Plant Material Research Articles

A simple and highly efficient protocol for 13C-labeling of plant cell wall for structural and quantitative analyses via solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance

BackgroundPlant cell walls are made of a complex network of interacting polymers that play a critical role in plant development and responses to environmental changes. Thus, improving plant biomass and fitness requires the elucidation of the structural organization of plant cell walls in their native environment. The 13C-based multi-dimensional solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) has been instrumental in revealing the structural information of plant cell walls through 2D and 3D correlation spectral analyses. However, the requirement of enriching plants with 13C limits the applicability of this method. To our knowledge, there is only a very limited set of methods currently available that achieve high levels of 13C-labeling of plant materials using 13CO2, and most of them require large amounts of 13CO2 in larger growth chambers.ResultsIn this study, a simplified protocol for 13C-labeling of plant materials is introduced that allows ca 60% labeling of the cell walls, as quantified by comparison with commercially labeled samples. This level of 13C-enrichment is sufficient for all conventional 2D and 3D correlation ssNMR experiments for detailed analysis of plant cell wall structure. The protocol is based on a convenient and easy setup to supply both 13C-labeled glucose and 13CO2 using a vacuum-desiccator. The protocol does not require large amounts of 13CO2.ConclusionThis study shows that our 13C-labeling of plant materials can make the accessibility to ssNMR technique easy and affordable. The derived high-resolution 2D and 3D correlation spectra are used to extract structural information of plant cell walls. This helps to better understand the influence of polysaccharide-polysaccharide interaction on plant performance and allows for a more precise parametrization of plant cell wall models.

Contribution to the Identification and Study of the Pathogenicity of Bacteria Responsible for Cassava Root Rot in Côte d'Ivoire Production Zones

Background and Objective: Cassava is an important crop for the Ivorian population. However, yields are relatively low. This low productivity is due to cassava root rots, which are sometimes caused by bacteria. The general objective was to identify the main bacterial diseases responsible for cassava tuberous root rot in production areas in Côte d'Ivoire. Specifically, to identify pathogenic bacteria and then to assess the pathogenicity of the bacterial strains isolated. Material and Methods: The plant material consisted of tuberous cassava roots affected by rot. Decay-causing bacteria were isolated on YPGA (Yeast extract Peptone Glucose Agar) culture medium. Strain identification was carried out using the API 20 E and 20NE gallery. Tuberous cassava roots were perforated with a punch and inoculated with bacterial inoculum calibrated to an optical density of 0.2 at a wavelength of 600 nm, corresponding to 108. Results: 174 strains were isolated. The highest proportions of strains were obtained in the localities of Ferké and Man, with 19 and 26% respectively. The bacterial species identified were Roualtella planticola, Serratia liquefaciens, Serratia marcescens, Burkholderia cepacia, Chromobacterium violaceum, Erwinia spp, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebseilla pneumoniae spp ozaenae and Raoutellia ornithinolytica. The Erwinia species was the most frequent in five localities, with proportions of 100 and 71.4% respectively in Agboville and Yamoussoukro. Results showed that 91.5% of bacterial strains tested caused rot (soft or dry). On the other hand, 52.4% of bacterial strains induced dry rot and around 39% induced soft rot. Conclusion: Various bacterial species were identified in this study. In addition, these species vary in their germinative capacity.

Effect of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties on leaf bud sprouting for rapid multiplication of planting materials

Effect of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties on leaf bud sprouting for rapid multiplication of planting materials

Review of: "Cellulose is a molecule that is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and is found in the cellular structure of almost all plant materials"

Review of: "Cellulose is a molecule that is composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen and is found in the cellular structure of almost all plant materials"

Seasonal and Spatial Variation in the Diet of Gambusia holbrooki in Different Water Bodies of Karaburun Peninsula (Western Türkiye)

The Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859, has been widely introduced into tropical and temperate countries as a biological agent to control mosquitos, which are associated with diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. However, the species exhibits invasive characteristics by competing with native species for food and habitat use. This study investigates the feeding ecology of G. holbrooki populations from three distinct freshwater environments (Lake Iris, Eğlenhoca Reservoir, and Parlak Reservoir) on the Karaburun Peninsula (North-Western Türkiye), a region outside its native range. The primary aim was to evaluate seasonal and spatial variations in the diet of the species. A total of 871 specimens were analysed: 247 from Iris Lake, 318 from Parlak Reservoir, and 306 from Eğlenhoca Reservoir. Low percentages of empty stomachs (≤20%) across all populations indicate high feeding intensity. The results reveal that G. holbrooki exhibits a generalist feeding strategy, consuming a wide range of food items such as insects, zooplankton, and plant material across all the investigated environments. The relative importance of food groups (determined by the Importance Index, MI%) varied seasonally but not spatially. In all three populations, the most important food source in the spring was dipterans, followed by plants in the summer and fall, and cladocerans in the winter. Plants accounted for the largest percentage of the diet in every population (MI% >65%). These findings suggest that G. holbrooki adapts its diet to seasonal food availability.

A medium-throughput protease assay for screening green plant material

Aboveground plant material is subject to stress-induced senescence after harvest. For flowers, vegetables and forages, this process can severely impact quality. Proteases, in particular, are responsible for post-harvest protein degradation and contribute to cellular breakdown. Alfalfa is a high-quality forage and a perennial source of protein for dairy cows. Its nutritional value and suitability for sustainable agricultural production are also driving interest in the possible use of alfalfa for human consumption, however, the issue of rapid protein degradation after harvest needs to be addressed before the protein can be extracted for human use on a large scale. We have optimized a cost-effective, medium-throughput, fluorescence intensity-based protease activity assay specifically for aboveground plant tissue that balances precision and throughput, the latter of which has been a barrier to further study. This method will allow higher-throughput phenotyping of plant protease activity than is currently feasible: one person can process approximately 120 samples per day, compared to approximately 25 with previous methods. We have used this method in alfalfa to assess protease activity during wilting at pH 7.4 and pH 6.3.

Domestication During Restoration: Unintentional Selection During Eight Generations of Wild Seed Propagation Reduces Herkogamy, Dichogamy and Heterozygosity in Clarkia pulchella.

Seed production on native seed farms has increased to meet the rising demand for plant material for restoration. Although these propagation efforts are necessary for restoration, cultivating wild populations may also result in unintentional selection and elicit evolutionary changes that mimic crop domestication, essentially turning these efforts into artificial domestication experiments. Here, we investigated whether phenotypic and genomic changes associated with domestication occurred in the wildflower Clarkia pulchella Pursh (Onagraceae) by comparing the wild source populations to the farmed population after eight generations of cultivation. At the phenotypic level, the farmed population shifted towards a floral morphology associated with self-pollination, with a significant decrease in both dichogamy and herkogamy. At the genomic level, > 6500 SNPs revealed that mean expected heterozygosity of the farmed population was significantly lower than the wild populations, despite the fact that the farmed population originated from a pool of multiple wild populations. Both the shift towards a selfing phenotype and the loss of diversity are expected consequences of domestication, although the phenotypic shifts in particular occurred much more rapidly than has been observed for other domestication traits. We discuss these results in the context of plant domestication and the implications for retaining the genetic integrity of wild populations during the process of seed production for restoration.

Occurrence of Pestalotiopsis sp. on Ornamental Plants Camellia japonica L. in Romanian Public Gardens

Camellias are evergreen shrubs native to the eastern and southern regions of Asia. In Romania, camellias are popular ornamental plants grown in pots. Pestalotiopsis species have a worldwide distribution and are pathogenic to a wide range of hosts. They also represent an important group of endophytes capable of producing a variety of bioactive secondary metabolites. This paper reports the occurrence of grey blight and twig or branch dieback caused by Pestalotiopsis sp. on Camellia japonica L. grown in pots and used in the landscaping of a public garden located in Iasi city, Romania (GPS coordinates: 47°09′24.0″ N 27°35′15.6″ E). Pestalotiopsis species were identified based on morphological characteristics and Sanger sequencing. Genomic analysis of the fungal isolate coded P_CJ_24, obtained from living plants, was based on ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region amplification using the LSU primers. This first report of Pestalotiopsis species infection of ornamental plants in Romania suggests that new plant pathogens can be introduced in new environmental conditions through plant pods and their incidence increases with the widespread of plant material among gardens.

