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Celtis australis is a deciduous plant used worldwide in folk medicine to treat various ailments, such as stomach disorders, cough, pimples, joint pain, amenorrhoea, rheumatism, menstrual disorders, and herpes. The present review aims to document and summarize different works regarding the ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, and biological activities of different parts (fruits, barks, leaves, and seeds) of this medicinal plant. For data collection, Google scholar, Science direct, Scopus, PubChem, and PubMed databases were used. This study shows that C. australis contains several bioactive compounds, exhibiting various pharmacological activities mainly hepatoprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Thus, C. australis is a promising plant that can be exploited in the treatment of various diseases.

The genus Celtis includes widespread trees that produce drupes with aragonite endocarps, or "hackberries." These carbonate endocarps are preserved in the fossil record, often in cave deposits or packrat middens, and thus are targets for paleoclimate reconstructions. Stable oxygen isotopes in Celtis endocarps have been used as proxies for oxygen isotopic composition of past stream water and for paleothermometry. Here, we explore the suitability of hackberry carbonates for paleoclimate reconstructions based on carbonate clumped‐isotope thermometry. We sampled modern hackberries grown at sites across North America (n = 37) for stable and clumped isotope analyses. Measured clumped‐isotope temperatures are found to be within the range of measured local modern growing season surface temperatures and typically in dual clumped‐isotope equilibrium. As such, we propose that hackberry clumped‐isotope measurements can be used to reconstruct past Earth‐surface air temperatures. Plain Language Summary: Hackberries are tree‐growing fruits that create carbonate mineral structures surrounding their seeds. Geochemical properties of these minerals can give us insight into growing conditions, particularly the growing season temperature of the hackberry plants. We tested the promise and limitations of clumped isotope as a paleothermometer for carbonate growth temperatures using modern hackberries collected across North America. We find recorded clumped‐isotope temperatures are consistent with mean growing season temperatures. We propose the use of hackberry carbonate clumped isotope measurements to reconstruct past environmental temperatures using ancient hackberry deposits found in caves (formed by humans) and middens (formed by animals such as packrats) throughout the past 10,000+ years. Key Points: Hackberry plants create an aragonitic mineral endocarp within their fruit which reflects environmental conditionsClumped‐isotope analyses reconstruct temperatures comparable to mean growing season temperatures in modern hackberry endocarpsClumped isotopes in hackberries provide a potential paleothermometer for Quaternary‐aged cave deposits and packrat middens [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reconstructing the history (spatio-temporal patterns) of biological invasions at a small spatial scale is challenging, notably because the required data are often not available in sufficient quantity and quality. In this study, we present a mixed approach using six different data sources to explore the spreading history of four non-native invasive tree species, Ailanthus altissima, Celtis occidentalis, Prunus serotina and Acer negundo in a high conservation value foreststeppe habitat with an area of 1000 ha (Peszér Forest, Central Hungary). We carried out a literature search, compiled all the archived and currently valid data of the National Forestry Database (NFD) in a GIS database, conducted a full-coverage field survey, mapped all the large/old tree specimens and carried out annual ring counts, performed a hotspot analysis on the abundance data provided by the field survey and gathered local knowledge. Each of these approaches proved indispensable and their complementary use made it possible to reconstruct the invasion history of all four tree species. According to the available source literature, P. serotina was first planted in the area in 1937 and the first known occurrence of A. altissima could also be traced back to the 1930s. The examination of large specimens of C. occidentalis and querying the NFD for data related to A. negundo provided evidence that these species have been present in the area since at least the 1940s. However, based on the NFD and local knowledge, it is certain that the rapid expansion of the four tree species occurred simultaneously and only around the turn of the millennium, with a lag of at least 60-70 years. The exploration of local knowledge revealed three possible explanations, which interestingly also coincided in time. With the change in the political regime, the intensity of forest use started to decrease in the 1990s, the population of game was drastically reduced at the end of the decade and droughts became more frequent from 2000 onwards. The field survey clearly showed that these tree species were 2-3 times more prevalent and abundant than the relevant NFD data indicated. Finally, the primary hotspots of A. altissima and A. negundo overlapped with the locations of their first known occurrences, while in the case of C. occidentalis and P. serotina, they did not. However, local knowledge revealed that the former two had been ignored since at least the 1950s, while the latter two were occasionally planted until the 1990s. It is likely that the primary hotspots of C. occidentalis and P. serotina indicate the locations of these undocumented plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / Harran Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Harran University Journal