Genus Iris Research Articles

Morphological characterization of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio populations in Iran: implications for conservation and breeding.

The native populations of Iris hymenospatha and Iris histrio, two endangered bulbous species within the large Iris genus in Iridaceae, are threatened with extinction due to mining and other industrial activities in their natural habitats in Central Asia, including Iran. These species not only have a significant economic impact on the global horticultural industry due to their versatility and attractive phenotypic traits, but also have significant ecological value that necessitates their conservation. In this study, we examined the morphological and functional diversity between individuals within these two species, which exhibit high tolerance to environmental stresses. Our study examined 10 populations of I. hymenospatha and two populations of I. histrio based on bulb, flower, and leaf characteristics throughout Iran. We recognized a gradation of five different leaf shapes among I. hymenospatha populations with significant differences between some populations, including "Arak-Khomain" and "Arak-Gerdo". The "Jaro", "Natanz-Karkas", "Ardestan-Taleghan", "Arak-Rahjerd", "Arak-Gerdo", "Ganjnameh", and "Abas-Abad" populations of I. hymenospatha displayed maximal values in leaf width, stem diameter under flower, crown diameter, flower number, leaf number, and bulb diameter. The I. histrio "Velian" population had a significantly larger flower size, a longer stem length, a larger style width, a longer flowering date, and a higher plant height compared to the "Ganjnameh" population of I. histrio. Such characteristics of both species make them remarkable ornamental plants. Our study also revealed that I. hymenospatha populations grow on different soils and elevations and have the ability to adapt to different growing conditions. Given the threats they face, conservation through horticultural selection and propagation offers a viable conservation strategy for both species. This approach not only preserves the genetic diversity of these species, but also enables their further contribution to the horticultural industry.

Biological effects and phytochemical study of the underground part of Iris scariosa Willd. ex Link extract: A new source of bioactive constituents

The expected toxicity and resistance of chemotherapeutic agents necessitate and encourage for the use of natural chemotherapeutic sources of plant origin in the clinical stage of cancer therapy. Plants of the genus Iris (Iridaceae) used by local populations for the treatment of cancer, bacterial and viral infections. In this study, an ethanol extract of rhizomes of I. scariosa was prepared and tested for the cytotoxicity using the MTT assay. The extract exhibited the most potent cytotoxicity against the breast cancer cell line MCF7 (IC50 = 9.28 ± 0.49 μg/ml, selectively index ˃5), and induced apoptosis in MCF7 lines. Notably, the extract significantly inhibited the colony formation of MCF7 and HepG2 cancer cells at a concentration range from 10.6 to 85.0 μg/ml, including non-toxic concentrations for HepG2 cells. The ethanol extract was analyzed by HPLC, revealed the identification of 5 secondary metabolites (quercetin, rutin, myricetin, apigenin, artemisetin), the content of which was shown to reach around 15% of the extract. The petroleum ether (PE) part of the extract (yield 2.62%) was analyzed by GC–MS. The composition of tert-butyl methyl ether (TBME) part of the extract (yield 23.72%) was studied. Total of 15 individual compounds: two benzophenones, eight isoflavones, four flavones and a (2R)-flavanone were isolated. The pentamethoxyflavone artemisetin and flavanone pinocembrin were isolated for the first from Iris sp. The readily available isoflavones from the TBME part of extract (irilone, iriflogenin, irigenin and tectorigenin) may serve as new leads for the discovery of anticancer drugs.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION OF ORGANS OF PROMISING SPECIES OF THE GENUS IRIS L. (IRIDACEAE)

