Fire-Related Cues Significantly Promote Seed Germination of Some Salt-Tolerant Species from Non-Fire-Prone Saline-Alkaline Grasslands in Northeast China

Seed germination in response to fire-related cues has been widely studied in species from fire-prone ecosystems. However, the germination characteristics of species from non-fire-prone ecosystems, such as the saline-alkaline grassland, where fire occasionally occurs accidentally or is used as a management tool, have been less studied. Here, we investigate the effects of different types of fire cues (i.e., heat and smoke water) and their combined effect on the seed germination of 12 species from the saline-alkaline grassland. The results demonstrated that heat shock significantly increased the germination percentage of Suaeda glauca and Kochia scoparia var. sieversiana seeds. Smoke water significantly increased the germination percentage of Setaria viridis and K. scoparia seeds. However, compared with single fire cue treatments, the combined treatment neither promoted nor inhibited seed germination significantly in most species. These results suggest that fire cues can be used as germination enhancement tools for vegetation restoration and biodiversity protection of the saline-alkaline grassland.

Effects of Complex Heavy Metal Stress on the Hydrodynamic Parameters, Stem Anatomy and Photosynthetic Properties of Three Desert Species in the Jinchang Mining Area

PurposeThe physiological mechanism and phytoremediation effects of heavy metal pollution by local desert plants, namely, Kochia scoparia, Chenopodium glaucum and Atriplex centralasiatica, around tailings were investigated. MethodsTwo different types of local soils (native soil and native soil + tailings, which are labeled CK and T, respectively) were used for potting experiments in the open, and the photosynthesis performance, chlorophyll content, hydraulics and stem anatomy of the potted plants were analyzed. The collection of soil samples has been approved by the soil resources management department of the local government.ResultsIt was found that the chlorophyll content, photosynthetic rate and transpiration rate decreased but the chlorophyll a and b (Chl a/b) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) values increased in Kochia scoparia under complex heavy metal stress. Nonstomatal restriction led to a decrease in the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and damage to the chloroplasts. Additionally, four hydrodynamic parameters were elevated under heavy metal stress along with a decrease in duct density and diameter and a significant thickening of the duct wall. Under heavy metal stress, the changes in the chlorophyll parameters of Chenopodium glaucum, Atriplex centralasiatica and Kochia scoparia exhibited the same pattern, with stomatal restriction causing a decrease in Pn and Ci and a significant increase in the leaf specific conductance, hydraulic conductivity, and duct diameter. ConclusionsAtriplex centralasiatica is the dominant desert plant in the region and demonstrates good adaptability and heavy metal accumulation under the stress of heavy metal tailings; therefore, it is a good candidate for tailings remediation in the Jinchang desert mining area.

Kochia scoparia Saponin Momordin Ic Modulates HaCaT Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis via the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, immunoinflammatory disease. For a long period, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is considered a reliable alternative therapy for patients with psoriasis. Fructus Kochiae (or Kochia scoparia) and its principle saponin, Momordin Ic, have been reported to protect against inflammation. Herein, we demonstrated that Momordin Ic could inhibit HaCaT cell proliferation and enhance cell apoptosis. In the meantime, Momordin Ic alters Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by affecting β-catenin nuclear distribution. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator LiCl partially reversed the effects of Momordin Ic on HaCaT phenotypes and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway factors. Altogether, we demonstrate the inhibitory effects of Momordin Ic, one of the major saponin constituents of Fructus Kochiae, on HaCaT cell proliferation and Momordin Ic-induced alteration within the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Momordin Ic might act on HaCaT cells by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Evaluation of Anticonvulsant Activity of Kochia Scoparia L. Schrad (Amaranthaceae) Volatile Oil

