Studies of the Variability of Sugars, Vitamin C, and Chlorophylls in Differently Fermented Organic Leaves of Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)

There is currently an increasing interest in functional foods and herbs as an opportunity to enrich one’s diet and at the same time improve one’s health. One of such plants is willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub), which is rich not only in polyphenols, carotenoids, but also in sugars, chlorophylls, and vitamin C. This work purpose was to determine the effect of solid-phase fermentation (SPF) on changes in sugars, chlorophylls, and vitamin C under different fermentation conditions. Willowherb leaves were fermented for various durations (24, 48, and 72 h), in anaerobic and aerobic terms. The determination of sugars, chlorophylls, and vitamin C was done using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to a spectrometer UV-VIS. The principal component analysis (PCA) was done to estimate the relationships between the different fermentation conditions (methods, as well as duration) and 10 parameters. The study showed: the biggest amounts of total chlorophylls and sugars were present after 72 h of anaerobic SPF, but the amount of total vitamin C was higher in unfermented willowherb leaves. In summary, SPF could be applied to modify chlorophylls and sugar quantities in willowherb organic leaves.

Differences in Floral Scent and Petal Reflectance Between Diploid and Tetraploid Chamerion angustifolium

Genome duplication in plants is thought to be a route to speciation due to cytotype incompatibility. However, to reduce cross-pollination between cytotypes in animal-pollinated species, distinctive floral phenotypes, which would allow pollinator-mediated assortative mating between flowers, are also expected. Chamerion angustifolium is a Holarctic species that forms a hybrid zone between diploid and tetraploid populations in the North American Rocky Mountains. Extensive research has shown that these cytotypes differ in many ways, including some floral traits, and that pollinators can discriminate between cytotypes, leading to assortative mating. However, two signals commonly used by insect pollinators have not been measured for this species, namely petal colour and floral scent. Using greenhouse-grown diploids and tetraploids of C. angustifolium from the ploidy hybrid-zone in the North American Rocky Mountains, we show that both floral scent signals and petal reflectance differ between cytotypes. These differences, along with differences in flower size shown previously, could help explain pollinator-mediated assortative mating observed in previous studies. However, these differences in floral phenotypes may vary in importance to pollinators. While the differences in scent included common floral volatiles readily detected by bumblebees, the differences in petal reflectance may not be perceived by bees based on their visual sensitivity across the spectra. Thus, our results suggest that differences in floral volatile emissions are more likely to contribute to pollinator discrimination between cytotypes and highlight the importance of understanding the sensory systems of pollinators when examining floral signals.

Phytochemical variability during vegetation of Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub genotypes derived from in vitro cultures

The purpose of the study was to evaluate Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub genotypes for preliminary selection and further breeding programs aimed at obtaining a suitable industrial form for the pharmaceutical applications. Clonally propagated plants representing 10 genotypes of Ch. angustifolium were regenerated under in vitro conditions, hardened and planted in the field. Studies included an evaluation of shoot proliferation, phytochemical assessment of in vitro and ex vitro plants as well as investigations of intraspecies variability regarding four phenological stages: vegetative, beginning of blooming, full blooming, and green fruit phases. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of bioactive compounds were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometer (HPLC–DAD–MS/MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The efficiency of shoot multiplication varied between genotypes from 8.12 to 21.48 shoots per explant. A high reproduction rate (> 20 shoots per explant) was recorded for four lines (PL_45, PL_44, PL_58, DE_2). Plants grown in vitro synthesized oenothein B (11.2–22.3 mg g−1 DW) and caffeic acid derivatives. Plants harvested from field contained the full spectrum of polyphenols characteristic for this species, and oenothein B and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide were the most abundant. The maximal content of oenothein B was determined in the vegetative phase of fireweed, while some flavonoids were found in the highest amount in full blooming phase. The results of analysis of variance indicated significant differences among genotypes in oenothein B, 3-O-caffeoylquinic acid and flavonoids accumulation in four phenological phases. PL_44 plants were characterized by high content of oenothein B and quercetin 3-O-glucuronide as well as a relatively high level of other flavonoids. Based on our phytochemical and micropropagation studies, PL_44 genotype was the best candidate for early selection and further breeding programs.

