Flower Samples Research Articles

Detection of Prunus Necrotic Ringspot Virus (PNRSV) and Apple Mosaic Virus (ApMV) in Rose (Rosa spp.) Plants in Konya Province

This research was conducted to determine the presence of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) and Apple mosaic virus (ApMV) that can cause infection in rose (Rosa spp.) plants grown in Konya province. For this purpose, field and laboratory studies were carried out in areas where roses are mostly grown for landscaping purposes, and infection rates were calculated with the data obtained. The hypothesis of the study is that roses in Konya province may be infected with PNRSV and ApMV and the presence of these viruses can be determined. In line with this hypothesis, various rose growing areas in Konya province were selected as the research area. During the field studies in 2023, guided sampling was carried out and 94 leaf, branch and flower samples were collected from different rose varieties. The collected samples were tested for determining of PNRSV and ApMV infections by Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) ELISA method, which is one of the serological testing methods in the laboratory. As a result of the tests, it was revealed that the single infections of PNRSV and ApMV were present in 12 and 11 samples of rose plants in Konya province. The total infection rate of both viruses in the province was calculated as 24.47%. Also, PNRSV+ApMV mixed infections were detected in 2 samples. In this study, the infections of PNRSV and ApMV on roses in Konya province were determined for the first time by serological methods. These results will serve as an important source of information for rose producers and agricultural engineers in the region and will allow the development of strategies to control the spread of viruses and minimize infections.

Microbial generalists as keystone species: constructing core network modules in the anthosphere of twelve diverse wild plant species

BackgroundThe anthosphere, also known as the floral microbiome, is a crucial component of the plant reproductive system. Therefore, understanding the anthospheric microbiome is essential to explore the diversity, interactions, and functions of wildflowers that coexist in natural habitats. We aimed to explore microbial interaction mechanisms and key drivers of microbial community structures using 144 flower samples from 12 different wild plant species inhabiting the same natural environment in South Korea.ResultsThe microbial diversity of the anthosphere showed plant dependence, with the highest diversity observed in Forsythia koreana, indicating microbial dynamics in relation to plant species. Caulobacter, Sphingomonas, Achromobacter, Epicoccum, Cladosporium, and Alternaria were anthosphere generalists, suggesting that the local plant anthosphere had a similar microbial composition. Ecological network analysis revealed that anthosphere generalists were tightly coupled to each other and constructed core modules in the anthosphere. Functions associated with parasites and pathogens were commonly observed in the anthosphere, particularly in Capsella bursa-pastoris and Brassica juncea.ConclusionOverall, the anthosphere depends on the plant species and microbial generalists function as keystone species to support and connect the anthospheric microbiome in natural habitats.

Development of a Comprehensive Pollen and Spore Catalog Using Advanced Laboratory Techniques: A Case Study of Contemporary Dried and Fresh Flower Specimens from Bangladesh

This study focuses on the preparation of dry and fresh flower samples for pollen and spore observation using advanced laboratory techniques, identification of morphological characteristics, and the development of a pollen catalog that provides valuable insights into ecology and pollen morphology for different taxa. This research contributes to the field of palynology, an essential discipline in stratigraphy and biostratigraphy, by creating a detailed pollen catalog that enhances our understanding of paleoenvironmental conditions, depositional history, and potential hydrocarbon presence. Twenty-six fresh and dried flower samples from Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, and Dhaka Districts have been analyzed using acetolysis techniques. Pollen morphologies were examined at 400x and 1000x magnifications through transmitted and fluorescence light microscopy, and high-resolution imaging of one species was further enhanced with Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Pollen morphology documented for twenty-five species across twelve families, including Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, Solanaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Campanulaceae, Melastomataceae, Malvaceae, Verbenaceae, Oleaceae, and Heliotropiaceae as well as one spore from the Lygodiaceae family. The resulting catalog provides valuable ecological insights by highlighting morphological features and taxonomic classifications. It is an essential resource for researchers and professionals involved in Holocene pollen studies. This work contributes to the understanding of palynology and underscores the importance of advanced analytical technologies in reconstructing the prehistoric environment of Bangladesh. The data gathered is crucial for comprehending the ecological evolution of the world's largest delta.

