Full Flowering Research Articles

Exploring Echinops polyceras Boiss. from Jordan: Essential Oil Composition, COX, Protein Denaturation Inhibitory Power and Antimicrobial Activity of the Alcoholic Extract.

In this article, we present the first detailed analysis of the hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO) of the inflorescence heads of Echinops polyceras Boiss. (Asteraceae) from the flora of Jordan, offering observations at different growth (pre-flowering, full-flowering and post-flowering) stages. Additionally, we investigated the methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of the plant material at the full flowering stage in order to determine its inhibitory activity in terms of COX and protein denaturation and evaluate its antimicrobial effects against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Performing GC/MS analysis of HDEO, obtained from the fresh inflorescence heads at the different growth stages, resulted in the identification of 192 constituents. The main class of compounds detected in these three stages comprised aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which amounted to 50.04% (pre-flower), 40.28% (full-flower) and 41.34% (post-flower) of the total composition. The oils also contained appreciable amounts of oxygenated terpenoids, primarily sesquiterpenoids and diterpenoids. The pre-flowering stage was dominated by (2E)-hexenal (8.03%) in addition to the oxygenated diterpene (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.54%). The full-flowering stage primarily contained (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (7.84%), β-bisabolene (7.53%, SH) and the diterpene hydrocarbon dolabradiene (5.50%). The major constituents detected in the HDEO obtained at the post-flowering stage included the oxygenated sesquiterpenoid intermedeol (5.53%), the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (E)-caryophyllene (5.01%) and (6E,10E)-pseudo phytol (4.47%). The methanolic extract obtained from air-dried aerial parts of E. polyceras displayed more COX-2 inhibition than COX-1 inhibition at a concentration level of 200 µg/mL. The extract exhibited a capacity to inhibit protein denaturation that was comparable with respect to the activity of diclofenac sodium and displayed moderate levels of antimicrobial activity against both bacterial species. The current results demonstrate the need to perform further detailed phytochemical investigations to isolate and characterize active constituents.

Effect of fungicide treatment and nitrogen fertilisation on the yield of two breeding types of winter oilseed rape cultivars

The effect of three fungicide treatment programmes and the level of spring nitrogen fertilisation on the seed yield of two types ofcultivars of Brassica napus L. sown at two different seeding rates was studied in a field experiment. The subject of the study was anopen-pollinated cultivar ‘Casoar’ and a restored hybrid cultivar ‘Visby’. Three plant protection programmes, two levels of spring nitrogenfertilisation (160 and 220 kg N⋅ha1), and two different seeding rates for each cultivar (‘Visby’—50 and 70 seeds⋅⋅m2; ‘Casoar’—60 and 80 seeds⋅m2) were included. The most intensive protection programme comprised three fungicide treatments: first in autumn at the six-leaves-unfolded stage—BBCH 16, second in spring at the stem elongation stage—BBCH 33, and third at the full flowering stage—BBCH 65. One of two less intensive programmes of plant protection included fungicide application in autumn at the sixleaves-unfolded stage—BBCH 16 and at the full flowering stage—BBCH 65, while the second included fungicide application in spring at the stem elongation stage—BBCH 33 and at the full flowering stage—BBCH 65. The effectiveness of the protection programmes and nitrogen fertilisation was influenced by the intensity of abiotic stress factors. The average yield from the plots protected against pathogens was significantly higher than that from the untreated plots. The increase of nitrogen fertilisation from 160 to 220 kg⋅ha1 also caused a significant increase of average seed yield. The yield of cultivar ‘Visby’ was higher and less dependent on the seeding rate compared to cultivar ‘Casoar’.Keywords: Winter oilseed rape; Cultivars; Disease control; Nitrogen fertilisation; Seeding rate; Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; Leptosphaeria spp.; Alternaria spp. Botrytis cinerea.

