Fibrous Roots Research Articles

Quantification of root water uptake and redistribution using neutron imaging: a review and future directions.

Quantifying root water uptake is essential to understanding plant water use and responses to different environmental conditions. However, non-destructive measurement of water transport and related hydraulics in the soil-root system remains a challenge. Neutron imaging, with its high sensitivity to hydrogen, has become an unparalleled tool to visualize and quantify root water uptake in vivo. In combination with isotopes (e.g., deuterated water) and a diffusion-convection model, root water uptake and hydraulic redistribution in root and soil can be quantified. Here, we review recent advances in utilizing neutron imaging to visualize and quantify root water uptake, hydraulic redistribution in roots and soil, and root hydraulic properties of different plant species. Under uniform soil moisture distributions, neutron radiographic studies have shown that water uptake was not uniform along the root and depended on both root type and age. For both tap (e.g., lupine [Lupinus albus L.]) and fibrous (e.g., maize [Zea mays L.]) root systems, water was mainly taken up through lateral roots. In mature maize, the location of water uptake shifted from seminal roots and their laterals to crown/nodal roots and their laterals. Under non-uniform soil moisture distributions, part of the water taken up during the daytime maintained the growth of crown/nodal roots in the upper, drier soil layers. Ultra-fast neutron tomography provides new insights into 3D water movement in soil and roots. We discuss the limitations of using neutron imaging and propose future directions to utilize neutron imaging to advance our understanding of root water uptake and soil-root interactions.

Arctotis gazanioides (Asteraceae: Arctotideae), a new species from the Bokkeveld Plateau, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Background: A taxonomic revision of Arctotis L. (Asteraceae) is ongoing. A previous botanical survey of the Avontuur Nature Reserve on the Bokkeveld Plateau, Northern Cape, located a potentially unnamed Arctotis taxon associated with seasonally wet sites.Objectives: To compare the morphology of the Arctotis from the Avontuur Nature Reserve with morphologically comparable species of Arctotis and to determine its taxonomic status.Method: The morphology of fresh collections, herbarium specimens, and relevant type material was examined. All relevant literature was consulted.Results: The Avontuur Arctotis is morphologically distinct from A. acaulis L. var. acaulis, A. acaulis var. undulata DC. and A. verbascifolia Harv.Conclusion: Arctotis gazanioides R.J.McKenzie & Helme is described as a new species distinguished by its branching rhizomatous root system with abundant fibrous adventitious roots, and discolorous leaves that are simple lanceolate, lanceolate-ovate to lanceolate-elliptic, or pinnatisect with a lanceolate to lanceolate-elliptic terminal lobe.

Taxonomic studies on the genus Sanicula (Apiaceae) from China (Ⅱ): The clarification of some morphological distinction between S. orthacantha var. orthacantha and S. orthacantha var. brevispina, with the reduction of S. petagnioides to the synonymy of the former, and S. orthacantha var. stolonifera to the synonymy of the latter variety

Based on observations on living plants in field, together with examination of herbarium specimens (including type material), we demonstrate that Sanicula orthacantha var. orthacantha (Apiaceae) differs from S. orthacantha var. brevispina only by the rhizome short, oblique rootstock bearing elongated, fibrous roots, sometimes fleshy stoloniferous (vs. slender, elongate and lignified nodes stoloniferous). In addition, S. petagnioides is found to be identical with S. orthacantha var. orthacantha, and S. orthacantha var. stolonifera is found to be identical with S. orthacantha var. brevispina, we therefore synonymized herein respectively. Lectotypification is proposed for S. petagnioides, S. orthacantha var. stolonifera.

Factors affecting the permeability of the growing media used in bioretention systems