of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine / Harran Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The characteristics of the hackberry (Celtis australis L.) fresh flesh stored under refrigeration conditions during ten weeks have been investigated. The hackberries were harvested at maturity (October) in Moratalla (Spain). The flesh was obtained using a pilot scale rotational sieve. Sterile plastic containers of 150 grams were fully filled with the hackberry fresh flesh and stored at 5ºC. Three containers were sampled at time intervals (initial, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks). The following parameters were analysed in the samples of hackberry fresh flesh: physicochemical characteristics (pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, colour, moisture and water activity) and the microbiology (bacteria, yeasts and moulds). The results indicated that the pH decreased from 6.7 (initial) to 5.1 (10 weeks) and the titratable acidity increased from 0.48 g ACA/100 g (initial) to 1.26 g ACA/100 g (10 weeks), while the other physicochemical characteristics were constants during the ten weeks of refrigerated storage. The microorganisms were the key factor to stablish the acceptability of the fresh flesh. There was only the growth of the aerobic mesophilic from 9.0 x 105 cfu/g (initial) to 3.5 x 107 (8 weeks) and 2.8 x 107 (10 weeks of refrigerated storage). These results are to be considered for the use of the refrigerated hackberry fresh flesh as a natural ingredient at both domestic and industrial level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of UV-curable coatings is currently increasing. In the parquet industry, where UV systems are applied, it is beneficial to investigate new tree species as potential raw materials. This study was carried out to determine the effect of accelerated ageing on some surface properties of hackberry (Celtis australis L.) wood treated with UV system parquet varnish. UV system parquet varnishes were applied to hackberry wood surfaces in three and five layers, according to the requirements of industrial applications. The varnished surfaces were then exposed to UV rays for 252 and 504 h using UVA-340 lamps in a QUV ageing device. Glossiness, colour parameters, pendulum hardness and adhesion strength (pull-off) (MPa) were determined for the coated samples before and after ageing, and the results for the aged and unaged test samples were compared. Analysis of variance showed that the results were significant for all tests. The results for all tests varied by ageing time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small spheres composed of tiny quartz crystals are common in the Ypresian/Lutetian freshwater limestone at Black Crow, Sperrgebiet, Namibia. From the beginning they were thought to be the inner parts of some sort of fruit, but the lack of structure rendered the material unidentifiable. Recently a specimen was found which retains the outer surface of the endocarp of the fruit over most of its surface, but which is broken at one pole to reveal the inner locular structure. The fossil is attributed to Celtis, a fruit tree which is common in warm latitudes of the globe. Long known to occur in the Neogene of Africa, the Black Crow record extends its representation in the continent into the Palaeogene, some 30 million years earlier than the previous oldest known occurrence (Napak, Uganda 19-20 Ma) and reveals that the genus was present not only in Eurasia and the Americas during the Palaeogene, but also in Africa. This discovery adds fuel to the debate about the geographic origin of the genus Celtis which is thought by some palaeobotanists to have evolved in post-Cretaceous times but whether it originated in the northern or southern hemisphere remains a moot point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty one species of gall forming midges in the genus Celticecis Gagné 1983 have been reported in North America, but there is limited information regarding the northeastern range of these species. To gain a greater understanding of the range of these cecidomyiids, hackberries ( Celtis spp.) were surveyed for galls formed by Celticecis spp. at selected sites in south central and eastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, southeastern New York state, and at one site in southeastern Connecticut. Galls were identified by morphology, and the species of gall formers were confirmed by considering the morphology of third instar larval sternal spatulas. Hackberry galls formed by ten Celticecis species were found to occur in Pennsylvania, with nine representing new state records. Hackberry galls formed by nine Celticecis species were found in New Jersey, with all nine representing new state records. Hackberry galls formed by five species of Celticecis were identified in southeastern New York, with four representing new state records, and galls of one Celticecis species were found at a site in southeastern Connecticut, representing a new state record for this species. This study expands the northeastern range of a large number of gall forming midges of the genus Celticecis in northeastern North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on the effects of leaf galls on leaf physiology have reported positive and negative effects. Thus, the effects of insect galls on leaf photosynthesis were investigated in hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), a tree found throughout central U.S.A. that is particularly susceptible to infestation by several gall-inducing arthropod species. These galls have different morphologies and locations on the leaves of hackberry. Effects of four types of galls on leaf function were examined. Only two types of galls, petiole galls and leaf-lamina spine galls, resulted in decreased leaf photosynthesis. These decreases were most likely the result of disturbance