Plant Families Research Articles

Discovery of Buxaceae in Acre State, southwestern Amazon: First record of this ancient plant family in Brazil

The first record of Buxaceae for the flora of Brazil was made during fieldwork at the Rio Acre Ecological Station, Acre State, on the border between Brazil and Peru. This study describes the first record of Styloceras brokawii in the region and distinguishes it from other species within the genus based primarily on leaf and fruit morphology.

Indian Grasses and Their Potential for Sustainability

Global researcher and consumer prioritize protecting the atmosphere and biodiversity by promoting eco-friendly products, favoring natural fibers over synthetic materials for their bio-renewable properties and sustainability benefits. The main aim of the review paper was to study the different grasses and their utilization. The author focused on Grass fibres, their sources, properties, and application and their scope for sustainable development ins textile industry. Grasses are somewhat unique in that they frequently succeed in displacing other plants from wide areas of land. Grass fibers are another group of monocotyledonous fibers, where the entire stem together with the leaves are pulped and used in papermaking. Such pulps are composed not only of fibers, but of other cellular elements as well. However, very few individuals recognise the value of grasses. While several plant families provide for human needs, the grass family out performs all others in terms of the quantity and quality of its output. Not much of the work has been done on grass fibres. Hence the need of the hour was felt to explore the potential application of Golden grass (sabai grass fibre), Nettle grass, Vetvier grass, Nappier grass and Gajar grass so as to find sustainable solutions for textile sector.

Environmental drivers of spatial variation in myrtle rust development on a critically endangered tree species

The spread of invasive plant pathogens is on the rise globally, introducing additional threats to forest ecosystems and their constituent species above those already caused by climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. Austropuccinia psidii is a widespread invasive fungus that infects hundreds of species in the Myrtaceae plant family, causing myrtle rust. It was first detected in New Zealand in 2017, where the threatened endemic tree Lophomyrtus bullata is one of the worst affected hosts. Recent studies have described heavy disease severity on this species but environmental drivers of spatial variation in disease severity have not been explored, including the possible role of edge effects which are prevalent across much of this species' highly fragmented natural range. In this study, we tracked changes in disease incidence and severity across a forest edge gradient over three years. Individuals further from the forest edge, where forest canopies were more intact, forest structure more complex, and with greater understorey humidity, had greater disease severity in the first year of infection. In subsequent years, the influence of edge was no longer evident as myrtle rust severity became more even across the site, but disease was more prevalent in denser L. bullata populations. Only small individuals were asymptomatic across all three years. Since all available myrtle rust control techniques are currently feasible only at small scales, our research implies that their application needs to be as early as possible before infection spreads and across all suitable microclimates, and without bias toward easily accessible forest edges.

Evolutionary Insights and Expression Dynamics of the Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) Gene Family in Water lily (Nymphaea colorata) in Response to Multiple Abiotic Stresses

The glutathione peroxidase (GPX) family in plants contains various isoenzymes, each with distinct subcellular localizations, tissue-specific expression patterns, and responses to environmental stress. In current study, we conducted genome-wide bioinformatics analyses of the GPX gene family in Nymphaea colorata, identifying five putative NcGPX genes dispersed across five of the fourteen chromosomes. Examination of the protein sequences revealed that NcGPXs comprehend three conserved cysteine residues, with predicted in-silico subcellular localizations in chloroplast, extracellular, or cytoplasm. We reported that NcGPX genes protein lengths and molecular weight (MW) ranged from 171-248 amino acids (aa) and 18.798-27.076 kDa, respectively. A comparative neighbor-joining phylogenetic study revealed that GPX genes were clustered into four main groups (Group A– D) from water lily and two closely related plant species, alongside with Arabidopsis thaliana. The universal analysis showed that segmental duplications occurred within the NcGPX gene family. Investigation of gene structure and motifs suggested that most NcGPX genes have relatively conserved exon-intron structures and motif arrangements. Promoter region exploration of NcGPX genes revealed numerous cis-acting regulatory elements associated with development, stress, and hormone responses. The identified 3D protein structures showed that water lily GPXs form conserved dimeric protein signatures. Finally, gene expression and enzymes accumulation of NcGPXs in response to different abiotic stresses, in leaves of N. colorata were analysed using real-time RT-qPCR and spectrophotometry. The results indicate that different members of the GPX gene family are co-ordinately regulated under specific environmental stress conditions, establishing a foundation for studying their gene functions and improving abiotic stress tolerance in water lily genetic breeding.

