Families Of Flowering Plants Research Articles

Sex evolution path involved in flowering plant family Cucurbitaceae: A review

The predominant sexual system in the plant kingdom is hermaphroditism, where both female and male reproductive organs coexist within a single flower. The major parameters that influence the sexual systems are genetic variation, pollinator availability and type, mating system, ecological factors, geographical isolation, selective pressures, evolutionary history, polyploidy, hybridization and sexual conflict. These factors all play significant roles. Plants may evolve self-fertilization or outcrossing mechanisms based on their specific environmental conditions, reproductive strategies and evolutionary history. The interplay of these factors shapes the diverse range of sexual systems observed in plant species worldwide. The Cucurbitaceae family exhibits a highly specialized sex chromosome differentiation scheme with three major sexual patterns (monoecy, dioecy and hermaphroditism). In the present review, we focus on the evolution of gender in flowering plants of the Cucurbitaceae family, exploring the various paths and drivers involved in the evolution of dioecy. We also shed light on the sex chromosomes and phytohormones that contribute to gender diversification. Several molecular and genomic approaches have been recently applied to uncover the genetic basis of gender differentiation in different flowering plant species.

Ground-cover vegetation composition shapes the abundance of Sphaerophoria scripta (Diptera: Syrphidae) in Mediterranean olive groves.

The ground-cover vegetation, commonly found in olive groves, provides shelter and vital floral resources for syrphids. Such resources can contribute to syrphids' growth, development, reproduction, and survival, allowing them to maximize their function as natural pest enemies, pollinators, and decomposers of organic matter. Therefore, identifying the flowering plant families driving the abundance of Sphaerophoria scripta Linnaeus, 1758, is essential to promote its presence and abundance. Here, we described the flowering plants present in the vegetation cover of olive groves and studied how these flowering plant families shape the abundance of S. scripta. A total of 90 plant species belonging to 20 families were identified. Asteraceae was the dominant flowering family, followed by Poaceae. The generalized linear model showed that the presence of flowering plants of the families Campanulaceae, Asteraceae, Orobanchaceae, and Plantaginaceae in the ground-cover vegetation promotes the abundance of S. scripta in olive groves. Conversely, flowering plants of the families Poaceae and Polygonaceae were associated with the decreased abundance of this syrphid species. Our results suggest that increasing particular plant families and decreasing others in the ground-cover vegetation may favor S. scripta abundance in the Mediterranean olive groves.

Back together: Over 1000 single-copy nuclear loci and reproductive features support the holoendoparasitic Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae as sister lineages in the order Malpighiales

The systematics of the holoendoparasitic flowering plant families Apodanthaceae and Rafflesiaceae has been discussed for over two centuries. The morphological reduction of roots, shoots and leaves in all members of both families, resulting in a cryptic mycelium-like vegetative body, has been interpreted either as a key common feature, or as a result of convergent evolution due to full dependence upon their hosts. Historically, the two families have been placed together due to similar morphological features, but recent analyses based on few mitochondrial and ribosomal gene markers placed them in the distantly related orders Cucurbitales and Malpighiales. Here we reevaluate the affinities of the Apodanthaceae and the Rafflesiaceae using a phylogenomic approach. We present (1) a historical account on their affinities over the last 200 years; (2) phylogenetic analyses reinstating their sister group relationship as part of the order Malpighiales, based on over 1000 single-copy nuclear protein-coding loci; and (3) a comprehensive list of putative morphoanatomical and developmental synapomorphies in light of the phylogenomic results, with emphasis on shared reproductive traits regardless of dramatic differences in floral size.

Nghiên cứu đặc điểm hình thái, giải phẫu của loài Điên điển (Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr.) ở huyện Tân Hưng, tỉnh Long An

Fabaceae is the second largest flowering plant family (after the Asteraceae) with approximately 17,500 - 18,000 species belonging to 786 genera primarily distributed in tropical regions. In Vietnam, over 450 species from 90 genera have been reported, showcasing a rich diversity in habitat and distribution. Many species in this family are valuable for their timber such as Rosewood (Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre), and Sua wood (Dalbergia tonkinensis Prain); they also provide medicinal ingredients and food sources like Mung beans (Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek) and Black gram (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper). This research has been conducted to identify the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr., a species found in Tan Hung district, Long An province. Fresh samples of the species were collected and analyzed, describing the morphological features and anatomy of the reproductive and nutrient organs. The study revealed that the stems and leaves of S. sesban exhibit adaptations to strong light conditions, with stomata mainly concentrated on the lower leaf surface, stem hairs that aid in light reflection and moisture retention, and root nodules containing Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The anatomical structure of the nutrient organs showed strong development of pith and wood rings, indicating the adaptation of S. sesban to windy environments near river banks and canals.

