Shaheena Umbreen, Naila Mukhtar, Nidaa Harun
et al.
ABSTRACT Salvadora faces a significant threat of being in decline in semi‐arid regions. This study investigates the distribution status of Salvadora species in semi‐arid habitats, moreover examines how habitat types, climatic conditions and soil variability influence plant's functional traits and distribution. The study was organized in the semi‐arid lowlands of the Sahiwal Division, Pakistan. Field surveys were conducted from 2021 to 2023 across 51 sites comprised of four types of habitats, i.e., archaeological sites, graveyards, roadsides, and railway lines. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were applied to examine the impact of habitat types and environmental variables on Salvadora distribution. Two species of Salvadora, i.e., Salvadora persica Linn and Salvadora oleoides Decne, were identified taxonomically in the study area. S. persica was found to be more abundant than S. oleoides. These results recommend that S. persica was more dominant in most sites except for Sahiwal, where both species had similar densities. The number of tree trunks, tree height, and leaf size, leaf biomass are some of the dominant traits that were influenced by habitat variability. Other factors like temperature, precipitation, th soil's pH and moisture levels play important roles in species distribution within these habitats. Despite Salvadora notable economic and ecological importance, its ecological situation is critical because of overexploitation, climate change, and habitat destruction. To ensure that Salvadora continues to exist and perform its ecological functions in its natural habitat, protecting and managing strategies need to be planned and enforced.
The southern Mediterranean region, particularly North Africa, is a crucial area for biodiversity conservation. However, the impacts of climate change on plant species in this region are not well understood. Dendroecology, the study of tree rings, is a valuable technique for analyzing the effects of environmental changes on woody plants over time. In this study, we intend to assess the state of the art in dendrochronological research in North Africa and identify knowledge gaps and limitations in the field. The period of analysis spans from 1979 to 2023. We used all the available literature in Dendrobox and Google Scholar during this period. Our study revealed several research gaps in the region, including the need for more studies on the history of forest fires and their relationship to climate conditions in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the impact of climate on the anatomical characteristics of growth rings, and the effects of climate change on tree species diversity and forest health. Applying this technique in the future would allow for detailed insights into the effect of climate on the internal structure and growth of forest trees. The findings of this study will help guide future research and contribute to a better understanding of the climate-growth relationship of woody plants in North Africa.
Louafi Boutaina, Slimani Chaimae, Bessi Aymane
et al.
Silybum marianum L. Gaertn is a spontaneous plant whose medicinal properties have been used for over two thousand years. This study aims to clarify the understanding and utilisation of S. marianum by the rural and urban populations of Ouezzane region in Morocco, in order to assess the level of recognition and exploitation of this plant. An ethnobotanical survey in this region involved a sample of 140 individuals. Survey results are analyzed using SPSS. The survey results have revealed a significantly limited level of appreciation for S. marianum. Through the use of chi-square statistical tests, we identified significant relationships between our variables and the knowledge about S. marianum and its use. Based on the findings of our study, Silybum marianum L. remains one of Morocco's most neglected and underutilized plants. This may be due to a lack of knowledge or adequate information about its applications, a lack of general interest or even socio-economic factors that limit its exploitation.
Alanood S. Almurshedi, Thanaa A. El-Masry, Hend Selim
et al.
Abstract Background Marine macroalgae have gained interest recently, mostly due to their bioactive components. Polycladia crinita is an example of marine macroalgae from the Phaeophyceae class, also known as brown algae. They are characterized by a variety of bioactive compounds with valuable medical applications. The prevalence of such naturally active marine resources has made macroalgae-mediated manufacturing of nanoparticles an appealing strategy. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features of an aqueous extract of Polycladia crinita and biosynthesized P. crinita selenium nanoparticles (PCSeNPs) via a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. The synthesized PCSeNPs were fully characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and EDX analyses. Results FTIR analysis of Polycladia crinita extract showed several sharp absorption peaks at 3435.2, 1423.5, and 876.4 cm−1 which represent O–H, C=O and C=C groups. Moreover, the most frequent functional groups identified in P. crinita aqueous extract that are responsible for producing SeNPs are the –NH2–, –C=O–, and –SH– groups. The EDX spectrum analysis revealed that the high percentages of Se and O, 1.09 ± 0.13 and 36.62 ± 0.60%, respectively, confirmed the formation of SeNPs. The percentages of inhibition of the edema in pretreated groups with doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg, i.p., of PCSeNPs were 62.78% and 77.24%, respectively. Furthermore, the pretreated groups with 25, 50 mg/kg of P. crinita extract displayed a substantial decrease in the MDA levels (P < 0.00, 26.9%, and 51.68% decrease, respectively), indicating potent antioxidant effect. Additionally, the pretreated groups with PCSeNPs significantly suppressed the MDA levels (P < 0.00, 54.77%, and 65.08% decreases, respectively). The results of immune-histochemical staining revealed moderate COX-2 and Il-1β expressions with scores 2 and 1 in rats pre-treated with 25 and 50 mg/kg of free extract, respectively. Additionally, the rats pre-treated with different doses of PCSeNPs demonstrated weak COX-2 and Il-1β expressions with score 1 (25 mg/kg) and negative expression with score 0 (50 mg/kg). Both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were dose-dependent. Conclusions These distinguishing features imply that this unique alga is a promising anti-inflammatory agent. Further studies are required to investigate its main active ingredients and possible side effects.