Holistic Comparison of the Lipidomes Simultaneously From 12 Panax Herbal Medicines By Ultra-High-Performance Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Coupled With Ion Mobility-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

Researches regarding quality control of ginseng focusing on the lipids are rare. Herein, ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography/ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPSFC/IM-QTOF-MS) combined with untargeted metabolomic analysis was utilized to holistically characterize and compare the lipidomic difference among 12 Panax-derived herbal medicines. The established UHPSFC/IM-QTOF-MS method, using a Torus 1-AA column with CO2/CH3OH (modifier) as the mobile phase, well resolved the ginseng lipidome within 30min. The lipid isomers and those easily co-eluted by conventional reversed-phase chromatography got separated, and integrated analyses of the positive-/negative-mode MS data and IM-derived collision cross section (CCS) greatly enhanced lipids identification. By the pattern recognition chemometric analysis of 90 batches of ginseng samples, the root ginseng samples showed significant differences in lipidome composition from those stem/leaf and flower samples. In contrast, red ginseng also contained lipids significantly different from the other root ginseng. Totally 82 potential differential lipids were discovered and identified based on the positive-mode data and 90 ones in the negative mode. Some of these lipid markers might be diagnostic for their authentication. Conclusively, we first report the lipidomic difference among 12 ginseng varieties, and the information obtained can lay foundation for the accurate identification of ginseng from the lipidome level.

Multiresidue analysis of 200 pesticides in jasmine (Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton) flowers

A multiresidue analysis method was established for 200 pesticides in jasmine (Jasminum sambac(L.) Aiton) flowers based on QuEChERS procedure and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). For better recoveries and purification effects, extraction solvents, extractive salts and purification methods were optimized. The limits of quantification (LOQ) of test pesticides are in the range of 0.01 and 0.1 mg kg−1, most of which were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) prescribed by EU and China. Recoveries at 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mg kg−1 were predominantly in the range of 70–120 % (n = 3) with corresponding RSDs lower than 20 %, which suggests satisfactory accuracy. The multiresidue analysis method was applied in monitoring pesticide residues in 8 jasmine flower samples. 50 % of those samples present with 1–2 pesticides residues. This study provides a sensitive and high-throughput method for detection of multi-pesticide residues in jasmine flowers.

IDENTIFIKASI DAN KARAKTERISTIK MORFOLOGI POLEN PAKAN KUPU-KUPU (IMAGO) DI JALUR WISATA GOA SAMPE MARTA KABUPATEN KUTAI KARTANEGARA KALIMANTAN TIMUR

ampe Marta Cave Tourism is located in Kutai National Park, Kutai Kartanegara Regency, East Kalimantan, and is one of the natural tourism areas with high biodiversity. The tourist route in this area offers natural beauty and a habitat that supports the lives of various butterfly species. This study aims to identify plants that are food sources (nectar) and non-nectar, types of butterflies, and the characteristics of pollen from each food plant. This study uses the transect method, namely taking samples of flowers and butterflies along the route, and the acetolysis method to see the morphological characteristics of pollen. The results of the study showed that there were 19 species from 11 families of nectar-eating plants identified as being utilized by butterflies (imago) as a source of nectar, where Ageratum conyzoides (Asteraceae), Asystasia gangetica (Family Acanthaceae), Leea indica (Family Vitaceae) were the dominant species that were often visited. In contrast, non-nectar feed such as minerals, rotten fruit, and animal feces, where out of 14 butterfly species identified, 11 dominant species sucked minerals on the banks of rivers or mud puddles, two species visited rotten fruit, and one species was seen in animal feces. Nectar feed has the characteristics of large and round-elongated pollen, which is more efficient for sticking to the insect's body. In contrast, the round-elongated oblate shape in Oxalis barrelieri shows strategic differences in the transfer of varying pollen norms, such as echinate and scabrate. The results of this study can be a reference for butterfly researchers to provide an overview of the diversity of nectar-producing plant feed along with its morphological characteristics and non-nectar feed utilized by butterflies on the Sampe Marta Cave tourist route

Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Klilde, a sacred tree: its nutritional value, elemental composition and anti-nutritional content

