The Herbicidal Potential of Euphorbia Species for Managing Common Weeds in the Mount Cameroon Region

Phenolic compounds analysis of three Euphorbia species by LC-DAD-MSn and their biological properties

Taxonomy and medicinal uses of the family Euphorbiaceae growing throughout the Rajshahi city, Bangladesh were studied during September 2012 to August 2013. A total of 16 species under 8 genera belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae were collected and identified. Out of the total number of species Acalypha indica L., Euphorbia hirta L., Euphorbia thymifolia L., Euphorbia tirucalli L., Euphorbia pulcherrima L., Euphorbia cotinifolia L., Croton bonplandianum Baill., Codiaeum variegatum (L.) A. Juss., Jatropha gossypifolia L., Jatropha curcas L., Manihot esculenta L., Ricinus communis L. were common and Acalypha hispida Burm. f., Euphorbia helioscopia L., Euphorbia milii L., Putranjiva roxburghii L. were rare species in the study area. For each species botanical name, local name, habit, habitat, flower colour, flowering season, chromosome number and medicinal uses have been mentioned. The findings of this study could be used to enhance folk medicine for the betterment of rural or indigenous livelihoods.

Glyphosate-resistant weeds are difficult to manage and can serve as hosts for pests that threaten cultivated crops. Chrysodeixis includens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is one of the main polyphagous pests of soybean in Brazil that can benefit from weeds' presence during season and off-season. Despite its pest status, little is known about C. includens survival and development on alternative hosts, including those resistant to glyphosate. Therefore, we assessed the biology, reproduction, preference, and survival at different feeding periods of C. includens on seven glyphosate-resistant weeds (Sumatran fleabane, Italian ryegrass, sourgrass, goosegrass, smooth pigweed, wild poinsettia, hairy beggarticks) commonly found in Brazilian agroecosystems, under laboratory conditions. Our results showed that C. includens survival and reproduction were similar on soybean and wild poinsettia. Survival and reproduction were lower on smooth pigweed and hairy beggarticks. Also, these plants prolonged the larval stage. Larvae did not pupate when fed on sourgrass, goosegrass, Italian ryegrass, and Sumatran fleabane. However, on Sumatran fleabane their biomass was higher. The mean generation time was lower on wild poinsettia. This weed was preferred to soybean. An antifeeding factor was observed on Sumatran fleabane. Larvae fed for 11 days on soybean, wild poinsettia and smooth pigweed developed into pupae. In agricultural systems, farmers must pay attention to the management of these weeds, especially wild poinsettia, smooth pigweed, and hairy beggarticks, to interrupt the cycle of this pest, since these plants can serve as main sources of infestation for the soybean crop.