A review on endophytic bacteria of orchids: functional roles toward synthesis of bioactive metabolites for plant growth promotion and disease biocontrol.

In this review, we have discussed the untapped potential of orchid endophytic bacteria as a valuable reservoir of bioactive metabolites, offering significant contributions to plant growth promotion and disease protection in the context of sustainable agriculture. Orchidaceae is one of the broadest and most diverse flowering plant families on Earth. Although the relationship between orchids and fungi is well documented, bacterial endophytes have recently gained attention for their roles in host development, vigor, and as sources of novel bioactive compounds. These endophytes establish mutualistic relationships with orchids, influencing plant growth, mineral solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and protection from environmental stress and phytopathogens. Current research on orchid-associated bacterial endophytes is limited, presenting significant opportunities to discover new species or genetic variants that improve host fitness and stress tolerance. The potential for extracting bioactive compounds from these bacteria is considerable, and optimization strategies for their sustainable production could significantly enhance their commercial utility. This review discusses the methods used in isolating and identifying endophytic bacteria from orchids, their diversity and significance in promoting orchid growth, and the production of bioactive compounds, with an emphasis on their potential applications in sustainable agriculture and other sectors.

Comparative analysis of 12 water lily plastid genomes reveals genomic divergence and evolutionary relationships in early flowering plants

The aquatic plant Nymphaea, a model genus of the early flowering plant lineage Nymphaeales and family Nymphaeaceae, has been extensively studied. However, the availability of chloroplast genome data for this genus is incomplete, and phylogenetic relationships within the order Nymphaeales remain controversial. In this study, 12 chloroplast genomes of Nymphaea were assembled and analyzed for the first time. These genomes were 158,290–160,042 bp in size and contained 113 non-repeat genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNA genes, and four rRNA genes. We also report on codon usage, RNA editing sites, microsatellite structures, and new repetitive sequences in this genus. Comparative genomics revealed that expansion and contraction of IR regions can lead to changes in the gene numbers. Additionally, it was observed that the highly variable regions of the chloroplast genome were mainly located in intergenic regions. Furthermore, the phylogenetic tree showed the order Nymphaeales was divided into three families, and the genus Nymphaea can be divided into five (or three) subgenera, with the subgenus Nymphaea being the oldest. The divergence times of nymphaealean taxa were analyzed, with origins of the order Nymphaeales and family Nymphaeaceae being about 194 and 131 million years, respectively. The results of the phylogenetic analysis and estimated divergence times will be useful for future evolutionary studies of basal angiosperm lineages.

Review on Ethno Medicinal Activities of Wild Varieties of Orchids used by the Ethnic Group of Northeast India

Ethno medicine broadly refers to traditional medical practices concerned with the social and cultural impacts of health, sickness, and illness related to healthcare and healing techniques. The Orchidaceae family is one of the world's oldest and largest flowering plant families, with over 800 genera and between 25000 and 35000 species. According to the Indian government, 70% of the population practice traditional Indian medicine. In the Northeastern region, there are almost 200 tribes, and they deal with various kinds of orchids found in this region, which have potential medicinal values and traditional indigenous use, which can be effective against multiple diseases. It is essential to keep medicinal plants and perform studies on various kinds. Many plants have yet to be studied for their numerous medicinal potentials. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to develop potentially helpful drugs using proper pharmacological investigation.

Comparison of Seed Morphology and Seed Coat Chemistry in Ophrys (Orchidaceae) Species.