to the photosynthetic apparatus, not declines in stomatal conductance. Evidence is presented that petiole galls may disrupt the water supply to the leaf lamina. The results of this investigation indicate that different types and locations of arthropod galls result in no or negative effects on the physiology of infested leaves of this highly gall-bearing tree in the central U.S.A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that Celtis species have been used in healing wound, epilepsy crisis, and stomach pain among the people. The antiradical (DPPH, OH, ABTS) activities, phytochemical compounds (total proanthocyanidin, total flavonoid, total phenolic, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sterols, lipid soluble vitamins, fatty acids), antimicrobial, antiproliferative (MCF-7, HCT-116, A2780, PC-3) activities of water, ethanol, methanol extracts of C. tournefortii fruits were evaluated in this study. All the C. tournefortii fruit water extracts were higher scavenged OH radical than standard antioxidant BHT. It was detected that C. tournefortii includes high amount of α-tocopherol (2.65 mg/kg), vitamin D (10.05 mg/kg), ergosterol (78.70 mg/kg), stigmasterol (185.90 mg/kg), unsaturated fatty acids (74.47 %). C. tournefortii extracts showed antiproliferative activity on MCF-7, HCT-116, A2780, PC-3 cancer cell lines and antimicrobial activity on some microorganisms when compared to standard antibiotics. Also, this study is the first report about phytochemical contents, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, antiradical properties of C. tournefortii fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed material for the study of hackberry characters and variation in the juvenile stage of development was collected in the micropopulations on the territory of the town Sombor. The study results refer to different stages of early ontogeny, which are presented at 7 levels. The observed variation at the levels of seeds, seedlings, 1-year-old and 2-year-old plants, as well as the high i.e. low values of the analysed morphometric characters of individual half-sib lines, are a good base for the study and the adequate utilisation of the species genetic potential, in harmony with the basic principles of breeding and the enhancement of reproductive material quality.

Moser Park is a property in Allen County, Indiana, managed by New Haven Parks and Recreation. We conducted a plant survey within the forested section of the park, identifying and quantifying abundance of understory, midstory, and overstory plants. We calculated species richness and Shannon's index for all three strata and tested for relationships with environmental variables (i.e., canopy cover, soil compaction, litter depth, and light availability). The majority of understory species are typically associated with disturbed habitats, with very little resemblance to natural, pre-settlement habitat (i.e., low coefficient of conservation values). Understory cover was dominated by Rubus allegheniensis. Midstory stratum was less diverse than the understory and was dominated by an abundance of Fraxinus pennsylvanica, which was also an important species in the overstory. The forest at Moser Park matched the Hackberry-American Elm-Green Ash forest type. There was a lack of both Quercus and many Acer species within Moser Park that are common in the region. Because of the distinct soil types, and disturbance history, a relatively uncommon forest type for the region has developed in Moser Park that differs from the majority of forested land surrounding it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Rifargia includes four North American species: R. benitensis (Blanchard), R. ditta (Barnes and McDunnough), R. subrotata (Harvey), and a new species, which is the western sister taxon of the latter. All are hackberry ( Celtis) specialists. We provide images for each species, a larval key, and brief descriptions of the five instars for both of the eastern species ( R. benitensis and R. subrotata). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of climate change during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene, human society gradually transitioned from a hunting/foraging economy to an agricultural economy. The role of climate change in the development of millet-based agriculture, which originated in northern China, is of major scientific interest. Millet agriculture is thought to have originated in areas of hilly terrain, because most of the early millet agricultural sites in northern China occur in such areas. Hence, understanding the ecological background of hilly terrain during the early Holocene is important for understanding the climatic and ecological mechanisms associated with the origin of millet agriculture. In this study, we reconstructed the ecological background of Ping'an Cave, an early Neolithic site in the hilly area of Beijing, based on analyses of pollen, fungal spores, and plant macrofossils recovered from the cave sediments. At ~ 11,000 cal kyr BP, deciduous broadleaved forest-grassland developed in the hilly areas of northern China, where the climate was warm and relatively dry. Nut shells of Juglans and Celtis were found, associated with an increase in Quercus pollen, indicating the development of a wetter climate at ~ 8000 cal kyr BP. Open deciduous broadleaved forest–grassland was the main vegetation type in the hilly areas of northern China during the early Holocene. The geographical characteristics of these areas were favorable for prehistoric humans, providing ecological resources from both forest and grassland. • We investigated plant remains from Ping'an Cave site in hilly areas, northern China. • Deciduous broadleaved forest-grassland developed during early Holocene. • The vegetation became closer around 8000 years than it in 11,000 years. • Hilly terrain provided both