Botanical Research Articles

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles Induced Growth and Physio-Biochemical Changes in Maize (Zea mays L.) in Saline Soil.

Research on nanoparticles (NPs) is gaining great attention in modulating abiotic stress tolerance and improving crop productivity. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) on growth and biochemical characteristics in two maize hybrids (YH-5427 and FH-1046) grown under normal conditions or subjected to saline stress. A pot-culture experiment was carried out in the Botanical Research Area of "the University of Lahore", Lahore, Pakistan, in a completely randomized design. At two phenological stages, both maize hybrids were irrigated with the same amount of distilled water or NaCl solution (EC = 5 dS m-1) and subjected or not to foliar treatment with a suspension of CuO-NPs. The salt stress significantly reduced the photosynthetic parameters (photosynthetic rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance), while the sodium content in the shoot and root increased. The foliar spray with CuO-NPs improved the growth and photosynthetic attributes, along with the N, P, K, Ca, and Mg content in the roots and shoots. However, the maize hybrid YH-5427 responded better than the other hybrid to the saline stress when sprayed with CuO-NPs. Overall, the findings of the current investigation demonstrated that CuO-NPs can help to reduce the adverse effects of salinity stress on maize plants by improving growth and physio-biochemical attributes.

BiodiverseCity St. Louis—An Initiative of the Missouri Botanical Garden

Botanical gardens are addressing urgent biodiversity issues through plant-based capacities including botanical research and data-sharing, conservation horticulture, ecological restoration, seed banking, and more. The Missouri Botanical Garden initiative BiodiverseCity St. Louis, led by the Garden’s sustainability division, adds broad community engagement to this mix. This work includes public and professional education, the demonstration and promotion of ecological landscaping and Green Infrastructure practices, citizen science programs, and coordinating communications for a regional network of partner organizations focused on biodiversity. Diverse activity engages businesses, local governments, elementary and secondary (K-12) schools, colleges, and community groups. Community biodiversity work at the Garden is informed by an institutional core of scientific rigor, provides opportunity for internal collaborations, and aligns with global strategies for plant conservation—to ground impactful local work. Missouri Botanical Garden’s experience offers a model for public gardens: leveraging modes of community engagement, in concert with diverse institutional strengths, to address biodiversity needs.

Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity of Solanum elaeagnifolium extract in Swiss albino mice

IntroductionThe curative effects of Solanum elaeagnifolium have aroused the interest of botanical medicine researchers. However, no research has been carried out into its potential toxicity. The aim of this study was firstly to screen the secondary metabolites contained in the leaves and fruits of S. elaeagnifolium and their mineralogical composition, and secondly to assess the acute oral toxicity of S. elaeagnifolium in Swiss albino mice. MethodsThe amount of minerals in the plant powder was assessed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and phytochemical screening was performed. The hydroethanolic extracts of the leaves and fruits of this plant were prepared using the maceration method. Acute oral toxicity was assessed according to the OECD guideline 423. Mice were given leaf extracts (SEFE) and fruit extracts (SEFR) once at doses of 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg in an acute toxicity study. The animals were then monitored for 14 days. The animals were then monitored for 14 days. To rule out any potential toxicity, the general behavior of the animals, the clinical symptoms of poisoning, body weight, biochemical and hematological markers, and liver, kidney, and spleen histology were examined. ResultsThe two different plant extracts comprised very important mineralogical elements such as Mg, Zn, and k, as well as secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and flavonoids, these chemical elements were shown to have very important biological activities. An oral administration of a hydroethanolic extract of S. elaeagnifolium leaves and fruits at a dose of 2000 mg/kg resulted in toxicity and death in mice. We found no significant difference in the weight of the mice. For doses less than 2000 mg/kg, biochemical markers in the liver, kidneys, and hematology did not differ significantly from those in the control group. Furthermore, there were no changes in hematological markers. Furthermore, the architecture of the liver, spleen, and kidney was normal and histopathological analysis did not reveal significant adverse effects. ConclusionsThese findings indicate that the plant harbors a significant array of secondary metabolites and minerals. S. elaeagnifolium exhibited signs of toxicity and induced histological, hematological, and biochemical alterations at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight. These comprehensive studies will help to improve our understanding of S. elaeagnifolium safety and potential utility, laying the groundwork for its safe use in a variety of settings.

