Hispida Var Research Articles

Degradation Polysaccharides from Benincasa hispida var. chieh-qua How: Unveiling Bioactive Properties of Degraded Compounds.

This study reported an effective method for the degradation of Chieh-qua (Benincasa hispida var. Chieh-qua How) polysaccharides (BHCP) by a hydrogen peroxide-ascorbic acid oxidation (H2O2-VC) system. The degradation conditions were optimized using a Box-Behnken response surface design as concentration of H2O2-VC 19.5 mM, degradation temperature 46.4 ºC and degradation time 1.0 h. The average molecular weight was decreased and total sugar content was raised of the degraded polysaccharide (DBHCP). Two refined degraded polysaccharides (DBHCP-1, DBHCP-2) were purified and prepared, and their structures were analyzed by chemical and spectral analysis. The in vitro experiments showed that degraded polysaccharides (DBHCP and DBHCP-1) have better antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activity than natural polysaccharide BHCP. These findings support the potential application of Chieh-qua polysaccharides in the food and medical industries.

Virome Profiling, New Virus Identification and the Prevalence and Distribution of Viruses Infecting Chieh-Qua (Benincasa hispida Cogn. var. chieh-qua How) in China.

The cucurbit vegetable chieh-qua (Benincasa hispida var. chieh-qua How) is an important crop in South China and southeast Asian countries. Viral diseases cause substantial loss of chieh-qua yield. To identify the viruses that affect chieh-qua in China, ribosomal RNA-depleted total RNA sequencing was performed using chieh-qua leaf samples with typical viral symptoms. The virome of chieh-qua comprises four known viruses (melon yellow spot virus (MYSV), cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV), papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV) and two novel viruses: cucurbit chlorotic virus (CuCV) in the genus Crinivirus and chieh-qua endornavirus (CqEV) in the genus Alphaendornavirus. The complete genomes of the two novel viruses in chieh-qua and three other isolates of CuCV in pumpkin, watermelon and cucumber were determined and the recombination signals of pumpkin and watermelon isolates of CuCV were detected. A reverse transcriptase PCR indicated that the dominant viruses of chieh-qua in Hainan are MYSV (66.67%) and CCYV (55.56%), followed by CuCV (27.41%), WSMoV (7.41%), cucumber mosaic virus (8.15%), zucchini yellow mosaic virus (6.67%), PRSV (6.67%) and CqEV (35.56%). Our findings support diagnostic and prevalence studies of viruses infecting chieh-qua in China, enabling sustainable control strategies for cucurbit viruses worldwide.

A taxonomic revision of the genus Callilepis DC. (Asteraceae) in South Africa.

A complete revision of the genus Callilepis is presented. Most specimens in herbaria are identified either as C. leptophylla or C. laureola because of misconceptions about the other previously described species. A key to all the taxa is provided, full descriptions of all the taxa drawn up and distribution maps given. Two new species (C. nepotiana and C. retiefiae) and one new variety (C. hispida var. paucicephala) are described. The two names C. glabra and C. hispida are re-instated while C. laureola is reduced to a synonym under C. hispida. The names C. glabra and C. laureola are lectotipified. The monotypic genus Zoutpansbergia is included in Callilepis. The genus description is emended to include information of the taxa with corymbose synflorescences and imbricate involucral bracts.

Insights from the genomes of 4 diploid Camelina spp.

