Investigated Plant Species Research Articles

Chemical Composition and Larvicidal Activity of Essential Oil Extracted from Anemia tomentosa (SAV.) Sw: Study Conducted in vitro and in silico

The essential oil extracted from Anemia tomentosa (EOAT) has shown larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti, based on methods in vitro and in silico. Chromatographic and spectrometric techniques (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG-MS), gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID)), as well as mono and bidimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) were used to assess 10 essential oil components. Chemical composition of essential oil comprised 87.51% sesquiterpenes, with emphasis on presilphiperfolan-1-ol (42.13%) and silphiperfol-5-ene (19.47%). Larvicidal assay conducted in vitro with EOAT has evidenced potential cytotoxic activity up to 48 h exposure to it; mortality rate observed for A. aegypti larvae exposed to essential oil reached 100%. Study conducted in silico with chemical compounds deriving from the herein investigated plant species has evidenced its potential to inhibit acetylcholinesterase in A. aegypti. Activity of triquinane sesquiterpenes ranging from -6.8 to -8.2 kcal mol-1 stood out in comparison to that of temephos (-7.5 kcal mol-1). Chemical compounds identified in the investigated essential oil presented low human and environmental toxicity, as observed in absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, and toxicity (ADMETox) predictions.

Phytotoxicity Assay of Cu, Pb and Zn on Launaea cornuta and Sporobolus jacquemontii Grown in Heavy Metal contaminated soil

In this paper, a phytotoxicity assay is used to assess the harmfulness and tolerance of L. cornuta and S. jacquemontii in phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. The effects of Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the soil on the number of leaves generated, root and shoot growth, and tolerance indices of the investigated plant species were analyzed. The experimental plants were grown in soil with 0, 100, 300, 600, 1500, 2000, 2500, and 3000 mg/kg dry soil weight (DW for Pb, Cu, and Zn). Sample preparation and laboratory analysis followed the standard methods. Data were analyzed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GraphPad Instat 3.1 software. The growth mean of different treatments was compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at p < 0.05. Plants grown in soil containing more than 300/kg DW metal contents exhibited a significant effect on the growth of the root and shoot. Concentrations lower than 300 did not show any significant effects. At 1500 mg/kgDW, the numbers and sizes of leaves decreased very significantly, while at 2000 mg/kgDW both plants failed to survive. The toxic effects of the metals on biomass production showed inhibition in the following trend: Zn>Cu>Pb. The results suggest that hyper accumulator plants can also be affected by metals in the soils on which they grow. Therefore, the application of L. cornuta and S. jacquemontii as phytoremediation plants at higher metal soil concentrations requires the application of soil amendments to minimize the toxicity effect of metal on the plants.

Limited efficacy of a commercial microbial inoculant for improving growth and physiological performance of native plant species.

Soil microbial inoculants are increasingly being explored as means to improve soil conditions to facilitate ecological restoration. In southwestern Western Australia, highly biodiverse Banksia woodland plant communities are increasingly threatened by various factors including climate change, land development and mining. Banksia woodland restoration is necessary to conserve this plant community. The use of microbial inoculation in Banksia woodland restoration has not yet been investigated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a commercial microbial inoculant (GOGO Juice, Neutrog Australia Pty Ltd) for improving the performance of 10 ecologically diverse Banksia woodland plant species in a pot experiment. Plants were subjected to one of two watering regimes (well-watered and drought) in combination with microbial inoculation treatments (non-inoculated and inoculated). Plants were maintained under these two watering treatments for 10weeks, at which point plants in all treatments were subjected to a final drought period lasting 8weeks. Plant performance was evaluated by plant biomass and allocation, gas exchange parameters, foliar carbon and nitrogen and stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) compositions. Plant xylem sap phytohormones were analysed to investigate the effect of microbial inoculation on plant phytohormone profiles and potential relationships with other observed physiological parameters. Across all investigated plant species, inoculation treatments had small effects on plant growth. Further analysis within each species revealed that inoculation treatments did not result in significant biomass gain under well-watered or drought-stressed conditions, and effects on nitrogen nutrition and photosynthesis were variable and minimal. This suggests that the selected commercial microbial inoculant had limited benefits for the tested plant species. Further investigations on the compatibility between the microorganisms (present in the inoculant) and plants, timing of inoculation, viability of the microorganisms and concentration(s) required to achieve effectiveness, under controlled conditions, and field trials are required to test the feasibility and efficacy in actual restoration environments.

