Parts Of Inflorescence Research Articles

Morphological and phenological characteristic, oil yield, quality and economics of Lemon bee balm (Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex-Lag) at diverse environment condition, India

Lemon bee balm (Monarda citriodora Cerv. ex-Lag) is a noble industrial medicinal and aromatic plant species, which is used as digestive, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and menstrual irregularity remedies in traditional medicine. It is a common source of thymol and other active constituents with recognized antimicrobial properties. A multilocation field trial was performed to evaluate essential oil (EO) yield stability, secondary metabolites and economic returns in eight diverse geographical environment conditions (GEC) in India. The secondary metabolites viz., essential oil content and oil yield were found to be highest in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The essential oil content was found to be higher in inflorescence part at all the experimental sites and found to be highest (0.85±0.21%) at BR-JALAUN. The highest EO yield (130.25±3.25 kg ha−1), net return (Rs. 1,22,125.00±245.21 ha−1) and benefit cost (B:C) ratio (2.67±0.17) was recorded at FFDC-KANNAUJ. The thymol content percentage was found to be highest on physiological maturity (>95% flowering) [PM] and on 75% flowering [FS-II] and it began to decline on seed formation stage at all the experimental sites. The significantly highest thymol content percentage was found on PM (86.65±3.91%) and on FS-II (84.21±3.78%) at TBR-JHANSI. On the basis of the gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry analysis, twenty constituents were isolated. The inflorescence EO contains more thymol than the EO from leaves with stem which in turn was characterized by a higher content of p-cymene, γ-terpinene, carvacrol, α-phellandrene, α-pinene, myrcene, α-terpinene, citral and β-caryophyllene.

Bioremediation of toxic metals and Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau growth in acidic contaminated soil supported by microbial inoculants

An in situ pot experiment was carried out in a net house to study the combined effect of a mixture of microbial inoculants at different levels of 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 g/kg in dry soil with Limnocharis flava (L.) Buchenau plants grown on agricultural land contaminated with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The results showed that plant growth, fresh inflorescence yields and accumulation of Pb and Cd in L. flava plant parts gradually increased with increasing levels of the applied microbial inoculants in the contaminated soil. The highest total content of Pb and Cd was determined in roots (6.63–32.46 and 0.12–0.72 mg/kg dw), followed by stems and leaves (1.20–3.08 and 0.04–0.09 mg/kg dw) and inflorescence parts (0.012–0.120 and 0.011–0.065 mg/kg fw). The application of microbial inoculants in the range of 2–2.5 g/kg dry soil stimulated the growth and fresh inflorescence yields of L. flava, increased the accumulation of Pb and Cd in inedible parts, ensuring safety for edible parts of L. flava plants in accordance with QCVN8-2:2011/BYT and FAO/WHO regulations. The results of the present work indicate that the flexibility of Pb and Cd can be increased when soil is mixed with microbial inoculants. Long term ex situ experiments are needed to investigate the impact of microbial inoculants mixed with biochar, minerals and nanomaterial for phytomanagement of soil contaminated with multiple metals.

Pennisetum rich. in the plant collection of the Amur branch of the Botanical Garden−institute

The article presents the results of assessing the decorative qualities of plants of the genus Pennisetum Rich. in the collection of the AB BGI FEB RAS. The studied cultivars showed differences in plant height and ear length. The height and size of the inflorescences directly depend on the meteorological conditions prevailing during the years of growing plants. The highest quantitative indicators of plant height were noted in the varieties 'Majestic Purple' and 'Purple Candles'. 'Purple Majesty' plants grow taller in containers than outdoors. The color of the vegetative parts of plants and inflorescences declared by the manufacturer for six varieties of Pennisetum glaucum L. did not correspond to the variety description. Variety 'Jade Princess', in comparison with other varieties, has a bright yellowish-green color of the leaves and burgundy-brown color of the inflorescences. In cultivar P. glaucum «Majestic Violet», splitting of varietal traits was observed in terms of the color of the vegetative parts of plants and the ear. The total duration of vegetation for all varieties of P. glaucum ranged from 189 to 211 days. Plant height in Pennisetum orientale Rich. regardless of the method of cultivation (open/ closed ground) varied insignificantly. The earliest flowering phase in outdoor cultivation was Pennisetum villosum Fresen. Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng. late entry into the heading and flowering phase was noted, regardless of the method of cultivation. The highest quantitative indicators (plant height/ear length) among the studied species were found in Pennisetum setauceum (Forssk.) Chiov. According to the research results, P. setauceum and P. villosum can be attributed to the number of promising species for growing in the conditions of the south of the Amur Region. These species go through all phases of development and form full-fledged seeds; when grown in a container culture, they do not lose their decorative effect throughout the season.

