Collection Of Plants Research Articles

Toward Transgene-Free Transposon-Mediated Biological Mutagenesis for Plant Breeding

Genetic diversity is a key factor for plant breeding. The birth of novel genic and genomic variants is also crucial for plant adaptation in nature. Therefore, the genomes of almost all living organisms possess natural mutagenic mechanisms. Transposable elements (TEs) are a major mutagenic force driving genetic diversity in wild plants and modern crops. The relatively rare TE transposition activity during the thousand-year crop domestication process has led to the phenotypic diversity of many cultivated species. The utilization of TE mutagenesis by artificial and transient acceleration of their activity in a controlled mode is an attractive foundation for a novel type of mutagenesis called TE-mediated biological mutagenesis. Here, I focus on TEs as mutagenic sources for plant breeding and discuss existing and emerging transgene-free approaches for TE activation in plants. Furthermore, I also review the non-randomness of TE insertions in a plant genome and the molecular and epigenetic factors involved in shaping TE insertion preferences. Additionally, I discuss the molecular mechanisms that prevent TE transpositions in germline plant cells (e.g., meiocytes, pollen, egg and embryo cells, and shoot apical meristem), thereby reducing the chances of TE insertion inheritance. Knowledge of these mechanisms can expand the TE activation toolbox using novel gene targeting approaches. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of plant populations with induced novel TE insertions (iTE plant collections) are discussed.

Some Features of the Shoot Systems in Representatives of the Tribe Sequoiae, Cultivated in Russia

The article focuses on the growth rates of three extant species belonging to the tribe Sequoiaceae: Metasequoia glyptostroboides, Sequoia sempervirens and Sequoiadendron giganteum. The material was collected from botanical garden collections on the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus and Crimea. During a long growing season, all three species form shoot systems of varying complexity: from unbranched shoots consisting of a single elementary shoot to sylleptically branched multi-axial systems. In S. giganteum, the shoot systems formed during an extra-bud growth period are similar to those of other Cupressaceae species and partly to those of Pinaceae. In Metasequoia glyptostroboides and Sequoia sempervirens, sylleptically branched shoot systems are differentiated into several variants: on orthotropic shoots in the upper part of the growth, plagiotropic branches are sylleptic and continue to grow after the orthotropic part of the shoot system has stopped growing. Plagiotropic sylleptic lateral shoots continue to branch into second-order lateral shoots. Similar structures are found in Araucaria and archaic fossil conifers. M. glyptostroboides and S. sempervirens have phyllomorphic branches of the same appearance as those described for Tsuga canadensis. Plagiotropic lateral sylleptic shoots continue to branch into second-order lateral shoots. Similar structures are known in Araucaria and fossil archaic conifers. M. glyptostroboides and S. sempervirens have phyllomorphic branches of the same appearance as described for Tsuga canadensis. These species are also characterized by buds formed serially below the sylleptically growing shoot. In M. glyptostroboides, the phyllomorphic branches fall off annually, and their perennial bases form a growing, basisympodially shortened shoot. The renewal bud is not located under the bark, as in Taxodium distichum.

Production of phytoliths in woody plants of the Atlantic Forest in islands of the Paraná River, Brazil

The analysis of phytoliths is a recent addition to the geosciences and has found applications in various fields over the last few decades, including palaeoenvironmental studies in fluvial environments. As a developing field, it is essential to carry out studies aimed at creating a modern reference collection that fills an information gap on the production of phytoliths by plants in this environment. These studies are essential to increase the reliability and accuracy of phytolith research in reconstructing past vegetation patterns and compositions. This study is the first with the aim of creating a pioneer collection of phytoliths in fluvial environments of the Upper Paraná River, addressing woody eudicotyledon species of greater representation on the Três Ilhas (Three Islands) Archipelago. The phytoliths were extracted from the leaves of 51 species from the botanical collection of the Nupélia herbarium (HNUP) using the dry ashing extraction method. The analysis found that 21 plant families established on the site have some kind of silica accumulation and 34 species are producers of phytoliths with an identifiable shape and size (<5um). It was confirmed the Moraceae family produces Acute bulbosus (with ramifications), both considered diagnostic at family level. Confirming the current literature on the subject, redundancy of the spheroid ornate and spheroid psilate morphotypes was observed in woody plants. Although no new morphotypes were found, the information will contribute to studies on the evolution of fluvial geoforms.

