1.7), intermediate (15), and high (135)), under two nutrient levels (low versus high) and in the presence versus absence of soil microbes. The presence of soil microbes significantly increased biomass of S. canadensis at all three N:P ratios and under both nutrient levels. Under the low-nutrient level, biomass, height, and leaf number of S. canadensis did not differ significantly among the three N:P ratio treatments in the absence of soil microbes, but they were higher at the high than at the low and the intermediate N:P ratio in the presence of soil microbes. Under the high-nutrient level, by contrast, biomass, height, and leaf number of S. canadensis were significantly higher at the low than at the high and the intermediate N:P ratio in the absence of soil microbes, but increased with increasing the N:P ratio in the presence of soil microbes. In the presence of soil microbes, number of ramets (asexual individuals) and the accumulation of N and P in plants were significantly higher at the high than at the low and the intermediate N:P ratio under both nutrient levels, whereas in the absence of soil microbes, they did not differ significantly among the three N:P ratio regardless of the nutrient levels. Our results provide empirical evidence that soil microbes can alter effects of N:P ratios on plant performance and that such an effect depends on nutrient availability. Soil microbes may, therefore, play a role in modulating ecosystem functions such as productivity and carbon and nutrient cycling via modulating nutrient imbalance caused by low and high N:P ratios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop bio-based adhesives that can be used for various packaging papers. In addition to commercial paper samples, papers produced from harmful plant species in Europe, such as Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, were used. In this research, methods were developed to produce bio-based adhesive solutions in combinations of tannic acid, chitosan, and shellac. The results showed that the viscosity and adhesive strength of the adhesives were best in solutions with added tannic acid and shellac. The tensile strength with adhesives of tannic acid and chitosan was 30% better than with commercial adhesives and 23% for combinations of shellac and chitosan. For paper from Japanese Knotweed and Canadian Goldenrod, the most durable adhesive was pure shellac. Because the surface morphology of the invasive plant papers was more open and had numerous pores compared to the commercial papers, the adhesives penetrated the paper structure and filled the voids. There was less adhesive on the surface and the commercial papers achieved better adhesive properties. As expected, the bio-based adhesives also showed an increase in peel strength and exhibited favorable thermal stability. In summary, these physical properties support the use of bio-based adhesives use in different packaging applications.

Anthropogenic climate change and species invasion are two major threats to biodiversity, affecting the survival and distribution of many species around the world. Studying the responses of invasive species under climate change can help better understand the ecological and genetic mechanisms of their invasion. However, the effects of warming and phosphorus deposition on the phenotype of native and invasive plants are unknown. To address the problem, we applied warming (+2.03 °C), phosphorus deposition (4 g m−2 yr−1 NaH2PO4), and warming × phosphorus deposition to Solidago canadensis and Artemisia argyi to measure the direct effects of environmental changes on growth and physiology at the seedling stage. Our results reveal that the physiology parameters of A. argyi and S. canadensis did not change significantly with the external environment. Under phosphorus deposition, S. canadensis had higher plant height, root length, and total biomass compared to A. argyi. Interestingly, warming has an inhibitory effect on the growth of both A. argyi and S. canadensis, but overall, the reduction in total biomass for S. canadensis (78%) is significantly higher than A. argyi (52%). When the two plants are treated with warming combined with phosphorus deposition, the advantage gained by S. canadensis from phosphorus deposition is offset by the negative effects of warming. Therefore, under elevated phosphorus, warming has a negative effect on the invasive S. canadensis and reduces its growth advantage.

