Search

Background: Predicting fire behaviour is an ongoing challenge in temperate peatlands and heathlands, where live fuels can form the dominant fuel load for wildfire spread, and where spatial heterogeneity in fuel moisture is important but not typically represented in fuel models. Aims: We examine the impact of fuel moisture variation on simulated fire behaviour across a temperate peatland/heathland landscape. Methods: We collected field measurements of fuel moisture content in Calluna vulgaris shrub from 36 sites across the North Yorkshire Moors, United Kingdom. We used these to define fuel moisture inputs within existing shrubland fuel models to simulate fire behaviour in BehavePlus. Key results: Simulated rates of spread varied with fuel moisture content; average mean variance of 23–80% from the landscape average rate of spread. The driest sites had simulated rates of spread up to 135% above the landscape average and the wettest sites up to 86% below average. Fuel model selection dramatically impacted simulated rates of spread by a factor of five. Conclusions: We need to constrain the role of live fuel moisture within temperate fuel models to develop accurate fire behaviour predictions. Implications: Capturing cross-landscape heterogeneity in fire behaviour is important for safe and effective land and wildfire management decision-making. Predicted fire behaviour varies significantly when cross-landscape fuel moisture differences are included in simulations. In temperate fuels, where live fuel moisture is not well represented in models, this may create dangerous situations where fire behaviour is underpredicted during the typical spring fire season, which has implications for fire management decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey authentication is a complex process which traditionally requires costly and time-consuming analytical techniques not readily available to the producers. This study aimed to develop non-invasive sensor methods coupled with a multivariate data analysis to detect the type and percentage of exogenous sugar adulteration in UK honeys. Through-container spatial offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) was employed on 17 different types of natural honeys produced in the UK over a season. These samples were then spiked with rice and sugar beet syrups at the levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 50% w/w. The data acquired were used to construct prediction models for 14 types of honey with similar Raman fingerprints using different algorithms, namely PLS-DA, XGBoost, and Random Forest, with the aim to detect the level of adulteration per type of sugar syrup. The best-performing algorithm for classification was Random Forest, with only 1% of the pure honeys misclassified as adulterated and <3.5% of adulterated honey samples misclassified as pure. Random Forest was further employed to create a classification model which successfully classified samples according to the type of adulterant (rice or sugar beet) and the adulteration level. In addition, SORS spectra were collected from 27 samples of heather honey (24 Calluna vulgaris and 3 Erica cinerea) produced in the UK and corresponding subsamples spiked with high fructose sugar cane syrup, and an exploratory data analysis with PCA and a classification with Random Forest were performed, both showing clear separation between the pure and adulterated samples at medium (40%) and high (60%) adulteration levels and a 90% success at low adulteration levels (20%). The results of this study demonstrate the potential of SORS in combination with machine learning to be applied for the authentication of honey samples and the detection of exogenous sugars in the form of sugar syrups. A major advantage of the SORS technique is that it is a rapid, non-invasive method deployable in the field with potential application at all stages of the supply chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was carried out using leaf extract from Calluna vulgaris. The formation of nanoparticles was confirmed through the emergence of a surface plasmon resonance band in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The characterization conducted using various microscopic techniques revealed that the nanoparticles mostly ranged in size from approximately 20 to 70 nm. Analysis, including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirmed the chemical, crystalline structure, and presence of silver, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited notable stability with an average zeta potential of -23.1 ± 0.6 mV. Evaluation of their antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated significant efficacy with diameters of inhibition zones measuring 10.23 ± 0.54 mm and 15.38 ± 0.32 mm, respectively. Additionally, the nanoparticles displayed a remarkable inhibition of approximately 88% against E. coli biofilm formation at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. They also exhibited unique photocatalytic performances. This research contributes to the literature in this field by producing new silver nanoparticles with cost-effectiveness, stability, antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiofilm, and photocatalytic properties, while using a previously untapped plant extract for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heathlands are extensive systems often dominated by slow‐growing and long‐lived woody plants. These systems require longer‐term studies to capture if and how they are changing over time. In 2020, we resurveyed species richness and cover of vascular plant communities in 139 heathlands along the coastline of northern Fennoscandia, first surveyed during 1965–1975. The first survey included six heathland types, each with dominance – a cover of 25% or more – of the dwarf shrubs Calluna vulgaris, Kalmia procumbens, Betula nana, Vaccinium myrtillus and Empetrum nigrum. The two latter heathland types made up 29% and 48%, respectively, of all heathlands. In addition to the dominant dwarf shrubs giving their names to the heathland types, a few other species qualified as dominant. In the resurvey, all the heathland types had E. nigrum as the single dominant species, except for the heathland formerly dominated by B. nana. Most other species had low cover both at the time of the original survey and the resurvey. Also, the heathland types were species poor at the time of the original survey, with an average of eight vascular plant species per 4 m2 and were found equally species poor in the resurvey. Species richness differed between heathland types only at the time of the original survey, and the ratio of species exchange between the two surveys was negatively related to the original cover of E. nigrum. Here we provide a half‐century perspective on vegetation change, during which several heathland types in northern Fennoscandia have changed to Empetrum heathlands, reducing the diversity of heathland types across the Boreal to Arctic landscape. As a native plant, E. nigrum cannot be considered invasive, but its allelopathic capacity has likely already modified these heathland ecosystems and will continue to do so, reducing ecosystem multifunctionality across the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing frequency and severity of UK wildfires, attributed in part to the effects of climate change, highlights the critical role of fuel moisture content (FMC) of live and dead vegetation in shaping wildfire behaviour. However, current models used to assess wildfire danger do not perform well in shrub-type fuels such as Calluna vulgaris, requiring in part an improved understanding of fuel moisture dynamics on diurnal and seasonal scales. To this end, 554 samples of upper live Calluna canopy, live Calluna stems, upper dead Calluna canopy, dead Calluna stems, moss, litter and organic layer (top 5 cm of organic material above mineral soil) were sampled hourly between 10:00 and 18:00 on seven days from March-August. Using a novel statistical method for investigating diurnal patterns, we found distinctive diurnal and seasonal trends in FMC for all fuel layers. Notably, significant diurnal patterns were evident in dead Calluna across nearly all sampled months, while diurnal trends in live Calluna canopy were pronounced in March, June, and August, coinciding with the peak occurrence of UK wildfires. In addition, the moisture content of moss and litter was found to fluctuate above and below their relative ignition thresholds throughout the day on some sampling days. These findings underscore the impact of diurnal FMC variations on wildfire danger during early spring and late summer in Calluna dominated peatlands and the need to consider such fluctuations in management and fire suppression strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Calluna vulgaris (heather) is native to Europe, where it dominates several plant communities, but is invasive in countries like Australia and New Zealand (NZ). In its native ranges, including the United Kingdom (UK), heather provides habitat to arthropods of several feeding guilds and recent studies in its invaded and native ranges show that this plant is a prolific producer of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These defensive metabolites can modify the behaviours of neighbouring plant and insect species. However, differences in VOC emissions between growth stages (ontogeny) have not yet been explored. Aims: The aim of this study was to explore the role of plant growth stages (pioneer, building and mature) and arthropods on VOC emissions of heather plants on a managed stand in Scotland during the summer season. Methods: We applied the contact insecticide deltamethrin to exclude arthropods from half of the tested plants for each growth stage, collected above-ground volatiles from plants in each treatment, and analysed them using gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Data were statistically analysed using sparse partial least square discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) and general linear models (GLM). Results: Results showed differences in volatile emission between growth stages, whereas the effect of arthropod removal was only observed for plants at the building stage. The results suggest that heather plants display different defence strategies as they mature, showing high phenotypic plasticity. Pioneer plants released fewer, ubiquitous compounds in relatively high amounts, building-unprayed plants were the most prolific VOC emitters showing herbivore-induced responses, and mature plants released a higher number of compounds but not in higher quantity than building plants. Thus, mature plants possibly rely more on mechanical and structural defences. Conclusion: These results highlight the complex and changing nature of heather's volatile emissions during plant ontogeny and contribute to understanding the chemical ecology of heather in heathland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fire Ecology is the property of Springer Nature 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.)

Ethnobotanical reports from Latvia show that Tanacetum vulgare, Calluna vulgaris, Quercus robur, Artemisa absinthium, and Artemisia vulgaris contain phenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties, which can be beneficial in the treatment and prophylaxis of many diseases. The aim of this study was to characterize the phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of these plants. Plant extracts were prepared using ethanol or acetone and then freeze-dried. Their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total tannin content (TTC) were determined and characterized by HPLC. Their antioxidant properties were determined using a DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay. C. vulgaris herb and T. vulgare leaf extracts contained the highest amounts of flavonoids, but the bark of Q. robur had mostly tannins and phenolic acids. A. absinthium and A. vulgaris had the lowest amounts of polyphenols. When compared using extraction solvents, all acetone extracts had more TPC, more TFC, and better antioxidant activity. All plants contained chlorogenic acid, which contributes to antioxidant properties. The analysed plant extracts could be used in future studies to develop medicinal products with antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Do I consider what I "should" want, as Heather did with her silent analyst, living out the life of an emotionally deprived child with a deliberately depriving analyst? Contrariwise, including one's analysand carries risks: suppose the analysand sees or hears stories from the analyst's own training. The patient may have read the analyst's books or attended the analyst's public lectures. [Extracted from the article]

During more than five centuries of human colonization, 50% of original peatlands in Azores have been destroyed or degraded, mainly due to pasture use, resulting in landscape changes and a loss of ecosystem biodiversity and services. This study aims to identify the most effective measures in the recovery and to detect initial responses (2 years). These are the first restoration experiments, carried out in a background of complete absence of strategies adapted for Azores pastured peatlands. In a post‐pastured peatland, 24 experiments were implemented, repeated in more degraded (northern) and more natural (southern) areas. The experiments were combinations of restoration measures, with the introduction of Juniperus brevifolia, Calluna vulgaris, and Sphagnum palustre and the use of management techniques to control herbaceous cover (alien‐rich herbaceous cover competing with Sphagnum or peatland natural shrubs): intensive and extensive grazing and grass cutting. Principal response curves and redundancy analyses were used to assess changes in the flora and the physicochemical parameters. Globally there was an increase in Sphagnum cover and a decrease in herbaceous species. This was accompanied by an increase in organic matter and a decrease in nitrogen. In more natural parcels (large artificially divided areas where different experiments were implemented), the most positive tendencies were associated with the combination of J. brevifolia planting and grass cutting. In more degraded areas, treatments had a lower impact, as the results tended to be similar to the control, pointing to an important natural regenerative succession dynamic that overlapped the response to the implemented treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heathlands are unique cultural landscapes that once existed across vast stretches of northern Europe. Their deep-time persistence has formed an intrinsic part of economic and cultural practices. Such a complex interaction requires interdisciplinary approaches, including archaeology, across