Family Malvaceae Research Articles

Genomic assembly, characterization, and quantification of DICER-like gene family in Okra plants under dehydration conditions.

Okra is a plant farmed for its pods, leaves, and stems all of which are edible. It is famous for its ability to tolerate long desiccation periods. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and is a sister species to hibiscus, cotton, and cacao plants. In the current study, okra plants were used as a model to sequence, assemble, and analyze the evolutionary and functional characteristics of the Dicer-like protein gene family (DCL) based on DNAseq and qPCR techniques. Four Dicer-like (DCL) single-copy genes of the okra plant Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (AeDCL) were successfully assembled. The lengths of the AeDCL copies were 8,494, 5,214, 4,731, and 9,329 bp. The detected exons in these samples ranged from a single exon in AeDCL3 to 24 exons in AeDCL4. AeDCLs had five functional domains of two DEAD-like helicase superfamilies, N and C; one Dicer domain; one ribonuclease III domain (a and b); and one double-stranded RNA-binding domain. The PAZ domain was completely annotated only for AeDCL1 and AeDCL3. All AeDCLs were up-regulated under drought conditions, with leaves showing more extensive fold changes than roots. The study focused on a comprehensive genome-wide identification and analysis of the DCL gene family in naturally drought-tolerant okra plants, an orphan crop that can be used as a model for further genomic and transcriptomic studies on drought-tolerance mechanisms in plants.

Comparative taxonomical, biological and pharmacological potential of healthy and geminivirus infected leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.: First report

In the present research project, the first report on comparative analysis of the taxonomical, biological and pharmacological potential of healthy and geminivirus infected Hibiscus rosa sinensis (L.) leaves of the family Malvaceae was done by using different micro and macroscopic techniques. First of all, leaves were characterized for Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) and its associated betasatellite (Cotton leaf curl Multan Betasatellite; CLCuMB). Different morphological parameters like shape and size of stem, leaves, seeds and roots, presence and absence of ligule, distance between nodes and internodes and type of inflorescence etc. were analyzed. CLCuMuV infected H. rosa-sinensis revealed systematic symptoms of infection like chlorosis of leaves, stunted growth, decrease in size of roots, shoots and distortion etc. Anatomical investigation was performed under light ad scanning electron microscope. Different anatomical features like length and shape of guard cells, subsidiary cells, presence or absence of stomata, secretory ducts and trichomes were examined. In both plant samples anomocytic types of stomata and elongated, non-glandular and pointed tip trichomes were present, but the size (especially length and width) of trichomes and other cells like epidermal, subsidiary, and guard cells were highest in virus infected plants likened to healthy one. In the antibacterial activity, the maximum antibacterial potentail was seen in methanolic extract of K. pneumonea while antifungal activity was shown by methanolic extract of A. solani. Plants interact with different biological entities according to environmental conditions continuously and evolved. These types of interactions induce changes positively and negatively on plant metabolism and metabolites production. Many plant viruses also attacked various host plants consequently alter their secondary metabolism. To overcome such virus infected plants produces many important and different types of secondary plant metabolites as a defense response. Subsequent analysis of this n-hexane plant extract using Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy technique revealed that Hibiscus eluted contained 10 main compounds in Healthy sample and 13 compounds in infected one. Presence of essential secondary metabolites were also analyzed by FTIR analysis. The present study provides a comprehensive and novel review on taxonomy (morphology, anatomy) and antimicrobial potential of both healthy and geminivirus infected H. rosa-sinensis.

Comprehensive Analysis of Chloroplast Genome of Hibiscus sinosyriacus: Evolutionary Studies in Related Species and Genera

The Hibiscus genus of the Malvaceae family is widely distributed and has diverse applications. Hibiscus sinosyriacus is a valuable ornamental tree, but it has not been extensively researched. This study aimed to complete the chloroplast genome of H. sinosyriacus and elucidate its evolutionary relationship with closely related species and genera. The complete chloroplast genome of H. sinosyriacus was found to be 160,892 bp in length, with annotations identifying 130 genes, including 85 coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Interspecific variations in the Hibiscus spp. were explored, and H. sinosyriacus has species-specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in four genes. Genome structure analysis and visualization revealed that in the Abelmoschus genus, parts of the large single-copy region, including rps19, rpl22, and rps3, have been incorporated into the inverted repeat region, leading to a duplication and an increase in the number of genes. Furthermore, within the Malvales order, the infA gene remains in some genera. Phylogenetic analysis using the whole genome and coding sequences established the phylogenetic position of H. sinosyriacus. This research has further advanced the understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of Hibiscus spp. and related genera, and the results of the structural and variation studies will be helpful for future research.

