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Western flower thrips (WFT) are a major pest for blackberry crops in Mexico, causing economic damage. To monitor this pest, yellow and blue sticky traps are commonly used during the blossom season. However, the impact of different shades of yellow and blue on adult WFT capture has not been well understood. The study tested different shades of yellow and blue to determine their influence on capturing of Frankliniella occidentalis in infested blackberry crops. Additionally, diverse geometric shapes in bright blue (the most appealing shade from the initial test) set against a dark green backdrop were examined. Furthermore, the potential synergy between the bright blue sticky traps and commercial attractants was investigated. Bright blue (blue 3; 59% reflectance to 548 nm) and fluorescent yellow (yellow 4; 98% reflectance to 522 nm) traps were effective in capturing adult WFT in high numbers, however, the bright blue traps displayed a numerical superiority (5.6%–12.8% more) over the fluorescent yellow traps. Furthermore, the introduction of various geometric shapes in bright blue against a dark green background showed a significant effect on the capture of adult WFT, with the traps consisting of a triangle and the semicircle yielding the highest captures (standardized data with respect to the blue area of the trap). However, the results indicate that a trap without contrast (>blue area) can be used if it is placed in contrast to the crop foliage (non‐standardized data). Lurem‐TR, a commercial attracts, significantly increased adult WFT capture rates, doubling or tripling the capture to traps without bait, and 2 mg of eugenol increased captures by 1.5–2.5 times. The findings are crucial for improving the monitoring and control of WFT blackberry crops. By optimizing trapping strategies, the agricultural sector can better manage the impact of this pest on blackberry cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Little is known about the California Quail (Callipepla californica) as an invader in Chile and Argentina. Our goal was to review the history of its introduction and to provide updated information on its spread and current geographic distribution in those two neighboring countries, together with information on its body measurements (weight, wing length, and tail length), diet (granivory, frugivory), parasitism (endo and ecto), and other interspecific interactions (competition and predation), including hunting by humans. Methods and result: We conducted a selective review of the history of introduction, distributional records, and biological features of C. californica, as recorded in mainstream journals, landmark monographs and books, and internet sources. We also measured specimens collected in central Chile and analyzed their stomach contents. We report that the California Quail was first introduced to Chile in 1864, and it now spans ca. 2,800 km in the country. From stocks in Chile, this bird was back-introduced to California (USA), and also introduced to Argentina in the 1920s, now spanning ca. 1,400 km in the country. It is currently abundant and legally hunted in both countries. In Chile, its non-breeding diet is strongly granivorous. In Argentina it feeds similarly. In Chile, endoparasites are three species of nematodes, one of cestodes, and two of coccidian protozoans; ectoparasites are three species of hard ticks, one of mites, and two of chewing lice. No such data are available from Argentina. In Chile, combining autumn and winter samples we obtained mean weights of 194.4 (± 9.0 SD) g for 21 adult males and of 183.9 (± 14.3 SD) g for 10 adult females, figures similar to those reported for C. c. brunnescens in California (USA), which we suspect is the subspecies now spread over in Chile and Argentina. Discussion: We propose that interesting scientific opportunities are being missed regarding the population genetics of a species with introductions and back-introductions that may have left founding effects and genetic bottlenecks in Chile and Argentina, and perhaps some peculiar "Chilean" genetic markers among California (USA) populations. We also raise the question whether this introduced species may be deemed invasive, calling for research to determine its impact in its new environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines culturable diazotrophs and non-culturable bacteria found in the rhizospheres and root pseudonodules of wild blackberry plants (Rubus ulmifolius) that dwell on an unmanaged calcareous nitrogen-deficient soil. The DNA was extracted from the nodules and rhizospheres, and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding was carried out. The metagenome functions were predicted with bioinformatic approaches. The soil samples were analyzed for the physico-chemical properties. The culturable diazotrophs were isolated and evaluated for the biochemical and plant growth-promoting properties. The soil was classified as nutrient-depleted calcareous soil. The microbial communities of the nodules and rhizospheres showed marked differences. The Pseudomonadota was the nodules' dominant phyla (90%), while the Actinobacteriota was the most abundant (63%) in the rhizospheres. Stenotrophomonas was the dominant genus (55%) in the nodules, while the Streptomyces genus was widely present (39%) in the rhizospheres. The differences among the nodule