multiple regions to fully grasp all its aspects. The authors of this article review how research has been conducted in prehistoric heathlands across six nations in north-western Europe and outline the heaths' general characteristics. They discuss the major issues in that research, namely recurring narratives derived from history, an overall absence of consideration of the cultural aspects of heathlands, and a paucity of cross-regional initiatives. They suggest a series of theoretical and methodological approaches to improve this situation across expanded geographical and temporal scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coastal heathlands of Northwest Europe are highly valued cultural landscapes, that are critically endangered due to land use and climatic changes, such as increased frequency and severity of drought events. Our study is the first to assess how the germination and early seedling growth of Calluna vulgaris respond to drought. In a factorial design field experiment, we exposed maternal plants to three in‐situ drought treatments (control, 60%, 90% roof coverage), across three successional stages after fire (pioneer, building, mature), and two regions (60°N, 65°N). Seeds from 540 plants within the experiment were, weighed, and exposed to five water potentials, ranging from −0.25 to −1.7 MPa, in a growth chamber experiment. We recorded germination (percentage, rate), seedling growth (above‐ vs. belowground allocation), and seedling functional traits (specific leaf area [SLA], specific root length [SRL]). Overall variation in germination between regions, successional stages, and maternal drought treatments was largely mediated by variation in seed mass. Plants from the northernmost region had higher seed mass and germination percentages. This is indicative of higher investment in seeds, likely linked to the populations' absence of vegetative root sprouting. Seeds from the mature successional stage germinated to lower final percentages than those from earlier successional stages, especially when the maternal plants had been exposed to drought (60% and 90% roof coverage). Exposure to reduced water availability decreased germination percentage and increased the time to 50% germination. Seedlings fully developed in the range −0.25 to −0.7 MPa, with increased root:shoot and lower SRL during reduced water availability, suggesting a resource‐conservative response to drought during the early stages of development. Our results thus suggest a sensitivity to drought during the germination and seedling life‐history stages that may reduce Calluna's ability to re‐establish from seeds as the incidence and severity of droughts are projected to increase under future climates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moorlands dominated by Calluna vulgaris (hereafter Calluna) are globally rare and under increasing threat of wildfires due to climate change. The soil seedbank is important for community resilience, but research on its contribution to regenerating vegetation after moorland fires has, to date, focused on prescribed fire or on the short‐term (≤ 2 year) impacts of wildfire. To address the role of the seedbank in long‐term vegetation regeneration, we studied a chronosequence of six wildfire sites within a Scottish moorland catchment, ranging from 2 to 64 years since burning. We recorded vegetation composition and sampled the seedbank. Calluna and Erica spp. comprised 66 and 27% of germinated seeds, respectively, and the majority of vegetation species were not represented in the seedbank. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that time since fire was a strong predictor of vegetation species composition, but it had no effect on seedbank composition, suggesting that the same species dominate the seedbank regardless of burning. Whilst total seed density was not affected by time since wildfire, the effect on the non‐Calluna seedbank was more notable. The proportion of non‐Calluna species decreased with time in both vegetation and seedbank as Calluna cover was re‐established and the seedbank of other species became gradually depleted. Whilst relative non‐Calluna cover in the vegetation was at a maximum in recently burnt areas and declined with time since fire, the species richness and proportion of non‐Calluna in the seedbank followed a unimodal pattern after fire and reached a peak after approximately 35 years. Our results contribute to the knowledge of how moorland ecosystems regenerate after severe disturbances, which are likely to become more common as the climate changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The heterogeneity of microhabitats is an important driver of biodiversity. Therefore, conserving habitat heterogeneity at multiple spatial scales is essential to biodiversity conservation. This study investigates the effect and the conservation value of micromosaic heterogeneity provided by the heather (Calluna vulgaris) patches in an Eastern-European peat bog on the spider communities. We found that the heather patches strongly affect spiders; the species richness and abundance were higher in heather than in open bogs. Heather shrubs form a separate special microhabitat, which differs in structure, microclimate and litter quality, and has a significant positive effect on diversity of spiders. Furthermore, we collected smaller spiders and more web builders in heather sites than in control sites, presumably due to the different microhabitat structures and prey availability. However, habitat type did not affect the vertical microhabitat preference of spiders. The species composition of spider communities differed between the two microhabitat types. We identified seven significant indicator species in heather shrubs, whereas three species were significant indicators of control sites. The species richness and the presence of rare and endangered peat bog specialist spider species in heather patches highlight the high conservation value of peat bogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current research, two medicinal important plants namely hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) and heather (Calluna vulgaris) leaf were used for the tincture production according to central composite rotatable design and the produced tinctures were subjected to bioactive analysis to reveal the optimum manufacturing conditions. As response, total phenolic content and radical scavenging performance of the produced tinctures were analyzed. The levels of total phenolics and radical scavenging performance activity of the hawthorn and heather tinctures ranged between 2996.9-5415.8 mg GAE/L and 5514.9-13923.6 mg GAE/L and 26.9-71.9 and 51.0-94.1%, respectively. Effect of both liquid/solid ratio and ethanol concentration affected the bioactivity of the samples. Optimization process revealed that the optimum levels for the highest total phenolic content and antiradical activity were 4.03 mL/g for liquid/solid ratio and 67.07% for ethanol level for the hawthorn tincture and 4.03 mL/g for liquid/solid ratio and 53.77% for ethanol level for the heather tincture. The results of the current work revealed that the processing variables had important effect on the bioactivity of the tinctures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the protection of heathers against shoot dieback caused by Pestalotiopsis sydowiana, the highest percentage effectiveness of 92.6% to 