The effect of wood ash application on growth, leaf morphological and physiological traits of trees planted in a cutaway peatland

Management of cutaway peatlands is a key issue in many countries. Whilst afforestation has been considered as a suitable after use option for cutaway peatlands, growing conditions after peat harvest are often adverse. To increase soil fertility and neutralise soil acidity, wood ash, an energy production by-product, can be used. In this study, we examined whether wood ash fertiliser affects growth (survival, height, root collar diameter), leaf morphological (mass, specific leaf area, leaf water content) and physiological traits (chlorophyll concentration, fluorescence parameters, photosynthetic and transpiration rate) of planted deciduous trees in a cutaway peatland in the central part of La…

Growth and Physiological Performance of a Coastal Species Trifolium fragiferum as Affected by a Coexistence with Trifolium repens, NaCl Treatment and Inoculation with Rhizobia

The aim of the present study was to analyze the growth and physiological performance of two coexisting species, Trifolium fragiferum, and Trifolium repens, under the effect of NaCl and rhizobial symbiosis. Seeds of T. fragiferum and T. repens were collected from populations in the wild, and plants were cultivated in an automated greenhouse, two plants per container. Three basic types of planting were performed: (1) both plants were T. fragiferum (single species), (2) one T. fragiferum and one T. repens (species coexistence), (3) both plants were T. repens (single species). For every basic type, three subtypes were made: (1) non-inoculated, (2) inoculated with rhizobia taken from T. fargifer…

Reactive oxygen and ethylene are involved in the regulation of regurgitant-induced responses in bean plants.

Summary Application of regurgitant from Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say on wound surfaces of one wounded leaf of intact bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants resulted in activation of ethylene biosynthesis followed by an increase of both peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity. The aim of the present investigation was to study the source of increased oxidative enzyme activities in regurgitant-treated bean leaves and to determine if hydrogen peroxide and ethylene biosynthesis is responsible for regurgitant-induced amplification of wound responses in bean plants. As the regurgitant contained relative high activities of both peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, there is a possibility that increa…

Review on Physiological Effects of Vermicomposts on Plants

Vermicompost is a type of organic fertilizer produced by earthworms and their symbiotic microorganisms. In addition to nutrient-rich organic fraction, vermicomposts also contain plant-available soluble minerals as well as substances with plant growth-regulating activity. In order to promote understanding on beneficial effects of vermicompost in different farming systems, the aim of the present review is to analyze possible mechanisms of vermicompost action on plants. After overview of plant growth-affecting activity of vermicomposts at the level of seed germination and vegetative growth, detailed analysis is dedicated to physiological effects associated with mineral nutrition: changes in bo…

Impact of Green Manure and Vermicompost on Soil Suppressiveness, Soil Microbial Populations, and Plant Growth in Conditions of Organic Agriculture of Northern Temperate Climate

The impact of organic amendments on the soil microorganisms and plant growth and health in conditions of organic agriculture of Northern temperate climate was analyzed. Some case studies dealing with green manure or vermicompost amendments are discussed giving deeper analyses of the vermicompost impact on plant growth. The first case study is about the impact of green manure on soil microbial populations and soil suppressiveness against such pathogens as late blight, potato scab, and black scurf of potato in organic agriculture. The second case study is about the use of vermicompost in organic starch potato cultivation. Significantly higher numbers of all groups of analyzed cultivable micro…

Physiological Performance of a Coastal Marsh Plant Hydrocotyle vulgaris in Natural Conditions in Relation to Mineral Nutrition and Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

Abstract Fluctuating soil salinity and competition for light are the main factors affecting plant distribution and performance in coastal salt marshes. The aim of the present study was to assess plant performance by means of non-destructive instrumental methods in a highly heterogeneous natural habitat. More specifically, environmental factors affecting growth and physiological performance of a clonal plant Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. were investigated. Changes in soil salinity, soil mineral characteristics, leaf nutrient concentrations, morphological parameters, chlorophyll fluorescence, and mycorrhizal symbiosis were analysed in different experimental plots of naturally growing H. vulgaris pl…