Growth of Common Plants of Boreal Reclamation Sites in Cake Mixes and Process Water of Oil Sands Tailings

Oil sands surface mining and processing in Alberta generate large volumes of fluid tailings and process water high in salts and metals, which must be reclaimed. We investigated growth of four common plants (two native and two non-native) found in boreal oil sands reclamation sites as influenced by substrate type (tailings cake, and mixtures of cake-sand, cake-peat, and cake-forest floor mineral mix) and water quality (0%, 50%, and 100% oil sands process water). Overall, cake-peat supported the highest aboveground biomass among substrates whereas cake and cake-sand performed poorly, possibly due to high sodium and chloride concentrations. Adding process water to substrates generally reduced growth or increased mortality. Grasses had greater growth than forbs, and for each functional group, non-native species performed better than native species. Hordeum vulgare had the highest overall growth with no mortality followed by Agropyron trachycaulum with negligible (0.5%) mortality. Chamerion angustifolium was most affected by the treatments with the lowest growth and highest mortality (56%). Sonchus arvensis had higher growth than C. angustifolium but its slow growth makes it less suitable for reclaiming tailings. Our results indicate that H. vulgare and A. trachycaulum could be good candidates for use in initial reclamation of oil sands tailings.

Polyphenols, Antioxidant Activity and Volatile Compounds in Fermented Leaves of Medicinal Plant Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)

At present, the consumption of medical plants and functional foods is growing in the whole world. Rosebay willowherb (Chamerionangustifolium (L.) Holub) is an important medicinal plant that has various pharmacological effects (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and others), can improve the state of health and well-being, and reduce the risk of various diseases. The aim of this work was to investigate volatile compounds, polyphenols, and antioxidant activity in rosebay willowherb leaves fermented for 24 and 48 h in solid state fermentation under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for polyphenols and the spectrophotometric method for antioxidant activity determinations were used. To recognize and identify the leaves’ fragrances, electronic nose (Alpha M.O.S) measurement technology was used. The results showed that the highest amounts of total polyphenols in dried matter were after 48 h aerobic solid state fermentation (SSF). Antioxidant activity was higher under 48 h SSF compared to the control. The most abundant flavoring compound groups were esters, terpenes, and aldehydes. In unfermented leaves, (z)-3-hexen-1-ol, acetate, hexyl acetate, and trans-hex-2-enyl acetate prevailed, characterized by fragrances of greenery, flowers, and fruits. The undesired esters group compounds, ethyl butyrate and butyl acetate, with pungent odor, were detected after 48 h anaerobic SSF.

Fauna and ecology of Hymenoptera background species of terrestrial ecosystems in the Yenisei Siberia tundra and forest-tundra

This paper presents materials on the ecology and faunistic composition of four species of Hymenoptera: Urocerus gigas L., 1758; Vespula vulgaris L., 1758; Bombus polaris Curtis, 1835; Bombus hyperboreus Schonherr, 1809. Their number was calculated for 20172019, data on population density, seasonal activity and forage plants of Hymenoptera adults in the tundra and forest-tundra of Yenisei Siberia are presented. As a result of calculating in both natural conditions, numerous species are true wasps and bumblebees and the large horntail is a rare species and was recorded only in the forest-tundra. When studying the food base of the studied species, it was noted that Vespula vulgaris was most often found on the forest bellap Anthriscus sylvestris L., in thickets of willow shrubs, Salix polaris Wahlenb. Adult insects Urocerus gigas were found mainly on Siberian larch Larix sibirica L. and alder forest Alnus fruticosa Rupr. Individuals of Bombus polaris and Bombus hyperboreus were recorded on horned dandelion Taraxacum ceratophorum L., narrow-leaved fireweed Chamerion angustifolium L., common tansy Tanacetum vulgare L.

Micropropagation and HPLC-DAD, UPLC MS/MS analysis of oenothein B and phenolic acids in shoot cultures and in regenerated plants of fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)

In this study, a micropropagation protocol using nodal explants from in vitro grown plants of Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub was developed and analysis of oenothein B and selected phenolic acids in shoot cultures was performed for the first time. For shoot induction and multiplication Murashige and Skoog’s (MS) basal medium supplemented with 2-isopentenyladenine (2iP), zeatin (Z) and 6-benzyloaminopurine (BAP) was used. 2iP was the most responsive in terms of promoting shoots per explant with the maximum (6.57 ± 1.14) recorded at a concentration of 2.0 mg L−1 after 6 weeks of culture. After two subcultures the multiplication rate was increased up to 19 shoots per explant on medium with 2iP (1.0 mg L−1). To prevent tissue browning, ascorbic acid and casein hydrolysate were added to the induction medium, resulting in a reduction of browning by 30%. The rooted plantlets were successfully transferred to soil and acclimatized with 97% frequency. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of oenothein B and phenolic acid contents in in vitro regenerated shoots as well as in ex vitro plants were performed using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and ultra-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC MS/MS) methods. Oenothein B (1.62‒4.55 g 100 g−1 DW), ellagic acid, gallic and caffeic acids were identified in in vitro regenerated plants. The results of this study confirm that the oenothein B-producing plantlets can be obtained using the micropropagation method with axillary shoots being a valuable source of oenothein B and phenolic acids.