Morphology of extrafloral nectaries of Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae)

Background and Purpose: Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Tree of Heaven) is a highly invasive, widespread, and widely investigated plant species native to the broader area of China. Extrafloral nectaries are major components of the A. altissima secretory system, but the knowledge of their morphology and role in the tree's physiology is limited. This research aims to explore the morphology of extrafloral nectaries, compare it to previous findings, and discuss their possible role and function. Materials and Methods: Extrafloral nectaries on leaves have been monitored through different phases of leaf development, from June to August 2015 and 2022. The nectaries' morphology was investigated using Zeiss Axioscope 5 and BOECO BSZ-405 light microscopes, and FEG QUANTA 250 FEI scanning electron microscope, operating at 7 kV and pressure of 60–100 Pa, without samples pretreatment. Results: Our investigation revealed the absence of earlier reported pores or ducts on the top of the glands. However, it supports one of the first, systematical investigations of A. altissima extrafloral nectaries conducted in Croatia a century ago, which was until recently forgotten by history. We evaluated our findings against prior theories and assessed the nectaries' potential role and purpose in disposing surplus sugars. Conclusions: The nectar in A. altissima is not secreted via an opening on the leaves but rather through epidermal tissue tearing.

Dose-Dependent and Species-Specific Effects of Wood Distillate Addition on the Germination Performance of Threatened Arable Plants.

Wood distillate (WD) is a bio-based product applied to crop plants for its known action in terms of growth promotion and yield enhancement, but studies are lacking on its effects on the germination of arable plants. To test such effects, we applied WD at six different concentrations on the diaspores of three threatened arable plants: Bromus secalinus, Centaurea cyanus, and Legousia speculum-veneris. For all the studied species, the effect of WD was dose-dependent and species-specific. In B. secalinus, the germination percentage (GP) decreased at 0.125% WD but then remained stable at higher concentrations up to 1%. At 2% WD, almost no germination was observed. Mean germination time (MGT) was not influenced up to 1% WD but significantly increased at 2% WD. The germination rate index (GRI) and germination energy (GE) remained unaffected up to 1% WD but decreased at 2% WD. In C. cyanus, WD had no effects on GP and GE at any concentration. MGT showed no difference with the control up to 1% WD, but significantly increased at 2% WD. GRI increased only at low concentrations (0.125% and 0.25%). The germination performance of L. speculum-veneris was unaffected up to 0.25% WD for all the tested parameters. From 0.5% WD, a reduction in GP, GRI, and GE and an increase in MGT were observed. At 2% WD, germination was totally blocked. Our results suggest that using WD at low concentrations (<0.5%), those commonly used in arable crops, does not affect the germination of the three investigated plant species.

Deep learning-enabled discovery and characterization of HKT genes in Spartina alterniflora.

Spartina alterniflora is a halophyte that can survive in high-salinity environments, and it is phylogenetically close to important cereal crops, such as maize and rice. It is of scientific interest to understand why S. alterniflora can live under such extremely stressful conditions. The molecular mechanism underlying its high-saline tolerance is still largely unknown. Here we investigated the possibility that high-affinity K+ transporters (HKTs), which function in salt tolerance and maintenance of ion homeostasis in plants, are responsible for salt tolerance in S.alterniflora. To overcome the imprecision and unstable of the gene screening method caused by the conventional sequence alignment, we used a deep learning method, DeepGOPlus, to automatically extract sequence and protein characteristics from our newly assemble S. alterniflora genome to identify SaHKTs. Results showed that a total of 16 HKT genes were identified. The number of S. alterniflora HKTs (SaHKTs) is larger than that in all other investigated plant species except wheat. Phylogenetically related SaHKT members had similar gene structures, conserved protein domains and cis-elements. Expression profiling showed that most SaHKT genes are expressed in specific tissues and are differentially expressed under salt stress. Yeast complementation expression analysis showed that type I members SaHKT1;2, SaHKT1;3 and SaHKT1;8 and type II members SaHKT2;1, SaHKT2;3 and SaHKT2;4 had low-affinity K+ uptake ability and that type II members showed stronger K+ affinity than rice and Arabidopsis HKTs, as well as most SaHKTs showed preference for Na+ transport. We believe the deep learning-based methods are powerful approaches to uncovering new functional genes, and the SaHKT genes identified are important resources for breeding new varieties of salt-tolerant crops.