Abiotic Stress Tolerance of Coastal Accessions of a Promising Forage Species, Trifolium fragiferum

Crop wild relatives are valuable as a genetic resource to develop new crop cultivars, better adapted to increasing environmental heterogeneity and being able to give high quality yields in a changing climate. The aim of the study was to evaluate the tolerance of different accessions of a crop wild relative, Trifolium fragiferum L., from coastal habitats of the Baltic Sea to three abiotic factors (increased soil moisture, trampling, cutting) in controlled conditions. Seeds from four accessions of T. fragiferum, collected in the wild, were used for experiments, and cv. ‘Palestine’ was used as a reference genotype. Plants were cultivated in asymbiotic conditions of soil culture. Treatments wer…

Comparison of the effects of compost and vermicompost soil amendments in organic production of four herb species

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of using compost and vermicompost as soil amendments in organic herb production, using four herb species (Dracocephalum moldavica L., Melissa offici...

Effect of regurgitant from Leptinotarsa decemlineata on wound responses in Solanum tuberosum and Phaseolus vulgaris.

The effect of regurgitant from Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say larvae on wound-induced responses was studied using two plant species, Solanum tuberosum L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. Wounding of one leaf of intact S. tuberosum plants differentially affected ethylene production and activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase. Only polyphenol oxidase activity was stimulated by wounding in both wounded and systemic leaves. Peroxidase activity was not affected by wounding. Wounding caused only a transient increase of ethylene production from wounded leaves. The application of regurgitant to wound surfaces stimulated ethylene production as well as activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase …

Development of retrotransposon-based SSAP molecular marker system for study of genetic diversity in sea holly (Eryngium maritimum L.)

Eryngium maritimum L. is a wild plant species threatened or endangered in most of Northern Europe, where species is on the northern margin of its distribution range. Recent studies have found reduction of size and even extinction of many populations. Assessment of genetic diversity in natural populations of endangered wild plant species can reflect condition and fitness of particular population and inform decisions on appropriate conservation measures. Application of inter simple sequence repeat markers and chloroplast DNA sequencing could not resolve genetic relationship between E. maritimum populations in Northern Europe. Therefore, the more sensitive retrotransposon-sequence-specific amp…

SEssion 06 Morphogenesisin vitro

Changes of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylic Acid Oxidase Activity in Stressed Pinus Sylvestris Needles

Stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis in pine needles by hydrogen peroxide and sodium bisulfite coincided with the activation of ACC oxidase at the level of protein synthesis. Decrease in ethylene production at high concentrations of sodium bisulfite (above 7 mM) was apparently due to inhibition of ACC oxidase activity. Treatment of pine needles with aminotriazole caused an inhibition of both ethylene production and ACC oxidase activity. Both methylviologen and methyl jasmonate stimulated ACC oxidase activity in a concentration-dependent manner with no parallel changes in ethylene production. The presented results suggest that ACC oxidase plays an important role in regulation of ethylene for…

Physiological Responses of Wetland Species Rumex Hydrolapathum to Increased Concentration of Biogenous Heavy Metals Zn and Mn in Substrate

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine if individuals of Rumex hydrolapathum Huds native to saline wetlands are able to tolerate high concentration of biogenous heavy metals Zn and Mn in substrate and to accumulate high concentration of these metals in aboveground parts. Plant physiological status was monitored by using non-destructive analysis of chlorophyll and chlorophyll a fluorescence. R. hydrolapathum plants accumulated up to 1840 mg·kg−1 Zn and 6400 mg·kg−1 Mn in older leaves. The usefulness of monitoring changes in chlorophyll concentration and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters to predict physiological response of R. hydrolapathum plants to excess Zn and Mn was n…

Variation in Growth Response of Coastal Dune-Building Grass Species Ammophila Arenaria and Leymus Arenarius to Sand Burial

