Native Plant Research Articles

Development of a Rhizobium Seed Coating to Establish Lupine Species on Degraded Rangelands.

Restoring native plant species on degraded landscapes is challenging. Symbiotic partners in the plant rhizosphere can aid in nutrient acquisition, pathogen protection, stress tolerance, and many other processes. However, these microbes are often absent in altered landscapes and need to be re-integrated to improve restoration efforts. We evaluated, within a laboratory setting, the ability of commercial and indigenous rhizobia strains to form nodules on lupine species used for rangeland seedings in the Great Basin region of the Western United States and ascertained if these strains could be applied through a seed coating. We also evaluated if a compost amendment applied via seed coating could further enhance the performance of the rhizobia strains. Our analysis showed that successful nodulation could occur using commercial and wildland-collected indigenous strains through either a liquid culture applied to seedlings or as a dry seed coating. However, the number of root nodules and the presence of a pink color (indicating nitrogen fixation) were typically higher in the commercial product than in the indigenous strains. Compost did not improve nodulation or the performance of the nodules; however, this treatment alone improved shoot growth. Overall, these results suggest that commercial rhizobium may be more effective in improving plant growth, and future research with native rhizobia may want to consider identifying strains compatible with seed-coating delivery. Longer-term studies are now merited for assessing how the rhizobia strains evaluated in this study influence plant growth, particularly in a field setting.

Chemical Composition, Antifungal Activity and Toxicological Evaluation of Lippia sidoides Cham.

Candida species are normally commensal yeasts residing in the human body, under certain circumstances, can trigger pathological conditions such as candidiasis, not to mention antifungal resistance. Lippia sidoides Cham., or pepper-rosmarinus, is a native plant found in the Northeastern semi-arid region of Brazil, cited in ethnobotanical studies for its bioactive potential. This approach aims not only to expand the understanding of the antifungal efficacy of the ethanol extract of L. sidoides (EELs) but also to evaluate synergies that may enhance the available therapeutic arsenal, using the checkerboard method, and to assess potential toxic effects of this extract using model organisms, Artemia salina and Drosophila melanogaster, to evaluate mortality rates. Antifungal activity was observed at high concentrations (>1024 μg/mL) for both strains of Candida albicans and Candida krusei tested, with the most significant inhibition of fungal growth when the compound was used in synergy with fluconazole at 8.0 and 128 μg/mL, respectively. This activity likely occurred due to the interaction between the chemical composition of the ethanol extract rich in flavonoids and tannins with the reference drug. Regarding toxicity, both in relation to D. melanogaster and A. salina, no toxic results were observed at low concentrations. These results suggest that the ethanol extract of EELs may be a potential alternative as an adjuvant to fluconazole in the treatment of fungal infections caused by Candida spp. The observed synergy suggests that this combination may help overcome resistance to conventional antifungals and improve treatment efficacy.

Açai seed biochar improves soil quality and black pepper seedling development in the Amazon region

Sustainable management of the Amazon rainforest is fundamental for supporting life on earth because of its crucial role in sequestering carbon. One of the species grown in the forest is açaí (Euterpe oleracea), which is an important food and income source for its inhabitant. The acai seed, resulting from the processing of the fruit, is a solid organic residue, which has been an agent of undesirable environmental impacts such as natural landscape modifications, clogging sewers and water courses, eutrophication of surface waters. In this research, we evaluated the use of wood chips as a source of energy in a rustic oven to produce acai biochar so that family farmers carry out sustainable management of the residue and use biochar to improve soil quality and produce seedlings of native plants to regenerate degraded forests. The experiment was conducted in Pará, Brazil, Amazon region, using a randomized complete block design. A factorial treatment structure was implemented consisting of four biochar particle sizes (3, 5, 7, and 12 mm), 4 application rates (4, 8, 16, and 32 t ha−1), and a biochar-free control, with 5 replications. The results showed that the methodology for biochar production was easy to apply and low cost, allowing its use by family farmers. The combination of biochar rate and particle size affected soil properties and the development of black pepper seedlings in different ways. The soil properties affected were water retention capacity, moisture, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis and arylsulphatase activity. The growth parameters of the affected black pepper seedlings were height and root system development.

