Plant Parts Research Articles

Albizia Odoratisima: Review on Morphology, Pharmacological Activity, Physicochemical, Phytochemical Study and Traditional Uses

A black Siri’s belonging to the Fagaceae family and the Mimosaceae subfamily, Albizia odoratissima Bent (L.F.) is extensively grown in China, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam. It is considered one of the best trees for nitrogen fixation. Albizia odoratissima Bent is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions (L.F.). It has been used to treat a wide range of diseases such as antidiabetic action. All the Albizia species, Albizia odoratissima exhibits the best anti-diabetic properties. Historically, many plant parts have been used as remedies for conditions like diabetes, asthma, leprosy, bronchitis, cough, skin diseases, and inflammatory pathologies like burns and ulcers. There have been reports of a variety of pharmacological activity, including antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti inflammatory properties, for different prepared extracts of these plants and their parts. Providing a pharmacognostical description, pharmacological activities, therapeutic value, and uses is the aim of the current review study

Ethnobotanical study of plants sold in the markets of the city of DALOA to treat dysmenorrhea

The study of plants traditionally used to treat dysmenorrhoea in the city of Daloa was carried out in three markets in the town. To obtain the information, ethnobotanical surveys based on free lists were carried out with medicinal plant traders. These investigations resulted in the identification of 11 plants. Three of these plants are well known and widely used. These are Terminalia superba (FC = 77.78%; VU = 1.63), Parkia biglobosa and Xylopia aethiopia (FC = 66.67%; VU = 1.57). This study reveals that plants mentioned are mostly sought after for their bark and fruit. Our investigations revealed that the various plant parts are used to prepare several medicinal recipes. The most frequently mentioned preparation method is decoction. Most recipes are used as drinks.

The concept of creating a maneuverable power plant based on a small modular reactor

Purpose. To develop a maneuverable power plant (MPP) based on the NuScale small modular reactor (SMR) by selecting a thermal scheme structure for a steam turbine installation using minimal additional equipment and ensuring its operation in both nominal and peak modes with maximum efficiency. This also includes ensuring its maneuverability through the use of hydrogen technologies for generating, storing, and returning energy to the steam turbine cycle. Methodology. The study employed the method of mathematical modeling of thermodynamic cycles of thermal schemes of steam turbine installations (STI) with concentrated parameters, which makes it possible to describe the dynamics of systems consisting of discrete elements that are thermodynamic systems. Findings. Various structural options for the thermal scheme of the MPP based on the NuScale SMR for nominal operation were developed and mathematically modeled, followed by a comparative analysis of their energy efficiency. As a result, a scheme and operational parameters were selected with the highest electrical efficiency (net), which allows increasing the net efficiency of the NuScale SMR-based power plant from the developers’ announced 28 to 32.8 %. A thermal scheme for the MPP based on the SMR with an energy storage system was proposed. Applying this scheme allows increasing the net efficiency of a power plant based on NuScale SMR in peak mode to 34.8 %. Originality. A concept for creation and schematic solution for a prospective MPP based on an SMR capable of accumulating electrical energy was proposed. The main innovative solution regarding the structure of the technological scheme of the MPP based on the SMR is the organization of its operation in nominal and peak modes, which fundamentally differ in the thermodynamic cycle. In the nominal mode, the steam turbine installation operates on a thermodynamic cycle with steam separation, and in the peak mode without it, by increasing the temperature of fresh steam as a result of burning hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen and oxygen are produced in an electrolyzer during the power plant’s operation in the nominal mode by using the generated electricity “excess”. Practical value. Small modular reactors are currently mainly in the development stage. Additionally, the non-nuclear part of the SMR-based power plant, namely the STI, has not received sufficient attention, as evidenced by the literature. However, it plays a crucial role in the overall efficiency of the installation. The study focuses on the highly relevant issue of improving the efficiency of an SMR-based power plant by developing the structure of the STI thermal scheme involving hydrogen technologies. This will help reduce dependence on fossil hydrocarbons in the total volume of primary fuel and enable sustainable functioning of the Ukrainian energy system, as well as contribute to the preservation and improvement of the environmental state.

