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The extensive spread of the invasive black cherry, Padus serotina, has been observed on abandoned agricultural land in Central and Eastern Europe. However, the impact of this species on invaded agroecosystems is still unknown, including the possibility of returning these ecosystems to agricultural production. In order to evaluate the selected soil properties of fallows invaded by P. serotina, their texture, field water capacity, reaction, and content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available forms of potassium and phosphorus were determined for 100 study plots. Taking into account the influence of soil conditions on floristic composition, the area covered by individual plant species in the study plots was also included in the analysis. A relationship was found between the presence of all the developmental stages of P. serotina and an increase in the phosphorus content in the soil. With the growth of a black cherry shrub layer, the content of soil nitrogen and potassium increased. An increasing proportion of P. serotina in the herb layer contributed to soil acidification and reduced the water content available for plants in the arable layer at 20–40 cm. The possible impact of P. serotina on soil properties may be an additional premise when considering the possibilities and benefits of the recultivation of fallow land invaded by this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach (Prunus persica) is an economically important crop in the southeastern United States. Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) is a pollen-borne pathogen that affects peaches and other stone fruits worldwide. Wild Prunus spp. in the proximity of peach orchards have the potential to serve as reservoirs of PNRSV. To better understand virus movement at the crop–wild flora interface, we tested peach trees for PNRSV via RT-PCR, sequenced the coat protein genes of PNRSV isolates, and compared them to PNRSV CP sequences from nearby wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) trees. Additionally, we collected bloom time data from P. persica and P. serotina over three seasons to determine if the bloom periods of these species overlap. PNRSV sequence analysis shows the separation between PNRSV isolates from peach, which were highly variable, and wild black cherry, which formed a distinct monophyletic clade with the exception of a single isolate. Bloom time data suggest a temporal separation of flowering periods between the two species, with peach trees going through that phenophase before wild black cherries. Taken together, these results suggest that if movement of PNRSV occurs between peach and wild black cherry at this location, we hypothesize based on our data that it would occur predominantly in one direction: from peach to wild black cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barrier properties are very important in food packaging; the better the properties, the longer the product can stay fresh in the packaging, which prolongs the shelf life of the product. One way of improving barrier properties is to modifying the existing coatings with the addition of metal oxides, nanoparticles, or natural extracts. The aim of the study was to compare the barrier properties between paper coated with starch and paper coated with starch and black cherry extract mix. Prunus serotina extracts were prepared by ultrasonic extraction in 60°C water. The extracts were then filtrated and evaporated to obtain a constant mass. The reference coatings were prepared by dissolving starch in hot water to obtain a solution of 30%. The experimental coatings were prepared by substituting 10% starch for black cherry extract. Coatings were applied on the paper by laboratory coater in two thicknesses: c.a. 7 and 15 g/m2. The papers were characterised by grammage, coating weight, porosity, and roughness. Barrier properties were tested by following methods: Cobb-Unger, KIT, water vapour transmission rate, and heptane vapour transmission rate. Papers coated with formulations including extract had better barrier properties against oils and waxes, better results in KIT, Cobb-Unger, and heptane vapour transmission rate tests. The results of the water vapour transmission rate test as well as porosity and roughness were the same for papers coated with and without extract addition, they were influenced by the thickness of the coating, not the extract addition. The addition of black cherry extract influenced the barrier properties of the coated paper, and the extract improved the properties against oils and waxes.

Ecosystem services (ES) refer to the benefits that people obtain from the ecosystem. In this sense, Prunus serotina is associated with the provision of ES; however, these services have been scarcely studied. The objective of this research was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of individuals in rural areas regarding the importance of ES, as well as the factors that influence them. Surveys were applied in three study areas (Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi) of the central Andes of Ecuador that detailed the sociodemographic and perception characteristics of ES based on the predefined ES of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). In the assessment, the interview data were analyzed to obtain the relationships between the variables using Spearman's correlation in the R-studio software. The results showed that individuals' level of education, age, and gender play an important role in variations in peoples' knowledge of ES. A total of 21 ES were identified; the most representative services, according to their ecosystem category, were support (shelter for birds and insects and soil formation), provisioning (food, insecticide, wood, and firewood), regulation (improvement in the quality of air and climate regulation), and culture (scenic beauty and the maintenance of traditions). This analysis of the social perception of ES works as a strategy for the maintenance of Prunus serotina in the orchards and plots of families in the central Andes of Ecuador. The identification of ES through the social perception of their existence facilitates an understanding of the importance of ES in rural localities, which lays the foundation for strategies to be developed in the future for their conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of extractive substances on the VOC emission of lacquer products in the liquid state. Three water-soluble acrylic resin products were investigated using the stationary phase microextraction technique in combination with gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). The extraction of volatile compounds was analysed at three temperatures: 22 ℃, 35 ℃ and 45 ℃. 