Caper Research Articles

Leaf anatomy and micromorphology of the Capparis spinosa (Capparaceae) group in Iran

The genus Capparis L. (Capparaceae) comprises edible plants and species with medicinal properties. Capparis spinosa is widely distributed in Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. This taxon forms a polymorphic species complex within that, several species and infraspecific taxa have been identified. We have focused on the leaf anatomy and micromorphology of Capparis taxa in Iran to find efficient diagnostic characters. Fresh samples of different taxa studied of C. spinosa were collected. Leaf-blade cross-sections and leaf surface were considered. Multivariate statistical analyses were used for illustrating the species and varieties similarities. Leaf anatomical features, such as midrib vascular bundle width and length, abaxial and adaxial epidermis thickness, abaxial and adaxial cuticle thickness, stomata depth, midrib outline on the adaxial surface, epicuticular wax, stomata average length, stomata number per leaf area and trichome type on the leaf surface were of diagnostic importance. As there is some degree of taxonomic confusion between different varieties of C. spinosa and mainly herbarium samples can provide stems and leaves for analyses, our anatomical study tries to overcome this problem. Results showed that selected features are of taxonomic importance in species and varieties separation.

Preliminary Investigation into the Anticonvulsant, Sedative and Muscle Relaxant Effects of the Methanolic Extract of Capparis spinosa L. Leaves in Mice

Abstract Background Capparis spinosa L is a Mediterranean plant. In Libya, the plant grows in rocky areas and at high altitudes. It is commonly used by the inhabitants of the Mediterranean region in their kitchen and treatment of many diseases. Aim This study was undertaken to investigate the central nervous system depressant, anticonvulsant, and the muscle relaxant activities of orally administered methanolic extract from the leaves of C. spinosa L. (MECS) in mice. Methods The oral administration of three doses of the MECS in mice (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) were evaluated in the picrotoxin (PC)-induced convulsion model, ketamine-induced sleep, and rota rod test. Diazepam was used as a reference drug for comparison. Results were analyzed using SPSS program version 16. Data are presented as mean ± SEM, and compared using one-way ANOVA followed by Duncan's test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 Results Oral administration of MECS (1000 and 2000 mg/kg) significantly prolonged the onset of seizures (p < 0.01) and produced dose-dependent protection against PC-induced seizures compared with the control group (12.5% and 50% protection, respectively). MECS significantly (p < 0.05) and dose dependently reduced ketamine sleep latency (from 3.16 ± 0.16 to a minimum of 1.5 ± 0.22 minutes) and prolonged ketamine-induced sleeping time (from 11.33 ± 1.99 to a maximum of 33.33 ± 0.95 minutes). In the accelerated rotarod test, MECS significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the riding time on the rotarod (from 128.83 ± 14.6 to a minimum of 1.83 ± 0.47 seconds) as compared with the normal saline control group. Conclusion The results showed that the MECS possesses anticonvulsant, sedative, and muscle relaxant properties in mice.

Qualitative phytochemical screening and in vitro thrombolytic activity of Capparis decidua Edgew. Fruit

Abnormal thrombosis plays an important role in development of ischemic heart disease and stroke. Synthetic thrombolytic agents are effective but possess some adverse effects. Therefore, the need for development of comparatively safer anti-thrombotic drugs from natural resources such as plants arises. Capparis decidua Edgew. (Family – Capparaceae) is a densely branched, xerophytic shrub and grows abundantly in arid and semiarid regions. Its fruits are major ingredient of the popular ‘Panchkuta’ vegetable of Rajasthan and also used to prepare pickle. Caper fruits are recommended for treatment of several diseases in traditional medicine including cardiac ailments and shown antioxidant and hypolipidemic potential in scientific studies and therefore, fruits of C. decidua were evaluated for their in vitro thrombolytic potential for the first time. Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening of fruits of C. decidua; purchased from local market of Udaipur has shown the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, phenol, phlobatanin, amino acids and carbohydrates and absence of saponin, tannins, steroids and cardiac glycosides. A significant percent clot lysis activity of 23.16±1.26 and 32.39±2.10 was exhibited by methanolic extracts (ME-I and ME-II) of fruits of C. decidua respectively as compared to the positive control streptokinase and negative control as distilled water. However, characterization of bioactive anti-thrombotic molecules as well as large scale, clinical studies is warranted to establish in vivo thrombolytic efficacy of its fruits. Thrombolytic potential of Caper berries as observed in the present study could be useful to recommend its consumption as a dietary health supplement in order to prevent from thrombotic cardiovascular diseases.

