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Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management
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Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management

A special issue of Plants (ISSN 2223-7747). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 7775

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Vladimir Vladimirov

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: invasive alien plant species; flora of Bulgaria; Asteraceae; plant conservation; biosphere reserves
Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Kozuharova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: pollination ecology; ecology and evolution; conservation; ethnobotany; medicinal plants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Some alien plant species adapt easily to a variety of habitats and have high reproductive potential. These characteristics promote their “aggressive” behaviour. Therefore, such species often have a negative impact on local biodiversity and are termed invasive alien species. They successfully over-compete with local plant species, change the composition and structure of plant communities, suppress seed germination and seedlings development of local species, etc. In the newly invaded environment, there are usually no herbivores or pests to control their populations, and they propagate rapidly. In these cases, humankind may be their only effective “enemy”. Humans are known, unfortunately, for their tendency to overuse natural resources. This tendency, however, is advantageous regarding invasive alien species. Industrial exploitation of these plants, as long as their beneficial characteristics are discovered, can be an efficient factor in their control. Alien invasive plants can be an inexpensive source of plant bioactive compounds. They can be used for medicinal purposes or biopesticides. Due to the fact that these are usually rapidly spreading species, they can provide abundant and cheap resources to meet various human needs. Consequently, excessive harvesting for any use might contribute to decreasing their populations and reducing the negative impact of these species on native biodiversity.

This Special Issue mainly aims to integrate the latest research on the traditional use in the native distribution range of invasive plants, their bioactive compounds, pharmacological effects, pesticidal activities, etc., and eventually to promote management strategies for their exploitation. Contributions focusing on the management strategy of invasive plants are also highly encouraged. We kindly invite you to submit a manuscript focused on any of the above topics. If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prof. Dr. Vladimir Vladimirov
Prof. Dr. Ekaterina Kozuharova
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Plants is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • invasive plants
  • phytochemical
  • management strategies

