Potential resource materials from Ohio plants

Previously, the Northern Regional Research Center (NRRC) has studied chemical and botanical features of about 800 plant species in a program to identify potential renewable sources of industrial raw materials. In this program, another 64 species from northwestern and southwestern Ohio were studied for the present report. Aboveground samples were quantitatively analyzed for moisture, ash, crude protein, “oil,” “polyphenol,” and “hydrocarbon.” Plant oils were examined for classes of constituents. Oils were saponified and analyzed for yields of organic acids and unsaponifiable matter. Hydrocarbons were examined for the presence of rubber, gutta, and waxes. Rubber and gutta were analyzed for weight-average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution. Data are presented for 8 species of the 64 that gave the higher chemical yields.Rhus typhina gave outstanding yields of oil (6.5%) and polyphenol (30.8%) (moisture- plus ash-free basis).Liatris aspera yielded substantial amounts of oil (4.7%) and polyphenol (22.7%), whereasCornus racemosa yielded a substantial amount of oil (4.4%) but a more typical yield of polyphenol (11.0%).Nuphar advena andEpilobium angustifolium had considerable amounts of polyphenol (16.2, 16.3%) but little oil.Nuphar advena contained the most crude protein (24.8%). Noteworthy amounts of hydrocarbon were extracted fromCalamagrostis canadensis (1.1%),Aster umbellatus (0.8%), andSolidago riddellii (0.7%). Polyisoprenes in the hydrocarbon fractions of the latter 3 species were identified as gutta for C. canadensis and rubber forA. umbellatus andS. riddellii. Botanical features of the 8 species are briefly discussed.     

Plant species evaluated for new crop potential

About 500 plant species from various regions of the United States have been screened previously at the USDA Northern Regional Research Center for their multipurpose, energy-producing potential. Most collections have been from the rich flora of central Illinois. For this report, 92 additional species were collected from southern Illinois and evaluated by criteria previously established at this Center. Plant samples were analyzed for “oil,” “polyphenol,” “hydrocarbon,” and protein. Oil fractions of selected species were analyzed for classes of lipid constituents and were saponified to determine yields of unsaponifiable matter and fatty acids. Hydrocarbon fractions of selected species were analyzed for rubber, gutta, and waxes. Average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of rubber and gutta were determined. of the 92 species, complete analytical data are presented for 16 selected species. Substantial quantities of oil were obtained fromPhiladelphias coronarius (5.0%; dry, ash-free sample basis),Cacalia muhlenbergii (4.1%),Lindera benzoin (4.1 %), andKoelreuteria paniculata (4.0%). High yields of polyphenol were obtained fromAcer ginnala (33.1%),Cornus obliqua (20.8%), andSalix caprea (20.0%). Maximum yields of hydrocarbon and protein were fromElymus virginicus (0.6%) andLindera benzoin (11.1%), respectively. Data are discussed with respect to species previously analyzed at this Center.     

Laticiferous taxa as a source of energy and hydrocarbon

Twenty-nine laticiferous taxa of Apocynaceae, Asclepiadaceae, and Sapotaceae were screened for suitability as alternative sources of renewable energy, rubber, and phytochemicals and to select the most promising ones for large-scale cultivation. Of these,Allamanda violacea (14.9% protein, 13.8% polyphenol, 8.6% oil, 3.2% hydrocarbon),Catharanthus roseus (15.4% protein, 10.4% polyphenol, 11.5% oil, 1.9% hydrocarbon), andHolarrhena antidysenterica (14.2% protein, 16.4% polyphenol, 5.4% oil, 4.8% hydrocarbon) of Apocynaceae;Asclepias curassavica (19.3% protein, 6.5% polyphenol, 3.9% oil, 2.0% hydrocarbon), Calotropis gigantea (18.5% protein, 6.8% polyphenol, 7.0% oil, 2.8% hydrocarbon) of Asclepiadaceae;Mimusops elengi (11.3% protein, 9.7% polyphenol, 7.2% oil, 4.0% hydrocarbon) of Sapotaceae show promising potential for future petrochemical plantations; of all these taxa,Holarrhena antidysenterica yielded an unusually high percentage (4.8%) of hydrocarbon fraction followed byMimusops elengi (4.0%). NMR spectra confirmed the presence of cis-polyisoprene in all species studied exceptNerium indicum (white-flowered var.). These data indicate that the majority of the species under investigation may be considered for large-scale cultivation as an alternative source of rubber, intermediate energy, and other phytochemicals.     