Botany and geogenomics: Constraining geological hypotheses in the neotropics with large-scale genetic data derived from plants.

Decades of empirical research have revealed how the geological history of our planet shaped plant evolution by establishing well-known patterns (e.g., how mountain uplift resulted in high rates of diversification and replicate radiations in montane plant taxa). This follows a traditional approach where botanical data are interpreted in light of geological events. In this synthesis, I instead describe how by integrating natural history, phylogenetics, and population genetics, botanical research can be applied alongside geology and paleontology to inform our understanding of past geological and climatic processes. This conceptual shift aligns with the goals of the emerging field of geogenomics. In the neotropics, plant geogenomics is a powerful tool for the reciprocal exploration of two long standing questions in biology and geology: how the dynamic landscape of the region came to be and how it shaped the evolution of the richest flora. Current challenges that are specific to analytical approaches for plant geogenomics are discussed. I describe the scale at which various geological questions can be addressed from biological data and what makes some groups of plants excellent model systems for geogenomics research. Although plant geogenomics is discussed with reference to the neotropics, the recommendations given here for approaches to plant geogenomics can and should be expanded to exploring long-standing questions on how the earth evolved with the use of plant DNA.

Global Modern Oasis Design Innovation through Reviving Ancient Egyptian Gardens

This study bridges this gap by exploring the origins, composition, and cultural significance of Egyptian gardens. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining historical analysis and botanical research, we uncover the intricate interplay between trees, vegetables, and flowers within these gardens. Our findings reveal a sophisticated horticultural tradition, where lilies, roses, and various herbs held symbolic and practical importance. Furthermore, drawing parallels between ancient practices and modern landscaping, we propose the integration of Egyptian garden motifs into contemporary park designs in Uzbekistan. By blending historical inspiration with innovative techniques, this endeavor not only enriches the aesthetic landscape but also honors the rich heritage of Eastern civilizations, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation. Highlights: Multidisciplinary approach: Integrating historical analysis and botanical research unveils the complex composition and cultural significance of ancient Egyptian gardens. Symbolic flora: Lilies, roses, and herbs not only adorned Egyptian gardens but held profound symbolic and practical importance, reflecting religious and societal values. Contemporary integration: Proposing the incorporation of Egyptian garden motifs into modern park designs in Uzbekistan fosters cultural exchange and enriches the aesthetic landscape, honoring Eastern civilizations' rich heritage. Keywords: Ancient Egyptian, Horticultural Tradition, Cultural Heritage

Aboveground Biomass Estimation and Time Series Analyses in Mongolian Grasslands Utilizing PlanetScope Imagery

Mongolia, situated in central Asia and bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, experiences a semi-arid climate across most of its territory. Grasslands are pivotal in Mongolia’s agricultural sustainability and food security, facing rapid changes in the last two decades that underscore the ongoing need for innovative approaches to assess vegetation conditions. This study aims to evaluate grassland biomass measurement and prediction through the analysis of high-resolution satellite data. By conducting a time series assessment of grazing-induced changes in vegetation dynamics at the long-term monitoring sites of the Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, we seek to refine our understanding. The investigation covers biomass estimation across various Mongolian grassland landscapes, encompassing desert, steppe, and mountain regions. Spanning the grassland growing season from May 2020 to October 2023, the research leveraged diverse ground data types, including surface reflectance measurements, geographic coordinates for satellite data correction, and aboveground dry biomass. These components were instrumental in developing a biomass estimation model reliant on establishing correlations between the satellite-derived Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and biomass. The predicted biomass facilitated the time series map analysis and dynamic analysis. The PlanetScope surface reflectance correlates strongly at 0.97 with field measurements, indicating robust relations. Biomass and the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index show correlations of 0.82 for dry grassland, 0.80 for mountain grassland, and 0.65 for desert grassland, with a combined correlation coefficient of 0.62, revealing distinct characteristics across these grasslands. Time series dynamic analysis reveals rising biomass differences between grazed and ungrazed areas, suggesting potential grassland degradation. Variations in the slope coefficient of biomass differences among grassland types indicate differing degradation patterns, emphasizing the need for effective grazing management practices to sustain and conserve Mongolian grasslands. This highlights the potential of remote sensing in monitoring and managing grassland ecosystems.

