Annua Seeds Research Articles

Cultivated Winter-Type Lunaria annua L. Seed: Deciphering the Glucosinolate Profile Integrating HPLC, LC-MS and GC-MS Analyses, and Determination of Fatty Acid Composition.

Lunaria annua L. (Brassicaceae) is an ornamental plant newly identified in Europe as a promising industrial oilseed crop for its valuable very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), especially erucic acid (EA) and nervonic acid (NA). L. annua seeds were obtained from annual winter-type plants selected and cultivated in Northern France. Using a systematic multiple-method approach, we set out to determine the profile and content of glucosinolates (GSLs), which are the relevant chemical tag of Brassicaceae. Intact GSLs were analyzed through a well-established LC-MS method. Identification and quantification were performed by HPLC-PDA of desulfo-GSLs (dGLs) according to the official EU ISO method. Moreover, GSL structures were confirmed by GC-MS analysis of the related isothiocyanates (ITCs). Seven GSLs were identified, directly or indirectly, as follows: 1-methylethyl GSL, (1S)-1-methylpropyl GSL, (Rs)-5-(methylsulfinyl)pentyl GSL, (Rs)-6-(methylsulfinyl)hexyl GSL, (2S)-2-hydroxy-4-pentenyl GSL, 2-phenylethyl GSL, and 1-methoxyindol-3-ylmethyl GSL. In other respects, the FA composition of the seed oil was determined. Results revealed cultivated L. annua seed to be a source of NA-rich oil, and presscake as a valuable coproduct. This presscake is indeed rich in GSLs (4.3% w/w), precursors of promising bioactive molecules for agricultural and nutraceutical applications.

The “Trojan horse” strategy: Seed fungal endophyte symbiosis helps to explain the invasion success of the grass, Poa annua, in Maritime Antarctica

AbstractAimPoa annua L. (annual bluegrass) is presently the sole invasive vascular plant species to have successfully established in Maritime Antarctica, where it poses a significant conservation threat to native plant species. However, the reasons for its success in the region have yet to be established. Here, we determined whether the invasiveness of P. annua, and its competitiveness with the native Antarctic hairgrass Deschampsia antarctica, is influenced by symbioses formed with seed fungal endophytes, and whether plants derived from seeds from four global regions differ in their performance.LocationsFour regions (Maritime Antarctica, sub‐Antarctica, South America and Europe).MethodsEndophyte frequency was measured in P. annua seeds collected from the four regions. The germination, survival, biomass accumulation, flowering and competitiveness with D. antarctica of P. annua plants grown from endophyte‐uncolonised and uncolonised seeds was determined in the laboratory. The effects of endophytes on P. annua seed germination and survival and seedling osmoprotection were also assessed in the Maritime Antarctic natural environment using locally‐sourced seeds.ResultsEndophytes were at least twice as frequent in seeds from Maritime Antarctica than in those from other regions. A higher proportion of endophyte‐colonized seeds germinated and survived than did uncolonised seeds, but only when they originated from Maritime Antarctica. Seed endophytes increased the competitiveness of P. annua with D. antarctica, but only for plants grown from Maritime Antarctic seeds. In the field, endophyte‐colonized seeds from Maritime Antarctica germinated and survived more frequently than uncolonised seeds, and osmoprotection was higher in seedlings grown from colonized seed.Main ConclusionsThe findings indicate beneficial effects of seed endophytes on invasion‐related traits of P. annua, such as survival, germination success and flowering. Together with vegetative and reproductive traits facilitating the colonization process, the seed‐fungal endophyte symbiosis can be invoked as an important factor explaining the invasiveness of P. annua in Maritime Antarctica.

Seed fungal endophytes promote the establishment of invasive Poa annua in maritime Antarctica

ABSTRACT Background Invasive plants may displace native species. This is the case for Poa annua, the only non-native plant species successfully established in Maritime Antarctica. Nonetheless, it is uncertain which factors drive the competitive success of P. annua in the harsh environmental conditions of the region. The ability of this plant species to establish novel mutualistic interactions with resident soil fungi may be crucial for its invasiveness. Such ability may be linked to the vertical transmission of fungal endophytes via seeds. Aims We undertook a study to assess the role of seed fungal endophytes as promoters of the establishment and invasion of Poa annua in Maritime Antarctica. Methods We explored the composition and diversity of fungal communities associated with different P. annua tissues (seeds, leaves and roots) and the soil. We also measured parameters including germination rate, above-ground biomass, reproductive structures, and the survival of invasive P. annua as well as of the native Colobanthus quitensis and Deschampsia antarctica grown from seeds with and without endophytes. Furthermore, we conducted inter- and intraspecific competition experiments among native and invasive plants, where chemically mediated plant-to-plant interference (allelopathy) and plant growth rate were measured to calculate a relative competition index. Results We found that fungal endophyte taxa associated with P. annua tissues were very different from those in the soil. Fungal endophytes in P. annua differed among seed, root and shoot tissues, which suggests low transmission among different organs. The removal of endophytes from P. annua seeds was associated with reduced seed germination, plant growth and survivorship, while the competitive ability of P. annua (assessed by accumulated biomass) relative to native species, as well as levels of allelochemicals in soils, were higher in the presence of seed fungal endophytes. Conclusion Our results suggest that fungal endophytes, maternally inherited through seeds, improve host fitness and may contribute to the invasive success of P. annua in Antarctica.