and rhizosphere microbial communities were also highlighted by the metagenome function predictions. The gene copies (KOs) revealed the most interesting findings. Similar KOs involved in the nitrogen fixation were found to be similar in terms of the nodules and rhizospheres. However, the nitrate reduction was higher in the rhizosphere, while the denitrification was more prominent in the nodules. Nine diazotrophs were isolated from the nodules and rhizospheres. The plant growth promoting traits' characterization has shown the interesting potential of the isolates in improving the acquisition of nutrients in plants, promoting their growth, and tolerating stress. Based on interesting biochemical and plant growth-promoting traits, the isolate N2A was further characterized and identified as Pantoea agglomerans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rubus ulmifolius Schott commonly known as wild blackberry, is a perennial shrub native to North Africa and Europe. It has been used for both medicinal and food purposes. Different parts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine for a long time to treat numerous diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gastro-intestinal disorders, mouth ulcers, heart ailments, menstrual pain, hemorrhoids, tonsillitis, skin diseases, etc. Its fruits are consumed fresh or in jams, juices, and marmalades. The shoots are used in omelets and soups. The present review aims to summarize data on ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, botanical description, geographical distribution, and toxicity studies of Rubus ulmifolius over a period covering the last 23 years using online scientific databases such as Science direct, Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed and Springer. Various studies have shown that Rubus ulmifolius possesses different biological activities in vitro and in vivo, including antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, anticoagulant, antiproliferative, antioxidant, wound healing, amoebicidal, antifungal, antiviral, antibacterial, antihyperglycemic, and antihyperlipidemic properties. Phytochemical studies of Rubus ulmifolius have revealed the presence of various constituents belonging to different classes, such as flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. We hope that our review will serve as an important source of information that can trigger further scientific research on this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we continue our research on Rubus ulmifolius Schott extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO 2 as solvent. Extraction experiments were carried out at pressures of 300 bar and a temperature of 40 °C, SFE [300:40], on mature fruits of R. ulmifolius . The fatty acid (FA) profile of extracts was assessed by reversed-phase HPLC-DAD/ELSD analysis. The most represented fatty acids in the extract were linoleic acid (386 mg/g), oleic acid (210 mg/g), linolenic acid (112 mg/g), palmitic acid (48 mg/g), and stearic acid (40 mg/g). SFE extraction showed a total FA amount of 795.8 mg/g of dry weight. The chemical and biological characteristics of this extract were compared with those obtained with different extraction methods. Following the diffusion-susceptibility test, three fruit extracts, SFE [300:40], Sx, and MEtOH, didn't show an inhibition profile against Streptococcus mutans . Kirby-Bauer analysis showed only the methanolic extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity with 11-mm inhibition diameter.

This study examines culturable diazotrophs and non-culturable bacteria found in the rhizospheres and root pseudonodules of wild blackberry plants (Rubus ulmifolius) that dwell on an unmanaged calcareous nitrogen-deficient soil. The DNA was extracted from the nodules and rhizospheres, and 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding was carried out. The metagenome functions were predicted with bioinformatic approaches. The soil samples were analyzed for the physico-chemical properties. The culturable diazotrophs were isolated and evaluated for the biochemical and plant growth-promoting properties. The soil was classified as nutrient-depleted calcareous soil. The microbial communities of the nodules and rhizospheres showed marked differences. The Pseudomonadota was the nodules’ dominant phyla (90%), while the Actinobacteriota was the most abundant (63%) in the rhizospheres. Stenotrophomonas was the dominant genus (55%) in the nodules, while the Streptomyces genus was widely present (39%) in the rhizospheres. The differences among the nodule and rhizosphere microbial communities were also highlighted by the metagenome function predictions. The gene copies (KOs) revealed the most interesting findings. Similar KOs involved in the nitrogen fixation were found to be similar in terms of the nodules and rhizospheres. However, the nitrate reduction was higher in the rhizosphere, while the denitrification was more prominent in the nodules. Nine diazotrophs were isolated from the nodules and rhizospheres. The plant growth promoting traits’ characterization has shown the interesting potential of the isolates in improving the acquisition of nutrients in plants, promoting their growth, and tolerating stress. Based on interesting biochemical and plant growth-promoting traits, the isolate N2A was further characterized and identified as Pantoea agglomerans.

