First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused By Golovinomyces monardae on Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma) in China

Scarlet Beebalm (Monarda didyma) is a perennial ornamental flowering plant in the mint family, Labiatae. Due to low-maintenance, and a long blooming period, it is commonly cultivated in gardens as an ornamental plant in China. In May 2021, a disease was observed on the leaves of a capitals beebalm plant in a Ten Mile Flower Sea in Xiayi county (116°13′8″E, 34°14′45″N), Henan province of China. Symptoms first appeared as nearly circular, small, white, powdery mildew-like spots on the leaves which gradually expand, covering the entire leaves. The lesions spread from the lower leaves to the upper canopy, and the stems were also covered by white mycelia. In severe cases, early defoliation occured. About 30% plants were affected. Representative voucher specimens (SQNUMd04, SQNUDn4) were deposited in the herbarium of Shangqiu Normal University (SQNU), Shangqiu, China. Conidiophores (n = 30) were cylindrical, 92.0 to 142.2 µm long and 10.8 to 14.2 µm wide, and produced 5 to 7 immature conidia in a chain. Foot-cells of conidiophores were mostly curved at the base. Conidia (n = 30) were hyaline, ellipsoid, 23.3 to 29.8 μm (avg. 26.6 μm) long, and 11.2 to 16.9 μm (avg. 14.5μm) width, a length/width ratio of 1.5 to 2.1, and germ tubes were produced at the perihilar position. No chasmothecia were observed. Based on morphological comparison using the description by Scholler et al. (2016) description the fungus was tentatively identified as Golovinomyces monardae (G.S. Nagy) M. Scholler, U. Braun & Anke Schmidt. For molecular identification, DNA was extracted from mycelia and conidia, which were collected by scraping symptomatic leaves.The ITS regions and LSU were amplified using primers ITS1/ITS4 (White et al. 1990) and NL1/NL4 (Horisawa et al. 2013). BLASTn analysis of the (MZ303741) and LSU (MZ305434) sequences showed 100% identity with those of G. monardae (AB307667, LC076800, LC076802, LC076808, and AB077691) reported on Monarda species (Matsuda et al. 2003; Takamatsu et al. 2013; Scholler et al. 2016). Pathogenicity tests were carried out by gently dusting conidia from infected leaves onto healthy leaves of five M. didyma plants and five non-inoculated plants used as controls. After 9 days, typical powdery mildew colonies started to appear on the inoculated leaves while control plants remained disease free. All plants were placed in a greenhouse without temperature and humidity control. Based on morphology, fungus was identified as the same as that used for inoculum, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Although G. monardae has been reported on various genera in the Labiatae and Verbenaceae (Farr and Rossman 2021), to our knowledge, this is the first report of G. monardae causing powdery mildew of Scarlet Beebalm(M. didyma) in China.

The morphological and biological characteristics of the specimens from Monarda didyma

The plants of the genus Monarda of the family Lamiaceae are little known in our country. The species Monarda didyma is mainly distributed. It is used in landscaping as a perennial ornamental crop. In addition to its original blossoms, it has a pleasant aroma combining the aromas of bergamot, lemon and mint, due to the essential oils contained in the leaves, blossoms and stems of the plant. The Institute of Ornamental and Medicinal Plants - Sofia has a perennial species collection in which the genus Monarda is represendted by 32 genotypes of the Monarda didyma species. The plants are characterized by different habit, color and shape of the blossoms. During the phenological observations it was established that in the Sofia field region the Мonarda vegetation begins in the beginning of March and ends in the beginning of October. The flowering period in almost all samples covers the months of June to August, with mass flowering in the beginning of July. Biometric measurements show differences in the size of the tufts formed, the size of the leaves and the flowers. After analyzes, genotypes with emphasized decorative qualities were separated, which will be used to diversify the range of seedlings in the Monarda didyma type offered on the market.

The Biological Activity of Monarda didyma L. Essential Oil and Its Effect as a Diet Supplement in Mice and Broiler Chicken

The use of growth-promoting antibiotics in livestock faces increasing scrutiny and opposition due to concerns about the increased occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Alternative solutions are being sought, and plants of Lamiaceae may provide an alternative to synthetic antibiotics in animal nutrition. In this study, we extracted essential oil from Monarda didyma, a member of the Lamiaceae family. We examined the chemical composition of the essential oil and then evaluated the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. didyma essential oil and its main compounds in vitro. We then evaluated the effectiveness of M. didyma essential oil in regard to growth performance, feed efficiency, and mortality in both mice and broilers. Carvacrol (49.03%) was the dominant compound in the essential oil extracts. M. didyma essential oil demonstrated antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli (MIC = 87 µg·mL−1), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 47 µg·mL−1), and Clostridium perfringens (MIC = 35 µg·mL−1). Supplementing the diet of mice with essential oil at a concentration of 0.1% significantly increased body weight (+5.4%) and feed efficiency (+18.85%). In broilers, M. didyma essential oil significantly improved body weight gain (2.64%). Our results suggest that adding M. didyma essential oil to the diet of broilers offers a potential substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.

