Plant Composition Research Articles

Impact of Organic Materials (Tea Waste and Farm Manure) on Yield, Protein Content, Fiber Fractions, and Mineral Composition of Tea Plants in an Organic System

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects of organic materials and fertilizers on tea plant yield and quality in an organic tea garden in Türkiye. The objective was to identify sustainable alternatives to synthetic fertilizers that could enhance tea production while maintaining or improving nutritional quality. A two-year field study (2019–2020) was conducted in an organic tea garden in Pazar, Rize, Türkiye, to assess the impacts of various organic materials on tea plant yield and quality. A Randomized Complete Block Design with split-split plots was employed, with three organic materials (Control, Farm Manure, Tea Waste) as main plots, five organic fertilizers (Control, Organoferm, Neobioplus, Bionur, Orbitosol) as subplots, and three harvest times as sub-sub plots. The study analyzed fresh and dry yield, protein content, cell wall components (Acid Detergent Fiber [ADF] and Neutral Detergent Fiber [NDF] representing indigestible fiber fractions, and Acid Digestible Protein [ADP] indicating protein availability), and macroelements (Phosphorus [P], Potassium [K], Calcium [Ca], and Magnesium [Mg]). Tea waste significantly enhanced protein content, yield, and phosphorus levels, while farm manure increased fresh and dry yields, as well as potassium and magnesium concentrations. Organoferm fertilizer improved most quality parameters except for calcium and magnesium. Results indicated that organic amendments, particularly farm manure, tea waste and Organoferm fertilizer, can be effective in improving tea plant yield and nutritional quality, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilizers.

Heavy Metals Alter the Anti-cancer Potency of Medicinal Plants.

This review investigates the outcome of heavy metal contamination on the anti-cancer properties of medicinal plants. Heavy metal pollution is a significant environmental concern globally, often found in soil and water due to industrial activities. Therapeutic plants are recognized because of their therapeutic attributes and their ability to absorbing these contaminants. This study examines how heavy metal exposure modifies the chemical composition and efficacy of medicinal plants against cancer cells. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and experimental analysis, we explore the mechanisms by which heavy metals interact with bioactive compounds in medicinal plants, affecting their anti-cancer potency. Findings reveal intricate interactions among heavy metals and phytochemicals, leading to variations in cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Comprehending these interactions is crucial for optimizing the utilization of medicinal plants in cancer treatment and for developing approaches to alleviate the impacts of heavy metal contamination on their therapeutic potential. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts our ability to effectively treat cancer and preserve our environment.

Legacy effects of an invasive legume more strongly impact bacterial than plant communities in a Mediterranean-type ecosystem.

The impacts of invasive plants on ecosystem processes and functions may persist as "legacy effects" after their removal. Understanding these effects on native plant-soil interactions is critical for guiding ecological restoration efforts. This study examines the legacy effects of the invasive legume Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L. Wendl. in South Africa's Cape Fynbos to evaluate restoration potential post-removal. We compared cleared, invaded, and uninvaded reference sites across three conservation areas, examining soil chemical properties, nitrogen (N) isotope signatures (as a proxy for the sources of N uptake by a native plant and A. saligna), and the diversity and composition of plant and soil bacterial communities. The effects of A. saligna removal was contingent on conservation area, though consistent patterns emerged for plant and bacterial diversity across sites. Recovery toward reference site levels were evident for soil organic carbon and potassium, but nitrate and available phosphorous only improved in one area. Invader removal was linked to higher soil pH in one area and higher phosphorus availability in two. Soil conditions in cleared sites influenced the nitrogen sources used by A. saligna, shifting towards soil-derived nitrogen, but did not influence those used by the native species assessed. While we observed signs of native plant community recovery after clearing, soil bacterial communities remained comparable to those in invaded sites. The lag in bacterial community recovery was linked to soil pH changes caused by A. saligna invasion. Our findings demonstrate that removing A. saligna can promote native vegetation recovery, though legacy effects may impede or delay the recovery of soil bacterial communities. The influence of these soil legacy effects may also depend on the management or invasion history of sites.

Evaluating the potential of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus in alleviation of aluminium stress in Triticum aestivum.