Respostas bioquímicas em manga ‘Kent’ cultivada no semiárido brasileiro sob diferentes doses de triacontanol

ABSTRACT The management adopted for the mango crop requires that, at a certain stage, the irrigation depth should be reduced to promote a more uniform flowering. In regard to that, it is necessary to introduce new alternatives that mitigate the harmful effects of abiotic stress and that promote greater fruit yield. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the influence of triacontanol on the levels of organic solutes, antioxidant enzymatic activity, and production of ‘Kent’ mango under Brazilian semi-arid conditions. The experiment was carried out for two consecutive years, 2018 and 2019, in a commercial orchard located at the DAN Farm, Petrolina-PE. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with five treatments and four replications, evaluating four plants per plot. The treatments consisted of triacontanol doses: 0 (control treatment), 3.75; 7.50; 11.25, and 15.00 ppb per plant. Two consecutive harvests (2018 and 2019) were evaluated during the stages of branch maturation (2019 only), floral induction, full flowering, and initial fruiting. Foliar application of triacontanol positively favored the contents of total amino acids, free proline, total proteins, and activity of the enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT). There was an increase in production of 50.85% (dose - 11.25 ppb) and 64.95% (dose - 10.50 ppb) in the 2018 and 2019 crop years, respectively.

Phenology and Fruit Growth Dynamics of Mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Greenhouse and Open Air in Mediterranean Climate

Phenological evolution of shoots and fruit growth of three mango varieties—Keitt, Osteen and Tommy Atkins—were monitored during two reproductive seasons, from full flowering to fruit harvest on trees cultivated in the open air and inside a greenhouse, in the island of Sicily—Italy. The aim of the study was to assess the behavior of mango trees subjected to summer high temperatures under a permanent plastic cover in the Mediterranean climate. Differences between open air and greenhouse emerged in the dates of first record of major phenological stages and in their duration, and in the fruit growth rates. Greenhouse cultivated trees showed a significant anticipation of flowering and ripening of the fruits respect to open air trees, with harvest conducted earlier during the season. On the other hand, open air cultivated trees achieved fruit maturity in a shorter time compared to the greenhouse, with fruits needing between 90 and 110 days after full flowering to reach their final dimensions—while the trees in the greenhouse needed at least 125 days. The study allowed to understand the growth dynamics of mango fruits subjected to extreme high temperatures and provides new information to evaluate the opportunity of greenhouse cultivation of mango in the Mediterranean climate.

OBSERVATION ON THE FLOWER-VISITING INSECTS OF ROSE (Rosa spp.) IN A RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE AREA

Many ornamental plants are aseasonal, providing continuous food supply which leads to survival of many flower-visiting insects. Although the flower-visiting insects are always perceived as pollinators, not all visitation actually resulted in pollination of the flowers. Thus, this study aimed to identify the flower-visiting insects of a common ornamental plant, Rosa spp., and to determine their potential role as pollinators from their foraging behaviour at the flowers. Data collection was conducted in Jasin, Melaka, in 2021. A camera was set up approximately 0.5 meter from the full bloom flower, throughout its anthesis period. From the video footage, the parameters recorded were visitation frequency, visitation type (legitimate and illegitimate visitation) and the time spent at the flower. As a result, 253 visitations were recorded by six insect taxa; four from the order Hymenoptera, and one each from the order Lepidoptera and Diptera. A hymenopteran bee, Halictidae sp. was found to show the highest visitation frequency. Only three species; Halictidae sp., Heterotrigona itama and Amegilla sp. showed legitimate visits. For the time spent (mean ± SE), Halictidae sp. (30.08 ± 4.87 minute) recorded significantly longer time as compared to other visitors (H = 13.78, df = 4, p < 0.01). Based on the visitation rate, time spent and visitation type, Halictidae sp. showed the highest potential as pollinator for Rosa spp., followed by H. itama and Amegilla sp. It is important to understand the contributions of the ornamental plants such as Rosa spp. as food source to these insects for conservation of these pollinating agents. Not only these flowers help in the survival of pollinating agents throughout the years, these pollinating agents also contribute to the survival of the flowering plants by facilitating the pollination process of the flowers they visited.

Effects of Exogenous Sodium Nitroprusside Spraying on Physiological Characteristics of Soybean Leaves at the Flowering Stage under Drought Stress.

