Weed problem on the newly established prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) plantations intended for energetic purposes

In our research conducted in years 2009-2011 three herbicides were examined in the respect of their usefulness at the plantation of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) intended for energetic purposes. In the light of the conducted observations, it seems that selectivity of particular herbicides for prairie cordgrass plants and their effectiveness on particular weed species depend mainly on the growing phase of the plants as well as on particular weed species

Weed problem on the newly established prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) plantations intended for energetic purposes Kontrola zachwaszczenia w pierwszym roku uprawy spartiny preriowej (Spartina pectinata) przeznaczonej na cele energetyczne

Abstract In our research conducted in years 2009-2011 three herbicides were examined in the respect of their usefulness at the plantation of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata) intended for energetic purposes. In the light of the conducted observations, it seems that selectivity of particular herbicides for prairie cordgrass plants and their effectiveness on particular weed species depend mainly on the growing phase of the plants as well as on particular weed species. Key words: effectiveness, herbicides, prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinata), selectivity, weed control Streszczenie W badaniach własnych prowadzonych latach 2009-2011 poddano ocenie trzy herbicydy pod kątem ich przydatności do stosowania na plantacji roślin spartiny preriowej (Spartina pectinata) przeznaczonej na cele energetyczne. Z przeprowadzonych obserwacji wynika, że selektywność poszczególnych herbicydów dla roślin spartiny preriowej oraz skuteczność ich działania na poszczególne gatunki chwastów, zależała głównie od fazy rozwojowej samych roślin jak również poszczególnych gatunków chwastów. . Eksperyment został przeprowadzony pod kątem selektywności lub jej braku w odniesieniu do roślin spartiny preriowe oraz skuteczności działania w stosunku do chwastów występujących na nowo zakładanych plantacjach. Herbicydy aplikowano w fazie 2-3 pędów i 3-5 liści spartiny preriowe. Fitotoksyczność badanych herbicydów oceniano po 7, 14 oraz 28 dni od momentu aplikacji herbicydów, stan i stopień zachwaszczenia plantacji gatunkami dominującymi, szacowano na początku wegetacji podając gatunek i liczbę w szt.*m -2 . Natomiast analizę zniszczenia chwastów wykonywano po 3-4 tygodniach od momentu aplikacji herbicydów a ocenę stopnia zachwaszczenia wtórnego gatunkami dominującymi przeprowadzano na 4 tygodnie przed zbiorem roślin spartiny preriowe. Wszystkie z przebadanych herbicydów, które zastosowano w nasadzeniach spartiny preriowe powodowały w ciągu pierwszych 7 dni od momentu aplikacji widoczne objawy fitotoksycznego działania w postaci chlorozy liści. Po upływie kolejnych 14 dni nie stwierdzono wyraźnych uszkodzeń liści po żadnym z zastosowanych herbicydów. Jedynie mieszanina zbiornikowa herbicydu Maister 310 WG i adiuwanta Actirob 842 EC, spowodowała 25% zahamowanie wzrostu, utrzymujące się do końca wegetacji roślin spartiny preriowe. Najlepsze efekty w regulacji zachwaszczenia na nowo założonej plantacji spartiny preriowej osiągnięto stosując łącznie herbicyd Maister 310 WG i adiuwant Actirob 842 EC. Mieszanina ta skutecznie ograniczała występowanie większości gatunków chwastów jakie pojawiły się na plantacji. Skuteczność działania pozostałych dwóch herbicydów: Zeus 208 WG i Shado 300 SC była istotnie niższa. Stwierdzono również, że jednorazowa aplikacja badanych herbicydów nie zapewniała utrzymania plantacji spartiny preriowe przez cały okres wegetacji w stanie wolnym od chwastów, gdyż po upływie około 16 tygodni od momentu zastosowania herbicydów, zaobserwowano pojawienie się wtórnego zachwaszczenia

Ocena zdolności kiełkowania nasion oraz wybranych parametrów biometrycznych (długość oraz sucha masa korzeni i koleoptyla) słonecznika zwyczajnego (Helianthus annuus) po zastosowaniu preparatów zawierających efektywne mikroorganizmy (EM)

