No abstract

Endophytes are microorganisms living inside plant hosts and are known to be beneficial for the host plant vitality. In this study, we isolated three endophytic fungus species from the roots of Scots pine seedlings growing on Finnish drained peatland setting. The isolated fungi belonged to dark septate endophytes (DSE). The metabolic profiles of the hot water extracts of the fungi were investigated using Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography with Diode Array Detection and Electron Spray Ionization source Mass Spectrometry with Orbitrap analyzer (UPLC–DAD–ESI–MS–Orbitrap). Out of 318 metabolites, we were able to identify 220, of which a majority was amino acids and peptides. Additionally, opine amino acids, amino acid quinones, Amadori compounds, cholines, nucleobases, nucleosides, nucleotides, siderophores, sugars, sugar alcohols and disaccharides were found, as well as other previously reported metabolites from plants or endophytes. Some differences of the metabolic profiles, regarding the amount and identity of the found metabolites, were observed even though the fungi were isolated from the same host. Many of the discovered metabolites have been described possessing biological activities and properties, which may make a favorable contribution to the host plant nutrient availability or abiotic and biotic stress tolerance.

Bryophytes, including Sphagnum, are common species in alpine and boreal regions especially on mires, where full sunlight exposes the plants to the damaging effects of UV radiation. Sphagnum species containing UV-protecting compounds might offer a biomass source for nature-based sunscreens to replace the synthetic ones. In this study, potential compounds and those linked in cell wall structures were obtained by using methanol and alkali extractions and the UV absorption of these extracts from three common Sphagnum moss species Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum fuscum and Sphagnum fallax collected in spring and autumn from western Finland are described. Absorption spectrum screening (200–900 nm) and luminescent biosensor (Escherichia coli DPD2794) methodology were used to examine and compare the protection against UV radiation. Additionally, the antioxidant potential was evaluated using hydrogen peroxide scavenging (SCAV), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and ferric reducing absorbance capacity (FRAP). Total phenolic content was also determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The results showed that methanol extractable compounds gave higher UV absorption with the used methods. Sphagnum fallax appeared to give the highest absorption in UV-B and UV-A wavelengths. In all assays except the SCAV test, the methanol extracts of Sphagnum samples collected in autumn indicated the highest antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content. Sphagnum fuscum implied the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic content. There was low antioxidant and UV absorption provided by the alkali extracts of these three species.

Earlier studies have shown that the bark of Salix L. species (Salicaceae family) is rich in extractives, such as diverse bioactive phenolic compounds. However, we lack knowledge on the bioactive properties of the bark of willow species and clones adapted to the harsh climate conditions of the cool temperate zone. Therefore, the present study aimed to obtain information on the functional profiles of northern willow clones for the use of value-added bioactive solutions. Of the 16 willow clones studied here, 12 were examples of widely distributed native Finnish willow species, including dark-leaved willow (S. myrsinifolia Salisb.) and tea-leaved willow (S. phylicifolia L.) (3 + 4 clones, respectively) and their natural and artificial hybrids (3 + 2 clones, respectively). The four remaining clones were commercial willow varieties from the Swedish willow breeding program. Hot water extraction of bark under mild conditions was carried out. Bioactivity assays were used to screen antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, yeasticidal, and antioxidant activities, as well as the total phenolic content of the extracts. Additionally, we introduce a fast and less labor-intensive steam-debarking method for Salix spp. feedstocks. Clonal variation was observed in the antioxidant properties of the bark extracts of the 16 Salix spp. clones. High antiviral activity against a non-enveloped enterovirus, coxsackievirus A9, was found, with no marked differences in efficacy between the native clones. All the clones also showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, whereas no antifungal (Aspergillus brasiliensis) or yeasticidal (Candida albicans) efficacy was detected. When grouping the clone extract results into Salix myrsinifolia, Salix phylicifolia, native hybrid, artificial hybrid, and commercial clones, there was a significant difference in the activities between S. phylicifolia clone extracts and commercial clone extracts in the favor of S. phylicifolia in the antibacterial and antioxidant tests. In some antioxidant tests, S. phylicifolia clone extracts were also significantly more active than artificial clone extracts. Additionally, S. myrsinifolia clone extracts showed significantly higher activities in some antioxidant tests than commercial clone extracts and artificial clone extracts. Nevertheless, the bark extracts of native Finnish willow clones showed high bioactivity. The obtained knowledge paves the way towards developing high value-added biochemicals and other functional solutions based on willow biorefinery approaches.