Проєкт реконструкції плодового саду Хортицької національної академії міста Запоріжжя

В Україні проблема реконструкції зелених насаджень урбанізованих територій, зокрема насаджень обмеженого користування, є актуальним питанням сьогодення. Більшість міських зелених насаджень, зокрема закладів освіти, закладали ще за радянських часів. На сьогодні ці насадження застаріли і тому потребують заходів з їх оптимізації. Плодовий сад Хортицької академії було закладено у 1961 році. Натепер сад втратив свої функціональні властивості, тому виникла необхідність його відновлення і реконструкції. Результати інвентаризації показали, що на ділянці налічується 73 деревні рослини. З них плодові дерева (Armeniaca vulgaris Lam., Juglans regia L., Pyrus communis L., Сerasus vulgaris Mill., та Prunus domestica L.) складають 71,2 % (52 екз.), рослини спонтанного походження (Robinia pseudoacacia L., Acer platanoides L., Elaeagnus angustifolia L., Syringa vulgaris L.) у загальній кількості 21 екз., що становить 28,8 % від загальної кількості рослин. Більша частина (36 екз.) плодових дерев перебуває у задовільному стані, 16 – у незадовільному. Декоративних квіткових рослин на території немає. У проєкті запропоновано створити сад вільного пейзажного планування з елементами благоустрою, що поєднає плодові культури з декоративними, також видалити частину старих дерев і деревно-чагарникової спонтанної рослинності. Для дерев, що залишаються, рекомендовано кронування. Ці дерева слугуватимуть основою оновленого саду. Проєктом передбачено збільшення асортименту плодових культур загальною кількістю 3 види (Сerasus vulgaris, Malus domestica L., Malus Niedzwetzkyana Dieck. ex Koehne). Асортимент ягідних культур формуватимуть 11 видів (Cornus mas L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Ribes nigrum L., R. rubrum L., R. uva-crispa L., Rubus caesius L., Viburnum opulus L. та інші). Квіткове оформлення передбачено у вигляді облямування прогулянкових доріжок вільного планування гарноквітучими багаторічниками (Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Monarda didyma L., Thymus serpyllum L., Rudbeckia speciosa Schrad, Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench., Nepeta × faasenii Bergmans ex Stearn). Трав'яний покрив запропоновано відновити шляхом підсіву посухостійкої суміші газонних трав. Завдяки реалізації проєкту на території закладу освіти з'явиться оновлена зелена зона, яка буде виконувати не тільки санітарно-гігієнічні і рекреаційні функції, а й стане невід'ємною частиною організації науково-дослідної та навчально-виховної роботи Хортицької академії.

The Potential of Using the New Species Monarda Didyma L. for Introduction in Western Siberia

This article examines the introduction and use of the new species Monarda didyma L. in the conditions of Western Siberia. The rhythm of the seasonal development of the longrhizome-taprhizome life form was investigated. The timing and duration of the basic phenological phases were determined and their temperature thresholds were identified. Based on the phenological development, it was established that M. didyma can be classified as a long-growing evergreen plant. According to the identified blossoming period, the species falls into the long-flowering late-summer group. The presented phenological spectrum represents an important comparative and practical tool for Western Siberia and other geographical areas. The new species has a promising outlook for cultivation in Western Siberia and possesses a high adaptive potential, which allows for its use as an essential-oil-bearing, aromatic, decorative and melliferous plant. Keywords: M. didyma, of using, introduction, rhythm of seasonal development

Is the Antimicrobial Activity of Hydrolates Lower than That of Essential Oils?

Among the top five human infections requiring medical treatment is dermatitis. Treatment of bacterial and fungal skin infections is usually based on antibiotic therapy, which is often ineffective due to the involvement of antibiotic-resistant microbial strains. The aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) and hydrolates (Hys) extracted from six aromatic plants grown in Italy (Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula intermedia, Origanum hirtum, Satureja montana, Monarda didyma, and Monarda fistulosa) towards fungal (Candida albicans, Candida parapsilosis, Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis; Trichophyton soudanense, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton violaceum and Microsporum canis) and bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Staphylococcus aureus MSSA, Streptococcus pyogenes, E. faecalis, Enterococcus faecalis VRE, and Enterococcus faecium) potentially pathogenic for human skin. The composition and antimicrobial activity of EOs and Hys were evaluated using the Gas-chromatography mass spectrometry and micro dilution-broth test, respectively. The volatiles’ conversion factors (CFs) were calculated to compare the activity of Hys with that of the corresponding EOs. Data show that, although the minimum inhibitory concentration values of EOs are lower than the corresponding Hys, the volatiles contained in Hys are more effective at inhibiting microbial growth because they are active at lower concentrations.

Bioactive Compounds and Aroma Profile of Some Lamiaceae Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are consumed for their appearance, colours, nutritional and healthy properties, but the use is limited by the actual number of the species. Seven edible flowers of the Lamiaceae family (Ocimeae and Mentheae tribes) were investigated: Monarda didyma ‘Fireball’, Nepeta × faassenii ‘Six Hills Giant’, Ocimum basilicum ‘Blue Spice’, O. basilicum ‘Cinnamon’, Ocimum × citriodorum, Salvia discolor, and Salvia microphylla ‘Hot Lips’. Total soluble sugars, proteins, polyphenols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity were detected. The species of the Mentheae tribe contained higher sugar content than Ocimeae flowers, the opposite with regard to protein content. Ocimeae tribe flowers showed high polyphenols and carotenoids content. The Ocimeae tribe together with two specie of the Mentheae tribe showed an aroma profile dominated by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (58.0% in S. discolor to 77.9% in Ocimum × citriodorum). Oxygenated monoterpenes prevailed in Nepeta and Monarda, also present in the essential oil of this latter species (84.5%). By contrast, Nepeta and S. discolor evidenced non-terpenes as the principal class (41.2% and 77.5%, respectively), while the oxygenated sesquiterpene was the main one in S. microphylla. The two varieties of Ocimum spp. showed oxygenated monoterpenes as the main class of volatiles.