Edgar García-Ramírez, Adriana Contreras-Oliva, Josafhat Salinas-Ruiz
et al.
The use of agrochemicals has caused environmental problems and toxicity to humans, so natural alternatives for disease control during harvest and postharvest have been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate cinnamon essential oil, neem oil, and black sapote fruit extract for in vitro inhibition of fungi isolated from chayote fruit. The extracts were applied at 300, 350, and 400 ppm in Petri dishes and the mycelial growth of <i>Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Goetrichum</i> sp., and <i>Phytophthora capsici</i> was evaluated for 7 days, and the percentage of mycelial growth inhibition per day was calculated. Cinnamon oil showed a fungicidal effect at all concentrations. Neem oil at 400 ppm showed a 42.3% reduction in the growth of <i>F. solani</i> and 27.8% reduction in the growth of <i>F. oxysporum,</i> while at 350 ppm it inhibited the mycelial growth of <i>Phytophthora capsici</i> by 53.3% and of <i>Goetrichum</i> sp. by 20.9%; finally, the black sapote extract at 400 ppm inhibited 21.9–28.6% of the growth of all fungi. The growth of postharvest fungi on chayote fruit could be prevented or reduced by applying the plant extracts evaluated at adequate concentrations.
Abstract Background Deciphering the mechanisms of meiosis has important implications for potential applications in plant breeding programmes and species evolution. However, the process of meiosis is poorly understood in carnation, which is famous for its cut flowers. Results We report that Dianthus caryophyllus parallel spindle 1 (DcPS1) regulates omission of second division like a (OSDLa) during pollen development and 2n gamete production in carnation meiosis. In DcPS1 and OSDLa RNAi lines, an absence of the second meiotic division and the abnormal orientation of spindles at meiosis II might be the main reason for dyad/triad formation, resulting in unreduced gametes. We also found that carnation OSDLa interacted with DcPS1 and DcRAD51D. In the DcPS1 RNAi lines, a decrease in OSDLa and DcRAD51D expression was observed. In the OSDLa RNAi lines, a decrease in DcPS1 and DcRAD51D expression was also observed. We propose that DcPS1 regulates OSDLa expression, allowing entry into meiosis II and the proper orientation of the metaphase II spindle in meiosis II. We also propose that OSDLa regulates DcRAD51D expression, allowing for homologous recombination. Conclusions These results suggest a critical role for DcPS1 and OSDLa in diplogamete production during meiosis and open a new pathway for meiosis-related studies.
Mariia Shanaida, Nataliia Hudz, Izabela Jasicka-Misiak
et al.
This study aimed to determine the composition and content of polyphenols in the dry extract obtained from the hydrodistilled residue by-product of the wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa L., Lamiaceae Martinov family) herb (MFDE) and to evaluate its safety and pharmacological properties. The total phenolic content (TPC) in the MFDE was 120.64 mg GAE/g. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the presence of a plethora of phenolic compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acids and flavone derivatives in the MFDE, with rosmarinic acid and luteolin-7-O-glucoside being the main components. With an IC50 value of 0.285 mg/mL, it was found to be a strong DPPH radical scavenger. The acute toxicity study results indicate that the oral administration of MFDE to rats at the doses of 500–5,000 mg/kg did not produce any side effects or death in animals which indicates its safety. The results of the in vivo assay showed that the MFDE dose-dependently inhibited paw oedema and significantly reduced the number of writings in mice induced by the acetic acid injection suggesting its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, respectively. The conducted studies revealed that M. fistulosa hydrodistilled residue by-product could be regarded as a new natural source of polyphenols with valuable pharmacological properties.
A new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon luteoflorus Lei Cai &amp; F.Wen was first described and illustrated from Maolan National Nature Reserve, Libo County, Guizhou Province, China. The diagnostic characters and notes of this species between its most morphologically similar species, P. dealbatus Hance, a detailed description, colour photographs, etymology, as well as distribution and habitat, are also provided in this paper.