forest and grassland resources for prehistoric humans. • This study offered ecological background for understanding millet agriculture origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because limited numbers of netleaf hackberry ( Celtis reticulata) seedlings are observed in nature, we evaluated patterns of germination of hackberry seeds ( n = 2545) that we planted near boulders in the Wasatch Mountain foothills. Seeds were followed over 2 growing seasons. Germination rates were very low overall, but significantly more seeds germinated on the north sides of boulders compared to other boulder aspects. That we found higher rates of germination on the north sides of boulders, instead of on the south sides of boulders where mature hackberry shrubs tend to grow, could reflect year-to-year variation in seed germination and seedling survival but is also consistent with a shift away from warmer and drier sites by hackberry in response to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Wild' and spontaneously fermented beers are growing in popularity in the craft beer industry. Most of these beers are fermented by the use of either pure cultures of unconventional yeast and bacteria or spontaneous fermentation using mixed local microflora. This study examined the potential of using pure strains of new isolates of wild yeast in the fermentation of a unique beer. The microbial communities from the fruit of pindo palm, loquat, hackberry and blackberry were collected in liquid culture, then plated for isolation. Ten isolates were selected for further analysis. Strains were identified by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and analysed for growth in a simple liquid media, fermentation in a complex media, alcohol tolerance and acid tolerance. Despite identification of some strains as the same species, they displayed a wide range of physiological properties. All strains were tolerant of pH values as low as 2.4, but none were tolerant of pH 1.9. Alcohol tolerance of different strains varied from 6 to 12%. Several strains had properties that suggest potential as primary fermenters, including the alcohol fermentation of a beer wort. Organoleptic properties of beers fermented with several of the strains demonstrated potential for commercial brewing. Copyright © 2014 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbonate is abundant in many Neolithic tells and is a potentially useful archive for dating and climate reconstruction. In this paper, we focus on the mineralogy, radiocarbon dating, and stable isotope systematics of carbonate in hackberry endocarps. Hackberry fruits and seeds are edible in fresh and stored forms, and they were consumed in large quantities in many Neolithic sites in the Near East, including the site of our study, Asikli Höyük in central Anatolia, an Aceramic Neolithic tell occupied from about 9.4 to >10.3 BP (7.4 to >8.3 BCE). Detailed 14C age control provided by archaeological charcoal permits a test of the fidelity in 14C dating of hackberry endocarps. Modern endocarps and leaves yield fraction modern 14C values of 1.050-1.066, consistent with levels present in the atmosphere when sampled in 2009. On the other hand, archaeological endocarps yield consistently younger ages than associated charcoal by ca. 130 14C years (ca. 220 calendar years) for samples about 10,000 years old. We speculate this is caused by the slight addition of calcite or recrystallization to calcite in the endocarp, as detected by scanning electron microscopy. Subtle addition or replacement of calcite by primary aragonite is not widely recognized in the 14C community, even though similar effects are reported from other natural carbonates such as shell carbonate. This small (but consistent) level of contamination supports the usefulness of endocarps in dating where other materials like charcoal are lacking. Before dating, however, hackberries should be carefully screened for mineralogical preservation and context. We examined the carbon and oxygen isotopic systematics of the fossil endocarps to try to establish potential source areas for harvesting. Most of the hackberries are enriched in 18O compared to local water sources, indicating that they were drawing on highly evaporated soil water, rather than the local (perched and regional) water table sampled in our study. Isotopic evidence therefore suggests that most but not all of the hackberries were harvested from nearby mesas well above the local streams and seeps fed by the water table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the temporal effects of fruit consumption on the subsequent seed germination pattern of a fleshy-fruited tree, the Chinese hackberry ( Celtis sinensis). Via nursery-based sowing experiments, we investigated (1) how pulp removal affected seed germination patterns at the different stages of fruit maturation, and (2) how the timing of seed dispersal (August, October, and December) affected the germination patterns of seeds from ripe fruits after the removal of pulp. We found that the removal of pulp from around the seeds of ripe fruit had no effect on the percentage and timing of germination. In contrast, the removal of pulp from seeds of unripe fruits largely reduced the germination percentage. The time of sowing did not affect the germination percentage, whereas the timing of germination was delayed for seeds that were sown later or under shaded environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. An experimental study of the projection increases of clothes depending on the thickness of the set of materials. Methodology. The device was developed that allows to determine the coordinates of points on the surface of the hackberry and clothes that can be used for horizontal sections on basic structural levels. Findings. The sizes of radius-vector points of the surfaces of the dummy and the female figure