Co-conserving Indigenous and local knowledge systems with seeds.

Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) holders have deep ecological, horticultural, and practical knowledge of plants, but this knowledge is not routinely considered and supported along with seed collections conserved ex situ. In this opinion, conceived collaboratively by a team of botanists, ecologists, ethnobiologists, and practitioners in biodiversity and ILK systems conservation, we propose seven actions towards the co-conservation of seeds and associated knowledge to overcome obstacles and encourage ex situ conservation institutions to support knowledge holders in multiple ways. Success depends on simultaneous changes in conservation practices, new collaborative relationships, and shifts in policy to share and conserve biocultural diversity. Failure to act will witness the continued erosion of ILK and depreciation of ex situ plant collections.

The Book by J. P. Eberhard on Applied Mathematics from the Book Collection of Kolyvan-Voskresensk Mining Plants

The purpose of the article is to consider the book by J. P. Eberhard (Johann Peter Eberhard, 1727– 1779) “Beiträge zur Mathesi Applicata...” (1757) in the context of the reconstruction of the composition of the foreign part of the book collection of Kolyvan Voznesensk mining plants. The edition is a collection of articles on applied mathematics, devoted to the issues of mechanics, optics and gnomonics and intended, according to Eberhard,“for students attending his lectures, for other teachers to prepare and conduct classes, and for those who want to help themselves in the study of applied mathematics”. The article defines the affiliation of the book to the library collections of the Kolyvan Voznesensk mining plants on the basis of service marks, reflecting the earliest stages of the use of the copy as a part of the Altai state libraries collections, attention is paid to thepersonality of the German author, whose works undoubtedly were a part of the scientific and technical thought of Europe in the second half of the XVIII century, the content of the articles composing the book and their compliance with the tasks of the Altai mining industry are revealed. The work “Beiträge zur Mathesi Applicata...” is considered in the context of other works, the continuation of which, according to the author's definition, it is and which, according to our assessment, are also presented in the book collection of the Kolyvan-Voskresensk mining plants. The results of the study expand the idea of the scale of J. P. Eberhard's personality and the relevance of his work for professional mining education and ensuring the production process in the Altai Mining District in the XVIII century, also add to the history of creation of the first in Siberia scientific technical library collection.

Taxonomía del género Arachis (Leguminosae)

