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Solidago canadensis , native to North America, is an invasive species in many areas of the world, where it causes serious damage to natural ecosystems and economic losses. However, a dearth of genetic resources and molecular markers has hampered our understanding of its invasion history. Here, we de novo assembled 40 complete chloroplast genomes of Solidago species, including 21 S. canadensis individuals, 15 S. altissima individuals, and four S. decurrens individuals, the sizes of which ranged from 152,412 bp to 153,170 bp. The phylogenetic trees based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences and nuclear genome-wide SNP data showed that S. canadensis and S. altissima cluster together and form a monophyletic pair, as sister to S. decurrens , indicating the existence of the S. canadensis L. complex in China. Three potential introduction pathways were identified. The chloroplast-genome structure and gene contents are conservative in the genomes of the S. canadensis L. complex and S. decurrens. The analysis of sequence divergence indicated five variable regions, and 10 chloroplast protein-coding genes that underwent positive selection were identified. Our findings shed new light on the invasion history of S. canadensis and the data sets generated in this study will facilitate future research on its chloroplast genome evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental cues that predict increased risk of herbivory can prime plant defenses; however, few studies have explored how such cues elicit broader plant responses, including potential effects on plant growth and other resource allocations that may affect tolerance to herbivore damage. We exposed goldenrod plants (Solidago altissima) to varying concentrations of the putative sex pheromone of a gall‐inducing herbivore, which has previously been implicated in defense priming. In experiments with two plant genotypes and three herbivore populations, any level of exposure to the pheromone enhanced tolerance of galling, rescuing flower production to levels observed for ungalled plants. Exposure to low doses of the pheromone elicited greater resistance to galling than exposure to high doses, with unexposed plants exhibiting intermediate resistance, suggesting a nonlinear relationship between exposure and defense priming. These findings suggest plant responses to environmental cues associated with biotic stressors are broader and more complex than previously appreciated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant resource allocation strategies are thought to be largely a consequence of changing abiotic conditions and evolutionary history. However, biotic interactions also influence how a plant allocates resources. As a result, plants mediate indirect interactions between organisms above‐ and belowground through resource allocation. Neighboring plants can influence plant fitness directly through competition for resources, and indirectly by altering associated community interactions (associational effects), such as pollination, herbivory, and a suite of belowground interactions. Given the importance of community interactions for plant success, and the known ability for plant neighbors to change these interactions, the goal of this "pandemic project" was to understand how heterospecific plant neighbors alter plant resource allocation, whether this occurred through above‐ or belowground mechanisms, and whether this in turn alters biotic interactions and the relationship between a focal plant and its herbivore and soil community interactions. To do so, we established a common garden experiment, manipulating plant neighbor identity and the extent of interaction among neighbors (aboveground only, vs. above‐ and belowground interactions, using customized pot types), and measured changes to a focal plant and its biotic interactions over two growing seasons. We found evidence of both neighbor effects and pot type, showing that neighbor interactions affect a focal plant through both above‐ and belowground processes, and how the focal plant is affected depends on neighbor identity. Though neighbors did not directly alter herbivory or most soil microbial interactions, they did alter the relationship between belowground microbial communities and a plant response trait (specific leaf area). Plant resource allocation responses were reduced with time, showing the importance of extending experiments beyond a single growing season, and are an important consideration when making predictions about plant responses to changing conditions. This study contributes to a growing body of work showing how community contexts affect the above‐ and belowground interactions of a plant through plant resource allocation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensis, native to North America, is an invasive species in many areas of the world, where it causes serious damage to natural ecosystems and economic losses. However, a dearth of genetic resources and molecular markers has hampered our understanding of its invasion history. Here, we de novo assembled 40 complete chloroplast genomes of Solidago species, including 21 S. canadensis individuals, 15 S. altissima individuals, and four S. decurrens individuals, the sizes of which ranged from 152,412 bp to 153,170 bp. The phylogenetic trees based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences and nuclear genome-wide SNP data showed that S. canadensis and S. altissima cluster together and form a monophyletic pair, as sister to S. decurrens, indicating the existence of the S. canadensis L. complex in China. Three potential introduction pathways were identified. The chloroplast-genome structure and gene contents are conservative in the genomes of the S. canadensis L. complex and S. decurrens. The analysis of sequence divergence indicated five variable regions, and 10 chloroplast protein-coding genes that underwent positive selection were identified. Our findings shed new light on the invasion history of S. canadensis and the data sets generated in this study will facilitate future research on its chloroplast genome evolution.

Abstract The abundance and diversity of flowering plant species are important indicators of pollinator habitat quality, but traditional field‐based surveying techniques are time‐intensive. Therefore, they are often biased due to under‐sampling and are difficult to scale. Aerial photography was collected across 10 sites located in and around Rouge National Urban Park, Toronto, Canada using a consumer‐grade drone. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to semantically segment, or identify and categorize, pixel clusters which represent flowers in the collected aerial imagery. Specifically, flowers of the dominant taxa found in the depauperate fall flowering plant community were surveyed. This included yellow flowering Solidago spp., white Symphyotrichum ericoides/lanceolatum and purple Symphyotrichum novae‐angliae. The CNN was trained using 930 m2 of manually annotated data, ~1% of the mapped landscape. The trained CNN was tested on 20% of the manually annotated data concealed during training. In addition, it was externally validated by comparing the predicted drone‐derived floral abundance metrics (i.e. floral area (m2) and the number of floral patches) to the field‐based count of floral units estimated for 34 4 m2 plots. The CNN returned accurate multiclassification when evaluated against the testing data. It obtained a precision score of 0.769, a recall of 0.849, and an F1 score of 0.807. The automated floral abundance counting yielded estimates that were strongly correlated with field‐based manual counting. In addition, flower segmentation using the trained CNN was time‐efficient. On average, it took roughly the same amount of time to segment the flowers occurring in an entire drone scene as it took to complete the abundance count of a single quadrat. However, the training process, particularly manual data annotation, was the most time‐consuming component of the study. Practical implication: Overall, the analysis provided valuable insights into automated flower classification and abundance estimation using drone imagery and machine learning. The results demonstrate that these tools can be used to provide accurate and scalable estimates of pollinator habitat quality. Further research should consider diverse wildflower systems to develop the generalizability of the methods.