and the garment were obtained using the developed device during the experiment. By the coordinates of points a theoretical design of point and line hackberry (sagittal and frontal sections) of the dummy of female figure and female coat were created. The projection increases were obtained on the orthogonal sections. Using the point and linear hackberry incomplete models of surfaces of the dummy and female coat were built. Originality. The nature of the garment sections on the basic structural levels of chest, waist, hips, and distribution of the sizes of the projection of increases were investigated. Practical Value. Discrete linear frames of the surfaces of the dummy and clothes were created, as well as the sizes of the projection increases for the purpose of three-dimensional designing clothes were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to determine the rooting ability of Hackberry (Celtis australis L.) hardwood cuttings. In the first year studies, hardwood cuttings of hackberry were treated with 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 g/l IBA and cuttings were placed into a bottom-heated system in the greenhouse. Perlite was used as a rooting media. In the second year, rooting potential of five types of Hackberry was examined. In the both of the studied years, the results were taken after 100 days and the rooting rate, root number, root length and survival rate in adaptation stage were determined. Rooted cuttings were transferred to the nursery conditions for the next year growing period and sapling height, main stem diameter and number of leaves were determined. Maximum rooting rate and root number were supplied with 6 g/l IBA (83.33% and 9.34 roots, respectively). Higher concentrations of IBA were affected negatively the root growth. The rooting potential of the hackberry types showed dissimilarity and the best rooting rate was obtained from type T5 (86.67%). Survival rates were very high on the acclimatization stage and were dependent on the root quality. Type T5 saplings showed the best growth (125.85 cm plant height, 18.30 mm stem diameter and 170.81 leaf number). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Plant macrofossil analysis, phytolith analysis and AMS radiocarbon dating at Pınarbaşı in central Anatolia confirm the presence and continuity of plant gathering practice as a key subsistence strategy from c. 9000–7700 cal BC. Results demonstrate the use of almond, terebinth and hackberry as food plants, similar to Palaeolithic/Epipalaeolithic subsistence strategies in the Antalya region. Crop and/or crop progenitor use is unsupported, with sporadic cereal macrofossils rare and shown by direct radiocarbon dating to be intrusive, a conclusion supported by the phytolith analysis. Seed exploitation is also rejected. Results confirm the presence of sedentary foragers from 9000 cal BC in central Anatolia, contemporary with the Levantine PPNA-Early PPNB, suggest a different plant subsistence focus to contemporary forager societies in the Fertile Crescent and indicate economic differences with contemporary sites in central Anatolia which were already cultivating crops. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In a landscape, abiotic features, such as boulders, influence microhabitats and consequently affect patterns of vegetation. We hypothesized that boulders in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains east of Provo, Utah, affected the growth patterns of netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata) by providing shade on their north faces. To test this hypothesis, we set up 3 transects 6 m wide and up to 50 m long. Along these transects, we measured all hackberries taller than 30 cm (n = 249). We recorded whether the hackberries grew within 0.5 m of a boulder that was at least 0.5 m along one dimension. We found that hackberries at our study site were more likely to be associated with boulders (n = 225; 90.4%) than to be growing alone (n = 24; 10.7%) (x2 = 162.25, df = 1, P < 0.001). For each hackberry associated with a boulder, we took a direction bearing from the center of the boulder to the place where the hackberry was rooted. We found that hackberries associated with boulders were more likely to grow near the south (n = 92; 40.9%) side than near the north (n = 35; 15.6%), west (n = 55; 24.4%), or east sides (n = 43; 19.1%) (x2 = 33.90, df = 3, P < 0.001). These results suggest that boulders influence patterns of hackberry growth and may actually provide thermal radiation that melts snow in the Wasatch foothills, rather than shade protection as we had originally hypothesized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossilized hackberry (Celtis) seeds were found within the shells of two Stylemys individuals excavated from Oligocene sediments from South Dakota. The presence of in situ skeletal elements indicates that the tortoises were buried without extensive disarticulation. Abiotic transport of the seeds into the carcasses is unlikely given the anatomically correct placement of both skeletal elements and seeds and the comparative settling velocities of the encasing sediment versus modern Celtis seeds. Ecological evidence from modern Celtis and Stylemys analogues suggests that tortoises are commonly seed dispersal agents. The fossils are therefore interpreted as enterolites, providing the oldest reliable evidence of tortoise frugivory. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which examined fertilizer nitrogen (N) uptake and partitioning in young and mature common hackberry trees growing in urban landscapes. The growth phase-related changes in the source of N used to meet the current growing-season demand for N was determined. An analysis of foliage, current season stem wood, stem wood, root and fruit tissues was conducted for total concentration and nitrogen derived from fertilizer.