Functional traits of exotic submerged macrophytes mediate diversity-invasibility relationship in freshwater communities under eutrophication

Plant diversity may respond differently in terms of whether it can drive plant invasions in freshwater ecosystem. Linkages and interactions between diversity and invasibility have not been clearly resolved, and it is unclear how nutrient enrichment (e.g., eutrophication) will affect this relationship. As a key predictor of plant growth, the ability of functional traits to mediate trade-offs in the diversity-invasibility relationship is unknown. Here, we conducted a series of experiments to determine the role of exotic plant functional traits in the diversity-invasibility relationship of submerged macrophyte communities under eutrophication. We selected common native and exotic submerged macrophytes in the subtropics to construct different diverse submerged macrophyte communities to simulate invasion. Meanwhile, to test the adaptability and importance of functional traits, we experimentally verified the differences in functional traits between exotic and native species. Our results showed a positive correlation between native plant diversity and community invasibility. Moreover, the invader's performance was predominantly determined by functional traits of exotic species, such as plant biomass and tissue nutrients, which were significantly altered by species diversity. Furthermore, our results suggested that functional traits contribute significantly more to the invasiveness of exotic submerged macrophytes than the other factors to which they are subjected. Plant functional traits can mediate the diversity–invasibility relationship because of the higher intrinsic dominance of exotic submerged macrophyte species. In summary, our study revealed diversity-invasibility relationship in submerged macrophyte communities and highlighted functional traits as key drivers of invasion of high-risk exotic submerged macrophyte species. Although previous studies have elucidated the importance of functional trait studies for plant invasions, our study provides the only current evidence demonstrating the important role of invaders' functional traits in mediating the diversity-invasibility relationship. This novel perspective offers valuable insights into the management and control of invasive aquatic plants.

Phytoremediation potential in soils contaminated with zinc

The accumulation of heavy metals in soils and waters represents a risk for both the environmental and human health. In this context, phytoremediation has become an efficient, accessible technological solution to extract or remove inactive metals and metal pollutants from contaminated soils. Our objective is to assess the behavior of different native plants of the Cerrado of Maranhão, ipê roxo (Tabebuia impetiginosa) and aroeira (Myracrodrun urundeuva), in the phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Zinc (Zn) (II) under controlled greenhouse conditions. Between the species investigated, Tabebuia impetiginosa presented a higher biomass production (aerial part/root) than Myracrodrun urundeuva for the period of 25 days. In turn, in the 45-day period, root biomass was higher for Tabebuia impetiginosa in doped soil, while lower biomass production was found in the aroeira control group. The highest Zn concentrations in the root appeared in the period of 25 days for doped soil for both species, with an absorption of 142.10 mg kg-1 for Tabebuia impetiginosa and 150.57 mg kg-1 for Myracrodrun urundeuva. In the aerial part, the aroeira species had higher Zn concentration in doped soil in the 45-day period, 398.97 mg kg-1. Regarding the TF and BF, the species presented higher efficiency in zinc phytoextraction. Both species were able to absorb and tolerate the metals in the soil induced to stress. Finally, we conclude that Tabebuia impetiginosa and Myracrodrun urundeuva can be applied in phytostabilization and phytoextraction processes, with hyperaccumulating potential for the ions of Zn.