INFLUENCE OF SOIL TYPE ON GROWTH AND ARTEMISININ CONTENT OF WORMWOOD (ARTEMISIA ANNUA L.) CHEN YOUNG VARIETY IN SOKOTO

Artemisia annua L. produce an array of complex secondary plant metabolite including artemisinin (ART), which kills the principal malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, a compound of current interest in the treatments of drug resistant malaria. However, this compound remain expensive and hardy available on global scale. Synthesis of ART has been proved to be economically impossible. Therefore, increase in yield of natural occurring ART is necessary. The study evaluated the influence of soil types on germination, growth and artemisinin content of A. annua of Chen Young variety in Sokoto agro ecological region of Nigeria and. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in 2017 at Botanical garden of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto. The seeds were sown in plastic pots containing clay, sandy and loamy soils in completely randomized design with 4 replications. Germination percentage (G), Mean germination time (MT), Coefficient of variation of the germination time (CVt), Mean germination rate (MR), Uncertainty of germination (U) and Synchrony of germination (Z) were evaluated. Growth parameter and Artemisinin content were also determined. ART was determined and quantified with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using calibration curve constructed by plotting the peak area against the concentration (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 µg/ml) of ART standard solutions. The results revealed that soil types had no significant effect on germination and growth parameters evaluated (P<0.05). However, clay had the highest G, MT and CVt than sandy and loamy soils. The highest speed of germination per day was observed on sandy soil. Clay soil had the least values of U (2.277±0.2 bit) while the degree of overlapping germination was frequent in the clay (Z). The result obtained shows that treatment had no significant effect on the growth parameters evaluated (P<0.05). Artemisinin content was significantly affected by soil type with the higher content in sandy soil (37.73 µg/ml) follow by clay and loamy soils with 17.90 and 15.70 µg/ml respectively. This study concludes that A. annua seeds can germinate and survived on different soils type in Savanna region of Nigeria. The study suggested the use of sandy soil in cultivation of the plant for its influence on high artemisinin content.

Effects of substrates on the emergence and growth of Artemisia annua L. (Asteraceae) in soilless culture in Daloa (West Central Côte d'Ivoire)

Artemisia annua is a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to prevent and treat malaria and other parasitosis. However, the production of Artemisia annua seems to face many problems especially in the germination of grains making it difficult to grow this promising plant. The objective of this work is to contribute to the improvement of the emergence and growth of Artemisia annua in soilless culture. To do so, Artemisia annua seeds were sown in a germinator made of three organic substrates: simple soil, carbonized rice husk soil and soil-compost all supplemented with decomposed chicken droppings. After 24 days in the nursery, the seedlings were transplanted onto three growth substrates of the same composition as those in the nursery. The results showed that the substrate made of carbonized rice husk and soil, supplemented with chicken droppings is the best substrate. Plants growing on this substrate had a higher number of leaves (65 leaves/plant) with a height of 15 cm and a diameter of 9 mm than plants growing on the other two substrates. Moreover, the popularization of the results of this work will allow to intensify the culture of Artemisia annua but also to direct the actors of the sector of Artemisia annua towards new sustainable and more promising cultural techniques in order to eradicate malaria in Côte d'Ivoire and even in the sub-region.