First report of leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata in Tilia miqueliana in Jiangsu Province, China.

Tilia miqueliana Maxim., a tall deciduous tree in the Malvaceae family, is native to china and is cultivated in the Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces as an ornamental plant. T. miqueliana has currently received increased attention because of its value as timber, a source plant for honey, and in formal landscape architecture (Wang et al. 2022). In the last three years, symptoms of leaf spot disease were observed in T. miqueliana fields （9-year-old tree）and a breeding nursery _(1-year-old saplings) in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. Field surveys showed that, the disease incidence was approximately 10% and 40% in the fields and breeding nursery, respectively. Symptoms of leaf spot disease on T. miqueliana appeared as small, circular, or near-circular/irregular black lesions on the upper surfaces of the leaves. As the disease progressed, the spots expanded into irregular shapes with the center turning yellow to black and leaves wilted from margins to centers. In severe cases, the yellow necrotic area extended to the margin, which ultimately led to leaf curling and death. To analyze the presence of the pathogenic microorganism, pieces of leaf at the junction of diseased and healthy tissue (about 3x3 mm) were taken from symptomatic plants, sterilized with 75% ethanol for 1 min and 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) for 2 min, and washed 3 times with ddH2O. The leaf pieces were transferred onto Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) plates and incubated at 28°C for 3 days in the dark. Colonies were observed and transferred to fresh PDA plates. Sixteen fungal isolates were obtained and one (named D4-2) of them was verified using Koch's assumption. Single spores of D4-2 were cultured in PDA medium, while its initial colony morphology was fluffy white colonies, which then gradually turned dark yellow from the centre to the edge. To further analyze the form of the spores, a hypha was incubated on fresh synthetic low-nutrient agar (SNA) using cellophane and inverted cultivation was performed for 20 days in the dark. Obclavate or obpyriform conidia (10 to 30 × 2 to 18 µm, n=5) were produced in chains and were pale brown to brown in color. The morphology was consistent with that of Alternaria sp.. The molecular identification of the isolated representative fungus D4-2 was conducted via the amplification of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) (White et al. 1990),translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF) (Carbone and Kohn. 1999), glyceraldehyde-3-dehydrogenase (GAPDH) (Berbee et al. 1999) and RNA polymerase II beta subunit (RPB2) using the primer pairs ITS1/ITS4, EF1-728F/EF1-986R, GPD1/GPD2, and RPB2-5F2/fRPB2-7cR (Sung et al. 2007) respectively. All these sequences were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers OP108438 (ITS), OP168372 (RPB2), OQ473880 (TEF), and OP168374 (GAPDH). Based on the GAPDH, RPB2, and TEF regions of D4-2, MEGA-11 was used to construct a neighbor-joining tree (1000 replications) with 31 other known species that had a relatively close evolutionary relationship with species from the Alternaria genus (Woudenberg et al. 2013). The phylogenetic tree indicated 100% bootstrap support between D4-2 and A. alternata. The branches showing the distribution of other species were exactly the same as that of the consensus tree based on the Bayesian 50 % majority rule that represented the Alternaria-complex (Woudenberg et al. 2013). The initial Koch's Postulates was verified using PDA slices with mycelium (pure PDA slices were used as control) that were inverted on the leaves at 25℃ for 3 days before removing slices and observing the phenotype after 7 days. Only leaves infected with D4-2 showed the same symptoms. Moreover, the spore suspension (at a concentration of 107 spores/mL) of D4-2 was applied to the leaves of T. miqueliana seedlings. After 15 days of incubation at 26 ℃ , the leaves showed the same symptoms. Subsequently, the pathogen was reisolated and cultured from these invaded leaves using the same method described above. Morphological and molecular identifications were consistent with those of D4-2. Above all, the pathogenic fungus (D4-2) isolated from T. miqueliana leaves was confirmed to be A. alternata. T. miqueliana is considered to be an endangered species due to the deep dormancy of its seeds that result in a low natural germination rate (Wu and Shen. 2021). At present, research on T. miqueliana mainly focuses on seed germination and breeding technology, and there is hardly any research on the diseases occurring in T. miqueliana. Therefore, we believe that this is the first report of leaf spot disease caused by A. alternata on T. miqueliana in China.