100% was found on plants sprayed 12 times every 7 days with the active substances: iprodione, pyraclostrobin + boscalid and trifloxystrobin and with the biotechnical agents containing: microcrystalline chitosan and extract from grapefruit seed and pulp, with an efficacy of 76.9% to 100%. The active substances like chlorothalonil, fluopyram + trifloxystrobin, iprodione, pyraclostrobin + boscalid, as well as microcrystalline chitosan and extract from grapefruit seed and pulp also stimulated plant growth. Heather plants sprayed with these agents and also those sprayed with cyprodinil + fludioxonil, trifloxystrobin and potassium carbonate + monopotassium phosphate were found to produce the highest number of new shoots. An increase in the fresh weight of the aboveground parts of the heather plants of more than 55.7% compared with the control plants was found after spraying the plants with the active substances such as: fluopyram + trifloxystrobin, iprodione, pyraclostrobin + boscalid, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, trifloxystrobin and with the biotechnological agents containing microcrystalline chitosan extract from grapefruit seed and pulp, and potassium carbonate + monopotassium phosphate. Similarly, the highest average dry weight of the aboveground parts was found after the application of these agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of the study of fifty populations of common heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull) collected throughout its range. A phased comparative analysis (genetic, biochemical, anatomical, morphological, and ecological) was carried out with the estimation of indicators that included two key populations—Zavodouspenskoe (Pritobolye, Western Siberia) and Luga (Baltic, Eastern Europe). It was concluded that heather growing in Western Siberia should be identified as a separate taxonomic group, giving it the status of a subspecies. The gene pool of Pritobolye populations (including Zavodouspenskoe) is represented by the completely dominant (100%) monohaplotype S, which is not found anywhere else. The heather plant growing in Zavodouspenskoe has a longer lifespan. It is distinguished by larger linear leaf dimensions (length 2.06 ± 0.09 mm), thicker cuticle (4.77 ± 0.33 μm), increased number of trichomes (18.98 ± 0.56), and a reduced number of stomata (13.60 ± 0.63) than that growing in Luga. The new subspecies differs in biochemical composition: twice less content of epicatechin (average 1.992 ± 0.005 mg g−1), three times more myricetin (average 2.975 ± 0.005 mg g−1), twice as much chlorogenic acid (average 2.763 ± 0.004 mg g−1). An ecological feature is that C. vulgaris does not grow in the swamps of Western Siberia and has a small population. This species has a high horticultural potential and requires protection as its population in Western Siberia continues to decline rapidly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty liver (FL) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, characterized by insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia, which consequently lead to neurodegenerative disorders through the induction of oxidative stress-inflammatory axis, which alters the neurotransmitters' levels. Calluna vulgaris (CV), also known as heather, has anti-inflammatory and antidepressant properties, making it a promising candidate for treating steatosis and brain lesions. This study aimed to assess the prophylactic and therapeutic effect of CV extract on brain dysfunction associated with steatosis. FL was induced in rats by CCl4 oral administration (50 µL/Kg in olive oil three times/week) for six weeks. The protection group received 200 mg/kg CV extract orally for two weeks before and two weeks during FL induction, while the treatment group was orally administered CV extract after FL induction for one month. The biochemical parameters revealed that CCl4 administration induced hepatotoxicity as blood-liver function parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, protein, and LDH) were increased by 1.8, 1.4, 2, 2.4, and 1.2-fold, respectively. Moreover, insulin resistance was characterized by a two-fold increase in the glucose, insulin, and lipid profile when compared to control one, at p < 0.05. Steatosis liver demonstrated a two-fold increase in all following parameters— acetaldehyde (AC), prooxidant (TBARS), acetylcholine esterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), hyaluronidase, and ATPase—when compared to control one, at p < 0.05. CCl4 administration led to brain lesions where the brain level of TBARS, insulin, cholesterol, AChE, and MAO was progressively increased by 2, 1.6, 2.2, 4, and 1.6-fold, respectively, that was associated with reduced glucose (8-fold) and GSH (2-fold) than that of control level, at p < 0.05. CV extract as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent increased GSH and decreased TBARS of both the liver and brain than that of induced group, at p < 0.05, normalized the activities of AChE and MAO, and increased insulin sensitivity where they successfully decreased the HOMA-IR, glucose, TG, and cholesterol compared to than that of induced group, at p < 0.05. This positive effect of CV extract contributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds such as catechins (5.501 ± 0.056 µg/g extract), gallic (3.525 ± 0.143 µg/g) extract, and protocatechuic acid (2.719 ± 0.132 µg/g extract). Therefore, we concluded that FL induced brain dysfunction through the formation of ROS and elevation of insulin and lipid inside the brain tissue, which alter the amount of neurotransmitter and cellular energy production. Rich in polyphenolic compounds, CV extract functions as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, inhibitor of neurotransmitter catabolizing enzymes, and a regulator for energy production. Therefore, it can be used as a preventative or treatment for NAFLD and brain damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the protection of heathers against shoot dieback caused by Pestalotiopsis sydowiana, the highest percentage effectiveness of 92.6% to 100% was found on plants sprayed 12 times every 7 days with the active substances: iprodione, pyraclostrobin + boscalid and trifloxystrobin and with the biotechnical agents containing: microcrystalline chitosan and extract from grapefruit seed and pulp, with an efficacy of 76.9% to 100%. The active substances like chlorothalonil, fluopyram + trifloxystrobin, iprodione, pyraclostrobin + boscalid, as well as microcrystalline chitosan and extract from grapefruit seed and pulp also stimulated plant growth. Heather plants sprayed with these agents and also those sprayed with cyprodinil + fludioxonil, trifloxystrobin and potassium carbonate + monopotassium phosphate were found to produce the highest number of new shoots. An increase in the fresh weight of the aboveground parts of the heather plants of more than 55.7% compared with the control plants was found after spraying the plants with the active substances such as: fluopyram + trifloxystrobin, iprodione, pyraclostrobin + boscalid, cyprodinil + fludioxonil, trifloxystrobin and with the biotechnological agents containing microcrystalline chitosan extract from grapefruit seed and pulp, and potassium carbonate + monopotassium phosphate. Similarly, the highest average dry weight of the aboveground parts was found after the application of these agents.