Seed germination and early growth microbiotest PhytotoxkitTM was used in the experiment, which consisted of 3 independent laboratory experimental series with one month intervals each and 3 replications. The aim of this study was to evaluate germination dynamics and capacity as well as selected biometric parameters after seed treatment with two preparations containing effective microorganisms: EM Farma (EMF) and EM Farma Plus (EMFP). Sunflower seeds (H. annuus) were chosen as the experimental material. Seeds soaked in distilled water were control objects (K) in these experiment. Apart from control (K), reference material was prepared in the form of two biostimulants: Kelpak SL (KSL) and gibberellic acid (GA3). The effect of the two biopreparations EM Farma (EMF) and EM Farma Plus (EMFP) was beneficial related to germination capacity and biometric parameters of sunflower (H. annuus).Doświadczenie przeprowadzono z użyciem mikrobiotestu kiełkowania i wczesnego wzrostu roślin – PhytotoxkitTM. Testy obejmowały 3 niezależne serie doświadczeń laboratoryjnych w odstępach miesięcznych po 3 powtórzenia. Celem doświadczenia była ocena dynamiki i zdolności kiełkowania oraz wybranych parametrów biometrycznych nasion po zastosowaniu dwóch preparatów zawierających efektywne mikroorganizmy: EM Farma (EMF) oraz EM Farma Plus (EMFP). Materiałem do badań były nasiona słonecznika zwyczajnego (H. annuus). Obiekt kontrolny (K) stanowiły nasiona, moczone jedynie w wodzie destylowanej. W doświadczeniu oprócz kontroli absolutnej (K), zastosowano również jako obiekty porównawcze dwa biostymulatory: Kelpak SL (KSL) oraz kw. giberelinowy (GA3). W przeprowadzonym doświadczeniu stwierdzono korzystny wpływ zastosowanych biopreparatów EM Farma (EMF) i EM Farma Plus (EMFP), związany z polepszeniem dynamiki kiełkowania oraz wybranych parametrów biometrycznych słonecznika zwyczajnego (H. annuus)

Determination of free amino acids in plants by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)

A robust and sensitive method for identification (quantification and confirmation) of 19 free amino acids in the plant matrix, Stellaria media, based on liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS), with a triple quadrupole analyser, has been developed. Regarding MS optimization, flow injection analysis (FIA) was used in scan and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. The collision energies optimized varied from −12 to −39 eV. The acquisition of three MS/MS transitions for most of the compounds allowed the accurate confirmation of these analytes, which was supported by the accomplishment of ion intensity ratios and retention time as compared with the corresponding standards. The use of a Phenomenex EZ:faast™ Free (Physiological) Amino Acid kit speeds up the sample preparation immeasurably. Nineteen amino acids were separated within 18 minutes on a reverse-phase column under a gradient stepwise programme using 10 mM ammonium formate both in water and methanol. The detection limit (LOD) for free amino acids varied from 0.4 to 9.1 pmol mL−1, except for asparagine amounting to 3000 pmol mL−1. The quantification precision (RSD) of free amino acids for intra- and interday assays was 0.05–19% and 0.2–19%, respectively, but for most of the compounds, it did not exceed 5%. The optimized and validated method was subsequently utilized for free amino acid identification in weed collected from field locations in Poland.National Science Centre: UMO-2013/09/N/NZ9/0196

Screening Papaveraceae as Novel Antibiofilm Natural-Based Agents

The antimicrobial properties of herbs from Papaveraceae have been used in medicine for centuries. Nevertheless, mutual relationships between the individual bioactive substances contained in these plants remain poorly elucidated. In this work, phytochemical composition of extracts from the aerial and underground parts of five Papaveraceae species (Chelidonium majus L., Corydalis cava (L.) Schweigg. and Körte, C. cheilanthifolia Hemsl., C. pumila (Host) Rchb., and Fumaria vaillantii Loisel.) were examined using LC-ESI-MS/MS with a triple quadrupole analyzer. Large differences in the quality and quantity of all analyzed compounds were observed between species of different genera and also within one genus. Two groups of metabolites predominated in the phytochemical profiles. These were isoquinoline alkaloids and, in smaller amounts, non-phenolic carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds. In aerial and underground parts, 22 and 20 compounds were detected, respectively. These included: seven isoquinoline alkaloids: protopine, allocryptopine, coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, sanguinarine, and chelerythrine; five of their derivatives as well as non-alkaloids: malic acid, trans-aconitic acid, quinic acid, salicylic acid, trans-caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol; and vanillin. The aerial parts were much richer in phenolic compounds regardless of the plant species. Characterized extracts were studied for their antimicrobial potential against planktonic and biofilm-producing cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. The impact of the extracts on cellular metabolic activity and biofilm biomass production was evaluated. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the extracts introduced to the polymeric carrier made of bacterial cellulose was assessed. Extracts of C. cheilanthifolia were found to be the most effective against all tested human pathogens. Multiple regression tests indicated a high antimicrobial impact of quercetin in extracts of aerial parts against planktonic cells of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans, and no direct correlation between the composition of other bioactive substances and the results of antimicrobial activity were found. Conclusively, further investigations are required to identify the relations between recognized and unrecognized compounds within extracts and their biological properties

Is the Biopesticide from Tea Tree Oil an Effective and Low-Risk Alternative to Chemical Pesticides? A Critical Review