20 µg of an extract obtained from the leaves, branches and bark of black cherry (Prunus serotina Erhr.) were added to commercial products. Flavonoids accounted for almost 75% of the total phenols in the used extract. The spectrum of volatile compounds emitted by the liquid coating products selected for the studies was examined before and after adding the extract to them. It was found that the addition of black cherry extract caused a significant reduction in the emissions of volatile compounds emitted by the researched products. The compounds, whose amounts did not decrease under the influence of the addition of the extract, were esters of propenoic acid. The applied extract was a source of emissions from an additional compound: benzaldehyde. The total VOC emissions of the investigated liquid coating products was reduced by 8-55% and depended on the extraction temperature. The paper also proposes the mechanism of chemical reactions between phenolics and VOC, which may cause the reduction in VOC emissions from lacquer products. The IBM RXN tool was utilised to find possible reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Robinia pseudoacacia and N-NO3 in soil had strongest negative impact on ECM fungi. • Robinia had significant negative impact on abundance and ECM taxa richness. • An impact of Robinia on native forests probably exceed stands where Robinia occurs. • Prunus serotina significantly limited abundance, but not ECM richness and diversity. • Quercus rubra promoted higher abundance and ECM taxa richness, but not diversity. Biological invasions are a serious threat to nature conservation and sustainable forest management. Invasive trees can reduce biodiversity, modify nutrient cycles and transform native forests into novel ecosystems determined by invaders. Almost all European trees form ectomycorrhizal (ECM) symbiosis with fungi, which is crucial for tree development. However, the impact of invasive trees on ECM fungi in native forests has scarcely been studied. We aimed to determine how an invasion of the widespread alien trees Robinia pseudoacacia (which hosts arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi), Prunus serotina (which forms AM associations and potentially can ECM symbiosis), and Quercus rubra (ECM-dominated, can form AM associations) influences symbiotic fungi in soil. We collected soil samples along a gradient of increasing density of invasive species in 81 stands in pine-dominated forests in Western Poland, identifying fungi through high-throughput sequencing of the ITS2 rDNA, a barcode region for fungi. Each invasive tree was examined independently. Robinia pseudoacacia had the strongest negative impact, almost eliminating ECM fungi from the soil. Among soil compounds, N-NO3 and N-NH4 significantly influenced diversity and taxa composition of ECM fungal communities. Uninvaded pine stands near R. pseudoacacia had significantly lower richness and abundance of ECM fungi, and several-fold higher N-NO3 concentrations, than uninvaded stands elsewhere. That indicates, that the negative impact of Robinia trees extends beyond stands containing Robinia to influence surrounding forests. Prunus serotina had significant negative impact on ECM taxa abundance, but not on ECM taxa richness and diversity indices, while Quercus rubra enhanced the abundance and richness of ECM fungi, but had no significant influence on the diversity indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive spread of the invasive black cherry, Padus serotina, has been observed on abandoned agricultural land in Central and Eastern Europe. However, the impact of this species on invaded agroecosystems is still unknown, including the possibility of returning these ecosystems to agricultural production. In order to evaluate the selected soil properties of fallows invaded by P. serotina, their texture, field water capacity, reaction, and content of organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available forms of potassium and phosphorus were determined for 100 study plots. Taking into account the influence of soil conditions on floristic composition, the area covered by individual plant species in the study plots was also included in the analysis. A relationship was found between the presence of all the developmental stages of P. serotina and an increase in the phosphorus content in the soil. With the growth of a black cherry shrub layer, the content of soil nitrogen and potassium increased. An increasing proportion of P. serotina in the herb layer contributed to soil acidification and reduced the water content available for plants in the arable layer at 20–40 cm. The possible impact of P. serotina on soil properties may be an additional premise when considering the possibilities and benefits of the recultivation of fallow land invaded by this species.

In the last decade, the American cherry fruit Rhagoletis cingulata has become an important pest of cherry crops in many temperate regions of Europe. Native to North America, this fruit fly species was introduced in Europe in the 1980s. It was first described in Switzerland in 1983, and since then populations have been detected in the Netherlands, Hungary, and Germany. The risk this widespread invasive fly poses to native cherry crops is considerable. Here we show, using molecular markers, that R. cingulata is present in Lithuania, and that this region is the most northerly eastern region where populations of this invasive fly are found to date. Moreover, it is also shown that the native cherry fruit fly R. cerasi and the invasive fly share at least one parasitoid species in the region, which could contribute to population suppression of the invasive pest. This work shows that this invasive fruit fly is expanding farther east, and systematic monitoring in the western part of the East European Plain should be performed to prevent damage by this pest species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abandoned agricultural land present in most European countries constitutes a resource of land that can be restored to agricultural production. Fallow colonization by invasive plant species contributes to changes in the course of natural secondary succession. This may modify the possibilities of returning fallow lands to agriculture, which constitutes an issue that needs to be investigated. In this study, the phytotoxic effect of invasive black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) on two crop plants commonly used for fallow land utilization, white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), was assessed. The influence of water extracts from P. serotina litter and the soil collected under the individuals of this