Soil contamination with toxic heavy metals [such as aluminum (Al)] is becoming a serious global problem due to the rapid development of the social economy. Although plant growth-promoting rhizo-bacteria (PGPR) are the major protectants to alleviate metal toxicity, the study of these bacteria to ameliorate the toxic effects of Al is limited. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the combined effects of different levels of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (5ppm and 10ppm) of accession number of MT123456 on plant growth and biomass, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, oxidative stress and response of antioxidant compounds (enzymatic and nonenzymatic), and their specific gene expression, sugars, nutritional status of the plant, organic acid exudation pattern and Al accumulation from the different parts of the plants, which was spiked with different levels of Al [0µM (i.e., no Al), 50µM, and 100µM] using aluminum sulfate [Al2(SO4)3] in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Results from the present study revealed that the Al toxicity induced a substantial decreased in shoot length, root length, number of leaves, leaf area, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, soluble sugar, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar contents, calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), iron (Fe2+), and phosphorus (P) contents in the roots and shoots of the plants. In contrast, increasing levels of Al in the soil signifcantly (P < 0.05) increased Al concentration in the roots and shoots of the plants, phenolic content, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), electrolyte leakage (EL), fumaric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, formic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid contents in the roots of the plants. Although, the activities of enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxidase dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and their specific gene expression in the roots and shoots of the plants and non-enzymatic such as phenolic, favonoid, ascorbic acid, and anthocyanin contents were initially increased with the exposure of 50µM Al, but decreased by the increasing the Al concentration 100µM in the soil. Addition of A. calcoaceticus into the soil signifcantly alleviated Al toxicity effects on T. aestivum by improving photosynthetic capacity and ultimately plant growth. Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes in A. calcoaceticus-treated plants seem to play a role in capturing stress-induced reactive oxygen species as was evident from lower levels of MDA, H2O2, MDA, and EL in A. calcoaceticus-treated plants. Research findings, therefore, suggested that A. calcoaceticus application can ameliorate Al toxicity in T. aestivum seedlings and resulted in improved plant growth and composition under metal stress as depicted by balanced exudation of organic acids.

Wetland vegetation zoning as a response to groundwater complex systems.

This research investigates the interplay between groundwater flow systems and the zoning of wetland species. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between these factors through comprehensive field evaluations encompassing plant composition, piezometric levels, and flow direction; groundwater chemistry, vertical and horizontal, at different depths (0.15m, 2m, 4m, and 6m) during both rainy and dry seasons. Our findings reveal distinct patterns. The plant diversity in the FP site was related to low ion concentration. In contrast, the dominance of T. geniculata in the TH site correlated with species adapted to sulfate and chloride (SO42- and Cl-) tolerance. In the CTC site, the dominance of C. jamaicense was linked to local groundwater flow and significant surface water inflows. At the same time, T. domingensis prevailed in the TC site due to sodium chloride facie inhibiting C. jamaicense seed germination. Our study highlights the role of groundwater chemical composition in shaping wetland ecosystems by influencing species tolerance and how the spatial distribution of groundwater discharge and seasonal changes contribute to distinct vegetation patches within wetlands. The relationship between groundwater systems, the water's chemical composition, and vegetation is strongly dependent. This can explain mortality and changes in vegetation composition in wetlands in different parts of the world, stressed by climate change effects (rain pattern alteration).

IDENTIFIKASI JENIS DAN FAKTOR TEMPAT TUMBUH MANGROVE DI DESA KOBI SADAR KECAMATAN SERAM UTARA TIMUR KOBI

This research was conducted in Kobi Sadar Village, North Seram Timur Kobi District in May 2024. With the aim of 1). To find out the types of mangroves in the mangrove forest in Kobi Sadar Village, North Seram Timur Kobi District 2). To find out the factors where mangroves grow in Kobi Sadar Village, North Seram Timur Kobi District. Data analysis and the approach used for measurements and observations in this study were descriptive qualitative methods and direct on-site surveys. Information collection regarding vegetation is carried out through vertical channels. The process of identifying specimens to find out the species name is carried out by comparing the morphological characteristics of the various types of mangroves found and referring to the guidebook for mangrove identification in Indonesia (MIC and JICA). Vegetation analysis is a step to explore the structure and composition of plants based on the shape and character of the plant collection. The various elements that make up vegetation structure include growth type, level, and canopy closure.