Canadian goldenrod is one of the most widespread invasive neophytes in Europe with proven ecological and environmental consequences for the invaded plots. The morphological traits and productive features survey can offer a better insight view into the S. canadensis population ecology and the dynamic of its aboveground biomass growth. Equally, it can serve as a foundation for a balanced management proposal, with the aim of keeping an acceptable degree of Canadian goldenrod invasion. In the study, 600 specimens, collected at various phenological phases, from the twelve sampling stands in the eastern Slovakia, were processed. The obtained data were related to the degree of invasion, pH, soil moisture, overall stand area, and measure of interventions. Plants from the stands with a mild degree of goldenrod invasion (<50%), lower pH, and higher stand area were significantly lower and lighter; had a significantly lower number and weight of leaves; significantly shorter and lighter stems, in comparison to the plants from the stands with a heavy degree of invasion (>50%); a higher pH; and a smaller area. These plants also showed smaller essential oil productivity rate, and they achieved the growth peak a significantly later. Conversely, as the stand area decreased, and the S. canadensis % representation and soil reaction increased, goldenrods became significantly taller and heavier, with a higher number of leaves and a higher essential oil productivity rate. Canadian goldenrod shows, somewhat, a cyclical, self-growth-reinforcing feedback: the consecutive increase of the goldenrod's aboveground biomass leads to an increase of its relative % abundance within the invaded stands. Consequently, the increase of the goldenrod's relative % abundance leads to the plants aboveground biomass consecutive growth, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural colorants could serve as a bio-based alternative for synthetic textile dyes. Most natural colorants exhibit limited affinity to cellulosic fibres. As a result only light shades are obtained and the efficiency in use of the valuable plant extracts is low. By addition of a cationic polymer to the viscose spin dope regenerated cellulose, fibres with incorporated cationic groups are obtained. The presence of accessible cationic sites increases sorption of natural dyes substantially. In dyeing experiments with extracts from canadian goldenrod, green nut shell and ashes bark darker dyeings were obtained the modified viscose fibres compared to results on cotton or viscose fibres. The higher sorption of the natural dyes can be explained with dissociation of the extracted natural dye molecules under dyebath conditions. The formation of negatively charged dye molecules was confirmed with model calculations for species distribution using representative natural dye molecules as examples. The results indicate a strategy for a more economic use of plant based colorants, which is a condition for wider use of this renewable dye source. [Display omitted] • Incorporation of cationic polymer into viscose fibre increases natural dye uptake. • Cationisation of viscose improves colour yield with natural colorants. • Dissociation of natural dyes in the dyebath leads to negatively charged molecules. • Negatively charged natural dyes exhibit high sorption on cationic sites in fibre. • Extracts from ashes bark, canadian goldenrod, green nut shell show behave similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protected Areas provide a valuable source of information on the effects of invasive alien species on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning as well as the dynamics of invasions. Solidago canadensis is an extremely aggressive alien species. It is included into the world's 100 most invasive plant species. Our study aimed to monitor the invasiveness of S. canadensis in the Sanctuary «Prilepsky» in Minsk district. The article contains a brief description of the introduction of Solidago canadensis in Europe and more detailed in Belarus. The parameters characterising its invasiveness (average shoot length, foliage projective cover, average number of vegetative shoots, average number of generative shoots of S. canadensis and the average number of associated species per study plot) have been measured in three plant communities of the Sanctuary «Prilepsky» (Minsk district, Belarus) in 2016 and 2018. We noted that the invasiveness of S. canadensis is linked to the amount of sunlight received by ecotope. The proposed control measures include the afforestation of the open parts of the Sanctuary «Prilepsky» using native tree species, multiple mowings, and destroying the plants directly at the areas of most concern by volunteers.

The aim of the study was to produce different types of coatings based on natural dyes obtained from invasive alien plant species and residues after paper production. As a source of dye we used extracts of Rhus typhina, Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and Canadian and giant goldenrod. The substrates for the application of the coating were the wood of the tree of heaven and the wood of the horse chestnut. The coatings were observed visually, and the hydrophobicity of the coated surfaces was determined by measuring the contact angles of water droplets. In addition to the transparent and brown coloured coatings, we also achieved intense red, yellow, green, and brown and purple colourings. With a combination of different components, the hydrophobic properties of the coated surfaces varied. By combining an extract of giant goldenrod flowers and 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate, we succeeded in producing a coating with pronounced hydrophobicity. A process for the production of coloured and transparent hydrophobic coatings was developed in this research. Through the presence of various silane-containing molecules and the application of the coating to wooden surfaces, we changed their appearance and improved their hydrophobicity.