Limbus is the most dynamic area of ocular surface which is the “home” of stem cells especially in the region of palisades of Vogt. Stem cell deficiency is manifested by ingrowth of vessels into the cornea with resultant corneal haze that results in decreased vision [1]. Stem cell deficiencies are treated by transplantation of stem cells. The methods are varied and includes transplantation from cadaveric tissue, from living related donor (in bilateral cases) and from fellow eye (in unilateral cases). In vitro cultured stem cells in human amniotic membrane (HAM) base may also be utilised. We report here the successful outcome of stem cell implantation in a patient with end stage limbal stem cell deficiency following exposure to the latex of Euphorbia. The Euphorbiaceae family includes trees, succulents and herbaceous plants. Different species of Euphorbia grow all over the world. The milky latex or sap is toxic and may cause intense inflammation of the skin and the eye [2, 3]. Ocular toxic reaction varies from mild conjunctivitis to keratouveitis to severe corneal vascularisation in neglected cases. Ocular toxicity can be caused by three different species of Euphorbia, namely, Euphorbia trigona (African milk tree), Euphorbia neriifolia (Indian Spurge tree) and Euphorbia milii (crown-of-thorns houseplant). In this present case, the patient (female, aged 45 years) with bilateral stem cell deficiency was treated by transplantation of stem cell from living related donor(mother) in the left eye and in vitro cultured stem cell on HAM base in the right eye. A normotensive, non-diabetic, patient (female, aged 45 years) presented to our clinic with loss of vision in both eyes. She gave a history of exposure to Euphorbia latex 5 months back in her both eyes. She neglected the condition and there was gradual decrease in his vision following the brief acute episode. Visual acuity in RE was 1/60, in LE it was finger counting at 2 m. There was no improvement in vision with refractive correction. Schirmer test values in both eyes measured 15 mm. Corneal sensation in both eyes were normal. Intraocular pressure in BE were 18 mmHg and USG (A+B) scans in both eyes were normal. Anterior segment of both eyes revealed 360° limbal vascularisation with diffuse stromal haze up to the extent that anterior chamber details including the pupil is barely visible (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 Right eye showing limbal vascularisation with diffuse stromal haze up to the extent that anterior chamber details including the pupil is barely visible A decision for transplantation of stem cells was made. She was put on systemic steroids (1 mg/kg/day) 3 days prior to admission. From the mother, two separate conjuctivolimbal lenticules were prepared [4 × 2 mm each], one from each eye to reduce chances of development of iatrogenic stem cell loss. The recipient bed in LE was prepared by marking two separate areas: one centred around 6 o’clock hours and the other around 12 o’clock region of the limbus. Peritomy was done and bleeding controlled by cauterisation. The donor lenticules were sutured to the recipient bed with interrupted 10-0 monofilament nylon sutures. In the post-operative period, the patient was put on systemic steroids (1 mg/kg/day) in a tapering dose, topical steroid (pred acetate 1 %), topical antibiotic (topical moxifloxacin) and artificial tears (carboxymethyl cellulose). Both topical and systemic steroids were tapered slowly over a period of 6 weeks and topical antibiotics were withdrawn after the first 2 weeks. The patient was advised weekly visit at the cornea clinic. Four months after the first operation, her RE was operated. Recipient bed was prepared as described before and in vitro cultured stem cells on HAM base were sutured at around 360° of limbus with interrupted 10-0 monofilament nylon sutures. The whole of cornea including transplanted discs were covered by preserved HAM and sutured to adjacent conjunctiva with interrupted 10-0 monofilament nylon. Patient was placed on same post-operative regimen as before. The patient also underwent cataract surgery in both eyes 5 months after her last operation in RE.

A new distribution map is provided for Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. poinsettiicola (Patel, Bhatt and Kulkarni) Vauterin et al. Bacteria. Hosts: croton ( Codiaeum variagatum ), poinsettia ( Euphorbia heterophylla and Euphorbia pulcherrima ), Crown-of-thorns ( Euphorbia milii ) and cassava ( Manihot esculenta ). Information is given on the geographical distribution in Europe (Germany, Italy), Asia (China (Zhejiang), Cocos Islands, India (Maharashtra), Philippines, Taiwan), North America (USA (Florida)), South America (Venezuela) and Oceana (Australia (Queensland), New Zealand).

The herbicides application can be reduced with alternative methods, as pathogenic fungi use, that produces several secondary compounds in growth medium, which has phytotoxicity. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the allelopathic activity of culture filtrate produced by pathogenic fungi: Fusarium solani, Macrophomina phaseolina Fusarium graminearum and Diplodia maydis, on germination and development of horseweed (Conyza canadensis), hairy beggarticks (Bidens pilosa) and wild poinsettia (Euphorbia heterophylla). This effect was also tested on soybean and corn crops. The experimental design was completely randomized with twenty treatments (four filtrates of fungi culture, with 0, 5, 10, 15 e 20% concentrations) and four replications. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The results indicated that filtered of Fusarium solani culture presented a negative effect on horseweed, hairy beggarticks and wild poinsettia without affecting negatively soybeans crop. Diplodia maydis provided some reduction on horseweed and wild poinsettia growth without causing damage to maize crop.The while Macrophomina phaseolina filtrate decreased a seedlings growth of wild poinsettia without affecting negatively corn. This suggests filtrates can be used to control weeds in a sustainable ecological way as well as an alternative to reduce herbicides application, thus, protecting the environment.

This study decisively evaluates the classification of four species of Euphorbia: Euphorbia ammak, Euphorbia fractiflexa, Euphorbia granulata, and Euphorbia hirta, collected from diverse habitats in Jazan region (Saudi Arabia). Our objective is to clearly define the interrelationships among these species by utilizing both traditional morphological analyses and cutting-edge chemotaxonomical methods. The morphological analysis examines various aspects of plant life, encompassing qualitative and quantitative parameters. Phytochemical analysis effectively measures total phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is employed to capture the phenolic patterns, thereby validating our chemotaxonomic approach. The HPLC analysis unequivocally identifies eleven phenolic and seven flavonoid compounds in the methanol extracts of the four Euphorbia taxa. The data collected from the studied Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were meticulously organized into a binary matrix, establishing a similarity matrix and phenogram cluster. Duncan's range test robustly determines the significance of interrelations among the species. The results demonstrate that all examined plant species are rich in phenolic constituents, albeit in varying concentrations. Notably, Euphorbia granulata stands out as the most transitional species among them. Taxonomically, our phenogram, based on taxonomic characteristics, reveals two distinct groups: the first group, at a distance of 1.90, includes Euphorbia ammak and Euphorbia fractiflexa, while the second group, at a distance of 1.52, encompasses the remaining two species. This study strongly recommends considering both adaptation and habitat type when conducting chemotaxonomic analyses of plant species.