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1053 KiB  
Article
Identification of Phenolic Compounds in the Invasive Plants Staghorn Sumac and Himalayan Balsam: Impact of Time and Solvent on the Extraction of Phenolics and Extract Evaluation on Germination Inhibition
by Maja Mikulic-Petkovsek, Eva Ravnjak and Denis Rusjan
Plants 2024, 13(23), 3339; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13233339 - 28 Nov 2024
Viewed by 367
Abstract
An HPLC-MS-DAD analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out on the extracts of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle). This study focuses on the influence of solvent type and extraction time on the phenolic extraction efficiency [...] Read more.
An HPLC-MS-DAD analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out on the extracts of staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina L.) and Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle). This study focuses on the influence of solvent type and extraction time on the phenolic extraction efficiency from both invasive plants. Methanol extraction resulted in a 4.2 times higher content of hydroxybenzoic acids, a 3.7 times higher content of hydroxycinnamic acids, a 3.2 times higher content of flavanols, a 9.6 times higher content of flavanones, and an 8.7 times higher content of flavonols in the Himalayan balsam extract compared to aqueous extraction. Anthocyanins were only detected in the alcohol-based extraction. In comparison, the aqueous extraction from staghorn sumac resulted in a higher yield of total hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonols, while the methanol extraction resulted in a 1.4-fold lower total polyphenolic content compared to the aqueous extraction. The type of solvent had no significant effect on the total content of flavanols in staghorn sumac. Extraction time considerably affected the total phenolic content in both plant extracts. After 84 h of extraction, the staghorn sumac extract showed a 3.5-fold increase in the total phenolic content compared to the initial measurement. In contrast, the Himalayan balsam extract showed a 40% decrease in the total phenolic content after 84 h. The Himalayan balsam extract reduced the germination of perennial ryegrass seeds by 55%, while the staghorn sumac extract reduced it by 80%. Both extracts also inhibited shoot and root growth of perennial ryegrass, although the Himalayan balsam extract at a concentration of 0.125 g/mL stimulated root growth of perennial ryegrass. The strategic use of invasive alien plants could be an effective approach to control their spread in the environment, potentially reducing management costs. The effectiveness of this approach depends largely on the type and content of allelochemicals present in the invasive plants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management)
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11 pages, 906 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Chemical Compositional Information of an Invasive Plant: Lycium ferocissimum Miers
by Müberra Koşar, Gökçe Şeker Karatoprak, Beste Atlı, Selen İlgün, Esra Köngül Şafak, Nesrin Öztinen, Sena Akçakaya Mutlu and Ezgi Ak Sakallı
Plants 2024, 13(7), 1035; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13071035 - 6 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1618
Abstract
In this study, the antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging, ferric-reducing, iron (II)-chelating), anti-inflammatory (LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell line), and cytotoxic activities (Du145 and A549 cell lines) of raw fruit, ripe fruit and leaves of the Lycium ferocissimum species were examined. By using high-pressure [...] Read more.
In this study, the antioxidant (DPPH and ABTS radical-scavenging, ferric-reducing, iron (II)-chelating), anti-inflammatory (LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell line), and cytotoxic activities (Du145 and A549 cell lines) of raw fruit, ripe fruit and leaves of the Lycium ferocissimum species were examined. By using high-pressure liquid chromatography, p-OH benzoic acid, caffeic acid, and rutin were detected in the ethanol and water extracts. For the most active raw fruit ethanol extract, the IC50 in terms of the DPPH-scavenging activity was 0.57 mg/mL, and the ABTS inhibition percentage was 88.73% at a 3 mg/mL concentration. The raw fruit ethanol extract exhibited significant inhibition of viability in the Du145 cell line in the concentration range of 62.5–1000 µg/mL. Additionally, the extract effectively reduced the LPS-induced inflammation parameters (TNF-α, IFN-γ, PGE 2, and NO) at a concentration of 31.25 µg/mL. The biological activities of L. ferocissimum, which have been elucidated for the first time, have yielded promising results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management)
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17 pages, 2938 KiB  
Article
Heat Treatment of Seeds to Control Invasive Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), Narrow-Leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) and Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)
by Rea Maria Hall, Bernhard Urban, Nora Durec, Katharina Renner-Martin, Hans-Peter Kaul, Helmut Wagentristl and Gerhard Karrer
Plants 2024, 13(3), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13030341 - 23 Jan 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1426
Abstract
The intended or unintentional transport of soil material contaminated with weed seeds is one of the most important drivers in the spreading dynamics of invasive alien plants (IAPs). This phenomenon can be observed at any kind of construction site. Typical transfer of soil [...] Read more.
The intended or unintentional transport of soil material contaminated with weed seeds is one of the most important drivers in the spreading dynamics of invasive alien plants (IAPs). This phenomenon can be observed at any kind of construction site. Typical transfer of soil contaminated with IAP seeds can be observed along with road construction (soil translocation) or road maintenance services (deposit of mown plant biomass). Thus, an effective inactivation of these seeds by heating can avoid the spread of IAPs substantially. In the present study, the effects of various thermal control techniques (dry air heating and wet heating with hot steam, hot water, and hot foam) on seed survival of the widespread European IAPs common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), narrow-leaved ragwort (Senecio inaequidens), and giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) are discussed. Dry and wet seeds which were either uncovered or covered with soil were tested for survival at different treatment temperatures and different exposure times. Results revealed that particularly dry seeds of all three species could withstand temperatures of 100 °C for at least 6 h in climate chambers. Dry seeds of common ragweed and narrow-leaved ragwort survived exposure times of up to 48 h. Wet seeds were significantly more susceptible to heat treatments. Giant hogweed seeds were completely killed after 12 h at 70 °C. The exposure of IAP seeds to hot water was generally more effective than the treatment with hot steam. The treatment with hot foam was only effective when seeds were lying unprotected on the soil surface. Dry seeds of all the three species survived hot foam application in the field when they were covered by vegetation and leaf litter or soil. Due to the robustness of the seeds, a preventive management of IAPs by an efficient control before seeds formation is substantial to avoid their further dispersal. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management)
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Review