Investigation of water-soil-plant relationships based on hazardous and macro-micro element concentrations on Orontes River, Türkiye

Arundo donax and Phragmites australis were examined in 4 different periods (June and October for 2 years), heavy metal and mineral element accumulations in plants were evaluated, and water-soil-plant relationships were revealed. Element distributions, bioaccumulation factors (BAF) and translocation factors (TF) in different parts of the investigated plant species were also determined. BAFs of elements calculated by using the concentration values in underground parts and sediment samples were between 1.02 and 4.96. While the highest TF was determined as 8.07 for Zn between washed leaf and stem in A. donax, the lowest TF was determined as 0.05 for Fe between stem and underground part. Corresponding highest and lowest TFs for P. australis were 11.80 for Cu between washed leaf and stem, and 0.02 for Fe between stem and underground part, respectively. The results were supported by MANOVA statistical analyzes. Additionally, the macro-micro elements and heavy metal accumulation levels in the parts of the Orontes River ecosystem were significantly higher in the fall periods compared to the spring periods. Our research revealed that the versatile accumulation properties and high accumulation ability of A. donax for Cd, Cr, and Ni and of P. australis for Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn.

PHYTOACCUMULATION OF MERCURY INTO VASCULAR PLANTS AT AREA OF ABANDONED Hg-ORE DEPOSIT MALACHOV (CENTRAL SLOVAKIA)

The study is focused on Hg content in topsoil of dump-field Veľká Studňa, nearby former mining area Malachov and its accumulation by selected plants, which consisted of the local representatives of grass, herb, and wood species. The study area was divided into several parcels, based on physiognomic features of plant communities. In the order to predict the Hg distribution for the whole study area, the interpolation methods were used in GIS. The plant material consists of 4 plant species: Calamagrostis epigejos, Lotus corniculatus, Leontodon hispidus and Picea abies. The samples were dried, grained, dissolved in HNO3 and HCl solution and consequently measured by inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Hg content. The results show a mass contamination of the dump top-soil horizon by mercury. The values in soil variable from 16 to 910 mg kg-1. The bioaccumulation potential of some investigated plant species can be considered as significant as well. The highest concentration of Hg was found in Picea abies ─ 24 mg kg-1. With the regard to presented data, the dump-field could be assigned as the risk enclave for the local environment and therefore its study is demanding. Applying proper techniques for investigations of bioavailable forms of mercury in the topsoil samples should be also considered.

What determines plant species diversity along the Modern Silk Road in the east?

As primary producers, plants provide food, oxygen, and other resources for global ecosystems, and should therefore be given priority in biodiversity protection. Most biodiversity research focuses on biodiversity hotspots, while biodiversity coldspots, such as deserts, are largely ignored. We propose that the factors shaping plant species diversity differ between biodiversity hot spots and cold spots, especially for desert ecosystems. To test this hypothesis, we investigated plant species diversity along the Modern Silk Road in the Northwest China desert, an area characterized by low precipitation, scarce vegetation, a limited number of species, and variable human activities. Surface soil was sampled from 144 plots, environmental DNA (eDNA) was extracted from soil samples, and seed plant species were identified using DNA metabarcoding technology. A total of 671 seed plant species were detected, which was more diverse than indicated by plot survey data. Plant species diversity gradually decreased from east to west along the Silk Road. In this area, temperature determines plant species diversity more than precipitation. Additionally, human activity has altered plant species diversity by introducing crops and invasive plants and eliminating environmentally adapted indigenous plants. Our results demonstrate the potential of eDNA metabarcoding technology for plant species diversity surveying. Desert plants have adapted to dry environments by relying on underground water or utilizing occasional rainfall as ephemerals, which are often not visible during surface surveys because of their short aboveground life cycle but can be detected with eDNA metabarcoding technology. Groundwater maintenance and human activity control are recommended for plant species diversity conservation and desertification control.