Bioretention systems reduce rainfall runoff and improve runoff quality in “low impact development practices”. However, existing studies have rarely focused on factors that affect the permeability of the media used in bioretention systems. Experiments were conducted to simulate runoff suspended solid (SS) load into bioretention systems. The media permeability performances of 10 types of bioretention systems were analyzed. The influence of different factors (media composition, media thickness, plants, influent load, and submerged area) on the permeability of the media in bioretention systems was discussed. The results show that the saturated permeability coefficients of the devices with SS influent finally maintained at 9.77–72.63% of the initial K values and reached the asymptotic values. Different design factors considerably influenced the permeability performance of bioretention systems. The proper composition of the materials in the media layer improves penetration performance, but attention also needs to be paid to its anti-clogging performance to maintain better permeability after construction. Although designs that reduce the thickness of the media layer have a high initial permeability coefficient and will improve initial permeability, they are not conducive to the maintenance of permeability after construction. Plants with thicker rhizomes and fewer fibrous roots are more conducive to maintaining the permeability of the facility. The increase in influent SS load has a more adverse effect on the permeability of the device compared to the increase in hydraulic load. Setting submerged zone reduces the initial permeability of the facility, the anti-clogging performance of the device, and is not conducive to the maintenance of permeability after the system has been constructed.

Influence of shrub root combinations and spacing on slope stability: study case at the Yongding River flooding regime, Langfang, China.

Research on the mechanism of plant root-soil consolidation is a current focus in research into the ecological restoration of banks. The stability of ecological banks is central to this research, and bank stability is closely related to plant combinations and spacing. Recent research on reinforced anchorage of plant roots has mainly focused on root length and angle, and on other parts of the root system, and only a few studies have examined the combination of different types of roots. In this study, a coupled slope stability assessment system is created, composed of root morphological parameters and involving calculations using the finite element model ABACUS. This paper selects the two banks of the lower reaches of the Tiantang River in the flood zone of Yongding River as the research area, and examines slope surface plants. And then the reinforcement effect of different shrub roots combinations and plant spacing are evaluated for determining the optimal shrub layout, with the aim of solving the instability problem of collapsible silty clay bank slopes and associated risks. The results indicated that when the shrub plant spacing is 0.65m, the optimal shrub combination is Tamarix chinensis + Philadelphus incanus, and when the shrub plant spacing is 0.75m, the optimal shrub combination is Tamarix chinensis + Euonymus alatus. The study found that the root system morphology and the fibrous roots amount at the foot of the slope can have different degrees of influence on the shallow soil stability of the silty clay slope under different shrubs plant spacing conditions.

Substrate pH Influences the Nutrient Absorption and Rhizosphere Microbiome of Huanglongbing-Affected Grapefruit Plants

The substrate pH directly affects nutrient availability in the rhizosphere and nutrient uptake by plants. Macronutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are highly available at pH 6.0–6.5, while micronutrients become less available at higher, alkaline pH (pH > 7.0). Recent research has indicated that low pHs can enhance nutrient uptake and improve sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) tree health. We designed a study to understand the influence of a wide range of substrate pH values on plant size and biomass, nutrient availability, leaf gas exchange, and rhizosphere microbiome of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) affected by Huanglongbing (HLB). Two-year-old “Ray Ruby” grapefruit plants grafted on sour orange (Citrus aurantium) rootstock were cultivated indoors in 10-cm wide × 40-cm tall pots with peat:perlite commercial substrate (80:20 v/v). We tested two disease statuses [HLB-free or healthy (negative, HLB–) and HLB-affected (positive, HLB+)] and six substrate pH values (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) in a 2 × 6 factorial arranged on a complete randomized design with four replications. The canopy volume of HLB+ plants was 20% lower than healthy plants, with pHs 7 and 9 resulting in 44% less canopy volume. The root and shoot ratio of dry weight was 25.8% lower in HLB+ than in healthy plants. Poor root growth and a decrease in fibrous roots were found, especially in pH 5 and 6 treatments in HLB+ plants (p < 0.0001). The disease status and the substrate pHs influenced the leaf nutrient concentration (p < 0.05). High substrate pH affects nutrient availability for root uptake, influencing the nutrient balance throughout the plant system. pH values did not affect plant photosynthesis, indicating that pH does not recover HLB+ plants to the photosynthetic levels of healthy plants—even though high pH positively influenced internal CO2. There were collectively over 200 rhizobacterial identified by the 16S rRNA gene sequencing in individual phylogenetic trees. Most rhizobacteria reads were identified in pH 9. Our results indicated no effect of substrate pHs on the plant disease status induced by enhanced nutrient uptake.