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a significant role in plant drought resistance. However, the effects of the exogenous application of NO to crops under drought stress vary within and among species. In this study, we explored the influence of exogenous sodium nitroprusside (SNP) on the drought resistance of soybean leaves in the full flowering stage using two varieties: drought-tolerant HN44 and non-drought-tolerant HN65. Spraying SNP on soybean leaves at the full flowering period under drought stress improved the NO content in soybean leaves. The activities of nitrite reductase (NiR) and nitrate reductase (NR) in leaves were affected by NO inhibition. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in leaves increased with the extension of SNP application time. Contents of osmomodulatory substances, including proline (Pro), soluble sugar (SS), and soluble protein (SP) increased gradually with the extension of SNP application time. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased as the NO content increased, thus reducing membrane system damage. Overall, spraying SNP reduced damage and improved the ability of soybean to cope with drought. This study explored the physiological changes of SNP soybean under drought stress and provided theoretical basis for improving drought-resistant cultivation of soybean.

Reproductive phenology calendar and its correlation with air temperature in five Mediterranean almond [Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb] cultivars grown in Morocco

Agro-climatic requirements are of crucial importance for establishment and management of nut tree orchards. In this work, we investigated timing and duration of key reproductive phenology events and their chilling units (CU) and heat requirements namely growing degree-days (GDD) and degree-hours (GDH) in five Mediterranean almond cultivars of early (‘Marcona’), intermediate (‘Fournat de Brézenaud’), and late flowering time (‘Ferraduel’, ‘Ferragnès’, and ‘Tuono’). Field phenological observations were performed during three growing seasons (2016–2018) across five contrasting sites in northern and eastern Morocco. Phenological records consisted of timing of initial inflorescence (Inf), inflorescence duration (Inf D), initial flowering (Ini F), full flowering (Ful F), final flowering (Fin F), flowering duration (FD), ripening (Rip), fruit development period (FDP). Our outcomes reveal that ‘Marcona’ and ‘Fournat de Brézenaud’ presented low CUs. ‘Tuono’, ‘Ferraduel’, and ‘Ferragnès’ required higher GDD and GDH to reach flowering time. Additionally, ‘Marcona’ had the highest FDP and GDD and GDH for ripening. Sites of northern Morocco exhibited a delayed timing of inflorescence and flowering and longer Inf D, FD, and FDP and high GDD and GDH for different phenological events. 2016 had low CU resulting in delayed timing of inflorescence and flowering but shortened Inf D and FD. Important correlations were outlined among phenological events and agro-climatic requirements. Principal component analysis explains data variation through first principal component (PC, genotypic), the second and the third PC discriminated sites and growing seasons, respectively (environmental components). In conclusions, owing to their early flowering and fruit set, ‘Fournat de Brézenaud’ and ‘Marcona’ should be grown in areas with low frost risks. ‘Marcona’ is not recommended for warmer environments because of its longer FDP. Chill decline induced by global warming may threaten production of high chilling requirement cultivars (‘Ferraduel’, ‘Ferragnès’, and ‘Tuono’).

Analysis of Floral Scent and Volatile Profiles of Different Aster Species by E-nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS.

Plants from the Aster species are known to be a rich source of bioactive chemical compositions and are popularly known for their medicinal properties. To investigate the relationship between the nine species of Aster, the floral fragrance and volatile profile patterns were characterized using E-nose and HS-SPME-GC-MS. Initial optimization for fragrance analysis was performed with Aster yomena using E-nose by evaluating the scent patterns in different flowering stages. Aster yomena exhibited varied scent patterns in each flowering stage, with the highest relative aroma intensity (RAI) in the full flowering stage. PCA analysis to compare and analyze the scent characteristics of nine Aster species, showed a species-specific classification. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis of flowers from nine Aster species revealed 52 volatile compounds including β-myrcene, α-phellandrene, D-limonene, trans-β-ocimene, caryophyllene, and β-cadinene. The terpenoid compounds accounted for the largest proportion. Among the nine Aster species flowers, Aster koraiensis had sesquiterpenes as the major component, and the remaining eight varieties had monoterpenes in abundance. These results could distinguish the species according to the scent patterns and volatile components of the nine Aster species. Additionally, flower extracts from the Aster species' plants exhibited radical scavenging antioxidant activity. Among them, it was confirmed that Aster pseudoglehnii, Aster maackii, and Aster arenarius had high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the results of this study provide fundamental data of the volatile compound properties and antioxidant activity of Aster species, offering basic information of valuable natural sources that can be utilized in the pharmaceutical, perfume, and cosmetic industries.