Some factors affecting the bioactive substances of lactogenic tea

This study aims to perform the phytochemical screening composition for galactagogue herbs and determining the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC). Terpenes, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, phenolics, and flavonoids were found in water extracts of banana inflorescence (Musa sapientum L), white holy basil leaves (Ocimum sanctum L.), rhizomes of Thai ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and powdered lactogenic product. The results show that the TPC were greater than the TFC for all fresh parts of banana inflorescences. Following the M1 method, fresh banana floret gave the greatest TPC, superior to those with M2 or M3, while the TFC with M1 and M2 methods applied to banana floret was significantly greater than that of banana bracts or banana cores. After harvest and dehydration of the banana inflorescence, TPC and TFC after one-day storage were higher than those at five-days of storage. Meanwhile, TPC and TFC on both fresh and dehydrated white holy basil tended to decrease due to heat intolerance, deterioration, and brewing. In contrast, TPC and TFC of Thai ginger increased on dehydration. The maceration with press-shear force interaction (PAI) pretreatment, and with PAI combined with moist heat, strongly increase the bioactive contents. SEM imaging demonstrated that PAI with moist heat tended to enlarge the micro-pore volume and simultaneously increased pores, resulting in more adsorption of these compounds.

On the identity of the name Spergularia nobreana (Caryophyllaceae)

The name Spergularia nobreana, originally published by G. A. Sampaio from plants collected in Portugal, is investigated. A lectotype and two isolectotypes are designated on specimens preserved at PO. On the basis of a careful examination of these exsiccata, this taxon cannot be ascribed to the genus Sagina (as reported in POWO and IPNI databases where this name was considered as a synonym of Sa. hawaiensis) since it has stipules (absent in Sagina). The whole morphology of Sp. nobreana agrees with the current concept of Spergularia. The combination of characters [perennial plant, glabrous (finely glandular only in the inflorescence part); stipules triangular to lanceolate 2–3 mm long; flowers with five styles and ten stamens; sepals 4-6 mm long; capsule about 4 mm long, opening into five valves; seeds winged (wings entire or with gland-tipped papillae at the margin, brownish, less than 1/2 wide than the seeds) and unwinged] match the current concept of Sp. media s. l. Therefore, a new synonymization is proposed.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Effect of Fermentation to Secondary Metabolites of Chenopodium album L. Based on UHPLC-QQQ-MS

Chenopodium album L. (CAL) is an excellent vegetable crop that is rich in nutrients and possesses potential pharmaceutical value. However, the research on the secondary metabolites and the processing utilization of CAL has been rarely reported. In this study, the polyphenol content, microstructure and secondary metabolite composition of aerial parts of CAL (AC), including stems, leaves, inflorescence and grain, before and after fermentation were investigated. The results showed that the polyphenol content of fermented AC (FAC) was significantly higher than that of AC (increased by 38.62%). The AC had a compact surface, while FAC had a loose and cracked surface with large holes. A total of 545 secondary metabolites, including 89 alkaloids, 179 flavonoids, 25 lignans and coumarins, 163 phenolic acids, 35 terpenoids, 9 quinones, 6 tannins and 39 others, were identified in the AC and FAC by UHPLC-QQQ-MS metabolomics. Differential metabolites analysis reviewed 285 differential metabolites (117 upregulated and 168 downregulated) between AC and FAC. The decrease in parts of toxic alkaloids accompanied with the increase in some biologically active substances with small molecules, such as quercetin, kaempferol, p-coumaric acid and protocatechuic acid, indicated that fermentation is beneficial to enhance the bioavailability of AC. This study provides a reference value for the identification of secondary metabolites from AC and the application of fermentation in the deepness development of AC.

Bioaccumulation of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn in Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. in the polluted area by enterprise for the production and processing of batteries

In this paper, the concentration of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn was investigated in soil and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. sampling from polluted cite near the enterprises for the production and processing of batteries in the city of Dnipro in Ukraine. The obtained results of the study were provided to assess the plant species through bio-monitoring and phytoremediation. Though Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. is a weed that causes serious allergic reactions in humans, this plant species can also have a high bioaccumulative capacity regarding metals. The obtained results highlighted the metals’ significantly higher concentration in roots than in the inflorescence part in Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. Among all studied metals, Zn and Cu had the highest concentration in Ambrosia artemisiifolia L., while lead was characterized by the highest bioavailable content available to plant forms in the soil. The various distribution of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn was found in different parts of the plant. According to plant-up-taking indexes studied elements can be ranked in the following descending order: Cu > Zn > Cr > Cd > Pb. Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. could be proposed for phytoremediation in Zn, Cu, Cd, and Cr contaminated soils although this species is resistant to lead soil pollution.