МАКРОФИТЫ РОДА POTAMOGETON — БИОИНДИКАТОРЫ НАКОПЛЕНИЯ ТЯЖЕЛЫХ МЕТАЛЛОВ

This work presents the investigation of the content of some heavy metals in the pondweeds of the Lower Volga River Delta within the area of Astrakhan State Biosphere Reserve. Higher aquatic plants extract chemical elements both from bottom sediments and water column. Moreover, the macrophytes, namely the representatives of Potamogeton genus, are capable of extraction and accumulation of the metals dissolved in the water, contained in the suspended colloidal particles, and present on the surface of leaves. This work is aimed at the identification of species-specific features of the typical hydatophytes—aquatic plants of Potamogeton genus—pertaining to the accumulation of heavy metals. The content of chemical elements in the investigated specimens has been identified using atomic absorption spectrometry; the results have been processed with statistical methods. It has been found that all investigated plant species accumulate iron and manganese in the highest quantities and cobalt and cadmium in the lowest. The investigated pondweed species have shown species-specific properties in the accumulation of chemical elements. Potamogeton crispus and Potamogeton lucens are found to be iron concentrating species. Potamogeton lucens also accumulates nickel, iron and manganese, and Potamogeton pectinatus accumulates chrome, cobalt and lead.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L.: Phytochemical Profile, In Vitro Anti-Denaturation Effects and Lipase Inhibitory Activity of Two Ornamental Plants Traditionally Used as Herbal Remedies

Ornamental plants often gain relevance not only for their decorative use, but also as a source of phytochemicals with interesting healing properties. Herein, spontaneous Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. and Tropaeolum majus L., mainly used as ornamental species but also traditionally consumed and used in popular medicine, were investigated. The aerial parts were extracted with methanol trough maceration, and resultant crude extracts were partitioned using solvents with increasing polarity. As previous studies mostly dealt with the phenolic content of these species, the phytochemical investigation mainly focused on nonpolar constituents, detected with GC-MS. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was also verified, and HPTLC analyses were performed. In order to explore the potential antiarthritic and anti-obesity properties, extracts and their fractions were evaluated for their anti-denaturation effects, with the use of the BSA assay, and for their ability to inhibit pancreatic lipase. The antioxidant properties and the inhibitory activity on the NO production were verified, as well. Almost all the extracts and fractions demonstrated good inhibitory effects on NO production. The n-hexane and dichloromethane fractions from T. majus, as well as the n-hexane fraction from C. ruber, were effective in protecting the protein from heat-induced denaturation (IC50 = 154.0 ± 1.9, 270.8 ± 2.3 and 450.1 ± 15.5 μg/mL, respectively). The dichloromethane fractions from both raw extracts were also effective in inhibiting pancreatic lipase, with IC50 values equal to 2.23 ± 0.02 mg/mL (for C. ruber sample), and 2.05 ± 0.02 mg/mL (T. majus). Obtained results support the traditional use of these species for their beneficial health properties and suggest that investigated plant species could be potential sources of novel antiarthritic and anti-obesity agents.

Plant Species Composition and Community Perception Towards Landscaping Work Executed at Hawassa University-Main Campus, Ethiopia

Landscaping is making visual improvements to academic institutions, urban and other private organizations with plants and attractive materials. People all over the world are attracted to green and beautiful landscapes which initiate them to be happy and creative. Especially students in higher educational institutions who spend much of their time focused on their studies need of clean, green and attractively well-designed landscape in their campus. So far data on plant species composition and perception of university towards landscape work is lacking. With this understanding, the study was conducted to investigate plant species composition and community perception towards landscaping work executed at Hawassa University’s main campus using questionnaires, interviews, observation and group discussion methods. In addition, vegetation data were collected using systematic sampling method. In the study, 221 respondents were drawn from academic staff, administrative workers and students using random sampling method. Key informants were selected using purposive sampling method. In order to identify the plant species, systematic sampling along the transect line was employed. Twelve (12), 40m X 40 m (i.e. 1600 m2) area quadrat plots were laid and all the plants species in the quadrats were collected and identified. The distance between each transects and quadrat was 200 m and 100m, respectively. 52 plant species with 44 genera and 29 families were recorded. The study showed that, the most dominant family was Fabaceae with 9 species followed by Cupressaceae as well as Moraceae with 4 species each respectively. The results revealed that, campus landscaping work was the most significantly important and made the campus more attractive by plantation (61.1%), landscaping (27.1%) and walkways (5.7%). Plantation could also modify the micro-climate of the campus environment (94.3%) due to the plants photosynthesis process which produces O2 and takes in Co2 from the atmosphere. In general educational institutions landscaping need to be encouraged to enhance the teaching-learning process, and to make the working environment attractive. A great educational environment is guided by the most powerful teacher of all, nature itself