Background: Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) control is traditionally achieved with the use of anthelmintic drugs, however due to regulations in organic farming and the rise in anthelmintic resistance, alternatives are sought after. A promising alternative is the use of bioactive plant feeding due to the presence of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) such as proanthocyanidins (PAs). This study focussed on the perennial shrub heather (Ericaceae family), a plant rich in PAs, highly abundant across Europe and with previously demonstrated anthelmintic potential. Methods: In vitro assays were used to investigate heather's anthelmintic efficacy against egg hatching and larval motility. Heather samples were collected from five European countries across two seasons, and extracts were tested against two GIN species: Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Polyphenol group-specific ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify relevant polyphenol subgroups present, including the PA concentration and size and ratio of the subunits. Partial least squares analysis was performed to associate efficacy with variation in PSM composition. Results: Heather extracts reduced egg hatching of both GIN species in a dose-dependent manner by up to 100%, while three extracts at the highest concentration (10 mg/ml) reduced larval motility to levels that were not significantly different from dead larvae controls. PAs, particularly the procyanidin type, and flavonol derivatives were associated with anthelmintic activity, and the particular subgroup of polyphenols associated with the efficacy was dependent on the GIN species and life stage. Conclusions: Our results provide in vitro evidence that heather, a widely available plant often managed as a weed in grazing systems, has anthelmintic properties attributed to various groups of PSMs and could contribute to sustainable GIN control in ruminant production systems across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mirambel woodland on the margins of the Millevaches plateau (Massif Central) is one of the few ancient broad-leaved woodlands in France. Historical sources show that it has occupied the same surface area for the past 250 years, despite being in a region that underwent considerable anthropogenic changes during this period. We explored the Mirambel's Holocene history and ancientness by means of soil charcoal analysis, chosen because of its high accuracy on a local scale. We excavated five pedoanthracological pits in the woodland and its open marginal spaces. The 29 radiocarbon dates ranged from the Atlantic (8700–5500 cal yr BP) – Subboreal transition to the Subboreal (5500–2800 cal yr BP) and Subatlantic (2800–0 cal yr BP, i.e. AD 1950) periods, revealing the existence of fire events corresponding to six contemporaneous cultural periods: Neolithic (ca. 3877–2991 cal yr BC), Neolithic-Chalcolithic transition (ca. 2528–2525 cal yr BC), Protohistory (ca. 147 cal yr BC), Roman period (AD 326–579), Middle Ages (AD 732–1187), and contemporary times (AD 1781 to present day). Three Tilia charcoal fragments dating from ca. 3717–2919 cal yr BC indicated the presence of a diversified Mid-Holocene deciduous woodland featuring Tilia and Acer nowadays-absent taxa in this area. Deciduous Quercus and Fagus sylvatica dominated most of the soil profiles, as they do nowadays in the woodlands. Other taxa (Salix, Corylus avellana, Betula) were identified, as well as in the current vegetation. The occurrence of Cytisus -type (Fabaceae) and Calluna vulgaris suggested that there were forest clearing phases at all the points sampled. Widely varying levels of abundances may reflect differences in the duration of these open phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal genus Sabuloglossum (earth tongues) was originally described as a monotypic genus based on the species Geoglossum (Microglossum) arenarium. It typically occupies sandy coastal habitats and forms mycorrhizas with Empetrum nigrum (Ericaceae). While studying material from central Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany), ascomata morphologically very similar to S. arenarium were observed. They were ecologically limited to mid-altitudinal mountainous habitats and associated with Calluna vulgaris or Vaccinium sp. pl. (Ericaceae). The relationship to S. arenarium and related genera was evaluated using a combination of genetic (nrITS1–5.8S–ITS2 and the 28S nrLSU regions) and comparative morphological analysis. Macro- and micromorphological investigations revealed that mountain populations differ from typical S. arenarium in longer apical cells of paraphyses, more frequently septate ascospores, and the presence of inflated cells in the stipe squamules. In phylogenetic analyses, mountain populations appeared in sister position to S. arenarium in a strongly supported clade. According to these morphological and genetic analyses, in addition to ecological and host-type specificities, the mountain populations from central Europe are proposed here as a distinct species, S. monticola sp. nov. Our study indicates that the speciation of S. monticola may have been driven predominantly by a shift in ecology and mycorrhizal association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many farmers hesitate to adopt new management strategies with actual or perceived risks and uncertainties. Especially in ornamental plant production, farmers often stick to current production strategies to avoid the risk of economically harmful plant losses, even though they may recognize the need to optimize farm management. This work focused on the economically important and little-researched production system of ornamental heather (Calluna vulgaris) to help farmers find appropriate measures to sustainably improve resource use, plant quality, and profitability despite existing risks. Probabilistic cost-benefit analysis was applied to simulate alternative disease monitoring strategies. The outcomes for more intensive visual monitoring, as well as sensor-based monitoring using hyperspectral imaging were simulated. Based on the results of the probabilistic cost-benefit analysis, the expected utility of the alternative strategies was assessed as a function of the farmer's level of risk aversion. The analysis of expected utility indicated that heather production is generally risky. Concerning the alternative strategies, more intensive visual monitoring provides the highest utility for farmers for almost all levels of risk aversion compared to all other strategies. Results of the probabilistic cost-benefit analysis indicated that more intensive visual monitoring increases net benefits in 68% of the simulated cases. The application of sensor-based monitoring leads to negative economic outcomes in 85% of the simulated cases. This research approach is widely applicable to predict the impacts of new management strategies in precision agriculture. The methodology can be used to provide farmers in other data-scarce production systems with concrete recommendations that account for uncertainties and risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several scientific studies have been proving the bioactive effects of many aromatic and medicinal plants associated with the presence of a high number of bioactive compounds, namely phenolic compounds. The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial capacities of these molecules have aroused high interest in some industrial sectors, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. This work aimed to determine the phenolic profiles of the infusions and hydroethanolic extracts of five plants (Carpobrotus edulis, Genista tridentata, Verbascum sinuatum, Cytisus multiflorus, and Calluna vulgaris) that have been employed in many traditional preparations. In addition, the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumoral activity of each