The sacred Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Klilde tree holds significant medicinal value and is utilized in ayurvedic preparations to treat various health conditions. This research investigated the nutritional, elemental and anti-nutritional properties of S. asoca leaves and flowers. The nutritional qualities of the tree parts were examined using the muffle furnace and micro-Kjeldahl techniques. Titration techniques were used to assess the anti-nutritional content of plants, whereas EDX (Energy dispersive X-ray) was used to determine the mineral content. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, phenols and flavonoids, along with antioxidant properties that could neutralize free radicals generated by metabolic processes in the body. Nutritional analysis indicated that the floral parts of S. asoca had higher moisture, carbohydrate and crude fat content than the leaves. Conversely, the leaves had elevated ash levels, crude fiber and protein. Leaf samples showed higher concentrations of minerals like calcium, phosphorus, sodium, iodine, iron and manganese compared to the floral samples. In contrast, flower samples exhibited higher potassium, copper, silicon and zinc levels. These findings highlight the rich nutritional profile, abundant phytochemicals and essential minerals in both tree parts, with low anti-nutrient content. This information could be instrumental in developing phytopharmaceuticals and nutritious food products. Additionally, utilizing these tree parts could offer a cost-effective way to enhance nutrient intake and address nutritional deficiencies in humans and animals.

Viral Diversity in Mixed Tree Fruit Production Systems Determined through Bee-Mediated Pollen Collection

Commercially cultivated Prunus species are commonly grown in adjacent or mixed orchards and can be infected with unique or commonly shared viruses. Apple (Malus domestica), another member of the Rosacea and distantly related to Prunus, can share the same growing regions and common pathogens. Pollen can be a major route for virus transmission, and analysis of the pollen virome in tree fruit orchards can provide insights into these virus pathogen complexes from mixed production sites. Commercial honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination is essential for improved fruit sets and yields in tree fruit production systems. To better understand the pollen-associated virome in tree fruits, metagenomics-based detection of plant viruses was employed on bee and pollen samples collected at four time points during the peak bloom period of apricot, cherry, peach, and apple trees at one orchard site. Twenty-one unique viruses were detected in samples collected during tree fruit blooms, including prune dwarf virus (PDV) and prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) (Genus Ilarvirus, family Bromoviridae), Secoviridae family members tomato necrotic ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus), tobacco necrotic ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus), prunus virus F (genus Fabavirus), and Betaflexiviridae family member cherry virus A (CVA; genus Capillovirus). Viruses were also identified in composite leaf and flower samples to compare the pollen virome with the virome associated with vegetative tissues. At all four time points, a greater diversity of viruses was detected in the bee and pollen samples. Finally, the nucleotide sequence diversity of the coat protein regions of CVA, PDV, and PNRSV was profiled from this site, demonstrating a wide range of sequence diversity in pollen samples from this site. These results demonstrate the benefits of area-wide monitoring through bee pollination activities and provide new insights into the diversity of viruses in tree fruit pollination ecosystems.

Delineating Molecular Regulatory of Flavonoids Indicated by Transcriptomic and Metabolomics Analysis during Flower Development in Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Boju’

Flavonoids are pharmacologically active compounds in flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium ‘Boju’ (C. morifolium); however, the molecular regulatory network governing flower development remains largely elusive. Flower samples were collected at four stages, namely budding (BD), bud breaking (BB), early blooming (EB), and full blooming (FB), for omics analysis. We revealed distinct transcriptional regulation patterns at these four stages of the flower from the perspective of differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs). There are 152 DEGs shared among the three comparative groups (BD vs. BB, BB vs EB, EB vs FB), wherein the expression of 44 DEGs (including AtADT6, MDL3, and ROMT) continues to be upregulated, and 85 DEGs (including CYP81E, TPS-Cin-1, and TPS-Cin-2) showed persistent downregulation with flower development. Flavonoid-targeted metabolomics identified 118 differentially abundant metabolites (DAMs) in the FB group compared to the BD stage; the top three upregulated and downregulated metabolites are Cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)glucoside-5-O-glucoside, Luteolin-7-O-(6″-caffeoyl)rhamnoside, Kaempferol-3-O-(6″-p-coumaroyl)glucoside and Chrysoeriol-6,8-di-C-glucoside-7-O-glucoside, Kaempferol, Kaempferol-3,7-O-dirhamnoside, respectively. These DAMs were predominantly enriched in “flavonoid biosynthesis”, “isoflavonoid biosynthesis”, and “flavone and flavonol biosynthesis” pathways. AtADT6, MDL3, ROMT, CYP81E, TPS-Cin-1, and TPS-Cin-2 were correlated with kaempferol. Our findings provide a new idea for interfering with flavonoid production, especially kaempferol, in flowers.