AbstractAmmophila arenaria and Leymus arenarius are dune-building grass species native to European seacoasts. The present study aimed to compare growth responses to the sand burial of A. arenaria and L. arenarius from coastal habitats of the Baltic Sea, when the intensity of sand accretion was relatively low under controlled conditions. Plants were grown from seeds collected from natural coastal habitats, transplanted into individual containers, buried in the sand at different depths in the rapid shoot elongation stage, and further cultivated (11 or 9 weeks) in an automated greenhouse. Burial in sand significantly stimulated the growth of shoots of A. arenaria, the effect was earlier at hig…

Light Conditions Affect NaCl-Induced Physiological Responses in a Clonal Plant Species Hydrocotyle vulgaris

Abstract In order to understand if differences in light conditions can affect responses of a clonal plant species to increased soil salinity, the long-term effect of two substrate concentrations of NaCl on leaf growth, clonal plasticity and oxidative enzyme (peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase) activity in Hydrocotyle vulgaris L. plants grown at low, moderate and high light conditions was studied. H. vulgaris appeared to be a shade-tolerant species, since both leaf blade and petiole growth was inhibited at low light intensity. At low light intensity, H. vulgaris plants represented characteristics of halophytes with significant stimulation of leaf blade and petiole growth by NaCl, especially a…

Characterization of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seedlings and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) needles

Abstract Biochemical characteristics of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) oxidase extracted from barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) leaves and pine ( Pinus sylvestris L.) needles were investigated. ACC oxidase from barley leaves was soluble while for complete recovery of ACC oxidase from pine needles addition of Triton X-100 to extraction medium was necessary. The enzyme required Fe 2+ , ascorbate and NaHCO 3 for maximum activity. A non-linear time course of ACC oxidase reaction indicated possible catalytic inactivation of the enzyme. The maximum activity was measured at pH 7.0–7.2 for ACC oxidase from both barley leaves and pine needles. The apparent K m for ACC was found to be 77 and …

Effect of CCC and pH on shoot elongation in Sedum rubrotinctum R.T. Clausen

Sedum rubrotinctum plants grown during winter in a glasshouse had decreased leaf density and increased internode length as well as loss of red coloring, leading to diminished ornamental value. Treatment with growth retardant (2-chloroethyl)trimethyl ammonium chloride (CCC) reduced internode length as well as the number of internodes. Concomitant changes of ethylene production and peroxidase activity were found in CCC-treated plants. Substrate pH had a significant effect on the growth of S. rubrotinctum. This leads to the conclusion that increase of shoot growth during winter period could be reversed by means of growth retardant CCC and acidification of substrate.

Relationship Between Functional Traits, Functional Types, and Habitat in Boreonemoral Bryophytes

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine a relationship between physiological traits and functional types of bryophytes from five boreonemoral habitats with a particular emphasis on discriminative ability of these traits. Sampling of 25 species was performed four times during one season. Water content, chlorophyll a fluorescence and photosynthetic pigment concentration were measured in field and water-equilibrated samples. Principal component analysis indicated the existence of an inverse relationship between concentration of pigments and water content. Linear discriminant analysis showed that relatively high mean predicted posterior probabilities of correct classification of …

Modulation of Solanum tuberosum L. morphogenesis and antioxidative status in a stem explant culture by limitation of gas exchange: Putative effects of ethylene

Summary The main objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that increased concentrations of ethylene under conditions of limited gas exchange during in vitro cultivation of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) stem explants may lead to increased capaciry of antioxidative defense. By varying the tightness of closure and application of inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis it was possible to accumulate various concentrations of ethylene in the internal atmosphere of culture flasks, which depended on excision-stress induced ethylene biosynthesis. In tightly closed cultures inhibition of linear growth, promotion of radial expansion and development of an apical hook occurred. Treatment w…

Investigation of European shot-hole borer, Xyleborus dispar (Coleoptera, Scolytidae), in apple orchards of Latvia

European shot-hole borer is known to occur on a wide range of deciduous trees and frequently found on fruit trees in most of the Holarctic. During the last years increased activity of this beetle<em> </em>contributed necessity for investigation of it in apple orchards of Latvia. Because of the latent behavior it is difficult to control distribution of <em>Xyleborus dispar</em>. Often insecticides are not effective, especially if not used in an appropriate time and methods of integrated or biological plant protection are needed. In the current study, results of two year monitoring of <em>X. dispar</em> flying activity and effectiveness of two types of stic…

