scholarly journals Invasive Plants Are a Valuable Alternate Protein Source and Can Contribute to Meeting Climate Change Targets

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Iyer ◽  
Charles S. Bestwick ◽  
Sylvia H. Duncan ◽  
Wendy R. Russell

Agriculture has come under pressure to meet global food demands, whilst having to meet economic and ecological targets. This has opened newer avenues for investigation in unconventional protein sources. Current agricultural practises manage marginal lands mostly through animal husbandry, which; although effective in land utilisation for food production, largely contributes to global green-house gas (GHG) emissions. Assessing the revalorisation potential of invasive plant species growing on these lands may help encourage their utilisation as an alternate protein source and partially shift the burden from livestock production; the current dominant source of dietary protein, and offer alternate means of income from such lands. Six globally recognised invasive plant species found extensively on marginal lands; Gorse (Ulex europaeus), Vetch (Vicia sativa), Broom (Cytisus scoparius), Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium), Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum), and Buddleia (Buddleja davidii) were collected and characterised to assess their potential as alternate protein sources. Amino acid profiling revealed appreciable levels of essential amino acids totalling 33.05 ± 0.04 41.43 ± 0.05, 33.05 ± 0.11, 32.63 ± 0.04, 48.71 ± 0.02 and 21.48 ± 0.05 mg/g dry plant mass for Gorse, Vetch, Broom Fireweed, Bracken, and Buddleia, respectively. The availability of essential amino acids was limited by protein solubility, and Gorse was found to have the highest soluble protein content. It was also high in bioactive phenolic compounds including cinnamic- phenyl-, pyruvic-, and benzoic acid derivatives. Databases generated using satellite imagery were used to locate the spread of invasive plants. Total biomass was estimated to be roughly 52 Tg with a protein content of 5.2 Tg with a total essential amino acid content of 1.25 Tg (~24%). Globally, Fabaceae was the second most abundant family of invasive plants. Much of the spread was found within marginal lands and shrublands. Analysis of intrinsic agricultural factors revealed economic status as the emergent factor, driven predominantly by land use allocation, with shrublands playing a pivotal role in the model. Diverting resources from invasive plant removal through herbicides and burning to leaf protein extraction may contribute toward sustainable protein, effective land use, and achieving emission targets, while simultaneously maintaining conservation of native plant species.

2020 ◽  
pp. 27-46
Author(s):  
Anja Kalinic ◽  
Ivana Bjedov ◽  
Dragica Obratov-Petkovic ◽  
Jelena Tomicevic-Dubljevic

The floristic diversity of Deliblato sands SNR is significantly endangered by the spread of invasive plants. In addition to field research, which included the collection of plant material in the area of Deliblato sands SNR, primary and secondary data was collected in this paper. The primary data for the purposes of this study was obtained by applying a questionnaire technique to the management of the protected area - PE ?Vojvodinasume? and an expert interview technique to a representative of the Provincial Institute for Nature Conservation. The secondary data was collected to gain a better and broader understanding of the management of Deliblato sands SNR. Based on the field investigations, the analysis of primary and secondary data on invasive plant species was also recognized as a key threatening factor. An analysis of the floristic structure and composition of these plant species, their origin, as well as the manner of their propagation and reproduction was carried out, in order to make a recommendation on the preventive measures for the protection and suppression of invasive plant species and to improve the habitat. In the area of Deliblato sands SNR, 39 invasive plant species (4,33% of the total flora) were found with different invasiveness categories, among which herbaceous, annual, North American species from the Compositae family prevail. Protection measures include the mapping of habitats of invasive species, establishing cooperation with managers and scientific institutions, constant monitoring of endangered habitats and plant species, as well as the creation of a special sector responsible for enhancing biodiversity.


1985 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghulam Sarwar ◽  
Robert Blair ◽  
Mendel Friedman ◽  
Michael R Gumbmann ◽  
Ross L Hackler ◽  
...  