The Use of HPLC-DAD Method in Determining the Quality of Honeys: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) Analysis

The recognition of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content in honeys has been the subject of many scientific studies as it is a significant indicator of the toxicity, its processing method, storage situations and age. In this research, the amount of HMF in 95 different flower and honeydew honey samples obtained from markets, factory sales offices and local beekeepers in Turkiye was determined. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was employed to recognize HMF contents. Before sample analysis, the standard HMF solutions were prepared at different concentrations and method validation studies were carried out. The HMF content limit value of flower and honeydew honey in the Honey Communiqué (TFC/Communiqué No:2020/7) is stated as 40 mg.kg-1. According to the obtained results, the HMF contents in honey samples were found as 0.00-16.65 mg.kg-1. It was determined that the amounts of HMF were at the highest level in monofloral milk vetch honey (MH_MV) samples coded MH_MV3 and MH_MV4. Therefore, it was concluded that all of the honey samples were compatible with the Honey Communiqué in terms of HMF and had appropriate honey quality values.

Wild chamomile essential oils bioactivity at different locations in sulaimani region, Iraq

This study was conducted to evaluate the bioactivity of wild chamomile (Matricaria chamomile L.), in response to different elevations flower samples at full blooming. The analysis of chamomile flower essential oils (EOs) through GC-MS identified the predominant abundance of terpenoids including Bisabolol oxides, farnesene, and Azulen, constituting 61.765% of the identified compounds across various locations. The highest concentration was 74.554% out of the total components observed at Kanipanka, while it was the minimum (16.414%) at the Qaradagh location. Oppositely the highest concentration of Farnasene was observed at the Qaradagh location, while the lowest concentration occurred with the essential oil of Kanipanka.α-Bisabolol oxide A% dominates, except in the Qara Dagh location. The best antioxidant concentration was found in Sharbazher essential oil. The essential oil in Sharbazher significantly shows the highest inhibition capacity (IC%). The stronger IC50% value was 64.645 µg mL-1, recorded at the Qara Dagh location. The disc diffusion assay revealed that the activity of chamomile essential oil at various locations significantly affected the death of most bacterial strains (Gram-negative and Gram-positive). Chamomile EOs from the Kanipanka location recorded maximum antibacterial activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosaPenjween EOs observed the maximum antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus haemolyticus, while a high level inhibition zone (IZ) against Enterococcus faecalis was observed in Bakrajo. The finding revealed that the highest MIC and MBC against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were achieved with the concentration of 2.5 µg mL-1 of Kanipanka EOs.

Exploring the Diversity and Potential Use of Flower-Derived Lactic Acid Bacteria in Plant-Based Fermentation: Insights into Exo-Cellular Polysaccharide Production.

Isolation of new plant-derived lactic acid bacteria (LAB) is highly prioritized in developing novel starter cultures for plant-based fermentation. This study explores the diversity of LAB in Danish flowers and their potential use for plant-based food fermentation. A total of 46 flower samples under 34 genera were collected for LAB isolation. By introducing an enrichment step, a total of 61 LAB strains were isolated and identified using MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA sequencing. These strains represent 24 species across 9 genera, predominantly Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Fructobacillus fructosus, Apilactobacillus ozensis, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei. Phenotypic screening for exo-cellular polysaccharide production revealed that 40 strains exhibited sliminess or ropiness on sucrose-containing agar plates. HPLC analysis confirmed that all isolates produced exo-cellular polysaccharides containing glucose, fructose, or galactose as sugar monomers. Therefore, the strains were glucan, fructan, and galactan producers. The suitability of these strains for plant-based fermentation was characterized by using almond, oat, and soy milk. The results showed successful acidification in all three types of plant-based matrices but only observed texture development in soy by Leuconostoc, Weissella, Lactococcus, Apilactobacillus, and Fructobacillus. The findings highlight the potential of flower-derived LAB strains for texture development in soy-based dairy alternatives.