The European Union is currently pursuing a policy of moving away from synthetic plant protection products to natural ones. This is reflected in the search for natural substances that can replace them in agricultural production. Many studies indicate that invasive species of Solidago have such allelopathic potential. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of extracts of two Solidago species (Solidago gigantea L. and Solidago canadensis L.) on the growth and development of cereal weeds: Chenopodium album, Papaver rhoeas and Agrostemma githago. Using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC - MS) techniques, the material (crude extract, phenolic and saponins fraction) was standardized and tested for allelopathic activity using the modified first generation biotest. The results indicate the phenolic fraction (20.04 mg/g dry weight of Solidago gigantea; 21.03 mg/g for Solidago canadensis) and saponin fraction (2.27 and 3.74 mg/g dry weight respectively). Both fractions from S. gigantea are characterized by high phyto- toxicity in relation to Ch. album, causing over 90% reduction of its biomass in relation to the control. For P. rhoeas these differences are not so clear. Biomass reduction by the phenolic fraction was 20% and by the saponin fraction 50%. In the case of S. canadensis, allelopathic activity was not as pronounced and ranged from 20-40% for the saponin fraction relative to the P. rhoeas. The highest resistance to preparations made from both species of Solidago was demonstrated by A. githago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing disparity between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the development of new antimicrobials continues to pose a significant global health concern. However, plant extracts have shown promise in combating this issue either through their inherent antimicrobial activity or by serving as potential reservoirs of effective antimicrobial compounds. These compounds have the ability to target pathogenic biofilms and inhibit the production of extended-spectrum β -lactamases (ESBLs). However, there is limited research available on the antibacterial properties of goldenrod extract. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of S. virgaurea (SV) extract on the viability and ability to form biofilms of ESBL-Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023. The broth microdilution method was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the (SV) extract. Subsequently, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined based on the MIC values obtained. The antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria was evaluated using the Kirby disk diffusion assay and an Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) card in conjunction with the Vitek-2 compact system. Biofilm formation was evaluated using Congo red and a 96-well Elisa plate, while the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) was estimated by measuring the reduction of nitrocefin at a wavelength of 390 nm. In addition, treatment of biofilm and ESBL activity with SV extract using 96-well Elisa plate and nitrocefin hydrolyzing, respectively. The resistance rates of P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested antibiotics were as follows: Levofloxacin 33%, Ciprofloxacin 40%, Amikacin 49%, Meropenem 50%, Cefepime 70%, Ceftazidime 75%, Cefotaxime 85%, Piperacillin-Tazobactam 90%, Amoxiclav 97%, Ampicillin 99%, Ceftriaxone 100%. The prevalence of MDR-P. aeruginosa, XDR-P. aeruginosa, PDR-P. aeruginosa and non-MDR-PA were 40% (n = 40), 7% (n = 7), 3% (n = 3) and 50% (n = 50), respectively. From the GC–MS results, it was observed that the presence of Octadecane, Clioquinol, Glycerol tricaprylate, hexadecanoic acid, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid and Propanamide were the major components in the Solidago extract. In the determination of plant crude extracts, the values ranged between 0.25 and 64 mg/mL against bacteria. The resulting activity of the extract showed a significant statistical relationship at a p-value ≤ 0.01 against ESBL production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. The S. virgaurea extract exhibited effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation and combating P. aeruginosa strains that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PremiseThe ability to sequence genome-scale data from herbarium specimens would allow for the economical development of data sets with broad taxonomic and geographic sampling that would otherwise not be possible. Here, we evaluate the utility of a basic double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) protocol using DNAs from four genera extracted from both silica-dried and herbarium tissue.MethodsDNAs from Draba, Boechera, Solidago, and Ilex were processed with a ddRADseq protocol. The effects of DNA degradation, taxon, and specimen age were assessed.ResultsAlthough taxon, preservation method, and specimen age affected data recovery, large phylogenetically informative data sets were obtained from the majority of samples.DiscussionThese results suggest that herbarium samples can be incorporated into ddRADseq project designs, and that specimen age can be used as a rapid on-site guide for sample choice. The detailed protocol we provide will allow users to pursue herbarium-based ddRADseq projects that minimize the expenses associated with fieldwork and sample evaluation.

Spontaneous hybrids between alien and native plant species are alien taxa and they threaten native biodiversity due to their high competitive ability or introgression. Thus, we tested the effect of soil conditions, elevation and type of ramet clusters (clonal clumps of shoots) on sexual and asexual ramets of Solidago xniederederi, a hybrid between the invasive alien S. canadensis and the native S. virgaurea. We also tested the relationships between the size of sexual ramets and habitat conditions in the hybrid and its parental species, based on ten sites in NE and S Poland, respectively. The hybrid and its parental species occurred on mineral soils with a wide range of textures (sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, silty loam and loam) and pH (from strongly acidic to slightly alkaline). Sexual ramet clusters dominated in S. xniederederi populations, while the total number of ramets was highest in mixed ramet clusters. The cluster x site interaction had a significant effect on the length and biomass of sexual ramets in hybrid populations. Moreover, we found a significant effect of the taxon x site interaction in the case of biomass of sexual ramets and synflorescences (capitula arranged in panicles). Based on the biomass of sexual shoots and synflorescences, the competitive abilities of the hybrid may be more or less similar to S. canadensis or S. virgaurea albeit depending on site conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: While distinct soil microbiomes and individual soil microbial taxa can alter particular plant traits under highly controlled conditions, little is known about the role of particular microbial taxa and microbial functions within complex soil microbial communities for mediating plant phenotypes or if the strength of microbial mediation of plant phenotype varies among plant species or plant phenotypic traits. Examining how the plant phenotype spectrum is influenced by the taxonomic and functional composition of complex soil microbial communities allows for a more accurate understanding of the biotic environmental drivers of plant phenotype. Methods: Using rhizosphere soil collected from field sites, we conducted a microbiome transfer glasshouse experiment to test the hypothesis that the taxonomic and functional composition of different soil microbiomes would differentially shift growth, physiological or reproductive phenotypes of three Solidago species. Results: We found that soil microbiome inoculations influenced Solidago growth traits more than physiological and reproductive traits. We found that root growth of one of the Solidago species was negatively correlated with 77% of the indicator bacterial and fungal taxa from one of the soil microbiome treatments. Conclusions: Soil microbial mediation of plant phenotype varies by plant traits, is not universal across plant species, and can be associated with a small number of microbial taxa. This study illustrates that specific microbial taxa within a soil microbiome are associated with shifts in plant phenotype by pinpointing important individual microbial taxa from complex field soil microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago altissima L. are native to North America and have naturalized many other continents including Europa and Asia. Their species is an aggressive colonizer and forms thick monospecific stands. The evidence of the allelopathy for S. canadensis and S. altissima has accumulated in the literature since the late 20th century. The root exudates, extracts, essential oil and rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis suppressed the germination, growth and the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of several plants, including native plant species. Allelochemicals such as fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols and their related compounds were identified in the extracts and essential oil of S. canadensis. The concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total saponins in the rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis obtained from the invasive ranges were greater than those from the native ranges. Allelochemicals such as terpenes, flavonoids, polyacetylene and phenols were also identified in the extracts, essential oil and the rhizosphere soil in S. altissima. Among the identified allelochemicals of S. altissima, the cis-dehydromatricaria ester may be involved in the allelopathy considering its growth inhibitory activity and its concentration in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, the allelopathy of S. canadensis and S. altissima may support their invasiveness, naturalization and formation of thick monospecific stands. This is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of both of S. canadensis and S. altissima. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasion of alien plants has significant implications for vegetation structure and diversity, which could lead to changes in the carbon (C) input from vegetation and change the transformation and decomposition processes of C, thereby altering the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) within ecosystems. Whether alien plant invasion increases the SOC stock and changes SOC fractions consistently within regional scales, and the underlying mechanisms driving these SOC dynamics remain poorly understood. This study investigated SOC dynamics by comparing the plots that suffered invasion and non-invasion of Solidago Canadensis across five ecological function areas in Anhui Province, China, considering climate, edaphic factors, vegetation, and soil microbes. The results demonstrated that the impact of S. Canadensis invasion on SOC storage was not consistent at each site in the 0-20 cm soil layer, as indicated by the range of SOC content (5.94-12.45 g kg -1 ) observed at non-invaded plots. Stable SOC exhibited similar response patterns with SOC to plant invasion, whereas labile SOC did not. In addition, bacterial and fungal communities were shifted in structure at each site by plant invasion. Bacterial communities exhibited greater resistance to S. Canadensis invasion than did fungal communities, as evidenced by three aspects of the resistance indices-community resistance, phylogenetic conservation, and network complexity. The mechanisms driving SOC dynamics under S. Canadensis invasion were explored using structural equation models. This revealed that fungal keystone taxa responsible for community resistance controlled stable SOC fractions. In contrast, bacterial keystone taxa had the opposite effect on labile and stable SOC. Climatic and edaphic factors were also involved in the labile and stable SOC dynamics. Overall, this study provides novel insights into the dynamics of SOC under S. Canadensis invasion on a regional scale., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Alkaline soils have fertility issues due to poor physical qualities, which have a negative impact on crop growth and output. Solidago is used in flower arrangements, bouquet filler, and traditional medicine. The possible biological fertilizers' eco-friendly and cost-effective nature favours farmers because of the vital role in soil productivity and environmental sustainability. A field experiment was performed during two successive seasons to explore the effect of applying yeast extract (YE) at (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g/L) and/or gibberellic acid (GA3) at (control, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) on the morpho-physiological parameters, macronutrients, and biochemical constituents of Solidago virgaurea. The results emphasize that YE (1.5 g/L) and/or GA3 (300 ppm) treatments show the highest significant increase in plant growth (i.e., plant height, no. of branches, fresh and dry weight of shoots); photosynthetic efficiency (i.e., chlorophyll (a), chlorophyll (b) and total carotenoids); macronutrient content (i.e., N, P, and K); and biochemical constituents (i.e., total soluble sugars, total phenolic, total flavonoids, and total glycosides). The study results recommend using YE and GA3 in combination at concentrations of 1.5 g/L and 300 ppm, respectively, to improve Solidago production sustainability under alkaline soil conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene flow between populations may either support local adaptation by supplying genetic variation on which selection may act, or counteract it if maladapted alleles arrive faster than can be purged by selection. Although both such effects have been documented within plant species' native ranges, how the balance of these forces influences local adaptation in invasive plant populations is less clear, in part because introduced species often have lower genetic variation initially but also tend to have good dispersal abilities. To evaluate the extent of gene flow and adaptation to local climate in invasive populations of Solidago canadensis, and the implications of this for range expansion, we compared population differentiation at microsatellite and chloroplast loci for populations across Switzerland and assessed the effect of environmental transfer distance using common gardens. We found that while patterns of differentiation at neutral genetic markers suggested that populations are connected through extensive pollen and seed movement, common-garden plants nonetheless exhibited modest adaptation to local climate conditions. Growth rate and flower production declined with climatic distance from a plant's home site, with clones from colder home sites performing better at or above the range limit. Such adaptation in invasive species is likely to promote further spread, particularly under climate change, as the genotypes positioned near the range edge may be best able to take advantage of lengthening growing seasons to expand the range.

The goldenrod (Solidago) species are flowering plants that produce nectar and can be the sources of unifloral honeys. S. canadensis and S. gigantea are native to North America and invasive in several European countries, while S. virgaurea is native to Europe. The aim of this work was to determine and compare the antioxidant capacity of goldenrod honeys collected in three central European countries (Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), from three locations within each country. The botanical origin of each honey sample was checked with melissopalynological analysis. Color intensity was determined using the Pfund scale. The antioxidant activity was determined with different spectrophotometric methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). The content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids was quantified using spectrophotometric methods. The highest radical-scavenging activity was identified for Hungarian samples with all three antioxidant capacity assays. Medium antioxidant activity was described for Slovak samples. The DPPH and ABTS assays discriminated Polish honeys with the lowest antioxidant activity. The highest flavonoid and phenolic acid content was detected in Hungarian and Slovak honeys, while the lowest values were measured in Polish samples. Our study shows that the antioxidant capacity of unifloral goldenrod honeys can be different in various countries of origin, correlating with color intensity and polyphenol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive plant species Solidago canadensis, widespread in Russia, occasionally forms hybrids S. × niederederi with the native species S. virgaurea. Previous findings of this hybrid were known mainly for the northwestern regions of Russia. Plants morphologically similar to S. × niederederi were found in August 2020 in the city of Aleksin in Tula Region. The hybrid origin of these plants was proved by the analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1–2 (ITS1–2). Analysis of the chloroplast noncoding intergenic spacer rpl32–trnL showed that both parent species could act as both maternal and paternal ones in the same population. The available data suggest that individuals of S. × niederederi arise every time as a result of new hybridization events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two invasive species of goldenrod of North American origin, Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea, widely spread in Europe, are known to be able to form hybrids with the native goldenrod S. virgaurea. In the Kaliningrad Region of Russia and in Lithuania, we found plants morphologically classified as the hybrids S. × snarskisii (= S. gigantea × S. virgaurea) and S. × niederederi (= S. canadensis × S. virgaurea). Analysis of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1–2 (ITS 1–2) showed the ambiguity of the origin of the alleged hybrids. Thus, in S. × niederederi, the nucleotide substitutions that differentiate the parent species S. virgaurea and S. canadensis had ambiguous readings, indicating heterozygosity, which confirmed the hybridogenic origin of the individuals. However, for many specimens of S. × snarskisii, the hybridogenic origin was not confirmed. Occasionally, hybrids do occur, but appear to be soon absorbed by the maternal species. An analysis of the chloroplast non-coding intergenic spacer rpl32–trnL showed that in these rare cases, the maternal species is S. virgaurea, and the paternal one is S. gigantea.