Orchidaceae is the largest flowering plant family in the world and holds significant importance in terms of biological diversity. Many of the species are found in endemic regions, serving as important indicators for the conservation of biological diversity. Therefore, research on the morphology, seed and embryo structures, chemical composition, and taxonomy of orchids is crucial for species conservation, habitat restoration, and the sustainability of natural habitats. This research involves comparing the morphometric and chemical contents of seeds belonging to certain Ophrys L. species and examining interspecies relationships. The micromorphological features of the seeds were analyzed by using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while their chemical contents were compared by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Seed and embryo morphology, morphometric analysis, and seed coat chemistry hold diagnostic significance. In species of the Ophrys genus, features like anticlinal wall structure and periclinal wall reticulation are considered weak taxonomic characters. FT-IR analysis identifies specific chemical groups in orchid samples, revealing significant differences in absorbance values and chemical compositions among the different orchid species. Particularly, Ophrys lycia (Lycian Kaş Orchid) shows distinct separation from closely related species at peak points such as 2917 and 2850, 1743, 1515, 1240, and 1031 cm-1. Common peak points in the fingerprint region (1200- 700 cm-1) indicate similarity between O. apifera and O. reinholdii subsp. reinholdii. O. ferrum-equinum, O. mammosa subsp. mammosa, O. fusca subsp. leucadica, O. reinholdii subsp. reinholdii, and O. iricolor exhibit similar absorbance values in the range of 1500-1000 cm-1. These results provide valuable preliminary information about the structure of orchid seed coats, reticulation presence and pattern, chemical profiles, distribution, and dormancy-germination processes.

Agapanthus allergic contact dermatitis: A case report

Background: Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile) is a genus in the flowering plant family Amaryllidaceae. Contact dermatitis caused by flowering plants is common, but there are no reports of contact dermatitis caused by this plant, Agapanthus. Case Illustration: An 82-year-old Japanese man had cultivated Agapanthus in his home garden. After breaking the stem of the leaf while wearing shorts, he noticed erythematous rashes on the thighs. The patch test of the leaf stem sap “as is” showed mildly positive, with erythematous papules. Discussion: The patch test confirmed the allergic contact dermatitis of Agapanthus with leaf stem sap. There are many well-known flowering plants, like lilies, daisies, jasmine, orchids so on, that can cause contact dermatitis. To date, many people fold Agapanthus flowers and decorate them at home, so far, this plant should also be added to the causative plant for contact dermatitis. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, there are no reports of contact dermatitis caused by this plant. Agapanthus contact dermatitis will need to be brought to people’s attention.

UPLC-ESI-MS/MS Profiling of Secondary Metabolites from Methanol Extracts of In Vivo and In Vitro Tissues of Daucus capillifolius Gilli (A Comparative Study).

Daucus capillifolius Gilli is a rare annual wild herb grown in Libya. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which is one of the largest flowering plant families. Plants of this family are outstanding sources of various secondary metabolites with various biological activities. A UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of different extracts of in vivo and in vitro tissues of Daucus capillifolius together with the fruit extract of the cultivated plant in both ionization modes was carried out for the first time in the current study. Our results reveal the tentative identification of eighty-seven compounds in the tested extracts, including thirty-two phenolic acids and their derivatives; thirty-seven flavonoid glycosides and aglycones of apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin, myricetin and quercetin, containing glucose, rhamnose, pentose and/or glucuronic acid molecules; seven anthocyanins; six tannins; three acetylenic compounds; and three nitrogenous compounds. The tentative identification of the above compounds was based on the comparison of their retention times and ESI-MS/MS fragmentation patterns with those previously reported in the literature. For this Apiaceae plant, our results confirm the presence of a wide array of secondary metabolites with reported biological activities. This study is among the first ones to shed light on the phytoconstituents of this rare plant.

Climatic and biogeographic processes underlying the diversification of the pantropical flowering plant family Annonaceae.

Tropical forests harbor the richest biodiversity among terrestrial ecosystems, but few studies have addressed the underlying processes of species diversification in these ecosystems. We use the pantropical flowering plant family Annonaceae as a study system to investigate how climate and biogeographic events contribute to diversification. A super-matrix phylogeny comprising 835 taxa (34% of Annonaceae species) based on eight chloroplast regions was used in this study. We show that global temperature may better explain the recent rapid diversification in Annonaceae than time and constant models. Accelerated accumulation of niche divergence (around 15 Ma) lags behind the increase of diversification rate (around 25 Ma), reflecting a heterogeneous transition to recent diversity increases. Biogeographic events are related to only two of the five diversification rate shifts detected. Shifts in niche evolution nevertheless appear to be associated with increasingly seasonal environments. Our results do not support the direct correlation of any particular climatic niche shifts or historical biogeographical event with shifts in diversification rate. Instead, we suggest that Annonaceae diversification can lead to later niche divergence as a result of increasing interspecific competition arising from species accumulation. Shifts in niche evolution appear to be associated with increasingly seasonal environments. Our results highlight the complexity of diversification in taxa with long evolutionary histories.

The legacy of terrestrial plant evolution on cell wall fine structure.

