Family Fabaceae Research Articles

Genome-wide analysis of miR172-mediated response to heavy metal stress in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.): physiological, biochemical, and molecular insights.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), a critical diploid legume in the Fabaceae family, is a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, heavy metal toxicity severely affects its growth, yield, and quality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in regulating plant responses to both abiotic and biotic stress, including heavy metal exposure, by suppressing the expression of target genes. Plants respond to heavy metal stress through miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms at multiple physiological, biochemical, and molecular levels. Although the Fabaceae family is well represented in miRNA studies, chickpeas have been notably underrepresented. This study aimed to investigate the effects of heavy metal-induced stress, particularly from 100 µM concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and 30 µM arsenic (As), on two chickpea varieties: ILC 482 (sensitive) and Azkan (tolerant). The assessment focused on physiological, biochemical, and molecular parameters. Furthermore, a systematic characterization of the miR172 gene family in the chickpea genome was conducted to better understand the plant's molecular response to heavy metal stress. Variance analysis indicated significant effects of genotype (G), treatment (T), and genotype-by-treatment (GxT) interactions on plant growth, physiological, and biochemical parameters. Heavy metal stress negatively impacted plant growth in chickpea genotypes ILC 482 and Azkan. A reduction in chlorophyll content and relative leaf water content was observed, along with increased cell membrane damage. In ILC 482, the highest hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) levels in shoot tissue were recorded under As, Cd, and Ni treatments, while in Azkan, peak levels were observed with Pb treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in root tissue were highest in ILC 482 under Cd and Ni exposure and in Azkan under As, Cr, and Cd treatments. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were significantly elevated under heavy metal stress in both genotypes. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of essential antioxidant enzyme genes, such as SOD, CAT, and APX, with APX showing notable increases in both shoot and root tissues compared to the control. Additionally, seven miR172 genes (miR172a, miR172b, miR172c, miR172d, miR172e, miR172f, and miR172g) were identified in the chickpea genome, distributed across five chromosomes. All genes exhibited conserved hairpin structures essential for miRNA functionality. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these miR172 genes into three clades, suggesting strong evolutionary conservation with other plant species. The expression analysis of miR172 and its target genes under heavy metal stress showed varied expression patterns, indicating their role in enhancing heavy metal tolerance in chickpea. Heavy metal stress significantly impaired plant growth and physiological and biochemical parameters in chickpea genotypes, except for cell membrane damage. The findings underscore the critical role of miR172 and its target genes in modulating chickpea's response to heavy metal stress. These insights provide a foundational understanding for developing stress-tolerant chickpea varieties through miRNA-based genetic engineering approaches.

Ethnomedicinal Insights into the Fabaceae Family in Coastal Purba Medinipur and Balasore: A Study of Traditional Plant Uses and Conservation Perspectives

Ethnomedicinal Insights into the Fabaceae Family in Coastal Purba Medinipur and Balasore: A Study of Traditional Plant Uses and Conservation Perspectives

A Validated Trigonelline-Based Method for the Standardization and Quality Control of Trigonella foenum-graecum L.

Background Fenugreek, or Trigonella foenum-graecum L, is an edible and medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family. Fenugreek seeds contain a variety of phytochemicals, including proteins, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids, steroidal saponins, coumarin, and alkaloids. Trigonelline TG is a bioactive plant alkaloid initially extracted from fenugreek seeds. A substantial portion of fenugreek’s health benefits may rely on the presence of TG. This study addresses the research gap for a fast, green, and economical method for quantifying trigonelline (TG) in fenugreek. Methods Fenugreek seeds from various origins were extracted using three green solvents: acetone (ACt), ethanol (EtOH), and water (H2O). The UPLCMSMS method was developed and validated using a green mobile phase of H2O: EtOH, and an r2-value of 0.999 in the linearity range of 0.1-500 ppb was adopted. The method was validated with an accuracy of 98.6% for trace analysis of TG using a small amount (10 mg) of fenugreek samples from five different origins. Results The average extract yield (±SD) was 5.36±6.3, with the highest extract yield observed in H2O. The ESI (+ve) of the UPLCMSMS resulted in the fragmentation pattern (m/z) 138→94.10→92.05→78.20. The TG quantification revealed an average TG concentration of 181.4, with the highest amount of TG in H2O extract (392.7±132.4 ppb), followed by EtOH (91.9±83.3 ppb) and ACt (59.5±30.9 ppb). The TG amount observed in the validation step substantiated the efficiency and reproducibility of the developed method. Conclusions The method may be used as an effective tool for a green, rapid, economical, and eco-friendly extraction and quantification of TG in diverse matrices of pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, herbal, and food products.