Potential of Utilizing Corn Silk (<em>Stigma maydis</em>), Thebu Leaves (<em>Costus speciosus</em>), Green and Purple Guava (<em>Psidium guajava</em>) Leaves in Formulating Green Tea and Black Tea Blends

Purpose: Underutilized plant materials such as corn silk (Stigma maydis), guava leaves (Psidium guajava), and ‘thebu’ leaves (Costus speciosus) are rich sources of various phytochemicals with potential health benefits. This study was carried out to investigate the potential of developing green tea and black tea blends by incorporating corn silk, green and purple guava leaves, and ‘thebu’ leaves.Research Method: Five green tea and black tea blends were prepared using steamed and dried ‘thebu’ leaves, corn silk, and green and purple guava leaves. Sensory properties of the samples were evaluated. Antioxidant activity (AOA) and total polyphenol (TPP), total flavonoid (TF), ash and crude fiber contents of the samples were determined.Findings: The selected green tea blend consisted of 50% green tea, 16.7% corn silk, 16.7% ‘thebu’ leaves and 16.7% green guava leaves whereas the selected black tea blend consisted of 50% black tea, 12.5% corn silk, 12.5% ‘thebu’ leaves and 25% purple guava leaves. Comparable TPP contents (gallic acid equivalent %) were found in green tea blends (22.51±0.93) and black tea blends (21.78±0.11). Antioxidant activity (percentage inhibition) of green and black tea blends (85.93±0.44 and 87.38±1.17 respectively) were significantly higher than that of green tea (81.58±0.92) and black tea (81.43±0.88).Research Limitations: The optimal processing conditions for preserving the properties of selected materials are crucial in formulating herbal tea blends, yet they remain to be established.Originality/ Value: Corn silk, green and purple guava, and ’thebu’ leaves hold great potential for formulating tea blends with improved physicochemical, therapeutic, and sensory properties

Event-level differences in quantity, frequency, and consequences of cannabis use by modes of use: Moderation by differences in how often individuals use each mode among sexual minority women and gender diverse individuals.

A handful of studies have examined differences in the subjective effects and consequences of utilizing different modes of cannabis (e.g., smoking vs. vaping) at the daily level. However, results have been mixed and recent research suggests that there may be individual-level differences in these effects based on how often individuals use each mode. We aimed to determine within-person associations between mode of cannabis use (i.e., smoking, vaping plant material, vaping concentrates, dabbing, edibles, multiple modes) and quantity, subjective intoxication, consequences, contexts of cannabis use, and co-use with alcohol or tobacco varied based on how often individuals used each mode. We used data from a 30-day EMA study of cannabis use with 338 sexual minority women and gender diverse young adults assigned female at birth, populations at high risk for cannabis use disorder. Several associations between mode of cannabis use and outcomes differed based on how frequently individuals used each mode. People who used edibles less frequently experienced more consequences when using edibles compared to smoking cannabis, while people who used edibles more frequently did not. People who used multiple modes more frequently took fewer hits when using multiple mode, while those who used multiple modes less frequently did not. Analyses suggest that frequency, quantity, and consequences of some modes of use differed based on how frequently individuals used each mode. Further research is needed to identify protective behavioral strategies that may be utilized by individuals who use particular modes more often.

Artemisia capillaris with two novel active compounds, Kawarayomogin I and II, inhibits HYBID (KIAA1199) expression as well as hyaluronic acid degradation