GC-MS ANALYSIS, HPTLC FINGERPRINT PROFILE AND DPPH FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING ASSAY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF MARTYNIA ANNUA LINN SEEDS

Objective: To investigate the photochemical constituents present in methanol extract of martynia annua seeds using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy(GC-MS), High-Performance Thin–Layer Chromatography(HPTLC) analysis and study antioxidant activity.
 Methods: Methanol extract of Martynia annua seeds were subjected to GC-MS and HPTLC analysis. HPTLC analysis was carried out using GAMAG system with a linomate5 applicator, system mobile phase (Toluene: Chloroform: Ethanol (4:4:1 V/V/V)), two different volume of extract was applied 2 µl and 5 µl. GC-MS analysis was carried out on JEOL GC MATE ΙΙ, column HP 5 MS and Quadruple double focusing mass analyzer. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH assay.
 Results: GC-MS analysis provided 17 peaks indicating the presence of seventeen different phytochemicals in methanol extract of martynia annua seeds. HPTLC fingerprint showed 6 peaks at both size 2 µl and 5 µl at 254 nm whereas 4 peaks, 9 peaks were detected at 366 nm for 2 µl and 5 µl respectively. After derivatization with 10 % methanolic sulphuric acid, 8 peaks, 11 peaks were detected for 2 µl and 5 µl respectively when the derivatized plate was scanned at 540 nm. DPPH free radical scavenging result showed EC50 value of 44.1±1.1 µg/ml.
 Conclusion: The GC-MS analysis showed the presence of fatty acids, ester, aldehydes and ketones whereas in HPTLC different peaks at different UV-lights before and after derivatization were observed. Maximum percentage inhibition using DPPH assay was found 74 at concentration of 50 µg/ml.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Variation of Declining Segetal Flora: The Case ofStachys annua(Lamiaceae) Populations Established in North-Eastern Poland

Stachys annua is a short-lived archaeophyte. In Poland it has been classified as threatened with extinction (VU). It prefers carbonate soils and occurs as a weed in cropped and stubble fields in traditionally farmed areas.Study of the occurrence of Stachys annua in North-Eastern Poland was conducted in 2009–2012 at four sites where the species occupied a minimum area of 30 m2 and occurred at each stage of a 4-year crop rotation (spring cereals, winter cereals, tuber crops and stubble fields). The floristically richest communities (25–34 species) were established in unploughed stubble fields, regardless of the habitat conditions. Phytocenoses with S. annua included rare species as demonstrated by high values of floristic value index (FV ranges from 25 to 36). Principle Component Analysis and Spearman rank correlations between plant traits and habitat conditions pointed to soil pH as the factor which determined S. annua phenotypic variation, in particular its height and seed production. The greatest phenotypic variation was found on the alkaline habitat, rich in nitrogen. On the other hand, the cluster analysis showed that the studied populations of inert nitrogen-poor habitats were the most similar.Electrophoretic analysis of storage proteins from S. annua seeds revealed a relatively high genetic similarity of studied populations which was reflected in the similarity coefficients — 0.76 and 0.61 by Dice and Jaccard, respectively. In the case of small or fragmented populations this poses a threat associated with inbreeding and genetic drift of S. annua, which indicates that populations of this species in the study area need to be protected from extinction.

Germination capacity of five polar Caryophyllaceae and Poaceae species under different temperature conditions

A compilation of the literature relating to the germination of five species of polar vascular plants, Cerastium alpinum, Colobanthus quitensis, Silene involucrata, Deschampsia antarctica and Poa annua, indicates that optimal temperature conditions for seed germination have never been identified for some of them, and the results reported for the remaining species are largely inconclusive. Our results and published findings suggest that significant differences in the germinability of the analysed five species and their species-specific germination responses to temperature and cold stratification could result from variations in their physiological dormancy levels. It is important that seed physiological development at time of collection, seed storing time and conditions are as equal as possible when comparing results from different studies. Our study revealed differences in the maximum germination percentages of those species, which ranged from very low (C. alpinum, 10 %) to very high (S. involucrata, 99 %). Silene involucrata, C. quitensis and D. antarctica have fast-germinating seeds, whereas P. annua is a long germinating species. Within the range of four tested temperatures (12, 20, 20/7 and 30/20 °C), the lowest germination percentage of S. involucrata seeds was observed at fluctuating temperature of 30/20 °C and C. quitensis seeds at 12 °C, the highest germination percentage of C. quitensis seeds was reported at fluctuating temperature of 20/7 °C and P. annua seeds at 12 °C, whereas the germination percentage of D. antarctica was not affected by temperature. A two-month cold stratification period stimulated germination in C. quitensis and D. antarctica, but it did not affect the germination of C. alpinum.

Diaspores of the Introduced Species Poa annua L. in Soil Samples from King George Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica)

The soil seed bank and seed germination capacity of Poa annua in the vicinity of the Polish Antarctic Station (South Shetlands, Antarctica) were investigated. It was documented that annual bluegrass can reproduce sexually and produce a functional seed bank of close to 5000 seeds/m2 under maritime Antarctic conditions. Comparison of germination between Poa annua and two native plant species revealed that Poa annua seeds can germinate as fast or even faster than native species, and are more vigorous. Our studies show that in the Antarctic Poa annua can successfully reproduce sexually and produce fully developed, viable caryopses that are able to survive the maritime Antarctic winter, not only in a soil bank, but also directly in the previous year’s inflorescences.