Phytochemical Associes of Fungal Endophytes in Nigeria Riverine Mangrove Ecosystem

The interaction between endophytic fungi and phytochemicals in the dominant mangroves (Rhizophora mangle, Lacugularia racemosa, and Avicennia africana) of the Iko River Estuary in Nigeria was investigated. Standard analytical procedures were employed to measure antioxidant levels, while endophytic fungi were isolated, morphologically characterized, and identified using culture-dependent methods. The study identified various bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, saponins, tannins/phenols, flavonoids, deoxy-sugars, cardiac glycosides, and steroids, with their concentrations varying depending on the mangrove species and plant parts. Alkaloids were present in all mangrove samples, with particularly high concentrations in the leaves of white (5%) and red (4.2%) mangroves. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the interaction between the endophytic fungi and phytochemicals, revealing a distinct affinity of certain fungal species for specific antioxidants in the mangroves. Fungal species such as Phoma sp., Rhizopus arrhizus, Aspergillus niger, and others exhibited a negative relationship with tannins, flavonoids, deoxysugars, and cardiac glycosides, but a positive affinity for saponins, alkaloids, and steroids. Conversely, Candida pseudotropicalis, Fusarium oxysporum, P. italicum, and others showed a positive affinity for tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and deoxysugars, but a negative affinity for alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. Notably, Absidia sp. was the only frequently isolated species with a strong correlation (r value ≥75 at a 95% confidence limit) with deoxy-sugars, while Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, and Absidia sp. demonstrated significant relationships with alkaloids, saponins, and steroids. These phytochemicals, which serve as precursors to antioxidants with promising biotechnological applications, likely play a crucial role in determining the association of endophytic fungi with deltaic mangroves in Nigeria.

The Invisible Tropical Tuber Crop: Edible Aroids (Araceae) Sold as “Tajer” in the Netherlands

AbstractEdible aroids (plants from the family Araceae) are among the top five most cultivated tuber crops globally, but their consumer acceptance is hindered by acridity. Aroids contain sap that severely irritates the throat and lips if not properly processed. However, no in-depth studies exist on acridity in edible aroids and how to diminish it. We used ethnobotanical methods to document the diversity of edible aroids available in the Dutch marketplace and how consumers handle acridity. We grew corms in a greenhouse to obtain additional morphological information and used flow cytometry to assess ploidy. We collected 73 samples and interviewed 71 people. At least three species, Colocasia esculenta, Xanthosoma violaceum, and Caladium bicolor, were sold under the generic name “tajer.” Different plant parts with various forms of processing were imported from diverse geographic origins and sold mainly to immigrant customers. Interviewees mentioned various processing methods to avoid and reduce acridity. We distinguished nine cultivar groups of Colocasia esculenta and four of Xanthosoma violaceum. Both Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma violaceum were also cultivated in Dutch greenhouses. We present the first report on edible aroids cultivation in northern Europe and draw attention to the lack of labeling and cooking instructions.

Artificial Intelligence-Based Segmentation and Classification of Plant Images with Missing Parts and Fractal Dimension Estimation

Existing research on image-based plant classification has demonstrated high performance using artificial intelligence algorithms. However, limited camera viewing angles can cause parts of the plant to be invisible in the acquired images, leading to an inaccurate classification. However, this issue has not been addressed by previous research. Hence, our study aims to introduce a method to improve classification performance by taking these limitations into account; specifically, we incorporated both segmentation and classification networks structured as shallow networks to expedite the processing times. The proposed shallow plant segmentation network (Shal-PSN) performs adversarial learning based on a discriminator network; and a shallow plant classification network (Shal-PCN) with applied residual connections was also implemented. Moreover, the fractal dimension estimation is used in this study for analyzing the segmentation results. Additionally, this study evaluated the performance of the proposed Shal-PSN that achieved the dice scores (DSs) of 87.43% and 85.71% with PlantVillage and open leaf image (OLID-I) open datasets, respectively, in instances where 40–60% of plant parts were missing. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the proposed method increased the classification accuracy from 41.16% to 90.51% in the same instances. Overall, our approach achieved superior performance compared to the existing state-of-the-art classification methods.