Almost 100 years elapsed between Linnaeus' naming the then lone species of Arachis (A. hypogaea L.), known to Europeans, and the first taxonomic treatment of the genus by Benthamin 1841. During the next 100 years five to ten additional species descriptions appeared,assigning different species to the same names,different names to the same species. By mid20th century, it was impossible to examine anyherbarium collection of Arachis and assign any epithet with any assurance to any specimen (which was not a type collection) except to A. hypogaea, A. guaranitica, A. tuberosa and A. villosulicarpa. In our treatment the Iiterature of this botanical chaos in Arachis is reviewed in detail and an assessment is made of the foundations for its occurrence. It is shown that the bases for the confusion lay in the combination of the esoteric nature of the differentiating morphological features of Arachis, the fragmentary early collections and the representation of species by seedling specimens. Also, it is related how, in 1959, we decided to re-explore the type locality of each species then known, collect therein complete plant specimens and thereby resolve the problem. Thirty five years, two generations of plant collectors and around 2000 collections later we present here 69 species descriptions of Arachis, species distributed in South America east of the Andes, south of the Amazon, north of La Plata and from NW Argentina to NE Brazil. We soon discovered that the most significant characters of Arachis lay in their underground structures, including their fruits, rhizomatous stems, root systems and hypocotyls. We showed that these defining characters tended to cluster the collections into groups which were associated with generally different geographic areas and ecological features. We drew a sample of 100 collections representing these c1usters, areas and features and arranged them in a hybridization diallel and showed, in crosses between collections representing different c1usters of characters, areas and features, a remarkable number of complete failures to cross-fertilize and in those hybrids which were recovered a high degree of F1 hybrid infertility. When these cross-incompatibilities and pollen infertilities were combined with the data on character-clustering, the nine distinct sections of the genus presented here then crystallized. Figures imposed upon maps of South America iIIustrate the geographic distributions of these sections. The collections were then assigned to the different sections on the bases of crossincompatibility and exo-morphologic character clustering. When these groups were made the esoteric characteristics, referred to aboye, so confounding when applied across sectionallines, became highly pertinent when applied to the problema of species differentiation between collections within sections. These, applied in conjunction with chromosome cytology, chromatographic and antigenic reactions, variations in intra-sectional hybrid fertility and adaptations of plant form and annual and perennial habit, allowed us to assemble the following taxa of the genus Arachis: Section 1. TR/ERECTO/DES nov.: 1. A. guaranitica, 2. A. tuberosa. Section 11. ERECTO/DES nov.: 3. A. Martií, 4. A. brevipetio/ata nov., 5. A. Oteroi nov., 6. A. Hatschbach;i nov., 7. A. cryptopotamica nov., 8. A. majar nov., 9. A. Benthamií, 10. A. douradiana nov., 11. A. gracilis nov., 12. A. Hermannií nov., 13. A. Archer; nov., 14. A. stenophylla nov., 15a. A. paraguariensis subsp. paraguariensis, 15b. A. paraguariensis subsp. capibarensis nov. Section 111. EXTRANERVOSAE nov.: 16. A. setinervosa nov., 17. A. Macedoi nov., 18. A. marginata, 19. A. prostrata, 20. A. lutescens, 21. A. retusa nov., 22. A. Burchellii nov., 23. A. Pietrarellii nov., 24. A. villosulicarpa. Section IV. TRISEMINATAE nov.: 25. A. triseminata nov.. Section V. HETERANTHAE nov.: 26. A. Giacomettii nov., 27. A. sylvestris, 28. A. pusilla, 29. A. Dardani nov. Section VI CAULORRHIZAE nov.: 30. A. repens, 31. A. Pintoi nov.. Section VII. PROCUMBENTES nov.: 32. A. lignosa nov. comb., 33. A. Kretschmeri nov., 34. A. Rigonii, 35. A. chiquitana nov., 36. A. matiensis nov., 37. A. appressipi/a nov., 38. A. Vallsii nov., 39. A. subcoriacea nov. Section VIII. RHIZOMATOSAEnov., Series. PRORHIZOMATOSAEnov.: 40. A. Burkartii. Series. RHIZOMATOSAE nov.: 41. A. pseudovillosa nov. comb., 42a. A. glabrata varo glabrata, 42b. A. glabrata varo Hagenbeckii. Section IX. ARACHIS: 43. A. glandulifera, 44. A. cruziana nov., 45. A. monticola, 46. A. magna nov., 47. A. ipaensis nov., 48. A. valida nov., 49. A. Williamsii nov., 50. A. Batizocoi, 51. A. duranensis nov., 52. A. Hoehnei nov., 53. A. stenosperma nov., 54. A. praecox nov., 55. A. palustris nov., 56. A. benensis nov., 57. A. trinitensis nov., 58. A. decora nov., 59. A. Herzogii nov., 60. A. microsperma nov., 61. A. vil/osa, 62. A. helodes, 63. A. correntina nov. comb., 64. A. Simpsonii nov., 65. A. Cardenasii nov., 66. A. Kempff-Mercadoi nov., 67. A. Diogoi, 68. A. Kuhlmannii nov., 69a. A hypogaea subsp. hypogaea varo 1. hypogaea, var.2. hirsuta, 69b. A. hypogaea subsp. fastigiata var.1. fastigiata, var.2. peruviana nov., var.3. aequatoriana nov., varA. vulgaris. .The autogamous reproductive systems, agametic reproduction, underground fruiting habit and the limited means of seed dispersal are shown to be logically tied to the drift in chromosomal organization which gives rise to noticeable increases in infertility in crosses between different collections of the same species, to a variably higher infertility in crosses between species within sections, to a near total infertility in crosses between species from different sections. The evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships between the different sections are discussed and are further shown in a sequence of diagrams illustrating ideas presented. It is evident that the genetic distances separating the sections are far from being of the same magnitude.The presumably older (Triseminatae, Trierectoides, Erectoides, Extranervosae, and Heteranthae sections, except for section Erectoides, are much more isolated from the remaining sections and each other than those taken to be of more recent origin (Procumbentes, Caulorrhizae, Rhizomatosae, and Arachis). Arachis section is by far the largest section, containing about 40% of the species described. Species of the section appearto be spreading to newterritory and to be invading areas occupied by species of other sections. They grow intermixed with populations of Extranervosae in the. upper Paraguay basin and occupy common ground with section Procumbentes in the Gran Pantanal. They have reached the shores of La Plata and the southeastern coast of Brazil and grow from Yala in NW Argentina to the Tocantins in NE Brazil. They contain the world-wide cultivar A. hypogaea. Essentially every published work on the botanical history and taxonomy of Arachis is presented in individual specimen references and in the general bibliography. The history of A. hypogaea from the early 16th century to more recent times along with the common names in several native American languages provide a perspective on the antiquity of this cultivar and the level of civilization required for its creation. Six appendices provide supporting data and matters of record. Diagnostic keys to the sections and to the species within each section select the more sharply distinguishing guidesto the sections and species. Nineteen line drawings capture the sectional and species structures of whole plants, root systems, fruit orientations, agametic reproductions from fruiting structures, carpel shapes and surface features of leaves and stems.

