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Leaf hydraulic traits are considered the key determinants of gas exchange and therefore affect species distributions along environmental gradients, but the patterns of leaf hydraulic traits and their associations with gas exchange across altitudinal gradients remain largely unknown.Here, we measured leaf hydraulic traits, gas exchange, leaf anatomical traits and plant size traits in two dominant alpine shrubs (Caragana jubata and Salix gilashanica) across an altitudinal gradient from 3100 to 3700 m.The findings indicated that with increasing altitude, both shrub species exhibited an increase in leaf hydraulic safety (more negative KleafP50), a decrease in leaf hydraulic efficiency (Kleaf‐max) and an increase in intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi), thus allowing them to adapt to higher altitude habitats. The more negative KleafP50 was associated with a greater ratio of major to minor vein density (VLAmaj/VLAmin), the lower Kleaf‐max was associated with a lower minor vein density (VLAmin) and greater increase in WUEi arose from the small decrease in the photosynthetic rate relative to the stomatal conductance. However, C. jubata was consistent with the 'hydraulic safety strategy' with a great decrease in KleafP50, a small decrease in Kleaf‐max and a small increase in WUEi along with decreasing plant height and leaf area with increasing altitude. Whereas S. gilashanica was consistent with the 'photosynthetic efficiency strategy' with a small decrease in KleafP50, a greater decrease in Kleaf‐max and a greater increase in WUEi along with an increasing plant height and unchanged leaf area with increasing altitude.Overall, these findings provide new insights to improve understanding how shift in leaf hydraulic traits and their associations with gas exchange and plant size allow plants to adapt to high‐altitude habitats. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivores drive shifts in plant species composition by interacting with vegetation through defoliation, trampling and nutrient addition: urine and faeces. As herbivore effects on vegetation accumulate over time, they might spillover to other trophic levels, but how and when this happens is poorly understood. Since it is methodologically demanding to measure biodiversity across spatial gradients, an alternative approach is to assess it through biodiversity indices of vascular plants. We employed the Index of biodiversity relevance developed for Swedish flora which provides an estimated number of organisms associated with a plant species, allowing the quantification of trophic community size. Values from this index were coupled with vegetation data from a network of 96 fenced and paired grazed plots across Fennoscandia. We analysed the role herbivory has on plant richness and diversity, and on the number of organisms that interact with the vegetation according to the index values. We also explored how herbivores influence the competitive effects of tall shrubs on other plants since the dominance of a vegetation type links directly to biodiversity. Plant diversity had no clear response to grazing. Overall vegetation and the vegetation subgroups herbs and non‐fruit shrubs had higher biodiversity index values in fenced plots, indicating a higher number of plant–host interactions. Herb cover was negatively related to shrubs in both treatments but with a faster decline in the absence of herbivores. This study highlights the importance of maintaining herbivore populations in the Arctic to conserve the vegetation structure and biodiversity of the tundra. This method of coupling biodiversity indexes with vegetation data provides complementary information to the plant diversity, especially when methodological or time constraints prevent complete field inventories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) is a highly conserved cellular machinery essential for many cellular functions, including transmembrane protein sorting, endosomal trafficking, and membrane scission. CHMP4B is a key component of ESCRT‐III subcomplex and has been thoroughly studied in the meroistic ovaries of Drosophila melanogaster showing its relevance in maintaining this reproductive organ during the life of the fly. However, the role of the CHMP4B in the most basal panoistic ovaries remains elusive. Results: Using RNAi, we examined the function of CHMP4B in the ovary of Blattella germanica in two different physiological stages: in last instar nymphs, with proliferative follicular cells, and in vitellogenic adults when follicular cells enter in polyploidy and endoreplication. In Chmp4b‐depleted specimens, the actin fibers change their distribution, appearing accumulated in the basal pole of the follicular cells, resulting in an excess of actin bundles that surround the basal ovarian follicle and modifying their shape. Depletion of Chmp4b also determines an actin accumulation in follicular cell membranes, resulting in different cell morphologies and sizes. In the end, these changes disrupt the opening of intercellular spaces between the follicular cells (patency) impeding the incorporation of yolk proteins to the growing oocyte and resulting in female sterility. In addition, the nuclei of follicular cells appeared unusually elongated, suggesting an incomplete karyokinesis. Conclusions: These results proved CHMP4B essential in preserving the proper expression of cytoskeleton proteins vital for basal ovarian follicle growth and maturation and for yolk protein incorporation. Moreover, the correct distribution of actin fibers in the basal ovarian follicle emerged as a critical factor for the successful completion of ovulation and oviposition. Significance: The overall results, obtained in two different proliferative stages, suggest that the requirement of CHMP4B in B. germanica follicular epithelium is not related to the proliferative stage of the tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Embankment dams were built south of the Laizhou bay in China for controlling storm surge disasters, but they are not enough to replace coastal forests in protecting the land. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of embankment dams on natural forests dominated by Tamarix austromongolica and test whether the dam-shrub system is a preferable updated defense. Methods: Coastal forests on two typical flats, one before and one behind embankment dams, were investigated using quadrats and lines. Land bareness, vegetation composition and species co-occurrence were assessed; structures of T. austromongolica populations were evaluated; and spatial patterns of the populations were analyzed using Ripley's K and K1,2 functions. Results: In the area before embankment dams, 84.8% of T. austromongolica were juveniles (basal diameter ≤ 3 cm), and 15.2% were adults (basal diameter > 3 cm); behind the dams, 52.9% were juveniles, and 47.1 were adults. In the area before the dams, the land bareness was 13.7%, four species occurred, and they all were ready to co-occur with T. austromongolica; behind the dams, the land bareness was 0%, and 16 species occurred whereas they somewhat resisted co-occurrence with T. austromongolica. In the area before the dams, the T. austromongolica population was aggregated in heterogeneous patches, and the juveniles tended to co-occur with the adults; behind the dams, they were over-dispersed as nearly uniform distributions, while the juveniles could recruit and were primarily independent of the adults. These results indicate that the T. austromongolica species did not suffer from the unnatural dams, but benefited somehow in population expansion and development. Overall, the T. austromongolica species can adapt to artificial embankment dams to create a synthetic defense against storm surges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions by alien and range-expanding native plant species can suppress native plants through allelopathy. However, the homeland security hypothesis suggests that some native plants can resist invasion by producing allelopathic compounds that inhibit the growth of invasive plants. Most research has focused on allelopathic interactions between individual native and invasive plant species, with less emphasis on how allelopathy helps entire native communities resist invasions. Additionally, limited knowledge exists about allelopathic interactions between range-expanding native species and recipient native communities, and their influence on invasion success. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted two greenhouse competition experiments to test reciprocal allelopathic effects between a native woody range-expanding species, Betula fruticosa , and a community of four native herbaceous species (Sanguisorba officinalis , Gentiana manshurica , Sium suave and Deyeuxia angustifolia) in China. We assessed whether B. fruticosa and the native community differed in their competitive effects and responses, and whether these were influenced by activated carbon, which neutralizes allelochemicals in the soil. Activated carbon reduced the suppressive effects of the native community on the above-ground biomass of B. fruticosa , which indicates that the native community exerted a strong allelopathic effect on B. fruticosa. In contrast, activated carbon only marginally enhanced the suppressive effects of B. fruticosa on the native community, which indicates that allelopathy is not the primary mechanism by which B. fruticosa exerts its suppression. Overall, these findings support the homeland security hypothesis and suggest that biotic resistance from the native herbaceous community may limit the invasion success of the woody range-expander B. fruticosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Live fuel comprises a significant portion of the fuel consumed in forest and scrub crown fires. However, its flammability remains poorly understood. Although live fuel differs from dead fuel in moisture content, chemical composition, cellular structure and physiological characteristics, its higher moisture content masks the effect of other characteristics on its flammability. Aims: The aim of the study was to delineate and assess the effects of live/dead condition, moisture content and particle size on flammability of gorse (Ulex europaeus L.). Methods: Live and dead gorse material of three size classes (0–3, 3–6, and 6–10 mm in diameter) at six moisture contents (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) was tested in a cone calorimeter to evaluate its flammability using new sample preparation and moisture conditioning techniques. Key results: On average, live fuel ignited 21% slower, reached 11% higher peak heat release rate, and had a 12% shorter burn duration than dead fuel of the same moisture content. These differences were most pronounced in coarser material. Conclusions: For gorse, fine dead fuels increase the likelihood of ignition, fine live fuels contribute to high burning intensities, and coarser live and dead fuels prolong combustion. Implications: These findings highlight the need to account for flammability differences between live and dead fuels in fire behaviour models beyond those driven by variations in moisture content. This study compares the flammability of live and dead vegetation at a range of moisture contents and particle sizes. Live fuel took longer to ignite but burned faster and more intensely than dead fuel of the same moisture content, emphasising the importance of live fuel flammability in fire prediction models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disturbances drive large changes in plant composition and ecosystem functioning in drylands, but current understanding of how recovery following disturbance depends on the environment is limited due to challenges in analysing effects of disparate disturbances across abiotic gradients.We combined remote sensing and field observations across 5600+ km of natural gas pipeline corridors and adjacent undisturbed vegetation to investigate how recovery from a uniform, severe disturbance varied with factors that influence water availability in drylands.We found that recovery of net primary production (NPP) often remains incomplete, with only 42% of our sites projected to fully recover within 100 years. NPP recovery was quicker and more complete in regions that receive most of their annual precipitation at low temperatures and have fine‐textured soil; recovery of total shrub cover (median timing of 81 years) was faster on fine‐textured soils in locations that receive most of their annual precipitation at high temperatures. Locations with quick recovery of shrub cover were linked with a shift in dominant shrub species and incomplete NPP recovery.Synthesis. Recovery of NPP and shrub cover in drylands were driven by different environmental factors. For both NPP and shrub cover, locations with high pre‐disturbance values required more time to recover to adjacent undisturbed levels than locations with low pre‐disturbance values. Quick recovery of shrub cover or productivity was generally linked with a shift in dominant plant species or functional group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore how the environment affects the variation and trade-offs of anatomical traits in shrub plants, contributing to a deeper understanding of plant survival strategies and mechanisms of adaptation to the environment. The dominant shrub species Corylus mandshurica in the broad-leaved Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) forest was selected as the research subject. Current-year twigs and leaves of C. mandshurica were collected in spring (May), summer (July), and autumn (September). Anatomical traits, including non-vascular column proportion (NVP), vascular column proportion (VP), phloem proportion (PP), and xylem proportion (XP), were measured for twigs, lower part of petioles, upper part of petioles, and leaf veins. We found that (1) Compared with seasons, organ type explained most of the variation in the four traits (NVP = 96 %, VP = 87 %, PP = 81 %, XP = 76 %). Lower part of petioles served as the turning point in the variation trend of tissue proportions in cross-sectional structure along the sequence of twigs, lower part of petioles, upper part of petioles, and leaf veins. (2) In spring, C. mandshurica exhibits higher NVP but lower VP and PP, while the results in summer and autumn are opposite to those in spring. Among different organs, twigs show lower NVP but higher VP and XP; whereas petioles and leaf veins show the opposite pattern. (3) Both hydrothermal conditions (monthly precipitation and mean monthly temperature) and light (canopy openness and total transmitted radiation) were the dominant environmental factors influencing anatomical trait variation. In different seasons, the response of NVP and VP in C. mandshurica twigs to dominant environmental factors was opposite to that of lower part of petioles, upper part of petioles, and leaf veins. The response of cross-sectional anatomical traits of current-year twigs, petioles, and leaf veins in C. mandshurica to seasonal changes exhibits distinct characteristics. Furthermore, twigs, petioles, and leaf veins demonstrate distinct survival strategies. Future research should focus on the variation of traits in different plant organs and their connecting parts.

In the Algerian desert, individuals often enjoy a soothing cup of herbal tea made from Ephedra alata Decne before bedtime; this aids in their relaxation. Our previous and earlier investigations demonstrated the richness of the shrub in terms of polyphenols and flavonoids and their effective medicinal properties. In the light of that fact, our interest has been aroused to check for other types of metabolites and for the protective ability of the shrub crude extract (SCE) regarding chemically induced edema and subacute toxicity (following a formalin-induced paw edema model and using a carbamate pesticide “pirimicarb” as a toxic agent, in Wistar male rats, respectively). Evidently, the SCE was used as a preventive agent. Swelling of formalin-injected foot was measured, and the anti-edematous ability was expressed as a percent of paw edema. At the end of induced subacute toxicity procedure, many investigations were carried, namely, checking for biochemical several parameters (hepatic, renal), hematological parameters, oxidative stress status (OSS), and histological examining of liver, spleen, and kidney tissues. The results revealed a remarkable anti-edematous effect. Furthermore, the association of the SCE effect has clearly minimized the OSS, the tissue aberrations, and the disturbance of the other metabolic parameters, along with a reduced immunodepression that was provoked under the effect of pirimicarb. In conclusion, pirimicarb has an important deleterious impact on metabolic and immune functions, and the studied shrub has exhibited an amazing protective potential against chemically induced inflammation and toxicity.