This study decisively evaluates the classification of four species of Euphorbia: Euphorbia ammak, Euphorbia fractiflexa, Euphorbia granulata, and Euphorbia hirta, collected from diverse habitats in Jazan region (Saudi Arabia). Our objective is to clearly define the interrelationships among these species by utilizing both traditional morphological analyses and cutting-edge chemotaxonomical methods. The morphological analysis examines various aspects of plant life, encompassing qualitative and quantitative parameters. Phytochemical analysis effectively measures total phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is employed to capture the phenolic patterns, thereby validating our chemotaxonomic approach. The HPLC analysis unequivocally identifies eleven phenolic and seven flavonoid compounds in the methanol extracts of the four Euphorbia taxa. The data collected from the studied Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were meticulously organized into a binary matrix, establishing a similarity matrix and phenogram cluster. Duncan’s range test robustly determines the significance of interrelations among the species. The results demonstrate that all examined plant species are rich in phenolic constituents, albeit in varying concentrations. Notably, Euphorbia granulata stands out as the most transitional species among them. Taxonomically, our phenogram, based on taxonomic characteristics, reveals two distinct groups: the first group, at a distance of 1.90, includes Euphorbia ammak and Euphorbia fractiflexa, while the second group, at a distance of 1.52, encompasses the remaining two species. This study strongly recommends considering both adaptation and habitat type when conducting chemotaxonomic analyses of plant species.

BackgroundThe Orchidaceae are noted for their floral diversity. In the Mount Cameroon Region (MCR), the genus Bulbophyllum is the most represented genus of the entire flora of this region. Despite the large number of different species in Orchidaceae, very little is known and documented about the orchids in Cameroon at large, in the MCR in particular. Orchids are widely used in flower gardens and trade. The aim of this study was to assess the floristic value of the orchids compared with those of other parts of the world and equally assess species which are used in herbal medicines.MethodsThis research was carried out in the MCR and the main flower market in Cameroon. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to vendors, buyers, and cultivators at a ratio of 1:1:1, as well as to herbalists and cultural use indices computed. A total of 107 flower gardens in all gardening localities (07) of the region were sampled.ResultsA total of 66 out of 107 gardens had at least one orchid species. Five orchids which are hybrids cultivated by vegetative propagation are traded as ornamental plants in the MCR. A total of 23 species were used for herbal treatment of certain ailments. The ethnobotanical richness of orchids was scored at 6.86. Ansellia africana had the highest cultural importance index (CI), relative importance index (RI), and the relative use index (RNU) while tradactyle tridactylites had the lowest. It was also found that most orchids were used for clairvoyance that is highly associated with myths or folklore and also for external application.ConclusionThe level of awareness on uses of orchids in the MCR is low. Many people consume orchids mixed with different species of plants for herbal treatment. Orchid trade is used as a part of subsistence by orchid cultivators and vendors.