Plants of the genus Iris L. are promising medicinal raw materials with significant biological and pharmacological activity. The quality of plant raw materials depends on the accumulation and distribution of potentially hazardous chemical elements in the plant body. The aim of this work was a comparative study of the accumulation and transfer of elements through the organs of plants of the genus Iris L. (Iridaceae). The content of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb in different parts of I. orientalis, I. pseudacorus, I. sibirica and I. spuria plants was analyzed by atomic absorption. It has been established that in the absence of soil pollution, irises accumulate arsenic in concentrations exceeding the maximum allowable. The accumulation of chromium in the raw material was also above the maximum allowable concentration for a number of study options. The efficiency of element transfer from the soil to the root system varied significantly (bioaccumulation factor 0.2–4.4). Iris rhizomes absorbed nickel most actively. The assimilation ability of the roots is also clearly expressed in relation to Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Mn. Depending on the element, accumulation in leaves is species-specific. The carrying capacity of the peduncle is most pronounced in I. sibirica, the barrier capacity is most pronounced in I. orientalis. Various types of translocation of elements in organs were revealed: acropetal, uniform, basipetal. All studied species are characterized by acropetal distribution of Pb (translocation factor >1) and uniform distribution of Mn. The location of Cd may vary depending on the species. Cu is concentrated in the roots (I. orientalis, I. sibirica, I. spuria) or evenly distributed (I. pseudacorus). The revealed patterns of accumulation and distribution of elements in the organs of plants of the genus Iris make it possible to carry out a prognostic assessment of the quality of raw materials to obtain safe products.

Cross compatibility and endogenous phytohormone profiles in interspecific hybridization between Iris tectorum and Iris germanica

In order to introduce new valuable trait to other species, the interspecific hybridization is used in ornamental breeding. The success of interspecific hybridization is hindered by incompatibility occurring at various stages of hybridization. To character the barriers of interspecific hybridization between Iris tectorum and Iris germanica cultivars, this study investigated the compatibility of pre-fertilization and post-fertilization, and profiles of endogenous phytohormones in ovary of self-pollination and interspecific hybridization. After pollination, pollen tubes germinated, grew through style, and entered ovules in both self-pollination and interspecific hybridization. Thus, the interspecific incompatibility between I. tectorum and I. germanica cultivars were not caused by pre-fertilization barrier. The observations of embryo and endosperm development revealed that incompatibility of interspecific-hybridization occurred at post-fertilization stage during the development of the embryo. The degeneration of endosperms was observed at 15 days after pollination and no embryo was observed in the interspecific hybridization. The abnormal development of embryos and endosperms indicates that reproductive barriers between I. tectorum and I. germanica cultivars happened at post-fertilization stage. To character the profiles of endogenous phytohormones in the ovary of self-pollination and interspecific hybridization, concentration of auxins, cytokinins (CKs), gibberellins (GAs), abscisic acid (ABA), Jasmonate (JA), salicylic acid (SA), and their derivatives were analyzed by UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The results showed concentrations of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and bioactive free based of CKs were highest in ovary of I. tectorum self-pollination (IT-Self), which has normally developed embryos and endosperms. Four bioactive forms of GAs were identified in this study, while the patterns of their concentration changes were not constant among different materials. Besides, the concentration of ABA was highest in unfertilized ovary of I. tectorum (IT-CK). According to the profiles of endogenous phytohormones, the abnormal development of embryos in interspecific hybridization might be caused by the low concentration of IAA and CKs, proper concentration of these phytohormone could be added into in vitro culture medium to rescue embryos of interspecific hybridization. The investigation of cross compatibility and endogenous phytohormone profiles in this study will provide insight for overcoming the barrier of interspecific hybridization and embryo rescue in Iris genus.

Lignohumate AM – prospects for use in floriculture and reproduction

Improving agricultural technology and supporting plant reproduction in the collections of botanical gardens remain relevant. Using the example of species and varieties of the genus Iris L., the effectiveness of using the preparation Lignohumate AM was studied. Root watering and foliar treatment of varieties with the preparation stimulated leaf growth. However, the preparation was ineffective for improving the decorativeness of plants. Treatment of plants with Lignohumate had a positive effect on the water regime of irises. Water deficit decreased by 2,8%−5,3% as a result of root treatment, water-holding capacity increased by 5,7% during irrigation and mixed treatment. The preparation had no effect on the germination of seeds of I. sibirica and I. pseudacorus, but was highly effective in long-term experience. Lignohumate contributed to a reduction in the loss of one-year-old I. sibirica plants by 20,8%, as well as the growth of surviving I. pseudacorus plants by 39,7%. The stimulator also showed a significant prolonged growth-stimulating effect, which contributed to improving the quality of seedlings. The length of leaves under the influence of the preparation increased by 64% for I. sibirica and 17% for I. pseudacorus, the width of leaves of I. sibirica increased by 14%. Based on the results of the study, the growth stimulator Lignohumate AM can be considered an effective promising preparation for use in floriculture and the reproduction of decorative, rare species of iris.