AmMYB82 promotes flavonoid accumulation and enhances drought tolerance in Astragalus membranaceus

Astragalus membranaceus is a medicinal herb extensively used in China. R2R3-MYB is one of the largest transcription factor families in plants, playing a key role in plant development and environmental stress responses. Although quite a few R2R3-MYB transcription factors from economic plants have been characterized, the biological roles of the R2R3-MYB genes in A. membranaceus remain largely unknown. Here, 123 AmR2R3-MYB members in A. membranaceus were systematically identified and their phylogenetic positions, protein and gene structures, and expression patterns were analyzed. Co-expression network analysis revealed that AmMYB82 was a key gene in regulation of flavonoid synthesis. AmMYB82 was found to localize in the nucleus and activated transcription of AmCHS. In the AmMYB82 overexpressing Arabidopsis thaliana, the content of total flavonoids increased, and the expression levels of six enzyme coding genes for flavonoid synthesis, including AmPAL, AmCHS, AmC4H, AmFLS, AmF3H, and Am4CL, were elevated. Overexpression of AmMYB82 enhanced drought tolerance of Arabidopsis seedlings. Furthermore, overexpression of AmMYB82 in A. membranaceus hairy roots increased flavonoid concentration, transcription of the corresponding enzyme genes, and drought stress tolerance. Building on these findings, we developed a working model for AmMYB82 regulating flavonoid biosynthesis and contributing to the abiotic stress response of A. membranaceus. AmMYB82 directly activated enzyme coding genes in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway such as AmCHS, promoting flavonoid accumulation and increasing drought tolerance. This research enhanced our knowledge of the biological functions of R2R3-MYB genes and provided candidate genes for the genetic breeding of A. membranaceus.

Quassinoids from Eurycoma longifolia as Potential Dihydrofolate Reductase Inhibitors: A Computational Study.

Quassinoids are degraded triterpene compounds that can be obtained from various species of the Simaroubaceae plant family, including Eurycoma longifolia. Quassinoids are the major compounds in E. longifolia, and they are known to have various medicinal potentials, such as anticancer and antimalarial properties. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) was reported to be one of the important targets for certain anticancer and antimalarial drugs. Twelve quassinoids from E. longifolia were identified to have anticancer effects based on their IC50 values. This study aimed to evaluate the interactions of these twelve quassinoids with DHFR via Autodock 4.2 software and Biovia Discovery Studio Visualiser. Twelve quassinoids from E. longifolia and their interactions with DHFR were evaluated via Autodock 4.2 software and Biovia Discovery Studio Visualiser. Their drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic properties were also assessed using the ADMETlab 2.0 program. The molecular docking results showed that eleven quassinoids showed better docking scores than methotrexate, in which the binding energy (BE) of these quassinoids ranged from - 7.87 to -9.58 kcal/mol. Their inhibition constant (Ki) ranged from 0.095 to 1.71 μM. At the same time, the BE and Ki values for methotrexate were -7.80 kcal/mol and 1.64 μM, respectively. From the analysis, 6-dehydrolongilactone and eurycomalide B are among the twelve compounds that showed great potential as hit-to-lead compounds based on the docking score on DHFR, drug-likeness, and ADMET properties. These results suggest a great potential to pursue validation studies via in vitro and in vivo models.

A Dataset of Plant Species Richness in Chinese National Nature Reserves

This comprehensive dataset on the number of plant species, genera, and families in 383 national nature reserves in China has been compiled based on the available literature. Heilongjiang Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region have the highest number of nature reserves. Species richness is relatively high in the Jinfoshan, Dabashan, Wenshan, Hupingshan, and Shennongjia Nature Reserves. This dataset provides important baseline information on plant species richness coupling with genus and family numbers in Chinese national nature reserves and should help researchers and environmentalists understand the dynamic species changes in various nature reserves. This detailed and reliable information may serve as the foundation for future plant research in Chinese nature reserves and play a positive role in promoting more effective natural protection, biological distribution, and biodiversity conservation in these areas.