Comprehensive genetic analysis reveals the genetic structure and diversity of Calanthe hoshii (Orchidaceae), an endemic species of the Ogasawara Islands: Implications for appropriate conservation of a critically endangered species

AbstractThe Ogasawara Islands, isolated from the continent throughout their geological history, harbor abundant endemic species. However, 32% of the native plant species are on the Japanese Red List, signaling their endangered status. Among these endangered species, Calanthe hoshii stands out as highly susceptible to extinction. Two wild and 89 ex situ individuals were alive in 2020, but the last known wild individual died in October 2021, indicating this species may have become extinct in the wild. Despite the conservation efforts under the Act for the Conservation of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the lack of essential information regarding genetic diversity and population structure among the remaining individuals poses a significant obstacle to developing effective conservation measures. In this research, we conducted a genetic analysis of the wild and ex situ individuals, which revealed notably reduced genetic diversity between individuals, with individual heterozygosity levels (1.0 × 10−5) measuring one‐ninth of those observed within a closely related species Calanthe triplicata (1.5 × 10−4). Comprehensive genetic analysis revealed that C. hoshii consisted of three genetic clusters of different sizes: cluster 1 comprised 95% of the total population, while clusters 2 and 3, with few individuals, were only found in the ex situ populations at Koishikawa Botanical Garden. Since extant C. hoshii maintains a remarkably low genetic diversity at both individual and population levels, it is necessary to consider future management strategies, such as artificial breeding among different clades identified in this study, to safeguard the stability and resilience of this species.

In Vitro Phytochemical Analysis of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Tephrosia Purpurea

Tephrosia purpurea is a flowering plant that has a pantropical distribution. It is throughout found in india and srilanka A decoction of the roots is given in dyspepsia, diarrhea, rheumatism, asthma and urinary disorders. Two native plants, Tephrosia purpurea (Linn.) Pers. (Fabaceae) and Mimusops elengi (Linn.) (Sapotaceae) were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Preliminary testing of antimicrobial activity of T. purpurea against 3 standard cultures In addition, ethonolic extracts were prepared from the bark of M. elengi and tested for its antimicrobial activity against the above bacterial isolates. Present work was undertaken to study antioxidant potential of the plant. It can be concluded that the aqueous extract of T. purpurea L. root can be used as antioxidant and it can be recommended for the treatment of various disease. The study concluded that the ethanolic extract of T. purpurea exhibits antioxidant activity in vivo and the ethyl acetate soluble fraction has improved antioxidant potential than the extract.

Microplastics promote the invasiveness of invasive alien species under fluctuating water regime

Abstract Microplastic (MP) pollution and alien plant invasions are two important threats to terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics alter the physical and chemical characteristics of soil, potentially affecting the performance of alien plants. However, previous studies have overlooked the impact of weather on invasive plants in areas polluted by MPs. With the global increase in extreme rainfall events, it is imperative to redefine the correlation between MPs and invasive plants. Here, we conducted an experiment in a climate chamber to examine the effects of MPs on the growth and development of both native and invasive alien plants under constant and fluctuating water regime (FWR). The FWR simulated extreme water pulses during the 2016–2020 growing seasons in Wuhan, China. Our results indicated that biomass accumulation and root development were influenced by water conditions and MP pollution in both invasive and native species. The extent of the effects varied between the two groups of plant species. FWR promoted plant growth and fine root development in invasive plants but reduced the maximum quantum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) indices of native plants. Moreover, FWR attenuated the negative effects of polybutylene succinate (PBS, degradable MPs) on biomass and root characteristics (length, surface area and tips). FWR compensated the negative impacts of MPs on the total and below‐ground biomass of the invasive species Paspalum dilatatum and Sphagneticola trilobata, but not on the native species. Consequently, invasive species showed better performance than native species in the fine root development of biomass growth and chlorophyll fluorescence under the combined effects of MPs and FWR. Synthesis and applications. Our findings suggest that MP pollution enhances the competitiveness of invasive alien species over the native species when exposed to pronounced dry–wet water cycle conditions, potentially affecting the composition and biodiversity of the ecosystems. Thus, controlling MP pollution should be a part of the management strategy to conserve biodiversity and ecosystems.