Canadian goldenrod is one of the most widespread invasive neophytes in Europe with proven ecological and environmental consequences for the invaded plots. The morphological traits and productive features survey can offer a better insight view into the S. canadensis population ecology and the dynamic of its aboveground biomass growth. Equally, it can serve as a foundation for a balanced management proposal, with the aim of keeping an acceptable degree of Canadian goldenrod invasion. In the study, 600 specimens, collected at various phenological phases, from the twelve sampling stands in the eastern Slovakia, were processed. The obtained data were related to the degree of invasion, pH, soil moisture, overall stand area, and measure of interventions. Plants from the stands with a mild degree of goldenrod invasion (50%); a higher pH; and a smaller area. These plants also showed smaller essential oil productivity rate, and they achieved the growth peak a significantly later. Conversely, as the stand area decreased, and the S. canadensis % representation and soil reaction increased, goldenrods became significantly taller and heavier, with a higher number of leaves and a higher essential oil productivity rate. Canadian goldenrod shows, somewhat, a cyclical, self-growth-reinforcing feedback: the consecutive increase of the goldenrod’s aboveground biomass leads to an increase of its relative % abundance within the invaded stands. Consequently, the increase of the goldenrod’s relative % abundance leads to the plants aboveground biomass consecutive growth, and so on.

In the present article, we reported the application of the extract of leaves from Solidago canadensis L. for the green synthesis of triangular and hexagonal gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The phytochemical characterization, by reaction with HAuCl4 solutions, showed that the extract of Solidago canadensis L. contained the secondary metabolites that can act both as reducing and as stabilizing agents. For the synthesis of AuNPs, the effects of the HAuCl4 concentration (0.25–0.975 mM) and the reaction time (10–180 min) were investigated. The formation of AuNPs is confirmed by the color change from yellowish to purple-red. Photoluminescence measurements of Au nanocolloids showed a continuous emission band ranging from violet to red. UV–Vis characterization of AuNPs in the prepared nanocolloids showed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 530 and > 870 nm. TEM revealed that the AuNPs are in the range of 8–200 nm, they have spherical, triangular, and hexagonal forms of varying sizes. AFM and STM showed a non-ideal relief of large triangular and hexagonal gold nanoprisms. The EDX analysis, XRD and SAED patterns confirmed the face-center cubic structure of AuNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study of technological parameters (specific mass, bulk mass, volume mass, porosity, quantity cavities between particles, free volume of a layer of the crude materials and coefficient of absorption of solvents) and individual the numerical indicators of the quality (moisture; ash residue: total and insoluble in 10% solution of hydrochloric acid; chopped crude materials; extraneous materials) of the Canadian goldenrod herb. The content of extractive substances was determine. The obtained data will be used in the technological process in the production of extraction preparations.