different preparation was evaluated using in vitro assays. The HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS profile revealed the presence of eighty phenolic compounds, belonging to seven different families of compounds. Regarding antioxidant properties, the hydroethanolic extract of C. edulis showed a potent effect in the TBARS assay (IC50 = 1.20 µg/mL), while G. tridentata hydroethanolic extract achieved better results in the OxHLIA test (IC50 = 76 µg/mL). For cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory results, V. sinuatum infusions stood out significantly, with GI50 = 59.1–92.1 µg/mL and IC50 = 121.1 µg/mL, respectively. Finally, C. edulis hydroethanolic extract displayed the most relevant antibacterial activity, showing MBC values of 0.25–1 mg/mL, while G. tridentata hydroethanolic extract exerted the greatest antifungal effects (MFC of 0.5–1 mg/mL). The results of this study deepen the knowledge of the phenolic profiles and also provide evidence on the bioactive properties of the species selected, which could be considered highly valuable options for research and application in several sectors, namely food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prescribed burning of vegetation is a land management approach that can be used to prevent or reduce the risk of wildfires yet burns can escape and be an ignition source for wildfires. In Scotland, muirburn is a form of prescribed burning used to encourage new growth of heather for grouse and livestock. Future regulation aims to mitigate potential negative impacts of muirburn on biodiversity, peat carbon stocks and wildfire risk. In this study, we assessed the spatial co-occurrence of muirburn and wildfires across Scotland. Evidence of muirburn was quantified using high-resolution aerial imagery from 2018 and wildfire occurrence was a composite of satellite and aerial detection covering 2015 to 2020. Fires were mapped on to dominant vegetation habitat types (acid grasslands, heather grasslands, heather heathlands, and peatbogs) and peat soil. Overall, 96 % of the total wildfire area occurred outside moorlands managed by muirburn, with wildfires covering 1.1 % of total moorland area. Heather grasslands, peatbogs and habitats on peat soils had a greater proportional area of wildfires than other moorland habitats and habitats on non-peat soils. In contrast, heather heathlands with non-peat soils had a greater proportional area of muirburn. We suggest the limited co-occurrence of muirburn and wildfires, may be due to fuel load reduction following muirburns, but may arise due to wildfire prevention strategies on estates and/or lower occurrence of recreational caused wildfires. In addition to muirburn regulation, our findings emphasise the need for policy, management, awareness and education outside of muirburn areas to reduce the risk of wildfires. • Mapped muirburn (prescribed burning) and wildfire area across Scottish moorlands • Overall, 96 % wildfire area occurs outside of moorland managed by muirburn • Between 2015 and 2020 wildfires covered 1.1 % of the moorland land area • Moorland vegetation and soil types differed in proneness to muirburn and wildfire [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Bovine mastitis has a negative impact on animals, and improper antibiotic use has caused an increase in bacterial resistance. Therefore, medicinal plants could serve as an alternative treatment for this condition. Polyphenols have potential as antibiotic agents. Oak bark has long been used as a medicine and has shown antibacterial effects. Moreover, research on heather plant demonstrated that it has antibacterial properties. This study aimed to assess the antibacterial effects of oak (Quercus robur) bark and heather (Calluna vulgaris L.) herb extracts against common bovine mastitis pathogens. Materials and Methods: Dried oak bark and heather herb were used to prepare extracts using 30%, 50%, and 70% ethanol and acetone as solvents. Their polyphenol content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Bovine mastitisinducing clinical isolates of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus uberis, Serratia liquefaciens, Staphylococcus aureus, and reference cultures of S. aureus and E. coli were used for antibacterial tests. All extracts were screened through a disk diffusion test to ascertain their antibacterial effects, and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined for the most effective extracts. Results: Oak bark extracts had variable antibacterial effects against S. aureus and Streptococcus strains, but no statistically significant difference was observed in activity against E. coli. The disk diffusion test showed that the oak bark extracts obtained using acetone and ethanol at 30% yielded the best results. However, the 70% acetone oak extract alone affected all types of bacteria. Further antibacterial tests of 70% acetone and 30% ethanol oak extracts revealed that the lowest MIC and MBC scores were against S. aureus strains and E. coli reference cultures. Conversely, the heather herb extracts exhibited broader activity against all types of bacteria, although better results were observed against Gram-positive bacteria. There was also a negative correlation between solvent concentration and antibacterial effect (p < 0.05, r = -0.507). The highest inhibition zone scores and broadest spectrum were observed in samples prepared in 30% ethanol. There was no statistically significant correlation between the phenolic content of plants and their antibacterial effects. Conclusion: Oak bark and heather extracts could be used as potential antibacterial agents against bovine mastitis pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calluna vulgaris L. (heather) is a traditional medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and calming activities that are determined by the notable amounts of phytochemicals. The evaluation of different populations of plants that accumulate great amounts of bioactive compounds are requisite for the quality determination of plant materials and medicinal and nutritional products. The assessment of natural resources from a phytogeographic point of view is relevant. Phytochemical analysis of heather samples was carried out using spectrophotometric methods and HPLC-PDA techniques, while antioxidant activity was determined using ABTS and FRAP assays. A significant diversification of phenolic and triterpenic compounds and antioxidant activity was determined in the heather samples collected in distinct habitats. Natural habitats, due to their characteristic chemical heterogeneity, lead to the diversity of indicators characterizing the quality of plant raw materials. Chlorogenic acid and hyperoside were found to be predominant among the phenolic compounds, while ursolic, oleanolic acids, and uvaol prevailed among the triterpenic compounds. Thus, these compounds can be suggested as phytochemical markers, characteristic of the heather raw material from central Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calluna vulgaris, belonging to the Ericaceae family, is an invasive plant that has widely spread from Europe all across Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Being able to survive in rigid soil and environmental conditions, it is nowadays considered to be of high nature-conservation value. Known for its nutritional and medicinal properties, C. vulgaris stands out for its varied physiochemical composition, spotlighting a wide range of biological activity. Among the most important bioactive compounds identified in C. vulgaris, the phenolic components found in different parts of this herbaceous plant are the main source of its diverse pro-health properties (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, chemoprotective, etc.). Nonetheless, this plant exhibits an excellent nectariferous potential for social insects such as honeybees; therefore, comparing the