Identification and characterization of the causal agent of powdery mildew on native salmonberry and thimbleberry plants in British Columbia

Salmonberry (Rubus spectabilis) and thimbleberry (Rubus nutkanus) are important native berry plants for Indigenous communities and restoration sites in the coastal region of British Columbia (BC). Compared to cultivated berry plants, information on the diseases impacting native berry plant species is limited. In late August 2022, powdery mildew symptoms and signs were observed on field plots of salmonberry and thimbleberry plants at the Agassiz Research and Development Centre, BC. The disease symptoms progressed until the end of September. The morphology of conidiophores and conidia when examined under a compound and scanning electron microscope showed they matched with those of Podosphaera aphanis. DNA from diseased foliage was subjected to PCR amplification with primers representing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA followed by sequencing. The corresponding sequences from both hosts showed >99% similarity to P. aphanis in GenBank and grouped with several accessions of P. aphanis following phylogenetic analysis. In artificially inoculated trials conducted in the greenhouse, powdery mildew symptoms developed within 3−4 weeks post-inoculation and P. aphanis isolates from salmonberry and thimbleberry were cross-pathogenic to each host. To our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing the powdery mildew pathogen infecting salmonberry and thimbleberry and demonstrating cross-pathogenicity to both hosts. The outcomes from this study provide insight into the biology of the powdery mildew pathogen infecting native Rubus spp.

Essential Oils from Native Brazilian Plants of the Genus Eugenia as an Innovative and Sustainable Source of Active Ingredients for Food Systems and Human Health and Well-Being

Brazil is home to some of the world’s greatest biodiversity, providing an immeasurable number of new opportunities and unexplored sources of native plants for the development of products, extracts, foods, and compounds of social and economic interest. Among these, plants of the genus Eugenia stand out because of the large number of species found in Brazilian territory, many of which are endemic and exclusive to Brazil. These plants have emerged as potential sources for obtaining essential oils with relevant biological activities. In this context, the present review provides an overview of essential oils derived from the main native plants of Brazilian socio-biodiversity from the genus Eugenia with food value (Eugenia stipitata, Eugenia dysenterica, Eugenia involucrata, Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia klotzschiana, Eugenia uniflora, and Eugenia pyriformis) and their phytochemical profile and health beneficial effects. The compiled data showed that the essential oils of these plants are composed mainly of sesquiterpenes and, in smaller quantities, monoterpenes and other compounds. These compounds contribute to different biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and antiparasitic effects. These findings demonstrate that the essential oils of Brazilian native plants of the genus Eugenia can be a promising raw material for active ingredients to develop innovative and sustainable food products, drugs, and cosmetics.

Air pollution generated in an industrial region: Effect on the cardiovascular health of humans and damage caused to a plant species, Piper gaudichaudianum (Piperaceae), used for biomonitoring

Atmospheric pollution due to anthropogenic activities is a complex mixture of gasses and particulate matter (PM) that is currently one of the main causes of premature death in the world. Similarly, it is also capable of directly interfering with plant species by reducing their photosynthetic capacity and growth and killing cells. This work is about an observational study conducted in a region with two industries: a mine and an automobile parts manufacturer. Mining rocks is a source of PM in the air like that caused by other industrial activities. Twenty-five people that work or live in the industrial region cited (area A) and 25 people that live further away (area B) were selected to evaluate their vital signs and conduct a transthoracic echocardiogram. Leaves of Piper gaudichaudianum (Piperaceae), a native plant species, were also collected in both areas and evaluated in a laboratory. The PM accumulated on the leaves was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A statistical difference (P < 0.05) was verified for the levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and left ventricular mass index by echocardiography; the values were greater in people in area A. For the plant analysis, there was a statistical difference for all characters evaluated, chlorophyll levels, fresh mass, dry mass and leaf area were reduced, and thickness was greater in area A (P < 0.001). The PM analysis revealed a predominance of silicon, iron, and aluminum chemical elements. The present study suggests that particulate matter pollution is harmful to both humans and the flora.

