Fern Samples Research Articles

Биологическая ценность белка папоротника (Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn)

Contemporary human diet is poor in proteins. Therefore, the modern food science should find new sources of high-grade protein. The bracken fern is rich in proteins can be an unconventional solution to this problem. The research objective was to study the protein contents of Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, which grows on the territory of the Krasnoyarsk Region.
 The study featured Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn harvested in several districts of the Kozulka, Kuragino and Shushenskoye districts Krasnoyarsk Region in May 2021. Spectrophotometry and chromatography were used to assess the proteins and amino acids, respectively.
 The protein content in the dried fern samples ranged from 24 to 27%. All the samples contained fifteen amino acids, including seven essential ones, mostly represented by phenylalanine+tyrosine (2.17 g/100 g of protein). Glutamine was the dominating essential amino acid (4.98 g/100 g of protein). The score of all the essential amino acids was more than 100%. The limiting amino acid was represented by methionine+cystine. From the total of fifteen amino acids, twelve belonged to various classes of aliphatic amino acids, one – to aromatic amino acids, and two – to heterocyclic amino acids. In terms of biological value, the samples collected in the Kuragino district surpassed those from the Kozulka and Shushenskoye districts because they had a lower value of amino acid score difference coefficient (78) and the highest value of coefficient of amino acid utility (0.55). The index of essential amino acids for all the fresh fern samples ranged from 1.04 to 1.1, which indicates a greater value of the total of essential amino acids than in the reference protein.
 The qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids of the bracken fern in the Krasnoyarsk Region showed that it can be used in food industry as an additional source of protein.

Apomictic fern fathers: an experimental approach to the reproductive characteristics of sexual, apomict, and hybrid fern gametophytes.

Apomixis and hybridization are two essential and complementary factors in the evolution of plants, including ferns. Hybridization combines characteristics from different species, while apomixis conserves features within a lineage. When combined, these two processes result in apo-sex hybrids. The conditions leading to the formation of these hybrids are poorly understood in ferns. We cultivated spores from 66 fern samples (43 apomicts, 7 apo-sex hybrids, and 16 sexuals), and measured their development in vitro over 16 weeks. We evaluated germination, lateral meristem formation rates, sexual expression, and production of sporophytes and then compared ontogenetic patterns among the three groups. The three examined groups formed antheridia (male gametangia) but differed in overall gametophyte development. Sexual species created archegonia (female, 86% of viable samples), but no sporophytes. Apomicts rarely created nonfunctional archegonia (8%) but usually produced apogamous sporophytes (75%). Surprisingly, apomictic and sexual species showed similar development speed. The sexually reproducing parents of viable studied hybrids formed about twice as many meristic gametophytes as the apomictic parents (39% vs. 20%, respectively). We present the most thorough comparison of gametangial development of sexual and apomictic ferns, to date. Despite expectations, apomictic reproduction might not lead to earlier sporophyte formation. Apomicts produce functional sperm and thus can contribute this type of gamete to their hybrids. The development patterns found in the parents of hybrids indicate a possible increase of hybridization rates by antheridiogens. The apo-sex hybrids always inherit the apomictic reproductive strategy and are thus capable of self-perpetuation.

<p>Pathological studies on <em>Pteris cretica</em> (L.) fern-Bovine Papilloma Virus infection in Syrian Golden Hamsters (<em>Mesocricetus auratus</em>)</p>