Tennessee plant species screened for renewable energy sources

The USDA Northern Regional Research Center (NRRC) has previously studied chemical and botanical characteristics of about 1,000 plant species in efforts to identify potential new plant sources for industrial raw materials. For this report, an additional 51 species were collected from Tennessee and studied. Above-ground plant samples were analyzed for yields of oils, polyphenols, hydrocarbons, protein, and ash. Oils were examined for the presence of seven classes of lipids and analyzed for yields of fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter. Hydrocarbons were examined for the presence of rubber, gutta, and waxes. Rubber and gutta were analyzed for average molecular weight (MW) and MW distribution. Chemical and botanical data are presented for eight of the 51 species. A checklist of the 43 other species is given; data on these are available from NRRC.Lapsana communis yielded the most oil (6.1%; dry, ash-free, plant sample basis).Ilex montana yielded the most polyphenol (21.5%) plus 4.5% oil.Agrimonia parviflora and Catalpa bignonioides gave substantial yields of polyphenol (20.0% and 17.9%, respectively), andPassiflora incarnata contained the most apparent protein (19.8%).Chrysopsis graminifolia, Solidago erecta, andVerbesina alternifolia were identified as rubber-producing species with 0.4-0.7% hydrocarbon.     

New sources of gutta-percha in Garrya flavescens and G. wrightii

Analyses of extracts from whole-plant samples revealed that Garrya flavescens and Garrya wrightii produced gutta (trans-1,4-polyisoprene) as the major hydrocarbon in yields of 1.2 and 0.4 %, respectively. The average MWs of gutta were 142000 for G. flavescens and 10000 for G. wrightii. These species also yielded moderate amounts of ‘oil’ and ‘polyphenol’. To our knowledge, these are the first species of Garryaceae reported to produce gutta.     

Major Extractable Components in Asclepias linaria (Asclepiadaceae) and Ilex verticillata (Aquifoliaceae), Two Potential Hydrocarbon Crops

The major extractable components of two species identified as having high oil or polyphenol contents were characterized in detail.Asclepias linaria, a desert milkweed, contains 30.3% extractable material on a dry-weight basis, andIlex verticillata contains 41.5% extractable material on a dry-weight basis. Important components inA. linaria oil fractions are triterpene alcohols and esters, wax, and natural rubber; fatty acid triglycerides were nearly absent.Ilex verticillata oil fractions were predominantly triglycerides with some triterpene fatty acid esters. The more polar polyphenol fraction contained sugars and sugar esters of fatty acids and triterpene acids. The polyphenol fraction from these plants is better described as a saponin fraction. Because the crude saponin fraction represents 10.7% of the dry weight of A. linaria and 18.9% of the dry weight ofI. verticillata and because the saponin fractions showed good emulsifying properties, the refined extract of these plants might be used as a biodegradable surfactant.     

Evaluation of 107 legumes for renewable sources of energy

One hundred and seven species of randomly-collected Leguminosae were evaluated for their potential as energy-producing crops. Whole plants, excluding roots, were chemically analyzed, and 11 species were identified as the more promising for future considerations based on a numerical rating system developed at this Center. Botanical, fiber, and protein characteristics of the more promising species that had ratings of less than 11 were considered excellent. Other characteristics, including contents of oil (1.7–3.2%; dry, ash-free, sample basis), polyphenol (5.4–16.5%), and hydrocarbon (0.3–0.6% for 10 species and 2.6% for one), were generally lower than those of promising species in other families previously analyzed. Of the 11 species, one contained principally rubber (polyisoprene) in the hydrocarbon fraction and 7 contained principally wax. Hydrocarbon fractions of 3 species with less than 0.4% were not examined. The oils of species with at least 3.0% oil were examined by thin layer chromatography (TLC) to determine classes of components and were given a saponification treatment to determine yields of unsaponifiable matter and fatty acids. The oil of one species was quantitatively analyzed for classes of compounds by TLC-flame ionization detection. Selected species with ratings greater than 10 are briefly discussed.     