Anticancer Potential of Tocopherols-Containing Plants and Semi-Synthetic Tocopherols

Tocopherols, potent bioactive compounds with anticancer properties, remain understudied in herbal medicinal plants, presenting a significant knowledge gap in the field of natural anticancer agents. This review evaluates tocopherol-containing plants for their anticancer potential, analyzing Scopus publications from 2016 to 2024. Fifteen herbal medicinal plants were identified as promising candidates, including Bulbine anguistifolia Poelln, Punica granatum L., Moringa oleifera, Kigelia pinnata, and Typhonium flagelliforme Lodd. The review explores tocopherols’ anticancer mechanisms, including apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest. Factors influencing tocopherols’ anticancer effects are examined, such as their forms (α, β, γ, δ), concentrations, plant parts utilized, and their stability in various plants. Additionally, emerging research on semi-synthetic tocopherol derivatives is analyzed, highlighting their potential as adjuvants in chemotherapy and their role in enhancing drug delivery and reducing side effects. This comprehensive analysis aims to advance the development of plant-based anticancer pharmaceuticals and improve cancer treatment strategies. By elucidating the mechanisms and potential of tocopherol-containing plants, this review provides a foundation for future research in plant-based anticancer therapies. It emphasizes the need for further investigation into these plants’ anticancer properties, potentially leading to novel, more effective, and less toxic cancer therapies. The findings presented here contribute to a nuanced understanding of how tocopherol-containing plants can be leveraged in the development of future anticancer drugs.

Influence of soil microplastic contamination on maize (Zea mays) development and microbial dynamics

BackgroundMicroplastics are contaminants in soil ecosystems that alter biophysical processes, affect plant growth, ecosystems and humans in the long run. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of soil microplastic contamination on the growth, development, and microbial dynamics of maize (Zea mays).Composite soil samples were collected from the farm from 0 to 10 cm depth. Physicochemical properties were assessed before maize seed sowing. Three soil weight categories were treated with 30 g, 20 g and 10 g microplastics. Soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal content in maize plants were analyzed. Morphological parameters, microbial counts, and microorganism identification were conducted. FTIR analysis was carried out in selected plant parts.ResultsThe study revealed a pH range of 5.00–6.70, electrical conductivity of 70–158 µS/cm, organic carbon and organic matter, total nitrogen, average phosphorus content, clay and silt content. The concentrations of heavy metals in plant parts were within WHO standard limits of 425.5 and 500 mg/kg for iron and manganese, but above the limits of 40, 60, and 350 mg/kg for copper, zinc and magnesium. The plant had various leaf sizes and heights, with chlorosis and necrotic activity ranging from 0.33 to 2.67, and a range of 1.33 to 6.33, respectively. Soil samples showed a total bacterial count (TBC) of 2.00 × 103 cfu/g to 7.60 × 104 cfu/g and a total fungal count (TFC) of 4.00 × 103 cfu/g to 2.20 × 104 cfu/g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus cereus had percentage occurrences of 44.31, 21.17, 9.12, and 3.26%, respectively. Penicillium notatum was the most prevalent, while Fusarium spp. was the least prevalent. The FTIR analysis of maize seeds from soil samples A, B, and C revealed various organic compounds, with opium powder and streptomycin sulphate being the most abundant. The study revealed that pot B had the highest microplastic concentration at 1 WAS, while pot C had the lowest at 0.10 mg/kg, indicating a differential soil microplastic accumulation.ConclusionMicroplastics impact soil health, plant growth, and nutrient cycling, necessitating sustainable agriculture. Long-term research is needed to understand ecological and physiological impacts and explore remediation techniques.

Medicinal Plant Microbiomes: Factors Affecting Bacterial and Fungal Community Composition.