Capparis spinosa L. Cenopopulation and Biogeochemistry in South Uzbekistan.

The article provides an analysis of the cenopopulation and tissues element composition of the medicinal caper plant Capparis spinosa L. distributed on Calcisols formed on eroded alluvial-proluvial gravel textured rocks in the south of the Fergana Valley (Uzbekistan, Central Asia). The predominance of immature plants in the cenopopulation was detected in the Arsif hills massive, and quantitative indicators of micronutrients in the vegetative and generative organs of C. spinosa L. were determined. The study of biomorphological characteristics of the plant during the growing season (April-October) was carried out in the identified 10 observational experimental field populations. The cenopopulation dynamics and plant development patterns of Capparis spinosa L. were characterized for environmental conditions of south Uzbekistan for the first time. Soil, plant element analysis was performed by neutron-activation method. In this case, the samples were irradiated in a nuclear reactor with a neutron flux of 5 × 1013 neutrons/cm2 s, and their quantities were determined in accordance with the half-life of chemical elements. It has also been compared with research materials conducted by world scientists on the importance and pharmacological properties of botanicals in medicine and the food industry, as well as their botanical characteristics. The plant can serve to conserve soil resources, as it prevents water and wind erosion of dense clay soils in the dry subtropical climate of Central Fergana and could be considered an effective agent of destroyed soils remediation. The development of this plant will contribute to the diversification of agriculture in Uzbekistan (Central Asia) and the development of the food industry and pharmacology.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of two extracts from Capparis spinosa L. and Rumex nervosus and molecular docking investigation of selected major compounds

The present study examined the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, and molecular docking of different solvents extracts (methanol and water) of two medicinal plants, namely, Capparis spinosa L (CS) and Rumex nervosus (RN). Phytochemical analysis showed that total phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, and vitamin C were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in the methanolic extract of both plants than in other solvents. However, tannin content was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) high in the water extract for both plants. Chloroform and acetone extracts were significantly lower in phytochemicals than other solvents, therefore excluded in this study. GC–MS analysis showed one dominant compound in CS (isopropyl isothiocyanate) and two in RN (pyrogallol and palmitic acid). The antioxidant methods applied (DPPH, ABTS, β-Carotene/linoleic acid assay, and reducing the power) showed that the methanolic extract of CS exerted higher activity in methanolic extract but lower than that of BHA standard. The methanolic extract of both plants inhibited the bacterial pathogens when a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method was applied, compared to water extract with RN-methanolic extract had a lower inhibition concentration than CS-methanolic extract. The molecular interactions study revealed that the palmitic acid and pyrogallol interacted with the receptors' active site. This work concluded that CS and RN showed a remarkable antioxidant and antibacterial effect with the high antimicrobial activity of RN extract.

Influence of watery and alcoholic extracts of Capparis Spinosa plant on bacterial activity

The purpose of this study is to see how specific chemical components isolated from C. spinosa leaves and fruits affect bacterial activity. Subjects: Using two solvents, water and ethanol, the active components in the biology of this plant’s leaves and fruits were extracted. Under the flesh behind , the biological substances were determined using the chemical reagents detection method and the optical density spectrum method, and study effect of these extracts on bacterial activity. Results: There is no significant difference between the product in ethanol extraction and the extraction product in distilled water. As the result showed that both the leaves and fruits have an effect on the bacterial activity Conclusion: Capparis spinosa leave and fruit extracts have antimicrobial activity against positive and negative stain gram bacterial.