Insects impact human health through vector-borne diseases and cause major economic losses by damaging crops and stored agricultural products. Insect-specific growth regulators represent attractive control agents because of their safety to the environment and humans. We identified plant compounds that serve as juvenile hormone antagonists (PJHANs). Using the yeast two-hybrid system transformed with the mosquito JH receptor as a reporter system, we demonstrate that PJHANs affect the JH receptor, methoprene-tolerant (Met), by disrupting its complex with CYCLE or FISC, formation of which is required for mediating JH action. We isolated five diterpene secondary metabolites with JH antagonist activity from two plants: Lindera erythrocarpa and Solidago serotina. They are effective in causing mortality of mosquito larvae at relatively low LD50 values. Topical application of two diterpenes caused reduction in the expression of Met target genes and retardation of follicle development in mosquito ovaries. Hence, the newly discovered PJHANs may lead to development of a new class of safe and effective pesticides.

Research background. Many plant extracts and essential oils show antibacterial and antifungal activities, with potential to replace the use of synthetic fungicides. We used invasive alien plants goldenrod (Solidago spp.) and Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) as source materials to determine their antifungal activities against seed-associated fungi from wheat grain (Alternaria alternata, Alternaria infectoria, Aspergillus flavus, Epicoccum nigrum and Fusarium poae). Experimental approach. Aqueous and organic extracts (ethanol, methanol and acetone) were prepared from leaves and flowers of S. canadensis, S. gigantea and S. virgaurea, and leaves and rhizomes of F. japonica. Additionally, essential oils were distilled from Solidago flowers and leaves. The extracts and essential oils were tested as inhibitors of fungal growth in vitro. Solidago essential oils were tested also as antifungal agents for protection of wheat grain by determining its fungal infection and germination rate. Results and conclusions. The extracts showed a wide spectrum of low to moderate antifungal activities, with those of Solidago spp. generally more effective than those of F. japonica, and organic extracts more effective than aqueous extracts. The essential oils from leaves and flowers had similar antifungal activity and whole shoots can be collected for their production. This study presents the systematic study of the composition of essential oils from flowers and leaves of three widely distributed Solidago spp. in Slovenia, with the major constituents of terpenes and terpenoids α-pinene, germacrene D and bornyl acetate. Novelty and scientific contribution. The study presents the first use of Solidago spp. and Fallopia japonica extracts and essential oils against fungal strains isolated from wheat grain.

The invasive species Solidago canadensis and S. gigantea are known for having the potential to inhibit their neighbours through allelopathy. However, there are no data on allelopathic properties of the natural interspecific hybrid S. ×niederederi and no investigations comparing the allelopathic potential of native and invasive Solidago species. We therefore studied the allelopathic effect of aqueous leaf extracts of S. virgaurea, S. canadensis, S. gigantea and S. ×niederederi on two congeneric pairs of species (Festuca and Solidago) occurring naturally in communities with the tested Solidago species. Germination and seedling growth of Festuca rubra were inhibited by all Solidago extracts more than were those characteristics of F. pratensis, while S. canadensis was more sensitive to its own and congeneric extracts than was S. ×niederederi. The effect of leaf type (green or withered) on Festuca seedling growth was target species-specific, while seed germination was more suppressed by green leaf extracts. The results of this study do not support the hypothesis that invasive plant species have stronger persistent allelopathic effects on native plants compared to their native congeners.

Solidago canadensis L. and Solidago altissima L. are native to North America and have naturalized many other continents including Europa and Asia. Their species is an aggressive colonizer and forms thick monospecific stands. The evidence of the allelopathy for S. canadensis and S. altissima has accumulated in the literature since the late 20th century. The root exudates, extracts, essential oil and rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis suppressed the germination, growth and the arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization of several plants, including native plant species. Allelochemicals such as fatty acids, terpenes, flavonoids, polyphenols and their related compounds were identified in the extracts and essential oil of S. canadensis. The concentrations of total phenolics, total flavonoids and total saponins in the rhizosphere soil of S. canadensis obtained from the invasive ranges were greater than those from the native ranges. Allelochemicals such as terpenes, flavonoids, polyacetylene and phenols were also identified in the extracts, essential oil and the rhizosphere soil in S. altissima. Among the identified allelochemicals of S. altissima, the cis-dehydromatricaria ester may be involved in the allelopathy considering its growth inhibitory activity and its concentration in the rhizosphere soil. Therefore, the allelopathy of S. canadensis and S. altissima may support their invasiveness, naturalization and formation of thick monospecific stands. This is the first review article focusing on the allelopathy of both of S. canadensis and S. altissima.

Premise The ability to sequence genome‐scale data from herbarium specimens would allow for the economical development of data sets with broad taxonomic and geographic sampling that would otherwise not be possible. Here, we evaluate the utility of a basic double‐digest restriction site–associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) protocol using DNAs from four genera extracted from both silica‐dried and herbarium tissue. Methods DNAs from Draba, Boechera, Solidago, and Ilex were processed with a ddRADseq protocol. The effects of DNA degradation, taxon, and specimen age were assessed. Results Although taxon, preservation method, and specimen age affected data recovery, large phylogenetically informative data sets were obtained from the majority of samples. Discussion These results suggest that herbarium samples can be incorporated into ddRADseq project designs, and that specimen age can be used as a rapid on‐site guide for sample choice. The detailed protocol we provide will allow users to pursue herbarium‐based ddRADseq projects that minimize the expenses associated with fieldwork and sample evaluation.

The goldenrod (Solidago) species are flowering plants that produce nectar and can be the sources of unifloral honeys. S. canadensis and S. gigantea are native to North America and invasive in several European countries, while S. virgaurea is native to Europe. The aim of this work was to determine and compare the antioxidant capacity of goldenrod honeys collected in three central European countries (Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia), from three locations within each country. The botanical origin of each honey sample was checked with melissopalynological analysis. Color intensity was determined using the Pfund scale. The antioxidant activity was determined with different spectrophotometric methods (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). The content of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids was quantified using spectrophotometric methods. The highest radical-scavenging activity was identified for Hungarian samples with all three antioxidant capacity assays. Medium antioxidant activity was described for Slovak samples. The DPPH and ABTS assays discriminated Polish honeys with the lowest antioxidant activity. The highest flavonoid and phenolic acid content was detected in Hungarian and Slovak honeys, while the lowest values were measured in Polish samples. Our study shows that the antioxidant capacity of unifloral goldenrod honeys can be different in various countries of origin, correlating with color intensity and polyphenol content.