Action of dithiocarbimates salts on the honey bee and its pathogen Nosema ceranae

Apis mellifera, crucial pollinators for both native and cultivated plants, also yield various products such as honey, wax, royal jelly, and propolis, extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics industries. Nosema ceranae, a prevalent microsporidian worldwide, stands as a significant pathogen for A. mellifera, showing resistance to conventional antibiotics. Consequently, the exploration of novel compounds for N. ceranae control becomes imperative. Dithiocarbimate derivatives emerge as promising antifungal candidates under evaluation for combating various pathogens, particularly those affecting plants. This study assessed the toxicity profile of six dithiocarbimate derivatives on A. mellifera worker survival and N. ceranae pathogen. Among these, four compounds exhibited minimal bee mortality and proceeded to further evaluation against N. ceranae. In vitro assays demonstrated their inhibitory effects on spore germination. Remarkably, the most potent compound suppressed N. ceranae spores by 62% at a concentration of 20 µmol L−1in vivo. Thus, these dithiocarbimate derivatives represent promising new antifungal agents for combatting nosemosis in honey bee populations.

Attributive analysis of the anthropophytes fraction as part of the urban flora of Kyiv urban area (the degree of naturalization, invasive status, threat assessment for local ecosystems and biotic diversity)

International ecological scientific community pays special attention to urbanized territories as separate locations of alien invasive species of biota. The results of the attributive analysis of the structure of the alien fraction of KUA flora according to three current European categories are presented. The basis of the analysis is the final list of alien vascular plants of KUA flora, which contains 718 species. 166 taxa of alien vascular plants that immigrated to KUA from 2003 to 2023 were added to the list. It was found that the degree of naturalization of immigrant species is dominated by casual alien species, which make up 59.0% of the taxonomic composition of the fraction. Species that are elements of man-make environments reach 35.5%. At the same time, alien species that grow and persist for a long time in natural habitats, including protected areas, do not exceed 5.0%. According to the categories of invasive activity, there are species that are naturalized and do not show a tendency to invasions — 32.0%. The most dangerous among invasive plants are transformer species, represented by 2.5%, actual invasive species — 4.0%, potentially invasive species — 2.0%. Based on the «Classification of alien species according to their impact on the environment», adapted by the IUCN: the massive impact is 1.5% of the total number and 4.0% of the number of naturalized ones; accordingly, the major impact — 2.2% (5.4%); the moderate impact — 5.2% (11.2%); the minor impact — 28.1% (68.6%); the minimal impact — 4.2% (10.8%). Based on the results of screening the negative effects of invasive species on the environment, examples of threats are given. This is competition for natural resources, displacement of native plant species; penetration into forests of plants whose climamorphotypes are absent in local forest ecosystems (tree vines), etc. Threatening cases of spontaneous hybridization of immigrant species with local species and with each other have been identified (repeated occurrences in the genera Bidens L., Populus L., Reynoutria Houtt., etc.). The need for an experimental study of the chemical and physical negative effects of invasive plants on local species of biota and human health is indicated. It is noted that the flora of KUA, on the background of the flora of Europe, is currently uniformly affected by phytoinvasions as an urbanized spatial unit of Ukraine.