Pteris cretica (L.) commonly known as Cretan brake is widely distributed in nature and considered as potential environmental carcinogen. However, only limited literature is available on this fern commonly taken by cattle while grazing. It is known that in cattle Bovine papilloma virus (BPV) induced benign tumours are converted into malignant with interaction of ptaquiloside (Pta) present in ferns. In the present investigation, we evaluated the pathological effects of P. cretica (PC)-BPV infection in laboratory model hamster. Though toxic principle Pta was detected in fern samples but quercetin could not be found. Tumours were successfully induced in hamsters by cutaneous wart suspension and histopathologically diagnosed as fibroma and lipofibroma. Histopathologically, hamsters showed mild to moderate vascular changes in vital organs, multiple cysts, degenerative changes, bile duct hyperplasia and necrosis in liver, haemorrhages and haemosiderosis in spleen, hypersecretory activity and prominent Peyer’s patches in ileum, degenerative changes and presence of eosinophilic casts in renal tubules. Ultrastructural study revealed apoptosis in hepatocytes, abundance of variable shaped mitochondria in renal tubular lining epithelial cells and enterocytes showed abundance of mitochondria and cytoplasmolysis in the fern fed groups. Almost all the hamsters from BPV, fern and virus infection (PC+BPV) groups developed similar type of tumorous growths. The visible growths in the hamsters of these groups were either single or double large sized except multiple tumorous growths in one hamster from PC+BPV group. However, multiple palpable subcutaneous nodules were developed at the site of scarification in all the hamsters of BPV and PC+BPV groups. Our findings suggest that the Pta containing P. cretica feeding induced hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic lesions in hamsters, but effects of P. cretica -BPV infection were found negligible.

Phytochemical screening and thin-layer chromatographic analysis of tannin from Dryopteris, Asplenium, and Davalliain, Tahura, Batu, Indonesia

Context: Forest area in Tahura R. Soerjo has high moisture level with rainfall 1488 mm3/year, so it provides an optimum condition for ferns growth. Tannin is one of the secondary metabolites that have many benefits; it can be found in various amounts in plant body parts. Aim: The study aims to identify the tannin in three fern genera, namely, Dryopteris, Asplenium, and Davallia that were obtained from Tahura R. Soerjo. Materials and Methods: Both epiphytic (Davallia) and terrestrial (Asplenium and Dryopteris) fern samples were obtained from Taman Hutan Raya Raden Soerjo, Cangar, Batu city in May– August 2015. Powdered fern samples were extracted through maceration method using methanol (1:10). The methanol extract of fern were tested for the tannin presences using phytochemical screening and layer chromatography. Results: Thin-layer chromatography was done to confirm the screening results that indicate the existence of tannin. Phytochemical screening for gallotannin in methanol extracts positive results. All extracts perform a different number of spot and Rf value.Dryopteris and Davallia frond showed reddish-orange spot on the plate, while Dryopteris rhizome,Davallia rhizome,Asplenium frond, and Asplenium rhizome showed greenish brown on the plate.Conclusion: The phytochemical screening including tannin confirmation and thin-layer chromatography showed that all part (frond and rhizome) from Dryopteris,Davallia, and Asplenium contained gallotannin and tannin.

An Optimized CTAB Method for Genomic DNA Extraction from Freshly-picked Pinnae of Fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris L.

As the sister clade of seed plants, ferns are significant materials for plant phylogeny research. However, the genomic DNA extraction protocol for fern samples like modified CTAB method still lacks robustness. Here, we found that the amount and condition of the pinnae samples are critical for gDNA extraction in fern, Adiantum capillus-veneris L. In 500 μl CTAB solution, the recommended amount of pinnae is about 10-20 mg (2-3 pieces). The condition of the pinnae must be instantly-picked from a plant cultivated in a suitable environment. With these factors under control, it is highly reproducible to get the high-quality gDNA with low degradation rate.