Summary: Clonal species may benefit from human disturbance because their vegetative fragments may be distributed via soil. Solidago canadensis is an invasive rhizomatous perennial frequently found in ruderal environments. When creating new infrastructure, digging and cutting are two main factors that may influence the spread of S. canadensis into new areas. To have a better understanding of the invasive potential of S. canadensis, we investigated whether S. canadensis was able to survive and grow from stem cuttings as well as from rhizomes. Rhizomes and cuttings were collected from three populations in Eastern Norway. The rhizomes and cuttings were planted in a pot experiment to assess their vegetative ability to propagate. Rhizome fragments (5 and 10 cm long) were buried at 0.5, 10 and 30 cm depths. The cuttings were planted as 15 cm stems, with the bottom 5 cm pushed into the soil. The results showed that rhizome length did not have an effect on survival. Although some sprouting occurred at all burial depths, increasing depth had a negative effect on rhizome survival. In general, development of the cuttings was good, but there were differences between population performance and survival. These results imply that care must be taken when (i) constructing new sites, because digging and transport of soil masses may spread S. canadensis into new areas by rhizomes or cuttings, and (ii) mowing road verges and other ruderal areas to prevent the spread of stem cuttings from one area to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global fast‐growing presence of invasive species requires urgent action to assess their ecological and economic impact. Although a number of recent works have shown that alien plant invasions can affect native plant communities, soil microbial communities, and soil physicochemical properties, rarely the effects of invaders on all these parameters have been examined at once. Moreover, no studies have focused on the effects of invasive plants on the ecosystem services after the removal of invaders. For this study, Solidago canadensis, one of the most successful global invasive species, was chosen. In the first stage, invasion‐induced changes in plant community and soil properties in abandoned arable fields were assessed. In the second stage, the effects of these changes on crops, Helianthus annuus and Zea mays, were assessed in a laboratory soil‐feedback experiment. The invader reduced substantially the richness and cover of native plant species. It had little impact on soil physicochemical and microbiological properties: Soil moisture was lower, whereas mycorrhizal parameters and urease activity were higher in invaded plots. The experiment revealed minor and inconsistent effects of the invader: It affected the mycorrhizal colonization and shoot mass of crop plants, but the direction of changes depended on the origin of the soil used. In conclusion, although S. canadensis invasion clearly displaces native vegetation, it has few and rather weak effects on soil properties that did not affect the performance of subsequent crops. The results are promising from the viewpoint of restoring the agricultural function to abandoned fields invaded by S. canadensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of qualitative and quantitative determination of polyphenolic compounds, in particular flavon glycosides and flavon aglycones, in alcohol–water extracts from Canadian goldenrod herbs, flowers, and leaves and alcohol–water extracts from dwarf goldenrod flowers and leaves by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) are presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) is a plant that grows in a variety of environmental conditions. It shows high capability to spread in various habitats, including fallow lands and brownfield land. The research aimed at analyzing the content of Pb and Zn in the underground (roots, rhizomes) and aboveground parts (stems, leaves, inflorences) of Solidago canadensis (SC) originating from two locations that are clearly different in terms of metal content in soil. Statistically significant differences were determined in the content of Pb and Zn in soil and particular morphological parts of the plant, depending on the sampling location. It has been shown that in the conditions of increased (compared with natural) Pb and Zn content in the soil, SC may serve as a bioaccumulator of these metals. It was determined that SC can be used as a phytostabilizer of Pb and Zn in soils heavily contaminated with these elements. The content of Zn in the aboveground parts of SC indicates that this plant can also be used for phytoextraction of soils contaminated with this metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of invasive plants is one of the most significant causes of biodiversity loss in natural, semi-natural, and anthropogenic habitats in Poland. This two-year study aimed to assess the rate of self-renewal of Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) and giant goldenrod (S. gigantea Aiton), and the possibility of achieving full generative development on fallow land restored to agricultural use with mechanical treatments. The following research objects were examined: the control (no mechanical treatments); one-time mowing; two-time mowing; one-time mowing plus one-time rotary tilling; and one-time mowing plus two-time rotary tilling. The phenological development of Solidago spp. was observed every 14 days from June to September each year. In October of each growing season, the aboveground parts of goldenrods’ biomass were measured, and selected morphological parameters were assessed. Two-time mowing and one-time mowing with two-time rotary tilling resulted in the highest reductions in the share of goldenrods in the generative stages of development, of 64.0% and 51.7% compared to the control, respectively. The two-time mowing treatment was the most effective at inhibiting goldenrods’ biomass accumulation, with a 57.7–77.0% decrease in biomass compared to the control. This treatment also reduced the number of flowering shoots and inflorescence lengths of both Solidago species.

Although the invasion of exotic plants has been recognised as the serious cause of the biodiversity loss and natural habitats degradation and threat to the ecosystems functions, just the little attention has been paid to the potential impacts of the goldenrod invasion on the soil properties. Equally, currently obtained results are contrary and ambiguous. We tested whether the grass fields invaded and uninvaded by Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) differ in pH, soil moisture, organic carbon (Cox), humus and P, K and Mg contents and related the variations to the chosen environmental variables. We did not find significant distinctions of the studied types of habitats in the selected physico-chemical soil properties as well as the relation between the goldenrod invasion and the changes in soil properties. Nevertheless, whereas the soil reaction, soil moisture and Mg content were higher in the invaded soils, the Cox, humus and P and K contents were higher in the uninvaded ones. Doubtless, further attention need to be paid to this problem.