species was investigated. Sinapis alba was found to be more sensitive to allelochemicals released by P. serotina than F. esculentum. Litter extracts and soil with residues of P. serotina significantly inhibited both germination and growth of S. alba seedlings, estimated with length and mass of the above-ground and underground parts. In the case of F. esculentum, a negative effect of the tested extracts and soil on root mass reduction was observed. Preliminary results of our laboratory tests suggest that cultivation of white mustard should be avoided in the reclamation of fallows with black cherry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-native invasive insect pests (NNIIPs) can cause widespread damage to fruits in agricultural systems. Abundance of NNIIPs and damage to crops are exacerbated with greater proximity to forests, in part due to the presence of wild, non-crop plant hosts. Spotted wing Drosophila (Drosophila suzukii , SWD) is a NNIIP to the eastern United States, that parasitizes the fruits of wild, non-crop plants in forests. Little is known about SWD activity in forests or how local v. cross-habitat factors associated with fruit resources may influence SWD abundance or parasitism of forest fruits. Our objective was to determine how forest composition and local fruit resources influence: 1) the relative abundance of SWD in two habitats: early successional forest (i.e., regenerating timber harvests) and mature closed canopy forest, and 2) the parasitism of fruits in regenerating harvests. We investigated forest composition with respect to dominance by black cherry (Prunus serotina), a highly valuable resource for the local timber industry, wildlife, and SWD. We trapped SWD at regenerating timber harvests and in surrounding mature forest at Allegheny National Forest, PA, from July to October in 2019 and 2020. We assessed fruit resources at each habitat using transect surveys and surveyed for P. serotina using 50-m radius plots at SWD trap locations. We collected fruit samples at regenerating harvest traps to determine the extent of fruit parasitism. We modeled relative abundance of SWD in each habitat and emerged from fruit samples as functions of fruit counts, P. serotina basal area, and proximity to high density P. serotina forest stands using negative binomial regression in a stepwise model approach. Relative abundance of SWD in timber harvests and surrounding forest canopy was positively related to host resources at the local (i.e., point) level but not the adjacent habitat. Number of SWD per g of Allegheny blackberry (Rubus allegheniensis) fruits were negatively related with both local host resources and host basal area in adjacent forest. The results of this study provide the first evidence for the importance of local resources, rather than adjacent habitat or surrounding forest, for predicting SWD trap captures. Our results also highlight the importance of local fruit resources and host density in adjacent habitat for SWD fruit parasitism in invaded forest ecosystems. These relationships can be used to predict the timing and abundance of SWD in both natural and semi-natural systems where wild fruiting plants are abundant, providing valuable information for monitoring and management planning. • Abundance of spotted wing Drosophila was affected by host resources. • Abundance of spotted wing Drosophila was greater in forests than harvests. • Spotted wing Drosophila infestation of Allegheny blackberry was lower when fruit and forest resources were greater. • Spotted wing Drosophila abundance peaked in mid-August. • Producer with crops affected by spotted wing Drosophila can use monitoring to time prevention and management for their crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecosystem services (ES) refer to the benefits that people obtain from the ecosystem. In this sense, Prunus serotina is associated with the provision of ES; however, these services have been scarcely studied. The objective of this research was to determine the knowledge and perceptions of individuals in rural areas regarding the importance of ES, as well as the factors that influence them. Surveys were applied in three study areas (Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Cotopaxi) of the central Andes of Ecuador that detailed the sociodemographic and perception characteristics of ES based on the predefined ES of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MEA). In the assessment, the interview data were analyzed to obtain the relationships between the variables using Spearman’s correlation in the R-studio software. The results showed that individuals’ level of education, age, and gender play an important role in variations in peoples’ knowledge of ES. A total of 21 ES were identified; the most representative services, according to their ecosystem category, were support (shelter for birds and insects and soil formation), provisioning (food, insecticide, wood, and firewood), regulation (improvement in the quality of air and climate regulation), and culture (scenic beauty and the maintenance of traditions). This analysis of the social perception of ES works as a strategy for the maintenance of Prunus serotina in the orchards and plots of families in the central Andes of Ecuador. The identification of ES through the social perception of their existence facilitates an understanding of the importance of ES in rural localities, which lays the foundation for strategies to be developed in the future for their conservation.

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are polyphagous pests that disperse from woodland habitats into crops following food availability. Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.; Rosaceae) is common in the southeast US. In this 3-yr study, our principal objective was to determine if black cherry acts as a reproductive host as well as a source of food for stink bugs in woodland habitats adjacent to crops in Georgia, USA. Each yr, black cherry trees were examined visually for stink bug species and stages in addition to using pheromone-baited canopy and ground traps to capture them. In 2016, we compared the number of stink bugs captured in canopy traps versus ground-based traps. Chinavia hilaris Say, Euschistus servus (Say), Euschistus tristigmus (Say), and Nezara viridula (L.) (all Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) were detected in traps each yr of the study. Total number of stink bugs was significantly higher in ground traps (1.53 ± 0.07) compared to canopy traps (0.71 ± 0.07) in the 2016 test. Only C. hilaris (99.2%) and N. viridula (0.8%) were found on trees during visual sampling. Over both types of sampling methods, egg masses, most instars, and both sexes of adults of C. hilaris were detected in black cherry. The nymph to adult ratio for this species was 1:1 in traps and nymph biased in visual samples. Anastatus reduvii (Howard) (Hymenoptera: Eupelmidae) (44%), Trissolcus edessae Fouts (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae) (35%), and Ooencyrtus sp. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) (21%) emerged from C. hilaris egg masses. The nymph to adult ratio for N. viridula was adult biased. Both nymphs and adults of E. servus and E. tristigmus were captured in traps; however, the majority of individuals were adults. We conclude that black cherry is a significant reproductive host and a food source for C. hilaris. However, our results indicate that it serves as a food source more so than a reproductive host for the other 3 stink bug species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Message: The best yields in the extraction of hydroxycinnamic acids, flavanols and total phenolics from black cherry flowers were obtained with 40% ethanol and the poorest with water. A 30% higher content of total phenolics was obtained from leaves by using methanol rather than water. Context: Black cherry (Prunus serotina Erhr.) is widespread in Europe. Because it is an invasive species, most research has been aimed at trying to find a method to remove this shrub from forests. The incentive for the development of the research was that we were trying to find a possible folk use of black cherry leaves and flowers. Aims: The aim of this work was to study the detailed phenolic profile of extracts of P. serotina leaves and flowers. Methods: Three types of extracts of P. serotina were made. The extracts were analysed for differences in phenolics content based on different extraction methods. HPLC-MSn was used to identify the phenolic compounds, and HPLC–DAD was used for their quantification. Results: The results show that different extraction methods result in differences in the amount of extractables. Flavanols are the main group of identified compounds in both leaves and flowers. A larger extraction efficiency leads to a higher amount of phenolics in the flowers compared to leaves (49.8 vs. 36.5 g/kg dry weight). No difference was detected in the amount of phenolics between water extracts of leaves and flowers. Each extract can be considered rich in phenolics. Conclusion: This work shows that leaves and flowers of P. serotina are a rich source of phenolic compounds. We provide interesting results that might be of interest in the industrial valuation of several compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated fungal communities colonising black cherry stumps. We tested the hypothesis that black cherry stumps of greater diameter should be characterised by more diverse fungal communities than stumps of smaller diameter. The material for analyses came from Podanin Forest District. DNA was extracted using a Plant Genomic DNA purification kit. The results were subjected to bioinformatic analysis and statistical analysis. The OTU sequences were compared using the BLAST algorithm with reference sequences from the UNITE database. In total, 8192 raw sequences were obtained from samples of black cherry stumps applying the Illumina sequencing technique. The results of the statistical analysis indicate a trend towards increased diversity in bigger black cherry stumps. The dominant share of fungi associated with wood decomposition indicates the progressing process of decomposition in stumps. Identification of the role and functions of the individual components of fungal communities colonising stumps may provide insight into the overall ecology of these organisms and provide a basis for improved plant protection, with a view to limiting the occurrence of black cherries in the future in undesirable locations outside their natural range.

Abstract Isolation by Distance (IBD) is a genetic pattern in which populations geographically closer to one another are more genetically similar to each other than populations which are farther apart. Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) (Rosaceae) is a forest tree species widespread in eastern North America, and found sporadically in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. IBD has been studied in relatively few North American plant taxa, and no study has rigorously sampled across the range of such a widespread species. In this study, IBD and overall genetic structure were assessed in eastern black cherry (P. serotina Ehrh. var. serotina), the widespread variety of eastern North America. Eastern North America. Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. serotina (Rosaceae). Dense sampling across the entire range of eastern black cherry was made possible by genotyping 15 microsatellite loci in 439 herbarium samples from all portions of the range. Mantel tests and STRUCTURE analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesis of IBD and genetic structure. Mantel tests demonstrated significant but weak IBD, while STRUCTURE analyses revealed no clear geographic pattern of genetic groups. The modest geographic/genetic structure across the eastern black cherry range suggests widespread gene flow in this taxon. This is consistent with P. serotina's status as a disturbance‐associated species. Further studies should similarly evaluate IBD in species characteristic of low‐disturbance forests.

Abandoned agricultural land present in most European countries constitutes a resource of land that can be restored to agricultural production. Fallow colonization by invasive plant species contributes to changes in the course of natural secondary succession. This may modify the possibilities of returning fallow lands to agriculture, which constitutes an issue that needs to be investigated. In this study, the phytotoxic effect of invasive black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) on two crop plants commonly used for fallow land utilization, white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), was assessed. The influence of water extracts from P. serotina litter and the soil collected under the individuals of this species was investigated. Sinapis alba was found to be more sensitive to allelochemicals released by P. serotina than F. esculentum. Litter extracts and soil with residues of P. serotina significantly inhibited both germination and growth of S. alba seedlings, estimated with length and mass of the above-ground and underground parts. In the case of F. esculentum, a negative effect of the tested extracts and soil on root mass reduction was observed. Preliminary results of our laboratory tests suggest that cultivation of white mustard should be avoided in the reclamation of fallows with black cherry.