Abstract Background Water stress seriously affects the survival of plants in natural ecosystems. Plant resistance to water stress relies on adaptive strategies, which are mainly based on plant anatomy with following relevant functions: (1) increase in water uptake and storage; (2) reduction of water loss; and (3) mechanical reinforcement of tissues. We measured 15 leaf-stem anatomical traits of five dominant shrub species from 12 community plots in the eastern Qaidam Basin to explore adaptive strategies based on plant leaf-stem anatomy at species and community levels. and their relationship with environmental stresses were tested. Results Results showed that the combination of leaf-stem anatomical traits formed three types of adaptive strategies with the drought tolerance of leaf and stem taken as two coordinate axes. Three types of water stress were caused by environmental factors in the eastern Qaidam Basin, and the established adaptive strategy triangle could be well explained by these environmental stresses. The interpretation of the strategic triangle was as follows: (1) exploitative plant strategy, in which leaf and stem adopt the hydraulic efficiency strategy and safety strategy, respectively. This strategy is mostly applied to plants in sandy desert (i.e., Nitraria tangutorum, and Artemisia sphaerocephala) which is mainly influenced by drought stress; (2) stable plant strategy, in which both leaf/assimilation branches and stem adopt hydraulic safety strategy. This strategy is mostly applied to plants in salty desert (i.e., Kalidium foliatum and Haloxylon ammodendron) which aridity has little effect on them; and (3) opportunistic plant strategy, in which leaf and stem adopt hydraulic safety strategy and water transport efficiency strategy. This strategy is mostly applied to plants in multiple habitats (i.e., Sympegma regelii) which is mainly affected by coldness stress. Conclusion The proposed adaptive strategy system could provide a basis for elucidating the ecological adaptation mechanism of desert woody plants and the scientific management of natural vegetation in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Abstract Background Disturbance is a key driver of changes in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in water limited regions. In the desert ecosystem of Northwest China, shrubs are often foraged by camels and this causes the shrubs lost their aboveground tissues. Although the aboveground tissue could recover after the disturbance, the mechanisms of resprouts’ recovery after the disturbance are still poorly understood. We investigated the morphological and physiological characteristics and root water uptake sources of resprouts and non-disturbed seedlings of four desert shrub species that were often foraged by camels. Results The results showed that the resprouts grew rapidly after the removal of aboveground tissue. The height and aboveground biomass of resprouts reached the level of 5-year-old seedlings following a growing season. Compared to un-disturbed seedlings, higher leaf water potential, leaf hydraulic conductance and photosynthesis rate were observed in resprouts, indicating that resprouts grew rapidly after disturbance. Furthermore, we found that the root water uptake source did not change after disturbance. This indicated that the roots of resprouts kept intact water uptake capacity after disturbance, which could keep supplying sufficient water to the aboveground tissue. Due to the removal of aboveground tissue of the resprouts, the water demand of aboveground tissue decreased, which induced an imbalance of water supply from roots to demand of aboveground tissues of resprouts. This explained the improved physiological performance and rapid recovery of resprouts after disturbance. Conclusions The imbalance of water supply to demand contributes to the rapid recovery of desert shrubs after disturbance. The findings provide insight into the eco-physiological mechanism for the maintenance of desert ecosystems that are facing disturbance.

Climate change has resulted in a widespread increase in primary productivity in northern regions. This “greening” can alter terrestrial ecosystems dynamics and trigger positive climate feedbacks but often exhibits spatial heterogeneity. Few studies have focused on the differential responses of plant functional groups to warming as a potential driver of heterogeneity in greening rates. Our objective was to determine whether climate–growth relationships are species-specific, and whether they can explain the heterogeneity of the subarctic greening rates. We compared climate–growth relationships and associations to normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of the dominant tree (Picea mariana) and shrub (Betula glandulosa) species at two locations in the forest–tundra ecotone in Nunavik (Québec, Canada). Correlation coefficients of the climate–growth relationship varied between species and locations, being higher for P. mariana and at the northernmost location. The lower association between NDVI and P. mariana radial growth at the northernmost location appeared to be compensated by a stronger association between NDVI and B. glandulosa radial growth. Our results show that response to climate varies spatially and between species, both of which could potentially be used to explain the heterogeneity of subarctic greening rates. This improved understanding of the species-specific response to climate change will help predict forthcoming changes in primary productivity and their potential positive feedback on climate change.

The data presented here is the characteristics of biopellets and its raw materials. The raw materials of lignocellulosic waste (coffee skin, corncob, patchouli waste) and shrubs (Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium) were collected from certain districts in Indonesia which provided quite abundant stocks of these raw materials. The raw material preparation and pelletization at room temperature (25 °C) using a manual press machine were carried out at Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia. Meanwhile, pelletization at high temperatures (225 °C) was carried out at The Integrated Laboratory of Forest Research and Development, Bogor, Indonesia. The evaluation of density, moisture content, volatile matter content, ash content, and amount of fixed carbon were also carried out at the laboratory. Meanwhile, evaluation of mineral content (sulfur, Na2O, K2O, Cl) and calorivic value was carried out at the Livestock Research Institute, Bogor, Indonesia. The results show that pelletization at high temperature produces better quality biopellets compared to pelletization at room temperature. Pelletization of L. leucocephala at high temperature produces the best quality biopellets with the highest density (1.17 g/cm3) and calorific value (4726 kcal/kg) and the lowest moisture content (4.87 %) and mineral content (0.01 % of S, 0.0014 % of Na2O, 1.53 % of K2O, and 0.17 % of Cl) among the other raw materials tested. This dataset is expected to be a primary source in comparing and determining the proper type of raw material for biopellet production as an alternative renewable energy source, especially those originating from shrubs and similar lignocellulosic waste.

