Propagation of Sciadopitys verticillata (Thunb.) Sieb. & Zucc. by Stem Cuttings and Properties of Its Latex-like Sap

Abstract

<jats:p>To improve the success of vegetative propagation of <jats:italic>Sciadopitys verticillata</jats:italic>, stem cuttings were subjected to three treatments designed to minimize the accumulation of a latex-like sap at the cut ends of stems. A 24-hour soak in water before a hormone dip significantly enhanced rooting success and root mass. The water soak pretreatment was more beneficial to hardwood cuttings compared with softwood cuttings. Cuttings from shade-grown source trees showed the highest rooting success, but source tree age, height, and place of origin were not important factors. The water-insoluble latex-like sap had strong antibacterial activity against 3 of 11 bacterial species tested, but activity was not related to bacterial Gram reaction or the bacterial natural environment. In contrast, pine resins and latexes from selected angiosperms showed no antibacterial activity. The antibacterial component of the <jats:italic>Sciadopitys</jats:italic> latex-like sap was heat stable and therefore probably not protein based.</jats:p>

A new proposal concerning the botanical origin of Baltic amber

“…This new interpretation contrasts sharply with views favouring either an araucarian or a pinaceous origin for this outstanding palaeontological resource and offers new directions for future research. For example, it remains possible that the unique immunological (Price & Lowenstein 1989) and allelopathic (Yates et al 2006) properties of S. verticillata contributed directly to the exceptional preservation of Baltic amber fossils. These unexplored factors may equally pertain to broader questions concerning the very survival of such remarkable volumes of conifer resin in the geological record.…”

Sciadopitys verticillata Resin: Volatile Components and Impact on Plant Pathogenic and Foodborne Bacteria

“…The antimicrobial response was mild when cultures were treated with Winter resin even though Winter resin had slightly greater concentrations of both α-pinene and β-pinene than Summer-Stored resin (moderate activity). In a previous study, pelleted resin collected in the summer and applied directly to bacterial cultures did not inhibit the growth of E. coli [9]; thus, it is likely that the direct application method used in that study can only be used to identify strong antibiosis. The antibiotic effect against E. amylovora was strong at all doses of both Summer and Winter resins.…”

“…Needles retain their green color year-round, and mature plants retain a pleasing shape with almost no need for maintenance pruning. The species is well adapted to climatic and soil conditions found across the southern Appalachian Mountain region [9]. The tree produces a white, viscous, sticky latex-like resin (Supplementary Figure S1) that seals mechanical wounds and may protect against pathogens and insects [10].…”

“…, or Erwinia amylovora ). Subsequently, activity against E. coli was noted for resin collected in winter (Yates, personal observation) [9]. This method, while effectively demonstrating the potential of the resin, is insufficient for quantification of activity and for testing of potential antimicrobial components.…”

The Induction of Adventitious Roots Regeneration before Transplanting Rootless Ficus elastica Heritage Tree

“…It quickly coagulates when exposed to air and seals up wounds. Latex coagulation created a problem when coating auxin on the stem cuttings in Yates's experiments [42]. We saw the latex of F. elastica coagulated a few minutes after WM treatment.…”