The evolution of land flora was an epochal event in the history of planet Earth. The success of plants, and especially flowering plants, in colonizing all but the most hostile environments required multiple mechanisms of adaptation. The mainly polysaccharide-based cell walls of flowering plants, which are indispensable for water transport and structural support, are one of the most important adaptations to life on land. Thus, development of vasculature is regarded as a seminal event in cell wall evolution, but the impact of further refinements and diversification of cell wall compositions and architectures on radiation of flowering plant families is less well understood. We approached this from a glyco-profiling perspective and, using carbohydrate microarrays and monoclonal antibodies, studied the cell walls of 287 plant species selected to represent important evolutionary dichotomies and adaptation to a variety of habitats. The results support the conclusion that radiation of flowering plant families was indeed accompanied by changes in cell wall fine structure and that these changes can obscure earlier evolutionary events. Convergent cell wall adaptations identified by our analyses do not appear to be associated with plants with similar lifestyles but that are taxonomically distantly related. We conclude that cell wall structure is linked to phylogeny more strongly than to habitat or lifestyle and propose that there are many approaches of adaptation to any given ecological niche.

Cytotoxicity, Antioxidant Activities, GC-MS and HPLC Fingerprint Analyses of Different Extracts of Desmodium tortuosum (Sw.) DC

The family Fabaceae is the third-largest flowering plant family, and the genus Desmodium has exhibited a wide range of biological activities and a variety of chemical constituents. In the present study, different extracts of Desmodium tortuosum were evaluated for their cytotoxic and antioxidant activities, as well as their total phenolic content (TPC). The antioxidant activities were estimated using the 1,1'-diphenyl-2-picraylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH), while the cytotoxic activity was evaluated via the brine shrimp lethality test (BSLT). The antioxidant activity results revealed that the DPPH radical scavenging activity (SC50) ranged from 1.12 to 61.22 µg/ml with respect to ascorbic acid (SC50 = 7.45 µg/ml). Among all tested fractions, 90% methanol was the most active. On the other hand, the cytotoxic activities were arranged as follows: n-BuOH (LC50 = 310), EtOAc (LC50 = 350), and 70% methanol (LC50 = 380). High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Fingerprint analyses were used to determine the chemical composition and relative proportions of phenolic compounds. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of fatty acids and other compounds. The major identified compounds were Benzene (1-butyloctyl) (11.88%) and Himachalene <α-> (11.08%) for the ethyl acetate extract and 10-Undecenoic acid, methyl ester (25.50%) for unsaponifiable matter.

Quantifying error in occurrence data: Comparing the data quality of iNaturalist and digitized herbarium specimen data in flowering plant families of the southeastern United States

iNaturalist has the potential to be an extremely rich source of organismal occurrence data. Launched in 2008, it now contains over 150 million uploaded observations as of May 2023. Based on the findings of a limited number of past studies assessing the taxonomic accuracy of participatory science-driven sources of occurrence data such as iNaturalist, there has been concern that some portion of these records might be misidentified in certain taxonomic groups. In this case study, we compare Research Grade iNaturalist observations with digitized herbarium specimens, both of which are currently available for combined download from large data aggregators and are therefore the primary sources of occurrence data for large-scale biodiversity/biogeography studies. Our comparisons were confined regionally to the southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia). Occurrence records from ten plant families (Gentianaceae, Ericaceae, Melanthiaceae, Ulmaceae, Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Fagaceae, Cyperaceae, Juglandaceae, Apocynaceae) were downloaded and scored on taxonomic accuracy. We found a comparable and relatively low rate of misidentification among both digitized herbarium specimens and Research Grade iNaturalist observations within the study area. This finding illustrates the utility and high quality of iNaturalist data for future research in the region, but also points to key differences between data types, giving each a respective advantage, depending on applications of the data.

Oomycete composition in Proteaceae orchards and natural stands on three continents