Effect of different packaging methods and storage conditions on postharvest quality and shelf-life of Manila Tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.) var. PKM2

Manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.), is a dry land fruit crop that belongs to the Fabaceae family commonly known Camacchile or Jungle jilebi. Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) has the potential to become productive under harsh climatic and edaphic conditions of dry land areas but its pods have a shorter shelf life. The most important objective was to use proper packaging methods to reduce moisture loss, slow down physiological and biochemical changes and prevent spoilage. The study evaluated 8 packaging methods, including different combinations of CFB (Corrugated Fiberboard) lined with 100-gauge polythene film with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, CFB with 0 %, 5 % and 10 % vents, vacuum packing and a control, under cold storage (13-15 °C) and ambient conditions (26 ± 2 °C). On the 15th day of cold storage conditions, vacuum packing showed minimum physiological loss of weight (19.82 %), titratable acidity (0.68 %), ascorbic acid (77.20) and total sugar (8.36 %). Maximum total soluble solids (15.32 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (22.72 mg 100 g-1 m), shelf life (15 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. On the 12th day of ambient storage condition, vacuum packing recorded minimum physiological loss of weight (16.42 %), titratable acidity (0.42 %), ascorbic acid (76.13) and total sugar (8.53 %). Maximum total soluble solids (14.93 ?Brix), Anthocyanin (21.83 mg 100 g-1 m) and shelf life (11.5 days) followed by CFB with 10 % vent. In this study, the overall results indicated that both vacuum packaging and CFB with 10 % vent at cold storage had synergistic effect in manila tamarind fruit pods, not only in extending the shelf life but also maintained the physiological and biochemical attributes of manila tamarind.

Cynometroxylon aegyptiacum n. sp. (Fabaceae-Detarioideae) from the Miocene of Egypt with palaeoclimatic and biogeographic insights

A new morphospecies of Cynometroxylon is described from the early Miocene deposits of the Gebel El-Khashab Formation exposed along the Cairo-Bahariya desert road in the north Western Desert of Egypt. It is compared with the 13 currently recognized fossil wood species of Cynometroxylon/Cynometra recorded worldwide. The characteristics of this fossil wood align with those typical of the non-seasonal tropical climate during the Miocene period, indicating its habitat at that time. This habitat is consistent with that of some living species of its analogue Cynometra. Upon reviewing the worldwide biogeography of the genus, its extensive distribution in Africa and Asia was observed. Furthermore, the biogeography of the subfamily Detarioideae was compiled, tracing its evolutionary history back to Africa. This confirms the possibility that family Fabaceae likely originated in Africa during the Late Cretaceous to early Paleogene, with subsequent dispersal into Asia and South America. The present record is indicative of a subtropical to warm tropical climate which prevailed in the Miocene of Egypt.

Botanical origins of honeys from pollen analysis during the main honey flow across agro-ecologies in kelala district, South Wollo, Ethiopia

This study aimed to identify the botanical origins of honey through pollen analysis across agro-ecologies of Kelala district, South Wollo, Ethiopia. Fifteen honey samples were collected from traditional beehives, with 5 samples from each of the highland, midland, and lowland agro-ecologies. Qualitative and quantitative pollen analyses revealed that 22 honeybee plants belonging to 8 families, with no families of poisonous origin, and 3 growth forms were identified. Among these plant species, 18 were found in the midland and 13 were recorded in each of the highland and lowland agro-ecologies. The family Fabaceae, with 7 (31.81 %) of the identified honeybee plants, was highly dominant (p < 0.03) compared to the other families. Herbs, with 18 plant species, were highly dominant (p < 0.001) compared to shrubs and trees. In terms of plant species diversity, 10 plant species (Bidens pachyloma, Guizotia scabra, Becium grandiflorum, Eleusine floccifolia, Lens culinaris, Lippia adoensis, Medicago polymorpha, Ocimum basilicum, Trifolium steudneri, and Zea mays) were found in more than 50 % of the honey samples, with the first 2 in all the samples studied. Analysis of each honey sample showed that 8 (53.33 %) of the samples were monofloral, 3 (20 %) were bifloral, and the rest were multifloral. However, all the honeys produced due to agro-ecology (geographical origin) were monofloral. Guizotia scabra in the highland and Bidens pachyloma in the midland and lowland agro-ecologies were the predominant pollen producing species and contributors of monofloral honey. In conclusion, the safe and healthy monofloral honey produced across agro-ecologies suggests the suitability of the honey for human consumption and can potentially attract investors.

