Search

Logging operations of Liriodendron tulipifera L., as timber trees, and fallen leaves in autumn from ornamental trees produce a large amount of leaf waste. In this study, the allelopathy of L. tulipifera fresh and fallen leaves was investigated for the development of potential applications of leaf waste. The extracts of fresh and fallen leaves of L. tulipifera showed growth inhibitory activity against weed species, Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C.Gmel., Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv., and Lolium multiflorum Lam., under laboratory conditions. The powder of L. tulipifera fresh and fallen leaves also inhibited the germination of E. crus-galli under greenhouse conditions. A potent allelochemical was isolated from fresh and fallen leaf extracts through a bioassay-guided separation process, and was identified as lipiferolide. Lipiferolide inhibited the growth of L. multiflorum and Lepidum sativum in a concentration-dependent manner. This investigation suggests that the leaf waste of L. tulipifera from logging operations and fallen leaves is potentially useful for the purpose of weed control, such as through the use of soil additive materials from leaves or the creation of foliar spray from leaf extracts. The development of weed control materials using L. tulipifera leaf waste may be a means with which to minimize waste, reducing environmental impacts and economic concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oregon leads the United States in nursery production of shade trees and is third in deciduous and broadleaf evergreen shrub production. Plant-parasitic nematodes have been implicated in problems with the growth of plants in nurseries and are also of phytosanitary risk. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the host status of four trees (Quercus alba, Quercus garryana, Acer campestre, Thuja occidentalis) and two shrubs (Buxus sempervirens, Rhododendron catawbiense) to Meloidogyne incognita, Meloidogyne hapla, and Pratylenchus neglectus. Each plant/nematode treatment was replicated five times, and the experiment was conducted twice. Plants were inoculated with 3,000 eggs of M. incognita or M. hapla and 2,500 individuals of P. neglectus two weeks after planting. After three months, the plants were harvested, and the total density of nematodes in soil and roots for P. neglectus and the total density of second-stage juveniles (J2) in soil and eggs on roots for M. hapla and M. incognita were determined. The final nematode population (Pf) and reproductive factor (RF = Pf/initial population density) were calculated. For M. incognita and M. hapla, all of the ornamental trees and shrubs would be considered as fair to good hosts with RF values > 1. Meloidogyne incognita had the highest Pf (5,234 total J2 and eggs/pot) and RF value (28.4) on A. campestre. For P. neglectus, all of the ornamental trees and shrubs were fair to good hosts, except for B. sempervirens. Buxus sermpervirens was not a host for P. neglectus, with an RF value of almost 0. This is the first report of Q. alba, Q. garryana, and A. campestre as hosts for M. incognita, M. hapla, and P. penetrans. This is also the first report of T. occidentalis and R. catawbiense as hosts for P. penetrans and the non-host status of B. sermpervirens for P. penetrans.

Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.) blooms in summer and is widely used as an ornamental tree because of its beautiful flowers and long flowering periods. To develop a new cultivar suitable for pot cultivation, the artificial crossing of H. syriacus cv. Hansŏ, a seed parent, and H. syriacus cv. Hongtanshim, a pollen parent, was established in 2011. Among the 19 artificially bred seedlings that bloomed in 2014, three individuals were selected by the characteristics based on flower shape, flower size, petal color, presence and size of the red eye zone, leaf characteristics, tree form, and growth of the current-year branch. After the second test on its traits for three years, one individual (NFHH05) with a unique flower shape and slow growth was selected. This individual was investigated again for uniformity and stability of trait expression, and was registered as a new cultivar under the name ‘Huiwon’ in 2022. ‘Huiwon’ has bright pink flowers with thick petals and distinct petal veins. The flowers were in full bloom and were shaped like a plate, with the tips of the petals curling outward. It begins to bloom at the beginning of July, and the average flowering period is approximately 63 d. ‘Huiwon’ has a slightly straight tree form and is a slow growing cultivar, which makes it suitable for medium-sized pot cultivation or flower gardening (Grant number 8875). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cockspur coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli, Fabaceae) from the collection of woody ornamentals of the Botanical Garden (Faculty of Science) in Zagreb showed conspicuous virus-like symptoms. The leaf tissue was analyzed by high throughput sequencing (HTS), revealing the presence of two viruses: prune dwarf virus (PDV, genus Ilarvirus) and an unknown virus belonging to the genus Capillovirus (family Betaflexiviridae). The complete sequence of PDV RNA3 of 2,129 nucleotides (nts) coding for the coat and movement proteins was obtained. The complete coding region spanning 6,483 nts was obtained for the capillovirus. It contained all expected open reading frames, and its maximum nucleotide identity was 42% with apple stem grooving capillovirus sequence (GenBank accession number LC143387). As this is far below the threshold for species delineation within the genus Capillovirus, we propose the name Erythrina capillovirus (ErCV) for this putatively new virus and a new virus species Capillovirus ErCV in the family Betaflexiviridae. RT-PCR confirms the presence of ErCV and PDV in symptomatic E. crista-galli, an unusual and exotic fabaceous host with no viruses recorded yet. Asymptomatic Erythrina plants were tested negative for the two viruses in RT-PCR, which, together with their presence in the symptomatic plant, suggests the capillovirus and/or PDV might play a role in eliciting observed symptoms and deserve further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logging operations of Liriodendron tulipifera L., as timber trees, and fallen leaves in autumn from ornamental trees produce a large amount of leaf waste. In this study, the allelopathy of L. tulipifera fresh and fallen leaves was investigated for the development of potential applications of leaf waste. The extracts of fresh and fallen leaves of L. tulipifera showed growth inhibitory activity against weed species, Vulpia myuros (L.) C.C.Gmel., Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P.Beauv., and Lolium multiflorum Lam., under laboratory conditions. The powder of L. tulipifera fresh and fallen leaves also inhibited the germination of E. crus-galli under greenhouse conditions. A potent allelochemical was isolated from fresh and fallen leaf extracts through a bioassay-guided separation process, and was identified as lipiferolide. Lipiferolide inhibited the growth of L. multiflorum and Lepidum sativum in a concentration-dependent manner. This investigation suggests that the leaf waste of L. tulipifera from logging operations and fallen leaves is potentially useful for the purpose of weed control, such as through the use of soil additive materials from leaves or the creation of foliar spray from leaf extracts. The development of weed control materials using L. tulipifera leaf waste may be a means with which to minimize waste, reducing environmental impacts and economic concerns.