The leaf is an important site for energy acquisition and material transformation in plants. Leaf functional traits and their trade-off mechanisms reflect the resource utilisation efficiency and habitat adaptation strategies of plants, and contribute to our understanding of the mechanism by which the distribution pattern of plant populations in arid and semi-arid areas influences the evolution of vegetation structure and function. We selected two natural environments, the tree-shrub community canopy area and the shrub-grass community open area in the transition zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau. We studied the trade-off relationships of leaf area with leaf midvein diameter and leaf vein density in Cotoneaster multiflorus using the standardised major axis (SMA) method. The results show that the growth pattern of C. multiflorus, which has small leaves of high density and extremely small vein diameters, in the open area. The water use efficiency and net photosynthetic rate of plants in the open area were significantly greater than those of plants growing in the canopy area. The adaptability of C. multiflorus to environments with high light and low soil water content reflects its spatial colonisation potential in arid and semiarid mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abscission is the final step of cytokinesis that allows the physical separation of sister cells through the scission of the cellular membrane. This deformation is driven by ESCRT-III proteins, which can bind membranes and form dynamic helices. A crucial step in abscission is the recruitment of ESCRT-III proteins at the right time and place. Alix is one of the best characterized proteins that recruits ESCRT-III proteins from yeast to mammals. However, recent studies in vivo have revealed that pathways acting independently or redundantly with Alix are also required at abscission sites in different cellular contexts. Here, we show that Lgd acts redundantly with Alix to properly localize ESCRT-III to the abscission site in germline stem cells (GSCs) during Drosophila oogenesis. We further demonstrate that Lgd is phosphorylated at multiple sites by the CycB/Cdk1 kinase. We found that these phosphorylation events potentiate the activity of Shrub, a Drosophila ESCRT-III, during abscission of GSCs. Our study reveals that redundancy between Lgd and Alix, and coordination with the cell cycle kinase Cdk1, confers robust and timely abscission of Drosophila germline stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arctic and subarctic ecosystems are rapidly transforming due to global warming, emphasizing the need to understand the genetic diversity and adaptive strategies of northern plant species for effective conservation. This study focuses on Betula glandulosa, a native North American tundra shrub known as dwarf birch, which demonstrates an apparent capacity to adapt to changing climate conditions. To address the taxonomic challenges associated with shrub birches and logistical complexities of sampling in the northernmost areas where species' ranges overlap, we adopted a multicriteria approach. Incorporating molecular data, ploidy level assessment and leaf morphology, we aimed to distinguish B. glandulosa individuals from other shrub birch species sampled. Our results revealed three distinct species and their hybrids within the 537 collected samples, suggesting the existence of a shrub birch syngameon, a reproductive network of interconnected species. Additionally, we identified two discrete genetic clusters within the core species, B. glandulosa, that likely correspond to two different glacial lineages. A comparison between the nuclear and chloroplast SNP data emphasizes a long history of gene exchange between different birch species and genetic clusters. Furthermore, our results highlight the significance of incorporating interfertile congeneric species in conservation strategies and underscores the need for a holistic approach to conservation in the context of climate change, considering the complex dynamics of species interactions. While further research will be needed to describe this shrub birches syngameon and its constituents, this study is a first step in recognizing its existence and disseminating awareness among ecologists and conservation practitioners. This biological phenomenon, which offers evolutionary flexibility and resilience beyond what its constituent species can achieve individually, may have significant ecological implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is an ancestral plant with various beneficial properties and has been used as a food source due to its high nutritional value for human health. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the addition of maltodextrin concentration, the impact of the use of drying temperature, and the interaction of both on the physicochemical characteristics of powdered Sacha inchi extract. The results of this study would provide insightful information about the utilization of Sacha inchi , the optimal concentration of maltodextrin, and the drying temperature of powdered Sacha inchi extract. The experimental design used in this study is a Randomized Group Design with a 3x3 factorial pattern of two replications followed by Duncan's further test. The observed variation consisted of maltodextrin concentration (5%, 10%, and 15%) and drying temperature (50°C, 60°C, and 70°C). This study includes chemical and physical responses such as moisture content, antioxidant activity, yield, solubility, hygroscopicity, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of maltodextrin concentration and drying temperature factor was significant on moisture content, hygroscopicity, yield, and solubility. The interaction between drying temperature and maltodextrin concentration significantly affected moisture content and solubility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Disturbance is a key driver of changes in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in water limited regions. In the desert ecosystem of Northwest China, shrubs are often foraged by camels and this causes the shrubs lost their aboveground tissues. Although the aboveground tissue could recover after the disturbance, the mechanisms of resprouts' recovery after the disturbance are still poorly understood. We investigated the morphological and physiological characteristics and root water uptake sources of resprouts and non-disturbed seedlings of four desert shrub species that were often foraged by camels. Results: The results showed that the resprouts grew rapidly after the removal of aboveground tissue. The height and aboveground biomass of resprouts reached the level of 5-year-old seedlings following a growing season. Compared to un-disturbed seedlings, higher leaf water potential, leaf hydraulic conductance and photosynthesis rate were observed in resprouts, indicating that resprouts grew rapidly after disturbance. Furthermore, we found that the root water uptake source did not change after disturbance. This indicated that the roots of resprouts kept intact water uptake capacity after disturbance, which could keep supplying sufficient water to the aboveground tissue. Due to the removal of aboveground tissue of the resprouts, the water demand of aboveground tissue decreased, which induced an imbalance of water supply from roots to demand of aboveground tissues of resprouts. This explained the improved physiological performance and rapid recovery of resprouts after disturbance. Conclusions: The imbalance of water supply to demand contributes to the rapid recovery of desert shrubs after disturbance. The findings provide insight into the eco-physiological mechanism for the maintenance of desert ecosystems that are facing disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Embankment dams were built south of the Laizhou bay in China for controlling storm surge disasters, but they are not enough to replace coastal forests in protecting the land. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of embankment dams on natural forests dominated by Tamarix austromongolica and test whether the dam-shrub system is a preferable updated defense. Methods Coastal forests on two typical flats, one before and one behind embankment dams, were investigated using quadrats and lines. Land bareness, vegetation composition and species co-occurrence were assessed; structures of T. austromongolica populations were evaluated; and spatial patterns of the populations were analyzed using Ripley’s K and K1,2 functions. Results In the area before embankment dams, 84.8% of T. austromongolica were juveniles (basal diameter ≤ 3 cm), and 15.2% were adults (basal diameter > 3 cm); behind the dams, 52.9% were juveniles, and 47.1 were adults. In the area before the dams, the land bareness was 13.7%, four species occurred, and they all were ready to co-occur with T. austromongolica; behind the dams, the land bareness was 0%, and 16 species occurred whereas they somewhat resisted co-occurrence with T. austromongolica. In the area before the dams, the T. austromongolica population was aggregated in heterogeneous patches, and the juveniles tended to co-occur with the adults; behind the dams, they were over-dispersed as nearly uniform distributions, while the juveniles could recruit and were primarily independent of the adults. These results indicate that the T. austromongolica species did not suffer from the unnatural dams, but benefited somehow in population expansion and development. Overall, the T. austromongolica species can adapt to artificial embankment dams to create a synthetic defense against storm surges.