Understory Vegetation Dynamics in Non-Native Douglas Fir Forests after Management Abandonment—A Case Study in Two Strict Forest Reserves in Southwest Germany

The non-native Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) is widely distributed in Europe and promoted by forestry due to its assumed resistance against climate change. An increasing cultivation area is, however, viewed critically by nature conservation as negative effects on native biodiversity and naturalness are expected. We investigated plant species diversity and composition in two strict forest reserves (SFR) dominated by Douglas fir in southwest Germany. These reserves were established in the years 2001/2002 to study the development of Douglas fir forests after management abandonment. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 2005 and repeated in 2017. We used re-survey data from a nearby SFR dominated by native tree species as a reference. The understory vegetation showed consistent development after management abandonment, irrespective of tree species identity and origin. It became less diverse and more shade-tolerant over time due to missing soil disturbance and decreasing light availability. In contrast to a native canopy, though, Douglas fir promoted the share of generalist species. Regeneration of Douglas fir largely decreased in the SFRs underlining its competitive weakness against native tree species, mainly against European beech (Fagus sylvatica). Thereby, regeneration patterns of Douglas fir in the SFR were similar to those observed in the native range.

Pollinator and floral odor specificity among four synchronopatric species of Ceropegia (Apocynaceae) suggests ethological isolation that prevents reproductive interference

Possession of flowers that trap fly pollinators is a conservative trait within the genus Ceropegia, in which pollination systems can be generalized or highly specialized. However, little is known about the role of plant–pollinator interactions in the maintenance of species boundaries. This study examined the degree of plant–pollinator specialization and identified the parameters responsible for specificity among four co-occurring Ceropegia species with overlapping flowering times. All investigated plant species were functionally specialized on pollination by Chloropidae and/or Milichiidae flies and each Ceropegia species was, in turn, ecologically highly specialized on only two pollinating fly morphospecies, though one plant species appeared more generalist. Species-specific fly attraction was due to the differences between plant species in floral scents, floral morphology, colour patterns, and presence of other functional structures, e.g., vibratile trichomes, which were shown to contribute to pollinator attraction in one study species. The combination of these olfactory and visual cues differentially influenced pollinator preferences and thus hindered heterospecific visitation. Furthermore, a pollinator exchange experiment also highlighted that species integrity is maintained through efficient ethological isolation (pollinator attraction). The mechanical isolation mediated by the fit between floral morphology and size and/or shape of fly pollinators appears less pronounced here, but whether or not the morphological match between male (pollinium) and female (guide rails) reproductive organs can impede hybridization remains to be investigated.

The Impact of Soil pH on Heavy Metals Uptake and Photosynthesis Efficiency in Melissa officinalis, Taraxacum officinalis, Ocimum basilicum.

Herbs used in medicine should be grown under controlled and standardized conditions. Agricultural practices often induce changes to soil pH, which may affect migration of heavy metals in the environment, their accumulation in plant tissues and the concentration of medicinal ingredients. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of various soil pH on the biological parameters and uptake of manganese, copper and zinc by basil, dandelion and lemon balm. The soil analysis covered pH, organic matter content, bioavailable and total forms of investigated metals in soil. In plants cultivated in soil at pH covering the range 4.7–8.5 the concentrations of Mn, Cu and Zn were analyzed. Their mobility and availability were assessed by bioaccumulation factors, translocation factors and transfer coefficients. The seed germination and subsequent herbs growth were strongly dependent on soil pH for all investigated plant species. Photosynthetic efficiency at different pHs was positively correlated with uptake of Cu and Mn while Zn behaved in a more random way.