Most of the flowering plants depend on pollinators, in different degrees, for their reproduction. The degree of pollinator dependence is especially important in exotic plants because it could determine their colonization success in new locations. The objective of this study was to determine the degree of pollinator dependence in five exotic entomophilous plant species in a Pampean grassland located in Sierra de Ventana. It was determined if the differences in dependency are related to the geographic location and the phylogeny of plant species. The plants species were Spartium junceum, Genista monspessulana, Prunus mahaleb, Rosa rubiginosa and Rubus ulmifolius. Sampling was carried out in the Ernesto Tornquist Provincial Park and in surrounding areas (Buenos Aires Province). During the flowering peak of each species and in different sites, two treatments were undertaken in pre-bagged flowers: self-pollination and cross-pollination. Also, others pre-bagged flowers were left without pollination as control. Later, the probability of fruit develop and seed set under the two treatments and the control were assessed. Finally, the results of this study were compared with studies carried out in other regions (except for R. ulmifolius). The studied plant species showed a varied response to pollinator dependence, from very dependent species, such as S. junceum, G. monspessulana and P. mahaleb, to low dependent species such as R. rubiginosa y R. ulmifolius. Our results indicate that pollinator dependence can be variable in plants species that are colonizing non-native habitats. Furthermore, there are variations in the degree of pollinator dependency according to the geographical area, except for R. rubiginosa, showing that the geographical location can influence the dependence on pollinators for woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En diferentes medidas, la mayoría de las plantas con flores dependen de los polinizadores para su reproducción. En el caso de las especies exóticas, el grado de dependencia es clave, ya que puede afectar su éxito en la colonización de nuevos ambientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el grado de dependencia de los polinizadores de cinco especies de plantas entomófilas exóticas en pastizales pampeanos de las Sierras de la Ventana. Se determinó si las diferencias en la dependencia se relacionan con la ubicación geográfica y con la filogenia de las especies vegetales. Las especies estudiadas fueron Spartium junceum, Genista monspessulana, Prunus mahaleb, Rosa rubiginosa y Rubus ulmifolius. El muestreo se realizó en el Parque Provincial Ernesto Tornquist (Provincia de Buenos Aires) y en zonas aledañas a éste. En los picos de floración de cada especie y en diferentes sitios se seleccionaron individuos a los que se les realizaron dos tratamientos en flores previamente embolsadas: autopolinización y polinización cruzada. Además, se dejaron flores sin polinizar como controles. Luego, se calculó la probabilidad de formación de frutos y la cantidad de semillas tanto en el control como bajo los diferentes tratamientos. Finalmente, se compararon los resultados de este estudio con otros realizados en diferentes regiones (excepto para R. ulmifolius). Las especies de plantas estudiadas mostraron una respuesta variada en cuanto a la dependencia de polinizadores, desde especies muy dependientes (e.g., S. junceum, G. monspessulana y P. mahaleb) hasta otras menos dependientes (e.g., R. rubiginosa y R. ulmifolius). Esto indica que la dependencia de los polinizadores puede ser variable en plantas que estén colonizando un hábitat fuera de su distribución nativa. Adicionalmente, existen variaciones en el grado de dependencia según el área geográfica, excepto para R. rubiginosa, lo que muestra que la localización geográfica puede influir sobre la dependencia de polinizadores de las plantas leñosas.

Frankliniella occidentalis causes significant damage to berry crops in Mexico. Traps may be used for monitoring or mass‐trapping thrips populations. Generally, colour traps are used for monitoring thrips, but sometimes a chemical stimulus can be added to the traps. However, there is conflicting information about what colour is the most attractive and efficient for capturing F. occidentalis. In this study, we first evaluated six colours of adhesive traps for catching F. occidentalis in blackberries grown in tunnels or in an open field. Subsequently, using the most attractive trap colour, we assessed the biological activity of neryl (S)‐2‐methylbutanoate and (R)‐lavandulyl acetate, components of the pheromone aggregation of F. occidentalis. Finally, we examined the effect of neryl (S)‐2‐methylbutanoate dosage rates on the number of captured thrips. We found that blue (tunnel) and yellow (open field) followed by violet traps captured a significantly greater number of F. occidentalis compared with the white, black and green traps. Our results confirm that neryl (S)‐2‐methylbutanoate is the only component necessary for enhancing the performance of coloured traps. Blue and yellow traps baited with 200–400 µg of neryl (S)‐2‐methylbutanoate increased the capture 2.5–3 times compared to unbaited traps. In all experiments, traps captured more females than males in blackberries grown in tunnels, whereas the opposite was found in blackberries cultivated in the open field. These results constitute the first step in the development of a monitoring system for F. occidentalis in soft fruit crops in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The blackberry’s color is composed mainly of natural dyes called anthocyanins. Their color is red–purple, and they can be used as a natural colorant. Anthocyanins are flavonoids, which are products of plants, and their colors range from orange and red to various shades of blue, purple and green, according to pH. In this study, the chemical composition of an extract obtained from blackberries was defined by LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS in positive and negative ionization mode. Furthermore, we investigated the adsorption process of blackberry extract using several inorganic fillers, such as metakaolin, silica, Lipari pumice, white pozzolan and alumina. The pigments exhibit different colors as a function of their interactions with the fillers. The analysis of the absorption data allowed the estimation of the maximum adsorbing capacity of each individual filler tested. Through thermogravimetric measurements (TGA), the thermal stability and the real adsorption of the organic extract were determined.