The effect of altitude and soil properties on the essential oil components of Turkish sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.)

In this study, the effects of altitude and soil properties on the essential oil amounts and essential oil components of the Turkish sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.) plant were investigated. A location in the south of Turkey in the Kaş district of Antalya with altitude ranges of 0-200 m, 300-500 m, and 600-800 m was defined as the study area. During the full flowering period of S. fruticosa, plants and soil samples were collected. The contents of the essential oils of the plants were analyzed using GC-MS. According to theresults obtained, the essential oil content of plants varied between 1.91% and 5.10%. The main component of the essential oils of the plants collected from all study areas was 1,8-cineol, at 44.93%. It was concluded that variations in the proportions of the components limonene and linalool, which are essential oil components of plants, are not only dependent on altitude but also on changes in soil texture and the total CaCO3 content of the soil.

Analysis of Aroma Volatiles from Michelia crassipes Flower and Its Changes in Different Flower Organs during Flowering

Michelia crassipes is a great ornamental plant, the flowers of which have high economic value. In this study, we employed headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS–SPME) combined with gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC–HRMS) for the first time to identify the volatile compounds emitted from different organs of M. crassipes flowers at different flowering stages. M. crassipes flower odor comprises 69 volatile compounds that are dominated by terpenes constituting 84% of collected volatiles. It was found that α-guaiene, β-caryophyllene and germacrene B had the highest relative amounts, while ethyl 3-methyl valerate, methyl benzoate and β-damascone had the highest odor activity values (OAVs). This contributed to the complex fruity, woody and floral aromas of M. crassipes. Total odor emission increased along the flower blooming, which was most abundant in the pistil followed by tepals and stamens. Paraffin sections of M. crassipes flower organs showed the highest density of oil secretory cells in the pistil at the full flowering stage, which was positively correlated with total odor release. The scent of the pistil and tepals was characterized by terpenes, whereas stamens was characterized by benzenoids. We suggest that the benzenoids in stamens might contribute to pollinator attraction in M. crassipes.

Study on the relationships between the accumulation and translocation of dry matter and nitrogen and flower/pod development into seeds and seed yields in Chinese milk vetch.

Further improvements to the yield potential of Chinese milk vetch seed are essential for the planting demand of green manure. Flower and pod development directly determines the number of seeds and the seed yield of Chinese milk vetch. However, the accumulation and translocation of dry matter and nitrogen between plant organs directly affects flower and pod development and morphological formation. There are few studies that analyse the relationship between the accumulation and transport of dry matter and nitrogen and the number of flowers, pods, grains and seed yield during Chinese milk vetch's critical development period. This study aimed to determine the seed yield response to dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and translocation during the Chinese milk vetch growth period and to quantify the relationship between these factors to predict Chinese milk vetch seed yield. Experiments were performed during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 growing seasons at the Dayuzhuang experimental field. The first experiment involved five foliar application stages (late wintering stage, returning green stage, squaring stage, pre-flowering stage, and 5 days after flowering) and six foliar application concentrations of borate solution (0, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 mg L-1). Experiment 2 included five foliar application stages (late wintering stage, returning green stage, squaring stage, pre-flowering stage, and 5 days after flowering) and six foliar application concentrations of paclobutrazol (0, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 mg L-1). When the dry matter mass in the full flowering stage was 3500-4500 kg hm-2, the seed yield reached more than 800 kg hm-2. When the translocated assimilates were stored in the vegetative organs before flowering, the assimilate translocation rate and their contributions to seed yield were 1500-1800 kg hm-2, 30-35%, and 28-38%, respectively, and the Chinese milk vetch seed yield was predicted to reach 800-1000 kg hm-2 at maturity. When the nitrogen translocation amount in the vegetative organs before flowering, the nitrogen translocation rate, and the contribution rate to the seed yield were 68-78 kg hm-2, 65-75%, and 75-85%, respectively, the Chinese milk vetch seed yield was predicted to reach 800-1000 kg hm-2 at maturity. If the accumulation and translocation index values of dry matter and nitrogen were lower or higher than the above ranges, the seed yield was lower than 800 kg hm-2. The results of this study revealed the mechanism by which dry matter and nitrogen accumulation and translocation affect the Chinese milk vetch seed yield. These findings enrich the seed yield formation theory of Chinese milk vetch. They provide an early determination and quantitative regulation of high and stable seed yield for Chinese milk vetch in the field and aid researchers to integrate multiple production technologies for the sustainable production of Chinese milk vetch.