LEVANTAMENTO FITOSSOCIOLÓGICO NA CULTURA DO ABACAXI CULTIVADO NO NORTE DE MINAS GERAIS Objetivou-se identificar algumas das principais espécies de plantas daninhas em área cultivada com abacaxi no norte de Minas Gerais. O levantamento fitossociológico foi desenvolvido em duas épocas do ano, primavera-verão e outono-inverno, em área de plantio de abacaxi da Unimontes, utilizando o método do quadrado inventário (0,25 x 0,25 m). As amostras foram identificadas e quantificadas por famílias, gêneros e espécies, avaliando-se: frequência, frequência relativa, densidade, densidade relativa, abundância, abundância relativa, índice de valor de importância, índice de valor de importância relativa e índice de similaridade. No período de primavera-verão foram identificadas dez espécies, distribuídas em nove gêneros e oito famílias, destacando-se as famílias Euphorbiaceae e Poaceae, com duas espécies cada. As espécies com maiores índices de valor de importância foram Cyperus iria (77,29), Cynodon dactylon (51,99) e Euphorbia heterophylla (45,46). No período de outono-inverno foram identificadas seis famílias, sete gêneros e nove espécies, visto que três dessas da família Euphorbiaceae, com maior número de espécies. As espécies que alcançaram maiores índices de valor de importância no período de outono-inverno foram Amaranthus hybridus (48,64), Cyperus iria (48,11) e Euphorbia hirta (45,06). O índice de similaridade foi 84,21%, com 11 espécies em comum, demonstrando alta homogeneidade entre os dois períodos avaliados.Palavras-chave: abacaxicultura, fitossociologia, plantas daninhas, variáveis fitossociológicas. ABSTRACTThis study aimed to identify some of the main weed species in the pineapple crop grown in northern Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The phytosociological survey was carried out in two seasons, spring-summer and fall-winter, in a pineapple cultivation area of Unimontes, using the square inventory method (0.25 x 0.25 m). The samples were identified and quantified by families, genera and species, evaluating: frequency, relative frequency, density, relative density, abundance, relative abundance, importance value index, relative importance value index and similarity index. In the spring-summer period, ten species were identified, distributed in nine genera and eight families, highlighting the Euphorbiaceae and Poaceae families, with two species each. The species with the highest importance value indexes were Cyperus iria (77.29), Cynodon dactylon (51.99) and Euphorbia heterophylla (45.46). In the fall-winter period, six families, seven genera and nine species were identified, since three of the Euphorbiaceae family, with more species. The species that showed greater importance value indexes in the fall-winter period were Amaranthus hybridus (48.64), Cyperus hiris (48.11) and Euphorbia hirta (45.06). The similarity index was 84.21%, with 11 species in common, demonstrating a high homogeneity between the two evaluated periods.Keywords: pineapple crop, phytosociology, weeds, phytosociological variables. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5935/2318-7670.v05n04a01

Salicylic acid has one of its characteristics the allelopathic potential. The present paper, is a research quantitative in nature aimed to assess the allelopathic potential of salicylic acid to identify the best concentration range for other pure substances. The bioassays were performed in a BOD incubator, seeking to assess the seedling growth by measuring the radicle and hypocotyl length. Each bioassay occurred for 12 days. The concentrations of salicylic acid used in the bioassays were: 1000, 750, 500, 250, 125, and 62.5 ppm and control. The obtained data were submitted to the tests: Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality, the two-way ANOVA with repetition, and Tukey. Based on the results obtained, it was possible to observe that several concentrations demonstrated significant differences, i.e., there is an allelopathic activity in both species (Euphorbia heterophylla and Bidens pilosa). The highlights were for the concentrations of 750 and 1000 ppm for E. heterophylla and 500, 750 and 1000 ppm for B. pilosa. However, there was no significant difference between these concentration groups. The radicle’s length was the part most negatively affected. These results can be used to identify better concentrations for other pure substances, which are usually obtained in small quantities, being useful in the formulation of a product with characteristics of bio-herbicides.

This work aimed to determine the competitive ability of two varieties of cassava against six weed species at initial growth stages, in relation to the allocation of dry mass in plants. The trial was conducted as a factorial experiment, with two cassava genotypes (IAC - 12 and Periquita) under competition with six weed species (Euphorbia heterophylla, Bidens pilosa, Cenchrus echinatus, Amaranthus spinosus, Commelina benghalensisand Brachiaria plantaginea), plus eight treatments corresponding to cassava varieties and weed species free from competition. The period of competition between cassava varieties and weeds was 75 days after crop emergence, when shoot and root mass were collected for evaluation of leaf area as well as, dry mass accumulation and distribution along plant organs (roots, leaves and stem). Cassava varieties presented smaller dry mass accumulation when under competition with weed species. Roots were the most affected organ by the competition. On the other hand, partition of dry mass in weeds was barely affected. In general terms, cassava variety Periquita was the most tolerant genotype to the competition and B. plantaginea was the weed species with higher competitive ability. Key words: Weed species, cassava genotypes, competition, dry matter accumulation.