This exploratory study was designed to identify factors implicating microbial influence on medicinal plant metabolomes. Utilizing a whole-microbiome approach, amplicon sequencing was used to identify the makeup of fungal and bacterial assemblages from endophytic (interior) and epiphytic (external) environments in two different sets of congeneric host-plant pairs, with collection of multiple samples of two medicinal plant species (Actaea racemosa, Rhodiola rosea) and two generic analogs (Actaea rubra, Rhodiola integrifolia). Diversity analysis of microbial assemblages revealed the influence of three primary factors driving variance in microbial community composition: host-plant taxonomy, the compartmentalization of microbial communities within discrete plant parts, and the scale of distance (microhabitat heterogeneity) between sampling locations. These three factors accounted for ~ 60% of variance within and between investigated microbiomes. Across all our collections, bacterial populations were more diverse than fungi (per compartment), and microbial density in epiphytic compartments (aerial parts, rhizosphere) were higher than those of endophytes (leaf and root). These comparative data point to key loci associated with variation between congeneric pairs and plant genera, providing insight into the complex and contrasting relationships found within this multi-kingdom coevolutionary relationship. Although reflective of only a limited set of botanical source materials, these data document the richness of a relatively unexplored component of the plant world and highlight the relevance of a whole-microbiome ecology-driven approach to botanical research and directed natural product investigations.

Arsenic Uptake and Distribution in Green Pea Plants Under Arsenite and Arsenate Treatments

Soil arsenic (As) contamination is a global issue affecting regions worldwide. As in the soil is primarily present in inorganic forms, such as arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]. As is a microelement that is toxic to plants grown in As-contaminated soil. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of increasing concentrations (0, 3, 10, 30, 90, and 270 mg kg−1) of As(III) and As(V) on the As content in green pea (Pisum sativum L.) and the distribution of As among different plant parts at four phenophases (the four-node stage, beginning of flowering, green ripening, and mature stage). Another aim was to determine the percentage of total soil As available to plants under different treatments. The results indicate that the developmental stage of the pea and treatment concentration significantly influence the distribution of As among plant organs. However, the differences between the effect of inorganic As forms were less pronounced. The amount of As absorbed by the whole test plant increased with higher treatment concentrations. In the case of As(III)-treatment, As amount in the whole plant increased from 0.170 µg to 7.31 µg (I. Phenophase); from 0.294 µg to 10.1 µg (II. Phenophase); from 0.435 µg to 31.6 µg (III. Phenophase); and from 0.697 µg to 36.1 µg (IV. Phenophase). As a result of As(V)-treatment, the whole plant’s As content increased from 0.170 µg to 8.94 µg (I. Phenophase); from 0.294 µg to 17.4 µg (II. Phenophase); from 0.435 µg to 29.7 µg (III. Phenophase); and from 0.697 µg to 58.5 µg (IV. Phenophase). The concentration of As accumulated by the plant also increased over time. The proportion of As absorbed by generative parts was much smaller than that absorbed by vegetative organs. The pea seeds generally accumulated less As (maximum 7%) than the pea pods (in some cases, this reached the 10%). As the total amount of As taken up by the plant increased, the proportion of As reaching the seeds generally decreased (from 5% to 0.3% in the case of As[III]-treatment, and from 5% to 0.1% in the case of As[V]-treatment). At treatment levels where the ability of the stem to retain As increased, a maximum of 1% of the total As absorbed by the plant was found in the seeds. Depending on the treatment, 3.82–5.69% [As(V)-treatments] and 3.9–6.07% [As(III)-treatments] of the total soil As were available to the plants. The difference in the ratio of the total As content to the soluble As content was more evident at higher treatment levels (≥30 mg kg−1). This value was typically lower for the As(V)-treatments.

A loss-of-function mutation in OsTZF5 confers sensitivity to low temperature and effects the growth and development in rice.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is highly sensitive to low temperatures, which can significantly reduce its production. Cold tolerance in rice is a complex trait regulated by multiple mechanisms. OsTZF5, a member of the CCCH-type zinc finger gene family in rice, has been previously reported that overexpressing OsTZF5 under the stress-responsive promoter can confer drought resistance. In this study, we showed that the loss of function mutants of OsTZF5 decreased seed germination rate and chilling tolerance in rice, and influencing normal growth and development. OsTZF5 is expressed in various parts of the rice plant, including roots, stems, leaves and inflorescences, with the highest expression levels observed in leaves. Additionally, the expression of OsTZF5 gene was influenced by various stress conditions and hormone treatments. OsTZF5 knock-out mutants exhibited significantly lower survival rates compared to the wild type (Zhonghua11, ZH11) after cold stress, as well as fewer tillers, lower thousand-grain weight, and reduced grain yield under normal conditions. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that the expression of cold stress-related genes was significantly down-regulated in OsTZF5 knock-out mutants compared to ZH11 after cold stress. This down-regulation likely contributes to the reduced cold stress tolerance observed in OsTZF5 knock-out mutants. Our findings suggest that OsTZF5 is a multifunctional gene that plays a crucial role in regulating cold stress in rice.