Integrated physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses reveal that low-nitrogen conditions improve the accumulation of flavonoids in snow chrysanthemum

Nitrogen (N) levels have significant effects on plant growth and chemical composition. Previous studies found that low-N treatment maintained the number of inflorescences and promoted flavonoid accumulation in snow chrysanthemum, but the underlying mechanism was not clear. To investigate the complex flavonoid biosynthesis pathway of snow chrysanthemum under low-N conditions, we compared low-N and normal-N groups across the four harvest stages. Low-N treatment caused early flowering in snow chrysanthemum and maintained the production of flowers. Low-N stress increased the carbon (C)/N ratio in flowers, thus significantly increasing the total flavonoid content in the flower bud stage, early flowering stage and full flowering stage. Moreover, analysis of the flavonoid metabolome showed that low-N treatment resulted in increased levels of kaempferol-3-O-(6''-p-coumaroyl)galactoside, quercetin-3-O-(2''-acetyl)glucuronide, 3,7-dimethylquercetagetin-(3′,4′,5,6-tetrahydroxy-3,7-dime-thoxyflavone), isotamarixin, apigenin-8-C-arabinoside, quercetin-5-O-glucuronide, and cyanidin-3-O-(6''-O-p-coumaroyl)glucoside, which further enhanced antioxidant activity. Combined flavonoid metabolism and transcriptomic data analysis indicated that PAL, 4CL, HCT, C3'H, CHS, DFR and ANR are key genes leading to the accumulation of flavonoids in snow chrysanthemum under low-N conditions. In addition, 6 transcription factors (especially MYB26c, Cluster-16181.96870) and 17 other regulators (mainly including transporter proteins) under low-N conditions are also involved in the regulation of flavonoid accumulation. This research provides a new perspective for studying the regulatory effect of N levels on the growth and flavonoid biosynthesis in snow chrysanthemum. Data availability statementThe data presented in this study are available in the article and supplementary materials.

Response of Soybean Yield and Certain Growth Parameters to Simulated Reproductive Structure Removal

Soybeans often encounter several in-season stressors that can alter retention of reproductive structures. To understand soybean response to structural losses through altered growth parameters—and, ultimately, yield—a field trial was established in Bixby, Oklahoma, in 2019 and 2020 and Perkins, Oklahoma, in 2019. Removal of reproductive structures occurred at full flower (R2), the beginning of pod development (R3), and the beginning of seed development (R5) and at three locations on the plant (top third (T), middle third (M), whole (W)). The impact of flower removal on yield at the R2 and R3 stages did not significantly differ from that in non-treated soybean. Pod removal as late as R5 from the upper fruiting positions (T) had a lesser impact on overall yield, with R5:T showing a reduction in seed number of 860 seeds plant−1, whereas R5:M was 1921 seeds plant−1 below the non-treated soybean. The middle portion of the mainstem was the location where the loss demonstrated was paramount at R5, as this region is a large sink and major contributor to yield. Late-season, stress-negating yield recovery, depending on the severity, may indicate that management practices should anticipate physiological limitations for stress, as well as the potential for relative yield recovery and yield improvement.

INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF ZINC AND BORON ON FLOWERING AND FRUITING OF MANDARIN (CITRUS RETICULATA BLANCO) AT MYAGDI, NEPAL

A study was conducted during the spring season of 2022 to find out the effect of foliar application of micronutrients (Zinc and Boron) in flowering and fruit setting of mandarin (Citrus reticulata blanco) in Myagdi, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in a factor-randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications. The treatments consist of foliar application of sole and combined application of Zinc and Boron namely: control (water spray), 0.2% Zn, 0.1% B, 0.15% Zn + 0.05% B, and 0.1% Zn + 0.1% B. Twenty mandarin trees of the same age and height from an orchard were chosen from the north-facing slope. The spray solution was formulated using standard procedures. The foliar application of the micronutrients was done twice, the first application was done days before flowering, and the second application was done after 2 days of full flowering. The data analysis was done using MS Excel and R-stat. Treatments had significant variations in total flowers and hermaphrodite flowers per branch, fruit diameter, fruit set, and fruit drop. Thus, our study showed that foliar spray of Zinc 0.1% + Boron 0.1% was the best for the production of more hermaphrodite flowers, for a higher fruit set percentage, and for a higher fruit retention percentage in Mandarin.