Plant diversity, conservation worthiness and people’s perception in future management of Purbachal Sal Forest, Bangladesh

The Purbachal Sal Forest, a vital ecosystem in the outskirts of Dhaka city facing biodiversity decline, was assessed for its plant composition and public perception of its management and conservation. A total of 190 species under 61 families have been recorded from the study area following the random quadrat method. Analyses showed that among the 190 species, the most abundant tree and shrub in the forest are Shorea robusta Roxb. ex Gaertn. and Melastoma malabathricum L., respectively. In case of dominance based on the Importance Value Index, Shorea robusta is the most dominant tree, followed by Melastoma malabathricum as the most dominant shrub. The percentages of native and exotic species were found to be 75% and 25%, respectively. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index in the study area was 0.61, whereas Simpson’s and Margalef’s Indices were 0.178 and 4.77, respectively. From interviews with visitors and stakeholders, this study revealed that the majority of them responded negatively about the presence of exotic species in the forest, and on the other hand, they responded positively on the question of incorporating experts in the management plan of the forest. A number of threats to the species diversity of the forest were recorded through observation in the field and stakeholders’ interviews, such as invasive alien species (IAS) intrusion, habitat destruction, agricultural practice, and deforestation. A set of recommendations, including planting more wildlife-supporting native species, preventing the spread of IAS like Parthenium L. and incorporating experts in the forest’s management, was developed for present and future management of Purbachal Sal Forest. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 31(2): 279-292, 2024 (December)

MODERN DİRECTİONS OF SEARCHING FOR PROMİSİNG WİLD PLANTS OF THE FLORA OF AZERBAİJAN AND THEİR USE İN PHARMACEUTİCAL PRODUCTİON

The Republic of Azerbaijan is located in one of the regions of the world with the richest veg-etation cover – the Caucasus. The country's territory is geographically divided into 25 geobotan-ical regions. According to the latest data, more than 5.000 species of plants are found on the ter-ritory of Azerbaijan. The purpose of this article is to study the prospects for the use of wild plants in the field of pharmacy, analyze them by species and genera, and identify scientific di-rections for future researchers. Recently, the demand for vegetable raw materials on the world market has been constantly increasing. With this in mind, based on the book "Flora of Azerbaijan", 191 genera and 1075 species of plants belonging to 61 families have been identified, promising for study in the phar-macognostic aspect. As a result of studying promising plant species, new natural sources of bio-logically active compounds will be discovered and effective medicines based on them will be created. Plant raw materials for industrial production and export will be identified, as well as new officinal medicinal plants will be discovered. Based on the results of studying the chemical composition of plants, chemotaxonomic patterns for the corresponding genera and species will be determined. By determining the distribution areas and raw materials of wild medicinal plants and recording the results on maps, the book "Atlas of areas and reserves of raw materials of wild medicinal plants of the Republic of Azerbaijan" will be published. The study and use of waste generated in areas where plant raw materials are used will help support the country's economy and improve the environmental situation of the region.

Resilience of the Miombo Woodland to Different Fire Frequencies in the LevasFlor Forest Concession, Central Mozambique

Fires play a significant role in shaping the Miombo woodlands. Understanding how fire affects the Miombo region’s resilience is crucial for ensuring its sustainability. This study evaluated plant composition and structure across different fire frequencies in the Miombo woodlands of the LevasFlor Forest Concession (LFC), central Mozambique. Fire frequency clusters-high (HFF), moderate (MFF), and low (LFF)-were identified using a 21-year remote-sensing dataset. In each cluster, 90 random sampling plots were established (30 per cluster). In each plot, the diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height of the saplings and trees were measured. Subplots were used to count and identify seedlings, herbs, climbers, and grasses. Plant species richness, evenness,—diversity, the importance value index (IVI), and similarity were computed to assess plant composition. For the structure, stem density, biomass, basal area, diameter, and height were assessed. A total of 124 plant species-including trees, saplings, seedlings, herbs, climbers, and grasses-were identified across the three clusters. The Bray-Curtis Dissimilarity Index, tested with an ANOSIM similarity test, revealed significant differences in plant species composition among clusters (p &lt; 0.0003), with an overall average dissimilarity of 71.98%. In the HFF cluster, fire-tolerant species were among the five species with the highest IVI, while fire-sensitive species predominated in the LFF. Additionally, the Kruskal-Wallis test indicated significant differences in seedling stem density (p &lt; 0.005) between the LFF and other clusters. However, overall, the composition and structure attributes suggested that current fire regime does not significantly compromise the plant species resilience of the Miombo woodlands in the LFC. Still, it is essential to concentrate management and conservation efforts on seedlings of some key Miombo species, such as Brachystegia spiciformis, whose ecology is particularly affected by fire.