Renewable resources from wild sunflowers (Helianthus spp., asteraceae)

Twenty-eight taxa of Helianthus collected throughout the United States and grown in afield nursery were evaluated for yields of oil, polyphenol hydrocarbon, protein, and ash in above-ground biomass. Hydrocarbons were examined for the presence of rubber, gutta, and waxes. Rubber and gutta were analyzed for weight-average molecular weight (ìw) and molecular weight distribution (MWD). Helianthus ciliaris had the highest oil yield (3.7%) and was analyzed for yield of fatty acids and unsaponifiable matter. Most taxa had low polyphenol yields (<10%), with H. strumosus having the highest (13.9%). Helianthus salicifolius yielded the most hydrocarbon (1.6%) and H. ciliaris had the highest protein content (13.4%). Natural rubber was present in 13 species of wild sunflowers. Helianthus maximiliani had the lowest ìw (29.8 x 10³), while H. laevigatus had the highest (73.3 x 10³). The MWD of rubber from sunflowers were within the range of those for commercial rubbers. The lower molecular weight rubbers may have potential as plasticizing additives in commercial processing of synthetic polyisoprenes and as hydrocarbon feedstock for a synthetic petroleum industry.     

Non-destructive hydrocarbon extraction from Botryococcus braunii BOT-22 (race B)

There is worldwide interest in developing algal biofuel. One main reason for the lack of success so far in producing a sustainable transport fuel from microalgae is the high cost of biomass processing, especially dewatering and oil extraction. There is also a significant cost involved in the energy content of the nutrient fertilisers required for biomass production. Non-destructive oil extraction or “milking” from algae biomass has the potential to bypass all of these hurdles. Using a “milking” strategy means that there would be no need for (a) biomass dewatering, (b) breaking cells for oil extraction and (c) addition of nutrients to the culture, resulting in a significant reduction in energy and fertiliser cost involved in production of biofuel from algae. We make use of the natural tendency of Botryococcus to produce external hydrocarbon in the extracellular matrix. In current study, we showed that external hydrocarbon from Botryococcus braunii BOT-22 can be non-destructively extracted using n-heptane (optimum contact time with n-heptane?=?20 min). We were able to recover almost the entire de novo-produced external hydrocarbons at 5- and 11-day intervals when the culture was maintained with or without 1 % CO₂ addition, respectively. This repeated non-destructive extraction of external hydrocarbon of B. braunii was possible for up to 70 days when 1 % CO₂ was supplied to the culture. When CO₂ was limited, a 70 % lower external hydrocarbon productivity was achieved using the same process. Although the productivity of external hydrocarbon of 9.33 mg L^?1 day^?1 of the “milked” culture is low in these un-optimised cultures, it was 1.3?±?0.2-fold higher compared with that of a conventional semicontinuous culture, showing the potential of this method.     

Chemical and agronomic evaluation of common milkweed,Asclepias syriaca

Common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) has been identified as a potential whole-plant source of poly phenol, oil, and polymeric hydrocarbon. Based on in situ sampling, a range of 4.7-14.4% (dry weight) polyphenol + oil (variation significant at 1% level) and 0.2-1.2% polymeric hydrocarbon (variation significant at 5% level) were found among 48 Maryland and northern Virginia populations. In a 2-yr replicated evaluation of progenies from 41 populations, significant differences (5% level) in vigor,Aphis nerii feeding preference, numbers of plants surviving the seeding year, and numbers of tillers produced the second year were observed. Genetic variation for agronomic traits was generally small, but appeared sufficient to justify a breeding program. Excluding aphid feeding-preference, all agronomic variables were positively correlated with each other (significant at 1% level); aphid feeding-preference was weakly, negatively correlated with the remaining agronomic variables (significant at 1% level). Chemical and agronomic data were not significantly correlated. Factor analysis indicated that plants which performed well early in their life cycle would be expected to perform well on a long term basis. Based on cluster analysis, the environment in which some populations developed may have affected in situ production of poly phenols + oil and polymeric hydrocarbon as well as the subsequent agronomic performance of their progenies.     

Fucose-containing polysaccharides in the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus

The fucose-containing, sulfated polysaccharides from Ascophyllum nodosum and Fucus vesiculosus were isolated by extraction with water adjusted to pH 2. Pure fractions were carefully separated by fractional precipitation with ethanol from aqueous solutions containing magnesium or calcium chloride. Progress in the fractionation efforts and purity of the fractions isolated were established by free-boundary and cellulose acetate clectrophoresis. Ascophyllan, two “complexes”, and a galactofucan were isolated from A. nodosum. An ascophyllan-like fraction, and a “complex” were isolated from F. vesiculosus. Mild, acid hydrolysis (0.02m hydrochloric acid, 1 h, 80°) converted each of the “complexes” into an electrophoretically faster-moving and a slower-moving component. The “complex” from F. vesiculosus comprised a greater proportion of the extract than did the two “complexes” from A. nodosum. In addition, the Fucus “complex” was richer in fucose*. However, the data suggest that neither species contains a pure fucan sulfate in the native state.     