Soil water retention capacity surpasses climate humidity in determining soil organic carbon content but not plant production in the steppe zone of Northern China

Soil hydraulic properties determine water transport, distribution and storage in soils, thus affect ecosystem functioning. Soil water retention parameters, such as saturation water content (SAT), water drained upper limit (DUL) and lower limit (DLL), characterize soil water-holding capacity, thus are important for plant growth and carbon and nutrient cycling in grassland ecosystem. However, we are still unclear to what a content these soil water retention parameters may regulate plant production and soil organic matter content in natural ecosystems in semi-arid grassland environment. We investigated plant species richness (SR) and aboveground biomass (AGB), soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (SON) contents, and soil water retention and other physical parameters in the steppe ecosystems along a climate transect, which spans the desert steppe, typical steppe and meadow steppe zones in Northern China. We analyzed the relative importance of climate factors, soil water retention parameters and other soil physical parameters in regulating plant AGB and SOC and SON contents using partial correlation analysis, and quantified the contribution of each separate and combined climate and soil physical parameters in predicting plant AGB and SOC and SON contents using geographic detectors method. We found that (i) plant SR and AGB, soil SAT and DUL, and SOC and SON are all significantly inter-correlated, and increased with the increase of climate humidity. (ii) Climate, but not soil physical parameters, was the most preponderant factor in predicting plant SR and AGB. (iii) Soil physical parameters were more important than climate parameters in regulating soil organic matter content; soil DUL was the best predictor to SOC content. Our results suggest that soil water retention parameters especially soil DUL, may play a greater role than climate factors in modulating SOC content, though climate is more predominant in regulating plant SR and production. Our results imply that we need to be cautious in estimating SOC content based on climate factors and vegetation biomass or remotely-sensed vegetation indices, and that soil physical properties need also to be incorporated along with vegetation parameters for improving SOC estimation at a regional scale.

An In-Depth Examination of the Natural Radiation and Radioactive Dangers Associated with Regularly Used Medicinal Herbs.

The specific activity of U-238 and Th-232, as well as K-40 radionuclides, in twenty-nine investigated medicinal herbs used in Egypt has been measured using a high-purity germanium (HP Ge) detector. The measured values ranged from the BDL to 20.71 ± 1.52 with a mean of 7.25 ± 0.54 (Bq kg−1) for uranium-238, from the BDL to 29.35 ± 1.33 with a mean of 7.78 ± 0.633 (Bq kg−1) for thorium-232, and from 172 ± 5.85 to 1181.2 ± 25.5 with a mean of 471.4 ± 11.33 (Bq kg−1) for potassium-40. Individual herbs with the highest activity levels were found to be 20.71 ± 1.52 (Bq kg−1) for uranium-238 (H4, Thyme herb), 29.35 ± 1.33 (Bq kg−1) for thorium-232 (H20, Cinnamon), and 1181.2 ± 25.5 (Bq kg−1) for potassium-40 (H24, Worm-wood). (AACED) Ingestion-related effective doses over the course of a year of uranium-238 and thorium-232, as well as potassium-40 estimated from measured activity concentrations, are 0.002304 ± 0.00009 (minimum), 0.50869 ± 0.0002 (maximum), and 0.0373 ± 0.0004 (average)(mSv/yr). Radium equivalent activity (Raeq), annual gonadal dose equivalent (AGDE), absorbed gamma dose rate (Doutdoor, Dindoor), gamma representative level index (I), annual effective dose (AEDtotal), external and internal hazard index (Hex, Hin), and excess lifetime cancer risk were determined in medicinal plants (ELCR). The radiological hazards assessment revealed that the investigated plant species have natural radioactivity levels that are well within the internationally recommended limit. This is the first time that the natural radioactivity of therapeutic plants has been measured in Egypt. In addition, no artificial radionuclide (for example, 137Cs) was discovered in any of the samples. Therefore, the current findings are intended to serve as the foundation for establishing a standard safety and guideline for using these therapeutic plants in Egypt.

INFLUENCE OF THE COMPLEX BACTERIAL PREPARATION AZOGRAN ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPROUTS OF CULTIVATED PLANTS