Plant evolution has been a complex process involving hybridization and polyploidization making understanding the origin and evolution of a plant's genome challenging even once a published genome is available. The oilseed crop, Camelina sativa (Brassicaceae), has a fully sequenced allohexaploid genome with 3 unknown ancestors. To better understand which extant species best represent the ancestral genomes that contributed to C. sativa's formation, we sequenced and assembled chromosome level draft genomes for 4 diploid members of Camelina: C. neglecta C. hispida var. hispida, C. hispida var. grandiflora, and C. laxa using long and short read data scaffolded with proximity data. We then conducted phylogenetic analyses on regions of synteny and on genes described for Arabidopsis thaliana, from across each nuclear genome and the chloroplasts to examine evolutionary relationships within Camelina and Camelineae. We conclude that C. neglecta is closely related to C. sativa's sub-genome 1 and that C. hispida var. hispida and C. hispida var. grandiflora are most closely related to C. sativa's sub-genome 3. Further, the abundance and density of transposable elements, specifically Helitrons, suggest that the progenitor genome that contributed C. sativa's sub-genome 3 maybe more similar to the genome of C. hispida var. hispida than that of C. hispida var. grandiflora. These diploid genomes show few structural differences when compared to C. sativa's genome indicating little change to chromosome structure following allopolyploidization. This work also indicates that C. neglecta and C. hispida are important resources for understanding the genetics of C. sativa and potential resources for crop improvement.

Cytogeography of Solidago sect. Erectae, sect. Villosicarpae, sect. Squarrosae, and sect. Brintonia (Asteraceae: Astereae)

Chromosome numbers are reported for 67 individuals of 13 species of Solidago sect. Erectae, S. sect. Squarrosae, and S. sect. Villosicarpae from 65 locations in eastern Canada and the eastern United States: S. bicolor, S. erecta, S. hispida, S. jejunifolia, S. pallida, S. puberula, S. pulverulenta, S. rigidiuscula, S. roanensis, S. sciaphila, S. speciosa, S. squarrosa, and S. villosicarpa. Cytogeography maps based on new reports and all 258 previously published reports from 230 locations for the three sections plus S. sect. Brintonia (S. discoidea) are presented for 20 of the 30 species in the four closely related sections. The following are either first documented reports for the taxon or just first counts for a taxon from particular provinces and states: Solidago bicolor, 2n = 18 from Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island; S. hispida var. hispida, 2n = 18 from New Hampshire, New Brunswick, and Wisconsin; S. jejunifolia, 2n = 18 from Michigan and Minnesota; S. pallida, 2n = 18 from Wyoming; S. puberula, 2n = 18 from Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, and Virginia; and first reports for S. sciaphila, 2n = 36 from Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

Vascular Flora of the Christmount Preserve, Buncombe County, North Carolina

The Christmount Preserve is a botanically diverse and ecologically rich area of approximately 155 ha of southern Appalachian forest held in conservation easement. We conducted a floristic inventory of the preserve to inform conservation efforts on the property. Although the plant diversity within the preserve is an important attraction for residents and visitors, information on its flora is limited. This study builds upon a brief but informative 1996 report of the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program summarizing the preserve's attributes as a natural area. A total of 317 specimens of vascular plants were collected during 2018–2020 to develop a vouchered flora of the preserve. These specimens documented 221 species in 165 genera and 84 families, 4.5% of which are not native to the Appalachian Mountain region. We found three plant taxa that are listed by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program: Coreopsis latifolia, Hypericum buckleyi, and Robinia hispida var. fertilis. Plant community types found on the property include large areas of Rich Cove Forest, Acidic Cove Forest, and Montane Oak-Hickory Forest, but also included small patches of Pine-Oak/Heath–High Elevation Subtype, a globally imperiled plant association, along the high ridgelines. The information presented here will be used to help guide management efforts as well as educational programming by the managing organization, Christmount Christian Association (CCA).

Characterization and antioxidant activities of polysaccharide extracted from Benincasa hispida var. chieh-qua How

The water-soluble polysaccharide (BHCP) was isolated from the hot aqueous extract of Chieh qua (Benincasa hispida var. chieh-qua How) fruit. The polysaccharide was found to contain D-galactose and D-glucose in a molar ratio of 2.59:1 with both α- and β-glycosidic bond. The strong free radicals scavenging activity on DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals of the BHCP was demonstrated, and showing the BHCP from Chieh qua has potential application value on the functional food.