Background: Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis L.) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine across the world for several hundred years. According to literature data, S. canadensis contains various groups of biologically active substances, including tannins, flavonoids, etc. The aim of the study was to identify and quantify hydroxycinnamic and organic acids in aerial parts of Canadian goldenrod, as these groups of substances demonstrate a broad spectrum of therapeutic activities. Materials and Methods: Ethanolic extracts of S. canadensis, gathered in Central Russia, were analyzed using Highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCA) determination was carried out by HPLC method with UV detection at 330 nm using HCA Reference standards (RS). Organic acids (OA) determination was performed in the same manner, utilizing UV detection at 210 nm and corresponding OA RS. Results: It was established that S. canadensis HCA composition is represented by cichoric, caffeic, chlorogenic, quinic and ferulic acids. The total HCA content in was 1.16 g ± 10.7 mg / 100 g. Main OA, found in S. canadensis, are ascorbic, citric, tartaric, succinic, gallic, malic, oxalic and fumaric acids, with the total OA content of 426.5 mg ± 6.4 mg / 100 g. Conclusion: The described HPLC method was successfully used for analysis of S. canadensis aerial parts ethanolic extracts. The method can be utilized for HCA and OA identification and quantification in both herbal raw material and herbal medicinal products containing Canadian goldenrod. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensis L. (SC) (Canadian goldenrod) is a dangerous plant invader in Europe, which suppress the indigenous flora. Essential oils (EOs) are considered biological control agents. GC-MS analysis for identification of main components was conducted and the potential phytotoxicity of six EOs were also evaluated. Limonene and β-thujone were dominant components in Salvia officinalis L., menthone and menthol in Mentha × piperita L., carvacrol in Origanum vulgare L., estragole/anisole and anethole in Foeniculum vulgare Mill., limonene and carvone in Anethum graveolens L., and anethole in Pimpinella anisum L. Along with EOs, anethole, anisole, camphor, carvone, estragole, limonene, menthol, menthone, thujone and thymol were used independently to evaluate phytotoxic effect against Canadian goldenrod seed germination. A significant inhibitory effect was registered for origanum (1.250 µg.ml−1). The influence of single components was significant. The highest phytotoxic activity was registered with anethole and estragole. Phenolic compounds were the inhibitoriest, followed by oxygenated and hydrocarbon monoterpenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) is one of the most destructive invasive weeds in South-eastern China. To evaluate its potential application as dietary supplement in red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), the antibacterial properties of aqueous and ethanol extracts of this plant against three major pathogenic bacteria in crayfish aquaculture were examined. Inhibition zone tests and determination of minimum inhibitory concentration revealed that the extracts had lower antibacterial activity than extracts from two traditional medicinal plants that possess antibacterial properties, garlic (Allium sativum) and cortex phellodendri (Phellodendron chinense). However, they did exhibit greater antibacterial effects than extracts from another widely used medicinal plant, Sophora flavescens, and an aquatic weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides. Aqueous extracts of Canadian goldenrod gave greater inhibition than the ethanol extracts. Crayfish fed a diet with 2% these aqueous extracts exhibited significantly higher enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase, catalase and phenoloxidase (P

The paper presents the results of a study of the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of goldenrod grass. Using the method of spectrophotometry and reaction with the radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, the antioxidant activity of the alcohol-water extraction of Canadian goldenrod grass is determined. An aqueous-water extraction from the grass of the Canadian goldenrod also exhibits antibacterial activity against the Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778 and the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 test strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Support for biogas production in Latvia was decreased. There is an urgent need to investigate the suitability of various inexpensive renewable biomass resources for energy production. Also, itis necessary to explore the possibilities to improve