Black shank-mediated alteration of the community assembly of rhizosphere soil bacteria in tobacco

IntroductionThere is a close and complex interaction between the elements in the aboveground-underground ecosystem during the growth and development of plants. Specifically, when the aboveground part of plants is infected by pathogens, it induces the plant rhizosphere to synthesize specific root exudates. Consequently, a group of beneficial rhizosphere soil bacteria is recruited to help plants resist diseases. However, the changes in the rhizosphere soil bacterial community of plants under infection by oomycete pathogens remain unknown.MethodsThree experimental treatments were set up in this experiment: soils inoculated with P. nicotianae, no-inoculation with P. nicotianae, and a control. The control treatment was composed of soils without transplanted tobacco plants, with the pathogen inoculated twice at an interval of eight days to ensure a successful P. nicotianae infection. P. nicotianae inoculation treatments were designed using the hyphal block inoculation method. In the non-inoculation treatment, tobacco plants were grown normally without pathogen inoculation. The tobacco plants were grown in a greenhouse.ResultsThis study demonstrates that tobacco plants recruit microorganisms at the rhizosphere level as a defense mechanism against disease after infection by the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora nicotianae. Specific rhizosphere soil bacteria were screened in vitro to promote tobacco growth in a biofilm-forming manner, which induced the systemic resistance of the plants to P. nicotianae. The recruitment of rhizosphere soil bacteria to the inter-root zone of tobacco plants after infection by P. nicotianae can help subsequently cultivated tobacco plants in the same soil resist pathogen infestation.DiscussionIn conclusion, the present study confirms that infestation caused by oomycete pathogens alters the composition of the plant rhizosphere soil bacterial community and recruits a specific group of beneficial microorganisms that induce disease resistance and promote plant growth, thereby maximizing the protection of progeny grown in the same soil against the disease.

Review of ethnomedicinal plant Helicteres isora Linn. and its traditional uses in India

This paper provides information on the ethnomedicinal and traditional uses of the medicinal plant Helicteres isora. Ethnomedicine has been used as a starting point in drug discovery, specifically pharmacological techniques. India has a rich tradition of plant-based knowledge of health care. A large number of plants, plant extracts, decoctions, and pastes are mostly used by tribal peoples for the treatment of various diseases. The uses of different plant parts by the local peoples in different aspects have been studied by several workers. The whole plant of Helicteres isora has excellent medicinal properties from ancient times. The parts of a plant that have been widely used in Ayurvedic medicine include roots, leaves, seeds, and fruits. Different types of pharmacological activities found are antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diarrheal, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, brain oxidant potency, etc. Helicteres isora is a rich source of antioxidants, carbohydrates, proteins, Fiber, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. The plant also exhibits the activity of demulcent and astringent activities. Every part of the medicinal uses of Helicteres isora Linn., having the above activities. In this study, we investigated the traditional uses of Helicteres isora plants. Ethnomedicinal data were collected by using semi-structured and open- ended questionnaires. Field excursions with expert lecturers and traditional healers were carried out. Descriptive statistics were used to present data.

First Report on Salvia Sahendica Boiss & Buhs roots biocomponents characterization by GC-MS and HPLC and Antibacterial Potency

Treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotic resistance is complicated. For this reason, new therapeutic methods are needed to control bacterial infections. Therefore, it is necessary to discover new antibiotics from medicinal plants that can destroy drug-resistant bacteria. Essential oils (EO) of some medicinal plants have antimicrobial effects and can be used as antimicrobial agents in the treatment of infections and food industries. The aim of this study was to determine the EO composition and antimicrobial effects of EO and polyphenols profile of Salvia Sahendica roots for the first time. Chemical compounds and antibacterial activity of EOs against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus as gram-positive and Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as gram- negative bacteria were evaluated using microtiter broth dilution method. Studied organs of S. sahendica showed significant diversity in terms of type and percentage of essential oil and polyphenol compounds. Overall, 44, 46, 42, and 45 compounds were identified in the essential oil of leaves, flowers, stems, and roots of this plant, which constituted 99.6, 99.3, 98.2, and 99.4% of total oil composition, respectively. The current study collectively demonstrated inhibitory effects ranged from strong (S. aureus) to low inhibition (P. aeruginosa). According to the HPLC result, the amounts of coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, and gallic acid compounds in the root are higher than in other plant parts, which indicate that the root can be a suitable source for the production of these valuable polyphenol compounds. Due to the results, it is possible to hope for the application of EO from S. sahendica as natural antibacterial in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Genome-Wide Identification of the Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Ion Channel Gene Family and Expression Profiles Under Low-Temperature Stress in Luffa cylindrica L.

Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) are cell membrane channel proteins for calcium ions. They have been reported to play important roles in survival and in the responses to environmental factors in various plants. However, little is known about the CNGC family and its functions in luffa (Luffa cylindrica L.). In this study, a bioinformatics-based method was used to identify members of the CNGC gene family in L. cylindrica. In total, 20 LcCNGCs were detected, and they were grouped into five subfamilies (I, II, Ⅲ, IV-a, and IV-b) in a phylogenetic analysis with CNGCs from Arabidopsis thaliana (20 AtCNGCs) and Momordica charantia (17 McCNGCs). The 20 LcCNGC genes were unevenly distributed on 11 of the 13 chromosomes in luffa, with none on Chromosomes 1 and 5. The members of each subfamily encoded proteins with highly conserved functional domains. An evolutionary analysis of CNGCs in luffa revealed three gene losses and a motif deletion. An examination of gene replication events during evolution indicated that two tandemly duplicated gene pairs were the primary driving force behind the evolution of the LcCNGC gene family. PlantCARE analyses of the LcCNGC promoter regions revealed various cis-regulatory elements, including those responsive to plant hormones (abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, and salicylic acid) and abiotic stresses (light, drought, and low temperature). The presence of these cis-acting elements suggested that the encoded CNGC proteins may be involved in stress responses, as well as growth and development. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses revealed tissue-specific expression patterns of LcCNGCs in various plant parts (roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit) and the upregulation of some LcCNGCs under low-temperature stress. To confirm the accuracy of the RNA-seq data, 10 cold-responsive LcCNGC genes were selected for verification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis. Under cold conditions, LcCNGC4 was highly upregulated (>50-fold increase in its transcript levels), and LcCNGC3, LcCNGC6, and LcCNGC13 were upregulated approximately 10-fold. Our findings provide new information about the evolution of the CNGC family in L. cylindrica and provide insights into the functions of the encoded CNGC proteins.

Migration of Plutonium, Micro- and Macroelements in the “Soil–Plant” System at Different Soil Moisture

In the vegetation experiment, the plutonium, micro- and macroelements migration in the “soil–agricultural plant” system depending on soil moisture in the range from 15 to 40٪ of absolute soil moisture were studied. The content of 239Pu was analyzed by α-spectrometry with preliminary radiochemical isolation. The elemental composition was analyzed by the ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods. Beans (Fabaceae) variety “Amber” were used as a test culture. The plutonium transfer factor obtained in the vegetation experiments are in the range of of 5.3×10–4–1.5×10–2, with an average value of 5.4×10–3 for the aboveground part of bean and range of 4.5×10–2–2.7×10–1, with an average of 1.6×10–1 for bean roots. It was determined that the distribution of plutonium, micro and macro elements in the vegetative organs of plants is not equally, the transfer factor of plutonium for the aboveground part of plants is lower than for the root part. It has been established that the accumulation of plutonium, micro- and macroelements, depending on soil moisture, is different for the organs of beans. The dependence of plutonium accumulation by plants on soil moisture is significantly higher than for other considered elements. A decrease in the coefficient of accumulation of plutonium in the aerial part of the beans is recorded with an increase in soil moisture up to two orders of magnitude. There is a trend towards a slight decrease in the accumulation coefficients of Fe, Mg, Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Co, Cu. For the root system of beans, a clear dependence of the accumulation of the considered elements on soil moisture is not observed.