Weed Plants of the Asteraceae and Malvaceae Families as Reservoirs of Harmful Viruses of Vegetable Crops in Ukraine and the World

The review provides an analysis of the current literature data on the prevalence of weeds of the Asteraceae and Malvaceae families, which act as reservoirs of agricultural plant viruses, in the agroecosystems of both Ukraine and the world. The main focus is on weeds that are common in the agrocenoses of agricultural crops. The primary sources of the main pathogens of viral diseases of vegetable crops (Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Cucumber vein yellowing virus (CVYV), Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV), and Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV)) in different climatic zones, as well as the main factors contributing to the spread of harmful viruses in agrophytocenoses are analyzed.

Two long read-based genome assembly and annotation of polyploidy woody plants, Hibiscus syriacus L. using PacBio and Nanopore platforms

Improvements in long read DNA sequencing and related techniques facilitated the generation of complex eukaryotic genomes. Despite these advances, the quality of constructed plant reference genomes remains relatively poor due to the large size of genomes, high content of repetitive sequences, and wide variety of ploidy. Here, we developed the de novo sequencing and assembly of high polyploid plant genome, Hibiscus syriacus, a flowering plant species of the Malvaceae family, using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies and Pacific Biosciences Sequel sequencing platforms. We investigated an efficient combination of high-quality and high-molecular-weight DNA isolation procedure and suitable assembler to achieve optimal results using long read sequencing data. We found that abundant ultra-long reads allow for large and complex polyploid plant genome assemblies with great recovery of repetitive sequences and error correction even at relatively low depth Nanopore sequencing data and polishing compared to previous studies. Collectively, our combination provides cost effective methods to improve genome continuity and quality compared to the previously reported reference genome by accessing highly repetitive regions. The application of this combination may enable genetic research and breeding of polyploid crops, thus leading to improvements in crop production.

Invasive Alien Plant Species Assessment in Semi-Arid Ecosystems: A Case Study from Southern Haryana, India

Forests of Southern Haryana are incredibly rich in medicinally important plant species but anthropogenic activities and invasive alien plant species are putting a huge stress on these forests. In order to comprehend the ecology of invasive alien plant species, the current study was carried out in the semi-arid forests of Southern Haryana districts, namely Charkhi Dadri and Mahendergarh. During the study, different analytical parameters were calculated such as density(D), basal area (B.A) and importance value index(IVI) along with different diversity indices such as Shannon-weiner index(H'), Simpson index(CD), Pielou index(d) and Margalef index(E). A total of 19 alien plants were recorded with family Asteraceae dominating with 5 species followed by family Solanaceae and Malvaceae. Some of the alien plants were turned out as deadly invasive such as Parthenium hysterophorus, Prosopis juliflora, Chenopodium murale and Croton bonplandianus with high value of IVI, affecting the survival and growth of important native plant species. Thus, the present study is carried out in the field of phytosociology in forests of Southern Haryana. Appropriate strategies must be implemented in this direction to retain the natural ecology of the area.

Bioavailability of bioactive compounds in Hibiscus sabdariffa beverage as a potential anti-inflammatory