the anaerobic fermentation process with the help of various catalysts. Biocatalyst Metaferm produced in Latvia was used in previous studies with other biomass and showed increase in biogas and methane production. The article shows the results of studies on biogas (methane) production from chopped fresh Common nettle (Urtica dioica) and Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) biomass and effect of catalyst Metaferm in anaerobic fermentation process. The anaerobic digestion process was performed in 0.75 L laboratory digesters, operated in batch mode (38 1.0 °C, 35 days). The average specific biogas or methane production per unit of dry organic matter added (DOM) from Common nettle was 0.709 L g-1 DOM or was 0.324 L g-1 DOM respectively. Average specific biogas or methane volume produced from chopped Canadian goldenrod in anaerobic fermentation was 0.548 L g-1 DOM or 0.267 L g-1 DOM respectively. Average biogas or methane yield from digestion of chopped Common nettle with 1 mL Metaferm was 0.752 L g-1 DOM or 0.328 L g-1 DOM respectively. Average specific biogas or methane yield from anaerobic fermentation of chopped Canadian goldenrod with 1 mL Metaferm was 0.624 L g-1 DOM or 0.276 L g-1 DOM respectively. Adding of catalyst Metaferm increases methane yield from chopped nettle or Canadian goldenrod by 1.2% or 3.4% respectively. All investigated biomass resources can be used for methane production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common scab is one of the most important diseases affecting potato crops worldwide. Using fresh residues and/or bio-products of Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) may offer an alternative to harmful conventional fumigants. In this study, we aimed to: (i) conduct a preliminary investigation of the utilization ofS. canadensisto reduce common scab severity (Experiment 1), and (ii) determine the allopathic potentials ofS. canadensisextracts onStreptomyces scabiei(also known asS. scabies), the most important soil pathogen responsible for causing common scab in North America (Experiment 2). Compared with control plants, preliminary results showed that adding 1.2 kg of freshS. canadensisresidue per m2reduced scab severity by about 45% (Experiment 1). Furthermore, hexane and dichloromethane extracts ofS. canadensis, at a concentration of 200 µg·mL−1, inhibited the growth ofS. scabieiby about 97% (Experiment 2). These results were comparable with those using tetracycline (2.5 µg·mL−1), a known inhibitor ofS. scabiei. Both experiments suggested thatS. canadensismay represent a new approach for controlling potato common scab. More studies are required to better understand the mechanisms involved inS. canadensisinduced reduction of common scab in order to standardize the approaches. La gale commune est une maladie tellurique importante chez la pomme de terre et l’utilisation de résidus et/ou extraits de verge d’or du Canada (Solidago canadensis) pourrait représenter une alternative prometteuse aux pesticides (fumigants) utilisés pour combattre la maladie. Les objectifs de cette recherche étaient i) effectuer une expérience préliminaire afin de mesurer les effets de l’incorporation de résidus frais deS. canadensissur la sévérité de la gale commune (expérience 1) et ii) déterminer les potentiels allélopathiques des extraits de S.canadensissurStreptomyces scabiei, un important agent pathogène causant la maladie de la gale commune (expérience 2). Nos résultats préliminaires issus de l’expérience 1 montrent qu’ajouter 1.2 kg m−2deS. canadensis(résidus frais) permet de réduire significativement de 45% la sévérité de la gale commune. Les extraits deS. canadensiseffectués avec l’hexane et le dichlorométhane et à des concentrations de 200 µg mL−1permettent d’inhiber à 97% la croissance deS. scabiei, résultats comparables à la tétracycline (2.5 µg mL−1), un antibiotique connu pour inhiber la croissance deS. scabiei. Les résultats de cette étude montrent clairement et pour une première fois le potentiel d’utilisation deS. canadensiscomme moyen de lutte contre la maladie de la gale commune chez la pomme de terre. D’autres recherche seront toutefois nécessaires pour bien comprendre et cibler les mécanismes impliqués afin de standardiser et d’optimiser cette nouvelle et prometteuse approche. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant essential oils (EOs) are one of the most relevant natural products due to their biological, medicinal, and nutritional properties. The promising biological effects of many plants EOs encourage researchers to study their biochemical properties to be used as possible natural alternatives for commercial pesticides and not only as herbal medicines. The current research has been conducted to study the microbicide effect of Solidago canadensis L. EO to control some common plant diseases caused by several postharvest phytopathogenic fungi (Monilinia fructicola, Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium expansum) in comparison with Azoxystrobin as a large spectrum fungicide. The antibacterial activity has been carried out against some phytopathogenic bacteria (Bacillus megaterium and Clavibacter michiganensis (G+ve) and Xanthomonas campestris, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola (G−ve)) compared to the synthetic antibiotic Tetracycline. Minimum inhibitory concentration was carried out to determine the lowest effective EO dose using a 96-well microplate. The cell membrane permeability was also evaluated by measuring the electric conductivity (EC) to examine the possible mechanisms of action of S. canadensis EO. Chemical characterization of EO has been carried out using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-two identified components in S. canadensis EO presented 97.7% of total compounds in EO. The principal compounds were identified as germacrene D (34.9%), limonene (12.5%), α-pinene (11.6%), β-elemene (7.1%), and bornyl acetate (6.3%). In addition, S. canadensis EO demonstrated promising in vitro antimicrobial activities against the majority of tested phytopathogens at all tested concentrations.

• Competition reduced growth of both the invader and the native species. • The invader was more tolerant to competition than the native plant. • Soils from the invader stand promoted growth of both the invader and the native. • Soil origin did not alter the competitive ability of either species. • Nutrient accumulation was more suppressed in the native than in the invader. Successful invasions into native plant communities may depend on critical functional traits of invaders, such as inherent high growth rate and associated massive nutrient absorption and utilization, which are affected by species-dependent soil properties. To test these hypotheses, we grew the invasive plant Solidago canadensis and its co-occurring native species Imperata cylindrica alone or in interspecific competition in soils collected from the stands of either S. canadensis or I. cylindrica. The soil from the S. canadensis stands had much higher available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentrations than that from the I. cylindrica stands, and enhanced the growth of both species to a similar magnitude. Interspecific competition decreased the growth of both species, but S. canadensis was much more tolerant to interspecific competition than I. cylindrica. Soil origin had no effect on the magnitude of the competition tolerance of either species. Nutrient accumulation in shoots was less negatively affected by interspecific competition in S. canadensis than in I. cylindrica and was even maintained in S. canadensis when growing in the soil from the S. canadensis stands. The maintenance of nutrient accumulation in S. canadensis under interspecific competition was mostly achieved through increased or unchanged shoot nutrient concentration. These findings suggest that the successful invasion of S. canadensis into native plant communities is associated with its inherent high capacity of nutrient accumulation, while plant-dependent soil properties seem to play less important roles. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensisL. is a major invasive weed that is highly tolerant to disturbances and difficult to control in China. In order to develop a rapid non-chemical control strategy for this weed in heterogeneous environments, we investigated different treatments including mechanical control (cutting and hoeing) and inoculation with an indigenous pathogen,Sclerotium rolfsiiSC64, which was isolated fromS. canadensisand applied by means of a solid formulation. Greenhouse and field trials were conducted to test how the control regimes (i.e. individual treatment methods, combination of these methods and different treatment timing) influence control efficiency. The fungal isolateS. rolfsiiSC64 caused 70% plant mortality and fresh weight reduction ofS. canadensisunder 150 cm growth stage, and efficacy increased to 80% when the above-ground material was removed. However, the use of cutting, hoeing or treating withS. rolfsiiSC64, on its own, did not provide sufficient control ofS. canadensis. Cutting treatments performed in July and September only eliminated sexual reproduction ofS. canadensis. Combination of cutting, hoeing and treating with isolate SC64 during the growing season in May, July and September was able to kill more than 90% of the ramets. This combination of methods not only eliminated sexual reproduction ofS. canadensis, but also destroyed its underground stems and prevented its