Assessment of morphological variability of leaves and fruits of three natural populations of wild caper (Capparis spinosa L.) in western Algeria

Assessment of morphological variability of leaves and fruits of three natural populations of wild caper (Capparis spinosa L.) in western Algeria

Suppression of fertility by <em>Capparis spinosa</em> root extract through antioxidant alteration in reproductive system of male rats

Aim: To evaluate the suppression of fertility by oral mode of Capparis spinosa root extract through alteration in antioxidant defence of the reproductive system of male albino rats. Methods: The methanol extract of Capparis spinosa root (100mg/kg/day) was fed for 60 days to male, Wistar strain, albino rats. The fertility and testicular functions were assessed by mating tests, antioxidant defence indices, and spermatogenesis, histometry, and biochemical estimations for fertility suppression along with serum biochemistry and hematology for assessment of toxicology. Results: Capparis spinosa root extract administration for a period of 60 days did not cause body weight loss significantly, while the weight of testes, Cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate were significantly reduced. The lipid peroxidation and antioxidants levels i.e. superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reduced, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, and Vitamin E in testes, Cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate were altered significantly (P<0.001) after the 60 days treatment of Capparis spinosa extract when compared to the controls. The root extract feeding caused a marked reduction in the number of primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, and spermatids however spermatogonia population showed non-significant change. Sertoli cell population was also affected. The number of mature Leydig cells was decreased and degenerating cells increased proportionately. The seminiferous tubule and Leydig cell nuclear area were reduced significantly (P<0.001) when compared to the controls. The protein and sialic acid content of the testes, Cauda epididymis, seminal vesicle, and ventral prostate were significantly (P<0.001) decreased. The glycogen in testes and fructose in seminal vesicle was also significantly reduced, whereas the testicular cholesterol was elevated as compared with the controls. Reduced sperm count and motility resulted in a total suppression of fertility. The RBC and WBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in whole blood whereas marker enzymes and glucose in serum were found to be within the normal range after the 60 days of Capparis spinosa extract treatment. Conclusion: Capparis spinosa root extract may selectively act on developing germ cells mediated via Sertoli cells through increased oxidative stress or impairment of antioxidant defence system in reproductive organs of male rats, leading to suppression of fertility and suggests the feasibility of developing non-toxic, herbal male contraceptive drug.

Biosynthesis and Antibacterial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Using Medicinal Plants Associated Endophytic Bacteria From in Riyadh Region Saudi Arabia

Medicinal plants have been used by secondry communities to patronize various ailments. However, the capability of endophytes within these bio-prospective medicinal plants remains anonymous. The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via the use of endophytic bacteria is a secure alternative for the chemical method. Plants were collected from Al Mamaria and several locations in the desert of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The microbial profile of the examined locations was analyzed using a 16S rRNA-based technique. Based on 16s rRNA and phylogenetic analysis, the selected isolates were identified. The bacterial extracts were tested for antibacterial activity and pharmacological characteristics. The 16S RNA-sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that selected 24 isolates belongs to 4 phyla as following: Bacteroidota, Pseudomonadota formerly Proteobacteria , Actinomycetota, Bacillota (Firmicutes) have been isolated from different medicinal plants ((a)Cactus (b) Artemisia (c) Artemisia monosperma (d) Alhagi (e) Zizyphus(f) Teucrium (g) Ducrosia (h) Capparis spinosa ). Our 24 isolates selected from 121 isolates then purified by streaking on the same isolation medium based on dissimilarity in the color and shape of the colonies and then stored on slants at 4ºC and in 20% glycerol at -20ºC the rest of isolates stored for further analysis The dominated phyla was Actinomycetota , followed by Firmicutes . The Streptomyces genus was found in the majority of samples. The pharmacological characteristics of the bacterial extracts were assessed. Antibacterial testing revealed that 12 of 24 bacterial extracts were having antimicrobial activities against at least one of the microorganisms examined.