Screening and biodiversity analysis of cultivable inorganic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria in the rhizosphere of Hydrilla verticillata.

The inorganic phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (IPB) in the rhizosphere of Hydrilla verticillata can convert insoluble inorganic phosphorus in the environment into soluble phosphorus that can be directly absorbed and utilized by Hydrilla verticillata. In this research, the roots and rhizosphere sediments of Hydrilla verticillata were collected from high-organic matter urban landscape water. The National Botanical Research Institute's Phosphate growth medium (NBRIP medium) was used to screen for efficient cultivable IPB. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis was used to determine the taxonomic affiliation of the strains, and ammonium molybdate spectrophotometry was used to detect the phosphate-solubilizing ability of the strains. The results show that a total of 28 IPB strains with good phosphate-solubilizing effect are obtained from the roots and rhizosphere sediments of Hydrilla verticillata. These IPB strains belong to two phyla, four orders, seven classes, nine families, and nine genera. Among these, Bacillus and Acinetobacter are the dominant genera, and the strains SWIH-7, SWIP-6, SWIP-7, SWIP-13, SWIP-15 and SWIP-16 are potential new species. The IPB strains isolated and screened in this research are rich in diversity, with potential new species and stable phosphate-solubilizing characteristic. These IPB strains are suitable for further development as microbial bacterial agents, which can be applied to promote the recovery of submerged plants in polluted water with high-organic matter, treatment of polluted water and ecological restoration of water.

Characterization and evaluation of potential halotolerant phosphate solubilizing bacteria from Salicornia fruticosa rhizosphere.

Soil salinization is a significant abiotic factor threatening agricultural production, while the low availability of phosphorus (P) in plants is another worldwide limitation. Approximately 95-99% of the P in soil is unavailable to plants. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) transform insoluble phosphates into soluble forms that plants can utilize. The application of PSB can replace or partially reduce the use of P fertilizers. Therefore, selecting bacteria with high solubilization capacity from extreme environments, such as saline soils, becomes crucial. This study aimed to identify twenty-nine bacterial strains from the rhizosphere of Salicornia fruticosa by sequencing the 16S rDNA gene, evaluate their development in increasing concentrations of NaCl, classify them according to their salinity response, and determine their P solubilization capability. The bacteria were cultivated in nutrient agar medium with NaCl concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 30%. The phosphate solubilization capacity of the bacteria was evaluated in angar and broth National Botanical Research Institute (NBRIP) media supplemented with calcium phosphate (CaHPO4) and aluminum phosphate (AlPO4), and increased with 3% NaCl. All bacterial strains were classified as halotolerant and identified to the genera Bacillus, Enterobacter, Halomonas, Kushneria, Oceanobacillus, Pantoea, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus, with only one isolate was not identified. The isolates with the highest ability to solubilize phosphorus from CaHPO4 in the liquid medium were Kushneria sp. (SS102) and Enterobacter sp. (SS186), with 989.53 and 956.37 mg·Kg-1 P content and final pH of 4.1 and 3.9, respectively. For the solubilization of AlPO4, the most effective isolates were Bacillus sp. (SS89) and Oceanobacillus sp. (SS94), which raised soluble P by 61.10 and 45.82 mg·Kg-1 and final pH of 2.9 and 3.6, respectively. These bacteria demonstrated promising results in in vitro P solubilization and can present potential for the development of bioinput. Further analyses, involving different phosphate sources and the composition of produced organic acids, will be conducted to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of their applications in sustainable agriculture.

A microencapsulated blend of botanicals supports weaning piglets during a lipopolysaccharide challenge by modulating liver inflammation and intestinal integrity.