The absorption and metabolism of bioactive compounds (BCs) in a Hibiscus sabdariffa drink (HbD) were evaluated by the in vivo bioavailability of organic acids (OA) and phenolic compounds (PC’s). An acute single-blind clinical study in humans was conducted. Twelve volunteers consumed a HbD and a control drink (CD). Urine and plasma samples were taken after consuming both beverages. OA and PC’s of the beverages (HbD and CD) and the biological samples (urine and plasma) were characterized by HPLC-DAD-MS. Thirthy-eight compounds in HbD and four CD were detected and quantified, equivalent to 937.37 mg and 1.22 mg per 60 mL, respectively. Hibiscus acid was the most abundant OA in both drinks.Additionally, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and anthocyanidins were also detected in HbD, although their amount represented 10% of the total BCs. 25 different metabolites were identified, 15 in urine and 23 in plasma. The microbiota extensively biotransformed PCs and their amount was lower than organic acids, particularly hibiscus acid and hydroxycitric acid. The colonic metabolites derived from PCs and organic acids would be behind the anti-inflammatory bioactivity described for Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae family). However, further studies are necessary to evaluate the metabolites responsible for their anti-inflammatory activity.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ogotun-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract. Kilasho A, Kolade MA, Oluborode J, Jackson V, Afolabi S. 2023. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ogotun-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. Asian J Ethnobiol 6: 138-144. The essential role of medicinal plants in maintaining human health demonstrates the necessity for appropriate knowledge and documentation of their significance and application. The aim of this study is to thoroughly and methodically record the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants by local community in Ogotun-Ekiti, Nigeria. The data was collected using both interview method and a structured questionnaire. Respondents were chosen based on their experience, related job and deep understanding of the usage of herbal medicines. According to the findings of the research, 81 medicinal plant species from 40 families and 78 genera were identified and documented. The study also revealed that trees make up 58% of all plants, shrubs make up 27%, herbs make up to 10%. Furthermore, leaves (57%) were the most plant parts used in treating several ailments followed by bark (21%), root (10%) and the seeds (8%) as the least used plant parts. Plants from the Malvaceae family (9 species) were recorded to be the most available in the study area, followed by the Fabaceae family (7 species), Moraceae and Asteraceae (each with 5 species) and three species each from Anarcadiaceae, Combreteaceae, Poaceae, Sapotaceae, Curcurbiataceae, Rutaceae, Solanaceae and Lamiaceae. Some of the frequent illnesses treated with medicinal plants in the study region include: malaria, urinary tract infection, diarrhoea, diabetes amongst others. This study concluded that ethnobotanical survey is crucial for assessing current knowledge and serving as a baseline for future analyses of changes in knowledge and usage. These will thereby give the use of medicinal plants more national and global recognition.

Simultaneous analysis of shape and internal structure of a curved Hibiscus cannabinus pulvinus: X-ray microtomography and semi-automated quantification.

In the Malvaceae family, dynamic solar tracking by leaves is actuated by the deformation of the pulvinus, a thickened region at the leaf blade-petiole junction. While the internal structure is believed to play a crucial role in this process, experimental verification has been challenging due to technical limitations. To address this gap, we developed a semi-automated workflow, which integrates data analysis and image processing to simultaneously analyze the shape and internal structure of a Malvaceae pulvinus using X-ray microtomography. Firstly, we found that kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.), a Malvaceae species with curved pulvini, exhibited solar-tracking leaf movement and selected it as a model system. We employed diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography to visualize the internal structure of the kenaf pulvinus. Analysis of the pulvini's shape revealed variations in pulvinus morphology, yet plausible prediction of the centerline was accomplished using polar polynomial regression. Upon slicing the pulvini perpendicular to the centerline, we observed distinct gray value gradients along the proximo-distal and adaxial-abaxial axes, challenging threshold-based tissue segmentation. This workflow successfully generated three modified 3D images and derived quantitative parameters. Using these quantitative parameters, we conducted network analysis and found the linkage between the size-normalized cortex cross-sectional area and curvature. Polynomial least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression revealed the relationship between the size-normalized cortex cross-sectional area and curvature commonly in all three tested samples. This workflow enables simultaneous analysis of the shape and internal structure, significantly improving the reproducibility of Malvaceae leaf pulvinus characterization.

Flora of the Spix and Martius expedition in Piauí: a 200 year later parallel

The floristic composition of a place can be changed by human actions, such as agricultural activities, farming, and construction and by natural factors, such as soil type, phenology, and fires. This study recorded the current flora of the region traveled by J. B. von Spix and C. F. P. von Martius in Piauí state, Brazil, comparing the data with species from the same region described in the Flora Brasiliensis. Data were collected in May 2019. A total of 157 species belonging to 113 genera and 36 families were catalogued. The presence of endemic species from the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes and the first occurrence of Chorchorus hirtus L. in the state were recorded. In the Flora Brasiliensis, 166 species, 107 genera, and 38 families were listed for Piauí. When comparing the species recorded in Flora Brasiliensis with the survey carried out in this study, 200 years later, at a family level, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Malvaceae had the largest number of species, but the listed species did not show high correlation. It is believed that mainly environmental changes, such as reduction of areas with aquatic vegetation, growth of cities, and anthropogenic actions, such as deforestation in the area covered by the European researchers are reasons for the discrepancy in the listed flora.