Soybean growth and nitrogen accumulation by soybeans in response to desiccation times of Urochloa brizantha pasture and nitrogen fertilization

The desiccation time of high-biomass pasture and nitrogen (N) fertilization of pasture and soybean can influence the soybean sowing, establishment and growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate how the time of desiccation of the preceding pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, cultivated at three levels of N, and by the soybean N fertilization affect soybean growth and N accumulation. Three N rates (0; 150 and 300 kg ha-1), broadcast as urea on the U. brizantha pasture were evaluated separately in each N level, every one considered as one experiment. In each experiment, five times of pasture desiccation were evaluated (60; 45; 30; 15, and 1 day before soybean sowing) and two levels of soybean N fertilization: 30 kg ha-1 (urea) broadcast at sowing or without N fertilization. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. Early desiccation of U. brizantha pasture favors the establishment of soybean and promotes an increase in biomass and N accumulation in the vegetative stages, however these differences are not observed during the grain filling, regardless the soybean N fertilization. The soybean yield was not influenced by the desiccation time. N fertilization with 30 kg ha-1 at sowing intensifies soybean growth at the vegetative phase, but after full flowering, there were no effects on biomass and grain yield, independently of the desiccation time.

Effect of Presowing Magnetic Field Stimulation on the Seed Germination and Growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Plants

Background: The problem of the influence of magnetic fields (FMs) on the growth and development of common bean plants is still far from being fully explained due to its complicated physical nature and the geometry of the seeds. FMs can practically penetrate through living organisms. Aim: The present work aimed to determine the effect of the presowing FM stimulation of common bean seeds on plant growth and development elements. Material and Methods: The present study was based on a field experiment carried out between the years 2015 and 2017 in Żyznów (N 49°81′, E 21°84′, 239 m above sea level). The experiment was carried out using three repetitions of the randomized block method. The experimental factor was the amount of exposure to FM seed stimulation: (I) 15 s, (II) 30 seconds, and (III) the control object without seed stimulation. The plant material of the study was a common bean: cv. Gold Saxa. Results: The biostimulation of the sources with an FM improved the germination energy, strength, and capacity of the seeds. The presowing FM stimulation of the common bean seeds favourably affected the fresh weight of the first and fifth leaves but did not affect their dry weight. The leaves’ collection dates measured the new first and fifth plates and their dry weight content. The collection dates of the leaves determined the level of the fresh weight of the first and fifth leaves and the content of their dry weight. Conclusions: The biostimulation of the seeds with the FM contributed to a higher germination capacity, energy, and strength of the common bean seeds. The highest level of the leaves’ fresh weight was achieved during full flowering, and the highest dry matter content of the leaves was found in the phase of pod setting.

Phytochemical and bioactivity evaluation of secondary metabolites and essential oils of Sedum rubens growing wild in Jordan

Sedum rubens L. (Crassulaceae family) is an interesting succulent medicinal plant that has never been investigated for its phytochemical constituents. Thus, the current study was designed to unveil its chemical constituents and bioactivity potentials. In the current study, the total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and DPPH radical scavenging properties of the hydroalcoholic (HA) and water extracts (W) were determined. Moreover, the presence of selected phenolic acids (gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, hesperidin) was determined by HPLC-PDA. In addition, hydro-distilled essential oil (HDEO) composition of the plant at the pre-flowering (PF) and full-flowering (FF) stages was determined by GC/MS and GC/FID techniques. Results revealed that the FF hydroalcoholic extract had the highest TPC (136.9 mg gallic acid/g extract), TFC (234.7 mg quercetin/g extract) and DPPH• radical scavenging activity (7.10 × 10-2 ± 1.0 × 10-3 mg/mL). This extract was rich in gallic acid and caffeic acids (366, 243 mg/Kg dry plant, respectively). The study resulted in reporting four known compounds including α- & β-amyrin acetates, β-sitosterol and β-sitosterol glycoside for the first time from the plant. The HDEO at the PF and FF stages were dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes (21.92%) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (45.71%).