Competition for nutrient niches within the apple blossom microbiota antagonizes the initiation of fire blight infection.

Changes in the plant microbiota composition are intimately associated with the health of the plant, but factors controlling the microbial community in flowers are poorly understood. In this study, we used apple flowers and fire blight as a model system to investigate the effects of floral microbiota and microbial competition on disease development and suppression. To compare changes in microbial flora with the RNA expression patterns of plants, the flower samples were collected in three different flowering stages (Bud, Popcorn, and Full-bloom). Using advanced sequencing technology, we analyzed the data and conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments to validate our findings. Our results show that the Erwinia amylovora use arabinogalactan, which is secreted on the flowers, for early colonization of apple flowers. Pantoea agglomerans was more competitive for arabinogalactan than E. amylovora. Additionally, P. agglomerans suppressed the expression of virulence factors of E. amylovora by using arabinose, which is a major component of arabinogalactan, which induces virulence gene expression. The present data provide new insights into developing control strategies for diverse plant diseases, including fire blight, by highlighting the importance of nutrients in disease development or suppression.

Rapeseed Flower Counting Method Based on GhP2-YOLO and StrongSORT Algorithm.

Accurately quantifying flora and their respective anatomical structures within natural ecosystems is paramount for both botanical breeders and agricultural cultivators. For breeders, precise plant enumeration during the flowering phase is instrumental in discriminating genotypes exhibiting heightened flowering frequencies, while for growers, such data inform potential crop rotation strategies. Moreover, the quantification of specific plant components, such as flowers, can offer prognostic insights into the potential yield variances among different genotypes, thereby facilitating informed decisions pertaining to production levels. The overarching aim of the present investigation is to explore the capabilities of a neural network termed GhP2-YOLO, predicated on advanced deep learning techniques and multi-target tracking algorithms, specifically tailored for the enumeration of rapeseed flower buds and blossoms from recorded video frames. Building upon the foundation of the renowned object detection model YOLO v8, this network integrates a specialized P2 detection head and the Ghost module to augment the model's capacity for detecting diminutive targets with lower resolutions. This modification not only renders the model more adept at target identification but also renders it more lightweight and less computationally intensive. The optimal iteration of GhP2-YOLOm demonstrated exceptional accuracy in quantifying rapeseed flower samples, showcasing an impressive mean average precision at 50% intersection over union metric surpassing 95%. Leveraging the virtues of StrongSORT, the subsequent tracking of rapeseed flower buds and blossom patterns within the video dataset was adeptly realized. By selecting 20 video segments for comparative analysis between manual and automated counts of rapeseed flowers, buds, and the overall target count, a robust correlation was evidenced, with R-squared coefficients measuring 0.9719, 0.986, and 0.9753, respectively. Conclusively, a user-friendly "Rapeseed flower detection" system was developed utilizing a GUI and PyQt5 interface, facilitating the visualization of rapeseed flowers and buds. This system holds promising utility in field surveillance apparatus, enabling agriculturalists to monitor the developmental progress of rapeseed flowers in real time. This innovative study introduces automated tracking and tallying methodologies within video footage, positioning deep convolutional neural networks and multi-target tracking protocols as invaluable assets in the realms of botanical research and agricultural administration.

Milkweed in agricultural field margins - A neonicotinoid exposure route for pollinators at multiple life stages