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an important component of the skin’s extracellular matrix, and its degradation leads to wrinkles. Hyaluronan-binding protein involved in hyaluronan depolymerization (HYBID) is the main factor responsible for HA degradation in dermis. This study aimed to identify natural plant materials that can effectively suppress HYBID expression and protect HA from degradation. Screening of various plant extracts was performed for the inhibition of histamine-induced mRNA expression of HYBID in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF). The molecular size distribution of HA was evaluated by incubating fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled large HA (1200–1600 kDa) in NHDF for certain time followed by measuring different sizes of FITC-labeled HA in the cultured medium by HPLC. Among 380 plant extracts, we found that Artemisia capillaris flower extract (ACFE) was the most effective agent in both suppressing HYBID expression as well as protecting large HA from degradation. Subsequent mechanism elucidation studies showed that ACFE epigenetically regulates the expression of HYBID by modulating the expression of a specific miRNA, miR-486-5p, which is known to directly target and inhibit HYBID expression. Our active compound search identified 1-caffeoyl-3-hydroxybutane and 3-caffeoyl-1-hydroxybutane in ACFE as new compounds, which we named Kawarayomogin I and Kawarayomogin II, respectively. This is the first report to show that Artemisia capillaris with two novel active compounds inhibits HYBID expression as well as hyaluronic acid degradation, and therefore, could be used as possible agent for cosmeceutical potential.

The Influence of Nitrogen Rates on Yield and Some Quality Parameters of Sweet Corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt.) Growing in Diyarbakır Districts of Türkiye

Sweet corn (Zea mays saccharata Sturt), is a maize subspecies with rapidly increasing consumption in the world and in Türkiye both in terms of its nutritional content and various uses in fresh, frozen and canned form. Nitrogen plays a crucial role in promoting most of plants growth and productivity. Plant nutrient recommendations are important to maximise profit and productivity in sugar maize production. The influences of nitrogen (N) fertigation on yield and some quality parameters of sweet corn under South Eastern Anatolia Region (Diyarbakır) conditions of Türkiye were investigated in that trial. Fertigation applications were executed under regional conditions of Diyarbakır on the experimental land of GAPUTAEM (GAP International Agricultural Research and Training Center). “BATEM Tatlı” variety of sweet corn was utilized as the plant material. The trial was arranged as randomized complete block design with 4 replications and five different N applications (0-75-150-225-300 kg ha−1) were implemented to trial plots through a fertigation system. During the 2015 and 2016 growing season that the trial was carried out a total of 520 mm and 476 mm of irrigation water were applied, respectively. According to the study results N levels had a significant effect on fresh grain yield, crude protein (p

OPTIMIZATION OF THE CONDITIONS OF ULTRASONIC EXTRACTION OF POLYPHENOLIC COMPOUNDS FROM THE INFLORESCENCES OF KOENIGIA WEYRICHII (F. SCHMIDT) T.M. SCHUST. ET REVEAL

Introduction. Inflorescences of Koenigia weyrichii (F. Schmidt) T.M. Schust. et Reveal contains a large amount of flavonoids. However, at present, the most optimal conditions for their extraction by water-ethanol mixtures have not been obtained, and the effect of ultrasound on the extraction pro-cess has not been fully studied. The aim of the study was to optimize the conditions of ultrasonic water-ethanol extraction of secondary metabolites from the inflorescences of K. weyrichii. Material and methods. Optimal extraction conditions have been established using the Box-Behnken algorithm. The total content of polyphenols was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, and flavonoids were determined using a complexation reaction with aluminum chloride. The total antioxi-dant activity was assessed using the phosphomolybdate method. The content of polyphenolic acids was determined by HPLC. The ability of the extract obtained under optimal conditions to inhibit free radicals was determined by DPPH and ABTS methods. Results. The highest yield of the target substances is achieved in 60 minutes of extraction in 50% aqueous ethanol at a temperature of 50 ° C, and mixing plant material with a particle size of 0.1 mm with an solvent in a ratio of 1:10 (mass to volume. It has been shown that ultrasound exposure reduces the yield of target substances. Conclusions. The results of the work are the scientific basis for the development of methods of phytochemical analysis and technologies for the pro-duction of pharmaceuticals based on the studied plant.

Comparative Analysis of Phenolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity in the Leaves of Invasive Amelanchier × spicata (Lam.) K. Koch in Lithuania

The environmental impact of invasive species necessitates creating a strategy for managing their spread by utilising them as a source of potentially high-value raw materials. Amelanchier × spicata (Lam.) K. Koch (dwarf serviceberry) is a shrub species in the Rosaceae Juss. family. The evaluation of different populations of plants that accumulate great amounts of biologically active compounds is requisite for the quality determination of plant materials and medicinal and nutritional products. The assessment of natural resources from a phytogeographic point of view is relevant. Phytochemical analysis of A. spicata leaf samples was carried out using spectrophotometric methods, HPLC-PDA, and HPLC-MS techniques, while antioxidant activity was determined using ABTS, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays. A significant diversification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity was determined in the A. spicata leaf samples collected in different habitats. Due to their characteristic chemical heterogeneity, natural habitats lead to the diversity of indicators characterising the quality of plant raw materials. Chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid, as well as quercitrin, rutin, and hyperoside, were found to be predominant among the phenolic compounds. Thus, these compounds can be considered phytochemical markers, characteristic of the A. spicata leaf material from northern Europe.