This work proposes for the first time a model for reusing almond (Prunus dulcis cv. Casteltermini from Sicily, Southern Italy) skin to formulate a new functional blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius Schott) jam. For this purpose, blackberries were analysed fresh and as jam, traditionally prepared with a minimum fruit amount of 80%. Different percentages of almond skin (20, 15, and 10% w/w) were added to jam. The phytochemical profile of enriched jam was investigated by LC-ESI/LTQOrbitrap/MS analyses. Anthocyanins, hydrolysable tannins, and triterpenoids were identified in a blackberry extract, while proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, and oxylipins were identified in an almond extract. The n-hexane extract of P. dulcis skin, investigated by GC–MS, evidenced linoleic, palmitic, and oleic acids as the main abundant compounds. Samples were investigated for their antioxidant activity using DPPH, ABTS, β-carotene, and FRAP tests. The hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects were studied by α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and lipase inhibitory assays. In order to evaluate the effect of thermal process on enriched jam bioactivity, pasteurisation was applied. An increase in activities for all samples was observed, in particular for jam enriched with 20% w/w of almond skin. Based on obtained data, and supported by sensory analysis, we propose enriched jam as a promising source of compounds useful for preventing diseases associated with oxidative stress.

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the rooting potential of blackberry shoots, influenced by indolylbutyric acid. For the test, blackberry shoots of approximately 10 cm in length with different diameters, obtained in the second fortnigh to February 2018 wereused. The experimental design was a randomized block design, with the blackberry saplings were treated with AIB (indolylbutyricacid) atfive concentrations, which correspondto 0, 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg L-1. Each treatment contained four replicates, and each replicate was composed of 20 sprouts of blackberry. At theend of 87 day sof cultivation, shoots were evaluated for percentage of live and rooted shoots, dead and not rooted live, root volume (mm³), specific surface area (mm²), total root length (mm), weighted diameter of roots (mm) and, fresh and dry root pasta (g). It was concluded that there was no effect of indolylbutyric acid concentrations on percentage of viable, non -- viableanddead blackberry shoots for total root lengthand for fresh mass and drymass, and with the increase of IBA concentrations the decrease for the variables of volume, specific surface area and weighted root diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract There is a growing interest in wild edible species that represent a source of several health-promoting compounds, providing a potential strategy to diversify and enrich the daily diet. The aim of the present work was to characterize the nutritional and chemical composition of Rubus ulmifolius Schott fruits. Furthermore, their antimicrobial activity, non-anthocyanin and anthocyanin phenolic profile were also determined. According to the obtained results, R. ulmifolius fruits exhibited a high concentration in carbohydrates and a low fat content, in comparison with the other nutrients and non-nutrients detected in this sample. The colour parameters demonstrated differences in a* and b* parameters after lyophilisation process. Glucose and fructose were the most abundant free sugars detected and quinic acid showed the highest content compared to the other five organic acids identified. The fatty acids profile revealed 25 compounds, being mostly represented by polyunsaturated fatty acids and evidencing linolenic and α-linolenic acid as the most abundant. All tocopherol isoforms were detected, revealing γ-tocopherol with highest amount. Cyanidin-3- O -glucoside, ellagic acid pentoside, ellagic acid glucuronide and sanguiin H-10 were the main phenolic compounds present, which could be related to the antimicrobial activity (MIC values ranging between 5 and 20 mg/mL) revealed by R. ulmifolius fruits. These results showed that this fruit is a good source of nutrients as also non-nutrient compounds, with human health benefits. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Rubus ulmifolius fruits are a good source of nutrients and non-nutrients compounds. • Cyanidin-3- O -glucoside was the main anthocyanin present in the fruits. • Ellagic acid pentoside and glucuronide were the main non-anthocyanin compounds. • Rubus ulmifolius fruits showed antimicrobial activity against clinical isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Seed dispersal allows plants to colonise new sites and escape from pathogens and intraspecific competition, maintaining plant genetic diversity and regulating plant distribution. Conversely, most plant species form mutualistic associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi in a symbiosis established immediately after seed germination. Because AM fungi are obligate symbionts, using the same dispersal vector as their host should be highly advantageous for their survival, but the co‐dispersal of seeds and AM fungal spores has never been confirmed.We aim to clarify the potential role of European birds, essential dispersers for many plant species, as co‐dispersers of seeds and AM fungal spores.In total, 63 bird droppings with intact seeds were placed in sterilised soil and maintained for 4 months in a protected environment to avoid contamination. Additionally, 173 bird droppings and 729 gauze swabs used to clean birds' feet were inspected for AM fungal spores.Although no spores were detected by direct observation of these samples, seven Rubus ulmifolius seedlings obtained from four independent droppings of Erithacus rubecula and Sylvia melanocephala were colonised by AM fungi. Our results show that birds can effectively co‐disperse viable seeds and AM fungal spores, potentially over long distances, providing a pivotal mechanism to understand the cosmopolitan distribution of AM fungi. See also the Commentary on this article by Bueno & Moora 222: 645–647. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the second half of the 20th century, European countries experienced an increase in their forest area due to the global change. Consequently, there has been an increase in large forest fires, mainly in the Mediterranean basin, and this has forced the development of several types of prevention programs. One of them is the control of the understory by livestock. In this sense, browsing with a combination of donkeys and goats could be a good option, as both animals usually feed on forest species. However, little is known about their preferences for the key species of the Mediterranean forest. Using a cafeteria test, the preferences and consumption of both animals have been determined for five typical species of the Mediterranean forest, such as Quercus ilex, Pinus halepensis, Phillyrea latifolia, Rubus ulmifolius, and Brachypodium retusum. Results showed that donkeys and goats could act complementarily in the reduction of the fuel biomass of forests. Donkeys appear to act more on fine fuel, such as B. retusum, and goats on the more pyrophyte species, in this case P. halepensis. In addition, given that donkeys are at severe risk of extinction in Europe, this role of providing ecosystem services could contribute to their conservation. Despite this study only showing that goats and donkeys would consume all five presented plant species and that there are some differences in consumption during a short-term test, it constitutes a useful first step for conservation and fire prevention in the Mediterranean forests.