• Equations using the product between L and W are the most suitable for estimating the LA. • The models y ^ = 0. 747 * L W 0.981 and y ^ = 0. 696 * LW is the most appropriate to estimate the area of leaflets of C. fistula. • The proposed non-destructive method has high precision in C. fistula plants. The leaf area is an important parameter for plant growth and development, usually determined by direct and destructive methods. In these methods, high-cost equipment is mainly used, requiring more time and restrictions in the analyses. Therefore, the study sought to construct, through regression models, allometric equations that allow estimating the area of leaflets of Cassia fistula L. by a non-destructive method using the linear dimensions of the leaflets. Six hundred leaflets of different sizes and shapes were randomly collected in adult species matrices. Each leaflet's length, width, and leaf area were measured using digital images. Next, the products were calculated between length and length, width and width, and length and width. Two regression models were used to construct five allometric equations to predict the area of leaflets of C. fistula. All the proposed equations can be used to estimate the leaf area of the species; however, the best equations were constructed using the power and linear without intercept models, being the most indicated to estimate the leaf area of the species, presenting the highest determination coefficients (R² = 0.9949 and 0.9993), Pearson's correlation coefficients (r = 0.9374 and 0.9374), Willmott's agreement index (d = 0.9987 and 0.9986), and lowers Akaike information criterion (AIC = 1071.3 and 1098.2) and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE = 7.2 and 7.1). Thus, the models y ^ = 0. 747 * L W 0.981 and y ^ = 0. 696 * LW should be applied to estimate the area of leaflets of C. fistula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on Paulownia spp. has increased in the last twenty years thanks to the growing interest in the application modalities of this plant in various sectors such as wood, phytoremediation, environmental protection, paper, biofuel, chemistry and medicine. For the first time, this study analyzed the papers present in the Web of Science Core Collection on "Paulownia" to obtain a set of characteristics in the work carried out from 1971 to 2021. This analysis selected and took into account 820 articles and provided evidence of the scientific production of authors, institutions, and countries. This work showed that the most studied species was Paulownia tomentosa, followed by P. fortunei and P. elongate. The JCR category and research area with the most publications was plant science, with 20.4% of the total. The papers were published in 460 journals and in a book series. The journals with the most publications were Bioresources, Advanced Material Research, Agroforestry Systems, Journal of Wood Science and Industrial Crops and Products. The institutions with the most prolific affiliation with the field of Paulownia spp. research were Henan University, the US Department of Agriculture, Belgrade University, the Chinese Academy, and Georgia University. Finally, the 3842 keywords were divided into nine different clusters and the trends of interest in the last fifteen years were highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cypress bark beetle, Phloeosinus aubei (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae) prefers to build breeding galleries in decaying host trees. However, volatile cues specific to decaying or actively infested trees have not yet been reported. Any such information would be useful for the management of this invasive, wood-boring species that has become established across Europe in the temperate zone and is now a key pest of ornamental Cupressaceae in nurseries and urban landscapes. Our objective was to reveal key components in host volatiles specific to stressed trees, which could be potential signals for the pest of its suitability for colonisation. Volatile profiles of arborvitae, Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd' suffering from either dehydration or fresh infestation of P. aubei was collected and compared to that samples from healthy control trees. Analyses of volatiles by gas chromatography coupled to an electroantennographic detector revealed substantial differences between healthy, dehydrated and infested trees. Structural elucidation of the major antennally active components revealed that both α-pinene and α-thujene were prevalent in the volatiles of infested trees, whilst α-thujone was the major component in volatiles of healthy trees. In volatiles collected from trunks housing fresh P. aubei female nuptial chambers, sharp increases of β-pinene, myrcene, limonene, and p-cymene were noticed, alongside trace amounts of camphene and fenchene. Volatiles collected from fresh frass showed a similar profile, but with a somewhat smaller amount of limonene. Fenchone was present in each type of volatiles, however, only in low amounts. Further studies should be directed to reveal the behavioural role of these components, which could be helpful in developing kairomone-based techniques for monitoring the flight of the pest in stands of scale-leafed trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of irrigation and fertilization should be considered first for the production and standardization of high-quality H. syriacus L. seedlings using container seedlings. This study was conducted to investigate the optimal conditions suitable for container cultivation of hibiscus by analyzing growth and physiological responses according to the control of irrigation and fertilization. Therefore, in this study, H. syriacus L. for. Haeoreum (3-year-old hardwood cutting propagation), a fast-growing, was transplanted into a 40 L container. The irrigation amount per container was adjusted (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 ton/yr/tree), and the amount of fertilizer applied (0, 69.0, 138.0 and 207.0 g/yr/tree). The growth rate according to the irrigation-fertilization treatment was higher in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). Total biomass yield and seedling quality index (SQI) were highest in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). The higher the fertilization concentration, the faster the flowering and the longer the flowering. The photosynthetic capacity of H. syriacus L. was reduced in bare root seedling cultivation and container-non-fertilized treatment. The chlorophyll fluorescence response was also affected by bare root cultivation and containerized seedling cultivation fertilization. Nutrient vector diagnosis showed "nutritional suitability" in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree treatment. Overall, containerized seedling cultivation was superior in growth, photosynthetic performance, photochemical efficiency, and nutrient storage capacity compared to bare root cultivation. These results be expected to contribute not only to the industrial production of excellent container seedlings of H. syriacus L. but also to the production of other woody plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lophostemon confertus (Myrtaceae), a fast-growing ornamental tree, is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. To determine its phylogenetic position within Myrtaceae, here we report its complete chloroplast (cp) genome, which is 160,297 bp long and contains two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,490 bp each, separated by a small single-copy region of 18,826 bp and a large single-copy region of 88,491 bp. The cp genome contains 123 genes, including 73 unique protein-coding genes (six duplicated in the IR regions), 29 unique tRNA genes (seven duplicated in the IR regions), and four unique rRNA genes (all located in the IR regions). Phylogenetic analysis of 18 species of Myrtaceae showed that L. confertus is sister to Xanthostemon chrysanthus. The complete cp genome of L. confertus provides a valuable genetic resource for further phylogenetic studies.

Sweet acacia (Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wight and Arn) is an attractive small- to medium-sized evergreen tree native to southern North America spanning from southern California, east to southern Florida. Despite its ornamental appeal, sweet acacia has limited commercial availability. A series of experiments were conducted to determine the effect of hydrothermal scarification on in vitro seed germination, and an efficient level of BA (6-benzylaminopurine) for in vitro multiplication, auxin rooting treatments, and acclimatization of sweet acacia. Results revealed that hydrothermal scarification and visual selection of imbibed seeds are the most effective for rapid in vitro seed germination. The source of seed utilized for the in vitro germination exhibited an unusual characteristic of producing seedlings with 2, 3, or 4 cotyledons. Regardless of the cotyledon number observed, sweet acacia can be efficiently micropropagated using multiplication media supplemented with either 1.0 or 2.0 mg L-1 BA followed by rooting media supplemented 0.5 mg L-1 IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) and 0.5 mg L-1 NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid). In vitro derived plantlets were subsequently acclimatized with high survival ranging from 72.7 to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Celtis tala forests, or talares of Buenos Aires province (Argentina), are a fragile ecosystem threatened by biological invasions. Among the alien species reported as transforming the landscape in the talares, Ligustrum lucidum constitutes the main threat. This work evaluates the degree of naturalization of the alien Pterocarya stenoptera (Juglandaceae), new in the talares of the El Destino Private Reserve, located within the Parque Costero del Sur Biosphere Reserve. The local use of the species, its possible origin and type of dispersion were evaluated, and its extension and number of seedlings per square meter were recorded in the invaded sectors. The species is described, and a dichotomous key is provided to differentiate the Juglandaceae genera present in Buenos Aires, all of which are exotic. Pterocarya stenoptera may have been cultivated in the gardens of Estancia El Destino, from where it spread to the neighbouring talares by anemochory. It was found in three well-defined sectors in which there is a large number of seedlings. This recently naturalized species has efficient means of dispersal and a large seed biomass that enabled it to become a dominant tree in some sectors of the site, where it surpassed the invasive (transformer) Ligustrum lucidum in terms of number of seedlings. The presence of Pterocarya stenoptera in the talares is expected to increase unless management of the species is planned. We conclude that it is necessary and possible to plan actions for its management and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lophostemon confertus (Myrtaceae), a fast-growing ornamental tree, is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. To determine its phylogenetic position within Myrtaceae, here we report its complete chloroplast (cp) genome, which is 160,297 bp long and contains two inverted repeats (IRs) of 26,490 bp each, separated by a small single-copy region of 18,826 bp and a large single-copy region of 88,491 bp. The cp genome contains 123 genes, including 73 unique protein-coding genes (six duplicated in the IR regions), 29 unique tRNA genes (seven duplicated in the IR regions), and four unique rRNA genes (all located in the IR regions). Phylogenetic analysis of 18 species of Myrtaceae showed that L. confertus is sister to Xanthostemon chrysanthus. The complete cp genome of L. confertus provides a valuable