Some notes on the types of pollen aperture in the genus Crocus L. (Iridaceae)

Crocus L. (Iridaceae) is systematically a very problematic genus due to the lack of clear distinctive features, wide range of habitats and the heterogeneity of morphological features. This genus is also highly heterogeneous from a karyological point of view. Apart from the most common spiraperturate pollen grains in Crocus, the authors frequently mentioned a number of other aperture types for individual species (subspecies, variations, etc.), i.e. polyrugoidate, nonaperturate (inaperturate), polyaperturate, with more or less extensive furrows, with short furrows, etc. The purpose of this work is to perform a palyno-morphological analysis of pollen aperture types noted in the genus Crocus. The reason for the study is a significant disagreement among researchers when describing the types of pollen apertures in the genus Crocus. An analysis of the literature, as well as the results of our previous studies, showed that the genus Crocus is characterized by inaperturate (nonaperturate), polyaperturoidate, spiraperturate and net-like pollen apertures. The similar net-like apertures were observed for some representatives of the subgenus Scorpiris Sach of the genus Iris L., in particular, in Iris atropatana Grossh. In our opinion, this aperture type can serve as a link between the genus Crocus and the subgenus Scorpiris of the genus Iris. We suggest, that the spiraperturate pollen type mentioned most often for the representatives of the genus Crocus can be considered the basic type within the genus. On the other hand, formless aperture-like areas are genetically unstable transitory variations, which occurred arbitrarily due to mutations. Finally, “polyrugoidate” (or with net-like apertures) pollen type noted in the literature for C. chrysanthus subsp. punctatus F.Candan et N.Özhatay may be considered to be more advanced in the genus Crocus

Preservation and study of natural species from the genus Iris at the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Solving the problems of preservation and rational use of plant genetic diversity is one of the main tasks for botanical gardens and scientific institutions working in this field. In the Subtropical Scientific Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the collection of natural species of the genus Iris has been formed since 2000s. The paper presents research results on the following 11 species: Iris colchica Kem.-Nath., I. ensata Thunb., I. japonica Thunb, I. orientalis Mill.,I. notha M. Bieb, I. pallida Lam., I. pseudacorus L., I. pseudonotha Galushko, I. sibirica L., I. spuria L., I. unguicularis Poir. Most of the species are rare (6), rare and endemic (2). As a result of the studies conducted in 2020-2022, flowering terms for the irises species in collection have been established in the humid subtropics of Russia and 4 groups have been recorded. The first group with the earliest flowering (April, early May) includes I. japonica, I. sibirica. Average flowering terms (from mid-late May) are recorded for I. orientalis, I. colchica, I. pallida, I. pseudacorus. Late flowering terms (from late May - early June) are recorded for I. notha, I. pseudonotha, I. ensata. Late autumn-early winter periods - for I. unguicularis.

Introduction stability of rare species of the genus Iris L. in Botanical Garden of Irkutsk State University

We present in the article the results of an introduction test of three rare species from the genus Iris L., including I. notha Bieb. listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation, I. sanguinea Donn and I. setosa Pall. - in the Red Book of the Irkutsk region. We made phenological observations. The condition of plants after overwintering was assessed on a 4-point scale. We also learned the seed productivity and calculated the percentage of seminification. An assessment of the primary introduction of species is given. All three species received a score of 3 points - they successfully endure winter, bloom, bear fruit, form a sufficient number of shoots. The ability to seed reproduction is defined as satisfactory. Seeds are characterized by high rates of laboratory germination. The success of introduction for I. sanguinea - 90 points, I. setosa -95 points, I. notha - 85 points. The tested species are highly decorative, are actively used in breeding, and are promising for cultivation in the Irkutsk region. We propose a broad introduction to the culture of these species, which will support the strategy of ex situ plant protection.

Taxonomic Reinstatement of the Endemic Chinese Species Iris thoroldii (Iridaceae) from I. potaninii and Reassessment of I. zhaoana.