The consequences of species extinctions in ecological communities may be buffered through the rearrangement (rewiring) of the interactions between the remaining species. The structural and functional consequences of such extinctions can be explored by means of computer simulations that try to predict secondary extinctions and the degradation of ecosystem services. However, to improve the accuracy of these simulations, it is pivotal to evaluate their performance in predicting changes observed in natural communities. In this study, we first described the avian seed dispersal networks in 17 sites throughout Portugal, and found that blackberry ( Rubus ulmifolius ) was the most dispersed species in 13 out of the 17 sites. Second, we performed a manipulative experiment to evaluate the effect of removing the most dispersed plant species and compared the observed outcome in the structure of the network with computer simulations with and without rewiring. Observed changes were consistent with some rapid network rewiring, with dispersers shifting to alternative fruit species. Although the observed network topology after the experimental removal was not accurately predicted, the extinction simulation with rewiring performed considerably better than that without rewiring. Individual species roles were even harder to predict than emergent network properties on both types of models. We show that incorporating rewiring rules can considerably increase the accuracy of species extinction models, however, the functional consequences of losing important resources might not be easily anticipated, and rewiring might occur in unexpected directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean fruit fly Ceratitis capitata is a major pest of fruit orchards worldwide. In order to develop control methods based on natural products, particularly required in organic farming, a laboratory study was carried out to evaluate the response of adults to leaf extracts from four plant species: Ruta graveolens, Eriobotrya japonica, Rubus ulmifolius, and Ficus carica. Air-dried leaf powders were subjected to an ethanolic cold extraction. Chemical composition was assessed by GC/ MS analysis. Extracts were tested in laboratory bioassays to assess the electroantennographic (EAG) response, attraction/ repellence toward ovipositing females, and induced mortality toward adults. Among the extracts tested, only R. graveolens elicited significant differences compared to the control in all the bioassays. This extract, whose main volatile compounds were 2-nonanone and 2-undecanone (45% of the total), recorded the greatest EAG response, and stimulated a positive oviposition response compared to the control. Ruta graveolens extract elicited a significant insecticidal activity, confirmed to be dose-dependent. LD50 and LD90 concentrations were 3.64 and 6.01% (v/v), respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting a single plant extract, from R. graveolens, acting as attractant and oviposition stimulant, and at the same time having insecticidal properties toward C. capitata adults. The incorporation of such extract or its components into food bait could be useful in medfly "attract and kill" control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Apomixis, i.e. asexual reproduction via seeds, occurs in many plant taxa of diverse phylogenetic origins and has resulted in a high abundance and wide distribution of some groups. When and where apomicts arose and how their evolution is linked to their sexual ancestors is poorly understood. We aimed at detecting phylogeographical patterns in Rubus ulmifolius-R. sanctus agg., a diploid sexual species aggregate from Rubus series Discolores (Rosaceae), and asked where and when its polyploid apomictic descendants originated. Location Europe and adjacent regions (Caucasus, Macaronesia, Morocco). Methods Next-generation sequencing of 10 nuclear microsatellite loci, Sanger sequencing of two plastid loci and ecological niche modelling. Results The data reveal strong, continental-scale genetic structuring within Rubus ulmifolius-R. sanctus agg. Geographical patterns of genetic diversity and ecological niche models indicate its survival mainly on the Iberian Peninsula and in Morocco during the Last Glacial Maximum, as well as population bottlenecks in the eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus, whereas low allelic diversity in north-western Europe stems from post-glacial re-colonization from southern refugia. The distribution of alleles among diploids and polyploids indicates that the first allopolyploidization events occurred prior to the last glaciation, but also reflects post-glacial gene flow from diploids to polyploids. Main conclusions Polyploid apomicts both preserve ancestral alleles lost in their diploid ancestors because of ice-age bottlenecks and harbour also derived, i.e. younger, alleles obtained from diploid taxa via recent gene flow. Diversification of apomicts as a result of the diploid's genetic deterioration is hypothesized. Then, geographical parthenogenesis in Rubus could also be explained by genetic diversity patterns in the diploid, sexual ancestor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. It is listed among the top "serious threats" to human health in the USA, due in large part to rising rates of resistance. Many S. aureus infections are recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy due to their ability to form a biofilm, which acts not only as a physical barrier to antibiotics and the immune system, but results in differences