genetic resource for further phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I report on the introduction, spread and current distribution of the Greek Fir (Abies cephalonica) (Pinaceae) in Austria. The species was introduced in Austria in the second half of the 19th century as an ornamental tree. Very locally, it has already been planted in forests for the first time likely in the late 19th century, while some more trial forestry plantations have only been established in the 1970s. Currently, 14 escaped occurrences of A. cephalonica are known, occurring in parks, gardens and forests. All escaped populations are found on the eastern rim of the Northern Calcareous Alps south of Vienna. Some of these escaped populations are large (up to at least 1000 young trees) and spreading. Inferring from the size of escaped plants and from the literature, spread at some sites must already have started in the mid-1970s at latest. Based on the data presented here, I conclude that A. cephalonica should be considered as locally established in Austria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of irrigation and fertilization should be considered first for the production and standardization of high-quality H. syriacus L. seedlings using container seedlings. This study was conducted to investigate the optimal conditions suitable for container cultivation of hibiscus by analyzing growth and physiological responses according to the control of irrigation and fertilization. Therefore, in this study, H. syriacus L. for. Haeoreum (3-year-old hardwood cutting propagation), a fast-growing, was transplanted into a 40 L container. The irrigation amount per container was adjusted (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 ton/yr/tree), and the amount of fertilizer applied (0, 69.0, 138.0 and 207.0 g/yr/tree). The growth rate according to the irrigation-fertilization treatment was higher in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). Total biomass yield and seedling quality index (SQI) were highest in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree irrigation-fertilization treatment (p < 0.001). The higher the fertilization concentration, the faster the flowering and the longer the flowering. The photosynthetic capacity of H. syriacus L. was reduced in bare root seedling cultivation and container-non-fertilized treatment. The chlorophyll fluorescence response was also affected by bare root cultivation and containerized seedling cultivation fertilization. Nutrient vector diagnosis showed “nutritional suitability” in the 0.3 ton-138.0 g/yr/tree treatment. Overall, containerized seedling cultivation was superior in growth, photosynthetic performance, photochemical efficiency, and nutrient storage capacity compared to bare root cultivation. These results be expected to contribute not only to the industrial production of excellent container seedlings of H. syriacus L. but also to the production of other woody plants.

Acer triflorum Komarov is an important ornamental tree, and its seasonal change in leaf color is the most striking feature. However, the quantifications of anthocyanin and the mechanisms of leaf color change in this species remain unknown. Here, the combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome was performed on green, orange, and red leaves. In total, 27 anthocyanin metabolites were detected and cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and peonidin 3-O-gluside were significantly correlated with the color development. Several structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis process, such as chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), were highly expressed in red leaves compared to green leaves. Most regulators (MYB, bHLH, and other classes of transcription factors) were also upregulated in red and orange leaves. In addition, 14 AtrMYBs including AtrMYB68, AtrMYB74, and AtrMYB35 showed strong interactions with the genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, and, thus, could be further considered the hub regulators. The findings will facilitate genetic modification or selection for further improvement in ornamental qualities of A. triflorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Bauhinia monandra Kurz (Fabaceae) is an ornamental leguminous tree from Africa. Its leaf has been proven to be hypoglycaemic, and are a source of lecithin BmoLL, providing this species with great medicinal potential. Curiously, there are no reports of the anatomical description of the leaf of this species. The present work aimed at describing the leaf anatomy of B. monandra, and make histochemical inferences. To this end, anatomical procedures in light and scanning electron microscopy were performed from different parts of the leaves of plants growing in the state of Bahia, Brazil. The leaf is amphistomatous. It possesses papillate epidermis, nonglandular and navicular trichomes, and the mesophyll is dorsiventral. The central vein is distinct from the others of the first degree. The first, second, and third-degree veins possess thick fibre bundles with associated monocrystals. The other veins are a little fibrous and excessively reduced. The petiole vascularisation consists of circularly arranged collateral bundles, plus two accessory bundles. The pulvinus have a wide parenchymatic cortex with abundant druses and vascularisation restricted to the central region, surrounded by a crystalline sheath and by a starch sheath. The motile cushion has the vascular bundles arranged in series. Associated with the phloem from the pulvinus vascular bundles and the motile apparatus, occur non-lignified septate fibres that confer flexibility to these organs. The absence of lateral projections and the arrangement of vascular bundles in the petiole was the most distinctive anatomical features and of the greatest taxonomic potential observed in the leaf of B. monandra.