Quantitative Estimation of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities of Some Selected Wild Tuberous Plants of Odisha, India

Tuberous plants are the source of many useful bioactive compounds. It is suggested that they may protect us against pathogens. Antioxidants play a major role to protect the cell from oxidative stress. The study was designed to examine the antioxidant properties and total phenol contents of methanol and acetone extracts of some common species of Yam found in Odisha, India, namely, Dioscorea belophylla, Dioscorea esculenta, Dioscorea glabra, Dioscorea oppositifolia, Dioscorea tomentosa, Dioscorea wallichii, Dioscorea hamiltonii, and Dioscorea hispida var. daemona. These tuberous plants were collected from peripheral areas of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Khurda, Cuttack, and Dhenkanal districts of Odisha, India. Phenolic compounds, tannin, and saponin are found as prime bioactive compounds in all tuber extracts of selected plants. The antioxidant activities were determined by 1-1-diphenyl-2-pycrilhydrazyne radical scavenging assay and metal chelating activities. The results of antioxidant activities showed their sound scavenging potential. The present study highlights the nutraceutical values of wild tuberous plants.

Micromicetes asociados a la corteza y madera de Podocarpus parlatorei (Podocarpaceae) en la Argentina. X. Chaetosphaeria (Chaetosphaeriaceae, Ascomycota)

Durante un estudio de la biodiversidad de micromicetes que crecen en la corteza y madera de Podocarpus parlatorei, se encontraron cuatro especies de Chaetosphaeria. Chaetosphaeria hispida var. podocarpi, se propone como una nueva variedad. Chaetosphaeria abietis, C. montana, C. vermicularioides se citan por primera vez para la Argentina. Se presentan descripciones, ilustraciones, comentarios, datos de distribución geográfica, hábitat y una clave dicotómica para las especies de Chaetosphaeria conocidas en Argentina.

Effect of Dioscorea hispida var. Daemona (Roxb) Prain & Burkill on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage in the Liver of Pregnant Rats

Dioscorea hispida var. daemona (Roxb) Prain & Burkill is an intoxicating yam which is commonly known as ‘ubi gadong’ in Malaysia and traditionally consumed in various part of the world. However, the tuber of this plant is poisonous as it contains toxic compound, dioscorine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoxicity effect of D. hispida aqueous extract (DHAE) by measuring the level of oxidative stress and DNA damage in the liver of pregnant Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. Twenty pregnant rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5) consisting of control, low 500 mg/kg, medium 1000 mg/kg and high 2000 mg/kg group that were administered with different concentrations of D. hispida by oral gavage for 15 days from gestation day (GD) 6 until 20. At GD 21, the liver was collected and oxidative stress (reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, H2O2 concentrations, superoxide dismutase (SOD) lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA damage were measured. No significant changes on ROS level and H2O2 concentration in 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight DHAE except for the lowest concentration group (p<0.05) when compared to control whereas the SOD activity was comparable with untreated rats. Increase of MDA level and DNA damage was observed in all treated groups. In conclusion, DHAE did not increase oxidative stress in maternal rats’ liver however may induces DNA damage. Further study is required to confirm these findings through a longer DHAE administration to understand the mechanism involves in its effects .

Hybridization between Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz and common Brassica weeds

The movement of genes between crops and closely-related weeds has the potential to create economic and environmental problems. Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz is a promising oilseed crop and minor weed in North America, but ecological risk assessment is needed to predict crop-weed gene flow. In this study, reciprocal crosses between C. sativa cultivars and 17 Brassicaceae species in the genera Arabidopsis, Arabis, Barbarea, Camelina, Cardamine, Erysimum, and Lepidium were performed. F1 hybrids were formed between C. sativa cultivars and three species: Camelina alyssum (Mill.) Thell., Camelina microcarpa Andrz. Ex DC., and Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. None of the other Brassica species formed hybrid offspring. F1 hybrids from C. sativa × C. alyssum showed the same pollen viability and fecundity as the parents, while hybrids from C. sativa × C. microcarpa had reduced pollen viability, silicle (pod) number and seed production. Intergeneric F1 hybrids from Camelina sativa × Capsella bursa-pastoris were sterile and this correlated with large decreases in pollen viability and number of ovules/flower. In addition, the SSR markers could be applied to identify progenies in C. sativa breeding programs as well as auxiliarily assess possibility of gene flow between C. sativa and weedy relatives. Principle coordinate analysis (PCoA) made from SSR markers clearly divided into 12 species into five groups of species. Especially, C. sativa was classified into one group with those two interfertile C. microcarpa, and C. alyssum but distinctly separated from Camelina hispida var. grandiflora (Boiss.) Hedge, Camelina laxa C. A. Mey and Camelina rumelica Velen. This division among the Camelina species was consistent with their capacity to produce fertile F1 hybrids with C. sativa. The hybridization results suggest that gene flow is likely between cultivated C. sativa and the North American weeds C. alyssum and C. microcarpa.