Agronomic performance and genetic variability of ten (10) accessions of horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] in Kamboinsé, Burkina Faso

Horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] is a legume in the Fabaceae family. It has good nutritional quality, numerous therapeutic properties and is adapted to drought and heavy metals. It is an exotic species being introduced into Burkina Faso. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of horse gram by assessing the agronomic performance of ten (10) accessions. This study was carried out in the field at the experimental station of the “Centre de Recherches Environnementales, Agricoles et de Formation (CREAF) de Kamboinsé” during the 2022 cropping season. Accessions were evaluated in a Fisher block design with three (03) replications. Analysis of variance revealed a high degree of agronomic variability within the accessions studied. Positive and significant correlations were obtained between different variables. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of the variables identified pod weight, number of seeds per pod, seed weight and seed yield as the parameters that best discriminated between accessions. Accession H46 was the most productive in terms of number of pods (61 pods). Accession H76 achieved a significant seed weight (0.126 kg). However, accession H49, in addition to having an average seed weight (0.114 kg), also presented a good fodder yield (4629.630 kg/ha). Accession H76 (697.972 kg/ha) stood out from the rest with the highest grain yield. This study shows that horse gram can be introduced into future breeding programs to meet the demand for legumes in Burkina Faso, given its agronomic performance.

Dimorphandra gardneriana Tul. (Fabaceae): Medicinal and Industrial Potential of a Brazilian Plant with Pharmacological and Bioactive Properties

The traditional use of medicinal plants, particularly in the Middle East and Asia, highlights the historical and contemporary importance of these herbs in the treatment of various diseases and infections. Among these plants, the Fabaceae family stands out for its incredible diversity and significant therapeutic potential, including the genus Dimorphandra, which has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in several studies. Known as fava d'anta, Dimorphandra gardneriana is a plant native to Brazil with significant pharmacological properties, due to the presence of rutin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. This study aims to consolidate data on Dimorphandra gardneriana, reviewing its chemical constituents, biological activities, and pharmacological properties to provide a comprehensive overview of its medicinal potential. The review was conducted based on published material and new data collected through databases such as MEDLINE, PUBMED, and SCOPUS. The process included defining the topic, inclusion/exclusion criteria, extraction and classification of studies, evaluation, and interpretation of the results. The analysis revealed that Dimorphandra gardneriana contains several bioactive compounds, such as rutin, galactomannans, and quercetin. These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Combined with their use in advanced controlled release technologies and the application of silver nanoparticles, these properties highlight their value not only in natural medicine but also in industry. These promising characteristics indicate potential future biological activities in various fields of scientific and technological research, with the potential to significantly contribute to the development of new treatments and innovative products in diverse areas of well-being and other sectors, in addition to presenting significant financial value.