Pre-dispersal seed predation by granivorous birds has potential to limit fruit removal and subsequent seed dispersal by legitimate avian seed dispersers in bird-dispersed plants, especially when the birds form flocks. We monitored pre-dispersal seed predation by the Japanese grosbeak, Eophona personata, of two bird-dispersed hackberry species (Cannabaceae), Celtis biondii (four trees) and Celtis sinensis (10 trees), for 3 years (2005, 2007 and 2008) in a fragmented forest in temperate Japan. Throughout the 3 years, predation was more intense on C. biondii, which, as a consequence, lost a larger part of its fruit crop. Grosbeaks preferred C. biondii seeds that had a comparatively lower energy content and lower hardness than C. sinensis, suggesting an association between seed hardness and selective foraging by grosbeaks. In C. biondii, intensive predation markedly reduced fruit duration and strongly limited fruit removal by seed dispersers, especially in 2007 and 2008. In C. sinensis, seed dispersers consumed fruits throughout the fruiting seasons in all 3 years. In C. biondii, variation in the timing of grosbeak migration among years was associated with annual variation in this bird's effects on fruit removal. Our results demonstrate that seed predation by flocks of granivorous birds can dramatically disrupt seed dispersal in fleshy-fruited plants and suggest the importance of understanding their flocking behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prairie Harvest Germplasm common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L. [Ulmaceae]) is a selected class of natural germplasm released for use in conservation plantings in the Northern Great Plains and Upper Midwest of the US. Originating from native trees located in Polk County, northwestern Minnesota, this northern selection is winter hardy with improved form and growth rates. This germplasm release is recommended for conservation use as a tall tree in windbreaks, wildlife areas, and riparian plantings. Prairie Harvest Germplasm represents the first northern source release of common hackberry for conservation use in the northern regions of Minnesota and North Dakota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remains of fruit stones of Celtis australis were found at Iron Age Tel Rehov, Israel. Also, wood fragments from Iron Age Tel Rehov and Tel Jezreel are recorded. The fruits are edible, the wood is useful for house building and tool production, and the tree is an important element in local folklore and ethnography. The archaeobotanical finds strengthen the view that the tree is indigenous to the Levant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Celtis australis L. and Celtis occidentalis L. are deciduous ornamental trees, grown in Egypt. This study presents a comparative investigation of the botanical features of the stems, stem barks and leaves of both plants. Furthermore, the DNA of both plants was extracted from leaf samples and analyzed using 10 decamer random primers. A total of 159 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were identified. Seed protein profiling was also performed and revealed low variation in both plants’ SDS–PAGE profiles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three species of creekside trees were monitored weekly during the 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. The 2007 growing season was wet early, but became drier as the season progressed. In contrast, the 2008 growing season was dry early, but became wetter as the season progressed. Creekside trees were measured to determine effects of changing water regimes on leaf-level processes. Lonicera tatarica plants were compared to Morus alba and Celtis occidentalis trees. Leaves were monitored for changes in stomatal conductance, transpiration, δ13C, δ15N, δD, leaf temperature, and heat losses via latent, sensible, and radiative pathways. δD of creek water was more similar to ground water than to rain water, but the creek was partially influenced by summer rains. δD of bulk leaf material was significantly higher in individuals of C. occidentalis compared to the other species, consistent with source water coming from shallower soil layers. Despite decreasing water levels, none of these tree species showed signs of water stress. There were no significant differences between species in stomatal conductance or transpiration. Leaf δ13C was significantly lower in individuals of L. tatarica compared to the other species. Differences in δ13C were attributed to a lower carboxylation capacity, consistent with lower leaf nitrogen content in L. tatarica plants. Leaf δ15N was significantly lower in individuals of L. tatarica compared to the other species, consistent with uptake of a different N source. Two of the three sites appeared to be affected by inorganic N from fertilizer run-off. Evidence is presented that these species acquired water and nitrogen from different sources, resulting from differences in root uptake patterns. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In order to identify phytohormones involved in the initiation and maintenance of galls on the hackberry tree, Celtis occidentalis (Ulmaceae), in the presence of the insect Pachypsylla celtidis (Psyllidae); endogenous levels of cytokinins (CKs) and abscisic acid (ABA) were measured in the tissues of leaves, galls, and larval insects using liquid-chromatography-tandem-mass-spectrometry. The CKs isopentenyl adenine, isopentenyl adenosine, trans-zeatin and cis-zeatin, were extremely concentrated in insect larvae compared to surrounding tissue of leaves and galls. ABA concentrations in the insects were also relatively high at about 3268 pmol•g-1 fresh mass - approximately 25 times higher than in leaves, and 17 times higher than in galls. This represents a novel case of high concentrations of ABA being found in a larval insect. These findings indicate that manipulation of CK and ABA are involved in the initiation and maintenance of hackberry galls in the presence of larval P. celtidis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the hackberry psyllids or the Celtis occidentalis. These plant-eating insects produce galls that serve as winter food for migrating birds. It enumerates the formation caused by psyllids including the budgalls, blistergalls, and nipplegalls, and points out an important feature in its life cycles. It mentions the rare birds that feed on them including the Gray Fletcher, Golden-crowned Kinglet, and Blackpoll Warbler. Tips to birders on how to take advantage of seeing this phenomenon are also offered.