regrowth. Therefore, this integrated approach may provide an optima control strategy forS. canadensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Production of concentrated natural dyes is a pre-requisite for a re-introduction of plant colorant based dyes into modern textile dyeing operations. Aluminium salts such as Al2(SO4)3.14-15H2O or KAl(SO4)2.12H2O can be used to precipitate extracted plant dyes from aqueous extracts at pH 5.0–5.5. Onion peel, Canadian Goldenrod and pomegranate peel were studied as representative sources for dye extraction. As an average 5% w/w of the extracted dry plant material could be collected as precipitate. After dissolving these residues in diluted oxalic acid, the quality of the dye lake was characterised by photometric analysis of the total phenol content in the dry using the Folin-Ciocalteau method, determination of the aluminium content and measurement of the absorbance at 400 nm. Representative values of TPH in the dry solid dyestuff range from 20 to 40% and representative values for the aluminium content were determined with 3–5% w/w. Colour strength of the dissolved lakes was determined in dyeing experiments using different substrates and mordants followed by measurement of CIELab coordinates and K/S value according Kubelka-Munk function. Compared to the direct use of plant extracts the colour strength of the lakes is lower, however chroma of the dyeings is higher, as the lake formation also represents a dye purification step. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The ethanol extract of roots of Solidago canadensis yielded eight labdane-type diterpenes. Five of those were new natural compounds (9,13,15,16-bisepoxy-labdane-7-ene-6,15-dione (3a), 13-epi-9,13,15,16-bisepoxy-labdane-7-ene-6,15-dione (3b), 15,16-epoxy-labdane-7,13-diene-6,16-dione (5), 15-ethoxy-9,13,15,16-bisepoxy-labdane-7-ene-6-one (6a) and 13-epi-15-ethoxy-9,13,15,16-bisepoxy-labdane-7-ene-6-one (6b). The known labdane diterpenes deoxysolidagenone (1), solidagenone (2) and 15,16-epoxy-labdane-7,13-diene-6,15-dione (4) were also isolated. Chemical structures were determined using 1D and 2D NMR techniques and MS analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The dyestuff content in plant sources is rather low, usually in the order of a few % of the mass of dry plant material. Introduction of plant dyes into technical scale textile dyeing operations thus requires handling, extraction and disposal of huge amounts of plant material. The precipitation of a solid, dyestuff-containing residue by addition of FeSO4·7H2O to the aqueous plant extract yields a highly concentrated plant dye. In this work Canadian Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) was used as representative case to study production of a concentrated solid plant dye. An iron content of 5% w/w of the dry precipitate was analysed by photometry (1,10-Phenanthroliniumchloride). The content of total phenolics (TPH) calculated as gallic acid monohydrate equivalents according the Folin-Ciocalteau method, was determined with 45% w/w. The dyestuff precipitate was tested in standard dyeing experiments. Shade and colour depth were found comparable to dyeings obtained with direct use of plant extracts. Use of a concentrated natural dye product offers new approaches with regard to standardisation of dyestuff quality, handling and applicable dyeing techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Solidago canadensis is a noxious invasive species in China. We examined the influences of herbicides on pollen germination and pollen tube growth and the effects of cutting flowers and herbicides on seed production and quality. We also determined the seed production and resource allocation to different organs of S. canadensis after uprooting the plants during their reproductive periods. The main results were as follows: (i) 49% pollen of S. canadensis was able to germinate on an appropriate medium; (ii) compared with paraquat, ethephon and 2,4-D, glyphosate had an ideal inhibitory effect on pollen germination and the formation of seeds of S. canadensis; (3) cut flowering branches, when placed in water or nutrient solution, were still able to produce viable seeds; (4) resources were allocated more to the inflorescences to facilitate seed maturation after plants were uprooted at the flowering stage. Uprooted flower branches were still able to produce viable seeds, especially those in full flower. Therefore, in order to reduce the seed production of S. canadensis and spread of the species we suggest: (i) apply glyphosate at the flower bud stage, (ii) completely destroy uprooted plants at flowering stages and (iii) avoid using the flowering branches as ornamental materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]