Neonicotinoid insecticides move from targeted crops to wildflowers located in adjacent field margins, acting as a potential exposure source for wild pollinators and insect species of conservation concern, including monarch butterflies. Monarchs rely on milkweed over multiple life stages, including as a host plant for eggs and a food source for both larvae (leaves) and adults (flowers). Milkweeds, which are closely associated with field margins, can contain neonicotinoid residues, but previous assessments are constrained to a single plant tissue type. In 2017 and 2018, we sampled milkweeds from 95 field margins adjacent to crop fields (corn, soybean, hay, wheat, and barley) in agricultural landscapes of eastern Ontario, Canada. Milkweeds were sampled during the flower blooming period and leaves and flower tissues were analysed. The neonicotinoids acetamiprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam, and thiacloprid were detected. Maximum concentrations in leaf samples included 10.30 ng/g of clothianidin in 2017, and 24.4 ng/g of thiamethoxam in 2018. Clothianidin and thiamethoxam percent detections in flowers (72 % and 61 %, respectively) were significantly higher than detections in leaves (24 % and 31 %, respectively). Thiamethoxam concentrations were significantly higher in paired flower samples than leaf samples (median 0.33 ng/g vs <0.07 ng/g) while clothianidin concentrations also trended higher in flowers (median 0.18–0.55 ng/g vs <0.18 ng/g). Only thiamethoxam showed significant differences between years, and we found no effect of crop type, with hay, soybean and corn fields all yielding 50–56 % detections in leaves. We found significantly higher concentrations in older milkweed flowers than young flowers or leaves (medians 0.87 ng/g vs <0.18 ng/g and 0.45 ng/g vs <0.07 ng/g for clothianidin and thiamethoxam, respectively). Our results highlight the importance of considering variation in milkweed tissue type and age of flowers in neonicotinoid exposure risk assessments. Efforts to increase milkweed availability in agricultural landscapes should consider how exposure to neonicotinoids can be mitigated.

Distinct Communities and Differing Dispersal Routes in Bacteria and Fungi of Honey Bees, Honey, and Flowers

Microbiota, the communities of microbes on and in organisms or organic matter, are essential for the functioning of ecosystems. How microbes are shared and transmitted delineates the formation of a microbiota. As pollinators forage, they offer a route to transfer microbes among the flowering plants, themselves, and their nests. To assess how the two components of the microbiota, bacteria and fungi, in pollination communities are shared and transferred, we focused on the honey bee Apis mellifera and collected honey bee, honey (representing the hive microbiota), and flower samples three times during the summer in Finland. We identified the bacteria and fungi by DNA metabarcoding. To determine the impact of honey bees’ flower choices on the honey bee and hive microbiota, we identified also plant DNA in honey. The bacterial communities of honey bees, honey, and flowers all differ greatly from each other, while the fungal communities of honey bees and honey are very similar, yet different from flowers. The time of the summer and the sampling area influence all these microbiota. For flowers, the plant identity impacts both bacterial and fungal communities’ composition the most. For the dispersal pathways of bacteria to honey bees, they are acquired directly from the honey and indirectly from flowers through the honey, while fungi are directly transmitted to honey bees from flowers. Overall, the distinctiveness of the microbiota of honey bees, honey, and the surrounding flowers suggests the sharing of microbes among them occurs but plays a minor role for the established microbiota.

Network preservation analysis to identify transcriptional biomarkers related to flowering in Crocus sativus.

Crocus sativus L. is known as an ornamental geophyte and a source of valuable spice and secondary metabolites. Network preservation module analysis is one of the best approaches to revealing special features of different conditions. It can determine patterns of divergence and conservation between transcriptome data. Herein, we explored the regulatory genes of the flowering process by RNA-Seq data containing flowering and non-flowering samples in gene expression profiles. Persevered module analysis revealed three significant non-persevered modules related to the flowering process, namely pink, green, and blue. Several hub genes associated with non-preserved modules such as PIA1, NAC90, ALY3, Sus3, MYB31, ARF5/MP, MYB31, HD-ZIP, SEP3d, OR_B, AGL6a, bZIP(TGA1) and GRAS were identified. These candidate genes can be considered key diagnostic biomarkers for the flowering process. Here, we also compared two approaches, WGCNA and NetRep for module preservation analysis. The results of these methods were consistent with non-preserved modules. NetRep was a faster (11 times) and more efficient (run more than 10000 permutations for each comparison) method than WGCNA module preservation. Differential expression genes (DEGs) screening showed that many hub genes were downregulated in non-flowering than flowering samples. Our finding revealed regulatory mechanisms of the flowering process in C. sativus as can be developed transcriptional biomarkers which could pave the way for promoting saffron yield via flowering induction.

Pesticide Contamination in Native North American Crops, Part II-Comparison of Flower, Honey Bee Workers, and Native Bee Residues in Lowbush Blueberry.