Mohammad F. Zaman, Aleksa Nenadic, Ana Radojičić
et al.
Membrane contact sites between the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the plasma membrane (PM) provide a direct conduit for small molecule transfer and signaling between the two largest membranes of the cell. Contact is established through ER integral membrane proteins that physically tether the two membranes together, though the general mechanism is remarkably non-specific given the diversity of different tethering proteins. Primary tethers including VAMP-associated proteins (VAPs), Anoctamin/TMEM16/Ist2p homologs, and extended synaptotagmins (E-Syts), are largely conserved in most eukaryotes and are both necessary and sufficient for establishing ER-PM association. In addition, other species-specific ER-PM tether proteins impart unique functional attributes to both membranes at the cell cortex. This review distils recent functional and structural findings about conserved and species-specific tethers that form ER-PM contact sites, with an emphasis on their roles in the coordinate regulation of lipid metabolism, cellular structure, and responses to membrane stress.
Drought has is becoming increasingly serious abiotic stress that influences plant growth. Endophytes are non-pathogenic plant-associated bacteria that can play an important role in conferring plant resistance to drought stress. In this study, drought stress resulted in the evident breakdown of the chloroplast membrane system in leaf cells, whereas Bacillus pumilus inoculation improved the integrity of chloroplast and mitochondria cell structure. Thus chlorophyll content, photosynthetic parameters and water use efficiency increased. The inoculation of endophytes alleviated the inhibitory effect of drought stress on Glycyrrhiza uralensis growth. We concluded that B. pumilus inoculation enhanced the growth and drought tolerance of G. uralensis through the protection of chloroplast submicroscopic structure, and thus increased chlorophyll content, efficient photosynthetic rate, and improved water state.
Pramila Khandel, Sushil Kumar Shahi, Deepak Kumar Soni
et al.
Abstract In the present study silver nanoparticles fabricated by using leaf extract of Alpinia calcarata. We have also studied the effect of various experimental parameters viz., metal ion concentration, pH and incubation period on nanoparticle biosynthesis. Results of optimization showed that metal ion concentration of 1.5 mM, alkaline pH and incubation period of 12 h were the optimum conditions for metal nanoparticle biosynthesis. Synthesized silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Zeta potential analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The UV–visible spectrum shows a sharp peak at 420 nm which was due to the surface plasmon resonance of the silver nanoparticles. Effect of several phytochemicals present in A. calcarata, on synthesis of silver nanoparticles was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results indicate that the flavonoids, phytosterol, quinones and phenolic compounds present in the plant extract plays a major role in formation of silver nanoparticles in their respective ions in solution. Results of TEM and XRD analysis showed that synthesized silver nanoparticles were mostly spherical in shape with an average diameter of 27.2 ± 0.2.5 nm and highly crystalline in nature. Moreover the synthesized silver nanoparticles were also evaluated for their potential antibacterial and antioxidant activities. It showed good antibacterial activity as well as antioxidant activity. Thus the obtained result provides a scientific support that leaf extract of A. calcarata can be used efficiently in the production of potential bioactive silver nanoparticles with several pharmaceutical applications.
Abstract Background High temperature is a major abiotic stress that limits wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity. Variation in levels of a wide range of lipids, including stress-related molecular species, oxidative damage, cellular organization and ultrastructural changes were analyzed to provide an integrated view of the factors that underlie decreased photosynthetic rate under high temperature stress. Wheat plants of cultivar Chinese Spring were grown at optimum temperatures (25/15 °C, maximum/minimum) until the onset of the booting stage. Thereafter, plants were exposed to high temperature (35/25 °C) for 16 d. Results Compared with optimum temperature, a lower photosynthetic rate was observed at high temperature which is an interplay between thylakoid membrane damage, thylakoid membrane lipid composition, oxidative damage of cell organelle, and stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. Triacylglycerol levels were higher under high temperature stress. Polar lipid fatty acyl unsaturation was lower at high temperature, while triacylglycerol unsaturation was the same at high temperature and optimum temperature. The changes in lipid species indicates increases in activities of desaturating, oxidizing, glycosylating and acylating enzymes under high temperature stress. Cumulative effect of high temperature stress led to generation of reactive oxygen species, cell organelle and membrane damage, and reduced antioxidant enzyme activity, and imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant defense system. Conclusions Taken together with recent findings demonstrating that reactive oxygen species are formed from and are removed by thylakoid lipids, the data suggest that reactive oxygen species production, reactive oxygen species removal, and changes in lipid metabolism contribute to decreased photosynthetic rate under high temperature stress.