This study examined the action of a blend of botanicals (BOT) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation on cultured hepatocytes and weaning piglets. In vitro studies examined HepG2 cells treated with BOT and challenged with Escherichiacoli LPS for 8 d. BOT treatment reduced IL-6 concentration in cell culture media across time (P < 0.05) and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression on days 1 and 8 of experiment (TNFα, IL-1β; P < 0.05). BOT also increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes (GPX-2, SOD, CAT) on day 8 (P < 0.05), which was supported by lowered reactive oxygen species concentration after LPS challenge (P < 0.1). The in vivo study was conducted with 72 weaning pigs, allotted into 24 pens and divided into 3 groups: a negative control (CTR-, basal diet), a challenged control (CTR+) that received an intraperitoneal injection of E. coli O55:B5 LPS on days 14 and 16, and a challenged treated group which received a diet containing 1.5g/kg of microencapsulated BOT (BOT+) for the whole duration of the study. Growth performance was determined weekly and, on days 21 (1 animal per pen) and 28 (remaining animals), pigs were sacrificed to collect liver and jejunal tissues. After the challenge, BOT+ pigs had increased BW on days 21 (P < 0.05) and 28 (P < 0.1) compared to CTR+. Similar improvements in average daily gain and FCR on days 14 to 21 (P < 0.05) and 21 to 28 (P < 0.1) were also seen in BOT+ group. In the liver, compared to CTR+ pigs, BOT+ pigs haddownregulated expression of TLR-4, IL-6, IFN-γ on day 21 (P < 0.05), and TLR-4, TNF-α, IL-8 on day 28 (P < 0.05). BOT+ also increased GPX-2 expression on days 21 and 28 (P < 0.05), while also upregulating SOD-1 and SOD-2 on day 21 (P < 0.05) and CAT on day 28 (P < 0.05) compared to CTR+. In the jejunum, BOT+ reduced inflammation by affecting cytokine expression (P < 0.05) and increasing the expression of tight-junction proteins, ZO-1 on day 21 and CLD-1 on day 28 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, BOT+ pigs had lower crypt depth on days 21 (P < 0.1) and 28 (P < 0.05), and increased villi-to-crypt ratio on days 21 and 28 (P < 0.05). By day 28, BOT+ intestinal measurements were restored to values similar to the CTR-. Finally, BOT+ also reduced mast cell activation on day 21 (P < 0.05) compared to CTR+. Considering all the findings, BOT controlled inflammatory activation and oxidative stress in liver cells, enhanced intestinal integrity, and as a result improved the growth performance of weaning piglets challenged with LPS.

Ақтөбе флористикалық округі флорасының қалыптасу тарихы мәселесі

The question of the origin and history of flora formation is one of the most important areas of botanical and geographical research. The solution of this issue is possible only on the basis of materials from paleobotany, paleogeography, paleogeology, phytostratigraphy, paleoclimatology, paleontology, as well as the identification and study of relict plant species of flora. The purpose of the work is to consider the main stages of the genesis of the flora of the Aktobe floral district. The urgency of the problem is due to the need to develop theoretical problems of phlorogenesis and phytocenogenesis and to reflect them on a specific regional material. The work was carried out on the basis of literature data on the genesis of flora, geomorphology and climatology, as well as on long-term herbarium materials collected by us using the route method. The analysis of the areas of relict species of the study area demonstrates the pronounced connections of flora with the forest, forest-steppe, steppe zones of Europe, Siberia, the Turan deserts, mountainous Central Asia, as well as the presence of certain connections with the Caucasus, the Mediterranean and once again confirms the duality of the nature of the steppes: on the one hand from the light-tolerant species of the Arctic-tertiary root, and on the other the sides are from the ancient Mediterranean". The study of materials on paleobotany, paleogeography, paleogeology, phytostratigraphy, paleoclimatology and the analysis of relics reflect the complexity and heterogeneity and heterochronicity of the process of florogenesis of the Aktobe floristic district.

Effect of physical and chemical mutagens on morphological characters and vegetative abnormalities in commercial varieties of gladiolus (Gladiolus grandiflorus L.)

The current study was conducted to investigate entitled “Effect of physical and chemical mutagens on morphological characters and vegetative abnormalities in commercial varieties of gladiolus was laid out in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications, nine treatments, and 18 treatment combinations separately during rabi season of 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Department of Horticulture, Janta College, Bakewar, Etawah. The corms of two cultivars American Beauty and Nova Lux were irradiated with gamma 1kR, 2 kR, 3 kR, 4kR and 5 kR and for chemical mutagenesis the corms were dipped in a solution of 0.4% EMS, 0.6% EMS and 0.8% EMS. The Gamma irradiation of corms has been done at Gamma chamber at CSIRNational Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow (India) during First week of November 2020. In M2 generation results indicated that the mutagenic treatments at lower doses had significant stimulative effect on some parameters. The maximum length of largest leaf (2kR gamma irradiation), width of longest leaf (1kRgamma irradiation) and number of leaves per plant (2kR gamma irradiation) were recorded. The maximum vegetative abnormalities (%) were observed under the treatment @ (5kR Gamma irradiation), followed by @ (0.8% EMS solution) under the south-western agro-climatic conditions of Uttar Pradesh. Thus it could be concluded that Gamma irradiations and EMS at lower concentrations gave better results.