Alien species of nectar-bearing plants of Ukraine’s flora

Alien species pose a significant threat to global biodiversity, competing with local species, gradually displacing them, and often leading to their demise. Alien plants, in particular, pose a direct threat to native plant diversity as well as the management of ecosystems, agriculture, and forestry. The main reason for the appearance of alien species in ecosystems where they are not native is human activity. Most alien plant species have become so due to introduction for cultivation purposes, thanks to their medicinal, honey-producing, and other beneficial properties for humans. Therefore, knowledge of their biology, potential for expansion, as well as possible monitoring and control methods, is extremely important. After all, obtaining the maximum benefit for meeting public needs without harming the environment is an urgent task today. Among alien species, invasive species are the most dangerous for the loss of biodiversity. However, currently in Ukraine, there are no officially approved lists of alien and invasive species, their inventory has not been conducted, monitoring and risk assessment systems are absent, and there are no adequate and coordinated measures to counteract biotic invasions. Therefore, the purpose of our work was to conduct an analysis of the flora of Ukraine, to identify alien, including invasive plants, are honey and/or pollen-producing, and compile their list. As a result of the analysis, 63 alien, including 16 invasive species of vascular plants with honey and pollenproducing properties were identified, belonging to 28 families and 56 genera. Particularly valuable invasive honey plants include: Helianthus annuus L., Robinia pseudoacacia L., Asclepias syriaca L., Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Siebold &amp; Zucc., Solidago canadensis L., which can provide significant industrial honey production. Considering that such invasive plants (which are also honey-producing) as Cucurbita pepo L., Raphanus sativus L., Helianthus annuus L., Juglans nigra L., Prunus armeniaca L. and Vitis vinifera L. are agricultural crops, their spread is usually limited to agricultural lands. Therefore, their invasions into natural ecosystems are minimal, and the benefits are undeniable. However, when cultivating alien plants, it is always worth considering the benefit and economic gain against their real or potential threat to natural ecosystems.

Seed dispersal by Martu peoples promotes the distribution of native plants in arid Australia

Commensal relationships between wild plants and their dispersers play a key ecological and evolutionary role in community structure and function. While non-human dispersers are often considered critical to plant recruitment, human dispersers have received much less attention, especially when it comes to non-domesticated plants. Australia, as a continent historically characterized by economies reliant on non-domesticated plants, is thus a key system for exploring the ecological role of people as seed dispersers in the absence of agriculture. Here, we utilize a controlled observation research design, employing ecological surveys and ethnographic observations to examine how seed dispersal and landscape burning by Martu Aboriginal people affects the distribution of three preferred plants and one (edible, but non-preferred) control species. Using an information theoretic approach, we find that the three preferred plants show evidence of human dispersal, with the strongest evidence supporting anthropogenic dispersal for the wild bush tomato, Solanum diversiflorum.

Phytoremediation Characterization of Heavy Metals by Some Native Plants at Anthropogenic Polluted Sites in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Many anthropogenic activities have lately resulted in soil adulteration by heavy metals (HMs). The assessment of native plant species that grow in the polluted environments is of great importance for using these plants in phytoremediation techniques. This study was conducted in three industrial regions in Jeddah city, Wadi Marik, Bahra, and Khumrah, to assess the HM contamination level in them. This study also evaluated the phytoremediation ability of nine plant species collected from the studied regions. Soil physicochemical properties of the studied sites were investigated. Nine HMs, aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), and barium (Ba), have been evaluated in the collected soil, plant shoots, and root samples. Total thiol concentration in the plant shoots and roots was determined. The phytoremediation indexes, such as bioaccumulation factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), were estimated. The results show that the soil of all the explored sites was sandy and slightly alkaline. It was found that Ni, Pb, and Cr were above the international permissible limit in all soil samples. The Wadi Marik region recorded the highest HM concentration compared to the other sites. In the Bahra region, Fe, Zn, Co, and Mn in all collected soil samples were below internationally permissible levels. In Khumrah, the highest concentration of Zn was found in the soil sample collected around F. indica plants, while Fe, Co, and Mn in all collected soil samples were below the international permissible limit. Depending on the BCF calculations, most of the investigated species showed phytostabilization ability for most of the studied HMs. Of them, E. indica, T. nubica, and P. divisum recorded the highest BCF values that ranged from 16.1 to 3.4. The BCF values of the studied HMs reduced in the order of Cr &gt; Zn &gt; Mn &gt; Co &gt; Ba &gt; Fe &gt; Al &gt; Pb. Phytoextration of Co and Cr could be achieved by P. oleracea and F. indica, which showed TF values that reached 6.7 and 6.1, respectively. These plants showed high potential for phytoremediation and can be suggested as protective belts close to the contaminated regions of Jeddah.