Background: Epilepsy is one of the most common serious neurological disorders. Most antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs do not prevent or reverse the pathological process that underlies epilepsy, hence the continuous search for new therapeutic agents with minimal side effects and greater efficacy.Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the acute toxicity profile and investigate the anticonvulsant activity of volatile oil of Kochia scoparia (Amaranthaceae ).Method: Volatile oil was extracted from fresh leaves of K. scoparia through hydrodistillation process, using a Clavenger-type apparatus. Acute toxicity testing was done using Lorke’s method. The anticonvulsant models used were pentylenetetrazol, strychnine and maximal electroshock. Albino mice were randomly divided into five groups (n=5). Group I (control group) was given 0.2 ml each of water orally while groups II, III and IV received 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg of the volatile oil. Group V received the standard drug solution; 30 mg/kg phenobarbitone for Maximal electroshock and 2 mg/kg diazepam for pentylenetetrazol and strychnine models. The onset of tonic leg extension, duration and protection from mortality were noted.Results: Sub acute toxicity test revealed that doses above 1000mg/kg of the volatile oil is toxic. Doses of 75, 150 and 300 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) protected the mice against seizures with scores of 20, 20 and 40 % respectively in both Maximal electroshock and pentylenetetrazol induced convulsion models. No protection was offered in strychnine induced convulsion model; P > 0.05.Conclusion: The volatile oil of K. scoparia could be useful in the management of epilepsy.

Trans-Siberian railway’s flora and its correlation with the characteristics of natural biomes in Baikal Siberia

Проведена инвентаризация чужеродных и аборигенных видов растений вдоль Транссибирской магистрали на участке Тайшет - Улан-Удэ, длина которого составляет 1126 км (12% Транссиба). Выявлена корреляция между характеристиками биомов и основными флористическими показателями. Исследованы 13 железнодорожных станций и участки полотна железной дороги, расположенные в трех естественных биомах. На каждом участке заложены площадки размером 100 м² в трех различных экотопах: на железнодорожном полотне, на откосах и на подошве железнодорожной насыпи в начале полосы отчуждения. Всего составлено 51 геоботаническое описание. Выявлено 266 видов сосудистых растений: 36 древесных, 169 травянистых поликарпиков и 61 травянистый монокарпик. Самое высокое число видов (175) произрастают в наиболее влагообеспеченном Таежном Южносибирском Восточносаянском биоме. 30 видов встречаются во всех трех изученных биомах, более половины из них отмечены нами ранее и на европейском участке Транссибирской магистрали: Acer negundo, Amaranthus retroflexus, Artemisia sieversiana, A. vulgaris, Bromopsis inermis, Convolvolus arvensis, Elytrigia repens, Equisetum arvense, Euphrasia stricta, Kochia scoparia, Medicago falcata, M. lupulina, Odontites vulgaris, Polygonum aviculare, Poa pratensis, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sonchus arvensis, Vicia cracca. Во всех биомах минимальное число видов растет непосредственно на железнодорожном полотне. При этом в обоих Таежных биомах (Восточносаянском и Сохондинском) больше всего видов обнаружено на откосах, а в Бореальном Ангарском подтаежном биоме - в полосе отчуждения. Высокое сходство набора видов (Ks > 50%) наблюдается в Бореальном Ангарском подтаежном биоме и Таежном Южносибирском Восточносаянском биоме для откосов железной дороги и для полосы отчуждения, что отражает наличие «коридора», позволяющего видам, в том числе и инвазионным, расселяться вдоль железной дороги. Значимая положительная корреляция отмечена между численностью «железнодорожных» видов и среднегодовым количеством осадков, и в меньшей степени, среднегодовой температурой биома. Всего треть из выявленных «железнодорожных» видов встречаются как в Байкальской Сибири, так и в европейской части России, и почти половину из них составляют чужеродные таксоны. Число инвазионных видов на Транссибе существенно снижается по направлению с запада (17 видов) на восток (4 вида). Флора Транссибирской магистрали в Байкальской Сибири более обособлена от природной флоры региона, чем в европейской части России, поскольку, а) отсутствует корреляция между численностью «железнодорожных» видов и общей численностью видов сосудистых растений, зарегистрированных в биоме; б) сходство флор трех сибирских биомов отмечено не только по откосам дорог, но и в полосе отчуждения. An inventory of alien and aboriginal plant species was carried out along the Trans-Siberian Railway in the Taishet-Ulan-Ude section, the length of which is 1126 km (12% of the Transsib). A correlation was revealed between the characteristics of biomes and the main floristic indicators. Thirteen railway stations and sections of the railway track located in three natural biomes were investigated. Each site has 100 m² plots in three different ecotopes: on the railway track, on the slopes, and at the foot of the railway embankment at the beginning of the right of way. A total of 51 geobotanical descriptions were compiled. 266 species of vascular plants were identified: 36 arboreal, 169 herbaceous polycarpics, and 61 herbaceous monocarpics. The highest number of species (175) grow in the most moisture-rich Taiga South Siberian East Sayan biome. 30 species are found in all three studied biomes, more than half of them were noted by us earlier and in the European section of the Trans-Siberian Railway: Acer negundo, Amaranthus retroflexus, Artemisia sieversiana, A. vulgaris, Bromopsis inermis, Convolvolus arvensis, Elytrigia repens, Equisetrasum arvense, Euphrasia arvense , Kochia scoparia, Medicago falcata, M. lupulina, Odontites vulgaris, Polygonum aviculare, Poa pratensis, Raphanus raphanistrum, Sonchus arvensis, Vicia cracca. In all biomes, the minimum number of species grows directly on the railroad tracks. At the same time, in both Taiga biomes (East Sayan and Sokhondinsky), most species were found on the slopes, and in the Boreal Angarsk subtaiga biome - in the alienation zone. A high similarity of the set of species (Ks> 50%) is observed in the Boreal Angarsk subtaiga biome and the Taiga South Siberian East Sayan biome for the slopes of the railway, which reflects the presence of a “corridor” that allows species, including invasive ones, to settle along the railway. A significant positive correlation was noted between the abundance of "railroad" species and the average annual rainfall, and to a lesser extent, the average annual temperature of the biome. Only one third of the identified "railroad" species are found both in Baikal Siberia and in the European part of Russia, and almost half of them are alien taxa. The number of invasive species on the Transsib decreases significantly from the west (17 species) to the east (4 species). The flora of the Trans-Siberian Railway in Baikal Siberia is more isolated from the natural flora of the Region than in the European part of Russia, since a) there is no correlation between the number of “railroad” species and the total number of vascular plant species registered in the biome; b) the similarity of the floras of three Siberian biomes was noted not only along the slopes of the roads, but also in the exclusion zone.

Floristic findings in the Upper Yenisei basin: Krasnoyarsk Territory, Republic of Tuva

During field research, viewing materials stored in the herbaria of the Central Siberian Botanical Garden SB RAS (NS), Krasnoyarsk State Pedagogical University named after V. P. Astafyev (KRAS), the “Sayano-Shushensky” State Natural Biosphere Reserve (SSHZ) and the “Azas” State Nature Reserve, clarified information on the distribution of rare plant species in the Upper Yenisei basin. For the first time in the flora of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, 4 species were found: Allium eduardi, Ephedra gerardiana, Lappula tuvinica, Taraxacum sajanense; there are 5 species in Tuva: Kochia scoparia, Microstigma sajanense, Polygonum salsugineum, P. turkestanicum, Potentilla canescens. For the first time, 3 species were registered in the Western Sayan mountain system: Astragalus brevifolius, Kochia scoparia and Taraxacum sajanense. For 13 rare species, new locations were noted and the boundaries of the ranges were specified: Astragalus macroceras, Dontostemon pinnatifidus, Elymus pendulinus, Fritillaria dagana, Lappula heteracantha, L. semiglabra var. dsharkentica, L. tuvinica, Orchis militaris and others. The new ones for the “Sayano-Shushensky” State Natural Biosphere Reserve were 4 species: Allium eduardi, Elymus pendulinus, Ephedra gerardiana, Lappula tuvinica. Orchis militaris was first found for the “Azas” State Nature Reserve.