The Proteaceae, a diverse family of woody flowering plants in the Southern Hemisphere, contains many species known to be susceptible to Phytophthora cinnamomi, both in the natural environment and in cut-flower orchards. Very little is known about the prevalence of P. cinnamomi and other oomycetes across these landscapes. To address this knowledge gap, we used a double ITS1 and RPS10 gene metabarcoding approach and traditional isolation protocols to investigate oomycetes in orchards and natural stands of Proteaceae across South Africa, South Africa (eastern and western), Australia, and Europe. The RPS10 primers amplified more samples, including various Pythium species, while the ITS primers detected more Phytophthora phylotypes. Both datasets showed that geographic regions influenced oomycete species richness and community composition, while they did not show any variation between orchards and natural vegetation. RPS10 metabarcoding detected the largest number of species and provided greater statistical confidence than ITS1 when considering oomycete species composition. Metabarcoding also showed that orchards had a higher abundance of P. cinnamomi compared to native stands, although this was not found when isolating through baiting of roots and rhizosphere soil. Direct isolation and metabarcoding are complementary, with metabarcoding serving as an early detection tool. However, it cannot distinguish living viable propagules from residual DNA of dead propagules, limiting its use for diagnostic purposes related to Phytophthora management and control. These results, along with those of other recent studies, show that metabarcoding offers an effective tool to describe the dynamics of soil oomycetes in different ecosystems.

Synthetic Approaches to α-, β-, γ-, and δ-lycoranes.

Lycorane is a pentacyclic core presented in alkaloids isolated from the Amaryllidaceae family of herbaceous flowering plants. Members of this class of natural products have shown to display important biological properties including analgesic, antiviral, and antiproliferative activities. This review presents the known synthetic routes toward α-, β-, γ-, and δ-lycoranes. α-(19 routes), β-(10 routes), γ-(38 routes), and δ-(6 routes).

Expansions and contractions of the inverted repeat, as well as gene loss and potential pseudogenization shape plastome evolution in Hechtioideae (Bromeliaceae, Poales)

AbstractFull plastomes have recently proven to be a valuable data source for resolving recalcitrant phylogenetic relationships in the flowering plant family Bromeliaceae. The study of complete plastomes has additionally led to the discovery of new structural rearrangements and advanced our understanding of bromeliad plastome diversity and evolution. Here, we focus on the study of full plastomes of the bromeliad subfamily Hechtioideae to assess phylogenetic relationships, marker informativeness, and plastome structure and evolution. Using whole‐genome sequencing data, we de novo assembled and annotated new plastid genomes of 19 Hechtioideae species plus one representative each from the Pitcairnioideae and Puyoideae subfamilies and compared them with four additional available plastomes from other bromeliad subfamilies. Our phylogenetic analysis using complete plastome sequences not only recovered the three currently recognized genera of Hechtioideae as monophyletic, strongly supporting Mesoamerantha as sister of Bakerantha and Hechtia, but also improved statistical support at different phylogenetic depths within the subfamily. We identified a set of highly informative loci, some of them explored for the first time in Hechtioideae. Structural rearrangements, including expansions and contractions of the inverted repeats, large inversions, and gene loss and potential pseudogenization were detected mainly within the genus Hechtia. Evolutionary trait rate shifts were associated with the size and guanine–cytosine content of the small single copy and inverted repeats.

The Inhibitory Effects and Cytotoxic Activities of the Stem Extract of Nepenthes miranda against Single-Stranded DNA-Binding Protein and Oral Carcinoma Cells.

The carnivorous pitcher plants of the genus Nepenthes exhibit many ethnobotanical uses, including treatments of stomachache and fever. In this study, we prepared different extracts from the pitcher, stem, and leaf extracts of Nepenthes miranda obtained using 100% methanol and analyzed their inhibitory effects on recombinant single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) from Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpSSB). SSB is essential for DNA replication and cell survival and thus an attractive target for potential antipathogen chemotherapy. Different extracts prepared from Sinningia bullata, a tuberous member of the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae, were also used to investigate anti-KpSSB properties. Among these extracts, the stem extract of N. miranda exhibited the highest anti-KpSSB activity with an IC50 value of 15.0 ± 1.8 μg/mL. The cytotoxic effects of the stem extract of N. miranda on the survival and apoptosis of the cancer cell lines Ca9-22 gingival carcinoma, CAL27 oral adenosquamous carcinoma, PC-9 pulmonary adenocarcinoma, B16F10 melanoma, and 4T1 mammary carcinoma cells were also demonstrated and compared. Based on collective data, the cytotoxic activities of the stem extract at a concentration of 20 μg/mL followed the order Ca9-22 > CAL27 > PC9 > 4T1 > B16F10 cells. The stem extract of N. miranda at a concentration of 40 μg/mL completely inhibited Ca9-22 cell migration and proliferation. In addition, incubation with this extract at a concentration of 20 μg/mL boosted the distribution of the G2 phase from 7.9% to 29.2% in the Ca9-22 cells; in other words, the stem extract might suppress Ca9-22 cell proliferation by inducing G2 cell cycle arrest. Through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the 16 most abundant compounds in the stem extract of N. miranda were tentatively identified. The 10 most abundant compounds in the stem extract of N. miranda were used for docking analysis, and their docking scores were compared. The binding capacity of these compounds was in the order sitosterol > hexadecanoic acid > oleic acid > plumbagin > 2-ethyl-3-methylnaphtho[2,3-b]thiophene-4,9-dione > methyl α-d-galactopyranoside > 3-methoxycatechol > catechol > pyrogallol > hydroxyhydroquinone; thus, sitosterol might exhibit the greatest inhibitory capacity against KpSSB among the selected compounds. Overall, these results may indicate the pharmacological potential of N. miranda for further therapeutic applications.