Preparation and characterization of electrospun nanofibre membranes incorporated with an ethanol extract of Capparis spinosa L. as a potential packaging material

In this study, an ethanol extract of Capparis spinosa L. (CSL), as a powerful natural antibacterial and antioxidant agent, was incorporated into polylactide (PLA) nanofibre membranes to fabricate a novel food packaging material. Different contents of CSL (0, 3 and 6 wt%) were added to the PLA solution, and uniform nanofibres were fabricated by electrospinning. The main components in the ethanol extract of CSL, flavonoid compounds, were detected by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Scanning electron microscopy assays indicated that the CSL-loaded nanofibre membranes possessed an average nanofibre diameter ranging between 201.5 and 377.7 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy observations showed that CSL was successfully loaded in the nanofibre membranes. The water contact angle test suggested that the concentration of CSL influences the surface hydrophobicity of the nanofibre membranes. Mechanical property tests showed that the addition of CSL improved the flexibility of the nanofibre membranes. The oxidation resistance test indicated that the addition of CSL improved the oxidation resistance of the composite nanofibre membranes. Moreover, the antibacterial analysis suggested that the CSL-loaded nanofibre membranes could effectively inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Overall, CSL-loaded composite nanofibre membranes may have promising applications in the field of food packaging.

Determination of the drying temperature of the medicinal plant prickly capers - “Capparis spinosa L.” fruits by the method of mathematical modeling

In this paper, the optimal drying temperature of the medicinal plant prickly capers - “Capparis spinosa L.” was studied and mathematical models were determined by comparing experimental data with data calculated using the Lagrange and Newton interpolation formula and the choice of regression analysis. The regression equation has the form of a polynomial and a polynomial level. The mathematical model in which the level of the polynomial was 6 and higher was almost indistinguishable from the models in the form of a polynomial which level was 4 or 5. When determining the optimal drying temperature of the fruit of the medicinal plant prickly capers - “Capparis spinosa L.” by mathematical modeling, it is shown that graphs with a polynomial degree of n=3 and higher have the same values as graphs in which the degree of the polynomial is almost equal to n=2. The coincidence of the theoretical results with the experimental data obtained in determining the optimal drying temperature for the fruit of the medicinal plant prickly capers - “Capparis spinosa L.”, shows the adequacy of the mathematical model. It was found that the optimal drying temperature of the medicinal plant prickly capers - “Capparis spinosa L.” is 333 – 343 K and this is confirmed by mathematical modeling.

CAPPARIS SPINOSA EXTRACTS

This article describes in detail where the capparis spinosa plant is found, its medicinal properties and methods of extracting it.

Evaluating the efficacy of Capparis spinosa Total flavonoids to control Bird Lice (Menacanthus stramineus)

The present study included an in-vitro and in-vivo insecticidal investigation for one of wild Iraqi plant Capparis spinosa total flavonids on locally chicken lice (Menacanthus stramineus). Extraction of total flavonoids from 115g of fresh plant samples by reflex extraction with 600ml distilled water with (10% v/ v) HCl, for 8 hours continuously and the aglycon part was obtained with ethyl acetate. The acetate layer was dried and the residue was weighted and subjected for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Three flavonoids concentrations of Capparis spinosa total Flavonoid (5,3 and 1) mg/ml in 100ml distilled water to treat a collected sample of Bird Lice (Menacanthus stramineus) in vitro and in vivo at different life stages in comparison to a traditional anti lice drug treatment permethrin (0.5mg/ml) as positive control. Distilled water application was considered as negative control. Results of present study showed that the plant was rich with different types of flavonoids and the effect of flavonoid extracts of the Capparis spinosa plant in the decimation of the different stage of chicken body lice, as the concentration factor had non-significant effect on the killing of adult and a significant effect on the killing of eggs/nymph, and this effect increased with the increase in the concentrations of the extract.