Iris thoroldii is a perennial herbaceous plant with yellow, blue, or purple flowers. The species is native to the Tibetan Plateau and adjacent areas. In the literature and databases, I. thoroldii has long been treated in synonymy with I. potaninii. Currently, yellow-flowered plants of I. thoroldii are considered I. potanii, and blue-flowered plants are considered I. zhaoana, a replacement name for I. potaninii var. ionantha. This study aimed to clarify the taxonomic identity of I. thoroldii. A critical examination of original material, herbarium specimens, images of living plants, and the literature has shown I. thoroldii to be different from I. potaninii in some previously neglected macromorphological traits and to be conspecific with I. zhaoana. Thus, I. thoroldii is removed here from the synonymy of I. potaninii and accepted as a distinct species. This is endemic to China (central Gansu, Qinghai, and northwestern Sichuan provinces, and also Xinjiang Uygur and Tibet autonomous regions) and reaches the highest elevations compared with all other species in the genus Iris s.l. A revised taxonomy of I. thoroldii is provided, and two color forms, often co-occurring, are accepted: the autonymic yellow-flowered form (including a new synonym I. tigridia var. flavescens for which a lectotype was designated) and a form with blue or purple colors is proposed here, I. thoroldii f. ionantha. In addition, images of type specimens and detailed photographs of living plants for easy identification, along with the list of specimens of I. thoroldii that were examined, and also, comments on its distribution and habitats are provided.

Особенности накопления тяжелых металлов в некоторых представителях родов Iris L., Narcissus L., Paeonia L.

Abstract. In modern conditions, heavy metals (HM) are considered as the main soil pollutants. On the one hand, they are necessary for the normal course of physiological processes, and on the other hand, at elevated HM concentrations, they are toxic. In this regard, it is important to study the content of heavy metals in plant objects. The aim of our research was to study the accumulation and distribution of elements (As, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, Fe, Cr) in the aboveground and underground parts of ornamental herbaceous perennials of the genus Iris L., Paeonia L., Narcissus L. The objects of research were aboveground and underground organs of four species of the genus Iris L., eight varieties of the genus Narcissus, and seven taxa of the genus Paeonia. Methods. The study of the elemental composition of the aboveground and underground parts was carried out according to the method No. M-02-1009-05 of atomic spectroscopy. Mathematical data processing was carried out using the generally accepted methods of variation statistics using the AgCStat software package as an Excel add-in. Scientific novelty. For the first time, representatives of three different generic complexes were taken for the study. Results. Studies have shown that in the aerial part of most of the taxa studied, As accumulates in concentrations exceeding the maximum allowable concentrations. An excessive amount of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb was noted in the aboveground part of some representatives of irises and peonies. The content of Cd, Fe, and Mn in all studied taxa is within acceptable limits. It was revealed that the indicators of the content of most elements are characterized by great variability, which is confirmed by the results of other researchers. It was noted that in irises in larger quantities than in other taxa, As, Cr, Mn, Ni accumulate in the aboveground part, and Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni in the underground part, therefore, they can be recommended for use in landscaping urban areas.

Carpological features of Iris hybrida Hort. (Rodion.) in the conditions of the M. M. Hryshko National Botanical Garden in Kyiv, Ukraine

The results of a morphological study of fruit and seed characteristics of Iris hybrida hort. are presented. The morphometric measurements of fruits and seeds are described including length and width. Such morphological features as the shape of fruits and seeds, hilum shape, the position and size of the seed embryo, endosperm features, the surface of the fruits and seeds are analyzed. Eleven tall bearded iris varieties of domestic and foreign selection were chosen from the collection fund of the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden. The varieties selected are: ‘Alians’, ‘Amethyst Flame’, ‘Earth Song’, ‘Local Color’, ‘Mescalero Chief’, ‘Scintilation’, ‘Vanity’, ‘Violet Harmony’, ‘Zlatokudraya’, ‘Ayu-Dag’, and ‘Pryvit Z Ukrayiny’. These varieties are distinguished by their decorative qualities, are widely distributed and are promising candidates for further selection work. Among the researched varieties, fruit bodies of obovate, wide-oval, elongated-elliptic and rounded shapes were distinguished. Seeds of compressedprismatic, rounded, wedge-shaped, inverted ovoid and flattened-semicircular shapes were recorded. The surface of the seeds observed was spongy-wrinkled, hard, sometimes with narrow rims along the edge of the faces. The shape of the hilum showed slight variations. The described carpological features of the I. hybrida varieties align with literature data on the general morphology of the fruits and seeds of other types of irises. The varieties of I. hybrida studied were from the M. M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden collection fund, and when grown in the conditions of the forest-steppe, we’re able to form full viable seeds with free pollination, which indicates their high adaptability. According to the histogenetic classification, the fruits of the studied varieties belong to the Lilium type (with a lignified endocarp). The structure of the seed coat, consisting of the exo-, meso- and endotesta, differences in the size, shape of the seeds and the hilum were also noted. The morphological descriptions of the fruits and seeds of the investigated varieties provide additional data about the genus Iris L.