Determination of polysaccharides composition in Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum by HPLC-FLD with pre-column derivatization

A high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) method was established for the determination of seven monosaccharides in Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum. The polysaccharides were de-esterified, extracted, hydrolyzed and derivatized with p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) to obtain fluorescently labeled monosaccharide compounds, which were finally detected by HPLC-FLD. Inertsil ODS-3, C18 chromatographic column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) was used for chromatography. The excitation wavelength (Ex) was 313 nm, and the emission wavelength (Em) was 358 nm. Ethyl acetate extraction reduced the peaks of chromatogram and improved the detection sensitivity than other agents. The established method had high sensitivity, strong specificity, good linear relationship and recovery efficiency. The results showed that the roots and fibrous roots of Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum contained these seven monosaccharides, and the highest monosaccharide content was mannose. The method of PABA-HPLC-FLD for determination of monosaccharide content in Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum was sensitive and accurate. The method established in this work provides a feasible analytical tool for the study of polysaccharides, and the findings on polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum can provide guidance for the natural medicine industry.

Identification of Potential Pathways of Morella cerifera Seedlings in Response to Alkali Stress via Transcriptomic Analysis.

Alkali stress, a type of abiotic stress, severely inhibits plant growth. Only a few studies have investigated the mechanism underlying the transcriptional-level response of Morella cerifera to saline-alkali stress. Based on RNA-seq technology, gene expression differences in the fibrous roots of M. cerifera seedlings exposed to low- and high-concentration alkali stress (LAS and HAS, respectively) were investigated, and the corresponding 1312 and 1532 alkali stress-responsive genes were identified, respectively. According to gene set enrichment analysis, 65 gene sets were significantly enriched. Of these, 24 gene sets were shared by both treatment groups. LAS and HAS treatment groups exhibited 9 (all downregulated) and 32 (23 downregulated) unique gene sets, respectively. The differential gene sets mainly included those involved in trehalose biosynthesis and metabolism, phospholipid translocation, and lignin catabolism. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed that M. cerifera seedlings were specifically enriched in stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, and gingerol biosynthesis; phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis. Moreover, the related genes involved in hormone signaling pathways and transcription factors were determined through a localization analysis of core abiotic stress pathways. These genes and their molecular mechanisms will be the focus of future research.

Species-specific function of conserved regulators in orchestrating rice root architecture.

Shoot-borne adventitious/crown roots form a highly derived fibrous root system in grasses. The molecular mechanisms controlling their development remain largely unknown. Here, we provide a genome-wide landscape of transcriptional signatures - tightly regulated auxin response and in-depth spatio-temporal expression patterns of potential epigenetic modifiers - and transcription factors during priming and outgrowth of rice (Oryza sativa) crown root primordia. Functional analyses of rice transcription factors from WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX and PLETHORA gene families reveal their non-redundant and species-specific roles in determining the root architecture. WOX10 and PLT1 regulate both shoot-borne crown roots and root-borne lateral roots, but PLT2 specifically controls lateral root development. PLT1 activates local auxin biosynthesis genes to promote crown root development. Interestingly, O. sativa PLT genes rescue lateral root primordia outgrowth defects of Arabidopsis plt mutants, demonstrating their conserved role in root primordia outgrowth irrespective of their developmental origin. Together, our findings unveil a molecular framework of tissue transdifferentiation during root primordia establishment, leading to the culmination of robust fibrous root architecture. This also suggests that conserved factors have evolved their transcription regulation to acquire species-specific function.

Effect of Maturity Indices on Quality, Storability and Seedling Performance of Prinsepia utilis Royle (Bhekal) Seed

Background: Prinsepia utilis Royle is a wild woody oil yielding shrub of Rosaceae, commonly known as bhekal. Plant whole parts are all precious; their root, stem, leaf, fruit, and seed oil are used as medicine. Its tender stems, leaf and fibrous root decoction, are used in toothache and throat inflammation. Besides all this, the plant is also commonly used as bio-fence, apple grafting, a substitute for soap and cosmetics, and performing different ritualistic/holistic practices. Material and methods: The fruits were collected from Chakrata forest Division (Uttarakhand), India, in mid-May 2017. Fruits are collected directly from branches and separated according to their color into three sub-lots, i.e., green, purple-green and violet. Seeds were tested under controlled conditions for their viability and vigour at different storage intervals viz 0 days (fresh), 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days. In the nursery, seeds were sown as fresh 0 and 30 days after collection to see the storage effect on seedling performance. Seeds were sown in four replications of 100 seeds of each lot in a nursery bed prepared with compost, sand, and soil (1:1:1). Results: Fresh seeds obtained from violet fruit showed 94.50% germination, followed by purple-green and green fruit with 90.25 and 77.75%, respectively. The germination declined during storage in all types of fruit colors. It is evident from the survival curve that violet fruit retained a maximum period of mean viability (P50) (71 days) as compared to purple-green fruits (59 days) and green fruit (42 days). The violet exhibited a higher mean germination percentage (50.88) after 150 days of storage period as compared to purple-green fruit (44.17) and green fruit (26.75). The seedling performance was significantly affected by fruit colors. The violet seeds significantly exhibited good values of as compared to green and purple, green seeds. Conclusion: Seeds obtained from violet fruits may be preferred for longer storage of seeds and remaining fruit seed color should be avoided for storage purposes.