Objetivo: Determinar el contenido de compuestos bioactivos y la capacidad antioxidante de los frutos tumbo (Passiflora mollissima) y cerezo (Prunus serotina). Materiales y métodos: Estudio analítico, experimental, longitudinal y prospectivo. Los frutos cerezo y tumbo se recolectaron en las regiones de Cusco, Moquegua y Arequipa. La técnica de Folin-Ciocalteu fue empleada para determinar el contenido de fenoles, y el cloruro de aluminio se utilizó para calcular los flavonoides. La actividad antioxidante se evaluó mediante las técnicas Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), 2,2-difenil-picril-hidrazil (DPPH) y sustancias reactivas al ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Para estudiar el efecto hepatoprotector de las frutas, utilizamos ratas albinas que se clasificaron en un grupo control negativo, un grupo control positivo y cuatro grupos experimentales. Resultados: La mayor concentración de fenoles totales y flavonoides se encontró en el tumbo de la región Cusco (Quechua) (fenoles totales: 584,94 ± 134,62 mg EAG / 100 g y flavonoides :445,62 ± 7,94 mg EQ / 100 g). Para el radical DPPH, el valor IC50 del tumbo de la región Arequipa (Yunga) fue 0,41 ± 0,01 mg / mL. El tumbo de la región Cusco (Quechua) mostró el valor FRAP más alto (8,38 ± 0,32 mmol Fe2 + / 100 g). El cerezo de la región de Arequipa (Yunga) presentó la mayor concentración de fenoles totales (181,81 ± 34,1 mg EAG / 100 g) y flavonoides (205,18 ± 77,8 mg EQ / 100 g). El cerezo de Arequipa (Yunga) mostró una actividad antioxidante significativa al DPPH (2,1 ± 0,01 mg / mL), mientras que la capacidad antioxidante del cerezo de la región Cusco (Quechua), evaluada con la técnica FRAP, alcanzó un valor de 1,59 ± 0,2 mmol Fe2+/100 g. Las diferencias observadas fueron estadísticamente significativas. El tumbo mostró un mejor efecto hepatoprotector que el cerezo. Conclusiones: El tumbo de la región Cusco (Quechua) es una fuente importante de compuestos antioxidantes y muestra una elevada capacidad antioxidante (FRAP), mientras que el cerezo de la región Arequipa (Yunga) tiene un alto contenido de compuestos antioxidantes y una mayor capacidad antioxidante (DPPH).

Abstract Post‐dispersal seed predation is an important determinant of plant recruitment. Although many plant species are dispersed following consumption by omnivorous vertebrates, the potential for these dispersal agents to indirectly affect seed fate by modifying seed predator behavior is poorly understood. We evaluated the hypothesis that the scat of an omnivorous vertebrate (coyote, Canis latrans), which is also a rodent predator, would reduce seed predation by rodent granivores. We also hypothesized that scat would lead to increased removal by arthropod seed predators by providing a resource that attracts ants and other arthropods. We examined the role of omnivore deposition on seed predation of two animal‐dispersed species that differed in size: Larger Prunus serotina seeds are attacked only by rodents, whereas smaller Rubus allegheniensis seeds are attacked by arthropods and rodents. Using an experiment that manipulated the presence of coyote scat and access by different granivore guilds, we found that scat reduced the total number of seeds removed from full‐access depots by 12%, but it increased the total number of seeds removed from arthropod‐only depots by 43%. Rodent removal of P. serotina seeds was 21% lower in the presence of scat. Scat composition was also important in affecting rodent seed predation, with seed predation 50% lower in the presence of meat‐rich scat compared with mixed or fruit‐rich scat. Arthropod removal of R. allegheniensis seeds was 43% higher in the presence of scat. Prunus serotina seeds were generally removed at greater rates than R. allegheniensis seeds in full‐access trays; however, scat reduced this difference in removal rates from 37% more P. serotina seeds removed to 18% more P. serotina seeds removed. These findings illuminate a new pathway through which omnivores may influence plant populations by modifying post‐dispersal seed predation by arthropods and rodents. Moreover, our results indicate that the ultimate effect of vertebrate omnivores on seed survival in a given region may depend upon omnivore diet, dominant seed predator guilds, and differences in granivore seed preference.

Post‐dispersal seed predation is an important determinant of plant recruitment. Although many plant species are dispersed following consumption by omnivorous vertebrates, the potential for these dispersal agents to indirectly affect seed fate by modifying seed predator behavior is poorly understood. We evaluated the hypothesis that the scat of an omnivorous vertebrate (coyote, Canis latrans), which is also a rodent predator, would reduce seed predation by rodent granivores. We also hypothesized that scat would lead to increased removal by arthropod seed predators by providing a resource that attracts ants and other arthropods. We examined the role of omnivore deposition on seed predation of two animal‐dispersed species that differed in size: Larger Prunus serotina seeds are attacked only by rodents, whereas smaller Rubus allegheniensis seeds are attacked by arthropods and rodents. Using an experiment that manipulated the presence of coyote scat and access by different granivore guilds, we found that scat reduced the total number of seeds removed from full‐access depots by 12%, but it increased the total number of seeds removed from arthropod‐only depots by 43%. Rodent removal of P. serotina seeds was 21% lower in the presence of scat. Scat composition was also important in affecting rodent seed predation, with seed predation 50% lower in the presence of meat‐rich scat compared with mixed or fruit‐rich scat. Arthropod removal of R. allegheniensis seeds was 43% higher in the presence of scat. Prunus serotina seeds were generally removed at greater rates than R. allegheniensis seeds in full‐access trays; however, scat reduced this difference in removal rates from 37% more P. serotina seeds removed to 18% more P. serotina seeds removed. These findings illuminate a new pathway through which omnivores may influence plant populations by modifying post‐dispersal seed predation by arthropods and rodents. Moreover, our results indicate that the ultimate effect of vertebrate omnivores on seed survival in a given region may depend upon omnivore diet, dominant seed predator guilds, and differences in granivore seed preference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Capuli (Prunus serotina subsp. capuli) is a tree species that is widely distributed in the northern Andes. In Prunus, fruit set and productivity appears to be limited by gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) which is controlled by the S-Locus. For the first time, this research reveals the molecular structure of the capuli S-RNase (a proxy for S-Locus diversity) and documents how S-Locus diversity influences GSI in the species. To this end, the capuli S-RNase gene was amplified and sequenced in order to design a CAPS (Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence) marker system that could unequivocally detect S-alleles by targeting the highly polymorphic C2–C3 S-RNase intra-genic region. The devised system proved highly effective. When used to assess S-Locus diversity in 15 P. serotina accessions, it could identify 18 S-alleles; 7 more than when using standard methodologies for the identification of S-alleles in Prunus species. CAPS marker information was subsequently used to formulate experimental crosses between compatible and incompatible individuals (as defined by their S-allelic identity). Crosses between heterozygote individuals with contrasting S-alleles resulted in normal pollen tube formation and growth. In crosses between individuals with exactly similar S-allele identities, pollen tubes often showed morphological alterations and arrested development, but for some (suspected) incompatible crosses, pollen tubes could reach the ovary. The latter indicates the possibility of a genotype-specific breakdown of GSI in the species. Overall, this supports the notion that S-Locus diversity influences the reproductive patterns of Andean capuli and that it should be considered in the design of orchards and the production of basic propagation materials.