Unraveling Effects of miRNAs Associated with APR Leaf Rust Resistance Genes in Hybrid Forms of Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The fungus Puccinia triticina Eriks (Pt) is the cause of leaf rust, one of the most damaging diseases, which significantly reduces common wheat yields. In Pt-resistant adult plants, an APR-type resistance is observed, which protects the plant against multiple pathogen races and is distinguished by its persistence under production conditions. With a more complete understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the function of APR genes, it will be possible to develop new strategies for resistance breeding in wheat. Currently, mainly APR genes, such as Lr34, Lr46, and Lr67, are principally involved in resistance breeding as they confer durable resistance to multiple fungal races occurring under different climatic and environmental conditions. However, the mechanisms underlying the defence against pathogens mediated by APR genes remain largely unknown. Our research aimed to shed light on the molecular mechanisms related to resistance genes and miRNAs expression, underlying APR resistance to leaf rust caused by Pt. Furthermore, the present study aimed to identify and functionally characterize the investigated miRNAs and their target genes in wheat in response to leaf rust inoculation. The plant material included hybrid forms of wheat from the F2 and BC1F1 generations, obtained by crossing the resistance cultivar Glenlea (CItr 17272) with agriculturally important Polish wheat cultivars. Biotic stress was induced in adult plants via inoculation with Pt fungal spores under controlled conditions. The RT-qPCR method was used to analyze the expression profiles of selected APR genes at five time points (0, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hpi). The results presented here demonstrate the differential expression of APR genes and miRNAs at stages of leaf rust development at selected timepoints after inoculation. We analyzed the expression of three leaf rust resistance genes, using different genetic backgrounds in F2 and BC1F1 segregation materials, in leaf tissues after Pt infection. Our goal was to investigate potential differences resulting from the genetic background found in different generations of hybrid forms of the same parental forms. Gene ontology analysis predicted 190 target genes for tae-miR5384-3p and 167 target genes for tae-miR9653b. Our findings revealed distinct expression profiles for genes, with the highest expression levels observed mainly at 6, 24, and 48 hpi. The candidate gene Lr46-Glu2 displayed an upregulation, suggesting its potential involvement in the immune response against Pt infection.

Stability and Bioaccessibility of β-Arbutin in Simulated Digestion Conditions

In this study, the effects of physicochemical and biochemical digestion conditions on β-arbutin stability and bioaccessibility were investigated. β-Arbutin, at doses that correspond to its natural occurrence in plant materials (i.e., 1–100 mg), was subjected to gastric and intestinal electrolyte treatments (application of physicochemical factors) or the whole digestion process (application of physicochemical and biochemical factors). Its content in in vitro bioaccessible fractions was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and percentage bioaccessibility was calculated. The study shows very high stability and bioaccessibility of β-arbutin in a wide range of applied concentrations. Especially at doses ≥7.5 mg, bioaccessibility was close to 100% regardless of the stage of digestion and the type of treatment (electrolyte treatment or the whole digestion process). The assessment of phytochemicals in terms of their stability and interactions with the digestion environment can help in the future evaluation of their applicability for therapeutic purposes. The high bioaccessibility of β-arbutin within its multifunctional biological activity makes it a promising substance for phytomedicinal applications.