MeNINV1: An Alkaline/Neutral Invertase Gene of Manihot esculenta, Enhanced Sucrose Catabolism and Promoted Plant Vegetative Growth in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

Alkaline/neutral invertase (A/N-INV) is an invertase that irreversibly decomposes sucrose into fructose as well as glucose and plays a role in plant growth and development, starch synthesis, abiotic stress, and other plant-life activities. Cassava is an economically important starch crop in tropical regions. During the development of cassava tuber roots, A/N-INV activity is relatively high, which indicates that it may participate in sucrose metabolism and starch synthesis. In this study, MeNINV1 was confirmed to function as invertase to catalyze sucrose decomposition in yeast. The optimal enzymatic properties of MeNINV1 were a pH of 6.5, a reaction temperature of 40 °C, and sucrose as its specific catalytic substrate. VB6, Zn2+, and Pb2+ at low concentrations as well as EDTA, DTT, Tris, Mg2+, and fructose inhibited A/N-INV enzymic activity. In cassava, the MeNINV1 gene was mainly expressed in the fibrous roots and the tuber root phloem, and its expression decreased as the tuber root grew. MeNINV1 was confirmed to localize in chloroplasts. In Arabidopsis, MeNINV1-overexpressing Arabidopsis had higher A/N-INV activity, and the increased glucose, fructose, and starch content in the leaves promoted plant growth and delayed flowering time but did not change its resistance to abiotic stress. Our results provide new insights into the biological function of MeNINV1.

Root Distribution Pattern, Growth and Yield Attributes Of Guava (Psidium Guajava L.) As Influenced by Raised Bed And Mulching Under High Density Planting System

The root distribution pattern, growth and yield of guava were studied on the trees planted at 3 m × 3 m spacing on raised bed whose basin area was covered with black polythene mulch (RBM), raised bed without mulch (RBUM) and flat bed (FB). Findings showed that the root density varied in horizontal and vertical position. Maximum feeding roots (&lt; 2mm thickness) were recorded up to 20 cm radial distance from tree trunk at 0-15 cm depth under raised bed with mulch (RBM) and without mulch (RBUM) conditions. However, at 16-30 cm depth, fibrous roots (&lt; 2mm thickness) were found uniform in all the growing conditions of the tree. Root mass of 2-5 mm thick were found significantly higher (1.84 g) in 0-15 cm depth at 20 cm radial distance from trunk. Maximum (1.62g) root mass (2-5 mm thick roots) was noted in 16-30 cm depth at 40 cm radial distance from trunk in RBM, while the lowest in flat bed. Root mass of 2-5 mm thick roots were found similar in 0-15 and 16-30 cm depth at 60 and 80 cm radial distance. Canopy spread, collar diameter and yield per tree were recorded maximum in the tree grown at RBM condition. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(1): 131-138, 2022 (March)

Set up from the beginning: The origin and early development of cassava storage roots.

Despite the importance of storage root (SR) organs for cassava and the other root crops yield, their developmental origin is poorly understood. Here we use multiple approaches to shed light on the initial stages of root development demonstrating that SR and fibrous roots (FR) follow different rhizogenic processes. Transcriptome analysis carried out on roots collected before, during and after root bulking highlighted early and specific activation of a number of functions essential for root swelling and identified root‐specific genes able to effectively discriminate emerging FR and SR. Starch and sugars start to accumulate at a higher rate in SR before they swell but only after parenchyma tissue has been produced. Finally, using non‐destructive computed tomography measurements, we show that SR (but not FR) contain, since their emergence from the stem, an inner channel structure in continuity with the stem secondary xylem, indicating that SR derive from a distinct rhizogenic process compared with FR.