Abstract Estimates of inter- and intralaboratory variation of protein efficiency ratio (PER), relative PER (RPER), net protein ratio (NPR), relative NPR (RNPR), and nitrogen utilization (NU) were compared with those of amino acid analysis in the same batches of 7 protein sources (ANRC casein, egg white solids, minced beef, soy assay protein, rapeseed protein concentrate, pea flour, and whole wheat flour). Interlaboratory variation (estimated as between-laboratories coefficients of variation, CV) of NPR and RNPR (up to 6.0%) was lower than that of PER (up to 20.2%) and RPER (up to 18.5%). The interlaboratory determination of NPR and RNPR was also more reproducible than that of most essential amino acids (CV up to 10.0%), especially tryptophan (CV up to 23.7%), cystine (CV up to 17.6%), and methionine (CV up to 16.1%). Intralaboratory variation (estimated as within-laboratories CV) of amino acid analysis (up to 4.7%), however, was comparable to that of protein quality indices in most protein sources (up to 6.0%). The significant (P <0.01) positive correlations (r = 0.68-0.74) between amino acid scores and protein quality indices based on rat growth were further improved when amino acid scores were corrected for digestibility of protein (r = 0.73-0.78) or individual amino acids (r = 0.79- 0.82).


2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 390-401 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Daab ◽  
Courtney G. Flint

AbstractInvasive plant species degrade ecosystems in many ways. Controlling invasive plants is costly for government agencies, businesses, and individuals. North central Colorado is currently experiencing large-scale disturbance, and millions of acres are vulnerable to invasion because of natural and socioeconomic processes. Mountain pine beetles typically endemic to this region have reached epidemic proportions, with up to 80% tree mortality, which opens growing space for invasive plants. In socioeconomic terms, the popularity of this amenity-rich region for tourists and in-migrants has resulted in increased development, often bordering the public land that is common in the American West. Increased recreational access and the construction of new roads and infrastructure disturb ecosystems in an increasingly fragmented landscape. A survey was mailed to more than 4,000 households in a five-county region of north central Colorado to gauge public awareness and attitudes regarding invasive plant species, helping to illuminate whether the public shows a capacity to help land managers detect and respond to invasive plants before they profoundly alter the local ecosystem. Although 88% of respondents had heard or read about invasive plant species, far fewer were familiar with specific, locally targeted species, and fewer still had taken any action to control these species. The overall awareness and concern about invasive plants in the area indicated a capacity for more public participation in management.


2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Paige Fischer ◽  
Susan Charnley

We investigated nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) owners' invasive plant risk perceptions and mitigation practices using statistical analysis of mail survey data and qualitative analysis of interview data collected in Oregon's ponderosa pine zone. We found that 52% of the survey sample was aware of invasive plant species considered problematic by local natural resource professionals; 70% was concerned about these species; and 46% had treated invasive plants on their parcels. Owners' perceptions of invasive plant risks fell along a spectrum ranging from a lack of awareness or concern, to the view that invasive plant infestations have discrete causes and controllable consequences, to the perception that incursions by invasive plants have diffuse causes and uncontrollable effects. Being aware or concerned about invasive plant species were predictors (p ≤ 0.001) of whether owners treat their parcels to control invasive plants. Holding wildlife habitat and/or biodiversity as an important forest management goal was also a predictor (p ≤ 0.08) of whether owners treated their parcels to control invasive plants. Some owners were sensitive to the risks of invasive plant infestations from nearby properties, and a surprisingly high percentage of respondents had cooperated with others in forest management activities previously. Our findings suggest three approaches to increasing the frequency of invasive plant mitigation by NIPF owners that hold promise: (1) raising awareness and concern about invasive plants and their impacts on forest management goals that owners care about, such as wildlife habitat and/or biodiversity; (2) providing assistance to help owners mitigate invasive plants they feel unable to control; and (3) engaging owners in coordinated efforts across ownership boundaries to address invasive plant risks.


1998 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. García-Gallego ◽  
H. Akharbach ◽  
M. de la Higuera

AbstractThis experiment was conducted to test two different protein sources as alternatives to the commonly used fish meal (FM) in the diet of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Six experimental diets were tested in three replicated lots of European eels. All diets contained the same protein and energy content (ca, 300 g crude protein per kg dry matter and 18·5 MJ/kg, respectively) but differed in the nature of the protein source: FM was the only protein source in the control diet and was fully or partially (0–5: 0–5) replaced by meat meal (MM) or sunflower meal (SFM) in four other diets; a sixth diet included SFM as the only protein source but was supplemented with several essential amino acids. Food intake, fish growth and several indices of diet and protein utilization were measured. MM clearly was the poorest protein source while SFM could replace, at least 0·5 of the FM with no significant reduction in performance. In addition, the European eel was able to utilize the supplement of essential amino acids. The full-SFM diet was improved significantly when supplemented and results were not statistically different from the control FM-based diet. Overall, a good correlation was found between the results of each diet and the respective essential amino acid index, calculated using as reference the essential amino acid requirements previously defined for another eel species, Anguilla japonica. This index could be used as a reliable measure for an a priori evaluation of alternative protein sources to be included in commercial foods for eels.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 351
Author(s):  
Bina Swasta Sitepu