Ptaquiloside in Pteridium aquilinum subsp. aquilinum and corresponding soils from the South of Italy: Influence of physical and chemical features of soils on its occurrence

The bracken fern Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn, one of the most common plant species on Earth, produces a wide range of secondary metabolites including the norsesquiterpene glucoside ptaquiloside (PTA). Several studies are present in literature about eco-toxicological aspects related to PTA, whereas results about the effect of growth conditions and soil properties on the production and mobility of PTA are sometimes conflicting and further investigations are needed. The aim of the present work is to investigate the occurrence and possible fate of PTA in soils showing different physical and chemical features, and collected in several areas of the South of Italy. The PTA content was determined in both soil and fern samples by GC–MS; both the extraction protocol and recovery were previously tested through incubation studies. Soils samples were also characterized from the physical and chemical points of view in order to correlate the possible influence of soil parameters on PTA production and occurrence. PTA concentration in P. aquilinum fern seemed to be significantly affected by the availability of nutrients (mainly P) and soil pH. At the same time, PTA concentration in soil samples was always undetectable, independent of the PTA concentration in the corresponding Pteridium samples and pedo-climatic conditions. This seems to suggest the degradation of the PTA by indigenous soil microbial community, whereas incubation studies underlined a certain affinity of PTA for both organic colloids and clay/silt particles.

REE Distribution Pattern in Plants and Soils from Pitinga Mine—Amazon, Brazil

The rare earth element contents of plant specimens of the families Rhamnaceae, Ampelozizyphus amazonicus Ducke (local name: Saracura-Mira) and of Pteridofitas from genus Gleichenia sp. e Adiantum sp. (ferns) were determined and compared to those of the soils, in the Pitinga Mine area, Amazon, Brazil. The Pitinga mine district has large tin reserves genetically related to two granite bodies, Agua Boa e Madeira, both intrusive in volcanic rocks included in the Iricoume Group. This deposit contains, also, bodies of cryolite and rare metals, such as Zr, Nb, Ta, Y and REE. The REE biogeochemical signatures, shown by the collected plants, reflect the patterns of the respective soils. The Eu and Ce anomalies shown by some plant samples are inherited from soils, as well. The higher contents of REE observed in fern samples confirm they are accumulators and reflect the abundance of REE in the soils of Pitinga Mine region. Additionally, that supports their potential use in geochemical exploration and bioremediation. The results of this study stress the importance of biogeochemical research integrated with geochemistry of soils, rocks and minerals.

Spectroscopic Analysis of Arsenic Uptake in Pteris Ferns

Two arsenic-accumulating Pteris ferns (Pteris cretica mayii and Pteris multifida), along with a non-accumulating control fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) were grown in greenhouse conditions in clean sand spiked with 0, 20, 50, 100 and 200 ppm sodium arsenate. Spectral data were collected for each of five replicates prior to harvest at 4-week intervals. Fern samples were analyzed for total metals content and Partial Least Squares and Stepwise Linear Regression techniques were used to develop models from the spectral data. Results showed that Pteris cretica mayii and Pteris multifida are confirmed hyperaccumulators of inorganic arsenic and that reasonably accurate predictive models of arsenic concentration can be developed from the first derivative of spectral reflectance of the hyperaccumulating Pteris ferns. Both the arsenic uptake and spectral results indicate that there is some species-specific variability but the results compare favorably with previously published data and additional research is recommended.

Dark induction of the photoprotective xanthophyll cycle in response to dehydration

Some plants tolerate tissue dehydration. Dehydration conditions suppress photosynthesis, exacerbating photooxidative stress. In this study, fern samples were collected from the field, desiccated in darkness, and subsequently re-watered. During dark dehydration, zeaxanthin (Z) was formed and maximal photochemical efficiency of PS II was strongly reduced. Rehydration in the dark reversed these effects. Violaxanthin de-epoxidase was responsible for the dark formation of Z as illustrated by its complete inhibition by DTT. Nonetheless, its activity was not affected by nigericin, indicating that Z formation in the dark could be a process independent of the transmembrane pH-gradient into the thylakoids. Synthesis de novo of Z was rejected after blocking carotenogenesis with norfluorazon. Dark formation of Z was also observed in dehydrating leaves of desiccation-intolerant plants, which seems to indicate that this is a phenomenon scattered among different taxa within the plant kingdom. Plants may trigger this mechanism during dehydration, for chlorophyll protection during desiccation, and for faster acclimation when rehydrating conditions return. Violaxanthin de-epoxidation to form Z is typically a light-dependent process, but the formation induced solely by dehydration might represent an anticipatory mechanism for preventing early morning photodamage in desiccation-tolerant plants such as the fern Ceterach officinarum.