Capuli (Prunus serotina subsp. capuli) is a tree species that is widely distributed in the northern Andes. In Prunus, fruit set and productivity appears to be limited by gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) which is controlled by the S-Locus. For the first time, this research reveals the molecular structure of the capuli S-RNase (a proxy for S-Locus diversity) and documents how S-Locus diversity influences GSI in the species. To this end, the capuli S-RNase gene was amplified and sequenced in order to design a CAPS (Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence) marker system that could unequivocally detect S-alleles by targeting the highly polymorphic C2-C3 S-RNase intra-genic region. The devised system proved highly effective. When used to assess S-Locus diversity in 15 P. serotina accessions, it could identify 18 S-alleles; 7 more than when using standard methodologies for the identification of S-alleles in Prunus species. CAPS marker information was subsequently used to formulate experimental crosses between compatible and incompatible individuals (as defined by their S-allelic identity). Crosses between heterozygote individuals with contrasting S-alleles resulted in normal pollen tube formation and growth. In crosses between individuals with exactly similar S-allele identities, pollen tubes often showed morphological alterations and arrested development, but for some (suspected) incompatible crosses, pollen tubes could reach the ovary. The latter indicates the possibility of a genotype-specific breakdown of GSI in the species. Overall, this supports the notion that S-Locus diversity influences the reproductive patterns of Andean capuli and that it should be considered in the design of orchards and the production of basic propagation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus serotina is one of the worst invasive alien plants throughout Europe, able to rapidly replace autochthonous vegetation and form monospecific stands both in open lands and forested areas. Invasion by shrubs and trees due to abandonment of traditional management practices, is one of the major threats to the conservation of "European dry heaths", a priority habitat included in the Council Directive 92/43/EEC. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of P. serotina invasion on heathland vegetation in terms of species composition and cover, with special regards to the dominant Calluna vulgaris and Molinia arundinacea, in an area of North-Western Italy subjected to massive invasion by this alien species. We collected data on the plant cover along an invasion gradient in 10 linear transects running from P. serotina invaded stands towards non invaded ones. P. serotina differently affected the heathland vegetation. In particular, the cover of C. vulgaris and other typical heathland species such as Cytisus scoparius sharply decreased at P. serotina cover increasing. On the contrary, positive or no effect of P. serotina cover was found on M. arundinacea. Our results showed that shaded conditions created by the alien tree disfavored light demanding C. vulgaris and C. scoparius, enabling fast grower M. arundinacea to outcompete and replace them. This study emphasizes the urgency to develop management strategies to effectively control P. serotina spread in the area and to restore typical heathland species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative plant-soil feedback (PSF), where plant performance is reduced in soils conditioned by conspecifics, is widely documented in plant communities. However, the strength and sometimes direction of PSF can vary widely, presumably not only due to the plant species within the community but also to environmental context. We hypothesized that soil fertility and light availability influence the direction and strength of plant-soil feedback experienced by tree seedlings. We conducted a 10-week greenhouse experiment and assessed survivorship of Northern red oak (Quercus rubra) and black cherry (Prunus serotina) in low (~1% full sun) vs. high (~18% full sun) light availability and in non-sterile vs. sterile soils collected under the canopy of conspecific vs. heterospecific adult trees at five sites that vary in nutrient availability in Manistee National Forest, Michigan, USA. Q. rubra seedlings experienced neutral plant-soil feedback regardless of light level or site as only one seedling died during the course of the experiment. Prunus serotina seedlings experienced microbe-mediated negative PSF in low fertility sites but positive feedback at high fertility sites, but these feedbacks occurred only under high light availability. Consistent with these results, microbe-mediated negative PSF increased with soil Fe3+ and C:N ratios and decreased with NH4+. Our results demonstrate the important role of environmental context, specifically light and soil nutrient availability, on the magnitude and direction of conspecific plant soil feedback, particularly in P. serotina. Since Q. rubra experienced neutral microbial PSF, P. serotina has a relative disadvantage to Q. rubra under lower site fertility, but a relative advantage under higher site fertility. These results are consistent with these species relative abundances in the field and thus PSF could be an important driver of plant community dynamics.