Widespread mistaken identity in tropical plant collections

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Salix farriae (Salicaceae) – a new sp ecies for FLORA OF the Russia from the Kamchatka Peninsula

A new species of willow for the flora of Russia, Salix farriae C.R. Ball, is presented, found in the north of the Kamchatka Peninsula in 2011. A morphological description of this species and its differences from Salix hastata are given. It is quite probable that Salix farriae was also found on the Commander Islands, but additional full-fledged herbarium collections of plants with catkins are needed.

Fabaceae Lindl. in the Chapada do Araripe, Northeast Brazil

The Brazilian plateau known as Chapada do Araripe is home to several types of vegetation and a diversity of native species. This plateau is located among the Brazilian states of Ceará, Pernambuco, and Piauí, in the Northeast region. This study consisted of a floristic inventory of Fabaceae species prevailing in different environments of the mentioned plateau. Monthly botanical expeditions were performed from October 2021 to November 2022; these occurred at previously selected sites. The plant collection, herborization, and identification of the species were carried out according to the specialized literature, and the specimens were deposited in the Herbário Caririense Dárdano de Andrade-Lima (HCDAL). A total of 194 species, 11 infraspecific taxa, and 81 genera belonging to five subfamilies were listed. These numbers represented approximately 32% of the diversity of Fabaceae recorded in Brazil, and an increase of approximately 115% in the number of species previously recorded in the Chapada do Araripe. The most diverse subfamilies were Caesalpinioideae and Papilionoideae, with 90 and 89 species, respectively. The most representative genera were Senna (19 spp.), Chamaecrista (15 spp.), and Mimosa (14 spp.). Thirteen species and three varieties were new records in Ceará state. The predominant growth habit was tree type, recorded in 44% of the species (86), and the main habitats were Steppe Savannah, Savannah, and Wooded Steppe Savannah. Thirteen species are endemic to the Caatinga phytogeographic domain: Copaifera arenicola, Copaifera cearensis, Hymenaea cangaceira, Cenostigma microphyllum, Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, Mimosa misera, Parapiptadenia zehntneri, Pithecellobium diversifolium, Senna cearensis, Senna gardneri, Senna lechriosperma, Crotalaria holosericea e Luetzelburgia bahiensis. Regarding the status of species protection and conservation, most are in Least Concern status (48.8%), four are Near Threatened (Hymenaea cangaceira, Pterogyne nitens, Dalbergia cearensis, Parapiptadenia zehntneri), two species are in Vulnerable status (Melanoxylon brauna and Senegalia cearensis), one species did not have enough data for assessment (Copaifera cearensis), and one is Endangered (Amburana cearensis). The findings of the present study can support conservation strategies, and ecological and phytosociological studies, among others. Also, it can be used for planning and promoting environmental education. Such information is valuable for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable management of natural resources of the Chapada do Araripe.