Histopathological changes in placenta and liver of pregnant rats administered with aqueous extract of Dioscorea hispida var. daemona (Roxb) Prain & Burkill

Dioscorea hispida var. daemona (Roxb) Prain & Burkill (DH), also known a tropical yam or intoxicating yam is a bitter wild tuber which is consumed as a staple food and traditionally used as a remedy in Malaysia. However, DH is also notorious for its intoxicating effects and there is currently a dearth of study of possible effects of DH on liver and placental tissues and hence its safe consumption warrants in-depth investigation. This study was therefore designed to investigate into the effect of DH on liver and placenta of pregnant rat via histopathological examination. Thirty pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups consisting of a control (distilled water) and four DH aqueous extract groups (250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight). The extracts were administered via oral gavage daily throughout the study and animals were sacrificed on day 21. Paraffin-embedded, hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of placenta and liver were examined. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were observed on relative liver and placental weights of animals treated with 2000 mg/kg body weight DH extract. The placental numbers were decreased with the increased of DH extract concentration. Liver histological examination in all treated groups showed that tissues underwent degeneration characterized by hepatocyte swelling, cytoplasmic vacuolation, cytolysis, margination and clumping of nucleus chromatin. Changes of the basal and labyrinth zone were observed in placental tissues in all treated groups. Glycogen cells were reduced with fibrin deposition in the basal zone, while irregular vessel formation was demonstrated in the labyrinth zone. UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed the presence four steroidal saponins DH. In conclusion, DH aqueous extract exert hepatotoxicity and adverse effects on the placenta of rats. However, the underlying mechanism and phytochemicals inducing the observed toxicity require further investigation.

The euglenoid genus Trachelomonas (Euglenophyta) from eastern Poland. Study on morphology and ultrastructure of envelopes with comments on morphologically similar species

I examined representatives of the genus Trachelomonas from two water bodies in eastern Poland. Using both light and scanning microscopy, a total of 47 taxa were recorded during two years of study. Among the 47 taxa, 7 were new to Poland (T. botanica var. minor, T. manginii, T. obovata var. klebsiana, T. zorensis, T. mirabilis var. obesa, T. raciborskii var. incerta and T. woycickii f. pusilla). All taxa found were briefly described and originally illustrated, and I added taxonomical comments to almost all of them. These taxonomical comments may be helpful in further research because at present, taxonomical identification of species during environmental research is still based on the morphology of trachelomonad envelopes. Taxonomists around the world use key books for identification, which were written based on (often old) data concerning the external structure of envelopes. My study provided valuable information on similarities and differences between taxa that appear very similar. I also provided information on the ecology and biogeography of the reported taxa. For three of the taxa (T. volvocinopsis f. volvocinopsis, T. volvocina var. volvocina, T. hispida var. hispida), which were characterised by the highest frequency of occurrence during the studies, I examined and analysed their presence in different abiotic conditions (both water reaction and water temperature). The data showed that the taxa preferred alkaline water conditions, with the median pH for the species ranging from 7.9 to 8.8. T. volvocinospis occurred in the broadest pH range and preferred cooler waters, whereas T. hispida var. hispida was most often observed in warm water.