Nature's secret weapon: Watermelon seed oil as petroleum jelly alternative for oily skin care moisturizer

Watermelon seed are known for their high-water content, typically around 90%, which makes hem incredibly hydrating. Watermelon is also rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and dietary fibre. They are rich in nutrients such as protein, amino acids, minerals, healthy fats, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They can be consumed raw or roasted/sprouted. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a fruit from the plant family of Cucurbitaceae. Watermelon is an edible fruit containing 92% water and 6% sugar. Watermelon seed oil is a versatile and effective skincare product suitable for all skin types, including oily, dry, and sensitive ones, thanks to its light, fast-absorbing properties. Petroleum jelly is an oil-based product that forms an oily film over the surface of the skin. Petroleum jelly’s benefits come from its main ingredient petroleum, which helps seal your skin with a water-protective barrier. Watermelon seed oil is a good replacement for petroleum jelly. The prepared moisturizer having good effect on skin and fulfil all he parameters intended for moisturizing effect.

Unraveling a growth-promoting potential for plants: Genome-wide identification and expression state of the TCP gene family in Juglans mandshurica

The TCP gene family stands as a pivotal factor in regulating plant growth, development, and resilience to abiotic stress. Despite extensive research and identification of TCP genes across diverse plant species, the intricate functionality and evolutionary expansion of TCP genes within Juglans mandshurica remain relatively uncharted territories, necessitating thorough investigation. In this work, 35 JmTCP genes belonging to two distinct subfamilies were identified in the genome of J. mandshurica, which were unevenly distributed on 13 chromosomes. To gain insights into structural characteristics, a comprehensive analysis encompassing gene structure was conducted, motif composition, and conserved domain examination. Furthermore, cis-acting element and protein interaction network analyses were leveraged to elucidate potential biological functions associated with these genes. Transcriptome data unveiled that JmTCP12 and JmTCP29 are essential for the development of walnut exocarps, embryos, male and female flowers. Furthermore, the results of the genetic transformation experiments demonstrated that JmTCP31 possesses the capability to significantly promote leaf development and expedite the flowering cycle. Collectively, this study offers novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the TCP gene family's contributions to growth and development in J. mandshurica, enriching understanding of this essential gene family in plants and shedding light on potential applications in agricultural biotechnology.

Application of Mathematics for Robust Stability and for Robustly Strictly Positive Real on an Uncertain Interval Plant

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present a robust control problem wherein represents a family of interval plants. For this particular problem, we introduce four Kharitonov polynomials uniquely by minimizing and maximizing the concept of multilinear functions with uncertain parameters and for the plant and where denotes the conjugate of and , with representing frequency within a specified domain. This technique yields a Kharitonov rectangle or box whose every four vertices are represented by four unique Kharitonov polynomials , each is denoted by and and this rectangle characterizes both robust stability and robustly strictly positive real (SPR) for the family of interval plants (). Thus, the introduction of this Kharitonov rectangle stands as a novel innovation in this article. Our contribution encompasses two key aspects. Initially, we demonstrate the stability of the four unique Kharitonov polynomials employing Hurwitz stability criteria, followed by the utilization of Kharitonov's theorem to ensure robust stability of . Subsequently, to establish robustly SPR of , we analyze the SPR of each interval plant concerning the stability of and , adhering to the condition . Additionally, we provide a detailed illustrative example. Furthermore, we demonstrate the motion of the Kharitonov rectangle and the robust stability test through simulation.

Modeling abscission of cacti branches

During evolution, various functional principles have evolved that allow plants to create predetermined breaking points for the spatially defined abscission of organs. In the plant family of cacti, some species, such as Cylindropuntia bigelovii, have fragile branch–branch junctions that serve vegetative reproduction, while in other species, such as Opuntia ficus-indica, they are very stable. The fracture behavior of these junctions has been thoroughly characterized anatomically and mechanically, the data being the prerequisite for the performance of cactus-inspired phase field simulations. We have found that models composed of homogeneous materials or material systems with low elastic modulus contrast (analogous to Cylindropuntia bigelovii) exhibit a fracture mode where cracks initiation occurs at the epidermis of the junction notch. In comparison, heterogeneous material systems with high elastic modulus contrast (similar to Opuntia ficus-indica) show fracture nucleation along the inner vascular bundles, with an increase in the maximum fracture energy by a factor of 2.2. In the high contrast heterogeneous models, the V-notch and stiffening of the dermal tissue (“periderm”) have a negligible effect on their fracture behavior. In addition, the fracture morphologies of these models resemble the rough junction fracture sites found experimentally. The knowledge gained about the geometric influences and the importance of the contrasts in the mechanical properties of the individual materials in the overall system can be transferred as functional principles to bioinspired engineering composites in order to program their fracture behavior.