Effects of Intercropped Insectary Plants (Sweet Alyssum, Coriander, and White Mustard) on Elemental Composition and Antioxidant Levels in Broad Bean Plants.

Insectary plants, such as sweet alyssum, coriander, and white mustard, are well known for their traits that attract beneficial insects, allowing them to protect crops from pests. The aim of the study was to analyze the compounds that are important in the antioxidant response, such as malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, proline, total phenolics, and total flavonoids, as well as the content of elements, including macroelements (K, Mg, Na, Ca, P, and S) and heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Mn, and Fe) in broad bean plants. These plants were grown in field conditions as the main protected plant alongside a mixture of three insectary plants at different proportions of the individual components. The soil was analyzed in terms of the above-mentioned elements, as well as in terms of its enzymatic activity (arylsulfatase, β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, FDA (fluorescein diacetate), and acid phosphatase). The introduction of insectary plant mixtures did not cause major changes in the content of the elements in the soil. The changes in the content of elements in broad bean leaves depended on the type of element and the proportion of individual components in the companion plant mixture. However, a general trend of increasing macronutrient content was observed, influenced by the presence of companion plants. All types of companion plant mixtures used enhanced the activity of FDA, while the mixture with 50% sweet alyssum additionally caused an increase in arylsulfatase activity (more than 2 fold). The companion plants improved the physiological condition of the protected plant, which was reflected in the reduced content of proline and total flavonoids. Considering the response of the protected plant to the proposed intercropped plant mixtures and their effect on broad bean growth, it appears that the most suitable mixtures are those with an equal share of all three plant species or a mixture with a predominance of sweet alyssum.

Microbiome of honey bee corbicular pollen: Factors influencing its structure and potential for studying pathogen transmission.

Honey bees are exposed to a diverse variety of microbes in the environment. Many studies have been carried out on the microbiome of bee gut, beebread, and flower pollen. However, little is known regarding the microbiome of fresh corbicular pollen, which can directly reflect microbes acquired from the environment. Moreover, although evidences have suggested that floral resources in general can affect the bee-acquired microbes, whether specific forage plants affect the composition of these microbes is still unclear. Here, we characterized both the microbiome and plant composition of corbicular pollen in collection seasons over two years from six hives using 16S rRNA gene and ITS2 metabarcoding. The results reveal temporal changes in the microbiome and plant composition in corbicular pollen, which was influenced by environmental factors and the choice of forage plants. We identified several co-occurrences between plant and bacterial genera, indicating specific plant-microbe interactions. Many Spiroplasma species with various insect hosts, including a honey bee pathogen Spiroplasma melliferum, were shown to positively correlate with Rubus, suggesting this plant genus as an important node for microbial transmission. Overall, we demonstrated the potential of corbicular pollen for studying the transmission of microbes, especially pathogens. This framework can be applied in future research to explore the complicated pollinator-microbe-plant network in different ecosystems.