Пищевая ценность традиционного напитка «зобо» с финиковым соком

Hibiscus sabdariffa L., also known as edible roselle, belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to West Africa. In Nigeria, its dried petals are processed by boiling and filtration into a non-alcoholic beverage called Zobo. Commercial Zobo often includes artificial sweeteners that improve its taste. As a result, local food science needs new formulations with natural and health-beneficial sweeteners. The research objective was to produce a Zobo drink with different blends of date fruit juice as a natural sweetener, as well as evaluate its proximate, physicochemical, and sensory properties. 
 The control Zobo drink (Zcon) involved an artificial sweetener. The ratios of Zobo to date juice were 90:10 (ZD10), 80:20 (ZD20), 70:30 (ZD30), 60:40 (ZD40), and 50:50 (ZD50). The samples underwent proximate and physicochemical analyses, as well as a sensory assessment on a nine-point hedonic scale. 
 The physicochemical analysis showed that Sample ZD50 with the 50:50 ratio had the highest pH (3.5) and sugar content (9.5°Bx) while the control sample had the lowest pH (2.5) and sugar content (0.9°Bx), with all samples showing significant (p ≥ 0.05) differences. The proximate analysis also showed a wide range of results (p ≥ 0.05). The control sample demonstrated the highest moisture content (97.0%) whereas Sample ZD50 had the highest ash and lipid content of 0.8 and 4.8%, respectively. Sample ZD50 also had the highest protein (2.23%) and crude fiber content (2.49%). Sample ZD40 with the 60:40 ratio had the highest carbohydrate content. In terms of mouthfeel and taste (p ≥ 0.05), the control sample demonstrated the highest scores while the lowest score belonged to Sample ZD10 with the lowest proportion of date juice. The best results for general acceptance belonged to the control, followed by ZD40 (60:40) and ZD50 (50:50). 
 Date juice proved to be an effective sweetener that improved the nutritional profile of Zobo. However, the sensory analysis showed that consumers preferred the control sample with the artificial sweetener.

Genome and transcriptome analyses reveal genes involved in the formation of fine ridges on petal epidermal cells in Hibiscus trionum.

Hibiscus trionum, commonly known as the 'Flower of an Hour', is an easily cultivated plant in the Malvaceae family that is widespread in tropical and temperate regions, including drylands. The purple base part of its petal exhibits structural colour due to the fine ridges on the epidermal cell surface, and the molecular mechanism of ridge formation has been actively investigated. We performed genome sequencing of H. trionum using a long-read sequencing technology with transcriptome and pathway analyses to identify candidate genes for fine structure formation. The ortholog of AtSHINE1, which is involved in the biosynthesis of cuticular wax in Arabidopsis thaliana, was significantly overexpressed in the iridescent tissue. In addition, orthologs of AtCUS2 and AtCYP77A, which contribute to cutin synthesis, were also overexpressed. Our results provide important insights into the formation of fine ridges on epidermal cells in plants using H. trionum as a model.

Studies on Symptomatology, Morphological and Molecular Characterisiation of Erysiphe cichoracearum Causing Powdery Mildew of Okra

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a globally important annual vegetable belongs to family malvaceae, it is most broadly distributed vegetable all over the world. Among the fungal diseases affecting okra crop, powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe cichoracearum DC. is the most important disease causing considerable yield losses. The disease was characterized by the appearance of small white powdery specks on upper surface of the lower leaves which enlarged and coalesced forming bigger patches. Later on the disease spread to the upper leaves, coalescing of the white powdery specks and enlargement in their size ultimately resulted in complete coating of white fungal mass on the leaves. The morphological studies of the pathogen in the laboratory revealed, that the mycelium is septate, ectophytic, hyaline and adjacent to the mycelium, basal septum of the conidiophores was seen. The conidiophores were erect, on which conidia were produced either singly or in short chains. The conidia were found cylindrical or barrel in shape, hyaline, non-septate and measured 75.23 µm x 40.65 µm. Molecular characterisation of the native isolate resulted in the DNA amplicon at the region 531 bp. Further, DNA sequence was obtained for ITS Rdna and was deposited in NCBI gene bank. Accession number ‘MW774352’ was obtained and it was confirmed that the causal pathogen of okra powdery mildew of Raichur region is Erysiphe cichoracearum.