In vitro growth response of Artemisia annua seeds to different concentrations of plant growth regulators

Artemisia annua is a crop popularly known for its importance in the production of anti-malarial and possibly antibacterial agents and natural pesticides. A. annua anamed is a hybrid which is able to grow well in hot weather and still retain its anti-malarial characteristics. Seeds of annua were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) full strength without plant growth regulators, and also on MS medium augmented with varied concentrations of kinetin (0.025 to 0.1 mg/L) and benzyl amino purine (BA) (0.025 to 0.1 mg/L), while the auxin used, naphthalene acetic acid (NAA 0.01 mg/L) was constant for all treatments. At 16 weeks, data was collected and results were analyzed. The mean shoot and root length of plantlets regenerated from seeds was optimum for elongation, on 0.1 mg/L kinetin combined with 0.01 mg/L NAA. Single shoots formed on auxin free MS fortified with 0.025 mg/L BA, gave the highest mean number of nodes. Callus formation was evident at concentrations above 0.05 mg/L BA in combination with 0.01 mg/L NAA. Key words: Artemisia annua anamed, plant regeneration, benzyl amino purine (BA), napthalene acetic acid (NAA).

4-Formylaminooxyvinylglycine, an Herbicidal Germination-Arrest Factor from Pseudomonas Rhizosphere Bacteria

A new oxyvinylglycine has been identified as a naturally occurring herbicide that irreversibly arrests germination of the seeds of grassy weeds, such as annual bluegrass (Poa annua), without significantly affecting the growth of established grass seedlings and mature plants or germination of the seeds of broadleaf plant species (dicots). Previously, Pseudomonas fluorescens WH6 and over 20 other rhizosphere bacteria were isolated and selected for their ability to arrest germination of P. annua seeds. The germination-arrest factor (GAF, 1) responsible for this developmentally specific herbicidal action has now been isolated from the culture filtrate of P. fluorescens WH6. Purification of this highly polar, low molecular weight natural product allowed its structure to be assigned as 4-formylaminooxy-l-vinylglycine on the basis of NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data, in combination with D/L-amino acid oxidase reactions to establish the absolute configuration. Assay results for P. annua inhibition by related compounds known to regulate plant growth are presented, and a cellular target for 1 is proposed. Furthermore, using bioassays, TLC, and capillary NMR spectroscopy, it has been shown that GAF (1) is secreted by all other herbicidally active rhizosphere bacteria in our collection.

The Molecular Cloning of Artemisinic Aldehyde Δ11(13) Reductase and Its Role in Glandular Trichome-dependent Biosynthesis of Artemisinin in Artemisia annua

At some point during biosynthesis of the antimalarial artemisinin in glandular trichomes of Artemisia annua, the Delta11(13) double bond originating in amorpha-4,11-diene is reduced. This is thought to occur in artemisinic aldehyde, but other intermediates have been suggested. In an effort to understand double bond reduction in artemisinin biosynthesis, extracts of A. annua flower buds were investigated and found to contain artemisinic aldehyde Delta11(13) double bond reductase activity. Through a combination of partial protein purification, mass spectrometry, and expressed sequence tag analysis, a cDNA clone corresponding to the enzyme was isolated. The corresponding gene Dbr2, encoding a member of the enoate reductase family with similarity to plant 12-oxophytodienoate reductases, was found to be highly expressed in glandular trichomes. Recombinant Dbr2 was subsequently characterized and shown to be relatively specific for artemisinic aldehyde and to have some activity on small alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Expression in yeast of Dbr2 and genes encoding four other enzymes in the artemisinin pathway resulted in the accumulation of dihydroartemsinic acid. The relevance of Dbr2 to trichome-specific artemisinin biosynthesis is discussed.

Germination of Carrichtera annua (Brassicaceae) seeds on soil samples collected along a rainfall gradient in the Negev Desert of Israel

Germination of Carrichtera annua seeds on soil crusts and soil samples from beneath shrub canopies, collected from 9 or 10 locations along a rainfall gradient, was tested under laboratory conditions at 15 C in light. The germination trends are correlated to soil traits and average rainfall at the sites from which soil samples were collected. The average annual rainfall ranges from 50 mm in the central Negev Desert to 325 mm in the northern Negev. Germination of C. annua seeds on soil crusts was negatively correlated with the average annual precipitation at the source site. Total carbon content of the microphytic soil crusts was negatively correlated with C. annua seed germination. Soil crust microbial activity was positively correlated with the rainfall gradient. According to our findings, it seems that the properties of the soil substrate may affect seed germination and, therefore, distribution of plant species along the desert landscape.