Magnolia kobus is a deciduous, broadleaved tree native to Jeju Island of Korea and Japan. The species has been introduced in mainland Korea as a landscape plant, and some individual plants have been found in forests of the mainland. The objective of the present study was to examine whether M. kobus individuals have spontaneously formed communities as part of a natural settlement process. Diameter at breast height (DBH), flower, fruit, and GPS coordinates were recorded for all M. kobus individuals in the study sites. Age of the trees was determined using an increment borer. A total of 158 M. kobus individuals were identified. The reverse J-shaped Diameter at breast height distribution trend was confirmed. DBH and age of M. kobus samples were positively correlated, confirming that the distribution of individuals with varying DBH classes suggested an uneven-aged forest with the coexistence of trees from different generations. In all the survey sites, individuals of M. kobus with small DBH that did not reach inflorescence formation and fructification stages coexisted with individuals that flowered and produced fruits, which suggested the presence of overlapping generations of trees. Therefore, we concluded that M. kobus individuals were forming populations in the forests of mainland Korea.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the elegant trees that performs several landscaping functions. Its single trunk textured by bases of the cut leaves distinguishes it from other ornamental trees. This cylindrical textured trunk is one of the major attractive features emphasized the use of date palms as ornamental landscaping trees. Across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Date palms in public landscaping schemes have experienced deformation of their trunks. This is a function of several factors related to plantation, irrigation, and maintenance. This research to investigate and categorise the causes, types, and forms of date palm trees‘ trunks deformation. Prior to a field survey, a randomly conducted pilot survey to collect data from different areas where date palms are used as landscaping ornamental trees across the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). It applies direct observation, measuring and analysis to develop preliminary understanding of the phenomena; and apply its outcomes on a case study of the Dammam City Seafront (DCS). The result showed that date palm trees‘ trunks deformation has occurred at bottom, middle, and upper parts as results of several factors; and it is as high as almost 97% among investigated trees. However, 58% of deformation symptoms processes have been noticed on bottom third of the date palm trees‘ trunks, near soil surface; and 27.5% of them are in the King Abdullah Seafront Park (KASP). The study proves statistically that sprinkler and bubbler irrigation systems are of major responsibility for near ground deformation of palm trees‘ trunks, which expands at rate of 3.5 and 3.3 CM/Year.

Acer triflorum Komarov is an important ornamental tree, and its seasonal change in leaf color is the most striking feature. However, the quantifications of anthocyanin and the mechanisms of leaf color change in this species remain unknown. Here, the combined analysis of metabolome and transcriptome was performed on green, orange, and red leaves. In total, 27 anthocyanin metabolites were detected and cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside, pelargonidin 3-O-glucoside, and peonidin 3-O-gluside were significantly correlated with the color development. Several structural genes in the anthocyanin biosynthesis process, such as chalcone synthase (CHS), flavanone 3-hydroxylase (F3H), and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), were highly expressed in red leaves compared to green leaves. Most regulators (MYB, bHLH, and other classes of transcription factors) were also upregulated in red and orange leaves. In addition, 14 AtrMYBs including AtrMYB68, AtrMYB74, and AtrMYB35 showed strong interactions with the genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis, and, thus, could be further considered the hub regulators. The findings will facilitate genetic modification or selection for further improvement in ornamental qualities of A. triflorum.

Background: Plantation of road-side avenue trees has become a major part of urbanization programme for megacity beautification and environmental management. Due to evergreen habit and vibrant flower colour, Delonix regia (Gulmohor/Flamboyant) is frequently selected as ornamental tree for plantation programme. However, D. regia pollen is related to IgE mediated allergic reactions and no allergen has been reported so far. Objective: Measuring the prevalence of D. regia pollen sensitivity among the local atopic individuals and identifying the allergens using immunoproteomic tools. Methods: Aerobiological study was conducted for a period of two years to record the D. regia pollen concentration in the outdoor ambient air. Clinico-immunological tests were performed on atopic individuals to check the prevalence of sensitivity against D. regia pollen. Allergens were detected in the pollen proteome, fractionated in 1D and 2D gel by IgE serology and finally identified by mass spectrometry. Result: In the study area D. regia pollen grains were present in ample amount in the air during May to July. About 38% of atopic individuals displayed positive Skin Prick Test (SPT) against D. regia pollen along with elevated level of specific IgE and histamine in the sera. Immunoproteomic analyses revealed the presence of 14 IgE reactive proteins in the 2D pollen proteome, of which 8 IgE reactive proteins were identified by MALDI TOF/TOF using homology driven proteomic approach. Conclusion: This study demonstrated pollen related allergy symptoms by D. regia and gave significant message regarding the plantation programme to avoid the unnecessary load of allergic pollen. Also, a panel of 8 allergens were identified for the first time from D. regia pollen. Detailed study of these allergens would help to design immunotherapeutic strategies for pollinosis management.