Effective Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and generation of RNAi plants resistant to Begomovirus infecting okra

ABSTRACT Okra is an important vegetable crop of the Malvaceae family and is infected by varying numbers of viruses of the genus Begomovirus. Regardless of the importance of the crop, very little consideration has been given to its genetic improvement. RNA interference (RNAi), a potent biotechnological tool, is known to control Begomovirus in many crops. For the implementation of successful RNAi, there is a need for an efficient genetic transformation system in okra. In the present study, we developed a procedure for Agrobacterium-mediated tissue culture–dependent regeneration of okra plants for the application of RNAi. Eleven transgenic okra RNAi plants were regenerated by utilising hypocotyls as explants. Transformed plants were screened with hygromycin at the regeneration stage and the presence of transgenes (AC1, AC2 & AC4 codes for replication-associated protein, transcriptional activator protein and suppressor of PTGS) in putative transformed plants was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Wild and transgenic lines were challenged with a dimeric Begomovirus clone or viruliferous whiteflies and the level of resistance was estimated with quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) by utilising viral gene–specific primers. The resistant transgenic lines accumulated very low titres of viral gene products according to the qRT-PCR assays compared to the control plants. This is the first report of tissue culture–mediated RNAi-derived resistance in okra against Begomovirus infection.

Impact of Biofertilizers & Different doses of NPK on Growth and Photosynthetic Pigments of Okra Plant (Abelmoschus Esculentus L. Moench)

Okra is an herbaceous hairy annual plant that belongs to the family Malvaceae. It is cultivated in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions around the world. The present work was carried out to study the effect of biofertilizers (Azotobacter + Bacillus) and different concentrations of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium i.e.NPK on growth and photosynthetic pigments of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench). Okra can be named a multipurpose crop as its various parts such as leaves, buds, flowers, pods, stems and seeds can be used for different purposes [1]. Okra is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, oils, etc. Application of hazardous fertilizers causes a nutrient imbalance in soil, With respect to reducing the causes due to chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers are suited best to maintain higher productivity and yield of crops. Random block design (RBD) was selected as an experimental design. The treatments combination taken are T0- Control, T1- Azotobacter + 50% NPK, T2- Azotobacter (2.5 kg/ha) + 100% NPK, T3- Bacillus (2.5 kg/ha) + 50% NPK, T4- Bacillus (2.5 kg/ha) + 100% NPK, and T5 with NPK 100%. The final result revealed, that the treatment combination with Azotobacter + 100% NPK (T2) showed the highest value of plant height (65.60 cm), number of leaves per plant(62.36), number of flowers per plant (27.40), and also carotenoid content (2.82 mg/g), chlorophyll a(2.47 mg/g) and chlorophyll b(3.25 mg/g) were observed maximum. So, it can be concluded through this paper that the combination of Azotobacter 2.5 kg/ha + 100% NPK (T2) is suitable for the okra plant for better growth and enhancement of photosynthetic potential in-field practices.

In vitro Regeneration of Multiple Shoots in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench (Okra) via Apical Shoot Meristem Culture

Introduction: To develop the efficient protocol for multiple shoot regeneration of A.esculentus by apical root culture method. Abelmoschus esculentus L., commonly known as okra, is a member of the Malvaceae family, which is widely consumed due to its high nutrient content and potential therapeutic properties. Okra contains various bioactive compounds that ex-hibit antibacterial properties and may be useful in treating type-2 diabetes, digestive diseases, and liver detoxification. To select the plant for the present and prepare the efficient protocol for the development of multiple shoot regeneration culture method. Methods: In this study, we developed an efficient protocol for multiple shoot regeneration of A. esculentus using the apical shoot culture method. Mature shoot apex explants of the germinated A. esculentus genotype CoBhH1 were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supple-mented with different concentrations of cytokinins (BAP and TDZ) and auxins (IAA and NAA) to determine the optimal conditions for shoot induction. Results: The highest number of multiple shoots (27.04 shoots) was obtained with 0.8 mg/L TDZ. Excised shoots were cultured on MS medium supplemented with GA3, which induced elongation of the shoots to a maximum of 8-10 cm. Regenerated plantlets were successfully transferred to soil, with a 100% survival rate and no differences in morphology or growth characteristics com-pared to control plants. Rooting was achieved with 1 mg/L IBA. Conclusion: This study provides an efficient protocol for multiple shoot regeneration of A. esculentus through apical shoot culture, which has potential applications in plant breeding and genetic engineering.