The article provides brief information about the North American exposition of the Tashkent Botanical Garden of Uzbekistan. The species of plants growing today in this exposition are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The Raunkiær's system classifies vascular plants into life forms based on the position of renewal buds during periods unfavourable for plant growth. Despite the importance of Raunkiær's system for ecological research, a study exploring the diversity and distribution of life forms on a continental scale is missing. We aim to (i) map the diversity and distribution of life forms in European vegetation and (ii) test for effects of bioclimatic variables while controlling for habitat‐specific responses. Location: Europe. Methods: We used data on life forms of 8883 species recorded in 546,501 vegetation plots of different habitats (forest, grassland, scrub and wetland). For each plot, we calculated: (i) the proportion of species of each life form and (ii) the richness and evenness of life forms. We mapped these plot‐level metrics averaged across 50 km × 50 km grid cells and modelled their response to bioclimatic variables. Results: Hemicryptophytes were the most widespread life form, especially in the temperate zone of Central Europe. Conversely, therophyte and chamaephyte species were more common in the Mediterranean as well as in the dry temperate regions. Moreover, chamaephytes were also more common in the boreal and arctic zones. Higher proportions of phanerophytes were found in the Mediterranean. Overall, a higher richness of life forms was found at lower latitudes while evenness showed more spatially heterogeneous patterns. Habitat type was the main discriminator for most of the responses analysed, but several moisture‐related predictors still showed a marked effect on the diversity of therophytes and chamaephytes. Conclusions: Our maps can be used as a tool for future biogeographic and macro‐ecological research at a continental scale. Habitat type and bioclimatic conditions are key for regulating the diversity and distribution of plant life forms, with concomitant consequences for the response of functional diversity in European vegetation to global environmental changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the high Arctic, thermal bridging through frozen shrub branches has been demonstrated to cool the ground by up to 4°C during cold spells, affecting snow metamorphism and soil carbon and nutrients. In alpine conditions, the thermal conductivity contrast between shrub branches and snow is much less than in the Arctic, so that the importance of thermal bridging is uncertain. We explore this effect by monitoring ground temperature and liquid water content under green alders and under nearby alpine tundra in the Alps. During a January 2022 cold spell, the ground temperature at 5 cm depth under alders is 1.3°C colder than under alpine tundra. Ground water freezing under alders is complete, while water remains liquid under tundra. Finite element simulations reproduce the observed temperature difference between both sites, showing that thermal bridging does affect ground temperature also under Alpine conditions. Plain Language Summary: With climate warming, shrubs are expanding in seasonally snow‐covered Arctic and alpine areas. In the Arctic, it has been shown that shrubs buried in snow act as thermal bridges between the ground and the atmosphere, so that the ground winter temperature is colder than if thermal effects due to snow only are considered. Thermal bridging is efficient in the Arctic because the thermal conductivity of shrub branches is 30–70 times as large as that of snow. In alpine areas, the difference in thermal conductivity between the shrub branches and the snow is much lower, so that the efficiency of thermal bridging by shrubs is uncertain, even though shrub branches are much thicker. We monitored the soil temperature at an Alpine site at a spot with green alders and a nearby spot with herbaceous vegetation. The ground was 1.3°C colder under alders during a cold spell. Using finite element simulations, we show that this is explained by thermal bridging through alder branches. Snow and land surface models must therefore include this process for adequate simulations of the soil temperature, soil freezing and carbon recycling, snow metamorphism and snow physical properties. Key Points: The winter ground temperature in a snow‐covered alpine area during a cold spell is 1.3°C colder under alders than under nearby grassUsing finite element modeling, we demonstrate that this is due to thermal bridging through alder branchesPlane‐parallel snow layer geometry cannot be used to model ground temperature, soil freezing, and snow metamorphism if shrubs are present [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents analytical data on the medicinal content of the fruit of the Japanese quince (Chaenomeles japonica) introduced to Shakhrisabz. Based on the study of its growth and development under the conditions of introduction, it was determined that it is promising for Shahrisabz, and it will produce a lot of goods in the new conditions. It was concluded that it is possible to spread it to other regions of the region, as well as to enrich the food and pharmacopoeia industry with valuable raw materials, by developing a scientifically based technology of increasing fertility in new conditions.

Abstract Arctic and subarctic ecosystems are rapidly transforming due to global warming, emphasizing the need to understand the genetic diversity and adaptive strategies of northern plant species for effective conservation. This study focuses on Betula glandulosa, a native North American tundra shrub known as dwarf birch, which demonstrates an apparent capacity to adapt to changing climate conditions. To address the taxonomic challenges associated with shrub birches and logistical complexities of sampling in the northernmost areas where species' ranges overlap, we adopted a multicriteria approach. Incorporating molecular data, ploidy level assessment and leaf morphology, we aimed to distinguish B. glandulosa individuals from other shrub birch species sampled. Our results revealed three distinct species and their hybrids within the 537 collected samples, suggesting the existence of a shrub birch syngameon, a reproductive network of interconnected species. Additionally, we identified two discrete genetic clusters within the core species, B. glandulosa, that likely correspond to two different glacial lineages. A comparison between the nuclear and chloroplast SNP data emphasizes a long history of gene exchange between different birch species and genetic clusters. Furthermore, our results highlight the significance of incorporating interfertile congeneric species in conservation strategies and underscores the need for a holistic approach to conservation in the context of climate change, considering the complex dynamics of species interactions. While further research will be needed to describe this shrub birches syngameon and its constituents, this study is a first step in recognizing its existence and disseminating awareness among ecologists and conservation practitioners. This biological phenomenon, which offers evolutionary flexibility and resilience beyond what its constituent species can achieve individually, may have significant ecological implications.

Abstract In the high Arctic, thermal bridging through frozen shrub branches has been demonstrated to cool the ground by up to 4°C during cold spells, affecting snow metamorphism and soil carbon and nutrients. In alpine conditions, the thermal conductivity contrast between shrub branches and snow is much less than in the Arctic, so that the importance of thermal bridging is uncertain. We explore this effect by monitoring ground temperature and liquid water content under green alders and under nearby alpine tundra in the Alps. During a January 2022 cold spell, the ground temperature at 5 cm depth under alders is 1.3°C colder than under alpine tundra. Ground water freezing under alders is complete, while water remains liquid under tundra. Finite element simulations reproduce the observed temperature difference between both sites, showing that thermal bridging does affect ground temperature also under Alpine conditions.