Promising useful plants of the genus Iris L. in the collection of the Botanical Garden of Peter the Great, cultivation features

Information on biological properties of 11 species of the genus Iris (Iridaceae), on the prospects for their practical use, and the features of their care in the collection is presented. The article is the result of a long-term study of irises in nature and in the Iridarium collection, in addition, extensive literature is used that characterizes the chemical composition and medicinal properties of plants. It has been shown that the resistance of plants themselves to diseases, for example, to bacteriosis, depends on the content of various derivatives of phenolcarboxylic acids plants. If it is higher, theplants are more resistant to bacteriosis, as in I. ensata, I. lactea s. l., I. pseudacorus, I. sibirica. This conclusion is confirmed by the fact that groups of irises that do not have such a quantity of phenolcarboxylic acids derivatives are unstable to bacteriosis, such species are I. aphylla, I. furcata, I. pumila. Plants of I. lactea s. l., I. ruthenica, which have anthelmintic properties, are not affected by nematodes, both rhizomatous and leafy. It was noted that irises with a high content of ascorbic acid in the leaves have winter hardiness (I. setosa - 1218 мг%). Conclusions are drawn, which were confirmed by experience, about the important role of organic acids in plant sap and their resistance to diseases.

Anatomical and morphological study of the roots of species of the genus Iris from natural populations of southeastern Kazakhstan

Wild-growing species of the genus Iris L. are perennial rhizomatous plants better known for decorative properties and promising plants as sources of medicinal raw materials. Irises contain essential oil, isoflavones, flavonoids, carotenoids, various organic acids, and tannins. The rhizomes of some irises have an immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, tonic effect, exhibit antiviral, acaricidal, antifungal activity. Medicinal and ornamental properties characterized by six species I. alberti, I. lactea, I. ruthenica, I. sogdiana, I. songarica, I. tenuifolia out of 11 irises from southeast of Kazakhstan which grow within Almaty administrative region in different ecological conditions (from foothills and mountain slope North Tian Shan up to steppe zones of Balkhash Alakol basin). The objects of research were 3 wild species of Iris L., growing in the southeast of Kazakhstan. The goal of this research is a comparative anatomical and morphological study of the roots of species Iris alberti Regel (1, 2 populations), I. pallasii Fisch. ex Trevir., I. sogdiana Bunge from natural populations of southeastern Kazakhstan. Field studies of wild populations of the Iris species were carried out by the route-reconnaissance method. Geobotanical methods were used to describe plant communities with the participation of research objects. Microscopic studies of the roots were carried out by conventional procedure. As a result of the anatomical and morphological study, we found that pronounced mesophytic features of the anatomical structure of the plant species are associated with an increase in the diameter of the central cylinder and the diameter of the xylem vessels. The highest degree of development of conducting tissue indicates an increased moisture gradient. The pronounced thickness of the primary cortex indicates the presence of xerophytic features of the anatomical structure. These results indicate the relationship between the ecological conditions of the studied Iris species growth and features of a primary anatomical structure of its root.

(2946) Proposal to conserve the name Iris latifolia (Mill.) Voss (Iridaceae) against I. latifolia Heer (fossil Iridaceae)

(2946) Proposal to conserve the name <i>Iris latifolia</i> (Mill.) Voss (<i>Iridaceae</i>) against <i>I. latifolia</i> Heer (fossil <i>Iridaceae</i>)

Metabolic profiling, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibition potential of Iris pseudacorus L. from Egypt and Japan: A comparative study