Phytoremediation of metals in oil sands process affected water by native wetland species

Process affected water and other industrial wastewaters are a major environmental concern. During oil sands mining, large amounts of oil sands process affected water (OSPW) are generated and stored in ponds until reclaimed and ready for surface water discharge. While much research has focused on organics in process waters, trace metals at high concentrations may also pose environmental risks. Phytoremediation is a cost effective and sustainable approach that employs plants to extract and reduce contaminants in water. The research was undertaken in mesocosm scale constructed wetlands with plants exposed to OSPW for 60 days. The objective was to screen seven native emergent wetland species for their ability to tolerate high metal concentrations (arsenic, cadmium, copper, chromium, copper, nickel, selenium, zinc), and then to evaluate the best performing species for OSPW phytoremediation. All native plant species, except Glyceria grandis, tolerated and grew in OSPW. Carex aquatilis (water sedge), Juncus balticus (baltic rush), and Typha latifolia (cattail) had highest survival and growth, and had high metal removal efficiencies for arsenic (81–87 %), chromium (78–86 %), and cadmium (74–84 %), relative to other metals; and greater than 91 % of the dissolved portions were removed. The native plant species were efficient accumulators of all metals, as demonstrated by high root and shoot bioaccumulation factors; root accumulation was greater than shoot accumulation. Translocation factor values were greater than one for Juncus balticus (chromium, zinc) and Carex aquatilis (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel). The results demonstrate the potential suitability of these species for phytoremediation of a number of metals of concern and could provide an effective and environmentally sound remediation approach for wastewaters.

Micropropagation of Zuccagnia punctata, an argentine medicinal plant, by means of “in vitro” technology to promove its conservation and the sustainable production of bioactive compounds

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (“jarilla poposa”) is a monotypic argentine native medicinal plant used by indigenous communities for the treatment of several pathologies. The pharmacological properties have been scientifically validated and its potential use in phytocosmetic and pharmaceutic industry as antiaged, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antitumoral, antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicotic has been previously demonstrated. However, the species has a low propagation rate in natural conditions and has been included in the preliminary red list of endangered plants in category 3. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methodologies leading to its conservation and propagation to achieve its sustainable use. The objective of this work is to perform a micropropagation protocol for Z. punctata species for the sustainable use and conservation of this species. Furthermore, the study evaluated also the impact of “in vitro” propagation on the content of bioactive compounds of ethanolic extracts obtained from Z. punctata plants obtained “in vitro” with collected wild plants. Seeds have been used as mother material. The seed germination to obtain explants were performed on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) without plant growth regulators (PGRs) containing sucrose, agar, and ascorbic acid. The same medium was employed for the multiplication of shoots. “In vitro” rooting was achieved in liquid and semisolid medium, and a higher yield was obtained in the latter. The plants were transferred into commercial substrate and acclimatized in a greenhouse. The micropropagated plants (MP) had a high content of total phenolic compounds similar to those obtained from wild adult plants (WAP) collected in the Monte Desert. The flavonoid content of MP was higher than that of WAP. The main chalcones identified in WAP, 2′,4′ dihydroxychalcone (DHC) and 2′,4′-dihydroxy-3′-methoxychalcone (DHMC) were also present in the MP with a rate 1/1, and 1/3 in WAP. The extracts obtained from the MP showed antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antimicrobial activity, similar to WAP. The “in vitro” propagation and acclimatization of Z. punctata constitutes a fundamental tool to achieve large-scale multiplication of this species in the future and the sustainable production of bioactive compounds with commercial applications. Reimplantation in the natural habitat could prevent the loss of this medicinal genetic resource.