A classification and monitoring system for the hackberry-shrub ecological type was developed based on plant succession in the Sand Hills ecosystem in northern Nebraska and southern South Dakota. Seral stages are quantitatively derived groupings of vegetation composition based on the range of variability within the current ecological type. Multivariate statistical methods determined three key variables that best assign data (sites) to one of four seral stages within the contemporary hackberry-shrub ecological type and represent one of multiple possible stable states. Basal area of hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), combined canopy cover values of chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.) and wild plum (Prunus americana Marsh.), and canopy cover of western snowberry (Symphoricarpos occidentalis Hook.) were the key plant variables required for classification and monitoring to determine succession or retrogression. Four seral stages (early to late) were quantitatively identified with an accuracy of 97%. Classification involves a single sample at a site where monitoring trends require multiple seral stage assignment at the same site over time. The assigned seral stages provide resource managers with a quantitative method to evaluate their management objectives by monitoring trend. We list all coefficients required to assign data to seral stage and calculate posterior probabilities, however details of methods for monitoring protocol, seral stage classification, calculation of seral stage probabilities can be viewed at the Forest Service web site http://www.fs.fed.us/rangelands/ecology/ ecologicalclassification/index.shtml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which aims to measure fertilizer recovery, describe fertilizer nitrogen partitioning patterns, and assess the effect of fertilization on the aboveground nitrogen status in common hackberry trees. It notes that in the methodology, recovery rates were quantified and that native soil was utilized as the rooting media for better landscape soil simulation. It also relates the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards for the landscape tree fertilization.

The increased abundance of historically rare native tree species is symptomatic of land-use change, which causes ecosystem regime shifts. I tested for an association between mean agricultural area, a proxy for land-use change, and native tree species. I first modeled agricultural area during the years 1850 to 1997 and the historical and current percent composition of tree genera, along with the dissimilarity and difference between the historical and current composition, for the northern part of the eastern U.S. I then modeled agricultural area and current genera and species for the eastern U.S. and regionally. For the northeast, agricultural area was most associated (R2 of 78%) with the current percentage of elms and a diverse, uncommon "other" genera. For the eastern U.S., Ulmus, Juglans, Prunus, boxelder (Acer negundo), black cherry (Prunus serotina), and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) best predicted agricultural area (R2 of 66%). Regionally, two elm and ash species, black walnut (Juglans nigra), mockernut hickory (Carya tomentosa), red maple (Acer rubrum), sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua), and American sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) increased with agricultural area. Increases in historically rare and diverse species associated with agricultural area represent an overall pattern of invasive native tree species that have replaced historical ecosystems after land-use change disrupted historical vegetation and disturbance regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatinous fibers (G-fibers) are the active component of tension wood. G-fibers are unlike traditional fiber cells in that they possess a thick, nonlignified gelatinous layer (G-layer) internal to the normal secondary cell wall layers. For the past several decades, the G-layer has generally been presumed to be composed nearly entirely of crystalline cellulose, although several reports have appeared that disagreed with this hypothesis. in this report, immunocytochemical techniques were used to investigate the polysaccharide composition of G-fibers in sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua; Hamamelidaceae) and hackberry (Celtis occidentalis; Ulmaceae) tension wood. Surprisingly, a number of antibodies that recognize arabinogalactan proteins and RG I-type pectin molecules bound to the G-layer. Because AGPs and pectic mucilages are found in other plant tissues where swelling reactions occur, we propose that these polymers may be the source of the contractile forces that act on the cellulose microfibrils to provide the tension force necessary to bend the tree trunk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of browsing by white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmerman) on vegetation at three sites with high densities of deer and six sites with low densities of deer along the