水田産スズメノカタビラの種子に関する特性について

水田産スズメノカタビラの種子に関する特性について

The germination of mucilaginous seeds of t Plantago coronopus, Reboudia pinnata, and t Carrichtera annua on cyanobacterial soil crust from the Negev Desert

We studied the effect of intact, crushed or sterile cyanobacterial soil crust from the Negev Desert highlands of Israel as substrates for the germination of seeds of three annual plant species from local populations that produce mucilaginous seeds t Plantago coronopus, Reboudia pinnata and t Carrichtera annua. Mucilaginous seeds of these species were wetted on local intact cyanobacterial soil crust which inhibited their germination in comparison with their germination on filter paper. However, the percentage of germination of each species differed on sterile and crushed soil crust after 72 h of wetting. Germination of t Plantago coronopus seeds was inhibited mechanically and biologically on intact soil crust, since it was significantly higher on both crushed and sterile soil crust. Germination of t Reboudia pinnata seeds was slightly mechanically and biologically inhibited on intact soil crust, but germination on live crushed crust was higher than on sterile crushed crust. By contrast, germination of t Carrichtera annua seeds was not mechanically inhibited by live soil crust but there was significant biological acceleration of germination on intact soil crust relative to crushed soil crust. Each of the three species exhibited different requirements for germination. Germination of t P. coronopus is promoted by disturbances and removing the crust components (including its biological and structural effects). t R. pinnata and t C. annua germination is less affected by crust disturbance but is generally inhibited after removing the live components of the cyanobacterial crust. These species differences suggest different functions of the mucilage of the seed coat for the three species.

The accelerated germination of Carrichtera annua seeds and the stimulating and inhibiting effects produced by the mucilage at supra-optimal temperatures

The beds on which the mucilagenous seeds of the desert annual Carrichtera annua (Cruciferae) had been germinated and removed, had an insoluble stimulatory activity on other C. annua but not on pepper seeds, which were sown in the same beds. It is suggested that this activity belongs to the large mucilagenous envelope of the C. annua seeds which may ‘sense’ water and regulate germination. Two principles from the seeds were found in the bed at supra-optimal temperatures — a stimulatory one (water soluble and leachable, at 35 °C) and an inhibitory one (dominant at 40 °C and 45 °C). These are novel phenomena. Such activities probably exist in nature on the surface of the seeds.

Foods of CorellasCacatua pastinatorin Western Australia

The contents of crops from 138 Cacatua pastinator collected throughout Western Australia were examined. Abundances of the various food items reflected the land-use where the birds were collected. In the lower south-west, C. p. pastinator ate mainly Romulea rosea bulbs with moderate amounts of Avena sativa and Poa annua seeds whereas, in the wheatbelt the most frequent food for both C. p. pastinator and C. p. gymnopsis was wheat Triricum aestivum with Emex australis, Hordeum vulgare and A. sativa as important items. The diets of C. p. gymnopsls in the Murchison and Pilbara regions, and C. p. sanguinea in the Kimberley region, were more diverse with native species predominating except for those specimens collected around towns and farms where mainly wheat, oats A. sativa or sorghum Sorghum sp. had been eaten. This and other studies, indicate that corellas have broad food preferences that enable them to exploit a wide variety of habitats including those altered by humans.

Mercurialis annuaL. (Euphorbiaceae) seed interactions with the antMessor structor(Latr.), hymenoptera: Formicidae

SUMMARY Mercurialis annua seeds are shed all year round. In the period early April to mid October they are actively collected by Messor structor. This ant transports the seeds to the nest and removes a seed appendage containing lipid and protein reserves known as caruncle. After this ‘manipulation’ the seeds are able to germinate but they are deposited in small chambers inside the ant nest where they are prevented from germinating. They germinate if experimentally removed from the nest or if disturbed by man or animals. During the experiments the seeds germinated after being washed in running water for 24 h or if the caruncle was physically removed. The seeds of this plant species thus have two ways of terminating dormancy. Ants remove both the mechanical and the chemical inhibitor, water only removes the chemical one.

Seed Germination in Iva Annua L.

Optimum germination of Iva annua seeds occur at 15° C. Temperature and salinity interact in their effect on germination. Increases in osmotic concentration of media cause a gradual decrease in germination percentages at optimal temperatures. Sodium chloride, the most common salt in saline areas occupied by I. annua, has an osmotic rather than a toxic effect on germination.