The vascular flora of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park (Northern Apennines, Italy): updating the checklist

Plant species inventories are crucial for botanical research and plant conservation, as they provide fundamental data regarding the measurement and distribution of biodiversity. To be effective, floristic lists must be prepared and continuously updated at global and local level. For these reasons, this study was aimed to update and discuss the vascular plant list of the flora of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park, an important Italian Protected Area located in the Northern Apennines (Italy). We implemented the existing checklist published in 2010 (with data updated to 2008) by analysing both published and unpublished data up to 31.12.2023. We also carried out some museum checks on exiccata in the Central Italic Herbarium of Florence and in other herbaria. The study was also aimed to verify whether the updated native and alien floristic richness of the area resulted to be higher or lower than expected. In total, the number of species recorded are 1415. Of these, 1172 species from 100 families are considered native confirmed by data obtained after 1960, while others can be distinguished as non-native to the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park territory (mostly cultivated), doubtful, or in some cases excluded. There was an increase of 58 species compared to 2010, of which 45 are native. According to the best performing species-area formula with respect to vascular plant species, in the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park the native floristic richness resulted to be a little higher than expected (1172 against 1159). At the same time, the alien floristic richness (naturalised and invasive species, as no casuals were detected) resulted to be much lower than expected (24 against 109), reinforcing the already well-known great conservation value of this area. The extent of the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falrerona, Campigna National Park’s phytodiversity is confirmed to be very high. This is caused by the fact that this territory hosts forest ecosystems of great value, considered among those best preserved at European level, and has a geographical position that makes it a connection between two very differentiated floristic contingents, one coming from the north (Alps, Northern Apennines) and the other from the south (Italian Peninsula, Central and Southern Apennines). The updated characteristics of the chorology shows in fact that various plants in Italy have their southern or northern distribution limit here. However, the Italian endemism that characterises the flora is essentially north-Apennine and peninsular (3.1%), while the most consistent chorotype, in percentage terms, is the European sensu lato (&gt; 25.5%). The life-form spectrum, the presence of rare, conservation-interest, doubtful and alien species are also updated and discussed. The characteristics of all the confirmed flora and of the flora of conservation interest with respect to the various habitats are outlined. The updated checklist provides the Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park with an essential database to manage this territory, and quite precisely quantified the plant diversity present here. Moreover, it has highlighted the lacunae in floristic knowledge, towards which future research should be directed, giving information about rare plants, species not reported after 1960, and taxa, which need to be studied taxonomically more in depth, since the flora varies over time and the checklists, like any other information tool, must be implemented and continuously improved.

What does the „true” Boerhaave herbarium tell us about the practice of collecting plant specimens in the botanical garden Leiden?

The Dutch physician Herman Boerhaave (1668–1738) was famous for his clinical teaching, but his botanical research was also renowned. Boerhaave (Fig.1) inspired his pupils to set up botanical gardens and devise their own classification systems. His research resulted in the publication of two editions of the garden catalogue of the Leiden Hortus Botanicus, of which the latter (Boerhaave 1720), was deemed important enough to be used extensively as reference by Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1737). Devising a classification system was a major enterprise and must have required a substantial herbarium. Two herbaria were attributed to Boerhaave, but it appears unlikely – even though they have not yet been researched – that they were actually composed by him. From the collection of Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, we selected 100 specimens that were listed as collected by Boerhaave and verified 88 specimens as having been collected by Boerhaave. However, this small number raises the following questions: What happened to the rest of the herbarium that Boerhaave created? And how can we recognise a Boerhaave specimen?