Isolation by Distance (IBD) is a genetic pattern in which populations geographically closer to one another are more genetically similar to each other than populations which are farther apart. Black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) (Rosaceae) is a forest tree species widespread in eastern North America, and found sporadically in the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. IBD has been studied in relatively few North American plant taxa, and no study has rigorously sampled across the range of such a widespread species. In this study, IBD and overall genetic structure were assessed in eastern black cherry (P. serotina Ehrh. var. serotina), the widespread variety of eastern North America. Eastern North America. Prunus serotina Ehrh. var. serotina (Rosaceae). Dense sampling across the entire range of eastern black cherry was made possible by genotyping 15 microsatellite loci in 439 herbarium samples from all portions of the range. Mantel tests and STRUCTURE analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesis of IBD and genetic structure. Mantel tests demonstrated significant but weak IBD, while STRUCTURE analyses revealed no clear geographic pattern of genetic groups. The modest geographic/genetic structure across the eastern black cherry range suggests widespread gene flow in this taxon. This is consistent with P. serotina's status as a disturbance‐associated species. Further studies should similarly evaluate IBD in species characteristic of low‐disturbance forests. Isolation by distance (IBD) has been rigorously studied in relatively few widespread North American plant taxa. Our research on gene flow in eastern black cherry trees revealed very weak but significant IBD in this wide‐ranging taxon—a result consistent with black cherry's life history strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Es werden vier auf der Spätblühenden Traubenkirsche (Prunus serotina) vorkommende Pilzarten beschrieben, einschließlich ihrer Krankheitsbilder und ihrer taxono­mischen sowie infektionsbiologischen Besonderheiten. Asteroma padi gilt als Krankheitserreger und Verursacher hell brauner Flecke. Der Pilz besitzt eine endophytische Entwicklungsphase, die durch Fraßtätigkeit von Insektenlarven in eine pathogene Phase übergehen kann. Paecilo­myces crassipes sp. nov. wird erstmals als neue Art beschrieben und abgebildet. Phoma pomorum besitzt ein ähnliches Krankheitsbild wie Asteroma padi, unterscheidet sich jedoch von dieser durch kleinere Sporen. Taphrina farlowii, die als „verschollene Art“ bekannt geworden ist, verursacht an jungen Blättern blasenartige, farblich auffällige Deformationen. – Es wird die Frage gestellt, ob einer der genannten Pilze als „Mykoherbizid“ zur Eindämmung von Prunus serotina eingesetzt werden kann.

Four fungus species occurring on Wild Black Cherry (Prunus serotina) are described, including their symptoms and taxonomic and infection biology characteris characteristics. Asteroma padi is considered to be the causative agent of light-brown leaf spots. The fungus has an endophytic stage of development, which can change into a pathogenic phase caused be feeding of insect larvae. Paecilomyces crassipes sp. nov. is described here for the first time as a new species. Phoma pomorum is causing symptoms similar to Asteroma padi, but differentiated by smaller spores.Taphrina farlowii, known as "lost species", causes bubble-like, conspicuously coloured deformations on young leaves. - This article raises the question whether one of the mentioned fungi can be applied as "mycoherbicide" against the spreading of Prunus serotina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important sources of invasiveness is species’ functional traits and their variability. However, there are still few studies on invasive tree species traits conducted along resource gradients that allow for a comparison of acquisitive and conservative strategies. We aimed to assess the differences in trait variation among native, alien conservative and alien acquisitive tree species along resource availability gradients (soil fertility and light availability) and to assess the traits variability of the species studied along resources availability gradients. Our study compared invasive tree species in Europe (Prunus serotina Ehrh., Quercus rubra L. and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) with their native competitors (Acer pseudoplatanus L., A. platanoides L., Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl. and Fagus sylvatica L.). The study was conducted on 1329 seedlings and saplings collected in a system of 372 study plots in W Poland. For each individual we assessed leaf, stem and root mass ratios, total biomass, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area and projected leaf area. Two invasive species (P. serotina and R. pseudoacacia) represented a more acquisitive strategy than native species – along litter pH and light availability gradients these species had higher leaf mass fraction, specific leaf area and leaf area ratio. In contrast, Q. rubra had the highest total biomass and root mass fraction. Alien species usually had higher coefficients of variation of studied traits. This suggests that relatively high projected leaf area, as a way of filling space and outcompeting native species, may be reached in two ways – biomass allocation to leaves and control of leaf morphology or by overall growth rate. High variability of invasive species traits also suggests randomness in seedling survival, which similarly to the neutral theory of invasion, highlights the necessity of including randomness in modelling biological invasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research work was carried out with the aim of contributing to the study of the pharmacognostic characteristics and the quantification of total anthocyanins of the fruit Prunus serotina subsp. capuli (Cav.) McVaugh (Rosaceae) "capuli". The fruits were collected at Campana Village, north of Cajabamba, Cajamarca Region, and were identified in the Herbarium Truxillense (HUT) of the National University of Trujillo with register No. 58336. The pharmacognostic characteristics were got according to the method of Miranda M. & Cuellar A., obtaining organoleptic characteristics such as sui generis odor, reddish black epicarp color, green mesocarp color, sweetsour flavor and smooth texture; the macromorphological characteristics, weight 1.6937 ± 0.2910 g, length 0.904 ± 0.075 cm and width 1.067 ± 0.121 cm in dimensions, fresh condition, ovoid shape and smooth surface, comply with quality parameters; physicochemical characteristics such as relative humidity 21.7153 ± 0.3585 %, residual humidity 6.4527 ± 0.2323 %, total humidity 28.1680 %, total ashes 1.3914 ± 0.006 %, water soluble ashes 0.6977 ± 0.1443 %, ashes insoluble in hydrochloric acid 0.3927 ± 0.2337 %, substances soluble in ethanol of 96° G.L. 17.4454 ± 0.2640 %, substances soluble in ethanol of 70° G.L. 16.8035 ± 0.7730, substances soluble in ethanol of 50° G.L. 16.0179 ± 0.3120, and water soluble substances 5.7206 ± 0.6862, were within the permissible range according to the pharmacopoeias; in the determination of heavy metals, we obtained concentrations of arsenic 0.1657 ± 0.015 ppm, mercury 0.0438 ± 0.005 ppm, lead 0.0032 ± 0.001 ppm and copper 0.0355 ± 0.002 ppm; in the phytochemical screening, we identified the presence of reducing sugars, phenols, amino acids and flavonoids as anthocyanidins. Likewise, the content of anthocyanins in the fruit was quantified obtaining a concentration of 10.7117 mg of cyanidin 3-glucoside/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed drivers of ecological success along resource availability gradients for three invasive woody species: Prunus serotina Ehrh., Quercus rubra L. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. We aimed to check how much of invasion success, measured by invader biomass, is explained by propagule pressure and plant community invasibility. Using 3 years of observations from 372 study plots (100 m2 each) in temperate forests of Wielkopolski National Park (Poland) we investigated the hierarchy of predictors and partial dependencies using the random forest method. Our study indicated that propagule pressure explained more variance in success of invaders than invasibility—describing availability of resources and competitors in understory vegetation. We also found different responses of seedlings and saplings, connected with dependence on stored carbohydrates, which decreased seedling responses to resource availability gradients. However, resource availability (light and leaf litter predictors) had greater influence than predictors describing understory vegetation. Based on importance and response strength the species studied may be arranged by decreasing requirements for soil fertility and acidity: P. serotina < Q. rubra < R. pseudoacacia, whereas for light requirements and competition vulnerability the order is: P. serotina > Q. rubra > R. pseudoacacia. However, low light requirements of R. pseudoacacia may be biased by high proportion of sprouts supplied by parental trees. Results provide guidelines for effective management of invasive woody species in forest ecosystems and describe complex interactions between factors studied on ecological success of invaders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prunus serotina, with high wildlife value, is a tree with edible fruits that is native to North America. In this study, the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Prunus serotina (Amygdaleae) was determined through Illumina sequencing method. The complete chloroplast genome of P. serotina was 158,788 bp in length and contained a pair of IR regions (26,294 bp) separated by a small single copy region (18,911 bp) and a large single copy region (82,048 bp). The cp genome of P. serotina encoded 130 genes including 84 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight ribosomal RNA genes. The overall GC content of P. serotina cp genome is 36.6%. By phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian method, P. serotina showed the closest relationship with Sohing (Prunus nepalensis). This complete chloroplast genomes can be subsequently used for population genomic studies of P. serotina and provide valuable insight into its in situ and ex situ conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Woody plants growing along streets and construction sites play an important role in removing harmful particulate matter (PM). Researchers rarely consider the impact of different types and size fractions of PM deposited on the leaves on insect folivores. We determined differences in the accumulation of cement and roadside PM on the leaves of two Prunus species (P. padus and P. serotina) with different leaf surface structures. We also determined the effect of PM on the beetle Gonioctena quinquepunctata, the main pest of these plants. Saplings were artificially dusted in greenhouses and leaves were utilised for larval and adult insect stages feeding in laboratory conditions. Road PM accumulated in greater amounts than did cement PM, regardless of plant species. For both PM sources, P. padus accumulated twofold more than did P. serotina. Insect survival was negatively affected by PM pollution; however, neither Prunus species nor PM source variant significantly affected masses of larvae and pupae, duration of larval and pupal development or relative growth rates. The experiment showed strong negative influences of PM were noted only for adult insects, due to the grazing period being longer than that in larvae. The mass of adult insects and the efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI) were lower for insects exposed to PM than those for control insects. Insects compensated for lower ECI by eating a greater total amount of food (TFE). Adult insects gained significantly higher mass when fed with P. serotina than with P. padus. The effect of PM on analysed plant metabolites was insignificant. Only Prunus sp. and date of collection affected the level of condensed tannins and total phenols. Our results indicate that, when investigating the effect of the host plant on folivore performance, the accumulation of PM, as well as its type and quantity, should be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) is an invasive insect pest native to Southeastern Asia that is now reported to have established populations in North America. We used traps baited with red wine vinegar to detect and monitor D. suzukii in four black cherry ( Prunus serotina Ehrh.) and maple ( Acer spp.) stands in the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania. Stands ranged in age from 70 to 110 years old, with average basal area from 40 to 45 m2/ha. All stands are characterized as the intermediate Allegheny hardwood forest type with black cherry being the dominant species making up > 70% of the total stand basal area at each site (Eyre, 1980). Traps were placed in the crowns of mature black cherry from May to October 2012. In total, 11,000 D. suzukii were collected. The appearance of D. suzukii on the High Allegheny Plateau in northwestern Pennsylvania could have negative implications for fruit production, dispersal, and seed viability of black cherry and other forest species. With D. suzukii's predilection toward Prunus spp. and its unusual method of oviposition, this could be a contributing factor that impacts black cherry regeneration on the Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]