Soil detachment caused by flowing water erosion in six typical herbaceous plant root systems on the Loess Plateau, China

The effects of herbaceous plant root systems on soil erosion differ due to differences among plant species and root types. Six typical herbaceous plants that commonly appear during vegetation succession on the Loess Plateau were selected to detect the effects of plant root traits on the soil detachment at a species level. In total, 180 undisturbed soil samples were collected, and their soil detachment capacities were tested by overland flow by six specific combinations of slope (3) and flow discharge (4). Soil detachment capacity was estimated effectively using shear stress, bulk density, and root surface area density [ R 2 = 0.78; Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency ( NSE ) = 0.63]. The results showed that mean values of soil detachment capacity were ranged from 0.09 to 1.17 kg m −2 s −1 . Pioneer species of Artemisia capillaris and Leymus secalinus had a high soil detachment capacity and were 6.32–12.57 times greater than that of late succession species. The mean soil detachment capacity of plant with tap root system ( Artemisia argyi , A. capillaris , and A. vestita ) was 1.23 times greater than that of other plants with fibrous root systems ( Bothriochloa ischcemum , L. secalinus , and Stipa bungeana ). Soil detachment capacity decreased with soil bulk density as a power function ( p < 0.01) and decreased with root traits of root length density, root surface area density, root area ratio, and root mass density as exponential functions ( p < 0.01). Thus the effects of plant roots on soil erosion differed among herbaceous species were well reflected by the root surface area density. • Effects of plant roots on soil detachment detected at species level. • Exponential functions were found between root traits and soil detachment capacity. • Effects of the plant root system on soil detachment reflected by root surface area density.

Model parameter estimation of SOFCs using a modified cat optimization algorithm

The energy crisis is one of the topics that is always considered by human societies today. On the other hand, the use of new energy and energy conversion systems with high efficiency and low pollution, such as fuel cells, has received much attention. Due to the cost and time-consuming construction of fuel cells, their design and simulation are very important. The purpose of this study is to provide a methodology for optimal estimation of the unknown petameters in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The purpose is to minimize the error value between the experimental output voltage data of a practical 96 cell SOFC and the output voltage data of the designed model by considering seven main uncertain parameters as decision variables. Here, a modified version of the Cat Optimization Algorithm is utilized for minimization and to deliver higher accuracy and convergence speed for SOFC model parameter estimation. The model is finally applied to a case study and its results are compared with some state of the art methods, including Converged Grass Fibrous Root Optimization Algorithm (CGFROA), Modified African Vulture Optimization algorithm (MAVO), Chaotic Binary Shark Smell Optimization (BSSO), and Coyote Optimization Algorithm (COA).

Drag force coefficient of the flexible vegetation root in an artificial floating bed channel

As the artificial floating bed (AFB) is more extensively applied in water treatment, the hydraulic characteristics of the AFB has been broadly investigated. However, the conventional studies on the hydraulic characteristics exhibited by the AFB tends to rigid vegetation roots, whereas the research on flexible vegetation roots is relatively less. In this study, three different characteristics of the flexible vegetation root on the AFB experiment were conducted in different hydraulic conditions to study the effect of flexible root system on the hydraulic characteristics. At the same time, the formula of drag force coefficient is obtained by combining theoretical analysis and machine learning. The main results are as follows: (1) The more fibrous roots in same root area station on the AFB, the smaller the root resistance of the AFB; (2) The drag force coefficient CDx of flexible vegetation roots decreases with the increase of Reh; (3) The best root coefficient for describing root characteristics is characteristic diameter d50.