LANKESTER CATALOGUE OF COSTA RICAN ORCHIDACEAE

This study presents an updated comprehensive catalogue of the Costa Rican orchid flora. We have documented 1684 species, four subspecies, 14 natural hybrids, and seven forms across 201 genera and two nothogenera, × Bensteinia and × Cochlezella. All Orchidaceae subfamilies are represented except for Apostasioideae. The subtribe Pleurothallidinae accounts for about 35% of all the species, followed by Laeliinae (20%) and Oncidiinae (+12%). The most species-rich genera in Costa Rica are Epidendrum (245 spp.), Lepanthes (163 spp.), Stelis (109 spp.), and Pleurothallis (63 spp.). About 30% of all the species are endemic, primarily concentrated in Lepanthes (109 spp. = 67%), Epidendrum (76 spp. = 31%), Stelis (40 spp. = 37%), Telipogon (35 spp. = 88%), and Pleurothallis (31 spp. = 46%). All species are vouchered by specimens housed in major public herbaria, including CR, JBL, and USJ in Costa Rica, as well as AMES, K, SEL, US, and W, on the international scale, among others. The catalogue includes 5300 orchid names at the specific and subspecific ranks, nearly 70% of which are treated as synonyms. The new catalog presents an increase of 324 species compared to its predecessor, published twenty years ago, a net increment of almost 24%. The rise in the recorded richness of the Costa Rican orchid flora is mainly attributed to the discovery of species new to science and a lesser extent, taxa newly recorded for the country as the result of the systematic explorations carried out in Costa Rica during the present century. A phylogenetic arrangement of the genera recorded in Costa Rica, from the rank of subfamily to that of subtribe, is presented, including a synopsis of the diversity recorded for each genus. An enumerated checklist of the accepted species and a comprehensive index of accepted names and synonyms are also provided. The index is cross-referenced with both the checklist and the main catalogue. New combinations for Andreettaea fimbriata and Camaridium muscoides are proposed. Photographs of representative species from the majority of genera, based on Costa Rican vouchers, are included. We expect that this catalogue will inspire orchidological and botanical research in Costa Rica and other Neotropical regions, leading to additional discoveries in the upcoming years

HISTORY OF BOTANICAL RESEARCH IN THE TILIGUL ESTUARY REGION

Introduction. Two regional landscape parks and 5 reserves have been established on the shores of the Tiligulsky Lagoon. The proposal is to organize a single national natural park in this area. This lagoon is part of the Emerald Network of Europe. However, the flora of the area is currently insufficiently studied, and there is no comprehensive understanding of the most valuable fraction of the flora, the halophytes. To gain a more complete understanding of the state of the territory’s flora and its environmental value, it is necessary to review the results of previous botanical research. Objective. The purpose of this work is a retrospective analysis of research on the plant world of the Tiligulsky Lagoon, its shores and adjacent areas. Methodology. The classical method of analyzing literary sourses was used. Main results. In total, data on the flora and vegetation of the Tiligulsky Lagoon region were found in 122 literary sources, which include both specialized works with information on plant species and locations and more general studies covering larger territories, including the Tiligulsky Lagoon area. The history of research on the territory is divided into 4 stages. In the ancient stage, no specific botanical work was conducted in the region, and the works of this period are of a general nature, describing extensive territories that include the Tiligulsky Lagoon area. More specific research began in the 18 th century during the Russian imperial period. The first references to specific plant species in the studied territory belong to A. K. Meyer and date back to 1794. Works by P. S. Shesterikov and Y. K. Pachosky are particularly noteworthy in this period for the number of publications and plant species they mention. During the Soviet period, scientists such as V. G. Tanfiliev, G. Y. Potapenko, I. I. Pogrebnyak, L. I. Kritska, V. S. Tkachenko, O. V. Kostilyov, Y. R. Shelyag- Sosonko, and O. V. Kostilyov extensively studied the vegetation of the slopes of the Tiligulsky Lagoon. In the Ukrainian stage, the most significant contributions to the study of the area’s plant world were made by B. Y. Voiytiuk (who studied the halophytic vegetation of the region), L. I. Kritska and V. V. Novosad, O. Y. Bondarenko (with the largest number of listed species – 408), and O. M. Popova, who focused on halophytes of the territory and listed the most extensive variety. Overall, according to literary data, more than 400 species of vascular plants can be identified for the lagoon, its shores, and the adjacent area. The list of halophytes at the national and local levels, established based on literary data, includes 57 species, including 31 species from the Red Book of Ukraine (according to the 2021 list).