Short Communication: Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants for wound healing in Dir Upper District, Pakistan

Abstract. Jawadullah, Akhtar N. 2023. Short Communication: Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants for wound-healing in Dir Upper District, Pakistan. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 145-152. Medicinal plants have been used since ancient time by the communities as an alternative to the synthetic medicine, which have adverse side effects and is not available to every individual. This study reports medicinal plants used for wound-healing by the local peoples in Dir Upper District, northern area of Pakistan. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect ethnomedicinal data by interviewing 50 informants of different ages (25 to 90 years old). Plant samples were collected as herbarium to be identified in the laboratory. The result shows a total of 20 plant species, each belonging to different families, were used for wound-healing. The majority of growth forms of such plants were herbs (35%) and trees (35%), followed by shrubs (25%) and climbers (5%). The plant parts used for healing were leaves of the plant (45%), followed by plant bark (10%), whole plant (10%), plant roots (10%), fruit peel (5%), gum (5%), bulb (5%), rhizome (5%) and latex (5%). Furthermore, external applications were more common than oral consumption to promote wound-healing. Berberis lycium Royle, Curcuma longa L. and Punica protopunica Balf.fil. were the most cited species used to heal wounds. This study revealed that there is an array of plant biodiversity among Pakistanis for the purpose of wound-healing. This is a result of the socioeconomic status and limited access to modern health services and their preference for folk medicine. Further studies should be planned to create an online database for a collection of therapeutic medicinal plants and their traditional healing potentials.

Garden catalogues as sources for studying the collection and transmission of plants

Abstract This paper considers the use of plant lists and related documents in addressing questions about the collection and circulation of plants and plant knowledge. The focus is on plants cultivated in Lisbon’s Ajuda botanical garden up to the mid-nineteenth century, and additionally on plants from the island of Madeira. Three plant catalogues, prepared between the early 1770s and mid-1840s, are analysed, together with register books and documents that habitually accompanied plant shipments sent to the garden. The study shows which plants were present in the garden and how the collection evolved, as well as which world regions were represented. In comparing Madeiran plants listed as present in the garden with those documented as being shipped from the island in the late 1790s, the paucity of shared names is striking. On the one hand, this may reflect document loss, while on the other it suggests that Madeiran plants may have been transported from their native range to other European locations by means of complex exchange networks.

The colonial roots of botany – legacies of empire in the botanic gardens of Oxford and Kew

ABSTRACT Although the involvement of botanic gardens in the colonial expansion of the British Empire is well documented, the public communication of this part of the history of the gardens is not as visible as it has increasingly become in many ethnographic museums, where the topic has been dealt with more actively within recent years. In this article, presenting findings from ethnographic fieldwork conducted in the botanic gardens of Oxford and Kew in 2022 and 2023, 1 I show how colonial-era scientific practices are still used in the namegiving of plants, although scientists within the field have become increasingly aware of the importance of recognising Indigenous people and places. 2 Through an analysis of the wording applied in signs and guided tours, I furthermore demonstrate how the colonial legacies of the plant collections of the two gardens are only superficially communicated to their visitors, despite numerous initiatives taking place behind the scenes. 3