in metabolism that further restricts antibiotic efficacy. Development of a modular strategy to synthesize a library of phenolic glycosides allowed for bioactivity testing and identification of anti-biofilm compounds within an extract of the elmleaf blackberry (Rubus ulmifolius). Two ellagic acid (EA) derivatives, EA xyloside and EA rhamnoside, have been identified as components of the Rubus extract. In addition, EA rhamnoside has been identified as an inhibitor of biofilm formation, with activity comparable to the complex extract 220D-F2 (composed of a mixture of EA glycosides), and confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius contains phytochemicals like flavonoids and tannins. And whereas flavonoids and tannins have antioxidant and antipyretic activity, hence, current work is carried out to screen crude methanolic extract of aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius (Ru.Cr) and crude flavonoids rich extract of Rubus ulmifolius (Ru.F) for possible antioxidant and antipyretic activity. Ru.Cr and Ru.F are also tested for brine shrimps lethality bioassay. Ru.F is tested for the first time for possible antioxidant and antipyretic activity. Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of Ru.Cr and Ru.F was performed as it provides rapid finger printing for targeting a pharmacological activity. Acute toxicity and Brine shrimps' cytotoxicity studies of Ru.Cr and Ru.F were performed to determine its safe dose range. Antioxidant and antipyretic studies were also performed as per reported procedures. Results: Ru.Cr tested positive for presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids. Ru.Cr is safe up to 6 g/kg following oral doses for acute toxicity study. Ru.Cr is safe up to 75 µg/kg (p.o), LC50 for Ru.Cr and Ru.F are 16.7 ± 1.4 µg/ml 10.6 ± 1.8 µg/ml, respectively (n = 3). Both Ru.Cr and Ru.F demonstrated comparable antioxidant activity using vitamin C as standard (p ≤ 0.05). In test dose of 300 mg of Ru.Cr, rectal temperature was reduced by 74% (p ≤ 0.05) on 4th hour of the administration. More, Ru.F produced 72% reduction in pyrexia (p ≤ 0.05) on 4th hour of administration of paracetamol in Westar rats. Conclusions: The current work confirms that aerial parts of Rubus ulmifolius contain flavonoids that are safe up to 6 g/kg (p.o). Crude methanolic extract and flavonoids rich fraction of Rubus ulmifolius have significant antioxidant and antipyretic activity. Further work is required to isolate the pharmacologically active substances for relatively safe and effective antipyretics and antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic content, antioxidant and anthelmintic activities of herbal extracts are of particular interest to drug industry; plant extracts with significant anthelmintic activity have the potential to be used as alternatives to conventional chemical drugs. In the present study, Rubus ulmifolius fruit extracts obtained using solvents of increasing polarity (water, methanol, chloroform and hexane) were examined for their antioxidant and anthelmintic activities in correlation with their polyphenolic content. In vitro antioxidant activity of all extracts was carried out using free radical-scavenging activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethilenebenzotiazolin)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical cation . In vitro anthelmintic activities were investigated on the egg and adult worms of Haemonchus contortus from sheep in comparison to albendazole. Total polyphenol content of R. ulmifolius was higher in more polar extract, ranging from 64.5 in aqueous extract to 1.57 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram of dry weight (GAE/g DW) in hexanic extract. Likewise, highest amounts of flavonoids and condensed tannins were found in aqueous extract (28.06 mg QE/g and 7.42 mg CE/g DW, respectively) compared to hexanic extract (0.71 mg QE/g and 0.29 mg CE/g DW, respectively) (p < 0.05). Both DPPH and ABTS antioxidant assays showed that all tested extracts possess free radical scavenging activity, while the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC 50 ) range values were similar for both assays (2.13–45.54 μg/mL and 1.2–43.82 μg/mL, respectively). All plant extracts showed ovicidal activity at all tested concentrations. Fruit methanolic (IC 50 = 2.76 mg/mL) and aqueous (IC 50 = 2.08 mg/mL) extracts showed higher inhibitory effects than chloroformic (IC 50 = 7.62 mg/mL) and hexanic (IC 50 = 12.93 mg/mL) extracts on egg hatching (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation of total polyphenol, flavonoids and tannins content with scavenging of either DPPH (r = 0.722, 0.764 and 0.752, p < 0.01, respectively) or ABTS radicals (r = 0.893, 0.765 and 0.722, p < 0.01, respectively) and with inhibition of egg hatching (r = 0.874, 0.883 and 0.862, p < 0.01, respectively). Highest inhibition of motility (100%) of worms was observed 8 h post-exposure in aqueous and methanolic extract at 8 mg/mL. To our knowledge, these results depict for the first time that R. ulmifolius possesses in vitro anthelmintic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design preventive and management measures it is crucial to identify the mechanisms that facilitate an invasion process. We evaluated how microsites affect establishment success of the alien small tree Aristotelia chilensis, the alien climber Rubus ulmifolius, and endemic tree species on Robinson Crusoe Island forest. Seedling and sapling densities were estimated in 65 canopy gaps in two forest stands (PEY and