Genus Iris comprises numerous and diverse phytoconstituents displaying marked biological activities. The rhizomes, and aerial parts of Iris pseudacorus L. cultivars from Egypt and Japan were subjected to comparative metabolic profiling using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS. The antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH assay. In vitro enzyme inhibition potential against α-glucosidase, tyrosinase and lipase was evaluated. In silico molecular docking was conducted on the active sites of human α-glucosidase and human pancreatic lipase. Forty-three compounds were tentatively identified including flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phenolics and xanthones. I. pseudacorus rhizomes extracts (IPR-J and IPR-E) exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 40.89 µg/mL and 97.97 µg/mL, respectively (Trolox IC50 value was 14.59 µg/mL). Moreover, IPR-J and IPR-E exhibited promising α-glucosidase inhibitory activity displaying IC50 values of 18.52 µg/mL, 57.89 µg/mL, respectively being more potent as compared to acarbose with IC50 value of 362.088 µg/mL. All extracts exerted significant lipase inhibitory activity exhibiting IC50 values of 2.35, 4.81, 2.22 and 0.42 µg/mL, respectively compared to cetilistat with IC50 value of 7.47 µg/mL. However, no tyrosinase inhibitory activity was observed for all I. pseudacorus extracts up to 500 µg/mL. In silico molecular modelling revealed that quercetin, galloyl glucose, and irilin D exhibited the highest fitting scores within the active sites of human α-glucosidase and pancreatic lipase. ADMET prediction (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) showed that most of the phytoconstituents exhibited promising pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamics and tolerable toxicity properties. According to our findings, I. pseudacorus might be considered as a valuable source for designing novel phytopharmaceuticals.

Estudo das características quantitativas de três culturas (peônias, hostas, íris) para uso em paisagismo urbano

Abstract The purpose of this study is a scientifically based selection of representatives of the genera Paeonia L., Hosta L. and Iris L., promising for use in urban landscaping. The choice of research objects is determined by three criteria. These are: 1) representatives of the genera Paeonia, Hosta and Iris - large generic complexes with a large number of cultivars; 2) their cultivars are characterized by a wide morphological diversity; 3) in Russia, these cultures have long been actively used in landscape design. Their own set of characteristics has been studied for them. These signs are important for the selection of plants used in the greened objects of the city. The genus Paeonia is represented by a sample of 19 cultivars of P. lactiflora Pall. with a Japanese flower shape. The variability of three quantitative characteristics was studied - the length of the stem, its thickness at the base and the diameter of the flower. The genus Hosta is represented by a sample of 23 names. The variability was studied according to four characteristics - the length and width of the leaf blade, the leaf area, and the length of the petiole. The genus Iris is represented by a selection of 10 names. The variability of six characteristics was studied - the height of the plant, the number of flowers on the peduncle, the length of the flower and the width of the flower, the length and width of the leaf blade. Statistical processing of the obtained data was carried out using the program “Statistica Base”. Classical methods of data processing are used. The development of models of flower beds is carried out using the AutoCAD program. From the total composition of the sample, promising varieties and forms were selected for each culture under study. In representatives of the genus Paeonia - this is the cultivar ‘Bu-Te’. For the genus Hosta, these are the cultivars ‘Frances Williams’ and ‘Liberty’. In the genus Iris, it is a form of natural origin I. sibirica f. albiflora. Based on the data obtained, 3 mixborders were designed with the participation of these cultivars and one form of natural origin.

The Genus &lt;i&gt;Iris&lt;/i&gt; (Iridaceae) in Russia: Phytochemistry, Biological Activity and Application in Traditional Medicine

The genus Iris in Russia is represented by 41 species, of which 4 species are endemic, 11 are included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and 30 have various regional conservation status. The review provides information on the phytochemical compounds, biological activity and medicinal properties of 16 species growing in Russia, and on their use in traditional medicine of different peoples. The analysis of available data shows that studying the component composition, biological activity levels, and medicinal use of Iris L. species requires their correct identification and the knowledge concerning their geographical distribution, ecology, and morphological characteristics. The use of Iris species in traditional medicine is described. The extracts and compounds isolated from the most of the studied species exhibit analgesic, antioxidative, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antimicrobial activity. Some species also have cytotoxic, antitumor, antidiabetic, anti-influenza, neuroprotective, antihyperglycemic, antiallergic, antifeedant and other properties. Most of the isolated metabolites were flavonoids, isoflavonoids, anthocyanes, terpenoids, xantgones, quinones, phenolic and fatty acids. In official and traditional medicine in Asia and Europe, the underground and aboveground parts of Iris aphylla, I. lactea, I. pseudacorus, I. ruthenica, I. sanguinea and other species of the genus are used. The article results from the long-term studies of irises in situ and in the collections of two botanical gardens, as well as extensive examination of literature on the component composition and medicinal properties of the studied species.