Lichen heaths are decreasing in abundance in alpine and Arctic areas because of an increased competition with shrubs. This shift in vegetation might have important consequences for the soil temperature. The aim of this study is to find the drivers of the variation in soil temperature below lichen heaths and shrubs. Moreover, we want to gain more insight in the variability of the soil temperature below lichen heaths. We measured the soil temperature in thirty lichen plots and fifteen shrub plots in an alpine area in southern Norway during July and August 2019. We applied several treatments to study the drivers behind the variation in soil temperature between lichen heaths and shrub vegetation. We found that the average soil temperature was 1.45°C higher below lichen heaths than below shrub vegetation. Moreover, we measured a difference in soil temperature of 1.66°C between north- and south-facing lichen heaths, which contributes to the small-scale spatial variability in soil temperature below lichen heaths. Based on our experiments, we conclude that the buffering capacity of the litter layer below shrubs and shading of the soil by the shrub canopy lead to a lower soil temperature below shrubs compared to lichen heaths during the summer.

Simple Summary: Rockrose (Cistus laurifolius L.) is a pyrophyte species with allelopathic effects that colonizes acid forest soils in the Mediterranean basin. Its continuous spread contributes to increasing wildfire risk, even more so in the current context of forecasts of increasingly intense and prolonged heat waves and droughts. Its mechanized collection and transformation into biofuels contributes to climate change mitigation, the economic development of rural areas and wildfire risk reduction. Biomass storage is an essential requirement in the supply chain of bio-refineries and biomass plants. This research aims to evaluate the influence of long-term outdoor storage (1 year) of baled rockrose shrub biomass on the quality of biofuels (30 mm milled material and pellets), on pre-treatment processes and on combustion emissions in an industrial boiler. After storage, no significant differences were observed in the biomass pre-treatment processes or in the emissions in an industrial combustion boiler. Biomass weight loss was 12% after storage. Some quality biofuels parameters improved, with the reduction in ash content being the most prominent aspect, which allowed 30 mm of milled material to be classified as I1, according to ISO 17225-9:2022, and rockrose pellets as class I3 for industrial use, according to the ISO 17225-2-2021 standard. Biomass storage is an essential requirement in the supply chain of bio-refineries and power plants. This research aims to evaluate the influence of long-term outdoor storage (1 year) of baled rockrose (Cistus laurifolius L.) shrub biomass on biofuel's quality, pre-treatment processes and on combustion emissions in an industrial boiler. The raw material was obtained from different rockrose shrublands in north central Spain. A total of 233 tWM (tones of wet matter) of biomass were used to produce biofuels (30 mm of milled biomass and Ø 8 mm pellets) in the pre-treatment pilot plants at CEDER-CIEMAT. The combustion tests were conducted in an industrial moving grate boiler with a thermal power of 50 MWth, in a 17 MWe power plant. Outdoor storage improved some biofuel quality parameters, mainly the reduction in ash content, which allowed 30 mm of milled material to be classified as class I1 (ISO 17225-9:2022) and pellets as class I3 (ISO 17225-2-2021). No significant differences were observed in the total specific mass flow and energy consumption in the pre-treatment processes. The combustion tests had similar results, with the emissions being below the limits established in the directive (EU) 2015/2193. The results obtained indicated that the 1-year outdoor storage of rockrose-baled biomass, under Mediterranean conditions, was feasible for its subsequent use as biofuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Total 14 shrubs, 17 climbers & 30 herbs species were found in different sites. • Understory population was higher in degraded forest. • Soil macro and micro nutrients was lowest in the degraded forest. • Herb community dominated the understory stratum. • Degraded forest seems to be hostile for understory than other forest stands. The present study deals with the understory structure, diversity, and soil macro and micronutrients in various forest stands of the Duldula forest in northern Chhattisgarh. Forest stands include four natural (dense, moderately dense, regenerated, and degraded forests) and one plantation (teak). Stratified random sampling methods were used to evaluate the phytosociological attributes of shrubs, climbers, and herbs in various forest stands. Soil samples were analyzed for macro and micronutrients at two different depths (0–10 cm and 10–20 cm). A total of 14 shrubs, 17 climbers, and 30 herb species representing 9, 8, and 12 families, respectively were recorded from various forest stands. The total density value of shrubs, climbers, and herbs ranged between 600 and 1760 individuals ha−1, 320–5240 individuals ha−1, and 356,000–684,000 individuals ha−1, respectively for different forest stands. Shannon index values for shrub, climber, and herb ranged between 0.78–2.88, 1.68–2.45, and 2.57–3.59, respectively. The soil of the study area was found to be acidic in nature with moderate levels of organic carbon (%), macro, and micronutrient status. Considering the total density value of various forests stands highest number of shrubs, climbers, and herbs were recorded in degraded forests which indicates the process of degradation facilitates the growth of understory vegetation in comparison to tree species. In most cases, the soil attributes were higher in dense forests. This, therefore, indicates that sustainable management of the soil is essential for the restoration of degraded forests to a natural condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms play crucial roles in maintaining material circulation and energy flow in desert ecosystems. However, the structure and function of soil microorganisms in different forestlands are currently unclear, restricting the use of sand-fixing plants and the understanding of forest ecosystem functions. In this study, Artemisia ordosica, Caragana korshinskii, and Salix psammophila, three types of sand-fixing forests widely distributed in the Mu Us Sandy Land, were used to explore the effects of sand-fixing forests on soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activity, soil microbial biomass, microbial community structure, and inter-microbial species relationships. Soils of forestlands showed higher soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) contents than bare sandy land. The SOC in bare sandy soil was only 0.84 g kg−1, while it remained 1.55–3.46 g kg−1 in forestland soils. The TN in bare sandy land soil was 0.07 g kg−1, which was significantly lower than that in forestland soils (0.35–0.51 g kg−1). The TP in bare sandy soil was 0.18 g kg−1, significantly lower than that in forestland soils (0.46–0.69 g kg−1). Afforestation of bare sandy land improved soil microbial carbon and nitrogen contents and increased microbial enzyme activities of acid phosphatase and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase. Significant differences were observed between the three forestlands and bare sandy land in terms of soil microorganisms and community composition. With the establishment of a sand-fixing forest, the alpha diversity of soil bacteria significantly improved, whereas that of soil fungi remained stable. The bacterial community comprised 33 phyla, 106 classes, 273 orders, 453 families, and 842 genera. While five fungal phyla were detected by OTUs at a similarity of 97%, bacterial and fungal community structures were affected by the organic carbon content, sand particle content, soil pH, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus contents of soils. This study is helpful for vegetation construction and protection on sandy lands from the perspective of plant-microbe interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

In the course of the study, a comparative analysis was carried out on the various types of shrubs that may be potentially interesting for introduction in Astana, Kazakhstan. Their phenological and botanical features, such as height, shape of the bush, colour and size of flowers, seasonal flowering and decorative foliage, were studied. Special attention was paid to the adaptation of these species to local conditions, such as climate, soil and water availability. Observations of their growth and development over several years were carried out to determine their stability and suitability for acclimatization in an urban environment. The possibility of using these types of shrubs in the landscape design of Astana was also evaluated. The issues of combining them with other plants, creating compositions and also aesthetically attractive plant ensembles were considered. The results of the study allowed us to identify the most promising local types of shrubs suitable for introduction in Astana, as well as to highlight recommendations for their use in landscaping the city. The obtained data and conclusions will be useful for specialists involved in the planning and creation of public and private spaces, as well as for local governments. Thus, this study will be a comprehensive analysis and the introduction of promising local species of shrubs in Astana, taking into account their suitability for local conditions and the possibility of use in the landscape design of the city. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the pair difference cordial labeling behaviour of some star related graphs.