The use of chemical pesticides in agriculture contributes to soil, water and air pollution, biodiversity loss, and injury to non-target species. The European Commission has already established a Harmonized Risk Indicator to quantify the progress in reducing the risks linked to pesticides. Therefore, there is an increasing need to promote biopesticides, or so-called low-risk pesticides (LRP). Tea tree oil (TTO) is known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. TTO has been extensively studied in pest management as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry; there are already products based on its active substances on the market. This review focuses on the overall evaluation of TTO in terms of effectiveness and safety as a biopesticide for the first time. The collected data can be an added value for further evaluation of TTO in terms of the authorization extension as a fungicide in 2026

Influence of selected soil parameters on amino acid profile in Stellaria media

The study investigates the relationship between soilsthat vary for different basic physicochemical parameters (pH,phosphorus and potassium content, granulometric compositionand soil organic matter content) and the free amino acids content of Stellaria media. According to some research, plant aminoacid profile is a good indicator of the condition of the soils onwhich plants are grown. In this experiment, a rapid and sensitiveliquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) method was used for the identification and quantification of nineteen proteinogenic amino acids in Stellaria mediasamples, which is a very common weed found worldwide. Significant linkage was found between the soil parameters and Stellariamedia amino acid content. Garden soil is the most favourable soilfor amino acid content. Glutamine, glutamic and aspartic acid arethe most abundant amino acids in Stellaria media grown on allthree tested soils

Free amino acids in Viola tricolor in relation to different habitat conditions

The purpose of this study was to establish the free amino acids profile of Viola tricolor collected from different habitats in Poland. Viola tricolor (heartsease) is a very popular plant found worldwide, classified both as weed and medicinal plant. Based on a validated method, the following nineteen free amino acids were analyzed using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (LC-ESI-MS/MS):alanine, glycine, leucine, valine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, tyrosine, serine, threonine, methionine, asparagine, glutamine, lysine, arginine, histidine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid. The total free amino acids (TAA) ranged from 9938.0 to 11393.8 mg/kg of fresh weight. The variability of the investigated amino acids with respect to different habitat conditions was statistically assessed using the method of discriminant and cluster analysis. Alanine, valine, glutamine and aspartic acid were the most abundant free amino acids present in both localizations. The ratio of total essential amino acids (EAA) to TAA was 0.27 and 0.11 in Zagródki and Wrocław, respectively. Discriminant analysis has demonstrated that the investigated habitats significantly differentiated the free amino acids content of Viola tricolor. Only methionine showed a similar concentration in both Viola tricolor populations

The Activity of Isoquinoline Alkaloids and Extracts from Chelidonium majus against Pathogenic Bacteria and Candida sp.

Chelidonium majus (Papaveraceae) extracts exhibit antimicrobial activity due to the complex alkaloid composition. The aim of the research was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of extracts from wild plants and in vitro cultures, as well as seven major individual alkaloids. Plant material derived from different natural habitats and in vitro cultures was used for the phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial tests. The composition of alkaloids was analyzed using chromatographic techniques (HPLC with DAD detection). The results have shown that roots contained higher number and amounts of alkaloids in comparison to aerial parts. All tested plant extracts manifested antimicrobial activity, related to different chemical structures of the alkaloids. Root extract used at 31.25–62.5 mg/L strongly reduced bacterial biomass. From the seven individually tested alkaloids, chelerythrine was the most effective against P. aeruginosa (MIC at 1.9 mg/L), while sanguinarine against S. aureus (MIC at 1.9 mg/L). Strong antifungal activity was observed against C. albicans when chelerythrine, chelidonine, and aerial parts extract were used. The experiments with plant extracts, individually tested alkaloids, and variable combinations of the latter allowed for a deeper insight into the potential mechanisms affecting the activity of this group of compounds

Modulatory effect of Chelidonium majus extract and its alkaloids on LPS-stimulated cytokine secretion in human neutrophils

Due to certain differences in terms of molecular structure, isoquinoline alkaloids from Chelidonium majus engage in various biological activities. Apart from their well-documented antimicrobial potential, some phenanthridine and protoberberine derivatives as well as C. majus extract present with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic effects. In this study, the LC–MS/MS method was used to determine alkaloids, phenolic acids, carboxylic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids. We investigated five individually tested alkaloids (coptisine, berberine, chelidonine, chelerythrine, and sanguinarine) as well as C. majus root extract for their effect on the secretion of IL-1\beta, IL-8, and TNF-\alpha in human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils). Berberine, chelidonine, and chelerythrine significantly decreased the secretion of TNF-\alpha in a concentration-dependent manner. Sanguinarine was found to be the most potent inhibitor of IL-1\beta secretion. However, the overproduction of IL-8 and TNF-\alpha and a high cytotoxicity for these compounds were observed. Coptisine was highly cytotoxic and slightly decreased the secretion of the studied cytokines. The extract (1.25-12.5 \mug/mL) increased cytokine secretion in a concentration-dependent manner, but an increase in cytotoxicity was also noted. The alkaloids were active at very low concentrations (0.625-2.5 \muM), but their potential cytotoxic effects, except for chelidonine and chelerythrine, should not be ignored