In Solidago, the pappus, a modified calyx, protects ovary and fruit from predation and is strongly involved in anemochory. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that the mechanical removal of pappus decreases the final percentage and speed of seed germination. We examined S. ×niederederi, a natural hybrid between invasive S. canadensis and native S. virgaurea, in comparison to its parental species and S. gigantea. We conducted a 21-day germination test in the laboratory, using 50 fruits with intact pappus and 50 fruits with removed pappus in four replicates, for each taxon. The statistical analysis demonstrated that the final percentage of germinated seeds was remarkably lower in the group of fruits with removed pappus in S. canadensis (p ≤ 0.05) and S. gigantea (p ≤ 0.05). Moreover, the speed of seed germination was also significantly lower after pappus removal in S. canadensis and S. gigantea, based on the Timson's index (p ≤ 0.05). In the case of S. ×niederederi and S. virgaurea, the hypothesis was rejected. We assumed that the small size of the cypselae could be responsible for the negative effect of pappus removal on seed germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aims Contrasting life-history traits can evolve through generations of dwarf plant ecotypes, yet such phenotypic changes often involve decreased plant size and reproductive allocation, which can configure seed dispersal patterns and, subsequently, population demography. Therefore, evolutionary transitions to dwarfism can represent good study systems to test the roles of life-history traits in population demography by comparing genetic structure between related but phenotypically divergent ecotypes. Methods In this study, we examined an ecotypic taxon pair of the world's smallest goldenrod (stem height 2.6 cm) in alpine habitats and its closely related lowland taxon (30–40 cm) found on Yakushima Island, Japan. Genetic variation in chloroplast DNA sequences, nuclear microsatellites and genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms were used to investigate 197 samples from 16 populations, to infer the population genetic demography and compare local genetic structure of the ecotypes. Key Results We found a pronounced level of genetic differentiation among alpine dwarf populations, which were much less geographically isolated than their lowland counterparts. In particular, several neighbouring dwarf populations (located ~500 m apart) harboured completely different sets of chloroplast haplotypes and nuclear genetic clusters. Demographic modelling revealed that the dwarf populations have not exchanged genes at significant levels after population divergence. Conclusions These lines of evidence suggest that substantial effects of genetic drift have operated on these dwarf populations. The low-growing stature and reduced fecundity (only 3.1 heads per plant) of the dwarf plants may have reduced gene flow and rare long-distance seed dispersal among habitat patches, although the effects of life-history traits require further evaluation using ecological approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolutionary spread of a trait that benefits individuals of one species in their interactions with a second species may be constrained by "ecological costs" if the trait also has detrimental effects on interactions with a third species in the environment. In particular, the identification of ecological costs may help explain why natural plant populations often display less-than-maximal resistance against natural enemies—even when the plant populations possess substantial genetic variation that could serve as raw material for evolving greater resistance. One such resistance trait that confers an obvious fitness advantage, yet is maintained in populations at intermediate levels, is the strategy of resistance-by-ducking displayed by certain species of goldenrods (Solidago). In a ducking individual, the stem temporarily nods near the apex during a time in spring that coincides with the oviposition season of several herbivores. I investigated whether the fitness benefits of ducking in terms of deterring apex-galling insects may be offset by ecological costs posed by a common sap-sucking specialist—the red goldenrod aphid, Uroleucon nigrotuberculatum. In a controlled outdoor experiment, ducking was associated with significantly lower antixenosis (i.e., reduced preference), antibiosis (reduced performance), and indirect resistance against aphids. Specifically, aphids colonized ducking plants at a higher rate than erect-stemmed plants; populations of aphids on bagged ducking plants increased more quickly than on bagged erect-stemmed plants; and aphid populations on erect-stemmed plants were wiped out more quickly by natural enemies than on ducking plants when bags were removed. To the extent that aphid damage reduces goldenrod's fitness, these ecological costs may be responsible for limiting the ducking trait to intermediate levels in goldenrod populations. Because most plant species are attacked by multiple types of herbivores, ecological costs of resistance mechanisms are likely to be more widespread than is generally appreciated, though their subtlety may make them challenging to identify. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floral pigmentation is of major importance to the ornamental industry, which is constantly searching for cultivars with novel colors. Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) has monochromatic yellow carotenoid-containing flowers that cannot be modified using classical breeding approaches due to a limited gene pool. To generate Solidago with novel colors through metabolic engineering, we first developed a procedure for its regeneration and transformation. Applicability of different cytokinins for adventitious regeneration was examined in the commercial cv. Tara, with zeatin yielding higher efficiency than 6-benzylaminopurine or thidiazuron. A comparison of regeneration of commercial cvs. Tara, Golden Glory and Ivory Glory revealed Tara to be the most potent, with an efficiency of 86% (number of shoots per 100 leaf explants). Agrobacterium-based transformation efficiency was highest for cv. Golden Glory (5 independent transgenic shoots per 100 explants) based on kanamycin selection and the GUS reporter gene. In an attempt to promote anthocyanin biosynthesis, we generated transgenic Solidago expressing snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) Rosea1 and Delila, as well as Arabidopsis thaliana PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 (PAP1) transcription factors. Transgenic cv. Golden Glory expressing cauliflower mosaic virus 35S-driven PAP1 generated red flowers that accumulated delphinidin and its methylated derivatives, as compared to control yellow flowers in the GUS-expressing plants. The protocol described here allows efficient engineering of Solidago for novel coloration and improved agricultural traits.