bioactive compounds observed in the plant and in the final product of the beehive, namely honey, will help us understand and find new insights into the health benefits provided by the consumption of C. vulgaris-related products. Thus, the main interest of this work is to review the nutritional profile, chemical composition and biological activities of the C. vulgaris plant and its related honey in order to encourage the future exploration and use of this health-promoting plant in novel foods, pharmacological products and apitherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the phenolic profile and selected biological activities of the leaf and aerial extracts of three Ericaceae species, namely Erica multiflora, Erica scoparia, and Calluna vulgaris, collected from three different places in the north of Morocco. The phenolic composition of all extracts was determined by LC coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. Among the investigated extracts, that of E. scoparia aerial parts was the richest one, with a total amount of polyphenols of 9528.93 mg/kg. Up to 59 phenolic compounds were detected: 52 were positively identified and 49 quantified—11 in C. vulgaris, 14 in E. multiflora, and 24 in E. scoparia. In terms of chemical classes, nine were phenolic acids and 43 were flavonoids, and among them, the majority belonged to the class of flavonols. The antioxidant activity of all extracts was investigated by three different in vitro methods, namely DPPH, reducing power, and Fe2+ chelating assays; E. scoparia aerial part extract was the most active, with an IC50 of 0.142 ± 0.014 mg/mL (DPPH test) and 1.898 ± 0.056 ASE/mL (reducing power assay). Further, all extracts were non-toxic against Artemia salina, thus indicating their potential safety. The findings attained in this work for such Moroccan Ericaceae species, never investigated so far, bring novelty to the field and show them to be valuable sources of phenolic compounds with interesting primary antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents data on some invasive and conservation-significant species in two protected areas of the Strandzha Nature Park - Protected Area "Marina Reka" and Protected Area "Silistar". There were monitored the protected species Pancratium maritimum, Calluna vulgaris, Daphne pontica, Ilex colchica, Rhododendron ponticum, Mespilus germanica, and Taxus baccata, as well as an invasive species - Amorpha fruticosa, whose population borders that of Pancratium maritimum. The projective coverage of species in the sample areas and the total projective coverage of the vegetation have been studied also measures for their protection have been indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revisiting the introduction history of Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) At this second location, the patches ranged from 6 m SP 2 sp to 15 m SP 2 sp , and both I C. pilifer i and I C. introflexus i grew intermingled with intermediate forms that match the morphology of I C. pilifer i var. I brevirameus i (Dix.) Aside from the record provided by Viera Benítez and Reinoso Franco ([38]) for a laurel forest habitat in Las Mercedes, there are two other cited occurrences of I Campylopus introflexus i for the Canary Islands. Molecular relationships and biogeography of two Gondwanan Campylopus species, C. pilifer and C. introflexus (Dicranaceae). [Extracted from the article]

Land-use, climate, and policy changes have impacted the fire regimes of many landscapes across northern Europe. Heathlands in oceanic climates are globally important ecosystems that have experienced an increase in the prevalence of destructive wildfire. Many of these landscapes are also managed using traditional prescribed burning that enhances their structural diversity and agricultural productivity. The changing role of wild and managed fire highlights a necessity to better understand the performance of fire behaviour prediction models for these ecosystems to support sustainable fire risk management. Our research evaluates the outputs of several empirical and quasi-empirical prediction models, as well as their varying software implementations, against observations of fire behaviour. The Rothermel model and its implementations predict rates of spread with similar accuracy to baseline empirical models and provide tolerable estimates of observed fire rate of spread. The generic shrubland empirical model developed by Anderson et al. consistently overpredicts observed rates of spread for prescribed burns in target fuel structures, but its predictions otherwise have a strong correlation with observed spread rate. A range of empirical models and software tools thus appear appropriate to assist managers who wish to evaluate potential fire behaviour and assess risk in heathland landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative reconstructions of past land cover are necessary to determine the processes involved in climate–human–land-cover interactions. We present the first temporally continuous and most spatially extensive pollen-based land-cover reconstruction for Europe over the Holocene (last 11 700 cal yr BP). We describe how vegetation cover has been quantified from pollen records at a 1 ∘ × 1 ∘ spatial scale using the "Regional Estimates of VEgetation Abundance from Large Sites" (REVEALS) model. REVEALS calculates estimates of past regional vegetation cover in proportions or percentages. REVEALS has been applied to 1128 pollen records across Europe and part of the eastern Mediterranean–Black Sea–Caspian corridor (30–75 ∘ N, 25 ∘ W–50 ∘ E) to reconstruct the percentage cover of 31 plant taxa assigned to 12 plant functional types (PFTs) and 3 land-cover types (LCTs). A new synthesis of relative pollen productivities (RPPs) for European plant taxa was performed for this reconstruction. It includes multiple RPP values (≥2 values) for 39 taxa and single values for 15 taxa (total of 54 taxa). To illustrate this, we present distribution maps for five taxa (Calluna vulgaris, Cerealia type (t)., Picea abies, deciduous Quercus t. and evergreen Quercus t.) and three land-cover types (open land, OL; evergreen trees, ETs; and summer-green trees, STs) for eight selected time windows. The reliability of the REVEALS reconstructions and issues related to the interpretation of the results in terms of landscape openness and human-induced vegetation change are discussed. This is followed by a review of the current use of this reconstruction and its future potential utility and development. REVEALS data quality are primarily determined by pollen count data (pollen count and sample, pollen identification, and chronology) and site type and number (lake or bog, large or small, one site vs. multiple sites) used for REVEALS analysis (for each grid cell). A large number of sites with high-quality pollen count data will produce more reliable land-cover estimates with lower standard errors compared to a low number of sites with lower-quality pollen count data. The REVEALS data presented here can be downloaded from 10.1594/PANGAEA.937075 (Fyfe et al., 2022). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous treatment agents offering prophylaxis against livestock parasites are commercially available. However, because of increasing antiparasitic drug resistance, the increased popularity of environmentally friendly lifestyle choices, and organic farming, there is more demand for new alternatives to livestock anthelmintic control strategies and medications. It is important to develop antiparasitics that are safe, effective, inexpensive, and environmentally safe. Local, traditional herbal plants such as tansy, mugwort, wormwood, and heather may serve as treatments for intestinal parasites of sheep. This overview provides knowledge of traditional Latvian plants with antiparasitic activities to establish a database for further research to develop new herbal antiparasitic drugs.