Historically, and based on the latest conditions, Samboja Research Forest has a fairly high vulnerability to the presence of invasive species that can interfere with ecosystem stability and forest succession. However, data collection and risk assessment of invasive species have not been conducted in the forest area. The study was carried out to support the management of Samboja Research Forest, particularly in controlling invasive species. The study was conducted with exploration techniques in open areas, secondary forests, and primary forests. The density and frequency data of invasive plants were obtained using random plots in secondary and primary forest areas. The results showed the presence of 52 invasive plant species in the Samboja Research Forest area with dominance by shrubs and herbs. Based on plants distribution and density, four crucial invasive plant species in Samboja Research Forest were identified, namely: Acacia mangium, Spathodea campanulata, Miconia crenata, and Piper aduncum. The management of invasive species was carried out in two stages, short term, through manual weeding, and in the long term, with the prevention, eradication, and periodic risk assessment.Keywords: invasive alien species, Kalimantan, eradication, Spathodea campanulata


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1825 ◽  
Author(s):  
Insaf Berrazaga ◽  
Valérie Micard ◽  
Marine Gueugneau ◽  
Stéphane Walrand

Plant-sourced proteins offer environmental and health benefits, and research increasingly includes them in study formulas. However, plant-based proteins have less of an anabolic effect than animal proteins due to their lower digestibility, lower essential amino acid content (especially leucine), and deficiency in other essential amino acids, such as sulfur amino acids or lysine. Thus, plant amino acids are directed toward oxidation rather than used for muscle protein synthesis. In this review, we evaluate the ability of plant- versus animal-based proteins to help maintain skeletal muscle mass in healthy and especially older people and examine different nutritional strategies for improving the anabolic properties of plant-based proteins. Among these strategies, increasing protein intake has led to a positive acute postprandial muscle protein synthesis response and even positive long-term improvement in lean mass. Increasing the quality of protein intake by improving amino acid composition could also compensate for the lower anabolic potential of plant-based proteins. We evaluated and discussed four nutritional strategies for improving the amino acid composition of plant-based proteins: fortifying plant-based proteins with specific essential amino acids, selective breeding, blending several plant protein sources, and blending plant with animal-based protein sources. These nutritional approaches need to be profoundly examined in older individuals in order to optimize protein intake for this population who require a high-quality food protein intake to mitigate age-related muscle loss.


EDIS ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 2006 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth A. Langeland

Land and water managers who apply herbicides to control invasive plant species and other nuisance vegetation strive to minimize environmental impacts as a matter of policy and daily operations. It is, therefore, not surprising that concern has been expressed and many questions asked relative to recent publications by Relyea (2005a, 2005b, 2005c), which implicate use of glyphosate-containing herbicides in global decline of amphibians. The purpose of this article is to put these recent publications in perspective relative to aquatic and terrestrial natural area weed management and explain why land managers should continue to use glyphosate-containing products to protect managed habitats from weeds without concern for unreasonable adverse environmental impacts. This document is SS-AGR-104, one of a series of the Agronomy Department, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date February 2006.


Author(s):  
L. M. Abramova ◽  
Ya. M. Golovanov ◽  
A. A. Muldashev

Invasions of aggressive alien plant species that have a high rate of expansion and pose a threat to ecosystems and their biodiversity have become more active in the 21st century due to anthropogenic disturbances of vegetation cover, the lack of systematic control of their numbers, the expansion of transport corridors, etc. Research for the search of new locations of adventitious plant species is carried out in the Republic of Bashkortostan especially intensively during the last 10 years. The result of this work was the publication of the "blacklist" flora of Bashkortostan [1] including 100 invasive and potentially invasive plants and "Synopsis of adventive species of the Republic of Bashkortostan" [13], who presented data on 457 localities of alien plant species, is not peculiar to the nature of Bashkortostan. This article is an addition to the previously published data obtained during the route expedition research in 2019-2020, conducted in the Western regions of the Republic. More than 150 new localities of 22 invasive and potentially invasive plant species were identified. 11 species are included in the “Black book of flora of Central Russia” [9]. The data obtained clarify and expand the understanding of the modern secondary range of invasive plants on the territory of the Republic.


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