Genome expression analysis of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.).

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family is one of the largest gene families in plants, extensively involved in plant growth, organ development, and stress responses. However, limited studies of this family are available in sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides). In this study, we identified 144 bHLH genes in H. rhamnoides (HrbHLH) through a genome-wide search method, then explored their DNA and protein sequences and physicochemical properties. According to the sequence similarities, we classified them into 15 groups with specific motif structures. To explore their expressions, we performed gene expression profiling using RNA-Seq and identified 122 HrbHLH mRNAs were highly expressed, while the remaining 22 HrbHLH genes were expressed at very low levels in all 21 samples. Among these HrbHLH genes, HrbHLH47, HrbHLH74, HrbHLH90, HrbHLH131 showed the highest expression level in the root nodule, root, leaf, stem and fruit tissues. Furthermore, eleven HrbHLH genes displayed increased expressions during the fruit development process of sea buckthorn. Finally, we validated the expression patterns of HrbHLH genes using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (QPCR). This comprehensive analysis provides a useful esource that enables further investigation of the physiological roles and molecular functions of the HrbHLH TFs.

Surveillance and mapping of tribenuron-methyl-resistant weeds in wheat fields

Tribenuron-methyl (TBM) is among the herbicides that are widely used for controlling broadleaf weeds in wheat fields in Iran due to its low mammalian toxicity and environmental risk, use at low doses, the broad spectrum of weed control, and low price compared to other herbicides. However, wheat farmers’ repeated application and dissatisfaction with the optimal and effective control of the TBM herbicide have led to investigating broadleaf weed resistance in Iranian wheat fields. For this purpose, through a national call in 2018, a total of 240 broadleaf weed populations belonging to 13 species and 7 plant families were collected from 153 wheat fields in 72 counties across 14 provinces suspected to be resistant to the TBM herbicide. Then, a screening test was conducted in a completely randomized design with 5 replications of each biotype using the recommended dose of 25 g a.i. ha− 1 of TBM in the greenhouse. Overall, the results indicated that 124 (51.7%) of the screened populations were resisted to TBM. Specifically, 44 populations (81%) of Sinapis arvensis L., 18 populations (45%) of Malva neglecta Wallr., 25 populations (45%) of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn, 2 populations (66.6%) of Ammi majus L., 1 population (50%) of Rapistrum rugosum L., 3 populations (21%) of Descurainia Sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl, 9 populations (36%) of Vaccaria hispanica Mill., 8 populations (48%) of Galium aparine L., 9 populations (75%) of Melilotus indicus L. According to the Adkins and Maas evaluation, 4 populations (100%) of Raphanus raphanistrum L. were classified as resistant to TBM. This study is the first comprehensive investigation of broadleaf weed resistance to TBM across Iranian wheat fields, providing crucial insights for future herbicide management strategies. Given the high incidence of resistance, continued use of TBM in Iranian wheat fields may lead to increased yield loss and environmental pollution. Additionally, it is necessary to investigate cross-resistance in resistant populations to other ALS-inhibiting herbicides.

The Melliferous Potential of the Mountainous Region of Azad Kashmir, Pakistan: Pollen Profiling of Honey Using Microscopy.

Pollen content analysis of honey provides insight into the diversity of pollen grains and the development of a seasonal calendar to identify the diversity and availability of melliferous flora around the year. Melissopalynology is the most primitive and widely used technique for the qualitative and quantitative pollen profiling of honey. The honey of Azad Kashmir Pakistan has never been analyzed for pollen content despite the production at an industrial scale. A total of 60 samples were analyzed for the types and frequency of melliferous flora by the use of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A wide diversity in morphological features differentiated 92 plant species belonging to 48 families. The most frequent plant families observed were Fabaceae, Poaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, Betulaceae, and Buxaceae. Asteraceae showed the maximum species contribution. The obtained percentages of representative pollens were classified in frequency classes as follows: D: Predominant pollen (45%), S: Secondary Pollen (15%-45%), I: Important minor pollen (3%-15%), and M: Minor pollen (1%-3%). Most of the samples were multifloral containing not one dominant pollen, while one was bifloral containing two dominant pollen types and one was unifloral containing only one dominant pollen. The results reflect the melliferous potential of the native flora in the region. Indigenous floral resources from tropical vegetation to alpine meadows sustain bee colonies even during dearth periods. This work will benefit consumers, beekeepers, and regulatory bodies to maintain the authenticity of honey by the provenance of geographical and botanical origin.