Fire frequency shapes diversity in multi‐guild communities through direct and indirect pathways

Abstract Human‐induced changes in fire regimes worldwide are leading to changes in the diversity and composition of plant and insect communities through alterations in vegetation and habitat characteristics. As species interact in complex networks, environmental disturbances, such as an increase in fire frequency, can affect species directly and indirectly through cascading effects across trophic levels. This study examines the effects of fire frequency on multi‐guild communities in the Chaco region in Argentina, aiming to disentangle the direct and indirect pathways of influence between five different species groups: plants, phytophagous insects, ants, predators, and parasitoids. We assess cross‐taxon congruence by analysing α and β diversity indices and performing a structural equation model and Procrustes tests, respectively, trying to elucidate the pathways of influence between fire frequency and the different guilds. Multi‐guild communities responded to environmental changes produced by fire frequency via direct and indirect effects. Fire has both negative and positive, but weak indirect effects on predator richness through a bottom‐up cascading effect from plant richness across phytophagous insects and ants. However, when species relative abundances were considered, no effects have been observed on Shannon and Simpson diversity indices. A positive correlation between species composition of different guilds and fire frequency indicated congruence between connected guilds suggesting that changes in beta diversity propagate across all trophic chains. Given an increase in fire frequency, changes posed to vegetation translated in weak changes via species richness but through pronounced effects on species composition across different trophic levels. Our findings emphasise the importance of a multi‐guild approach to understanding biodiversity responses to environmental changes, highlighting the complexity and intricate dynamics of ecological communities in fire‐prone ecosystems.

Precipitation in July maximizes total above-ground productivity of the desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China.

Precipitation distribution during the growing season and interannual precipitation variation may have significant impacts on grassland ecosystem productivity at the site level. To explore the effect of the distribution of precipitation on plant communities in the Inner Mongolian desert steppe dominated by Stipa breviflora, we analyzed monthly precipitation patterns during the growing season (May-October) over the past 60 years (1961-2020) and identified four major precipitation distribution patterns. These included the concentrated precipitation during July (TΛ7), August (TΛ8), and during the early and late growth stages. However, with precipitation being scarce during the boom (TM), the distribution resembled a normal distribution (T∩). Field experiments simulating the four distributions were conducted from May to October 2021. The results showed that the effects of the distribution of precipitation on plant species, diversity, and abundance were not significant; only the Pielou evenness showed a significant effect after July. The total above-ground net primary productivity (ANPP) of TΛ7 was 55.4% higher than those of the other three patterns, whereas the differences among the other three precipitation distributions were not significant. The annual forb Neopallasia pectinate was the primary contributor to the increased ANPP of TΛ7. These results suggest that the S. breviflora desert steppe achieved maximum productivity when the precipitation reached 41.6% of the annual average during July and satisfied the basic plant growth requirements during other months. This study emphasizes the implementation of management measures (irrigation or artificial precipitation) for maximizing forage yield and forecasting the plant composition in desert steppes.

Medicinal Plants Containing Anthracene

Various types of phytochemicals are present in plant parts such as bark, stem, roots, and other plant components. The distribution, chemical composition, and use of anthracene derivative-containing plants growing in Azerbaijan were investigated. Anthraquinones can be used as agents that have an active effect against malignant tumors and stimulate immunity against new malignant derivatives. Oxy- and oxymethylanthraquinones of fennel have antispasmodic and diuretic effects, and the content of calcium and magnesium phosphates in them ensures the fragmentation and removal of urinary stones from the body. Methyloxyanthraquinone derivatives are present in the bark, leaves, shoots, and fruits of Rhamnus cathartica. Freshly picked pods contain anthraglycoside frangulioriside, which oxidizes and turns into glucofrangulin when stored in pods for 1 year. Rhubarb root and its extracts have a laxative effect, increasing intestinal peristalsis. Aloe is used for skin care.

Soil Microbial Assemblages and Landscape Patterns Shape Compositional Dissimilarities in Woody Plants in Urban Remnant Forest Patches