In lowbush blueberry fields, we conducted residue analysis comparing flowers, trapped pollen (honey bee and Osmia spp.), and collected bees (honey bee workers, bumble bee queens, and non-Bombus spp. wild native bees). The study was conducted from 2012 to 2014. The number of pesticide residues, total concentrations, and risk to honey bees (Risk Quotient) on flowers were not significantly different from those determined for trapped honey bee pollen (except in one study year when residues detected in flower samples were significantly lower than residue numbers detected in trapped pollen). The compositions of residues were similar on flowers and trapped pollen. The number of residues detected in honey bee pollen was significantly greater than the number detected in Osmia spp. pollen, while the total concentration of residue was not different between the two types of pollen. The risk to honey bees was higher in trapped honey bee pollen than in trapped Osmia spp. pollen. The analysis of honey bee workers, native bumble bee queens, and native solitary bees showed that although more pesticide residues were detected on honey bee workers, there were no differences among the bee taxa in total residue concentrations or risk (as estimated in terms of risk to honey bees).

Phytochemical Profiling and Antioxidant Evaluation of Rhododendron arboreum Sm leaf and flower: Integrative Analysis using Advanced Analytical Techniques

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigates the biological activities of Rhododendron arboreum Sm from the eastern Himalayas, addressing a literature gap on its properties. It explores the plant's phytochemical, antioxidant, and medicinal characteristics. Significance: Evaluating methanolic extracts of R. arboreum offers valuable insights into its bioactive potential. Comprehensive GC-MS analysis identified a diverse array of compounds, highlighting the plant's chemical composition. Methods: Methanolic leaf and flower extracts underwent sequential extraction and phytochemical profiling using column chromatography, TLC, and GC-MS analysis. Spectral studies aided compound identification, and antioxidant activity was assessed via spectrophotometric assays. Results: Column chromatography separated methanol leaf and flower extracts into 17 and 24 distinct fractions, respectively. TLC analysis showed specific Rf values for leaf (0.58, 0.65, 0.75, 0.8, 0.86, 0.9) and flower samples (0.91, 0.38, 0.48, 0.51, 0.56, 0.6, 0.65, 0.75, 0.85, 0.96). GC-MS analysis revealed a variety of organic functional groups, including aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic compounds, heterocyclic molecules, phenolic compounds, steroids, terpenoids, alcohols, esters, and other bioactive compounds. FTIR spectra identified functional groups such as hydroxyls, primary amines, alkanes, and alkynes. NMR data indicated a complex molecular composition with diverse proton environments. Leaf extracts demonstrated superior antioxidant activity compared to flower extracts in DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays. Conclusion: The study identifies diverse phytochemicals in R.arboreum extracts and highlights their potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods, owing to the superior antioxidant activity of leaf extracts compared to flowers.

Potensi Bunga Anggrek Cymbidium Golden Boy sebagai Sumber Antioksidan dan Aplikasinya pada Flower Leather

Orchid flowers are believed to be an antioxidant source, however, the antioxidant activity of the Cymbidium Golden Boy (CGB) orchid has not been identified. The antioxidant potential can be applied to flower leather products, and a main reason behind the idea is the valorization of agricultural waste. The aim of this research is to study phenol content and antioxidant capacity of ethanol extracts of CGB orchid petals. Additionally, this study aimed to determine the best formulation for flower leather products with a combination of carrageenan and gum arabic based on organoleptic acceptance. This research was conducted by extracting CGB orchid flowers using ethanol, and total phenol and antioxidant activity of the extracts were determined. Moreover, the flower leather products were mad from CGB orchid flowers as the raw material, accroding to a Factorial Randomized Block Design using two factors as follows: carrageenan concentration (0, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7%) and gum arabic concentration (0.9, 1.2, and 1.5%). Flower leather samples were analyzed for moisture content, tensile strength, total dissolved solid, color intensity, and sensory. The ethanol extract of CGB orchid flowers showed antioxidant capacity up to 23.88 ppm and high phenolic content which is equal to 15.32 mg GAE/g. The differences between carrageenan and arabic gum concentration showed significant effect on water content and dissolve solid, but they did not affect on tensile strength and color intensity. The best treatment of flower leather according to panelist evaluation was those prepared from carrageenan 0.5% and arabic gum 0.9%, reaching tensile strength 4.86 N, brightness level (L) 40.1, (a+) +5.7, (+b) 23.7, water content 19.18%, aroma score 3.76 (slight flowery), taste 4.84 (pleasant), and texture 4.56 (approaching chewiness).