Comparative hydrocarbon utilization by hydrophobic and hydrophilic variants of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Aims: To investigate hydrocarbon degradation by hydrophobic, hydrophilic and parental strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods and Results: Partitioning of hydrocarbon‐degrading P. aeruginosa strain in a solvent/aqueous system yielded hydrophobic and hydrophilic fractions. Exhaustive partitioning of aqueous‐phase cells yielded the hydrophilic variants (L), while sequential fractionation of the hydrophobic phase cells yielded successive fractions exhibiting increasing cell‐surface hydrophobicity (CSH). In hydrocarbon adherence assays (bacterial attachment to hydrocarbon), L had a value of 20%, which increased from 61·7% in first hydrophobic fraction (H₁) to 72·2% in the third (H₃). Crude oil degradation by L was 70%, but increased from 82% in H₁ to 93% in H₃. L variant produced most exopolysaccharides and reduced surface tension from about 73 to 49 mN m^?1. Rhamnolipid production was highest in L, but was not detected in all crude oil cultures. Conclusions: Hydrophobic subpopulations of hydrocarbon‐degrading P. aeruginosa exhibited greater hydrocarbon‐utilizing ability than hydrophilic ones, or the parental strain. Significance and Impact of the Study: Results demonstrate that a population of P. aeruginosa consists of cells with different CSH which affect hydrocarbon utilization. This potentially provides the population with the capacity to utilize different hydrophobic substrates found in petroleum. Judicious selection of such hydrophobic subpopulations can enhance hydrocarbon pollution bioremediation.     

Expression of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in mouse tissues in vivo and in organ culture

The elevation of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase by various microsomal enzyme inducers in mouse tissues from five inbred strains was examined in vivo and in fetal liver expiants. The magnitude of 3-methylcholanthrene- or β-naphthoflavone-inducible AHH activities in the intact animal varied greatly with the tissue and strain—from no induction in the liver and less than a 2- to 3-fold increase in the lung of DBA/2+ and AKR mice to 4- to 5- and 6- to 7-fold elevation, respectively, in the liver and lung of C57BL mice. Treatment of At or C3H⁺ mice with these inducers increased AHH activity in liver and lung to levels which were intermediate between those observed with tissues from DBA/2+ and C57BL mice. These strain-specific differences in the expression of AHH induction in response to polycyclic hydrocarbons and flavones were also present in fetal liver expiants and were measurable as early as 6 days before parturition. In expiants derived from polycyclic hydrocarbon-“responsive” strains, the extent of enzyme induction was greatest with 4′-bromoflavone, less with β-naphthoflavone and least with 3-methylcholanthrene. Trans-1, 2-dihydroxy-3-methylcholanthrene was about twice as effective in this regard as the parent compound 3-methylcholanthrene. Among expiants from 3-methylcholanthrene-“resistant” strains (DBA/2+, AKR), a disparity in the effects of different classes of compounds was apparent: the flavone derivatives induced aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity from DBA/2+ and AKR expiants by 2- to 3-fold despite the absence of polycyclic hydrocarbon induction in these cultures. Furthermore, although phenobarbital was a comparatively weak inducer under the conditions used in these experiments, this substance stimulated aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity from 3-methylcholanthrene-“responsive” and -“resistant” explants by similar degrees (i.e., about 30%). The results are discussed in the light of previous suggestions on the genetically determined regulation of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase induction in mouse tissues.     

Trichinella spiralis: Proteins and antigens isolated from a large-particle fraction derived from the muscle larva

Proteins and antigens derived from a large-particle fraction of muscle larvae of Trichinella spiralis (i.e., the S₃ fraction) were characterized in terms of their molecular weights, isoelectric points, carbohydrate contents, electrophoretic mobilities, antigenicity, and their ability to induce protection in mice. Gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200 yielded 5 major peaks of material while electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel with sodium dodecyl sulfate revealed a minimum of 28 proteins ranging in MW from 11,000 to 200,000. Analytical isoelectric focusing on acrylamide gel yielded 37 bands of protein, while the periodic acid-Schiff reaction performed on a similar gel revealed 22 glycoproteins. Most proteins were within a pI range of 4.0–7.0, while all of the glycoproteins had pI ranging from 4.0 to 6.5. Immunoelectrophoresis of the S₃ fraction using hyperimmune rabbit serum demonstrated a minimum of 19 precipitin arcs, while crossed immunoelectrophoresis yielded 16 peaks. These determinations were made on several batches of material isolated in the same fashion and gave the same results. Preparative isoelectric focusing yielded 30 fractions. These fractions were assayed for the presence of antigens, then pooled and tested for their ability to induce protection in mice against an oral challenge infection. Fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis of all 30 fractions revealed the presence of a minimum of 18 antigens with pI ranging from 4.0 to 9.0. The pooled fractions (i.e., 1–9; 10–20; 21–30) all protected mice against oral challenge infection, while fraction 5 (pI = 4.3) protected best.     