The Malesian species of Dalechampia (Euphorbiaceae)

Dalechampia is a mainly South American genus of generally climbing shrubs with usually sharp stiff trichomes in some of the inflorescence parts. The bisexual inflorescences are very condensed and subtended by two, often showy, large bracts. The three pistillate flowers are separate from the staminate subinflorescence (both groups with their own bracts). The staminate subinflorescence contains groups of staminodial-like bractlets that provide resin for female bees or fragrance for male bees. In west Malesia (Sumatra and Java) one indigenous species is found, the climbing D. bidentata, and occasionally cultivars of the subshrub D. spathulata.

Integration and harmonization of trait data from plant individuals across heterogeneous sources

Trait data represent the basis for ecological and evolutionary research and have relevance for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management and earth system modelling. The collection and mobilization of trait data has strongly increased over the last decade, but many trait databases still provide only species-level, aggregated trait values (e.g. ranges, means) and lack the direct observations on which those data are based. Thus, the vast majority of trait data measured directly from individuals remains hidden and highly heterogeneous, impeding their discoverability, semantic interoperability, digital accessibility and (re-)use. Here, we integrate quantitative measurements of verbatim trait information from plant individuals (e.g. lengths, widths, counts and angles of stems, leaves, fruits and inflorescence parts) from multiple sources such as field observations and herbarium collections. We develop a workflow to harmonize heterogeneous trait measurements (e.g. trait names and their values and units) as well as additional information related to taxonomy, measurement or fact and occurrence. This data integration and harmonization builds on vocabularies and terminology from existing metadata standards and ontologies such as the Ecological Trait-data Standard (ETS), the Darwin Core (DwC), the Thesaurus Of Plant characteristics (TOP) and the Plant Trait Ontology (TO). A metadata form filled out by data providers enables the automated integration of trait information from heterogeneous datasets. We illustrate our tools with data from palms (family Arecaceae), a globally distributed (pantropical), diverse plant family that is considered a good model system for understanding the ecology and evolution of tropical rainforests. We mobilize nearly 140,000 individual palm trait measurements in an interoperable format, identify semantic gaps in existing plant trait terminology and provide suggestions for the future development of a thesaurus of plant characteristics. Our work thereby promotes the semantic integration of plant trait data in a machine-readable way and shows how large amounts of small trait data sets and their metadata can be integrated into standardized data products.

Broad and narrow host ranges in resolved species of Cintractia limitata s. lat. (Anthracoideaceae, Ustilaginomycotina) on Cyperus

Cintractia (Anthracoideaceae, Ustilaginomycotina) is a widespread genus of smut fungi that parasitizes species of Cyperaceae. Specimens of Cintractia spp. on species of Cyperus s. lat. were examined to resolve their taxonomy, including a species on Cyperus aromaticus, which is an invasive weed in Australia. A phylogenetic species concept was used to show that Cintractia limitata s. lat. contains three different species, Cintractia limitata, C. tangensis, and a new species C. kyllingae. The proposed taxonomy is based on phylogenetic analyses of the ITS rDNA region and on the position of the sori in diverse parts of inflorescences examined in approximately 100 specimens of Cintractia. A morphological synapomorphy in C. tangensis is sori with firmly agglutinated spore masses around the base of the peduncles, rarely in the spikelets. Cintractia limitata forms powdery spore masses between flowers and is known only to occur on Cyperus species with spikelets in capitate heads. Cintractia kyllingae was found on Cy. aromaticus and may have potential as a biological control agent in Australia.

Bioassay guided phytochemistry of aerial part of Laportea Aestuans (l.) chew (urticaceae)

There are evidences that free radicals mediated damages play important role in the aetiology of several diseases necessitating search for antioxidants especially from natural origin. Free radical scavenging activities of Laportea aestuans (Urticaceae) is well documented, therefore this study aims at evaluating the safety of L. aestuans and isolating free radical scavenging compound(s) from the plant extract. The aerial (leaves, stem and inflorescence) parts of L. aestuans were collected together and extracted with 80% methanol. The toxicity of the plant extract was evaluated using brine shrimp lethality assay and acute toxicity study while Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) bioautography with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH•) radical as detection reagent was used to guide the isolation of compounds from the plant extract. The LC50 of L. aestuans extract was 4276.87 µg/mL, suggesting that the extract is nontoxic. This was further confirmed by the healthiness of study rats following administration of the extract at 5000 mg/kg b.wt in the acute toxicity study. TLC bioautography showed that hexane fraction had the most pronounced radical scavenging activities. Three compounds identified as hexadecanoic acid butyl ester, heptadecanoic and octadecane were characterized using IR, 1H, 13C NMR, ESI – MS and GC – MS analysis.