Studies of the Variability of Polyphenols and Carotenoids in Different Methods Fermented Organic Leaves of Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub)

The demand for organic production is increasing worldwide. The willowherb, grown in an organic way, contributes greatly to the idea of a healthier society and clean land. Willowherb is widespread in the world and has high polyphenols, carotenoids, and antioxidant properties. The purpose of this work was to investigate the influence of solid-phase fermentation (SPF) under different conditions on the variation of polyphenols and carotenoids in the organic leaves of willowherb. The leaves were fermented for different periods of time: 24, 48, and 72 h; and in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The evaluation of polyphenols and carotenoids was completed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and antioxidant activity was measured with spectrophotometric method. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to describe differences in biologically active compounds between willowherb samples. The experiment showed that the highest quantities of total phenolic acids and flavonoids were determined after 24 h under aerobic SPF, but the amountof total carotenoids was higher after 72 h anaerobic SPF, compared to control. Not-fermented willowherb leaves had a lower antioxidant activity. compared to fermented leaves. In conclusion, SPF can be used to change polyphenol and carotenoid quantities in organic leaves of willowherb.

Species and coenotic composition of phytocoenoses in Jurassic clay dumps of the Callovian layer of the Mikhailovsky Mining and Processing Plant of Kursk Magnetic Anomaly

The paper presents the results of research on overgrowth rate in Jurassic clay dumps of the Callovian layer of the Mikhailovsky mining and processing plant of the Kursk magnetic anomaly with herbaceous and woody-shrub vegetation. The authors have revealed some features of dumps overgrowth of different dumping times (5, 15, 25 years) and the nature of various exposures of dumps overgrowth. The study has shown that by the age of 5 a pioneer grouping is formed on the Callovian clay, where the dominant species are the coltsfoot Tussilago farfara L. and the meadow horsetail Eguisetum pratense Ehrh. By the age of 15 a thicket-group community is formed, belonging to the category of simple, since it is represented by single species or has a bed character of overgrowth with a small number of weeds and meadow species. The authors have established that by the age of 25 the predominant types of overgrowth are group-thicket communities, where edificant species (the silver birch Betula pendula Roth and the common pine Pinus sylvestris L.) have a sparse distribution. It was found that the areas occupied by grassy vegetation on 25-year-old dumps in general have a bed character of overgrowth and are represented by monodominant communities of medicinal melon, which has a two-year period of development. At intervals of a year, with a dominance of the coltsfoot and the dandelion medicinal Taraxacum officinale L., the projective coverage reaches one hundred percent. A number of ruderal and meadow species (yarrow Achillea millefolium L., coltsfoot, narrow-leaved cypress Chamerion angustifolium L., forest parsnip Pastinaca sylvestris Mill., dandelion medicinal, sagebrush Artemisia compestris L., meadow bluegrass Poa pratensis L.) have a relatively sparse distribution. Additionally, the distribution of species depending on the exposure of slopes is described. The authors present species composition, projection coating and the number of plants and species per 1 m for all dumps. The dependence of the coenotic composition of vegetation on the age of dumps is established.

Effect of Different Durations of Solid-Phase Fermentation for Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) Leaves on the Content of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro

Fireweed has recently been recognized as a plant with high antioxidant potential and phenolic content. Its leaves can be fermented to prepare an infusion with ideal antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate and to determine the influence of solid-phase fermentation of different durations on the variation of polyphenols in the leaves of fireweed. Laboratory experiments were conducted in 2017–2018. The leaves of fireweed, naturally growing, were fermented for different periods of time: not fermented (control) and fermented for 24 and 48 h. The evaluation of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in leaves was performed using high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, principal component analysis was used to characterize differences in bioactive compounds between fireweed samples fermented at different durations. Solid-phase fermented leaves were characterized by higher contents of oenothein B, quercetin and benzoic acid but had lower contents of quercetin-3-O-rutinoside, luteolin and chlorogenic and gallic acids. Antioxidant activity in short- (24 h) and long-term (48 h) fermentation (compared to control) gave the highest level of regression in 2017, but in 2018 the effect was observed only with short-term fermentation and control. In conclusion, solid-phase fermentation can be used to modulate biologically active compounds in fireweed leaves.