Distribution and uptake of 137Cs in relation to alkali metals in a perhumid montane forest ecosystem

We determined the content of radiocesium ( 137Cs) and alkali metals in soils, plants (2 ferns, a shrub and moss) and rainwater collected in an undisturbed forest ecosystem. The 137Cs activity and the isotopic ratio of 137Cs/Cs in the samples were used to interpret the distribution and uptake of 137Cs and the alkali metals in plants. As a whole, the 137Cs in plants was assimilated together with K but was not dependent on Cs. Different adaptations of fern species collected in ecological niches cause them to have different 137Cs/Cs ratios. Diplopterygium glaucum is distributed at the edges of the forest; it usually has shallow organic layers, and the root takes up more stable Cs from mineral layers, leading to lower 137Cs/Cs ratios than that in the understory Plagiogyria formosana and Rhododendron formosanum species. The steady supply of stable Cs through the uptake by D. glaucum from deep soils may gradually dilute the 137Cs concentration and thus explain the lower 137Cs/Cs ratio in the fern samples. The 137Cs is predicted to be proportional to the Cs content across plant species in the biological cycle once isotopic equilibrium is attained.

Interspecific Association and Substrate Specificity in Tardigrades from Florida, Southeastern United States

The distribution of terrestrial tardigrades in the Gulf Coast states of the United States is poorly known. Only one species has been reported in Florida. In this study moss, liverwort, lichen and fern samples (47 identified species) from trees and shrubs were collected from all 67 Florida counties. These samples contained 20 species of tardigrade. All possible pairs of tardigrade species and tardigrade and substrate were tested for interspecific association. Only three significant negative and one positive interspecific association between tardigrades were detected. Evidence for substrate specificity was weak. Although some tardigrade species were significantly associated with mosses or foliose lichens in general, no significant association between a tardigrade species and a substrate species was detected.

Arsenic Speciation in Plant Samples from the Iron Quadrangle, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Several plants, especially ferns, have been shown to tolerate and accumulate high arsenic concentrations in soils. The leaves and roots of the ferns Pteris vittata (Chinese brake) and Pityrogramma calomelanos as well as a medical plant (Baccharis trimera) were sampled together with their associated soils in a region impacted by ore mining, the Iron Quadrangle in Brazil, where arsenic concentrations in the soils vary sharply (6–900 µg g−1). The bioaccumulation factors were found to be low compared to the literature data, which can be explained by the low water-soluble fraction of arsenic in soil. The arsenic species in the plants were mainly arsenite. In comparison to the rhizoid samples, the concentrations of arsenic were higher in the leaves of the fern samples. The medical plant behaved differently. The bioaccumulation factor was low (0.7), and trimethylarsine oxide was detected as the third arsenic species beside arsenite and arsenate in both the roots and the leaves.

Determination of organically bound tritium background level in biological samples from a wide area in the south-west of France

In this paper, the authors describe a sensitive method for low-level non-exchangeable OBT determination. This methodology combines suitable sample treatment, a combustion apparatus for large-sized samples and low-background liquid scintillation spectrometry, along with precautions that substantially reduce the risks of sample contamination. Great care must be taken in the measurement of non-exchangeable OBT at environmental levels. Many authors have discussed the opportunities for cross-contamination between samples and contamination by exchange with the laboratory atmosphere. The authors also describe an application of the methodology to a large-scale sampling and measurement campaign, aimed at the determination of the environmental non-exchangeable OBT background level in tree leaves and ferns collected on the site and in the vicinity of a research centre located in the south-west of France, not far from Bordeaux. This study constitutes a ‘zero level’ for the non-exchangeable OBT activity, as, to our knowledge, there is no tritium source within or in the surroundings of the sampled area capable of producing non-exchangeable OBT activities above the natural levels. Our analyses showed that non-exchangeable OBT activities in the collected samples were very low, ranging from below the detection limit ( ca 0.7 Bq kg −1 of dry material) to ca 2 Bq kg −1 of dry material. These values are similar to the natural tritium background measured in water samples. No discrepancies can be shown between fern samples and oak tree leaf samples or between samples collected inside and outside the research site.