Importance of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) and It’s Proportion in the World as a Nutritional Vegetable

Okra belong to Malvaceae family, a commercial vegetable crops. It is extensively distributed in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate parts of the world and is native to Ethiopia. It is essential to human nutrition and a good source of total minerals, vitamins, calcium, potassium, enzymes, and other nutrients that are frequently lacking in developing country diets. Additionally, reports of its medicinal value in treating curingulcers and providing relief from haemorrhoids. Okra has found medical application as a plasma replacement or blood volume expander and also useful in genito-urinary disorders, spermatorrhoea and chronic dysentery. The fruits of okra crop bringing into commercial production have reawakened beneficial interest.

Investigation of antimicrobial and anticancer activity of extracts obtained following UV application to Althaea officinalis L. callus cultures

Althaea officinalis L., a plant of the Malvaceae family, is widely used in alternative medicine. The aim of this study is to cultivate the Althaea officinalis plant under in vitro conditions to create an appropriate callus regeneration protocol and investigate the antimicrobial and anticancer activities of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of calli after UV-C application. Leaf, petiole, and root parts of A. officinalis plants germinated in a sterile environment were used as explant sources. Explants were cultured on MS medium containing different concentrations of 2,4-D (1, 2 mg/l) and BAP (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 mg/l). The most effective (100%) callus growth and callus weight (516.24±0.48 mg) was observed on petiole explants using MS medium containing 1 mg/l 2,4-D + 0.25 mg/l BAP. Calli obtained from leaf and petiole explants were exposed to UV-C treatment. Extractions of calli were carried out using methanol and ethyl acetate solutions. 1 mg/ml, 5 mg/ml, and 10 mg/ml solutions of methanol and ethyl acetate extracts were prepared and their antimicrobial activity on bacteria was investigated using the disc diffusion method for 7 different gram-positive and 9 different gram-negative bacteria. None of the three extract concentrations used had any antimicrobial activities. The anticancer activities of the extracts on SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells were studied using the WST-1 viability kit. 1000, 500, 250, 125, and 62.5 µg/ml concentrations of ethyl acetate extracts of leaf and petiole calli had anticancer activity.

Sida cordifolia L. attenuates behavioral hypersensitivity by interfering with KIF17-NR2B signaling in rat model of neuropathic pain

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSida cordifolia L., a perennial subshrub belonging to the Malvaceae family, holds noteworthy significance in the Indian Ayurvedic System and global texts. Roots of this plant are reported to be useful in neurodegenerative disorders, facial paralysis, and treating several neuropathic pain conditions such as neuralgia, and sciatica. However, despite these claims, there remains a dearth of experimental evidence showcasing the effectiveness of Sida cordifolia L. roots in mitigating neuropathic pain. Aim of the studyThe primary objective of this study was to assess the analgesic properties of the whole extract (SCE) obtained from the roots of Sida cordifolia L., as well as its aqueous fraction (SAF) in rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI)-induced neuropathic pain. Furthermore, in-depth phytochemical and molecular biology studies were conducted to identify the potential phytoconstituents and unveil the underlying mechanisms of action. Material and methodsDCM: Methanol (1:1) was used to extract the roots of Sida cordifolia L. to get whole extract (SCE) and was subjected to phytochemical investigations including LC-MS analysis. Analgesic potential of SCE was evaluated in chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain in rats followed by its bioactivity guided fractionation using in-vitro anti-inflammatory assay and assessment of most potent fraction (SAF) in in-vivo pain model. We have also performed the detailed phytochemical and molecular biology investigations to delineate the mechanism of action of Sida cordifolia root extract. ResultsChronic constriction injury leads to significant decrease in paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency indicating development of hypersensitivity in rodents. Treatment with SCE and its most potent aqueous fraction (SAF) leads to significant and dose-dependent reduction in pain-like behavior of nerve injured rats. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), glia cell markers (Iba1, ICAM1), neuropeptides (CGRP and Substance P), KIF-17 and NR2B expressions were found to be significantly upregulated in DRG and spinal cord of nerve injured rats. Treatment with SCE and SAF suppressed oxido-inflammatory cascade along with attenuation of KIF-17 mediated NR2B trafficking and neuroinflammation in DRG and spinal tissues of neuropathic rats. HPTLC and HR-MS analysis suggest betaine as major constituent in SAF which along with other phytoconstituents. ConclusionsBoth the whole extract (SCE) and the aqueous fraction (SAF) demonstrate a significant reduction in mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity by inhibiting KIF-17 mediated NR2B signaling in nerve injured rats and may be used as a potential alternative for the treatment of chronic pain. Our findings support the use of roots of Sida cordifolia L. in neuropathic pain conditions as acclaimed by its traditional use.