Machine learning enhances prediction of plants as potential sources of antimalarials.

Plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds and a number of plant-derived antiplasmodial compounds have been developed into pharmaceutical drugs for the prevention and treatment of malaria, a major public health challenge. However, identifying plants with antiplasmodial potential can be time-consuming and costly. One approach for selecting plants to investigate is based on ethnobotanical knowledge which, though having provided some major successes, is restricted to a relatively small group of plant species. Machine learning, incorporating ethnobotanical and plant trait data, provides a promising approach to improve the identification of antiplasmodial plants and accelerate the search for new plant-derived antiplasmodial compounds. In this paper we present a novel dataset on antiplasmodial activity for three flowering plant families - Apocynaceae, Loganiaceae and Rubiaceae (together comprising c. 21,100 species) - and demonstrate the ability of machine learning algorithms to predict the antiplasmodial potential of plant species. We evaluate the predictive capability of a variety of algorithms - Support Vector Machines, Logistic Regression, Gradient Boosted Trees and Bayesian Neural Networks - and compare these to two ethnobotanical selection approaches - based on usage as an antimalarial and general usage as a medicine. We evaluate the approaches using the given data and when the given samples are reweighted to correct for sampling biases. In both evaluation settings each of the machine learning models have a higher precision than the ethnobotanical approaches. In the bias-corrected scenario, the Support Vector classifier performs best - attaining a mean precision of 0.67 compared to the best performing ethnobotanical approach with a mean precision of 0.46. We also use the bias correction method and the Support Vector classifier to estimate the potential of plants to provide novel antiplasmodial compounds. We estimate that 7677 species in Apocynaceae, Loganiaceae and Rubiaceae warrant further investigation and that at least 1300 active antiplasmodial species are highly unlikely to be investigated by conventional approaches. While traditional and Indigenous knowledge remains vital to our understanding of people-plant relationships and an invaluable source of information, these results indicate a vast and relatively untapped source in the search for new plant-derived antiplasmodial compounds.

Underutilized legumes: nutrient status and advanced breeding approaches for qualitative and quantitative enhancement.

Underutilized/orphan legumes provide food and nutritional security to resource-poor rural populations during periods of drought and extreme hunger, thus, saving millions of lives. The Leguminaceae, which is the third largest flowering plant family, has approximately 650 genera and 20,000 species and are distributed globally. There are various protein-rich accessible and edible legumes, such as soybean, cowpea, and others; nevertheless, their consumption rate is far higher than production, owing to ever-increasing demand. The growing global urge to switch from an animal-based protein diet to a vegetarian-based protein diet has also accelerated their demand. In this context, underutilized legumes offer significant potential for food security, nutritional requirements, and agricultural development. Many of the known legumes like Mucuna spp., Canavalia spp., Sesbania spp., Phaseolus spp., and others are reported to contain comparable amounts of protein, essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), dietary fiber, essential minerals and vitamins along with other bioactive compounds. Keeping this in mind, the current review focuses on the potential of discovering underutilized legumes as a source of food, feed and pharmaceutically valuable chemicals, in order to provide baseline data for addressing malnutrition-related problems and sustaining pulse needs across the globe. There is a scarcity of information about underutilized legumes and is restricted to specific geographical zones with local or traditional significance. Around 700 genera and 20,000 species remain for domestication, improvement, and mainstreaming. Significant efforts in research, breeding, and development are required to transform existing local landraces of carefully selected, promising crops into types with broad adaptability and economic viability. Different breeding efforts and the use of biotechnological methods such as micro-propagation, molecular markers research and genetic transformation for the development of underutilized crops are offered to popularize lesser-known legume crops and help farmers diversify their agricultural systems and boost their profitability.