Dating the “red beds” of the Eastern Moroccan High Plateaus: Evidence from late Late Cretaceous charophytes and dinosaur eggshells

A new locality in the poorly known “red beds” of Tendrara (High Plateaus, Morocco) has yielded four charophytes species (Feistiella anluensis, Lamprothamnium stipitatum, Peckisphaera portezueloensis, Platychara caudata) and dinosaur eggshells (Pseudomegaloolithus atlasi). These red beds, which overly the Cenomanian-Turonian marine deposits, generally assigned to “Senonian” based on geometric position, are directly dated by these fossils: the charophytes species and dinosaur oospecies association indicates a Campano-Maastrichtian or Maastrichtian age for these calm floodplain deposits.     

The properties of a few isolates of the sour cherry necrotic ringspot virus

Results of the investigation of four isolates of the sour cherry necrotic ringspot virus are presented in this paper. The isolates used caused characteristic symptoms on woody indicators “Bing”, “Montmorency”, F 12/1, and on peach seedlings. The virus was transmitted mechanically to some herbaceous species:Antirrhinum majus, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita maxima, Chenopodium quinoa Crotalaria juncea, Momordica balsamina, Petunia hybrida andLeonorus sibiricus. The attempts to transmit the virus mechanically to further 23 herbaceous species were unsuccessful. The thermal inactivation point of the virus lies between 46 and 58°C and the dilution end-point between 10^?1 and 10^?2. The virus is stable in vitro at room temperature for more than one day. Individual virus isolates gave a positive immunological reaction with the Fulton’s “G” antiserum.     

Systematic review on medicinal plants used for the treatment of Giardia infection

BackgroundHowever, broad adoption of herbal remedies for giardiasis is at present hampered by uncertain findings of investigation not always sufficiently powered. This study was aimed at systematically reviewing the existing literature in herbal medicines to treat giardiasis.MethodsThis review was carried out 06- PRISMA guideline and registered in the CAMARADES-NC3Rs Preclinical Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Facility (SyRF) database. The search was performed in five databases which are Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Google Scholar without time limitation for all published articles (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies). The searched words and terms were: “Giardia”, “giardiasis”, “extract”, “essential oil”, “herbal medicines”, “anti-Giardia”, “In vitro”, “In vivo”, “clinical trial” etc.ResultsOut of 1585 papers, 40 papers including 28 in vitro (70.0%), 7 in vivo (17.5%), 2 in vitro/ in vivo (5.0%), and 3 clinical trials (7.5%) up to 2020, met the inclusion criteria for discussion in this systematic review. The most widely used medicinal plants against Giardia infection belong to the family Lamiaceae (30.0%) followed by Asteraceae (13.5%), Apiaceae (10.5%). The most common parts used in the studies were aerial parts (45.0%) followed by leaves (27.4%) and seeds (7.5%). The aqueous extract (30.0%), essential oil (25.4%) and hydroalcholic and methanolic (10.5%) were considered as the desired approaches of herbal extraction, respectively.ConclusionThe current review showed that the plant-based anti-Giardia agents are very promising as an alternative and complementary resource for treating giardiasis since had low significant toxicity. However, more studies are required to elucidate this conclusion, especially in clinical systems.     