The protective effect of Capparis spinosa fruit on triptolide-induced acute liver injury: A metabolomics-based systematic study

• The hepatoprotective effects of C. spinosa fruit extract (CSE) on triptolide (TP)-induced hepatotoxicity was found. • 19 metabolites identified were associated with TP treatment and 13 metabolites were altered relative to CSE intervention. • CSE-H inhibited the activities of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and choline kinase alpha in the liver. The study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Capparis spinosa fruit extract (CSE) on triptolide (TP)-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, we used a TP-induced AML-12 cell injury model and flow cytometry to determine the cell survival rate after intervention with CSE. In vivo, acute liver injury was induced by intragastric administration of TP (1000 μg/kg) to C57BL/6 mice. Two experimental groups received CSE treatment at 0.9 g/kg (CSE-Low (L)) or 2.8 g/kg (CSE-high (H)). CSE-H can significantly decrease liver cell apoptosis and ameliorated TP-induced liver injury. Furthermore, 19 metabolites identified in serum were associated with TP treatment and the levels of 13 metabolites were altered relative to TP treatment after CSE-H intervention. TP increased the activities of arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein and choline kinase alpha in the liver, while CSE-H inhibited their activity. In conclusion, the CSE has good hepatoprotective effects on TP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Population Genetic Structure and Biodiversity Conservation of a Relict and Medicinal Subshrub Capparis spinosa in Arid Central Asia

As a Tertiary Tethyan relict, Capparis spinosa is a typical wind-preventing and sand-fixing deciduous subshrub in arid central Asia. Due to its medicinal and energy value, this species is at risk of potential threat from human overexploitation, habitat destruction and resource depletion. In this study, our purpose was to evaluate the conservation strategies of C. spinosa according to its genetic structure characteristics and genetic diversity pattern among 37 natural distributional populations. Based on genomic SNP data generated from dd-RAD sequencing, genetic diversity analysis, principal component analysis, maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees and ADMIXTURE clustering, the significant population structure and differentiation were explored. The results showed the following: (1) Six distinct lineages were identified corresponding to geographic locations, and various levels of genetic diversity existed among the lineages for the natural habitat heterogeneity or human interferences; (2) The lineage divergences were influenced by isolation by distances, vicariance and restricted gene flow under complex topographic and climatic conditions. Finally, for the preservation of the genetic integrity of C. spinosa, we suggest that conservation units should be established corresponding to different geographic groups, and that attention should be paid to isolated and peripheral populations that are experiencing biodiversity loss. Simultaneously, monitoring and reducing anthropogenic disturbances in addition to rationally and sustainably utilizing wild resources would be beneficial to guarantee population resilience and evolutionary potential of this xerophyte in response to future environmental changes.

Composition and technology of drying fruit of the medicinal plant “Capparis spinosa L.” and its study

This paper considers the study of the composition and development of technology for drying the fruit of the medicinal plant "spiny capers - Capparis spinosa L." grown in the Namangan region (Uzbekistan). The conducted experiments proved the presence in the composition of the medicinal plant fruit "spiny capers - Capparis spinosa L." of vital vitamins, macro- and microelements. For ease and convenience of transportation, as well as for long-term storage, a technological drying process has been developed to dry the fruit of the medicinal plant "spiny capers - Capparis spinosa L." The process of drying the fruit of the medicinal plant "spiny capers - Capparis spinosa L." was carried out at the installation of a multi-belt dryer by supplying a heat carrier with a temperature of 55-60°C for 120-180 minutes. Hot air is used as a heat carrier. Also, the optimum temperature for drying the fruit of the medicinal plant "spiny capers - Capparis spinosa L." was studied. As a result of the experiments, it was shown that burning in the fruits of spiny capers medicinal plant is observed when dried at a temperature of 80°C and above. It has also been proven that the drying temperature of the fruit of the studied medicinal plant in the range of 60-70°C is optimal.

The impact of strigolactone GR24 on Capparis spinosa L. callus production and phenolic compound content

The impact of strigolactone GR24 on Capparis spinosa L. callus production and phenolic compound content

The Effects of Capparis Spinosa Leaves on The Histological Findings Associated With The Exposure of Mice to Trichloroacetic Acid