Arsenic species in an arsenic hyperaccumulating fern, Pityrogramma calomelanos: a potential phytoremediator of arsenic-contaminated soils.

The fern Pityrogramma calomelanos is a hyperaccumulator of arsenic that grows readily on arsenic-contaminated soils in the Ron Phibun district of southern Thailand. P. calomelanos accumulates arsenic mostly in the fronds (up to 8350 microg As g(-1) dry mass) while the rhizoids contain the lowest concentrations of arsenic (88-310 microg As g(-1) dry mass). The arsenic species in aqueous extracts of the fern and soil were determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HPLC-ICPMS) which served as an arsenic specific detector. Only a small part of the arsenic (6.1-12%) in soil was extracted into water, and most of this arsenic (> 97%) was present as arsenate. The arsenic in the fern rhizoids was approximately 60% water-extractable, 95% of which was present as arsenate. In contrast, arsenic in the fern fronds was readily extracted into water (86-93%) and was present mainly as arsenite (60-72%) with the remainder being arsenate. Methylarsonate and dimethylarsinate were detected as trace constituents in only two fern samples. Preliminary estimates of phytoremediation potential suggest that P. calomelanos might remove approximately 2% of the soil arsenic load per year. With due consideration to the type of arsenic compounds present in the fern, and their water-solubility, the option of disposing high arsenic ferns at sea is raised for discussion.

Rare earth elements in naturally grown fern Dicranopteris linearis in relation to their variation in soils in South-Jiangxi region (Southern China)

Ferns (Dicranopteris linearis) and soils, sampled from four rare earth mining areas and one non-mining area locating in South-Jiangxi region, were chosen for analysis of 15 rare earth elements (REEs) by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP–MS). The fern samples were divided into 4 parts: root, stem, petiole, and lamina. The soils of the same sites were also sampled, and 4 soil layers were observed at the profile: A (0–20 cm depth), B (20–150 cm depth), C (150–400 cm depth), and D (rock). The distribution patterns and transportation characteristics of REEs of different soil layers and of different parts of D. linearis were studied. The results showed that in the soil layers, the ΣREE (the sum of the concentrations of 15 REEs) of A layer, as well as B layer were lower than that of C layer, but Ce was relatively concentrated in A layer. The ΣREE of different parts of D. linearis were lamina, root>stem>petiole. The REE distribution patterns of D. linearis root were similar to the total REE distribution patterns of the A layer of their host soils, especially to the soluble REE distribution patterns of the A layer of their host soils. The REEs were fractionated in their transportation in D. linearis. The abundances of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs, Gd to Lu and Y) in the stem, petiole, lamina are lower than those in the root.

Formula omitted] dating of plant samples

Uranium, thorium and actinium series nuclides were analyzed in fern ( Gleichenia japonica) leaves and some plant foodstuffs (viz. Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, green tea, soybean and raisins) by γ-ray spectrometry. 226Ra , 228Ra and 228Th were detected in all samples except for the soybean and raisins. Actinium-227 was also detected in the fern samples. Neutron activation analysis of the samples showed that the 232Th activities in the samples (except for the soybean and raisins) were negligible compared with those of 228Ra . 228Th in the samples was assumed to have grown from 228Ra in situ and the 228Ra 228Th ages of the samples were calculated from the 228Th 228Ra activity ratios. The ages estimated for the fern leaves may provide information about the rate of their radium uptake, while those for the plant foodstuffs enable us to infer the date of collection of samples.