PHYTOSOCIOLOGICAL SURVEY IN PASTURE AREAS IMPLANTED WITH GRASSES OF THE GENUS BRACHIARIA IN DIFFERENT RELIEFS

The agricultural sector is essential to the Brazilian economy, contributing 26% of gross revenue in 2021 and 24.8% in 2022. Brazil, the world's largest beef producer, depends on pastures as the main source of feed for its cattle, with Brachiaria grass playing a significant role. role. Inadequate management of these areas often leads to degradation, characterized by the proliferation of weeds, which require intervention. The study was carried out with the objective of carrying out a phytosociological survey in pasture areas at different altitudes to evaluate the floristic composition and identify the forage potential or harmful characteristics of the species present. Phytosociological surveys were carried out in pastures at IFES – Campus Santa Teresa, ES, in two areas with distinct topographic features (hills and plains). The species were identified and classified as palatable, toxic or unpalatable. Sampling occurred during the dry (winter) and rainy (summer) seasons, and species were quantified according to frequency, density and abundance. A total of 47 species distributed in 14 families were identified. The Fabaceae family was the most prevalent, followed by Amaranthaceae and Malvaceae. Alysicarpus vaginalis (IVI 49.06) was dominant in the hillside area (Area A), while Cyperus rotundus (IVI 115.25) stood out in the plain area (Area B). The similarity index between the areas was 26.42%. The study highlighted the diversity of species in Brachiaria pastures, emphasizing the need for targeted management to control unpalatable and toxic plants and, at the same time, optimize forage potential. The low similarity between the areas suggests distinct ecological dynamics.

Effects Of 2,4-D, BAP, and Sucrose Concentrations in The Callus Induction of White (Clitoria ternatea var. Albiflora) and Blue Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)

The blue butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) and white butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea var. Albiflora) belong to the Fabaceae family. Both are locally known as “bunga telang” and native to the Southeast Asian regions. The blue flowered variety is traditionally used to treat headaches, fever, and diabetes and is renowned scientifically for its memory-enhancing properties due to the presence of novel pentacyclic triterpenoids. However, farming of C. ternatea is challenged by inconsistent yields of novel secondary metabolites, especially under changing environmental conditions. Callus and cell suspension cultures, on the other hand, offer an alternative for the consistent production of these metabolites. The current study aims to optimize the treatments of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and sucrose concentrations for friable callus formation from seedling explants. Sterile cotyledon explants of in vitro seedlings from both types of butterfly pea were subjected to half-strength MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of 2,4-D and BAP, with sucrose at 15 g/L and 30 g/L. The highest friable callus fresh weight from the white butterfly pea explants (0.064 ± 0.010 g) was achieved in treatments of 0.40 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.50 mg/L BAP. In contrast, the highest fresh weight of friable callus for the blue variety (0.025 ± 0.016 g) was induced in 0.25 mg/L of 2,4-D. Both varieties showed the highest friable callus weight in 15 g/L sucrose supplemented with 1.00 mg/L of 2,4-D (0.146 ± 0.032 g) and 0.25 mg/L of 2,4-D (0.245 ± 0.075 g) for the white and blue variety respectively. The morphology of calli for both varieties were yellowish, watery, and sticky. This study provides an essential basis the establishment of cell suspension cultures, as an efficient alternative to harness the secondary metabolites associated with the mammalian neuroprotective properties.

The influence of aridity on plant intraspecific chemical diversity supports adaptive differentiation and convergent evolution.

Plants synthesize a broad array of specialized chemical compounds that mediate their interactions with the surrounding environment. Some of this chemical diversity is functional and subject to natural selection, but the factors underlying chemical evolution at the intraspecific level remain largely unknown. Here, we combined chemical, environmental and genetic data to investigate the effect of aridity on the expression of chemotypes in the invasive shrub Senecio pterophorus. We studied the variation in pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), a group of specialized metabolites widespread across the families Boraginaceae, Asteraceae and Fabaceae, from native populations spanning a cline of aridity and from three cross-continental introductions, under natural and common garden conditions. We examined whether the relationship between chemistry and aridity was compatible with a process of adaptive differentiation using a method that partitions the variance and covariance by controlling for the population neutral genetic structure. We found a consistent shift from retrorsine-like to seneciphylline-like compounds under increasing aridity in both natural and controlled conditions in coherence with the biosynthetic pathways. This pattern was independent of the neutral genetic structure and occurred along the environmental gradient in the native range and in a convergent manner in all nonnative regions, which suggests adaptive differentiation in response to aridity. Our findings show that the diversity of PAs in S. pterophorus has been partially shaped by aridity. Investigating how abiotic factors influence chemical evolution is key to elucidating the plant responses in future climate scenarios and the cascading effects on other trophic levels.