Fez-se o levantamento da flora infestante na lavoura do milho "safrinha" nas duas principais regiões de plantio no Estado de São Paulo, em 1995. Foram visitadas 85 lavouras na Região do Médio Vale do Paranapanema e 29 na Região Norte. Nesta, em quatro lavouras fez-se a semeadura na palha e em 25, em solo com preparo de gradagem simples, todos sem herbicida. Naquela, a semeadura na palha foi em 68 lavouras, em 11 fez-se gradagem simples e, em seis, gradagem dupla, havendo aplicação de herbicidas de POS em algumas áreas. As espécies que ocorreram, segundo a sua freqüência, foram, na Região Norte: Glycine max> Amaranthus retroflexus> Acanthospermum hispidum = Bidens pilosa = Alternanthera tenella > Cenchrus echinatus > Euphorbia heterophylla > Ipomoea spp. > Commelina benghalensis > Sida spp. = Eleusine indica; e, na Região do Médio Vale do Paranapanema: Euphorbia heterophylla = Glycine max = Commelina benghalensis > Bidens pilosa = Raphanus sativus > Cenchrus echinatus = Acanthospermum hispidum > Brachiaria plantaginea > Sida spp. = Coronopus didymus > Eleusine indica > Digitaria horizontalis > Amaranthus retroflexus. O preparo do solo com gradagem dupla, resultou em menor índice de ocorrência de alta infestação, seguida da gradagem simples. O uso de herbicidas, de modo geral, também reduziu esse índice. As espécies Commelina benghalensis, Digitaria horizontalis, Sida spp., Eleusine indica e Amaranthus hibridus ocorreram apenas com a semeadura direta na Região do Paranapanema. Na Região Norte, Ipomoea spp. e Euphorbia heterophylla só ocorreram nas áreas com gradagem simples.

Euphorbia heterophylla Linn., Euphorbia hirta Linn., Euphorbia hyssopifolia Linn. and Euphorbia prostrata Linn. are four noxious, yet economically important weeds, useful as phytomedicine in some parts of the world and also in Nigeria. Studies were carried out on their reproductive biology with a view to understanding the mode of their spread. Parameters investigated include number of days to seedling emergence, germinationpercentage, number of days to flowering, period to anthesis, pollinators, pollen viability, pollen size, floral structure, fruits type, seeds type, average number of fruit per plant, average number of seeds per plant and mode of seed dispersal. Results obtained showed that the seedlings of the four Euphorbia species studied emerged within 3 to 5 days; numbers of days to 50% flowering took 44 to 58 days; while flowering and fruiting continuedthroughout the remaining part of the year; thus exhibited r-strategy, expending more time and allocation of resources on their reproductive phases than their vegetative phases. Also differences existed in their stigma shape, perianth colour, perianth texture, pollen sizes, pollen viability as well as ripened colour of seed which were all significant characters that could be useful in delimiting the species. Furthermore, the study revealed that thefour species were essentially insect pollinated and their seeds dispersed by means of explosive mechanism usually characteristic of their schizocarpic fruits. This ability as well as their tendency to exhibit r-strategy could probably account for their ability to spread and invade cultivated fields, waste lands and roadsides.
 Keywords: Explosive mechanism, r-Strategy, Seed dispersal, Pollen viability, Seed set

Context:Euphorbia pulcherrima (EP) belongs to the family: Euphorbiaceae and Genus: Euphorbia. Many species of Euphorbia have been reported as having beneficial properties like anticonvulsive effect, central analgesic properties, antipyretic action, central depressant action and strong sedative effect. However, little study has been done and published on EP.Aims:To observe and evaluate various neuropharmacological effects like antinociceptive effect, anticonvulsant effect, motor in-coordination, pentobarbital induced sleeping time and behavioral responses of EP in mice and rats.Setting and Design:Quantitative experimental study in mice and rats by various experimental models.Materials and Methods:Different experimental models were used to assess the antinociceptive effect (hotplate, tail flick and acetic acid induced writhing test), anticonvulsant effect (Maximal Electroshock Seizure test [MES] and Pentylenetetrazole induced seizures [PTZ]), motor in-coordination effect (Rota rod test), pentobarbital induced sleeping time and behavioral responses of EP in mice and rats after oral administration of EP crude dried extracts in three different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg).Statistical Analysis Used:The significance of difference with respect to control was evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test. A probability (P-value) level less than 0.05 was considered as significant.Results:In MES test model, duration of tonic hind limb extension in mice treated with EP was significantly less as compared to vehicle treated group. EP was most effective in a dose of 1000 mg/kg. There was also significant increase in the latency and decrease in the incidence of convulsions with the use of EP in three different doses in PTZ induced seizure model.Conclusions:This study showed EP (crude dried) extracts to possess anticonvulsant properties but no effect on motor co-ordination and anxiety.