The accumulation of Mn and Cu in the morphological parts of Solidago canadensis under different soil conditions.

Solidago canadensis L. is a drought-tolerant, invasive plant, characterized by a large biomass of underground and aboveground parts. The aim of this study was to assess the accumulation of manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in the roots and rhizomes and the stems, leaves, and inflorescence parts in S. canadensis from two locations that differed in soil pH, organic carbon, and Mn and Cu concentrations. The concentration of the metals in the samples was determined by the AAS method; the pH was determined by the potentiometric method; and the content of organic carbon was determined using Tiurin’s method. The concentration of Mn and Cu in the roots of S. candensis correlated with the concentrations of the metals in the soil without regard to the soil condition or its organic carbon content. With a low soil pH and organic carbon content, Mn accumulation per 1 ramet in the aboveground parts of S. canadensis consisted over 50% of the total Mn content in the plant. In neutral or alkaline soils, the amount of Mn per 1 ramet accumulated in underground parts was over 60%. Regardless of the soil conditions, about 35% of Mn accumulated in rhizomes. Approximately 60% of copper accumulated in the underground parts of S. candensis (45% in rhizomes) without regard to the soil reaction or organic carbon content. The ability of the plant to accumulate large amounts of metals disposes Solidago canadensis as a candidate for the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.

Banana inflorescences: A cheap raw material with great potential to be used as a natural antioxidant in meat products

The bioactive compounds and the antioxidant activity of extracts made with various parts of banana inflorescences (bracts, male flowers, rachis, and whole inflorescence) were evaluated in the first part of this study. The extract made with male flowers (EMF) had a higher content of phenolics and flavonoids, lower IC50 value, and higher FRAP value. Thus, EMF was selected to be used in sausage formulations at the concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2%. The effect of this reformulation on the physicochemical, oxidative, and sensory characteristics of the sausages was evaluated during the refrigerated storage (28 days). EMF presented an effective antioxidant activity, with no major changes on pH, aw, and color parameters. In addition, the sensory quality of the product was not affected by the addition of up to 2% EMF. Therefore, EMF has great potential to be used as a natural antioxidant in meat products.

Alliumalbanicum (Amaryllidaceae), a new species from Balkans and its relationships with A.meteoricum Heldr. & Hausskn. ex Halácsy.

A new species, Alliumalbanicum, is described and illustrated from Albania (Balkan Peninsula). It grows on serpentines or limestone in open rocky stands with a scattered distribution, mainly in mountain locations. Previously, the populations of this geophyte were attributed to A.meteoricum Heldr. & Hausskn. ex Halácsy, described from a few localities of North and Central Greece. These two species indeed show close relationships, chiefly regarding some features of the spathe valves, inflorescence and floral parts. They also share the same diploid chromosome number 2n =16 and similar karyotype, while seed testa micro-sculptures and leaf anatomy reveal remarkable differences. There are also several morphological features that allow them to be differentiated at specific level. The inclusion of both species into a newly described section Pseudoscorodon of the subgen. Allium is proposed. An analytic key to the species, included in the new section, is also provided.

Phenolic profile and bioactivity of cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) inflorescence parts: Selecting the best genotype for food applications

This study was designed to characterize the phenolic profile and bioactivity of hydroalcoholic extracts from different cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) genotypes. The analytical work focussed on the inflorescence stigmas, owing to their application in cheese production. Nevertheless, other parts were concomitantly analysed aiming to define their possible use in related applications. Phenolic profiles obtained by LC-DAD-ESI/MSn showed significant differences among different cardoon genotypes, but apigenin and caffeoylquinic acid derivatives were generally the major molecules in all samples. Genotype influence has also been observed in relation to the antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Besides their strong antioxidant activity, the cardoon inflorescences showed satisfactory antibacterial activity, namely against Gram-positive strains, with particularly low MIC in Listeria monocytogenes. Overall, it was possible to identify the cardoon genotype (within the selected ones) providing the best standardized ingredient (stigma) with considerable added-value to be included in the process of cheese making.

Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cannabinoids from Cannabis Sativa L. Optimized by Response Surface Methodology.

