We used via light and scanning electron microscopy to study the leaf epidermis of five Solidago taxa from southwestern Poland. Light microscopy was employed to describe the epidermal surface, including stomatal types, the shape of epidermal cell walls, stomatal density, the distribution of stomata between the abaxial and adaxial epidermis, and stomatal guard cell length. From these observations we calculated the stomatal index (SI) and stomatal ratio (SR) as the basis for defining the type of leaf. From LM of transverse sections of leaf we described mesophyll structure, the presence of secretory canals, adaxial and abaxial epidermis thickness, and leaf thickness. We examined cuticular ornamentation, trichome features and epicuticular secretions by SEM. As determined by discriminatory analysis, the most important traits distinguishing these taxa were the stomatal index of the adaxial epidermis, leaf thickness, features of the walls of epidermal cells, and the presence and features of trichomes. On the basis of observations and measurements we created a key for distinguishing Solidago taxa.K Ke ey y w wo or rd ds s: : Solidago, leaves, anatomy, micromorphology, stomata, trichomes.
Invasion by alien species is a serious threat to the biodiversity and function of semi-natural grasslands and may impede restoration efforts in degraded meadows due to high competitiveness. Goldenrods (Solidago and Euthamia species) are considered among the most injurious invaders of grasslands in Central Europe. We tested the hypothesis that native grass species are able to outcompete the invasive goldenrods. A replacement series experiment was established to determine levels of interference between native grass taxa and goldenrods. In the experiment, four alien goldenrod species (Solidago altissima, Solidago canadensis, Solidago gigantea and Euthamia graminifolia) and one native species (Solidago virgaurea) were studied. The native grasses were represented by Lolium perenne (forage and turf varieties) and Festuca pratensis (forage variety). Total biomass was higher in the mixture of species compared with that in monoculture. The higher total biomass was due to higher productivity of the goldenrod species, whereas that of the grasses was reduced. These results demonstrated the high competitiveness of alien goldenrods compared with native grass species.
The purpose of this research was to assess the functional value of the “Super Trawnik” lawn mixture. The studies were carried out between 2017 and 2019 at the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow (50°07′ N, 20°05′ E), and the experimental factor was the AGRO-SORB® Folium, a biostimulant containing amino acids and applied at three doses: 1, 2, and 3 L·ha−1. Lawn visual quality was assessed on a 9-point scale, with 10–11 mowings at 4 cm during the growing period. An increase in the concentration of the stimulant applied as a spray resulted in a significant increase in its effectiveness; plants in plots with the highest dose of amino acid solution (Variant III) had the highest aesthetic and functional values. The AGRO-SORB® Folium reduced the occurrence of fungal diseases; compared to control plants, there was a 16% reduction of Fusarium patch (Microdochium nivale) infection and a 20% reduction of Dreschlera leaf spot (Drechslera siccans). Satisfactory effects were also recorded on plots where the product was applied at a dose of 2 L·ha−1 (Variant II). Those plots had more favourably rated turf, with higher resistance of plants to Fusarium patch by 12% and to Dreschlera leaf spot by 20% compared to control.
Currently, in addition to a wide range of lawn fertilizers on the market, there are new biological products available called biostimulants, fostering plant growth and development. They are based on substances of natural origin, containing plant extracts, hormones or humic substances. Biostimulants exert a positive impact on grass metabolism, stimulating life processes and reducing negative effects of pathogen infestation and adverse environmental conditions like drought, salinity or temperature fluctuations. Disparities and the lack of a uniform position to recognize biostimulants as a strictly specified group pose many problems in legislative issues, with erroneous terminology used in relation to different groups of bioactive substances applied to crops. All this creates a situation when products of untested and unstable effects are placed on the market, even if they sometimes do not have any impact on plant growth despite the claims of the producer. Growth‐promoting potential of biostimulants is very significant, and previous research has shown real benefits of their use. Increasing environmental awareness and environmental regulations is an additional factor positively affecting the development of such products. However, there is still a lack of studies that would fully characterize the reaction of plant metabolic processes to biostimulants. The aim of the study was to review current knowledge of plant biostimulant usage in grassland.
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