Spatial Distribution of Ethylene Production by Individual Needles Along a Shoot ofPinus sylvestrisL.: Relationship with Peroxidase Activity

Spatial distribution of ethylene production by individual current year needles and the relationship with peroxidase activity was studied along a shoot of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.). Much variation in ethylene production between and within individual seedlings was found. There was a significant difference in mean intensity of ethylene production between orthostichies within individual seedlings. The capacity of individual needles to convert 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) to ethylene did not correlate with the basal rate of ethylene production. Mean ethylene production intensity by orthostichies correlated positively with mean peroxidase activity. A positive correlation betw…

Seed dormancy and germination of an endangered coastal plantEryngium maritimum(Apiaceae)

INTRODUCTION Eryngium maritimum L. is a littoral species growing on sand dunes and shingle beaches. Although it is listed among the species widespread in western and southern Europe, overall its population is declining (Van der Maarel & Van der Maarel-Versluys, 1996). The species is included in the Red Data Book of Latvia (Fatare, 2003) and is protected in several other European countries. In northern Europe and in the Baltic Region it grows near the limits of its current area of distribution and therefore is at a greater risk of extinction because in small and isolated populations there is a risk of inbreeding depression. For example, in Eryngium alpinum partial self-incompatibility causes…

Vermicompost from municipal sewage sludge affects growth and mineral nutrition of winter rye (Secale cereale) plants

ABSTRACTThe aim of the study was to investigate sewage sludge vermicompost application effects on growth and mineral nutrition of winter rye (Secale cereale L.) plants as compared to two initial levels of mineral nutrient availability, pure sand and sand enriched with inorganic nutrients at the optimal level. Addition of sewage sludge vermicompost significantly inhibited rye seed germination at 20 to 50% sand substitution independently on mineral nutrient supplement. Growth inhibition was evident at early stages of plant development. However, at the later stages, sewage sludge vermicompost acted both as mineral fertilizer and plant growth-promoting agent. Significant stimulation of mineral …

Comparison of sand burial-dependent growth responses of two Tragopogon species from different habitats

Wind-driven sand movement leading to sand burial is an essential environmental factor in coastal sand dunes; therefore, plants native to sand dunes need to possess specific adaptations. The present study aimed to compare responses to variable sand burial intensity of Tragopogon heterospermus, rare plant species native to coastal dunes, and Tragopogon pratensis taxonomically related grassland species. Plants in culture were established from seeds collected in natural habitats, cultivated in an automated greenhouse, and individuals of different age were buried by sand in the different depths. Both plants had basic sand burial tolerance, seen as an elongation of adult plants’ leaf bases under …

Genetic Diversity and Structure of Northern Populations of the Declining Coastal Plant Eryngium maritimum

Abstract Genetic diversity among 13 northern populations of the declining coastal plant Eryngium maritimum L. at the northernmost extent of the species distribution range was studied using retro-transposon-based SSAP molecular markers. Diversity indices varied extensively among populations; some showing extremely low diversity whereas other populations exhibited moderate amounts of genetic variation. Differentiation among populations was highly variable as well. Interestingly, differentiation among northern populations was not influenced strongly by geographic distance. Closely situated populations were often more divergent than more distant populations suggesting other factors may be respo…

Seed germination of six coastal plant species of the Baltic region: effect of salinity and dormancy-breaking treatments

AbstractSeed salinity tolerance and dormancy play important roles in germination behaviour. The effects of NaCl concentration and different dormancy-breaking treatments on germination were determined for six species growing on the coasts of the Baltic Sea or the Gulf of Riga: Juncus balticus, Triglochin maritima, Triglochin palustre, Anthyllis maritima, Linaria vulgaris and Linaria loeselii. Germination percentages were significantly reduced at NaCl concentrations >100 mM. Germination of J. balticus, T. maritima and T. palustre, but not that of A. maritima and L. vulgaris, recovered after seeds were rinsed with distilled water. Seeds of J. balticus were non-dormant; those of A. maritima …