2. Positive Pedagogy in Art Teacher Training

Abstract The pedagogical conception that each teacher assumes when referring to the teaching profession will guide his strategy for working with students. A teacher equally concerned with forming the competencies inscribed in school programs and helping the full flowering of the personality of the students with whom he works could adopt positive pedagogy as a frame of reference. The present work aims to review the principles of positive pedagogy, to nuance the roots of this paradigm in the light of current research and to bring to the fore its potential in terms of educational strategies that can be successfully adapted in the training of art teachers.

Heavy Metal Allocation to Pea Plant Organs (Pisum sativum L.) from Soil during Different Development Stages and Years

The incorporation of heavy metals contained in soils into the food chain is mediated by plants. Plants show varying abilities to take up and accumulate these elements during vegetative growth. In this study, changes in the content, rate of uptake, accumulation, and translocation of heavy metals during six stages of development of pea plants were determined. In field experiments, two pea cultivars were cultivated in two consecutive growing seasons. The harvested plants were divided into the roots and aerial parts, and at full maturity the seeds were separated additionally. Significant changes in the content of the heavy metals in the separated parts and on average in the entire plant, as well as their bioaccumulation factors (BAFs), were most often noted up to the flowering stage of pea plants, after which these values usually did not change significantly. The highest rate of uptake of heavy metals per day of growth was noted between the full flowering stage and the stage when 50% of pods were of typical length. Their translocation factor (TF) was most often highest between the three-internode stage and the full flowering stage. The content, uptake, BAF, and TF of the heavy metals most often varied between years of the study, but did not significantly depend on the pea cultivar. The BAF indicates the potential of pea plants to hyperaccumulate lead and zinc and moderate accumulation of other heavy metals in their aerial parts. Excessive concentrations of lead and cadmium disqualified pea’s seeds to be used as human food, whereas excessive concentrations of lead prevented their use as fodder. Green mass of pea plants can be used as animal fodder according to the EU directives.

Multi-Objective Lower Irrigation Limit Simulation and Optimization Model for Lycium Barbarum Based on NSGA-III and ANN

Lycium barbarum has rich medicinal value and is an important medicinal and economic tree species in China, with an annual output value of 21 billion RMB. The yield and the quality of Lycium barbarum dry fruit are the crucial issues that affect the cultivation of Lycium barbarum and the income of farmers in the Ningxia water shortage area. According to the local acquisition standard of Lycium barbarum, the amount of dry fruit per 50 g (ADF-50) is the key factor in evaluating the quality and determining the purchase price. In order to optimize the irrigation lower limit of automatic drip irrigation system with multiple objectives, the yield and ADF-50 are selected to be optimal objectives. The lower irrigation limits of the automatic drip irrigation system in the full flowering stage, the summer fruiting stage, and the early autumn fruiting stage are optimized by the third generation of non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) in this paper. The mathematical relationships between irrigation lower limit and irrigation quantity, irrigation amount, yield, and ADF-50 were established by the water balance model, water production function (WPF), and artificial neural network model (ANN), respectively. The accuracy of the water balance model and ANN were verified by experiments. The experiments and optimization results show that: (1) irrigation quantity and ADF-50 calculated by the water balance model and ANN are accurate, and their Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient are 0.83 and 0.66; (2) In a certain range of irrigation quantity, ADF-50 and Lycium barbarum yield show competitive relation. By solving the NSGA-III optimization model, the lower irrigation limits schemes, which tend to different objectives, and a compromise scheme can be obtained; (3) Compared with the original lower limit of irrigation water, the compromise scheme’s yield and quality of Lycium barbarum are improved 10.7% and 8.8% respectively. The results show that the automatic drip irrigation system’s lower irrigation limit scheme optimized by the model can improve not only the yield but also the quality of Lycium barbarum. This provides a new idea for establishing the irrigation lower limit of the automatic drip irrigation system in the Lycium barbarum planting area.