Functional Traits of Native Plants from the Cerrado Biome: a Systematic Review

O bioma Cerrado abriga mais de 12.000 espécies vegetais nativas, distribuídas em 11 fitofisionomias, incluindo áreas campestres, savânicas e florestais. Essa diversidade de ambientes confere às plantas nativas traços funcionais específicos. Para investigar esses traços funcionais, realizou-se uma pesquisa na base de dados Web of Science, o que resultou no total de 1227 publicações, das quais 482 foram retidas para análise após a aplicação de critérios de filtragem. Foram empregados métodos de cienciometria para a obtenção de métricas de publicação e análise de conteúdo dos artigos. Observou-se que os traços funcionais mais frequentes nas publicações estão relacionados às temáticas como fenologia, fotossíntese, ocorrência de fogo, herbivoria, polinização, área foliar, carbono, capacidade de rebrota, concorrência, adaptações à seca, anatomia vegetal e dispersão de sementes. O número de publicações foi crescente durante o período analisado (1991-2022), principalmente a partir do ano 2011, com ao menos 20 artigos publicados anualmente. Os temas básicos de pesquisa foram Cerrado, mudança climática, ecologia do fogo e déficit hídrico, os temas motores incluíram assuntos relacionados, principalmente, à fotossíntese e mudança climática. Com base nas análises, observa-se que os traços funcionais podem ser classificados em demográficos, fenológicos, fisiológicos, morfológicos, morfofenológicos e morfofisiológicos. Apesar deste estudo ser abrangente, ressalta-se que o número de artigos publicados investigando os traços funcionais de plantas nativas do Cerrado é incipiente, principalmente diante das rápidas alterações de uso e cobertura da terra que ocorrem no bioma e que podem afetar significativamente a flora. São necessários mais estudos para gerar conhecimentos e preencher as lacunas em relação às respostas e adaptações das plantas do bioma às diferentes condições e limitações ambientais, principalmente em um cenário de mudança climática, alterações no uso do solo, fragmentação de habitats, invasão de ambientes naturais por espécies exóticas e contaminação por agroquímicos.

Indirect and direct drivers of floristic condition in a threatened temperate woodland

Almost half of Earth's surface is threatened by agriculture, which has extensively degraded ecosystems and resulted in significant biodiversity loss. Remnant ecosystems in fragmented agricultural landscapes are threatened by past and present grazing and land-clearing. Declines in native diversity are common in these ecosystems, and their restoration is a key conservation goal globally. Understanding the drivers of change in floristic condition, reflecting continuity in floristic composition towards native plant communities, is fundamental to inform effective restoration practice. Previous investigations have demonstrated abiotic and biotic drivers of floristic condition independently. However, few consider the combined influence of these drivers on floristic condition, or the interactions between them, which may mediate indirect effects (e.g. plant-soil interactions). Despite this, ecological interactions may underpin changes in floristic condition, and provide critical insights needed to inform restoration. Here, we use structural equation modelling to disentangle the relationships between plants, soils and grass and litter biomass (leaf litter and fine woody debris) to elucidate the direct and indirect drivers of floristic condition in some of the most degraded landscapes globally: the critically endangered box-gum grassy woodlands in south-eastern Australia. We identify divergent plant-soil interactions between native versus exotic plants to key soil properties including soil nitrate and phosphorus. Specifically, native plants were negatively associated with increasing soil fertility, which favored exotic species. We also found evidence of indirect effects on floristic condition, mediated through interactions between litter biomass, soils and the basal area of overstorey trees. Our findings highlight the major role of soils in shaping floristic condition through direct and indirect pathways, and the role of multivariate interactions in mediating these pathways in a highly degraded, critically endangered ecosystem. Effective restoration must therefore consider the multivariate direct and indirect drivers of ecological condition to maximise positive outcomes in these landscapes and those similar.