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18 pages, 3362 KiB  
Review
The Invasive Alien Plant Solidago canadensis: Phytochemical Composition, Ecosystem Service Potential, and Application in Bioeconomy
by Danijela Poljuha, Barbara Sladonja, Mirela Uzelac Božac, Ivana Šola, Danijela Damijanić and Tim Weber
Plants 2024, 13(13), 1745; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13131745 - 24 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1777
Abstract
Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) is a widely distributed invasive herb from the Asteraceae family. It contains compounds that can change the soil structure and its nutritional components and thus affect indigenous species’ growth, germination, and survival. Consequently, it can pose a major [...] Read more.
Solidago canadensis L. (Canadian goldenrod) is a widely distributed invasive herb from the Asteraceae family. It contains compounds that can change the soil structure and its nutritional components and thus affect indigenous species’ growth, germination, and survival. Consequently, it can pose a major ecological threat to biodiversity. On the other hand, many studies show that this species, due to its chemical properties, can be used for many positive purposes in pharmacy, agriculture, medicine, cosmetic industry, etc. S. canadensis contains a diverse array of bioactive compounds that may be responsible for antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Many studies have discussed the invasiveness of S. canadensis, and several chemical and genetic differences between this plant in native and introduced environments have been discovered. Previous ecological and environmental evaluations of the potential of S. canadensis as an ecosystem services provider have come out with four promising groups of its products: active extracts, essential oil, fuel, and others. Although identified, there is a need for detailed validation and prioritisation of ecosystem services. This article aims to overview the S. canadensis invasive features, emphasising chemical characterisation and its potential for providing ecosystem services. Moreover, it identifies scenarios and proposes a methodology for estimating S. canadensis use in bioeconomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management)
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Graphical abstract

40 pages, 1910 KiB  
Review
Anthriscus sylvestris—Noxious Weed or Sustainable Source of Bioactive Lignans?
by Sanja Berežni, Neda Mimica-Dukić, Gianniantonio Domina, Francesco Maria Raimondo and Dejan Orčić
Plants 2024, 13(8), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13081087 - 12 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1644
Abstract
Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing [...] Read more.
Anthriscus sylvestris (L.) Hoffm. (Apiaceae), commonly known as wild chervil, has gained scientific interest owing to its diverse phytochemical profile and potential therapeutic applications. The plant, despite being categorized as a noxious weed, is traditionally used in treating various conditions like headaches, dressing wounds, and as a tonic, antitussive, antipyretic, analgesic, and diuretic. Its pharmacological importance stems from containing diverse bioactive lignans, especially aryltetralins and dibenzylbutyrolactones. One of the main compounds of A. sylvestris, deoxypodophyllotoxin, among its wide-ranging effects, including antitumor, antiproliferative, antiplatelet aggregation, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal properties, serves as a pivotal precursor to epipodophyllotoxin, crucial in the semisynthesis of cytostatic agents like etoposide and teniposide. The main starting compound for these anticancer medicines was podophyllotoxin, intensively isolated from Sinopodophyllum hexandrum, now listed as an endangered species due to overexploitation. Since new species are being investigated as potential sources, A. sylvestris emerges as a highly promising candidate owing to its abundant lignan content. This review summarizes the current knowledge on A. sylvestris, investigating its biological and morphological characteristics, and pharmacological properties. Emphasizing the biological activities and structure–activity relationship, this review underscores its therapeutic potential, thus encouraging further exploration and utilization of this valuable plant resource. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Invasive Alien Plant Species: From Phytochemical Diversity to Ecological Management)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

  1. Invasive alien species as potential source of phytopharmaceuticals: phenolic composition and antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of Robinia pseudoacacia L. leaf and flower extracts

Mirela Uzelac Barbara Sladonja  , Ivana Šola  , Josipa Bilić  , Ibukun M , Lyndy , Jacobus N. Eloff , Maja Mikulič-Petkovšek  , and Danijela Poljuha * 

 

  1. Iminosugars of the invasive arboreal Amorpoha fruticosa and glycosidase inhibition potential (working title)

 Robert J. Nash1 Barbara Bartholomew1, Yana B. Penkova1, Vladimir Vladimirov2 Ekaterina Kozuharova3

1PhytoQuest Limited, c/o Aberystwyth University, Plas Gogerddan, Aberystwyth, SY23 3EB, UK

2Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria

 

3. Anthriscus sylvestris - invasive weed or sustainable source of bioactive lignans?

Berežni Sanja, Orčić Dejan, Mimica-Dukić Neda, Domina Gianniantonio, Raimondo Francesco Maria

 

 

 

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