Both alien plant invasions and soil microplastic pollution have become a concerning threat for terrestrial ecosystems, with consequences on the human well-being. However, our current knowledge of microplastic effects on the successful invasion of plants remains limited, despite numerous studies demonstrating the direct and indirect impacts of microplastics on plant performance. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a greenhouse experiment involving the mixtures of soil and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) microplastic pellets and fragments at the concentrations of 0, 0.5 % and 2.0 %. Additionally, we included Solidago decurrens (native plant) and S. canadensis (alien invasive plant) as the target plants. Each pot contained an individual of either species, after six-month cultivation, plant biomass and antioxidant enzymes, as well as soil properties including soil moisture, pH, available nutrient, and microbial biomass were measured. Our results indicated that microplastic effects on soil properties and plant growth indices depended on the Solidago species, microplastic shapes and concentrations. For example, microplastics exerted positive effects on soil moisture of the soil with native species but negative effects with invasive species, which were impacted by microplastic shapes and concentrations, respectively. Microplastics significantly impacted catalase (P < 0.05) and superoxide dismutase (P < 0.01), aboveground biomass (P < 0.01), and belowground/aboveground biomass (P < 0.01) of the native species depending on microplastic shapes, but no significant effects on those of the invasive species. Furthermore, microplastics effects on soil properties, nutrient, nutrient ratio, and plant antioxidant enzyme activities contributed to plant biomass differently among these two species. These results suggested that the microplastics exerted a more pronounced impact on native Solidago plants than the invasive ones. This implies that the alien invasive species displays greater resistance to microplastic pollution, potentially promoting their invasion. Overall, our study contributes to a better understanding of the promoting effects of microplastic pollution on plant invasion., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Insect-plant interactions are among importantly ecological processes, and rapid environmental changes such as temperature and resource fluctuations can disrupt long-standing insect-plant interactions. While individual impacts of climate warming, atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, and plant provenance on insect-plant interactions are well studied, their joint effects on insect-plant interactions are less explored in ecologically realistic settings. To this end, we performed five experiments with native and invasive Solidago canadensis populations from home and introduced ranges and two insect herbivores (leaf-chewing Spodoptera litura and sap-sucking Corythucha marmorata) in the context of climate warming and N deposition. We determined leaf defensive traits, feeding preference, and insect growth and development, and quantified the possible associations among climate change, host-plant traits, and insect performance with structural equation modeling. First, native S. canadensis populations experienced higher damage by S. litura but lower damage by C. marmorata than invasive S. canadensis populations in the ambient environment. Second, warming decreased the leaf consumption, growth, and survival of S. litura on native S. canadensis populations, but did not affect these traits on invasive S. canadensis populations; warming increased the number of C. marmorata on native S. canadensis populations via direct facilitation, but decreased that on invasive S. canadensis populations via indirect suppression. Third, N addition enhanced the survival of S. litura on native S. canadensis populations, and its feeding preference and leaf consumption on invasive S. canadensis populations. Finally, warming plus N addition exhibited non-additive effects on insect-plant interactions. Based on these results, we tentatively conclude that climate warming could have contrasting effects on insect-plant interactions depending on host-plant provenance and that the effects of atmospheric N deposition on insects might be relatively weak compared to climate warming. Future studies should focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying these different patterns., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Wei-Ming He reports financial support was provided by Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China. Wei-Ming He reports financial support was provided by Hebei Agricultural University., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Floral pigmentation is of major importance to the ornamental industry, which is constantly searching for cultivars with novel colors. Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) has monochromatic yellow carotenoid-containing flowers that cannot be modified using classical breeding approaches due to a limited gene pool. To generate Solidago with novel colors through metabolic engineering, we first developed a procedure for its regeneration and transformation. Applicability of different cytokinins for adventitious regeneration was examined in the commercial cv. Tara, with zeatin yielding higher efficiency than 6-benzylaminopurine or thidiazuron. A comparison of regeneration of commercial cvs. Tara, Golden Glory and Ivory Glory revealed Tara to be the most potent, with an efficiency of 86% (number of shoots per 100 leaf explants). Agrobacterium-based transformation efficiency was highest for cv. Golden Glory (5 independent transgenic shoots per 100 explants) based on kanamycin selection and the GUS reporter gene. In an attempt to promote anthocyanin biosynthesis, we generated transgenic Solidago expressing snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus) Rosea1 and Delila, as well as Arabidopsis thaliana PRODUCTION OF ANTHOCYANIN PIGMENT 1 (PAP1) transcription factors. Transgenic cv. Golden Glory expressing cauliflower mosaic virus 35S-driven PAP1 generated red flowers that accumulated delphinidin and its methylated derivatives, as compared to control yellow flowers in the GUS-expressing plants. The protocol described here allows efficient engineering of Solidago for novel coloration and improved agricultural traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) have a long history in human culture, are detrimental to human health, and considered an agricultural pest. However, little is known about the ecology of many of these beetle species in natural systems. The black blister beetle, Epicauta pensylvanica (Degeer), is a common fall species that regularly feeds on goldenrod (Solidago spp.) flowers. Previous ecological research used mass releases to explore movement patterns and habitat use. For a more natural investigation, a marking study was conducted to quantify the population size, movement patterns, and habitat use in a restored tallgrass prairie and adjacent degraded grassland. We uniquely marked a total of 914 individuals, recapturing 22.2% over 16 surveys (16 August to 11 October 2018). A maximum daily count of 286 individuals was recorded on 11 September, corresponding to a population size estimate of 2,011 (1,258– 4,139 95% CI). Several times, adult numbers increased one to two days following rain events, and ultimately dropped substantially following mowing of the degraded grassland. Beetles were capable of moving throughout the study site based on one individual traveling at least 599 m over the course of the study. However, most detected movements were short and there was no preference in movement directionality, suggesting that beetles would most often move to adjacent flowering goldenrod patches. Despite the lack of directionality, the restored tallgrass prairie portion of the study site retained significantly more beetles than the degraded grassland. While further describing the ecology of the black blister beetle, this study also supports the effectiveness of the habitat restoration efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we focused on the potential production of descendant ramets in sexual, asexual, and mixed ramet clusters of Solidago ×niederederi Khek (Asteraceae), a natural hybrid between the North American S. canadensis and the European S. virgaurea. We selected eight populations of the hybrid occurring in southern Poland. The ANOVA results proved the significant effect of cluster type and population on the number of descendant ramets in sexual, asexual, and mixed ramet clusters. The post-hoc Tukey test showed that the number of descendant ramets in sexual and mixed ramet clusters differs significantly (p < 0.001). The number of descendant ramets was positively correlated with the number of maternal ramets in sexual, asexual, and mixed ramet clusters, reaching the coefficient values of 0.78, 0.64, and 0.82, respectively. Moreover, the number of descendant ramets was positively correlated with the height of maternal ramets in mixed ramet clusters, reaching the coefficient value of 0.25. The post-hoc Tukey test revealed the significant differences between the height of ramets originating from sexual and asexual ramet clusters (p < 0.001). Our results complemented the current state of knowledge and brought evidence that the number of descendant ramets might be influenced by a type of ramet cluster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solidago is a genus of more than 120 species of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family and mainly distributed in Americas. To explore the differences of volatile components and analyze their correlations as well variability among the five species (Solidago caesia , Solidago tortifolia , Solidago glomerata , Solidago nemoralis and Solidago rugosa) of this genus, their volatile components were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and