Boreal forests are N-limited ecosystems storing globally significant amounts of carbon (C) belowground as soil organic matter (SOM). The significant role of mycorrhizal fungi, both ericoid (ERM) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) in decomposition and building up SOM has been proposed, but it is still largely unknown how these two types of mycorrhiza interact in terms of SOM changes. Here we try to elucidate the combined effect of these mycorrhizal types on the SOM decomposition and accumulation in a pot study with ECM-pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and ERM-heather (Calluna vulgaris L.). Experimental design included plants growing alone or in a mixture, and a non-planted control. In contrast to the mixture, heather growing alone exerted higher biomass, higher uptake of N from stable SOM pool, slightly higher microbial biomass C and fungal biomass. Moreover, heather soil had the highest dissolved organic carbon and nitrogen. On the contrary, mixed cultures showed lower growth of heather and stable SOM decomposition. Our results suggest that interaction between ERM and ECM plants may lead to stable SOM accumulation in boreal forest soils. • We studied how ECM-pine and ERM-heather interact in pot experiment. • Heather monoculture exerted higher biomass and N uptake than mixed cultures. • Interaction between ERM and ECM plants may lead to SOM accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of the study of fifty populations of common heather (Calluna vulgaris (L.) Hull) collected throughout its range. A phased comparative analysis (genetic, biochemical, anatomical, morphological, and ecological) was carried out with the estimation of indicators that included two key populations—Zavodouspenskoe (Pritobolye, Western Siberia) and Luga (Baltic, Eastern Europe). It was concluded that heather growing in Western Siberia should be identified as a separate taxonomic group, giving it the status of a subspecies. The gene pool of Pritobolye populations (including Zavodouspenskoe) is represented by the completely dominant (100%) monohaplotype S, which is not found anywhere else. The heather plant growing in Zavodouspenskoe has a longer lifespan. It is distinguished by larger linear leaf dimensions (length 2.06 ± 0.09 mm), thicker cuticle (4.77 ± 0.33 μm), increased number of trichomes (18.98 ± 0.56), and a reduced number of stomata (13.60 ± 0.63) than that growing in Luga. The new subspecies differs in biochemical composition: twice less content of epicatechin (average 1.992 ± 0.005 mg g−1), three times more myricetin (average 2.975 ± 0.005 mg g−1), twice as much chlorogenic acid (average 2.763 ± 0.004 mg g−1). An ecological feature is that C. vulgaris does not grow in the swamps of Western Siberia and has a small population. This species has a high horticultural potential and requires protection as its population in Western Siberia continues to decline rapidly.

We test whether vegetation community composition from a 10‐year climate manipulation experiment on a Welsh peat bog resembles vegetation communities during periods of climate change inferred from a peat core. Experimentally warmed and combined warmed and droughted treatments drove significant increases in ericaceous shrubs but Sphagnum was unaffected. Similarly, Calluna vulgaris seeds increase during inferred warmer periods in the palaeoecological record. Experimental short‐term episodic drought (four 4‐week drought treatments) did not affect vegetation. Plant community composition has undergone several abrupt changes throughout the past c. 1500 years, often in response to human disturbance. Only slight changes occurred during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (c. 950–1250 Common Era [CE]) in vegetation and hydrology, while abrupt changes occurred during the Little Ice Age (c. 1300–1850 CE) when water tables were highest, suggesting that these shifts were driven by changes in water table, modulated by climate. A period of water table drawdown c. 1800, synchronous with historical records of increased drainage, corresponds with the development of the present‐day vegetation community. Modern analogues for fossil material, characterized by abundant Rhynchospora alba and Sphagnum pulchrum, are more common after this event. Vegetation changes due to climate inferred from the palaeo record differ from those observed in the experiments, possibly relating to differences in the importance of drivers of vegetation change over varying timescales. Whereas temperature is frequently identified as the dominant driver of plant community change in experiments, sustained changes in water table appear to be more important in the long‐term record. We find evidence that recent climate change and other anthropogenic stressors (e.g. drainage, heavy metal and nitrogen pollution) may promote the development of novel plant communities without analogues in the fossil record. These communities may be poorer at sequestering carbon and may respond differently to future climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]