The global atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has intensified in recent years, resulting in a complex impact on forest ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of canopy (CAN) and understory additions of N (UAN) on leaf carbon (C) and N assimilations, as well as growth parameters of representative woody plant species in an evergreen broad-leaved forest, i.e. Castanea henryi, Schefflera heptaphylla, Blastus cochinchinensis, and Lasianthus chinensis. The results showed that leaf N assimilation key enzyme nitrate reductase (NR) activities of B. cochinchinensis and S. heptaphylla were significantly decreased by UAN, and were significantly decreased by CAN for C. henryi. CAN significantly decreased the nitrite reductase activity of C. henryi, while significantly increased that of L. chinensis. However, the Amax values of each woody species were not significantly different among control (CK), CAN, and UAN. Community surveys demonstrated that CAN and UAN inhibited the growth (diameter at breast height, height, or crown width) of the representative large tree, C. henryi, while promoting the growths of understory woody species (B. cochinchinensis and L. chinensis). Overall, N addition was found to change the physiological processes of N and C metabolisms of the dominant woody species in an evergreen broad-leaved forest. The community of subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests may further decline and its C fixation capacity may be detrimentally changed under N deposition in the future.

Background and Aims Whole-plant performance in water-stressed and disturbance-prone environments depends on a suitable supply of water from the roots to the leaves, storage of reserves during periods of shortage, and a morphological arrangement that guarantees the maintenance of the plants anchored to the soil. All these functions are performed by the secondary xylem of roots. Here, we investigate whether different growth forms of Fabaceae species from the seasonally dry Neotropical environment have distinct strategies for water transport, mechanical support and non-structural carbon and water storage in the root secondary xylem. Methods We evaluated cross-sections of root secondary xylem from species of trees, shrubs and subshrubs. We applied linear models to verify the variability in secondary xylem anatomical traits among growth forms. Key Results Secondary xylem with larger vessels and lower vessel density was observed in tree species. Vessel wall thickness, vessel grouping index, potential hydraulic conductivity and cell fractions (vessels, fibres, rays and axial parenchyma) were not statistically different between growth forms, owing to the high interspecific variation within the groups studied. Conclusion Our results showed that the variability in anatomical traits of the secondary xylem of the root is species specific. In summary, the cellular complexity of the secondary xylem ensures multiple functional strategies in species with distinct growth forms, a key trait for resource use in an environment with strong water seasonality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Climate and economic changes promote the encroachment of woody plants on marginal mountain pastures. In the Alps, the main woody invader is the nitrogen-fixing shrub Alnus viridis (green alder). Robust breeds of different ruminant species may perform well on these shrub-encroached pastures. Aims. To assess the effects of A. viridis encroachment levels of mountain pastures on the growth performance and carcass and meat characteristics of cattle and sheep. Methods. For 8-9 weeks, 22 15-month-old growing Dexter cattle and 20 7-month-old weaned Engadine sheep were grazed rotationally on pastures in a subalpine zone with four different levels of A. viridis encroachment (average: 0.8%, 28.7%, 50.3% and 67.8%). Following slaughter, the assessed carcass and meat characteristics (longissimus thoracis and biceps femoris) included physico-chemical meat quality, muscle fibre typing, fatty acid profiling (intramuscular and perirenal fat) and the sensory properties of patties. Key results. The shrub encroachment levels had only minor effects on the animals. Interactions with the animal species influenced some sensory and fatty acid characteristics. The average daily gains were 201 g in the Dexter cattle and 104 g in the Engadine sheep. Both species achieved satisfactory carcass and meat quality and favourably low n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (0.63 and 0.68 in the intramuscular fat of the cattle and sheep, respectively). The meat from the Dexter cattle had a slightly higher cooking loss and shear force and a slightly lower proportion of fatty acids relevant to human health. Flavour appreciation was in favour of the burgers prepared from the beef. Conclusions. Both robust breeds were suitable for producing meat on extensive pastures with A. viridis encroachment of up to 70%. Based on indirect evidence, it seems that neither species consumed significant quantities of leaves or bark from the trees. Implications. Our study provides detailed information on rare robust breeds of two animal species in the context of meat production according to customer preferences. To better explain the differences between the two animal species, particularly in terms of fatty acid profiles, the role of the A. viridis understory needs to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed at elucidating divergent effects of two dominant plant functional types (PFTs) in tundra heath, dwarf shrubs and mosses, on soil microbial processes and soil carbon (C) and nutrient availability, and thereby to enhance our understanding of the complex interactions between PFTs, soil microbes and soil functioning. Methods: Samples of organic soil were collected under three dwarf shrub species (of distinct mycorrhizal association and life form) and three moss species in early and late growing season. We analysed soil C and nutrient pools, extracellular enzyme activities and phospholipid fatty acid profiles, together with a range of plant traits, soil and abiotic site characteristics. Results: Shrub soils were characterised by high microbial biomass C and phosphorus and phosphatase activity, which was linked with a fungal-dominated microbial community, while moss soils were characterised by high soil nitrogen availability, peptidase and peroxidase activity associated with a bacterial-dominated microbial community. The variation in soil microbial community structure was explained by mycorrhizal association, root morphology, litter and soil organic matter quality and soil pH-value. Furthermore, we found that the seasonal variation in microbial biomass and enzyme activities over the growing season, likely driven by plant belowground C allocation, was most pronounced under the tallest shrub Betula nana. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a close coupling of PFTs with soil microbial communities, microbial decomposition processes and soil nutrient availability in tundra heath, which suggests potential strong impacts of global change-induced shifts in plant community composition on carbon and nutrient cycling in high-latitude ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the pair difference cordial labeling behaviour of some star related graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences is the property of Xinjiang Agricultural Sciences Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Prataculturae Sinica is the property of Acta Prataculturae Sinica Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Different ecosystems evolved and are maintained by fire, with their vegetation hosting species with a wide diversity of persistence strategies allowing them to insulate their body and resprout new branches after fire disturbance. Changes in fire regime are predicted due to climate change, either by promoting more frequent and/or severe fires or by reducing the number of fire events due to the limitation of fuel load. Predicting the future of fire-driven ecosystems is a complex task as species' survival depends on many factors that vary in