Evaluation of Genetic Diversity in Strychnos henningsii Selected from Nine Populations in Kenya Based on RAPD Markers

Strychnos henningsii is a traditional medicinal plant distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas. It belongs to the family Strychnaceae but formally in the family Loganiaceae. In order to understand the genetic variation across the populations and geographical regions of this plant, RAPD markers were used to assess the genetic diversity in nine populations of this species in Kenya. Two hundred and seventy samples were randomly selected from the nine populations, each comprising thirty individuals. The genetic variation within and among populations was evaluated using RAPD Primers. RAPD markers detected an average of 38.97% polymorphism in all populations studied. The most polymorphic population revealed was Kitui with 75 (55.15 %) polymorphic loci, while Baringo was the least polymorphic population with 25 (25.74%) polymorphic loci detected. The markers also revealed twenty-five specific population loci, which could be responsible for specific population traits. A higher molecular variance was revealed among the population (54%; p&lt;0.001) than within populations 46%; p&lt;0.001). According to Nei’s unbiased genetic matrix, the most genetically close populations were Taita-Taveta and Kitui with the highest genetic identity of 0.955, while Ngong and Baringo populations were the most genetically distant populations with a genetic identity of 0.836. Clustering analysis grouped the nine populations into two groups. Cluster I comprised Kitui, Taveta, Karura, Marsabit, Ngong, Nyeri and Narok. Cluster II consisted of Jirore and Baringo. These results were supported by the principal Coordinate Analysis. However, the clustering analysis did not correlate to the geographical areas of plant collection. The values for genetic diversity (H) and Shannon index (I) obtained from this study ranged from 0.0867-0.1483 and 0.1289 -0.2337, respectively, indicating that a low genetic diversity exists among the S. henningsii genotypes. It is recommended that all existing populations be conserved and further studied conducted using codominance markers to provide more insight into the genetic variation that exists within and among S. henningsii genotypes

What a Rich BIOTROP: Development Database Framework of Biodiversity Heritage Collections

The need for biodiversity science with the availability and interoperability of data on the internet reinforces each other. This is driven by the increasing literacy of the world community regarding the impact of loss of biodiversity on the sustainability of human life. High-quality biodiversity data is needed to demonstrate that spatio-temporal loss of biodiversity has led to a reduction in quality of life. This facts have underpinned SEAMEO BIOTROP to increase the visibility of managed biodiversity collection data. SEAMEO BIOTROP maintains thousands of valuable herbarium collections of weeds, trees and invasive plants; fungi, insects and pests for research and testing purposes. These historic and valuable collections of biodiversity need to be preserved and better managed in digital format so that the information is available to botanists and the general public around the world. A study regarding the development of an integrated biodiversity collection database framework has been carried out by SEAMEO BIOTROP. This study aims to formulate and develop an initial framework for the BIOTROP biodiversity database that is relevant to national, regional and global needs. This study succeeded in developing an integrated database framework that brings together all digital data from the SEAMEO BIOTROP biodiversity collection into a database management system. This database management system also adopts Darwin Core metadata to ensure easy exchange and sharing of data with existing biodiversity data management systems in the world.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Aphanamixis polystachya (Wall.) R.Parker leaf extract and its potential as antioxidant and inhibitor of α-glucosidase

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest plant diversity in the world, including the Aphanamixis genus, and they use the plants in this genus as traditional medicine. The genus Aphanamixis has a wide variety of compounds with different activities, such as insecticidal, leishmanicidal, antimicrobial, anticancer, cytotoxic against some cancer cells, and antioxidant The focus of this research is to find out about the anti-oxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-bacterial activities of Aphanamixis polystachya leaf extract from the Bali Botanical Garden plant collection. The antioxidant activity assay was carried out by scavenging the free radical 1-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)-2-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl ethylamino) propane hydrochloride (DPPH). The antidiabetic assay was carried out by inhibiting the activity of the α-glucosidas eenzyme, while the antibacterial test was carried out by the agar diffusion method. Based on the data generated in this study, the active ingredients of A. polystachya leaf extracts have high potency as antioxidants and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitors, but the extract was not effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.