New records of Trachelomonas Ehrenberg (Euglenophyceae) in lotic environments of the buffer zone of Iguaçu National Park, Paraná, Brazil

(New records of Trachelomonas Ehrenberg (Euglenophyceae) in lotic environments of the buffer zone of Iguacu National Park, Parana, Brazil). Despite its great diversity, genus Trachelomonas has been the object of few studies in Parana state, with knowledge on the genus restricted to only eight works. For this reason, this study aimed to carry out a taxonomic survey of genus Trachelomonas in Apepu and Tenente Joao Gualberto streams, both of which are located in buffer zone of Iguacu National Park. Samples were collected monthly at two sampling stations, between September 2012 and August 2013, using a plankton net, and preserved with Transeau solution at a ratio of 1:1. Of a total of 32 Trachelomonas taxa identified at the specific and infraspecific levels, 12 represented new records for the state of Parana: Trachelomonas abrupta var. arcuata, T. acanthophora var. speciosa, T. conica, T. dangeardi var. glabra, T. decora, T. gracillima, T. hexangulata, T. hispida var. hispida f. minor, T. intermedia var. minor, T. oblonga var. truncata, T. recticollis, and T. stokesi. The highest species richness was found in Tenente Joao Gualberto stream, with 31 taxa and 14 exclusive taxa, while the lowest richness was detected in Apepu stream with eight taxa and only one exclusive taxa.

Indigenous Asian Specialty Vegetables in the Central Valley of California

Sinqua and moqua, better known as Luffa actuangula and Benincasa hispida var. chiehgua, are but a few of the 70 or so Asian vegetables being grown in Fresno, CA. These little-known vegetables are very common to the 1300 Hmong, Mien, Lao, and Chinese farmers growing them for the specialty and wholesale markets in Fresno. This article discusses 24 Asian vegetables commonly grown on farms and sold to more than a dozen specialty crop packing houses in Fresno and at farmers markets in California. Cultural information, pest problems, and culinary uses are also briefly discussed.

Aproximación a las comunidades de carófitos que existieron en la Albufera de Valencia a partir del estudio de las oósporas del sedimento

Charophyte oospores and their features (size, shape, colour, outer wall ornamentation, etc.) are able to persist in seed banks of aquatic ecosystems. Thus, these characteristics can be used for taxonomic species identification, thereby providing knowledge about the specific composition of the charophyte community in a habitat that currently lacks, or has greatly altered, submerged vegetation. Several years ago, l’Albufera de Valencia lost the charophyte meadows that covered the lake bottom in the past, which had never been studied in detail. Several sediment cores were extracted from the lagoon at three sites and the oospores and gyrogonites were isolated and characterized. The oospore/gyrogonite densities in the sediment layers were estimated. Ten different taxa have been identified: six belonging to genus Chara [Ch. vulgaris, Ch. Hispida var. major , Ch. fragilis (Ch. globularis), Ch. Hispida var. baltica, Ch. aspera, Ch. tomentosa]; one Nitella species (N. hyalina), two Tolypella species ( T. glomerata and T. hispanica ) and one Lamprothamnium species ( L. papulosum ). The latter, which indicates the period when water salinity was high in the lagoon, was found in the deepest sediment layers. An increase in the oospore abundance and diversity was observed in line with sediment depth. This indicates, on the one hand, that the lagoon went through different ecological stages (with important changes in salinity, mainly) and, on the other hand, the eutrophication process that the lagoon has been undergoing for at least the last 45 years, has progressively affected the abundance and diversity of the charophyte community.

Strombomonas and Trachelomonas species (Euglenophyta) from south-eastern USA

A biogeographical and taxonomic study on Strombomonas and Trachelomonas, which are often abundant in polluted environments, was undertaken in south-eastern USA. Light and scanning electron microscope analysis allowed the identification of 68 taxa, among them five Strombomonas and 63 Trachelomonas. All are documented with original SEM and LM micrographs. Twenty-seven Trachelomonas taxa are reported as new from this region. Variability in lorica microstructure is demonstrated for T. curta var. curta, T. pusilla var. punctata, T. rotunda, T. hispida var. coronata and T. scabra var. scabra from natural habitats. Physicochemical parameters for water quality at the collection sites are reported.