Low frequency ultrasound was employed to extract bioactive compounds from the inflorescence part of Cannabis. The responses evaluated were-total phenols, flavonoids, ferric reducing assay and yield. The solvent composition and time significantly influenced the extraction process. Appreciably higher extraction of cannabinoids was achieved on sonication against control.

Chemical compositions of the essential oils of inflorescence and vegetative aerial parts of Elsholtzia blanda (Benth.) Benth. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) from Meghalaya, North-East India

The compositional analysis of essential oil content in inflorescence and vegetative aerial parts of Elsholtzia blanda Benth. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) growing wild in Meghalaya,North-East India were studied by GC and GC-MS. A total of 30 and 17 components representing 96.9%-98.3% and 92.6%-92.8% of the total oils from the inflorescence and vegetative aerial parts, respectively, were identified. Significant difference in composition of oils were observed between the two plant parts; 15 components detected in the oil of inflorescence were lacking in the oil of vegetative aerial parts, while two components present in the oil of vegetative aerial parts were absent in the inflorescence oil. Linalool was the major component in oils of both inflorescence (77.3%-80.2%) and vegetative aerial parts (57.9%-62.9%). Trans- linalool oxide (8.4%-9.9%), cis-linalool oxide (8.3%-9.3%) and 3,7-dimethyl-1,5-octadiene-3,7-diol (4.7%-5.1%) were however found in higher amount in the oil of vegetative aerial parts compared to inflorescence. For the first time the composition of oil in the inflorescence part has been reported in this communication while the oil from vegetative aerial parts containing linalool as the major component (44.9%) was although reported earlier but comparatively higher percentage of same was observed in vegetative aerial part (57.9%-62.9%) and inflorescence (77.3%-80.2%) in the present investigation with the plants from Meghalaya, India.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity of extracts from different populations of lavandin

Plants naturally are a rich source of secondary metabolites and novel therapeutic compounds. These compounds are well known for their various beneficial effects on human health. In this study, variation in total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities (DPPH radical-scavenging and β-carotene bleaching assays) of methanol extracts from the inflorescence parts of 30 lavandin populations collected from western Iran was studied. Results indicated that there were significant differences (p≤0.05) among populations for total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Total phenolic content varied from 31.45 to 105.39 (mg GAE/100g dry wt), and total flavonoid content ranged from 71.62 to 28.19 (mg QE/100g dry matters). Furthermore, results of the antioxidant activities by both methods indicated that the extracts have good antioxidant activities. Results obtained in this study revealed that there is an antioxidant potential of the extracts variability among the populations of lavandin. In conclusion, variability among the populations of lavandin for total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant potential in both assays can be used in selection programs for production of lavandin with suppressing antioxidant activity.

Composition of the Essential Oils of Different Parts of Seseli annuum L. (Apiaceae)

The chemical composition of the essential oils of different parts of Seseli annuum from Serbia was investigated. β-Selinene (0-21.4%), germacrene D (3.4-19.1%), caryophyllene oxide (1.2-18.1 %), germacrene A (0-14.6%), α-selinene (0-12.4%), β-elemene (0-11.4%), E-caryophyllene (3.2-10.3%), α-pinene (0.6-7.5%), vetiselinenol (0-6.3%) and isodaucene (0-5.4%) were dominant compounds in the analysed essential oils. The cluster analysis revealed separation of two groups of essential oils: the first group of oils from fruit, inflorescence and aerial parts in flowering phase with high β-selinene and α-selinene content and the second group of oils from leaf, stem and rosette with higher caryophyllene oxide amounts. The essential oil of rosette was separated from the oils of leaf or stem and contained the highest caryophyllene oxide content while α-selinene and β-selinene were completely absent.

Evaluation of quantitative and antioxidant activity of Achyranthes aspera roots and inflorescences

Achyranthes aspera Linn. (Amaranthaceae family) is an important medicinal plant that possesses many therapeutic properties. The study was conducted to investigate the quantitative components, total antioxidant, and free radical scavenging activities of various extracts of roots and inflorescences of A. aspera. Present study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant activity of different sequential extracts (petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and distilled water) of A. aspera roots and inflorescence, which includes 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). On other hand, quantitative assays (total phenol content, total flavonol content, total flavonoid content, total proanthocynidin content, and total tannin content) were also assessed using standard protocols. Results depicted strong antioxidant activity in both root and inflorescence parts of A. aspera. It can be inferred that A. aspera serves as a potent antioxidant agent and could be exploited to manufacture drug for the treatment of various human ailments.