space and time. Since plants are constantly experiencing new environments as they grow through meristem development, woody plant modularity, modules morpho-physiological aspects and their integration should be considered when investigating species strategies in fire-prone ecosystems: according to their position and their tissue composition, plants' modules experience fire differently and will contribute differently to other modules and the whole plant survival, with consequences cascading over the overall vegetation structure. Growth modules may hold the key to understanding how fast plants can get protected from fire, ultimately helping us to predict which species will persist across changing fire regimes. We present an empirical example showing how different fire-return intervals translate into distinct pressures on the timing, protection and location of modules, and discuss how these can translate into modifications in the vegetation structure due to climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out in Kovada lake national park in Isparta in 2018-2020 to determine the forage values of common grazeable bush species. Ten species including bush, shrub-shaped tree and shrub species (Phillyrea latifolia, Spartium junceum, Juniperus oxycedrus, Quercus coccifera, Quercus infectoria, Coronilla emerus, Colutea melanocalyx, Fraxinus excelsior, Paliurus spina-christi ve Crataegus monogyna) were used in the study. Leaf samples were taken from these species in all seasons. In this study, dry matter (DM) ratio, crude protein (CP) ratio, NDF, ADF, total digestible nutrients (TDN), relative feed value (RFV) and tannin ratios of each species were determined.According to the results of the analysis of variance, the difference between seasons and bush species was found to be statistically significant in all the examined characteristics.According to the two-year averages, when the seasons are compared, the highest crude protein ratio, TDN and RFV were obtained in the spring, while they decreased as the seasons progressed, and the lowest values were obtained in the winter. The lowest dry matter ratios, ADF and NDF values were obtained in the spring and increased in parallel with the progress of the seasons. The lowest tannin ratios were obtained in spring and summer, while the highest values were determined in winter.When the species were compared, the lowest dry matter and NDF ratio were found in C. melanocalyx, ADF ratio in P. spina-christi, and tannin ratio in P. latifolia, S. junceum, C. emerus, C. melanocalyx and F. excelsior. The highest crude protein ratio was determined in C. emerus, TDN P. spina-christi and RFV C. melanocalyx species.Consequently, it has been seen that the bush, shrub-shaped tree and shrub species in the maquis have an important potential as high quality feed for ruminant animals in the critical period in semi-arid and arid regions.

Although effects of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on forest plants have been widely investigated, N interception and absorption effects by forest canopy should not be neglected. Moreover, how N deposition change the molecular biological process of understory dominant plants, which was easily influenced by canopy interception so as to further change physiological performance, remains poorly understood. To assess the effects of N deposition on forest plants, we investigated the effects of understory (UAN) and canopy N addition (CAN) on the transcriptome and physiological properties of Ardisia quinquegona, a dominant subtropical understory plant species in an evergreen broad-leaved forest in China. We identified a total of 7394 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Three of these genes were found to be co-upregulated in CAN as compared to control (CK) after 3 and 6 h of N addition treatment, while 133 and 3 genes were respectively found to be co-upregulated and co-downregulated in UAN as compared to CK. In addition, highly expressed genes including GP1 (a gene involved in cell wall biosynthesis) and STP9 (sugar transport protein 9) were detected in CAN, which led to elevated photosynthetic capacity and accumulation of protein and amino acid as well as decrease in glucose, sucrose, and starch contents. On the other hand, genes associated with transport, carbon and N metabolism, redox response, protein phosphorylation, cell integrity, and epigenetic regulation mechanism were affected by UAN, resulting in enhanced photosynthetic capacity and carbohydrates and accumulation of protein and amino acid. In conclusion, our results showed that the CAN compared to UAN treatment had less effects on gene regulation and carbon and N metabolism. Canopy interception of N should be considered through CAN treatment to simulate N deposition in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico, is characterized by extensive grazing of various grasses, shrubs, and trees to raise goats. The objective of this study was to identify and determine the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the species consumed by goats in the Mixteca region of Oaxaca. The direct observation method was used to collect forage from the species during the rainy (August-September) and dry (April-May) seasons. A botanical collection was made for later identification. The variables considered were the season (rainy, dry) and growth habit (tree, shrub, herbaceous, pod) as treatments. The chemical composition values were analyzed with a completely randomized experimental design. A total of 116 species were identified, of which 74 % were found in the rainy season and 26 % in the dry season. By growth habit, 42 % were trees, 34 % shrubs, and 24 % herbaceous. In addition, 11 % of the total species provided pods that goats consumed. The Fabaceae family was the most represented. Regarding chemical composition, the NDF content of the species was higher (p ≤ 0.05) in the rainy season. By growth habit, the highest values obtained (p ≤ 0.05) for DM were in herbaceous and pods; for OM, in pods; for NDF, in pods and trees; and for IVDMD, in trees, shrubs, and pods. The goat livestock of the Mixteca region in Oaxaca has an important ecological niche. The evaluated species maintain a variable chemical composition between the rainy and dry seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating native shrubs into restoration projects can improve biodiversity conservation and enhance the sustainability of ecosystem functions. Shrubs grow under different forest canopy structures, having varied microclimatic conditions according to forest type and composition. Currently, there is a lack of information on propagation from seed and planting material availability for the utilization of shrubs in forest restoration.In the present study, we evaluated the effects of temperature and light on germination of ten shrub species (Ardisia japonica, Callicarpa cathayana, Callicarpa giraldii var. subcanescens, Deutzia schneideriana, Fraxinus sieboldiana, Hydrangea chinensis, Maesa japonica, Rhododendron simsii, Spiraea japonica var. fortunei and Weigela japonica var. sinica) occurring in subtropical forests in China.No seeds of any species germinated in the coolest thermal regime (5/10 °C), while optimal temperature requirements varied from 10/20 °C to 25/35 °C. Seeds of small‐seeded species had higher germination percentages in the light treatments, while larger seeds were not photoblastic. There was no relationship between germination in the light and the seed shape index.Our results may assist in identification of seed traits and suitable shrub species for restoration in specific forest types, thus aiding native forest recovery of structure and composition. Successful recovery leads to enhanced biodiversity, reestablishment of microhabitats and ecological interactions in the forest understorey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate a class of linear error correcting codes in relation with the order polytopes. In particular we consider the order polytopes of tree posets and bipartite posets. We calculate the parameters of the associated toric variety codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]