Villagra) along a canopy forest-gap gradient, and in three microsites (mound, pit, and trunk) of canopy gap-maker trees. Two statistical models were applied to evaluate the effects of the position in the gap (center, edge, and close forest) and substrate microsites in relation to topographic and structural variables on invasive and endemic species establishment. The density of invasive species was higher in the center of canopy gaps and forest edges than under forest canopy. Invasive plants were present in 86.5 % ( n = 32 gaps in PEY) and 89.8 % ( n = 25 forest gaps) in Villagra. A higher seedling and sapling density of endemic rather than invasive species was found in canopy-gap center and gap edges. However, trunks, mounds, and pits were dominated by invasive species. We found different responses in seedlings, saplings, and juvenile stages in relation to the explanatory variables studied and between the two stands. The decomposition state of gap-maker trees, which was used as a proxy of gap age, was the only variable that showed the same tendency in the two forest stands and for both invasive and endemic seedlings. In this case, we found that the densities of invasive and endemic seedlings were lower in older gaps, but sapling densities were higher in older gaps. Based on the results we cannot conclude a general pattern of seedling, sapling, and juvenile establishment in forest gaps for either invasive species, but in some gaps the invasion seems to start in trunks, mounds, and pits. We recommend focusing invasive species control on mounds and pits in some forest stands; and in general, we recommend controlling invasive saplings, more than seedlings or juveniles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our goal was to disentangle the effects of stress removal and disturbance on plant communities of a Mediterranean rangeland, La Crau (southeastern France). We compared undisturbed reference steppe vegetation with vegetation impacted by changes in land use such as earlier phases of cultivation (dating back 20 years) and/or current water infiltrations (revealed by the presence of Brachypodium phœnicoïdes), since the establishment of adjacent hay meadows. We considered plots with and without brambles ( Rubus ulmifolius), an indigenous shrub species that had colonized the area after the land-use changes. We monitored the composition and measured the taxonomic richness and richness of functional groups, evenness and similarities of plant communities. The species richness of the undisturbed community was significantly higher than that of all disturbed plant communities. Although cultivation led to the dominance of ruderal species, the removal of water stress had a stronger negative impact, enabling the establishment of herbaceous competitor species such as B. phœnicoïdes. The dominance of this species resulted in a significant decline in species richness and evenness after water stress removal. The presence of brambles correlating with former cultivation and/or current water infiltration did not have a significant impact on plant species richness in the vicinity of bramble bushes, although it significantly modified the composition of the adjacent herbaceous vegetation. Our study highlights again the low resilience of Mediterranean dry grasslands after disturbance. While both the disturbance and the water stress removal resulted in changes within the plant community, our findings reveal a stronger impact of the water stress removal. Water infiltration led to decreased plant species richness and evenness because the greater availability of water favored competitor species over the stress-tolerant xeric species. Therefore, for restoring the original steppe species richness, the priority will be to control water infiltrations, even before any scrub-clearing is undertaken to control bramble colonization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that plants are important sources for the preparation of natural remedies as they contain many biologically active compounds: in particular, phenolic compounds are one of the most widely occurring groups of phytochemicals. Some endemic species may be used for the production of herbal preparations containing phytochemicals with significant antioxidant capacities and health benefits: blackberry sprouts and blackcurrant buds are known to contain appreciable levels of phenolic compounds, including flavonols, phenolic acids and catechins. The aim of this research was to perform an analytical study of blackcurrant and blackberry bud-preparations, in order to identify the main bioactive polyphenolic compounds, to study the total polyphenolic content and to obtain a specific profile of the main polyphenols contained in these products using a High Performance Liquid Chromatograph - Diode Array Detector; the same analyses were performed both on the University lab preparations and on commercial preparations. Differentchromatographic methodswere usedto determine concentrations of phytochemical compounds in the preparations, allowing to quantifystatistically significant differencesin their polyphenolic content both in the case of Ribes nigrum and Rubus ulmifolius. The assessment of chemical composition and bioactivities of the plant-derived products could help in find out new sources of natural antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds: only with the deep knowledge of the bioactive composition of plant preparations it will be possible to develop a new generation of standardized, effect-optimized, mono- and multi-extract preparations.