The ambrosia beetles Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) and Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) bore into flood-stressed trees to establish colonies, but the influence of flooding duration on colonization is unknown. This relationship was examined by flooding trees for various time periods and evaluating colonization. In one experiment, X. germanus bored into 20 dogwood (Cornus florida L.) trees during a 3-d flood treatment. Ten trees dissected that season had no offspring present in tunnels; the remaining trees appeared healthy and bloomed the following spring. In another experiment, dogwood trees were flooded for 3 or 7 d and then dissected to assess colonization. The incidence of superficial (short unbranched) and healed (callus tissue in entrance) tunnels was greater in the 3-d trees, while the incidence of tunnels with X. germanus or offspring was greater in the 7-d trees. Four experiments (three in Ohio and one in Virginia) had flood treatments of 0 (nonflooded), 3, 5, 7, and 10 d. Numbers of tunnel entrances, tunnels with X. germanus , and incidence of tunnels with offspring or live foundresses tended to increase as flood duration increased on apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.), dogwood, and redbud (Cercis canadensis L.) in Ohio and redbud in Virginia. Nonflooded trees in Ohio had no boring activity, but ambrosia beetles bored into three nonflooded trees in Virginia. Indicators of unsuccessful colonization, such as superficial tunnels and healing, decreased as flood duration increased. These results suggest tree crops may recover from boring by ambrosia beetles following short-duration flood events, and not necessarily require culling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pachira aquatica Aubl. is an important fruit-ornamental tree of Sinú valley at risk of genetic erosion. The objective was to estimate correlations between fruit characteristics, seeds, and path analyses for fresh fruit weight, for the purpose of genetic improvement. The treatments corresponded to 10 trees; 10 random fruits of each tree were taken. Analysis of variance were performed for fixed effects models, correlations and path analysis among the variables: fresh fruit weight, fruit length, fruit peel weight, number of seed per fruit, weight of seed per fruit and weight and volume and density of a seed. Statistical differences between trees were presented for all the characteristics, except for volume of one seed. Genetic correlations were greater in magnitude (32.8%) and statistical significance than phenotypic ones (29.7%). Seed weight showed high genetic correlation with seven characteristics (rG>0.53). The fresh fruit weight showed significant and direct genetic correlations with five variables, with correlation coefficients between 0.65* and 1.00**. The indirect effects explained the level of association between fruit length, seed/fruit weight, and percentage of seed/fruit with fresh fruit weight. The weight of peel/fruit exhibited greater direct and indirect effects on the fresh fruit weight in the two path analysis. It is possible to increase the weight of seed/fruit, weight and volume of a seed indirectly through the selection of trees with higher fresh fruit weight and/or peel/fruit weight, to improve yield and physiological quality of the seed.

Key message: Cytokinin supplementation was essential for the induction of shoot proliferation and in vitro organogenesis from shoot apices and cotyledons of D. regia, respectively. Micropropagation techniques have been established for woody species to facilitate their mass clonal propagation and to better understand their processes of regeneration. The goal of this work was to evaluate the potential of shoot apex and cotyledonary explants of Delonix regia, commonly known as royal poinciana, to be induced to undergo shoot proliferation and in vitro organogenesis, respectively. Shoot apices and cotyledons obtained from in vitro-germinated seedlings were inoculated onto Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations (0.125, 0.250, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg L−1) of 6-benzyladenine (BA) and a control without BA. After 30 days of cultivation, multiple shoot formation and adventitious shoots were observed in shoot apices and cotyledonary segments of D. regia, respectively. Both explant sources exhibited a dose-dependent behavior with increased fresh mass and shoot number with increasing BA concentrations. The greatest number of shoots was observed in explants cultured on BA-supplemented (2.0 mg L−1) medium; however, the leaflets of shoots grown in MS medium with higher BA concentrations were smaller. Histological analysis revealed that the formation of adventitious shoots occurred through the reprogramming of mesophyll cells in the edge regions of the cotyledonary explants. The results obtained here provide new information for optimizing and establishing efficient regeneration systems and micropropagation of royal poinciana, an important ornamental tree species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DNA methylation is one of the best-studied epigenetic modifications involved in many biological processes. However, little is known about the epigenetic mechanism for flower color chimera of Prunus mume (Japanese apricot, mei). Using bisulfate sequencing and RNA sequencing, we analyzed the white (FBW) and red (FBR) petals collected from an individual tree of Japanese apricot cv. ‘Fuban Tiaozhi’ mei to reveal the different changes in methylation patterns associated with gene expression leading to significant difference in anthocyanins accumulation of FBW (0.012 ± 0.005 mg/g) and FBR (0.078 ± 0.013 mg/g). It was found that gene expression levels were positively correlated with DNA methylation levels within gene-bodies of FBW and FBR genomes; however, negative correlations between gene expression and DNA methylation levels were detected within promoter domains. In general, the methylation level within methylome of FBW was higher; and in total, 4,618 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 1,212 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected from FBW vs. FBR. We also identified 82 DMR-associated DEGs, and 13 of them, including PmBAHD, PmCYP450, and PmABC, were playing critical roles in phenylalanine metabolism pathway, glycosyltransferase activity, and ABC transporter. The evidence exhibited DNA methylation may regulate gene expression resulting in flower color chimera of Japanese apricot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acer tutcheri Duthie is a popular ornamental tree with reddish leaves and bright red fruits. In this study, we report the complete chloroplast genome of it. The cp genome was determined to be 156,973 bp in length, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 85,356 bp, a small single copy (SSC) region of 18,111 bp and two separated inverted region of 26,753 bp, respectively. It encodes a total of 132 unique genes, including 87 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that A. tutcheri is sister to A. wilsonii Rehd.