Wild Plants from Coastal Habitats as a Potential Resource for Soil Remediation

The aim of the present review is to stimulate an interest in experimental exploration of native coastal plants as a valuable resource for development of and use in environmental remediation technologies. An attempt is made to analyze wild plant species from different coastal habitats in respect to the functional properties useful for soil remediation purposes. Several plant species from a number of coastal plant genera are described as potential models for further studies aimed at practical environmental phytoremediation, including Armeria maritima, Rumex hydrolapathum, Ranunculus sceleratus, Anthyllis maritima, Alyssum montanum subsp. gmelinii, and Sedum maximum. It is concluded that a lar…

Changes of morphogenic competence in mature Pinus sylvestris L. buds in vitro.

The effects of season and cold storage on morphogenic competence in mature Pinus sylvestris buds were investigated. Peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activity were measured as markers of oxidative metabolism. No growth in vitro was observed on explants detached from the end of January until the beginning of March. Brachioblasts, each with a couple of needles, formed on 11 % of the buds without macrostrobili that were detached in early April and introduced immediately into culture. Of the explants detached in late July, 15 % formed shoots with brachioblasts and needles. The lowest activity of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase in pine buds was observed from the end of April until the beginnin…

Leaf sodium, potassium and electrolyte accumulation capacity of plant species from salt-affected coastal habitats of the Baltic Sea: Towards a definition of Na hyperaccumulation

Abstract The aim of the present study was to compare a relatively large number of native plant species from salt-affected coastal habitats with respect to their Na+ and K+ accumulation capacity and electrolyte level in leaves. Sampling sites (77 in total) were chosen during field survey in coastal habitats located at geographically distant places along the Baltic Sea in the territory of Latvia, Estonia, Denmark and Sweden. The main criterion for selection of sampling sites was minimum average soil electrical conductivity (EC) above 200 mS m–1. Leaf samples of 102 taxa (species) from 34 families were collected, with a total number of samples reaching 502, and their water content, Na+ and K+ …

Wound-induced responses in leaves of strawberry cultivars differing in susceptibility to spider mite

Summary The effect of leaf detachment and wounding on the activities of oxidative enzymes and ethylene production was studied in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivars, differing in susceptibility to the spider mite (Tetranychus urticae Koch.). Strawberry plants were cultivated during winter in two growth conditions - with and without overwintering, in greenhouse and laboratory, respectively. Polyphenol oxidase activity, peroxidase activity and catalase activity in strawberry leaves depended on the cultivar analysed, type of treatment (detachment or detachment and wounding), as well as on plant growth conditions. Activities of all analysed enzymes were higher in control plants grown in …

Arthropod-induced neoplastic formations on trees change photosynthetic pigment levels and oxidative enzyme activities

Abstract In order to test the hypothesis that arthropod-induced neoplastic formations on trees affect biochemical characteristics of both the newly formed galls and host plant tissues, biochemical characteristics with a possible adaptive role were determined in nine gall-former–host tree combinations. Photosynthetic pigments, extractable protein content, and oxidative enzyme activities were determined in gall tissues, leaf tissues of galled leaves, and leaves on ungalled tree branches. Neoplastic tissues were characterized by a low content of photosynthetic pigments, decreased chlorophyll a/b ratio, lower extractable protein content, and decreased activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxi…

Effect of Vermicompost Extract and Vermicompost-Derived Humic Acids on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Hemp

Abstract Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars grown for industrial use have recently emerged as a sustainable alternative source of industrial fibre and bioenergy, and is a highly valuable food and animal feed resource. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of vermicompost extract, vermicompost mineral nutrient composition, and vermicompost-derived humic and fulvic acids on seed germination and growth of hemp seedlings. In general, separate application of all vermicompost components stimulated seed germination and hypocotyl and radicle growth, as well as increased chlorophyll concentration in cotyledons. Effective concentration range and the degree of stimulation varied sig…