Efectos antr&amp;#243;picos sobre las praderas sumergidas de car&amp;#243;fitos en una laguna c&amp;#225;rstica

Charophytes are submerged macrophyte algae often found in diverse aquatic habitats. Chara-dominated lakes are typically hard water, calcium-rich and low in phosphate. La Colgada is a 18 m deep, 103 ha small lake located in a tourist area, which has partly resulted in nutrient increases in recent years. Chara hispida var. major (Hartm.) R.D. Wood and Chara hispida f. polyacantha (A. Braun) R.D. Wood meadows are extensive in this ecosystem, but their distribution are influenced by human activities. Negligible densities of C. hispida, always covered by epiphytes, were recorded in the shores adjacent to tourist areas. Horizontal cover and biomass distributions were heterogeneous throughout the lake (0,95 ± 0,55 kg DW•m -2 ), with minimum values nearby the tourist area (0,68 ± 0,32 kg DW•m -2 ). Charophyte biomass was inversely related to depth in areas not influenced by anthropogenic impacts. However, that relationship did not occur in anthropized areas. The biomass range of Charophytes in La Colgada lake, 0,22-2,27 kg DW•m -2 , was much higher than that recorded in other world lakes and wetlands.

Selecting framework tree species for restoring seasonally dry tropical forests in northern Thailand based on field performance

Framework tree species are indigenous forest tree species, planted to complement and accelerate natural regeneration of forest ecosystems and encourage biodiversity recovery, on degraded sites. In this paper we test the extent to which 37 native forest tree species might act as framework tree species to accelerate recovery of evergreen, seasonal forest in a degraded upper watershed in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in northern Thailand. The trees were planted at a density of 3125 ha −1 in 1998 and 1999. The plots were hand weeded, and fertiliser applied around planted trees three times during the rainy season. Field performance of planted trees was assessed at the end of the second wet season after planting by monitoring height, crown width and weed cover. A fire, which spread through some of the plots in March 2001, enabled assessment of resilience to fire for some of the species. Nine species were ranked as ‘excellent’ framework species, including Ficus hispida var. hispida, Gmelina arborea, Hovenia dulcis, Melia toosendan, Michelia baillonii, Prunus cerasoides, Rhus rhetsoides and Spondias axillaris. Fifteen species qualified as ‘acceptable’ framework species: Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, Balakata baccata, Castanopsis acuminatissima, Ficus altissima, Ficus benjamina var. benjamina, Ficus glaberrima var. glaberrima, Ficus racemosa var. racemosa, Ficus subulata var. subulata, Glochidion kerrii, Heynea trijuga, Macaranga denticulata, Machilus bombycina, Nyssa javanica, Sapindus rarak and Sarcosperma arboreum. Only four species were ranked as ‘marginal’: Bischofia javanica, Ficus heteropleura var. heteropleura, Manglietia garrettii and Quercus semiserrata. Nine species performed poorly in most respects and should probably be rejected as framework species: Aglaia lawii, Callicarpa arborea var. arborea, Cinnamomum caudatum, Diospyros glandulosa, Helicia nilagirica, Horsfieldia thorelii, Lithocarpus fenestratus, Phoebe cathia and Pterocarpus macrocarpus.

Euglenophyta of Bangladesh. I. Genus Trachelomonas EHR.

AbstractA total of 55 taxa belonging to Trachelomonas (Euglenophyta) are reported from Bangladesh. Of these, 5 varieties (Tr. allorgei var. madaripurense, Tr. anguste‐ovata var. ellipsoidea, Tr. armata var. rangpurense, Tr. hispida var. subcoronata, Tr. asymmetrica var. crenulata) and one forma (Tr. anguste‐ovata fa. minor) are described as new to science.