then the principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out with PAST (PAST2.08). The results indicated that Solidago caesia almost characterized by the same chemotype with Solidago glomerata due to their common essential oil compositions b-cubebene, (1R)-(+)-α-pinene and (−)-a-cadinol while Solidago nemoralis has little variability with Solidago rugosa and with the presence of germacrene D, limonene and sabenene as the representative compounds. But there is chemical variability between Solidago tortifolia and other four species. Sabenene and πcalacorene are the major volatile compounds of Solidago tortifolia. • We extract the essential oils from five species of genus Solidago using steam distillation method. • The composition of essential oils from five species plants of genus Solidago were determined by GC-MS for the first time. • The variability of five species of genus Solidago were analyzed, it will be meaningful in phytochemical toxonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring disease incidence in wild plant populations is increasingly important as climate change expands pathogen ranges. Climate responses will be complex given that the prevalence and severity of plant disease is governed by both plant and pathogen genetics, and these interactions shift depending on environmental conditions, including water availability and flowering phenology. We assess 6 methods for quantifying powdery mildew infection on a complex genetic and environmental system. Diploid and hexaploid Solidago altissima L. (Canada goldenrod [Asteraceae]) plants that were previously artificially selected for early or late flowering were exposed to 2 watering treatments and accrued powdery mildew infection in field. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of infection (percentage of infected leaves) and compared this metric to 5 other rapid assessment methods, 2 of which were quantitative and 3 qualitative, using 4 criteria: 1) time investment per measurement, 2) correlation of the results with those obtained from percentage infected leaves, 3) R² obtained from a standard analysis applied to each data set, and 4) differences in interpretation depending on the method employed. We found that the percentage of infected plant height was the most accurate but also the most timeconsuming approach. A qualitative 4-level scale ranked second with respect to all metrics of time and accuracy. Other methods were relatively fast, but each suffered from a lack of accuracy. We discuss these results in the context of selecting the best method to assess powdery mildew infection in complex systems that include natural levels of genetic and environmental heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological invasions degrade ecosystems, negatively affecting human well-being and biodiversity. Restoration of invaded agricultural ecosystems is among specific goals of European Union Biodiversity Strategy. Successful restoration of invaded lands is a long-term process that requires monitoring to assess the effects of interventions. Here, we present the results of a long-term experiment (8 years) on restoration of semi-natural grassland on abandoned arable field overgrown by invasive Solidago species (S. gigantea and S. canadensis). We examined effect of different invaders removal methods (rototilling, turf stripping, herbicide application) and seed application practices (commercial seed mixture, fresh hay) on changes in species composition and taxonomic diversity of restored vegetation. Our results showed a positive effect of grassland restoration on taxonomic diversity and species composition, manifested by a decrease in Solidago cover and an increase in cover and richness of target graminoids and forbs characteristic of grassland. The seed source had a longer lasting and still observable effect on the vegetation composition than the Solidago removal treatments, which ceased to differ significantly in their influence after the first few years. Applying fresh hay as a seed source increased the cover of grassland species such as Arrhenatherum elatius and Poa pratensis. For commercial seed mixture, we observed the high cover of Lolium perenne and Schedonorus pratensis (introduced with seed mixture) at the beginning and the slow decrease along the experiment course. The most striking effect was the fresh hay with herbicide application, which resulted in the lowest Solidago cover and the highest cover of target graminoids. Nonetheless, with years the non-chemical methods, including no treatment, gives comparable to herbicide effectiveness of restoration. Overall, during the experiment, alpha diversity increased, while beta and gamma diversity reached a species maximum in the third year, and then decreased. In conclusion, this study gives guidance to successful restoration of species-rich grasslands on sites invaded by Solidago. It should be emphasised that short-term effect differ considerably from long-term outputs, especially highlighting the importance of seed source, as well as effectiveness of environmentally friendly methods such as regular mowing to control the invader., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Overweight and obesity are the causes of many diseases and have become global "epidemics". Research on natural active components with anti-adipogenesis effects in plants has aroused the interest of researchers. One of the most critical problems is establishing sample preparation and analytical techniques for quickly and selectively extracting and determining the active anti-adipogenesis components in complex plant matrices for developing new anti-adipogenic drugs. In this study, a new poly(deep eutectic solvents) surface imprinted graphene oxide composite (PDESs-MIP/GO) with high selectivity for phenolic acids was prepared using deep eutectic solvents as monomers and crosslinkers. A miniaturized centrifugation-accelerated pipette-tip matrix solid-phase dispersion method (CPT-MSPD) with PDESs-MIP/GO as adsorbent, coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography, was further developed for the rapid determination of anti-adipogenesis markers in Solidago decurrens Lour. (SDL). The established method was successfully used to determination anti-adipogenesis markers in SDL from different regions, with the advantages of accuracy (recoveries: 94.4 - 115.9 %, RSDs ≤ 9.8 %), speed (CPT-MSPD time: 11 min), selectivity (imprinting factor: ∼2.0), and economy (2 mg of adsorbent and 1 mL of solvents), which is in line with the current advanced principle of "3S+2A" in analytical chemistry., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The present study evaluated the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of Medicago sativa and Solidago virgaurea extracts enriched in polyphenolic compounds. The extracts were obtained by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and laser irradiation. Then, microfiltration was used for purification, followed by nanofiltration used to concentrate the two extracts. The obtained extracts were analyzed to determine their antioxidant activity using DPPH radical scavenging and reducing power methods. The antidiabetic properties have been investigated in vitro on a murine insulinoma cell line (β-TC-6) by the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. M. sativa obtained by laser irradiation and concentrated by nanofiltration showed the highest DPPH• scavenging (EC 50 = 105.2 ± 1.1 µg/mL) and reducing power activities (EC 50 = 40.98 ± 0.2 µg/mL). M. sativa extracts had higher inhibition on α-amylase (IC 50 = 23.9 ± 1.2 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 26.8 ± 1.1), while S. virgaurea had the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (9.3 ± 0.9 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after ASE, and 8.6 ± 0.7 µg/mL for concentrated extract obtained after laser extraction). The obtained results after evaluating in vitro the antidiabetic activity showed that the treatment with M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts stimulated the insulin secretion of β-TC-6 cells, both under normal conditions and under hyperglycemic conditions as well. This paper argues that M. sativa and S. virgaurea polyphenolic-rich extracts could be excellent natural sources with promising antidiabetic potential.

Few studies tried to explore the mitigation effect and underlying mechanisms of biochar and their complex for negative allelopathy from invasive plants, which may provide a new way in the invasive plant management. Herein, an invasive plant (Solidago canadensis)-derived biochar (IBC) and its composite with hydroxyapatite (HAP/IBC) were synthesized by high temperature pyrolysis, and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, both the batch adsorption and pot experiments were conducted to compare the removal effects of kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (C 21 H 20 O 11 , kaempf), an allelochemical from S. canadensis, on IBC and HAP/IBC, respectively. HAP/IBC showed a stronger affinity for kaempf than IBC due to its higher specific surface area, more functional groups (P-O, P-O-P, PO 4 3- ), stronger crystallization [Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 ]. The maximum kaempf adsorption capacity on HAP/IBC was six times higher than on IBC (10.482 mg/g > 1.709 mg/g) via π-π interactions, functional groups, and metal complexation. The kaempf adsorption process could be fitted best by both pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models. Furthermore, HAP/IBC addition into soils could enhance and even recover the germination rate and/or seedling growth of tomato inhibited by negative allelopathy from the invasive S. canadensis. These results indicate that the composite of HAP/IBC could more effectively mitigate the allelopathy from S. canadensis than IBC, which may be a potential efficient approach to control the invasive plant and improve invaded soils., (© 2023 The Ecological Society of America.)