Augmented reality of food plants as a biodiversity learning media for 10th grade high school: A feasibility analysis

Submission of material that only uses printed books, printed pictures, and power points as well as limited infrastructure hinders student learning experiences. Augmented reality (AR) interactive media is one of the innovations to make it easier to guide material to make it more interesting and interactive. So this study aims to describe the feasibility of interactive multimedia augmented reality of food plants as a support for learning biodiversity in 10th grade of senior high school. The augmented reality system was created using Vuforia and Unity 3D software, and involved curriculum analysis, storyboard design, data collection, marker creation, and 2D object design of food plants, followed by AR media creation. This research used a quantitative descriptive method, data collection is carried out using validation instruments of material experts and media experts. Validators consist of 3 material experts and 3 media experts. The validation obtained an average total validation (RTVtk) of material experts at 3.83 and media experts at 3.80. This assessment is considered valid because it meets the validity standard, namely 3≤mRTVtk≤4. Thus, interactive multimedia augmented reality is suitable to be used as a learning medium in the sub-material of utilizing biodiversity as food plants in 10th grade of high school.

Vascular Plant Species Inventory of Mexico's Revillagigedo National Park: Awareness of Alien Invaders as a Sine Qua Non Prerequisite for Island Conservation.

The Revillagigedo Archipelago, located in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, stands out for its unique biological richness and endemism. These islands remained uninhabited until the second half of the twentieth century, allowing a better conservation status than on other oceanic islands. However, the continuous introduction of potentially invasive alien plant species, and the lack of adequate control or eradication actions, jeopardize the conservation and restoration of these islands' fragile ecosystems. We present the most complete vascular plant species inventory and an updated list of alien plant species of the Revillagigedo Archipelago, which was compiled through an extensive review of national and international plant collections and other sources. Our 272 species list includes 106 alien plant species (39.3%; 104 in Socorro, and 16 in Clarion): 67 (24.8%) are naturalized, 14 (5.2%) are casual aliens, and 25 (9.3%) subsist under cultivation. The documented alien species belong to 73 families. Annual and perennial herbs are the prevailing life forms in the alien flora, while naturalized species are primarily native to North America. The number of introduced species has increased significantly since the islands became inhabited. Many of the recently introduced species pose a major invasion risk like on other islands of the world.

Smart historical gardens

Historical parks and garden sites provide a range of social, environmental, ecosystem, recreational, and scientific services. They are witnesses of history, resources of biotic (botanical and dendrological collections) and abiotic (historical buildings or complexes) attributes, sources of knowhow about park maintenance and management accumulated over the centuries as transfer between past and future generations. A series of hazards and processes for finding the best strategies to adapt to climate change are now generally researched. They should also apply to historical greenery – it is particularly sensitive to such alterations. This study aimed to identify the most important pro-climate and pro-ecological trends as well as specific material and organisational solutions noticed by the jury of selected European professional competitions: “European Garden Award”, “Garden of the Year Award” (UK), “Monument of the Year” (Germany) and “Well-kept Monument” (Poland). The available competition regulations, published laudations, and general characteristics of individual parks were analysed. Not only did the research show a diversified level of development and approach to individual sites at the national level, but also variation in sites’ activation: from basic conservation and restoration works to implementation and promotion of pro-ecological and pro-climate solutions, as well as discrepancy in the priorities for assessing objects set by individual competition committees. An unjust tendency among the majority of researched competitions to marginalise the problem of climate change has been noticed (only recently has this problem started to draw some attention). It can contribute to the loss of a significant part of the garden heritage because any activity in such a sensitive substance requires a relatively longer time and often divides the work process into many stages. Their standardisation and equal development would strengthen the European heritage and resilience to climate change. The exchange of knowledge and experience in the form of good practices and appropriate funding can support these actions.