The present work was conducted to study the possible protective role of Capparis spinosa leavesand their efficacy against hematological and histological alterations resulted in an animal model intoxicated withtrichloroacetis acid ( TCA).Hundred male mice 20-26 gm were divided into 5 groups ; control group , group II treated oraly with honey ( 40 mg /Kg body weight for 3 weeks ) , group III treated orally with a mixture of Capparis spinosa leaves powder and honey (40 mg/ Kg for 3 weeks) , group IV treated with TCA in drinking water ( 500 mg / Kg fpr 3 and 6 weeks , then left for3 weeks for recovery) and group V ( Regeneration group ) treated with TCA for 6 weeks then treated with a mixtureof Capparis and honey ( 40 gm /Kg for 3 weeks).Histological examination of spleen sections of mice treated with TCA revealed obvious pathological findingsincluding disorganization of lymphoid follicles , hyperplasia in white pulp , depletion of lymphocyts in red pulpwith subcapsular edema , some necrotic cells in white and red pulp , increasing megakarycoytes, haemosiderosis andfibrosis in red pulp and in some lymphoid follocles. Administration of a mixture of Capparis spinosa leaves powderand honey lessened most of the pathological lesions in mice intoxicated with TCA

Ultrasound assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from Capparis Ovata var canescens fruit using deep eutectic solvents

The aim of this study is to develop a green procedure that provides high-efficiency extraction of phenolic compounds from Capparis Ovata fruit with Deep Eutectic Solvent (DES) using ultrasound-assisted extraction method. Ten DES combinations were prepared by mixing various proportions of choline chloride (ChCl), Na-acetate and Na-citrate with sugar alcohols, carboxylic acid. These DESs were tested as an effective solvent for recovering phenolic compounds. DES composed of lactic acid combining with ChCl showed the highest efficiency of extraction for phenolic compounds. Optimal extraction conditions were found as follows; 20% water in DES, liquid/solid ratio 20:1 (mL/g), temperature 50℃, and extraction time 30 min. The maximum total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH inhibition percentage, and ferric reducing power capacity values under optimal conditions were 30.55 ± 0.57 mg GAE/g DW, 13.04 ± 0.4 mg QE/g DW, 98.49 ± 2.51% and 1.79 ± 0.04 (absorbance units), respectively. The concentrations of all phenolic compounds determined by chromatographic method have increased under optimal extraction conditions. Practical applications The application of DES in the extraction of the phenolic compound is an innovative approach for environmentally, friendly, low-costs, and improving extraction efficiency. Caper fruits are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds. Caper is consumed as food and traditional folk medicines for their health benefits. At previous studies, a green extraction procedure to obtain phenolic compounds from Capparis Ovata var canescens fruit has not been established by using DES. Therefore, this study aimed to improve a green procedure to obtain phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties, which could be employed in the food industry. In addition, determination of optimal extraction conditions has been performed to guide large-scale production.

Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculation Improves Capparis spinosa’s Yield, Nutrient Uptake and Photosynthetic Efficiency under Water Deficit

Agricultural yields are under constant jeopardy as climate change and abiotic pressures spread worldwide. Using rhizospheric microbes as biostimulants/biofertilizers is one of the best ways to improve agro-agriculture in the face of these things. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate whether a native arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi inoculum (AMF-complex) might improve caper (Capparis spinosa) seedlings’ nutritional status, their morphological/growth performance and photosynthetic efficiency under water-deficit stress (WDS). Thus, caper plantlets inoculated with or without an AMF complex (+AMF and −AMF, respectively) were grown under three gradually increasing WDS regimes, i.e., 75, 50 and 25% of field capacity (FC). Overall, measurements of morphological traits, biomass production and nutrient uptake (particularly P, K+, Mg2+, Fe2+ and Zn2+) showed that mycorrhizal fungi inoculation increased these variables significantly, notably in moderate and severe WDS conditions. The increased WDS levels reduced the photochemical efficiency indices (Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo) in −AMF plants, while AMF-complex application significantly augmented these parameters. Furthermore, the photosynthetic pigments content was substantially higher in +AMF seedlings than −AMF controls at all the WDS levels. Favorably, at 25% FC, AMF-colonized plants produce approximately twice as many carotenoids as non-colonized ones. In conclusion, AMF inoculation seems to be a powerful eco-engineering strategy for improving the caper seedling growth rate and drought tolerance in harsh environments.