ABSTRACTThe effects of abiotic factors on plant composition in urban remnant forests are well‐known, while the relationships between soil microbial and plant communities in terms of compositional similarity remain unclear. In this study, we explored the relative contribution of landscape factors and soil microbial assemblages in shaping the β‐diversity of woody plants in urban remnant forest patches. Research was conducted on woody plants and soil microorganisms across 15 remnant patches in Guiyang, China. The existence of compositional similarity between soil microbial and plant assemblages in these forests was investigated. Furthermore, the study assessed the relative influence of soil microbial assemblages and landscape variables on woody plant compositions employing generalized dissimilarity models (GDMs). Findings indicate that variations in composition among woody plants are positively correlated with soil microbial communities, underscoring the vital interaction between aboveground and belowground biodiversity. The GDM results revealed that the woody plant assemblages were equally determined by both direct and indirect (via soil microbial assemblages) effects of landscape patterns, and the indirect effects were even greater than the separate direct effects. These indirect effects often surpass the direct impact of landscape features by bolstering nutrient cycling and establishing beneficial relationships between microbes and plants. Consequently, soil microbes serve as a critical bridge, transforming and amplifying the influence of landscape patterns on plant communities. Moreover, the influence of soil microbial communities and landscape patterns on the variation in woody plant compositions is modulated by their life forms. This research underscores the intertwined roles of landscape patterns and soil microbial communities in shaping plant assemblages, highlighting a dual pathway of influence—direct from landscape and indirect via soil microbes. It reveals the critical importance of considering both abiotic and biotic factors, particularly the often‐overlooked soil microbes, in ecological studies and conservation strategies.

Understanding the plant assemblages of Phlomis cashmeriana Royle ex Benth. in the Kashmir Himalaya

A comprehensive understanding of the ecology of vegetation and soil in natural habitats that harbour endangered species is crucial for the development of effective conservation strategies and promotion of ecosystem restoration. This research aimed to investigate the plant composition and physicochemical characteristics of soil in the native environments of Phlomis cashmeriana (P. cashmeriana), an important medicinal plant in the Kashmir Himalaya region. Forty eight random quadrats were laid across four selected sites where P. cashmeriana thrived. Soil samples were collected from all four locations and employing conventional techniques to analyse the soil's physicochemical attributes. Our study revealed a total of 55 plant species across these sites, with dominance observed in the Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Lamiaceae families. The analysis of the Importance Value Index (IVI) indicated that Trifolium repens (68.84), Cynodon dactylon (56.90), and Urtica dioica (36.18) were the dominant species within the habitats of P. cashmeriana. It was noted that Phlomis cashmeriana exhibit favourable associations with other species in its environment, with 230 instances of positive, 233 instances of negative and 684 instances of random associations. Soil pH levels varied from 5.9 at KUBG to 8.5 at the Jawahar tunnel. There was a noticeable difference in soil organic carbon (OC) and organic matter (OM) values among the study sites, with Jawahar tunnel displaying the lowest (OC = 7.02 and OM = 12.09) and Daksum exhibiting the highest values (OC = 9.94 and OM = 17.13) respectively. This study provides valuable quantitative insights into the vegetation and soil ecology of habitats occupied by P. cashmeriana. These findings can serve as a foundation for the development of conservation strategies, guiding sustainable management practices, and informing habitat restoration efforts for this endangered species.

Temporal decay of similarity in bee-plant relationships throughout the day.

Assessing plant-pollinator relationships often employs a snapshot approach to describe the complexity and dynamic involving species interactions. However, this framework overlooks the nuanced changes in species composition, their interactions, and the underlying drivers of such variations. This is particularly evident on less explored temporal scales, such as the dynamic decision-making processes occurring within hours throughout the day. To address these gaps, in this study, we evaluated the temporal and environmental factors shaping the change of species and interactions (beta diversity) between bees and plants throughout the day in a coastal environment in Mexico. In general, we found that the changes in species composition of bees and plants were mainly associated with species turnover throughout the day, while the principal component of changes in interaction composition was interaction rewiring (reassembling of pairwise bee-plant interactions). This was mainly because a few species (6 of 47 bee species, and 5 of 35 plant species) with many interactions remain permanent most of the day, leading to rewiring being the most important component of beta diversity interaction. While environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity did not significantly drive the compositional dissimilarity of species and interactions, we observed that nearby time intervals have a similar composition of species and interactions. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the importance of considering shorter temporal dynamics in understanding species interactions during the day. These insights deepen our understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping plant-pollinator interactions, providing valuable implications for future studies focused on conservation and management strategies.