Analysis of Functional Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and Leaf Quality in Tea Collection under Nitrogen-Deficient Conditions.

This study discusses the genetic mutations that have a significant association with economically important traits that would benefit tea breeders. The purpose of this study was to analyze the leaf quality and SNPs in quality-related genes in the tea plant collection of 20 mutant genotypes growing without nitrogen fertilizers. Leaf N-content, catechins, L-theanine, and caffeine contents were analyzed in dry leaves via HPLC. Additionally, the photochemical yield, electron transport efficiency, and non-photochemical quenching were analyzed using PAM-fluorimetry. The next generation pooled amplicon-sequencing approach was used for SNPs-calling in 30 key genes related to N metabolism and leaf quality. The leaf N content varied significantly among genotypes (p ≤ 0.05) from 2.3 to 3.7% of dry mass. The caffeine content varied from 0.7 to 11.7 mg g-1, and the L-theanine content varied from 0.2 to 5.8 mg g-1 dry leaf mass. Significant positive correlations were detected between the nitrogen content and biochemical parameters such as theanine, caffeine, and most of the catechins. However, significant negative correlations were observed between the photosynthetic parameters (Y, ETR, Fv/Fm) and several biochemical compounds, including rutin, Quercetin-3-O-glucoside, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, Theaflavin-3'-gallate, gallic acid. From our SNP-analysis, three SNPs in WRKY57 were detected in all genotypes with a low N content. Moreover, 29 SNPs with a high or moderate effect were specific for #316 (high N-content, high quality) or #507 (low N-content, low quality). The use of a linear regression model revealed 16 significant associations; theaflavin, L-theanine, and ECG were associated with several SNPs of the following genes: ANSa, DFRa, GDH2, 4CL, AlaAT1, MYB4, LHT1, F3'5'Hb, UFGTa. Among them, seven SNPs of moderate effect led to changes in the amino acid contents in the final proteins of the following genes: ANSa, GDH2, 4Cl, F3'5'Hb, UFGTa. These results will be useful for further evaluations of the important SNPs and will help to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of nitrogen uptake efficiency in tree crops.

Five ways to wellbeing at the zoo: improving human health and connection to nature.

Good mental and physical health go hand-in-hand when identifying factors that lead people to experience a better overall quality of life. A growing disconnect to the natural world is worsening the mental health of individuals in many societies. Numerous scientific publications have evidenced that being in nature and access to green and blue spaces positively impact upon humans' physical and mental health. For many people, particularly those living in more urbanized areas, managed natural spaces and borrowed landscapes, such as those found in public parks, wildlife reserves and zoological gardens give the only opportunities for wider engagement with nature. Many zoos are designated green spaces and therefore human visitors can engage with native fauna and flora as well as exotic wild animals. This article reviews the UK Government's "The Five Ways to Wellbeing" concept, applied to zoos and aquariums and thus suggests how zoos and aquariums can use this framework to promote positive nature-connectivity experiences for their visitors and promote good wellbeing. The Five Ways to Wellbeing are Connect, Be active, Take notice, Keep learning, and Give. We illustrate how zoos and aquariums could model their approaches to educational and engagement roles, as well as design initiatives to reach out to local communities via the Five Ways to Wellbeing concept. We show that many of the positive programs and works conducted by zoos and aquariums lend themselves to further engagement with the Five Ways to Wellbeing structure. By taking such a structured approach in the design, implementation and evaluation of their activities, zoos can expand their abilities in connecting humans with nature and further add value to their living collections of animals and plants. By including Wellbeing as a defined aim of the modern zoo, it will be clear to all of those involved in their work, visitors, workers, stakeholders, that zoos are working to promote, protect and preserve positive wellbeing outputs for humans and animals alike.