Streptomyces rock phosphate ore biomining evaluation in vitro

The process of extracting metals from rock phosphate ore (RPO) by using microorganisms to convert them into soluble compounds is called biomining. Phosphorus is one of the elements proposed to be extracted from RPO. To understand the role of Streptomyces phospholyticus, 12 isolates of Streptomyces were isolated from RPO, their ability to grow on specific phosphate solubilization medium e.g., National Botanical Research Institute's phosphate growth agar (NBRIP) was studied, and the best strain with a 3 cm clear zone was selected. Its ability to grow at increasing RPO concentrations from 0.01 to 1 kgl−1 was investigated. This strain showed good growth, with extracellular red pigmentation for all concentrations, but no clear zone. In the modified liquid NBRIP, however, the Streptomyces growth patterns of the two concentrations of 0.25 kg and 1 kgl−1 RPO showed growth of single spherical red colonies with rhizoids on the surface, the colonies somehow grew and became embedded in the fine RPO granules. This ability to grow can resist gamma irradiation with a dose of 32 KGy. Within 3 days of growth, acidic and alkaline phosphatase were 76.2 and 67.1 μg p-nitrophenol g−1 ml−1, respectively. The RPO analysis showed that the %P in the ore was 16.5% at the beginning of the experiment, and after Streptomyces biotreatment, this percentage decreased to 8.4%, with a decomposition rate of 50.7%. This study, to our knowledge, is the first to investigate the efficiency of Streptomyces in mining phosphate rock ore in the laboratory, even at high concentrations, and to examine the role of irradiation as a preservative in increasing this efficiency.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria from soils with varying environmental conditions: Occurrence and function

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) is an advantageous way to supply phosphate (P) to plants. The Mediterranean climate of Morocco, especially the low-lying areas, is semi-arid with nutrient-depleted soils in which small-scale, low-income farmers dominate without access to expensive inorganic fertilizers. However, there is not a wide range of PSBs suitable for various agroecological situations. Furthermore, our understanding of the soil and climatic variables that influence their development is limited. This study aims to examine the impacts of specific environmental factors, such as climate and soil, on the abundance, potential, and diversity of PSBs in four agricultural regions of Morocco. To assess the possible impact of these factors on the P solubilization capacity of PSBs and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, we analyzed the soil and climate of each sample studied. Similarly, we tested the P solubilization efficiency of the isolates. The bacteria were isolated in a National Botanical Research Institute’s phosphate (NBRIP) agar medium. A total of 51 PSBs were studied in this work. The P-solubilization average of Rock P (RP) and Tricalcium P (TCP) of all strains that were isolated from each of the four regions ranged from 18.69 mg.L-1 to 40.43 mg.L-1 and from 71.71 mg.L-1 to 94.54 mg.L-1, respectively. The PGP traits of the isolated strains are positively correlated with the PSBs abundance and the sample characteristics (soil and climate). The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the strain allowed us to identify around nine different bacterial genera, including Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhizobium. The findings showed that bacterial communities, density, and potency are closely correlated to various edapho-climatic conditions such as temperature, precipitation, soil nutrient status, and soil texture. These findings could be used to improve an effective plant-PSBs system and increase agricultural output by taking into account their specific ecological traits and plant growth mechanisms.

Nanoparticles NPs stresses as In vitro plant innovative tool

The use of nanoparticles is one of the important applications that can affect the global economy, industry and people positively, with the global development taking place in both agricultural production and food industries, and for this the importance of developing innovative means to advance agricultural production has become evident and the food industry by diagnosing and treating diseases, and improving the ability of plants to absorb elements and resist infections by various pests and pathogenic microorganisms. To ascertain the nature of the positive change in the growth of plant organs grown in the presence of Nano catalysts, it has become imperative for researchers to understand the negative dimensions of these stimuli, as is the case with the positives envisaged by their use. Most of the concerns that were raised on this subject came with new proofs that opened the door for botanical researchers to test these small-sized nano-chemical elements and compounds to be a new generation of mutagenic substances that can cause changes at the DNA level.

Reviewers for Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Volume 17, 2023

Reviewers for Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Volume 17, 2023

Index to Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Volume 17, 2023

Index to Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, Volume 17, 2023