Comparative analysis of the elemental composition of plant organs of the genus Iris L. (Iridaceae)

Plants of the genus Iris L. are promising medicinal raw materials with significant biological and pharmacological activity. The aim of this work was a comparative study of the accumulation and transfer of elements through the organs of plants of the genus Iris L. (Iridaceae). The content of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb in different parts of I. orientalis, I. pseudacorus, I. sibirica and I. spuria plants was analyzed by atomic absorption. It has been established that in the absence of soil pollution, irises accumulate arsenic in concentrations exceeding the maximum allowable. The accumulation of chromium in the raw material was also above the maximum allowable concentration for a number of study options. The efficiency of element transfers from the soil to the root system varied significantly. Iris rhizomes absorbed nickel most actively. The assimilation ability of the roots is also clearly expressed in relation to Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Mn. Depending on the element, accumulation in leaves is species-specific. The carrying capacity of the peduncle is most pronounced in I. sibirica, the barrier capacity is most pronounced in I. orientalis. Various types of translocations of elements in organs were revealed: acropetal, uniform, basipetal. All studied species are characterized by acropetal distribution of Pb and uniform distribution of Mn. The location of Cd may vary depending on the species. Cu is concentrated in the roots (I. orientalis, I. sibirica, I. spuria) or evenly distributed (I. pseudacorus). The revealed patterns of accumulation and distribution of elements in the organs of plants of the genus Iris make it possible to carry out a prognostic assessment of the quality of raw materials to obtain safe products.

Features of in vitro cultivation of rare species of the family Iridaceae Juss.

This article provides information about improving of the clonal micropropagation technology and in vitro reproduction peculiarities of some species of family Iridaceae Juss. In vitro collection of Volgograd regional botanical garden (VRBG) contains 6 species of genus Iris. As a result of the research, optimization of cultivation conditions at different stages of clonal micropropagation of species genus Iris L. cultures was carried out.&#x0D; The optimal mode of sterilization seeds of species of the genus Iris has been selected - a 5% solution of Lysofornin® 3000 at an exposure of 10 minutes. The features of the development of Iris notha and Iris pseudonotha seedlings on nutrient media with a high content of cytokinins and auxins have been studied. The greatest regenerative activity in Iris pseudonotha and Iris notha was observed on the nutrient media У MS 2 iP 1.0 mg/l + 0.5 mg/l IBA and MS + 13 mg/l BAP + 7.0 mg/l IAA, the reproduction coefficient was 7.5 and 4.7, respectively. The optimal nutrient medium for Iris pumila for long-term cultivation in vitro is the Knudson nutrient medium; regenerate plants have a slow uniform growth, while the number of abnormal and non-viable plants is minimal, which allows Iris pumila to be preserved in the collection in vitro for a long time.

Alternaria species in section Alternaria associated with Iris plants in China.

Plants of the Iris genus have been widely cultivated because of their medicinal, ornamental, and economic values. It commonly suffers from Alternaria leaf spot or blight disease leading to considerable losses for their commercial values. During an investigation of 14 provinces or municipalities of China from 2014 to 2022, a total of 122 Alternaria strains in section Alternaria were obtained from diseased leaves of Iris spp.. Among them, 12 representative strains were selected and identified based on morphological characterization and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, which encompassed the internal transcribed spacer of rDNA region (ITS), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), translation elongation factor 1 alpha (TEF1), RNA polymerase second largest subunit (RPB2), Alternaria major allergen gene (Alt a 1), an anonymous gene region (OPA10-2), and endopolygalacturonase gene (EndoPG). The strains comprised two known species of A. alternata and A. iridicola, and two new species of A. setosae and A. tectorum, which were described and illustrated here. Their pathogenicity evaluated on Iris setosa indicated that all the strains could induce typical Alternaria leaf spot or blight symptoms. The results showed that the virulence was variable among those four species, from which A. tectorum sp. nov. was the most virulent one, followed by A. setosae sp. nov., A. iridicola and A. alternata.