Objective. To investigate the effect of seed treatment of cultivated plants with the complex bacterial preparation Azogran (based on Bacillus subtilis IMB B-7023 and Azotobacter vinelandii IMB B-7076) on the initial stages of ontogenesis under laboratory conditions. Methods. Microbiological (cultivation of microorganisms was carried out under periodic culture conditions — A. vinelandii IMB B-7076 in Ashby liquid digest medium, Bacillus subtilis IMB B-7023 — in a mineral medium with glucose; the number of viable cells in suspensions was determined by the method of serial dilutions followed by sowing on the surface of the relevant agarized media), physiological (with different dilutions of biopreparation suspensions for seed inoculation), statistical. Results. Bacterization of Ukraina variety buckwheat seeds, Podolianka variety winter wheat and Marharyta variety common tare with a liquid complex bacterial preparation Azogran had a positive effect on germination energy, germination, sprout length and their weight compared to the control (water treatment). The best results at the initial stages of plant ontogenesis were found for buckwheat and wheat. The positive effect of inoculation was more pronounced when diluting the biopreparation suspension with water in ratios of 1:10 and 1:100, which indicates intensive production of biologically active substances by bacteria. Treatment of seeds of different corn varieties with an aqueous suspension of the granular complex bacterial preparation Azogran had a positive effect on the development of sprouts, and also contributed to the reduction of their damage by phytopathogenic micromycetes. Conclusion. The complex bacterial preparation Azogran has a positive effect on the energy of germination, germination and the weight of sprouts of the investigated plant species, reduces the degree of seed damage by micromycetes and is recommended for the treatment of seeds of agricultural plants before sowing in the soil.

Repeated short-term exposure to diesel exhaust reduces honey bee colony fitness

Production of insect-pollinated crops is often reliant on honey bee (Apis mellifera) pollination services. Colonies can be managed and moved to meet the demands of modern intensified monoculture farming systems. Increased colony mortalities have been observed, which are thought be caused by interacting factors including exposure to pesticides, parasites, viruses, agricultural intensification, and changes in global and regional climate. However, whilst common tropospheric air pollutants (e.g. NOx, particulate matter etc) are known to cause a range of negative effects on human health, there is little evidence of their impact on the health of A. mellifera. This study investigates the effects of exposure to diesel exhaust on A. mellifera, both at the level of individual foragers and on the whole colony. We exposed a series of colonies to diesel exhaust fumes for 2 h a day over the course of three weeks and contrasted their performance to a series of paired control colonies located at the same field site. We investigated markers of neuronal health in the brains of individual foragers and measured the prevalence of common viruses. Electronic counters monitored daily colony activity patterns and pollen samples from returning foragers were analysed to investigate plant species richness and diversity. The amounts of honey, brood and pollen in each colony were measured regularly. We demonstrated an upregulation of the synapse protein Neurexin 1 in forager brains repeatedly exposed to diesel exhaust. Furthermore, we found that colonies exposed to diesel exhaust lost colony weight after the exposure period until the end of the summer season, whereas control colonies gained weight towards the end of the season. Further investigations are required, but we hypothesise that such effects on both individual foragers and whole colony fitness parameters could ultimately contribute to winter losses of honey bee colonies, particularly in the presence of additional stressors.

Mini-review on the phyto-chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of &lt;i&gt;Cola nitida&lt;/i&gt; (Vent.) Schott &amp; Endl. (Malvaceae): A medically interesting bio-resource of multiple purposes in Africa

The purpose of this mini-review was to summarize and update knowledge on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of &lt;i&gt;Cola nitida&lt;/i&gt;, with the view of providing baseline data for herbal drug formulation. In January 2021, a non-exhaustive online search of relevant articles was carried out on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of &lt;i&gt;C. nitida&lt;/i&gt; from scientifically well-established databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and SciELO. The plant's scientific name as well as phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, bioactivity and toxicology were used as keywords. The chemical structures of the compounds isolated from this plant were drawn using ChemBioDraw Ultra 12.0 software. A literature survey has revealed that &lt;i&gt;C. nitida&lt;/i&gt; is highly appreciated by African populations in various cultures, especially in West Africa. Phytochemical analyses showed that &lt;i&gt;C. nitida&lt;/i&gt; contains interesting compounds like catechin, caffeine, epicatechin, polyphenols, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, bromelain, cardenolides, proanthocyanidins, triterpenes, glycosides, flavonoids, anthraquinones, steroids, anthocyanins, glycosides, alkaloids, etc. The presence of these phyto-compounds in the investigated plant species justifies its used as an antimicrobial, anti-malarial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-coagulant agent. Thus, &lt;i&gt;C. nitida&lt;/i&gt; could be used as a raw material for manufacturing efficient medication against various diseases, including sickle cell disease.