Boron-mediated amelioration of copper-toxicity in sweet orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Xuegan] seedlings involved reduced damage to roots and improved nutrition and water status

‘Xuegan’ (Citrus sinensis) seedlings were fertilized 6 times weekly for 24 weeks with 0.5 or 350 μM CuCl2 and 2.5, 10 or 25 μM H3BO3. Cu-toxicity increased Cu uptake per plant (UPP) and Cu concentrations in leaves, stems and roots, decreased water uptake and phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, boron and iron UPP, and increased the ratios of magnesium, potassium, calcium and sulfur UPP to phosphorus UPP and the ratios of leaf magnesium, potassium and calcium concentrations to leaf phosphorus concentration. Many decaying and dead fibrous roots occurred in Cu-toxic seedlings. Cu-toxicity-induced alterations of these parameters and root damage decreased with the increase of boron supply. These results demonstrated that B supplementation lowered Cu uptake and its concentrations in leaves, stems and roots and subsequently alleviated Cu-toxicity-induced damage to root growth and function, thus improving plant nutrient (decreased Cu uptake and efficient maintenance of the other nutrient homeostasis and balance) and water status. Further analysis indicated that the improved nutrition and water status contributed to the boron-mediated amelioration of Cu-toxicity-induced inhibition of seedlings, decline of leaf pigments, large reduction of leaf CO2 assimilation and impairment of leaf photosynthetic electron transport chain revealed by greatly altered chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) transients, reduced maximum quantum yield of primary photochemistry (Fv/Fm), quantum yield for electron transport (ETo/ABS) and total performance index (PIabs,total), and elevated dissipated energy per reaction center (DIo/RC). To conclude, our findings corroborate the hypothesis that B-mediated amelioration of Cu-toxicity involved reduced damage to roots and improved nutrient and water status. Principal component analysis showed that Cu-toxicity-induced changes of above physiological parameters generally decreased with the increase of B supply and that B supply-induced alterations of above physiological parameters was greater in 350 μM Cu-treated than in 0.5 μM Cu-treated seedlings. B and Cu had a significant interactive influence on C. sinensis seedlings.

Soil Moisture Counter in Smart Farming

Agriculture has been the primary occupation in our country for ages. But now due to migration of people from rural to urban there is hindrance in agriculture. To overcome this problem, it will be better to go for smart agriculture techniques using IoT. To bring this concept into reality, various sensors are used and deployed at different locations in the farm. IoT gives a platform to researchers to maintain real time data. Soil moisture monitoring is an area of growing study for dryland farming and irrigators alike. Accurate monitoring of soil moisture penetration into the soil depth profile is key to efficient and effective irrigation techniques by access to information that comes from sensors. In this paper we are showing practical demonstration of Soil Moisture Counter in Smart Farming so that effective irrigation can lead to increased yields by preventing plant stress days and keeping nutrients in the fibrous root zone.

Cytochalasan Alkaloids as TRAIL Sensitizers from an Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium sp.

Two new cytochalasans with a rare 6/6/5/5/7 pentacyclic ring system, named chaetoconvosins C-D (1: -2: ), together with two known congeners (3: -4: ), were isolated from the fermentation of an endophytic fungus, Chaetomium sp. SG-01, harbored in the fibrous roots of Schisandra glaucescens Diels. Their structures including the absolute configuration were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic (HRESIMS, NMR, and ECD) and X-ray crystallographic analyses. The TRAIL-resistance-overcoming activity of 1: -4: in a TRAIL-resistant HT29 colorectal cancer cell line was evaluated, which revealed that co-treatment of 1: -4: at 50 µM with TRAIL (150 ng/mL) reduced the HT29 cell viability by 19.0%, 24.1%, 17.9%, and 15.5%, respectively, compared to treatment with 1: -4: alone.

Organochlorine pesticide residue in Chinese herbal medicine.

Over ten-year routine inspection results on organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residue were summarized, OCPs residues, including BHC isomers (α, β, γ, and δ-BHC), DDT analogs (p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT), and pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) and its metabolites (pentachloroaniline and methyl pentachlorophenyl sulfide (MPCPS)), in 1,665 samples for 37 types of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) using the QuEChERS method coupled with the GC-ECD. Based on the maximal residue levels for OCPs set by Asian pharmacopeias, PCNB contamination in Ginseng radix as well as the total DDT and PCNB contamination in Panacis quinquefolii radix are of concern. OCP residues in different parts of Panax ginseng were also compared. The total BHC residue in leaf and fibrous root, as well as the total DDT and PCNB residue in all parts, exceeded MRL of 0.1 mg/kg. Overall, this study provided meaningful results about OCP residue in CHM for pharmaceutical industries and consumers.