Comparative Cranial Joint Variation in Three Different Lizards: Impact of Feeding Habit

The skull structure in vertebrates is closely related to feeding mode. This study examines the relationship between the cranial joint morphology variation among different lizard species [Eumesces schneideri (Daudin, 1802), Anguis colchica (Nordmann, 1840), and Eremias suphani (Başoğlu & Hellmich 1968)] and their feeding habit. This study investigates the cranial anatomical correlates of distinct cranial kinesis models. Different cranial joints permitting intracranial mobility have been observed among these species using histological section and whole-mount techniques. The cranial joints are similar among species that generally exhibit cranial kinesis. The stomach contents of the species were analyzed, and E. schneideri has the highest prey diversity among the examined species, followed by E. suphani and A. colchica in that order. The study indicated that the prey preferences differ among three lizard species. While no plant material was detected in the stomach contents of E. suphani and E. schneideri, it was detected in A. colchica. The diet of the three lizards consisted of various species of small arthropods such as Arachnida, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Formicidae, and Gastropoda. Additionally, no significant differences were detected in SVL, head, and jaw size measurements between adult males and females of each species.

Extraction and Processing of Bioactive Phytoconstituents from Widely Used South African Medicinal Plants for the Preparation of Effective Traditional Herbal Medicine Products: A Narrative Review

Medicinal plants are sources of crude traditional herbal medicines that are utilized to reduce the risk of, treat, or manage diseases in most indigenous communities. This is due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It is estimated that about 80% of the population in developing countries rely on herbal traditional medicines for healthcare. This signifies the need for traditional herbal medicines, which are polyherbal formulations prepared by traditional health practitioners. This review examines preparatory steps to extract bioactive phytoconstituents and post-extraction processes to increase the potency of the extracted bioactive phytoconstituents. Achieving this will allow for the reduced use of plant materials and promote the sustainable use of the limited resource of medicinal plants, especially in our South African context. Electronic ethnobotanical books and online databases were used to find studies that focus on phytoconstituent extraction and post-extraction processing to enhance the potency of the extracted bioactive phytoconstituents. Modification of the extracted bioactive phytoconstituents to synthesize daughter compounds facilitates an enhancement in their potency and bioavailability. Based on the data collected through this review, the importance of understanding the properties of the targeted phytoconstituents is essential in selecting the required extraction method. This determines the quality and yield of extracted bioactive phytoconstituents.

Multi-local analysis confirms identity of lethal bronzing phytoplasma for the first time in declining wild date palms (Phoenix sylvestris) from Georgia, U.S.A.

Lethal bronzing disease is a fatal phytoplasma infection of over 20 different palm species. It was introduced to Florida around 2006 and has since spread throughout the entire state where it has caused millions of dollars in economic to nurseries and landscape companies. While spread within nurseries and urban landscapes in Florida is driven primarily by transmission via the vector, Haplaxius crudus, long distance dispersal is commonly driven by movement of infected plant material. In this study, evidence is provided of the first detection of this phytoplasma in Phoenix sylvestris in Georgia, representing a new state record that is due directly to the movement of plants from Florida. Sequence data for the 16S rRNA, secA and groEL genes confirms the identity of the phytoplasma in declining palms from Georgia. This report highlights the continued need for monitoring and testing for lethal bronzing in Florida and regions where palms can grow and are commonly planted.

Broussonetia papyrifera Extract Can Be Used as a Raw Material Source for a Sterility Agent for Microtus fortis

Plant sterilants are used to control rodent populations due to their minimal environmental risk and other ethical considerations. However, their practical utilization is unsatisfactory due to high costs and processing difficulties. Broussonetia papyrifera is a plant material that has shown the potential to inhibit the reproduction of Microtus fortis, a species that causes serious damage to crops in the Dongting Lake region in China. M. fortis was treated with different doses of B. papyrifera leaf methanol extracts. The results show that the growth of sex organs was inhibited, and the males’ testosterone levels and sperm quality were reduced. Though there were some positive effects on females, the reproductive parameters of coupled voles were inferior; the most treated couple exhibited an increased reproductive time, fetal counts, and reduced weight. It was also found that M. fortis responded negatively to the extract after a single treatment or long-term repeated treatment compared to a short-term repeated treatment. B. papyrifera leaves showed a higher application potential as a sterilant for male rodents. These findings enrich the study of plant sterilants and provide insights into the utilization of B. papyrifera and the management of rodents. Owing to the effectiveness and accessibility of the leaves, the derived sterilant may be more economical for controlling rodent pests.