Utilization and polymerization of lignosulfonates by wood-rotting fungi

The susceptibility of lignosulfonates to the action of lignin-degrading wood-rotting fungi was studied by submitting commercial lignosulfonate (Peritan Na) and fractions of calcium lignosulfonate of different molecular weights to the action of selected white rot fungi. As shown by gel filtration chromatography and determinations according to the nitroso method, lignosulfonates, even in conditions which did not support fungal growth, underwent strong polymerization when brought in contact with typical, extracellular polyphenol oxidase-producing white-rot fungi. Owing to the polymerization, nitroso determinations showed a seeming decrease of lignosulfonate. Polyporus dichrous, an “atypical” white-rot fungus which does not produce extracellular polyphenol oxidase and hence does not cause polymerization of lignosulfonates, was found to degrade 11% of the lignosulfonate available in a solid malt extract medium during 19 days. Addition of lignosulfonate to a rich synthetic liquid growth medium increased the mycelial yield of several white-rot fungi. Trametes versicolor was able to grow on a calcium lignosulfonate fraction with molecular weight 1350 which served as sole source of carbon and energy, but not on fractions of higher molecular weight. The utilization/polymerization of lignosulfonates was shown to depend on concentration and on the presence of additional utilizable sources of carbon.     

The results of zooplankton studies in the Bering Sea under the NPAFC Program (BASIS expedition). Part 1. Eastern areas

Data on zooplankton in the eastern Bering Sea are presented. Samples were collected and processed by the planktonologists of the Pacific Fisheries Research Center (TINRO Center) aboard American vessels in the summer and fall from 2003 through 2011. Based on the analysis of the averaged values of bottom temperature, surface temperature, ice cover index, and also on maps of temperature distribution on the surface and near the bottom, the years 2003–2006 are referred to as “warm” and 2007–2011 as “cold.” A comparison of these two periods showed that with the advent of the “cold” period, the overall stock of zooplankton in the eastern part of the sea grew, particularly in the shelf zone, where it increased more than three times exclusively at the expense of the large fraction. Chaetognaths and copepods constituted the major proportion of this increase; stocks of euphausiids, mysids, hyperiids, and pteropods also grew, while a loss was observed in decapods (larval crabs and shrimps) and coelenterates. In the southern part of the shelf zone, a vast area with a higher biomass of the large fraction occurred, which was mainly due to copepods and chaetognaths. At the same time, areas with denser concentrations were formed by euphausiids and amphipods. The horizontal distribution of small and medium-sized zooplankton almost did not change; meanwhile, the main species of the small fraction, viz., Pseudocalanus newmani and Oithona similis, exchanged their significance and the neritic species Centropages abdominalis, Eurytemora herdmani, and Acartia longiremis, as well as cladocerans and meroplankton (larval Cirripedia, Bivalvia, and Polychaeta) almost completely vanished from the plankton by 2011. In most of cases, the mean biomass of the profiling species of the large fraction (Calanus marshallae, Neocalanus flemingeri, N. cristatus, Eucalanus bungii, Thysanoessa raschii, Themisto libellula, Limacina helicina, and Sagitta elegans) grew during the cold period. In the large fraction, S. elegans constituted half of the biomass (52% in the warm period and 49% in the cold one); the following two species were the copepods E. bungii and C. marshallae (both amounted to 26% and 39%, respectively), while Th. raschii, which is usually predominant among euphausiids, was only the last in the top five species. According to the example of the eastern areas of the sea, it becomes evident that the hyperiid Themisto libellula is brought into the studied area with cold waters from the north and disappears when their inflow stops. This species responds later to cooling and earlier to warming as compared to other species or groups. It appears that the end of the “cold” period can be expected in 2012.     

Agronomic and chemical evaluation of smooth sumac,Rhus glabra

Smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) is a potential whole-plant source of polyphenol and oil. In a 2-yr evaluation of progenies from 14 Maryland, 1 northern Virginia, and 2 Georgia populations, highly significant variation (1% level) in vigor, number of plants surviving the seeding year, dry matter yield the seeding year, and number of tillers produced the second year was observed. In 15 entries, highly significant variation (1% level) in polyphenol+oil and in gallotannins was observed. Dry matter yields, extrapolated to Mg har^-1, ranged from 0.02 to 1.4 (for a single harvest), % polyphenol+oil from 19.4-31.1, and % gallotannins (a class of polyphenols) from 9.8 to 15.7. It is suggested that significantly improved lines could be developed through breeding. Based on estimated ratios of σ² _Entries/σ² _Entries+σ², genetic variation for most agronomic traits could be estimated with fair precision whereas variation for chemical traits could be affected substantially by nongenetic factors. Factor analysis indicated plants that would perform reasonably well over a 2-yr period could be selected on the basis of early seeding-year vigor scores. Selection for high amounts of polyphenol+oil and gallotannins would have to be done independently of agronomic selection. Cutting frequencies should not exceed 2×yr^-1 or serious stand loss would occur.