Formation of functional and technological properties of minced meat using protein-carbon composites

Due to the nutritional problems of a third of the world's population, it is in terms of the balance of the main food elements that it is relevant to develop food systems that satisfy not only the nutritional value of the final product, but also the increased chemical and biological composition. The development of such systems is aimed at using various plant and animal composites in the production. Such composites make it possible to enrich the product with dietary fibers and essential nutrients that have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. The low cost of such composites will reduce production costs. The proposed system involves the use of model minced meat based on poultry meat and beef of the 2nd grade with a protein-carbohydrate complex (PCC) with the inclusion of a biomodified beef heart, a by-product paste from biomodified udders and light cattle. The composition of the PCC included a commercial powdered preparation of apple fiber and a powdered semi-finished product from biofermented masha seeds. The choice of these additives is justified in connection with their chemical composition, which will make the final product functional. The choice of by-products of cattle is also justified by the chemical composition, since this resource will be able to balance the composition of the food system in terms of protein, minerals and vitamins. In the work, the most optimal ratio of model minced poultry meat (breast) and beef was experimentally identified, which was 60:40 as a percentage of the main meat raw materials. To determine the optimal ratios of added ingredients in the composition of PCC, a vertically integrated approach was used, based on an assessment of the moisture binding (MBC, %) and moisture-retaining capacity (MRC, %) of the meat system. Based on the results of the conducted experience in optimizing the component composition of beech for introduction into the model stuffing, dependencies describing the functional and technological properties of the systems were obtained. The conducted research on the evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of protein-carbohydrate compositions in meat systems indicates the prospects for their introduction into the production cycle of the production of minced meat semi-finished products of enriched composition. It is proved that the use of a protein–carbohydrate composition based on ingredients of vegetable and animal origin in the stuffing system has a positive effect on the structure and nutritional value of chopped semi-finished products.

TRACE ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF RAW MATERIALS TAKEN FROM GENUS PULMONARIA PLANTS TO SUBSTANTIATE ITS ANTIANEMIC ACTION

Introduction. Total extracts taken from generative shoots of genus Pulmonaria plants have antianemic activity. At the same time, extracts obtained from vegetative leaves of these plants do not have similar action. Nowadays, there is no algorithm for determining authenticity and quality of herb raw material with using biogenic elements. Creating such algorithm for diagnosing raw materials by microelement composition is an urgent task. Materials and methods. The research objects were generative shoots and vegetative leaves of such plants as: P. officinalis L., P. obscura Dum. and P. mollis Wulf. ex Horn. and mixtures of both types of raw materials. Quantitative determination of elements was carried out by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. Analyzing obtained results was made using the method of hierarchical clustering. Results. It was established the division into clusters considering all trace elements confirm the species-specificity of the trace element status plants. At the same time raw materials with impurities form clusters different from the cluster formed by hematopoietic complex trace elements contained in the generative shoots of the studied plants. The discovered regularity allows us to consider the cluster, which included the generative shoots as a ref-erence cluster. This reference cluster makes it possible to form an algorithm for checking the raw materials, and its quality Conclusions. As a result of the work, the possibility of using the trace element composition of plants for the standardizing herb raw materials was es-tablished. In addition, the algorithm has been proposed that allows using the content of hematopoietic complex trace elements to determine the au-thenticity and quality of the herb raw material "Pulmonaria herba"

Identification of new salicylic acid signaling regulators for root development and microbiota composition in plants.

Besides playing a crucial role in plant immunity via the nonexpressor of pathogenesis-related (NPR) proteins, increasing evidence shows that salicylic acid (SA) can also regulate plant root growth. However, the transcriptional regulatory network controlling this SA response in plant roots is still unclear. Here, we found that NPR1 and WRKY45, the central regulators of SA response in rice leaves, control only a reduced sector of the root SA signaling network. We demonstrated that SA attenuates root growth via a novel NPR1/WRKY45-independent pathway. Furthermore, using regulatory network analysis and mutant characterization, we identified a set of new NPR1/WRKY45-independent regulators that conservedly modulate the root development and root-associated microbiota composition in both Oryza sativa (monocot) and Arabidopsis thaliana (dicot) in response to SA. Our results established the SA signaling as a central element regulating plant root functions under ecologically relevant conditions. These results provide new insights to understand how regulatory networks control plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses.