Nutrient Content, in Vitro Ruminal Fermentation Characteristics and Antimethanogenic Potential of Three Algerian Asteraceae Species

The in vitro rumen fermentation parameters and the antimethanogenic potential of three Asteraceae species: Chamaemelum nobile, Centaurea pulata and Chrysanthemum segetum were determined. Serum bottles containing 200 mg of each plant and 30 ml of the culture medium (artificial saliva plus rumen juice) were incubated for 24 h. After incubation, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA), ammonia (NH3) and methane (CH4) productions were recorded. Methanogens and protozoa were quantified using a Real Time PCR technique (qPCR). Cumulative gas productions, in vitro organic matter digestibility and VFA were not significantly affected by the added species when compared to the control (P > 0.05). The effects of Chamaemelum nobile and Chrysanthemum segetum on methane production, NH3 and acetate to propionate ratio (C2:C3) were similar. The two species were able to modulate rumen fermentation to produce significantly lower CH4 concentrations (-24.3% and -27.1%, respectively) compared to the control. C.pulata produced the highest cumulative gas and stimulated the microbial metabolism with an increase in C2:C3 ratio, NH3 and methane production (P < 0.05). No significant effect of the three species on methanogenic Archaea and protozoa was registered (P > 0.05). The three species studied herein show a good potential for mitigating ruminal methane production without any undesirable effects on the main fermentation parameters.

Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti (Br.-Bl. et Leeuw 1936) R. Tx. 1937 - the new field weeds association on the Olsztyn Lake District

This paper reports new stands of subatlantic <i>Spergulo-Chrysanthemetium segeti</i> associalion, found on the Olsztyn Lake District area. This association is very seldom described from Poland. It occurs in spring crops and root crops cultivations. The most important attributes of this association are: a mass occurrence of <i>Chrysanthemum segetum</i>, a numerous occurrence of <i>Spergula arvensis</i>, a big contribution of <i>Centauretalia cyani</i> species and habitat's humidity, indicated in the presence of numerous hygrophytes. Communities of this assciation found on Olsztyn Lake District are similaI to the other <i>Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti</i> phytocoenoses, described from the other regions of Poland. However, they show a little differences too. The most important of them are: very small paIticipation of <i>Eu-Polygono- Chenopodion</i> species and the absence of <i>Panico-Semrion</i> species, general floristic scantiness and small participation of <i>Chrysanthemum segetum</i> and <i>Spergula arvensis</i> in the most of records. <i>Spergulo-Chrysanthemetum segeti</i> communities occur very seldom in the central part of the Olsztyn Lake District and they are probably the farthest advanced to the east, known stands of this association in Poland.

The distribution of Chrysanthemum Segetum L. (Asteraceae) in Poland

The distribution of Chrysanthemum Segetum L. (Asteraceae) in Poland The distribution of Chrysanthemum segetum L. in Poland, based on a field research, herbarium materials, literature and unpublished data, is described with a list of localities. Altogether, 352 localities (210 ATPOL squares) for this species have been identified. Most localites are concentrated in North and West parts of Poland.

Ramularia bellunensis. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

A description is provided for Ramularia bellunensis. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: Bud disease of pyrethrum (Tanacetum cinerariifolium) that affects those areas where it is grown as a crop (East Africa). On other hosts it causes stem and leaf lesions. HOSTS: Argyranthemum frutescens, Glebionis (Chrysanthemum) segetum, Leucanthemum vulgare, Tanacetum cinerariifolium, T. coccineum, T. corymbosum, T. parthenium (BRAUN, 1998) (Asteraceae). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: AFRICA: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zaire. ASIA: Republic of Georgia (www.cybertruffle.org.uk/gruzmaps/index.htm). AUSTRALASIA: New Zealand (www.nzfungi.landcareresearch.co.nz). EUROPE: Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic (www.nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases), Ukraine (Crimea). None reported. TRANSMISSION: Wind and rain-splash dispersal of conidia. The fungus on pyrethrum colonizes the involucral scales, fragments of which can be included with the seeds (NATTRASS, 1947).