Senna spectabilis (DC.) H.S. Irwin & Barneby is a popular ornamental tree as well as a traditional medical plant in Cameroon. In this study, we sequenced and annotated the complete chloroplast genome of S. spectabilis and reconstructed the phylogenetic relationship of the tribe Cassieae. The length of the chloroplast genome was determined to be 162,754 bp, containing a pair of inverted repeats of 25,413 bp which separated by a small single-copy (SSC) region of 20,161 bp and a large single-copy (LSC) region of 91,767 bp. The cp genome encodes 128 genes, including 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. The percentage of total GC content of this genome was 35.7%. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that S. spectabilis with the sampled Senna species formed a well-supported monophyletic clade.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is one of the elegant trees that performs several landscaping functions. Its single trunk textured by bases of the cut leaves distinguishes it from other ornamental trees. This cylindrical textured trunk is one of the major attractive features emphasized the use of date palms as ornamental landscaping trees. Across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Date palms in public landscaping schemes have experienced deformation of their trunks. This is a function of several factors related to plantation, irrigation, and maintenance. This research to investigate and categorise the causes, types, and forms of date palm trees' trunks deformation. Prior to a field survey, a randomly conducted pilot survey to collect data from different areas where date palms are used as landscaping ornamental trees across the Dammam Metropolitan Area (DMA). It applies direct observation, measuring and analysis to develop preliminary understanding of the phenomena; and apply its outcomes on a case study of the Dammam City Seafront (DCS). The result showed that date palm trees' trunks deformation has occurred at bottom, middle, and upper parts as results of several factors; and it is as high as almost 97% among investigated trees. However, 58% of deformation symptoms processes have been noticed on bottom third of the date palm trees' trunks, near soil surface; and 27.5% of them are in the King Abdullah Seafront Park (KASP). The study proves statistically that sprinkler and bubbler irrigation systems are of major responsibility for near ground deformation of palm trees' trunks, which expands at rate of 3.5 and 3.3 CM/Year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoglycin A (HGA) is an amino acid occuring in the Sapindaceae family. Ingestion of certain Acer genus plants belonging to this family has been connected with atypical myopathy (AM) or seasonal pasture myopathy (SPM). To date, all cases of AM/SPM have been associated with sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and boxelder maple (Acer negundo). The aim of this work was to determine and compare HGA in sycamore, boxelder and silver maple (Acer saccharinum) , the trees known for HGA content, whose occurence is quite common in the Czech Republic. In sycamore and boxelder maple the effect of location, weather condition and sampling season was evaluated. The other aim was screening for presence of HGA in 12 other species of Acer genus which are grown as ornamental trees in Europe. The determination of HGA was conducted using ultra – high performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS). HGA was detected in all samples of sycamore, boxelder and silver maple except for eight leave samples of boxelder maple. In the case of sycamore maple, the highest concentrations of HGA (median) were found in seedlings (770 mg/kg) followed by samaras (130 mg/kg) and by leaves (48 mg/kg) and inflorescences (24 mg/kg). In boxelder maple, significantly higher concentrations of HGA (median) were found in seedlings (550 mg/kg) compared with samaras (45 mg/kg), leaves (14 mg/kg) and inflorescences (24 mg/kg). According to the results the seedlings could pose a significant risk of poisoning, although other factors such as accessibility and palatability of other parts, especially samaras, should be considered. No significant differences of HGA concentrations in silver maple (56 mg/kg) were found between samaras, leaves and inflorescences. HGA was also identified in sugar maple (Acer saccharum) , Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) , trident maple (Acer buergerianum) , paperbark maple (Acer griseum) and Himalayan maple (Acer oblongum). Although silver maple and other ornamental maples have not been reported to cause AM/SPM, the possibility of intoxication in animals can not be excluded. [Display omitted] • Not only sycamore maple and boxelder maple can pose a risk of animal poisoning. • Hypoglycin A was found in trident maple, paperbark maple and Himalayan maple. • Hypoglycin A concentration between sycamore, boxelder and silver maple was compared. • A comparison between hypoglycin A concentration in certain parts of plants was done. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osmanthus fragrans is valued for its beauty and fragrance. Here, we characterized the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of O. fragrans using next generation sequencing. The circular complete cp genome of O. fragrans is 155,896 bp in length, containing a large single-copy (LSC) region of 86, 521 bp, and a small single-copy (SSC) region of 20943 bp. It comprises 124 genes, including eight rRNA genes, 29 tRNAs genes, and 87 protein-coding genes. The GC content of O. fragrans cp genome is 37.8%. The phylogenetic analysis suggests that O. fragrans is a sister species to Abeliophyllum distichum and Hesperelaea palmeri in Oleaceae.

Bauhinia variegata and B. variegata var. candida, commonly known as orchid trees, are small sized trees widely used for urban forestry and landscaping. Adult plants grow under full sun; in Brazil, however, seedlings are generally cultivated in commercial nurseries under natural half-shading. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different colored shade nets and light conditions on the initial growth of B. variegata and B. variegata var. candida. The influence of six light conditions (red net with 50% shading; blue net with 50% shading; black net with 70% shading; black net with 50% shading; black net with 30% shading; and full sun) on the initial growth of B. variegata and B. variegata var. candida were evaluated along 160 days, and growth relationships were calculated. Seedlings showed more efficiency on the use of photoassimilated compounds when grown under full sun. Such condition is the most appropriate for seedling production of B. variegata and B. variegata var. candida, contradicting what has been performed in practice.