Kochiae Fructus, the Fruit of Common Potherb Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad: A Review on Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, Quality Control, and Pharmacokinetics

Kochiae Fructus (KF) is the fruit of an annual potherb Kochia scoparia (Linn.) Schrad and has been traditionally used for the treatment of diseases in the skin, eyes, and urinary tract for thousands of years in China. Recent studies have showed its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiallergic, and antipruritogenic effects to clarify the mechanisms of these actions. Meanwhile, its other effects, such as anticancer, hypoglycemic, and hepatoprotective effects, also have been reported. The achievement of these therapeutic effects is contributed by its chemical constituents. A total of 153 compounds have been identified in KF, mainly including triterpenoids, flavonoids, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, and essential oils. Momordin Ic is the representative triterpene glycoside compound, which is used as a phytochemical marker for the quality control of Kochiae Fructus. The research on toxicity is insufficient, and only one article reported that the LD50 was 7.15 ± 0.03 g/kg for water extract of KF after oral administration in KM mice. In addition, the pharmacokinetic study was carried out on momordin Ic with linear pharmacokinetic characteristics. Above all, this review provides comprehensive information about Kochiae Fructus and may provide the theoretic foundation of its clinical application and further development.

Monitoring herbicide resistance gene flow in weed populations.

Although herbicide-resistant (HR) weeds can be regularly monitored in fields via surveys, areawide monitoring of both cropland and ruderal (non-crop disturbed) areas is required for species with high propagule mobility. With increasing occurrence of HR weed populations in many agro-ecoregions, the relative contribution of independent evolution through herbicide selection and movement of HR alleles via pollen or seed needs to be elucidated to inform management and help preserve the remaining public good and common resource of herbicide susceptibility. Molecular markers available for many weed species can be utilized to assess regional gene flow accurately. In this chapter, we outline recommended principles and protocols for areawide monitoring of herbicide resistance gene flow in weed populations, exemplified by a case study of glyphosate resistance in kochia (Bassia scoparia A.J. Scott syn. Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.) in western Canada. Since being introduced from Eurasia to the Americas over a century ago, both seed- and pollen-mediated gene flow in the species have aided rapid range expansion and the spread of herbicide resistance.

Kochia (Kochia scoparia) and Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Intraspecific and Interspecific Interference

Kochia (Kochia scoparia) and wild oat (Avena fatua) are highly problematic western Canadian weeds. Wild oat is widely distributed and has been a long-standing agricultural pest across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. Kochia populations are patchy and occur more frequently within the southern regions of the Prairie provinces. Kochia is exhibiting an ever-evolving, aggressive, herbicide resistance survival strategy which may facilitate range expansion. The experimental objective was to study the interspecific and intraspecific interference between wild oat and kochia. The study was developed with the context of kochia tumbleweeds travelling and depositing seed within wild oat infestations. Greenhouse experiments were conducted in Saskatoon, SK. The experimental design was a two factor factorial arranged as a randomized complete block. The main factors were kochia and wild oat pot density at either 0, 1, or 2 plants per pot. Treatment combinations resulted in species ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, and 2:2, with single species controls. Kochia biomass was reduced by >70% after 3 months of competition with a single wild oat plant. Wild oat biomass was consistently impacted by intraspecific competition, demonstrating a 25 to 50% reduction at the trial end. Kochia interspecific interference with wild oat at a 2:1 ratio did reduce wild oat biomass by 50% but this trend was not consistent across experimental runs. Kochia dispersal through wild oat infestations should induce competitive stress when crop competition is considered. Three-species interference patterns to include western Canadian crops require additional study.