The phytotoxicity of invasive plants (IPS) has been identified as one of the main factors influencing their invasion success. The invasion of IPS can occur to varying degrees in the habitats. Two IPS can invade one habitat. This study aimed to evaluate the mono- and co-phytotoxicity of two Asteraceae IPS Solidago canadensis L. and Bidens pilosa L. with different invasion degrees (including light invasion (relative abundance <50%) and heavy invasion (relative abundance ≥50%)) on the horticultural Asteraceae species Lactuca sativa L., through a hydroponic experiment conducted on 9 cm Petri dishes. Leaf extracts of the two IPS can cause significant mono- and co-phytotoxicity. The mono- and co-phytotoxicity of the two IPS were concentration-dependent. The mono-phytotoxicity of S. canadensis was significantly increased with increasing invasion degree, but the opposite was true for the mono-phytotoxicity of B. pilosa. Leaf extracts of B. pilosa with light invasion caused stronger phytotoxicity than those of S. canadensis with light invasion. There may be an antagonistic effect for the co-phytotoxicity caused by mixed leaf extracts of the two IPS compared with those of either S. canadensis or B. pilosa. The phytotoxicity of the two IPS on the growth performance of neighboring plants may play a more important role in their mono-invasion than in their co-invasion. The phytotoxicity appeared to affect the growth performance of S. canadensis individuals more significantly when the invasion was heavy, while the growth performance of B. pilosa individuals seemed to be more influenced by phytotoxicity when the invasion was light. Consequently, the concentration of leaf extracts of IPS, the invasion degree of IPS, the species identity of IPS, and the species number of IPS modulated the mono- and co-phytotoxicity of the two IPS., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Optimization of the biodegradable wastes management is one of the main goals of the activities taken up in the European Union. The aim of the present paper is to define the possibilities of supporting the process of golden rod yield (Solidago canadensis L.) by using different mineral-organic fertilizers, in a form of granulated substances, produced from extracted coffee wastes (CSG) as well as from ash which is the result of woody biomass combustion. Golden rod, as a potential energetic plant, is very easy to grow because it covers the grounds which are not utilized agriculturally or the ones localised in the close neighbourhood of industrial areas. For certain experimental purposes, a field experiment was conducted. Six experimental plots constituted its basis, two experimental fertilizers based on the extracted coffee wastes (in the amount of 100g/m²), ash from the process of thermal biomass transition and two commercial fertilizers were applied. After 160 days of the experiment, the golden rod harvest was submitted to quantitative-qualitative analysis. An analysis of basic soil parameters (pH, EC, TOC) was also carried out and the content of significant elements, as far as fertilizers are concerned, N, P, K, Ca, Mg was analysed too. As a result of the conducted experiment, the yield rise was observed, both in the case of the plants fed with commercial fertilizers as well as the ones cultivated on the basis of the extracted wastes. Using fertilizers does not only allow for management of the wastes produced in farm areas but also enables to increase the achieved amount of golden rod crops as well as to boost energy that is sourced in the process of biomass used for energetic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The often patchy distribution of serpentine geology can lead to abrupt changes in soil and microclimates. Thus, serpentine areas provide an ideal natural setting to understand how divergent selection drives the process of local adaptation in edaphically specialized plants. When the serpentine ecotype is surrounded by a related nonserpentine ecotype, a balance of natural selection and potential gene flow should maintain the different ecotypes over very short distances. We aimed to reveal the mechanisms allowing soil ecotypes of a goldenrod species to co‐occur sympatrically in Japan.We performed field surveys to characterize microenvironments and flowering phenology of each ecotype, common garden and reciprocal transplant experiments and artificial crossing, and population genetic analysis to investigate the levels of genetic differentiation between ecotypes.Growth chamber experiments show that serpentine plants showed lower specific leaf area (SLA) and greater resource allocation to their root systems than did their nonserpentine counterparts, a potential adaptation to drier and less fertile soil condition in serpentine habitats. Reciprocal transplant studies demonstrated a clear pattern of local adaptation in the plant growth rate. Importantly, serpentine populations completed flowering by midsummer versus late summer in nonserpentine plants. This pattern is consistent with the hypothesis that early flowering ensures reproductive success, before the microclimatic conditions becomes severe in open habitats. Although prezygotic isolation was a strong barrier to gene flow, genetic differentiation was very low, indicating a recent origin for the serpentine ecotypes and/or gene flow at low frequencies.Synthesis. The findings indicate that the early flowering times of serpentine ecotypes, which would have been selected for by microclimates in serpentine areas, can play roles in local adaptation, but also population isolation via a by‐product of diverged reproductive timings. This study contributes to general understanding of the initial stages of plant ecological speciation under potential gene flow in very small geographic scales. Without any effective geographic barriers, the Solidago soil ecotypes were maintained by divergent selection imposed by microclimatic conditions in alternative habitats. Importantly, the divergent flowering time played dual roles of a local adaptation to each habitat and assortative mating to further restrict gene flow between populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosome numbers are reported for 349 individuals of 116 taxa and 2 hybrids in 13 genera from Canada and the United States. The majority of the reports are for asters listed in this paper under the generic names Symphyotrichum (93 reports) and Eurybia (51 reports) plus species of Doellingeria, Oclemena, and Sericocarpus and for goldenrods in Solidago (171 reports). Corrected identifications for four previous reports are also listed. The following are first reports for these taxa: Solidago jejunifolia, 2n = 9II from Wisconsin; Solidago fallax var. molina, 2n = 18 from Québec; and Symphyotrichum falcatum subsp. falcatum, 2n = 10 from Northwest Territories. Multiple counts are first reports for a particular taxon in a province or state: e.g., Solidago salicina, 2n = 18 from North Carolina; Symphyotrichum grandiflorum, 2n = 60 from Virginia; and Symphyotrichum welshii, 2n = 16 from Wyoming. The following are all first reports for the province of Prince Edward Island: Solidago nemoralis subsp. nemoralis, 2n = 18; Symphyotrichum lanceolatum var. lanceolatum, 2n = 64, Symphyotrichum puniceum var. puniceum, 2n = 16. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we focused on flower-visiting insects on Solidago ×niederederi, a natural hybrid between the North American S. canadensis and the European S. virgaurea. Based on four-day observation in a domestic garden, we evidenced a high number of Diptera visits on hybrid flowers, per each hour of the recording, and a positive correlation between the number of insect visits and the length, the width and the number of secondary branches of synflorescence and the number of capitula. Moreover, the number of insect visits positively correlated with the air temperature and negatively correlated with the wind speed. The increasing number of insect visits with the increasing size of synflorescences suggests that capitula of the hybrid arranged in bigger panicles might be more visible and smell stronger. However, a high number of insect visits on the flowers within the same synflorescence may promote the occurrence of geitonogamy. The involvement of various insects in pollination of S. ×niederederi needs to be studied in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]