Missouri and Platte Rivers in southeastern Nebraska in 1995-1996. Vegetation volume from 0-1 m high was similar between sites with high and low deer densities (P > 0.05). From 1-2 m high, vegetation volume was less at sites with more deer in both years (P < 0.05). Densities for eight of 11 small woody plant categories (<3 cm dbh) were less common at sites with high densities of deer (P < 0.05). Overall densities of small trees (3-15 cm dbh) were similar between sites with high and low densities of deer. However, small hackberry trees (Celtis occidentalis L.) were more common (P = 0.03), while all other small trees were less common (P = 0.038), at sites with more deer. Frequencies of ground cover plants were not randomly distributed (x2 = 588.2, P <0.001, df = 12). Shrubs were less common and grasses more common than expected at sites with more deer. Forests at sites with high densities of deer are in the process of succeeding to a state dominated by hackberry in the overstory with reduced woody vegetation and increased grasses in the understory due to intensive browsing by deer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive phloem-feeding pest, was identified as the cause of widespread ash (Fraxinus) mortality in southeast Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in 2002. A. planipennis reportedly colonizes other genera in its native range in Asia, including Ulmus L., Juglans L., and Pterocarya Kunth. Attacks on nonash species have not been observed in North America to date, but there is concern that other genera could be colonized. From 2003 to 2005, we assessed adult A. planipennis landing rates, oviposition, and larval development on North American ash species and congeners of its reported hosts in Asia in multiple-choice field studies conducted at several southeast Michigan sites. Nonash species evaluated included American elm (U. americana L.), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), black walnut (J. nigra L.),shagbark hickory [Carya ovata (Mill.) K.Koch], and Japanese tree lilac (Syringa reticulata Bl.). In studies with freshly cut logs, adult beetles occasionally landed on nonash logs but generally laid fewer eggs than on ash logs. Larvae fed and developed normally on ash logs, which were often heavily infested. No larvae were able to survive, grow, or develop on any nonash logs, although failed first-instar galleries occurred on some walnut logs. High densities of larvae developed on live green ash and white ash nursery trees, but there was no evidence of larval survival or development on Japanese tree lilac and black walnut trees in the same plantation. We felled, debarked, and intensively examined >28 m2 of phloem area on nine American elm trees growing in contact with or adjacent to heavily infested ash trees. We found no sign of A. planipennis feeding on any elm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the growing seasons of 1999 and 2000, soils were examined and woody vegetation surveyed in Oliver's Grove, just south of Chatsworth. Illinois. The topography of the region is a result of glacial activity that occurred around 17,000 years ago during the late Wisconsin glaciation. Glacial plains, moraines, and a large erosional channel characterize the landscape. Quercus macrocarpa Michx. (bur oak) probably dominated Oliver's Grove at the time of European settlement. Three remnants of this grove were examined during the present study. One woodlot was almost exclusively bur oak, another was dominated by bur oak with Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch (shagbark hickory) fairly common, while the third, found in a lowland area protected from past prairie fires, was dominated by Tilia americana L. (basswood) and Celtis occidentalis L. (hackberry). We compared General Land Office survey maps and past aerial photographs, and observed that much of the original forest and savanna were greatly decreased in size by the late 1900s, mostly due to land-use practices. In general, soils were not useful in determining the extent of this grove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that top growth removal results in long-term increases in antiherbivore defenses of blackbrush acacia (Acacia rigidula), honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), and spiny hackberry (Celtis pallida). In 1998, we determined chemical composition and thorn characteristics of leaves and twigs from plants roller chopped once in 1989, from plants roller chopped in 1989 and 1995, and from untreated plants. Honey mesquite had greater crude and digestible protein than untreated plants, and spiny hackberry had lower acid detergent fiber and acid detergent lignin than untreated plants 3 years after roller chopping in 1989 and 1995. Thorns were longer and denser in blackbrush acacia 9 years after one roller chopping treatment. Thorn densities were greater in all three species after two treatments. Long-term increases in thorn length and density after roller chopping may reduce value of the shrubs as browse for herbivores. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]