We documented the species composition, seasonal ecology, and impacts of parasitoids and predators of Parthenolecanium corni (Bouché) and P. quercifex (Fitch) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in the urban landscapes of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, United States. Twenty-one parasitoid morphospecies and 12 predator species were collected through rearing, beat sheet, and sticky card trapping. Coccophagus lycimnia (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was the most abundant parasitoid species in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, whereas Metaphycus sp. 2 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was the most abundant species in Georgia. Parasitism rates ranged from 59 to 92% in the nymphal population and 27 to 84% in the adult population in South Carolina. Blastothrix sp. 1 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), C. lycimnia, Encyrtus sp. 1 (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), Eunotus sp. and Pachyneuron sp. (both Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) emerged from adult scale insects and significantly reduced the fecundity of parasitized scale insects. Coccophagus lycimnia was the only parasitoid species emerged from nymphs. Hyperaspis signata (Olivier) species group, Chilocorus stigma Say (both Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister) (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) were the most abundant predators in South Carolina. The majority of natural enemies (87% of parasitoids and 82% of predators) were active from late March to late August and from late April to late October, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pachira aquatica Aubl. is an important fruit-ornamental tree of Sinú valley at risk of genetic erosion. The objective of this work was to estimate correlations between fruit characteristics, seeds, and path analyses for fresh fruit weight, for the purpose of genetic improvement. The treatments corresponded to 10 trees; 10 random fruits of each tree were taken. Analysis of variance were performed for fixed effects models, correlations and path analysis among the variables: fresh fruit weight, fruit length, fruit peel weight, number of seed per fruit, weight of seed per fruit and weight and volume and density of a seed. Statistical differences between trees were presented for all the characteristics, except for volume of one seed. Genetic correlations were greater in magnitude (32.8%) and statistical significance than phenotypic ones (29.7%). Seed weight showed high genetic correlation with seven characteristics (rG>0.53). The fresh fruit weight showed significant and direct genetic correlations with five variables, with correlation coefficients between 0.65* and 1.00**. The indirect effects explained the level of association between fruit length, seed/fruit weight, and percentage of seed/fruit with fresh fruit weight. The weight of peel/fruit exhibited greater direct and indirect effects on the fresh fruit weight in the two path analysis. It is possible to increase the weight of seed/fruit, weight and volume of a seed indirectly through the selection of trees with higher fresh fruit weight and/or peel/fruit weight, to improve yield and physiological quality of the seed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aphid Tinocallis kahawaluokalani is reported here for the first time from Iran. The aphid specimens were collected on Crape myrtle bushes, Lagerstroemia spp. (Lythraceae), in the west of Mazandaran province in 2017. The species identification was confirmed by Dr. Ali Rezwani from Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection.

Roads destroy natural habitats. To reduce erosion, support wildlife and decorate surroundings, ornamental trees are planted near the roadside. However, it is inadequately understood how roads influence fruit production of trees and birds that consume their fruits, within urban landscapes. During the autumn and winter of 2012–2013, we studied the extent to which birds used the fruit from rowanberry trees ( Sorbus aucuparia ), in two cities along a 700 km latitudinal gradient in Finland. In matched pair design (total of 35 pairs), we compared roadside trees (approximately 8 m from main roads) with trees grown away from roads (control trees; approximately >80 m from the roads). During the autumn, each rowanberry tree pair was photographed, and frugivorous birds were surveyed twice per month until all of the rowanberry fruit-crop was consumed. There was no difference in fruit crop size between roadside trees and control trees. A total of eight frugivorous bird species and 960 individuals were observed foraging in roadside trees. The three most abundant species were Bohemian waxwing ( Bombycilla garrulus, 56.4%), Pine Grosbeak ( Pinicola enucleator, 28.9%) and Fieldfare ( Turdus pilaris, 10.5%). Total abundance and species richness of frugivorous birds were lower around roadside trees than control trees during most of the study period. Fruits were consumed later from roadside trees than from control trees, probably due to human-caused disturbance. Therefore, roadside rowanberry trees extended the period when frugivorous birds stayed in urban habitats. Later consumption of fruits in northern areas than in southern areas was related to earlier peak abundance of frugivorous birds in south than in north. Our results indicated that rowanberry is a suitable ornamental tree for urban and roadside landscaping and may additionally benefit birds and other frugivorous wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plumeriaspecies, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions, are commonly cultivated as ornamental trees. From the late 1980s onwards, a rust disease ofPlumeriaspp. caused byColeosporium plumeriaesuddenly expanded to Pacific islands from its original distribution area in Central America. More recently, this disease has been reported from many countries of America, Oceania, Asia and Africa, and it causes severe damage to these trees. The history of its expansion in Pacific and Asian countries based on specimens and literature showed that the rust fungus has rapidly spread from east to west in Pacific countries and then south to north in Asian countries. It is suggested that this rapid expansion may be related to El Niño and La Niña events and typhoons, as well as anthropogenic factors such as movement ofPlumeriaflowers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]