Technological characterization of tropical woods from the genus Eperua (Fabaceae)

ABSTRACT In the Amazon basin, effective forest management plans are essential for sustainability, as they promote the exploration of new species. The Fabaceae family, which is abundant in tropical forests, includes tree species with timber potential, but gaps remain in understanding their properties. This study investigated the chemical and physicomechanical properties of Eperua from the Brazilian Amazon. Trees were randomly collected from native forests in Amazonas/Brazil. The samples were analyzed to determine their chemical and physicomechanical traits. The results revealed that Eperua falcata had high concentrations of extractives and lignin (15% and 27%, respectively), whereas Eperua leucantha and Eperua purpurea presented relatively high holocellulose contents, reaching up to 66%. The physicomechanical properties indicated a low moisture content (dry matter > 90%) and densities ranging from 620 to 900 kg m−3. All the samples had anisotropy values <1.8%. E. falcata and E. schomburgkiana presented the highest values for higher heating value, modulus of elasticity, rupture, and hardness. The analysis of the chemical composition, along with the physical and mechanical properties of the woods from the genus Eperua, reveals significant potential for applications in sustainable construction and high added-value products, particularly in sectors requiring durability and resistance, such as civil construction and furniture manufacturing.

The Response of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Quality of Cluster Bean [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.] in the Village Chikkenahalli of Challakere Taluk, Chitraduraga District

Cluster bean is one of the significant yet underutilized leguminous vegetables belonging to family fabaceae. It is known by various names across the country such as gaur, chavli kaayi, gori kaayi, khutt, govar, and kothavare. A field experiment on cluster bean was carried out during the summer season of the year 2024 at the farm of P. L. Dodda Rangegowda in Chikkenahalli of Challakere taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The primary objectives of the study are to examine the effects of organic and inorganic fertilizers on the productivity and growth characteristics of cluster bean; to identify the advantages and disadvantages of these fertilizers in relation to productivity, soil fertility, and environment and further to review the effects of mixed organic and inorganic fertilizers on yield and soil fertility. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications and five treatments which comprised of 100 percent organic (FYM and chicken manure), 100 percent inorganic (NPK), 50 percent organic + 50 percent inorganic, 100 percent organic + jeevamruta and control. The results revealed that, treatment T3 outperformed the others, showing the highest values for plant height, number of branches per plant, days to first flowering, days to first vegetable harvest, pod length, pod width, yield per plant, yield per plot, and yield per hectare, while the control recorded the lowest values. Soil properties such as pH, EC, SOC and NPK levels improved when combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers were applied together. Based on these results, it can be concluded that, the application of organic manures, along with chemical fertilizers, positively enhanced the vegetative growth, reproductive growth, yield, quality of cluster bean and soil parameters.

Determination of Botanical Composition and Rangeland Status of Yedigöller Region (Erzurum/Türkiye)

This study investigated the botanical composition, soil cover, and quality of a rangeland located in the Yedigöller region of İspir district, Erzurum province, Türkiye, in 2020. The Loop method was employed to determine these parameters. A total of 44 taxa were identified in the study area, with Asteraceae (13 taxa), Poaceae (8 taxa), and Lamiaceae (4 taxa) being the most dominant families. The overall soil cover was determined to be 70.29%. Poaceae species accounted for 40.38% of the vegetation cover, followed by Fabaceae (3.55%) and other families (56.07%). The rangeland quality was assessed as "Poor" with a quality index of 2.17. These findings indicate that the rangeland in the study area is of low quality and requires improvement measures.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Pongamia pinnata plant extract against skin cancer: In-silico and in-vitro study

Ethnopharmacological relevancePongamia pinnata Linn belonging to the Fabaceae family, holds significance as a crucial remedy in herbal medicine. Aim of the studyThe present study aims to determine the anticancer and antioxidant properties of the plant extract. Material and methodsThe methodology includes extraction of the leaf sample by soxhlet method followed by the phytochemical analysis of leaf extract. Through in-silico approach three anti-cancer receptors were analyzed with 10 ligands which were studied using molecular docking and molecular simulation approach. The prediction outcome of in-silico tests on the petroleum ether plant extract served as a foundation for the subsequent in-vitro studies. Phytochemical profiling of plant extracts using GC-MS analysis, and cytotoxicity testing for A431 skin cell line using MTT Assay. ResultsThe binding affinity of Pongamia pinnata as an anti-cancer agent with respect to the targets EGF, EGFR, ERBB2 was evident. In the in-silico studies, the highest binding affinity with respect to the docked complexes were -8.2 kcal/mol for EGF with Pazopanib, -8.3 kcal/mol for EGFR with pongachromene, -9.5 kcal/mol for ERBB2 with Vitexin. Further these complexes were assessed by molecular simulations and it confirms the stability of these complexes. In in-vitro studies the HPLC results indicated the presence of 0.176 ± 0.001 mg/mL of phenols and 0.159 ± 0.001 mg/mL of flavonoids. The IC50 value was 1.051 which revealed the antioxidant potential. The cytotoxicity studies against the A431 skin cancer cell resulted in an IC50 concentration of 89.59 μg/ml. ConclusionsThese studies show that P. pinnata has the properties to serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin tumors. The molecular simulation studies approach is a predictor for drug discovery, acting as a basis for testing anti-cancer activity against the skin tumor. As a result, it can be a useful source of crude drug for the treatment of melanomas.

CURRENT STATUS OF SCABIOSA ISETENSIS POPULATIONS IN CENTRAL KAZAKHSTAN

The paper presents the results of studying the structure of 6 populations of Scabiosa isetensis growing in Central Kazakhstan. The floristic composition of communities, the ratio of life forms, ecological groups and age spectrum were evaluated. The floristic composition of the populations was 79 species from 56 genera and 23 families, of which the leading are the families of Asteraceae and Fabaceae. Herbaceous perennials predominate among life forms, mesophytes and xerophytes by ecological groups. Such a spectrum of families in populations with Scabiosa isetensis and ecological and biomorphic composition is a vivid indicator of the degree of habitat heterogeneity. Analysis of Jaccard's similarity indices showed similarity in species composition between populations 4 and 5; 1 and 2; 3 and 6, which is explained by similar habitat conditions. All studied populations are characterized by a single type of ontogenetic spectrum - left-handed type with predominance of juvenile individuals, i.e. populations with Scabiosa isetensis are young, developing, and suitable for practical use.

Assessment of Plant Biodiversity and the Floristic Composition in the Black Irtysh River Valley (Kazakhstan)

The Black Irtysh River, a major tributary of the Ob River, traverses diverse ecological zones, influencing the distribution and composition of its floodplain vegetation. This study focused on the Black Irtysh River valley, a key segment of the Irtysh basin, to assess the current state of its plant communities. To compile expedition routes and a preliminary floristic list, a critical revision of more than 1000 herbarium sheets was carried out in the herbarium collections of Kazakhstan (Altai Botanical Garden and Institute of Botany and Phytointroduction). During the field season, a study of plant biodiversity was carried out along the entire coastline of the Black Irtysh. As a result, 217 species of higher vascular plants were identified (55% of those previously found in herbarium archives) from 139 genera and 43 families. The habitats of two Red Book species were discovered: Tulipa patens and Tulipa uniflora. It was found that the flora of the Black Irtysh is similar to the flora of the entire Zaisan depression, and families Poaceae, Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, and Fabaceae are predominant. Geobotanical surveys revealed that the species composition of plant communities is poor and similar among survey points. Only the western part of the river delta is characterized by high rates of projective cover and reserves of forage plants. The main factors of anthropogenic influence are fires, livestock grazing, and deforestation.

In vitro Cyclooxygenase inhibitory activity and GC-MS profiling of bioactive compounds in Bauhinia racemosa Lam.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a common treatment for chronic pain and inflammation. While NSAIDs have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain associated with them, they have an array of side effects. Researchers investigated the COX inhibitory action of NSAIDs. They revealed that there are two distinct COX enzymes: COX-1 and COX2. Developing COX inhibitors has remained critical for producing innovative and safe anti-inflammatory drugs. Bauhinia racemosa Lam belonging to the family Fabaceae has a wide range of medicinal properties. The plant is used to treat various diseases in traditional medicine, but there is less knowledge based on clinical efficacy as an anti-inflammatory agent. In the present study Bauhinia racemosa Lam hydroalcoholic extract were screened for COX inhibition and GC-MS analysis was done to screen phytochemicals. The results obtained were found to inhibit 89% of COX activity significantly as compared to standard drug (Diclofenac sodium). GC-MS analysis revealed a total of ten potent bioactive compounds. The samples were identified by comparing retention time and peak area to literature and interpreting mass spectra. Results observed from the study suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Bauhinia racemosa Lam possess anti-inflammatory activity and can be utilized as an alternate source for NSAIDs. Keywords: COX, Bauhinia racemosa Lam, Anti-inflammatory, NSAIDs.

Orientation, thermal characteristics and structural dimensions of Mangrove Kingfisher Halcyon senegaloides nest cavities in arboreal termitaria in central Mozambique

The breeding ecology of the Mangrove Kingfisher Halcyon senegaloides (family Alcedinidae) remains poorly known. While the few nests recorded in southern and East Africa have been in tree hollows, a seasonal population in central Mozambique woodland breeds in cavities in arboreal termitaria. Despite this breeding strategy being widely recorded in many tropical kingfisher species, it has received little research attention in the Afrotropical realm. We report on the siting and structural characteristics of arboreal termitaria used as nesting sites by Mangrove Kingfishers in central Mozambique and document the thermal dynamics of a nesting cavity in an arboreal termitarium. Arboreal termitaria (average volume 40.1 ± 23.8 l) occurred at a density of 0.52 ± 0.22 termitaria ha−1 in large trees or shrubs, mostly of the families Fabaceae and Malvaceae. Termitaria containing nest cavities were situated 10.8 ± 3.1 m above the ground, and most nests (78.6%) faced north. Nest cavity temperatures averaged 31.4 ± 2.6 °C, which is warmer and more stable than the average ambient temperatures of 28.7 ± 4.0 °C. ‘Carton’ termitaria (comprising a mixture of faecal matter and wood fragments) are thus believed to confer a thermal advantage for summer-nesting Mangrove Kingfishers.

Differential responses of two local and commercial guar cultivars for nutrient uptake and yield components under drought and biochar application

Drought is one of the abiotic stresses that can reduce crop yields. It has a major impact on crop yield reduction. For crops under stress, organic modifiers such as biochar can be useful. Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.), an annual legume from the Fabaceae Family, is highly adaptable to arid and semi-arid regions, with many applications in various industries. Field experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications using a split-split plots arrangement. The aim was to evaluate the influence of irrigation levels (Ir1 = 10, Ir2 = 14, and Ir3 = 17 days irrigation cycle) and biochar (B1 = 0, B2 = 5, and B3 = 10 tons ha−1) application on physiological traits [(chlorophyll a and b, chlorophyll index (SPAD), relative leaf water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage (EL), canopy temperature, leaf area, water use efficiency (WUE)], morphological parameters (length and diameter of the stem, pod length, fresh weight of root and plant, root length), yield components (seed yield, number of branch plant−1, number of clusters plant−1, pod plant−1, seed pod−1, seed plant−1, 1000-seed weight, and gum contents), and leaf nutrient uptake (Ca, Mg, P, Na, and K) of two commercial and local cultivars (cv1 = RGC-936 and cv2 = Saravan) of the guar plant. It was observed that the Ir3 irrigation treatment produced the highest seed yield (1921.8 kg ha−1) in terms of water stress. However, the maximum pod plant−1 (75.5), seed plant−1 (454.2), seed yield (1871.1 kg ha−1), leaf area (861.8 mm2), SPAD (92.2), Mg (49.8 mg g−1), Na (43.3 mg g−1) and P (0.49 mg g−1) were observed in RGC-936. The results also revealed that biochar was more effective than cultivars in terms of morphological traits. While yield and yield components were affected by cultivar, irrigation at different levels also had a significant effect on functional traits, physiology, and morphology. The addition of biochar appeared to have a positive effect on water stress alleviation and guar growth and leaf nutrient uptake. According to Pearson’s correlation analysis, plant weight and length, root weight and length, stem diameter, seed pod−1, branches plant−1, and 1000-seed weight are moderately correlated with seed yield, while pod plant−1 and seed plant−1 are strongly associated with seed yield. On the other hand, the pod length, branches plant−1, and gum content showed a positive but not significant relationship.