Inventorization and Exploration of Floral Diversity in Metropolitan Cities of India for Their Suitability in Floriculture of Kashmir

Floriculture is the branch of horticulture that deals with the cultivation and management of flowers and ornamental plants and has blossomed into commercial activity with considerable growth and a useful crop diversification option, particularly for small farmers over the past three decades. It is a global industry with significant economic, social, and aesthetic values. Globally 171 countries practice floriculture. India occupies 51st position in terms of exports and contributes Rs. 455 crores which is 0.06% of global trade. The present study was carried out during the College on Wheels project organized by the Higher Education Council, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and was aimed to explore the floral and ornamental plant diversity of major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, etc. of India for evaluating their suitability for introduction in floriculture of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The floral and ornamental plant species were explored, photographed, evaluated, identified, and inventorised. A total of 51 species belonging to 23 different families of floral and ornamental plants were explored and evaluated in terms of parameters like climate, soil type, photoperiod requirements, watering needs, and maintenance requirements for their cultivation. It was found that some of the explored species of ornamental plants were already introduced into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir because the parameters for the successful growth and thriving of these species match with the existing climatic and other conditions in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the climatic and other requirements of some of the explored species were found in conformity with the climatic and other parameters available in the Union Territory of J&K for the successful establishment and growth of plants. Thus, there is an urgent need to introduce these explored species into the region to enhance the floral diversity of ornamental plants, beautify the landscape, and promote tourism and the generation of better livelihood. The Department of Floriculture should take a lead role in this direction to import these floral and ornamental plant specimens from pan India.

Functional Characterization of the 14-3-3 Gene Family in Alfalfa and the Role of MsGRF2 in Drought Response Mechanisms.

Drought stress affects crop growth and development, significantly reducing crop yield and quality. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), the most widely cultivated forage crop, is particularly susceptible to drought. The general regulatory factor (GRF) protein 14-3-3, a highly conserved family in plants, specifically recognizes and binds to phosphoserine residues in target proteins, regulating both plant development and responses to environmental stressors. In this study, 66 alfalfa 14-3-3 proteins were identified, and the full-length MsGRF2 gene was cloned and functionally analyzed. The expression of MsGRF2 was highest in alfalfa inflorescences and lowest in roots. Transgenic tobacco overexpressing MsGRF2 exhibited increased tolerance to low temperature and drought stress, evidenced by physiological indicators including low levels of active oxygen species and increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and osmoregulatory substances. Under drought stress conditions, compared to wild-type plants, MsGRF2-overexpressing tobacco plants exhibited significantly increased expression of drought stress-related genes ERD10B and TIP, while the expression of BRI1, Cu/Zn-SOD, ERF2, and KC1 was significantly reduced. Together, these results provide new insights into the roles of the 14-3-3 protein MsGRF2 in plant drought response mechanisms.

Plant resources for immunonutrients and immunomodulators to combat infectious respiratory viral diseases: a review.

Boosting the immune system has become a crucial aspect in the global battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and other similar infections to protect oneself against symptoms, especially in the prevention of viral infections of the lower respiratory tract. The importance of conducting more studies to create successful herbal formulations as infection prevention measures is emphasized in this review, which looks at the function of immune-boosting nutrients, medicinal plants, and herbal treatments. We reviewed and analyzed 207 studies published from 1946 to the present using reputable databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, and NCBI. The review examined 115 plant species in total and identified 12 key nutrients, including vitamins A, D, C, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc, while noting that four plant families, Rosaceae, Asteraceae, Amaryllidaceae, and Acanthaceae, show potential against respiratory infections like influenza, RSV, and SARS-CoV. To lower the risk of infection, it is recommended to consume nutritious meals that have immune-modulating qualities. Information on the bioactive components of medicinal herbs, spices, and plants that have been effective in treating respiratory viral infections and related conditions is compiled in this review, which highlights phytoactive substances with antibacterial and antiviral activity as effective modulators to lower the risk of infections. Furthermore, it is highlighted that ancient knowledge systems, like Ayurveda and Naturopathy, should be integrated to help develop new herbal formulations. To improve immunity and lessen vulnerability to serious respiratory infections, the results highlight the need for including immune-modulating foods and plant-based medicines into everyday routines.

Comprehensive assessment of phytochemicals and bioactivities in various sprouts

A comparative analysis was conducted on seventeen sprouts from vegetable and non-vegetable sources belonging to various plant families such as Asteraceae, Brassicaceae, Fabaceae, and Poaceae. The study focused on evaluating their phytochemical composition (total phenolics, glucosinolates, and anthocyanins), antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay), antidiabetic activity (inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase), and hypocholesterolemic effect (inhibition of HMGR). Multivariate statistical analysis indicated that vegetable sprouts generally exhibited higher levels of phytochemicals and bioactivities compared to cereal sprouts. Red radish sprouts, in particular, showed the highest concentrations of all analyzed phytochemicals and significant bioactivities. Principal component analysis and Pearson correlation analysis underscored the importance of antioxidants, which subsequently affect antidiabetic and hypocholesterolemic activities. Among the phytochemicals, phenolic compounds and glucosinolates were highlighted as more significant than anthocyanins, considering their types and synergistic effects. Molecular docking analysis suggested that these compounds possess strong affinity and specificity towards the enzymes mentioned, indicating their potential for innovative therapeutic interventions aimed at modulating enzyme activity.

Genome-Wide Characterization of Solanum tuberosum CCoAOMT Gene Family and Identification of StCCoAOMT Genes Involved in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis.

The caffeoyl-CoA-O methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) family plays essential roles in the methylation of various secondary metabolites, including anthocyanins. Despite the wide identification of the CCoAOMT family in plants, the characterization and function of CCoAOMT protein members in Solanum tuberosum remain poorly understood. In this study, a total of 12 StCCoAOMT members were identified in the genome of S. tuberosum using the Blastp and HMM search and were unevenly located on eight chromosomes. Collinearity analysis revealed that four tandem duplicated gene pairs and two segmental duplicated gene pairs existed in the S. tuberosum genome, demonstrating that duplication events play a key role in the expansion of the CCoAOMT family. All StCCoAOMTs were clustered into group I and group II based on phylogenetic analysis, which was further verified by the conserved motifs and gene structures analysis. The cis-acting elements analysis illustrated that StCCoAOMTs might be important for photosynthesis, hormone responses, and abiotic stress. Expression analysis demonstrated that StCCoAOMT genes have diverse transcript levels in various tissues and that StCCoAOMT10 was significantly expressed in purple potatoes with abundant anthocyanin content according to RNA-seq data and qRT-PCR assays. In addition, the subcellular localization assay validated that the StCCoAOMT10 protein was mainly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. These results will be of great importance for a better understanding of the features of CCoAOMT family members, especially of the candidate genes involved in the methylation of anthocyanins in S. tuberosum, and also for improving the nutritional quality of S. tuberosum.

Historical biogeography of Vellozia (Velloziaceae) reveals range expansion in South American mountaintops after climatic cooling events and increased diversification rates after the occupation of Southern Espinhaço Province

Abstract The campos rupestres and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest Inselbergs (BAFI) are highly diverse vegetation types that grow on mountaintops of eastern Brazil and show outstanding levels of endemism. The plant family Velloziaceae is an iconic element of these vegetations, with the genus Vellozia, being exceptionally abundant in both these vegetations. In this study, we use Vellozia as a model to address three main questions: (i) What was the distribution of Vellozia’s most recent common ancestor? (ii) Did the range expansions of Vellozia occur during periods characterized by global cooling? (iii) When did Vellozia colonize the different South American highlands they occupy nowadays? To address these questions, we reconstructed the phylogeny of Vellozia using sequences of four molecular markers analysed using Bayesian and maximum likelihood inferences. We used the resulting phylogeny to reconstruct the ancestral distribution of Vellozia using the DEC model. Our findings indicate that Vellozia originated and subsequently diversified in the Oligocene, when the genus was broadly distributed through the Andes, BAFI, Cerrado, Caatinga, and the Chapada Diamantina, suggesting that the Cerrado may acted as a corridor between the Andes and eastern mountaintop vegetations. Vellozia subsequently occupied the southern Espinhaço during the Early Miocene, which was followed by increased diversification rates and several range expansions, especially after the Middle-Miocene Climatic Optimum, when cooler and drier periods allowed the expansion of open environments and the retraction of forests, allowing Vellozia to expand their distribution. These results highlight the unique evolutionary history of Vellozia and the importance of climatic cooling for the expansion of the genus.