Introduction. Several studies reveal the important role played by ‘lesser-known’ wild fruits since they contain nutritional and functional compounds which have biological properties. Materials and methods. Our work studied the presence of bioactive compounds such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid), total phenolic content, phenolic acids, flavonols, anthocyanins and the antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS•+ and DPPH• in vitro tests) in wild fruits of Arbutus unedo L. and Rubus ulmifolius Schott of Spanish origin, including samples from different seasons and locations. Results and discussion. A wide variability was found in the composition of fruits of the same species, which substantiates the importance of analyzing several batches of wild fruits, to achieve representative results, taking into account the natural variability. Arbustus unedo fruits showed higher vitamin C, mainly in the ascorbic acid form, and phenolic content than R. ulmifolius [(172–419) mg ascorbic acid×100 g–1 fw vs. (5.99–26.83) mg ascorbic acid×100 g–1 fw, and (773–1621) mg total phenolic compounds×100 g–1 fw vs. (376–1326) mg total phenolic compounds×100 g–1 fw, respectively]; phenolic acids and anthocyanins are the major groups of phenolic compounds found in both species, with gallic acid and cyanidin 3-glucoside as the main compounds. Arbustus unedo fruits showed significantly higher Folin-Ciocalteu values than those of R. ulmifolius. These values are higher than those reported for the majority of berries. The significant correlations found among different antioxidant compounds (r > 0.6300, P < 0.001) may reveal a protective effect between ascorbic acid and phenolic acids or anthocyanins in the fruits. Therefore, Arbutus unedo and R. ulmifolius fruits should be considered as new important sources of safe antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The invasion of exotic plants is a serious problem for natural communities. The efficacy of the combination of physical and chemical methods to control blackberry invasion and their impact on native plant communities were evaluated. The experiment was conducted at Laguna de los Padres Reserve, located in the southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. In winter 2006, two areas were bulldozed. In one of them, blackberry plants were cut and left on the ground. In the other, plants were cut and the upper part of the soil was removed, digging out the crowns and roots. After regrowth, two chemical treatments were applied: glyphosate 2% and 4%, leaving plots without herbicide. The percentages of cover of blackberry and each one of the species growing were recorded. Measurements started in October 2006 and were made twice a month during spring–autumn 2006–2007 and 2007–2008. The methods evaluated in this study controlled blackberry and allowed the growth of other species. Glyphosate was more efficient if applied in late summer–early autumn. No differences between herbicide doses were found. The most intense physical treatment was more effective, leading to a higher cover of other species and proportion of natives. Here, the herbicide was not essential in the recovery of vegetation, although it was an important factor controlling blackberry. In places with less intense physical treatment, the herbicide application became important for the community recover. Control actions to recover the ecosystem should be constant in time using methods that take into account weed and native species features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Rubus spp. (Rosaceae) provide extracts used in traditional medicine as antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant and radical scavenging agents. Resistance to antibiotics used to treat Helicobacter pylori infection as well as their poor availability in developing countries prompted us to test the antimicrobial activity of Rubus ulmifolius leaves and isolated polyphenols against two H. pylori strains with different virulence (CagA+ strain 10K and CagA− strain G21). The antioxidant activity (TEAC values) of the tested compounds ranged from 4.88 (gallic acid) to 1.60 (kaempferol), whilst the leaf extract gave a value of 0.12. All the isolated polyphenols as well as the leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against both of the H. pylori strains. The minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extract for H. pylori strains G21 and 10K, respectively, were 1200μg/mL and 1500μg/mL after 24h of exposure and 134μg/mL and 270μg/mL after 48h exposure. Ellagic acid showed very low MBC values towards both of the H. pylori strains after 48h (2μg/mL and 10μg/mL for strains G21 and 10K, respectively) and kaempferol toward G21 strain (MBC=6μg/mL). A relationship between antimicrobial activity and antioxidant capacity was found only for H. pylori strain G21 CagA− strain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work investigates the potential of Rubus ulmifolius, indigenous to a metal contaminated site – Esteiro de Estarreja – for phytoremediation purposes. The site has a long history of metal contamination. The accumulation of lead (Pb), arsenic (As) and nickel (Ni) in different sections – roots, stems and leaves – of the plant was assessed and compared to the levels of those metals in the soil and in the available fraction. The distribution of metals throughout the area was quite heterogeneous, presenting levels of As, Pb and Ni of up to 3078, 1400 and 135mgkg−1, respectively, and the metal content in the sections of R. ulmifolius collected in the banks of the stream varied among sites of collection. Levels of metals were higher in the plant roots: As levels (mgkg−1) ranged from 277 to 1721 in the roots, 30 to 110 in the stems, and 60 to 265 in the leaves; Pb concentrations (mgkg−1) ranged from 248 to 1178 in the roots, 35 to 133 in the stems, and 25 to 149 in the leaves; and Ni (mgkg−1) ranged from 48 to 151 in the roots. Significant correlations were found between the total levels of Pb and As in the soil and the levels in the roots of the plant; further correlations between total and available levels in the soil and metals in other plant tissues were generally found as non-significant. According to the metal accumulation patterns of R. ulmifolius, this species seems to be valuable for application in phytostabilisation strategies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]