Review of Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood): Distribution, Utilisation, Ecology and Population Genetics.

Mimusops zeyheri Sond. (Milkwood) is an indigenous fruit tree species with considerable ecological, cultural, and nutritional significance that remains underexploited. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its distribution, taxonomy, phytochemistry, ethnomedicinal applications, ecological functions, genetic diversity, and biotechnological potential. A systematic literature search, spanning 1949 to April 2024, yielded 87 relevant publications from an initial 155. Mimusops zeyheri plays a crucial role in supporting the cultural traditions and economic activities of Indigenous Southern African Communities. Its distribution encompasses South, East, and Southern Tropical Africa, with substantial populations across South African provinces. Ethnomedicinally, various plant parts treat conditions including wounds, gastrointestinal issues, and diabetes. The leaves (34%) and roots (32%) are used, with infusion (33%) and decoction (31%) as primary preparation methods. Oral administration (70%) is the most common, primarily addressing skin conditions (18%). Despite its nutritional richness, a standardized nutrient profile is lacking. Limited genetic diversity studies underscore the need for further research. This study highlights Mimusops zeyheri's multifaceted importance and research gaps, particularly in other Southern African countries. Future investigations should focus on comprehensive phytochemical analysis, ethnomedicinal validation, ecological conservation, genetic diversity assessment, and biotechnological applications. Multidisciplinary collaborations are recommended to promote sustainable utilization while preserving traditional practices.

Nutrient Mass in Winter Wheat in the Cereal Critical Window Under Different Nitrogen Levels—Effect on Grain Yield and Grain Protein Content

The mass of nutrients accumulated in the vegetative parts of winter wheat (WW) in the period from the beginning of booting to the full flowering stage (Critical Cereal Window, CCW) allows for the reliable prediction of the grain yield (GY) and its components, and the grain protein content (GPC) and its yield. This hypothesis was verified in a one-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 growing seasons. The field experiment included seven nitrogen-fertilized variants: 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha−1. The N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu content in wheat vegetative parts (leaves, stems) was determined in two growth stages: (i) beginning of booting (BBCH 40) and (ii) full flowering (BBCH 65). We examined the response of eight WW traits (ear biomass at BBCH 65, EAB; grain yield, GY; grain protein content, GPC; grain protein yield, GPY; canopy ear density, CED; number of grains per ear, GE; number of grains per m−2—canopy grain density, CGD; and thousand grain weight, TGW) to the amount of a given nutrient accumulated in the given vegetative part of WW before flowering. The average GY was very high and ranged from 7.2 t ha−1 in 2016 to 11.3 t ha−1 in 2015. The mass of ears in the full flowering stage was highest in 2016, a year with the lowest GY. The highest N mass in leaves was also recorded in 2016. Only the biomass of the stems at the BBCH 65 stage was the highest in 2015, the year with the highest yield. Despite this variability, 99% of GY variability was explained by the interaction of CGD and TGW. Based on the analyses performed, it can be concluded that in the case of large yields of winter wheat, GE is a critical yield component that determines the CGD, and in consequence the GY. The leaf nutrient mass at the BBCH 40 stage was a reliable predictor of the GPC (R2 = 0.93), GPY (0.92), GE (0.84), and CED (0.76). The prediction of the GY (0.89), CGD (0.90), and TGW (0.89) was most reliable based on the leaf nutrient mass at the BBCH 65 stage. The best EAB prediction was obtained based on the mass of nutrients in WW stems at the BBCH 65 stage. The magnesium accumulated in WW parts turned out to be, with the exception of TGW, a key predictor of the examined traits. In the case of the TGW, the main predictor was Ca. The effect of Mg on the tested WW traits most often occurred in cooperation with other nutrients. Its presence in the developed stepwise regression models varied depending on the plant part and the WW trait. The most common nutrients accompanying Mg were micronutrients, while Zn, Fe, Mn, and Ca were the most common macronutrients accompanying Mg. Despite the apparently small impact of N, its yield-forming role was indirect. Excessive N accumulation in leaves in relation to its mass in stems, which appeared in the full flowering phase, positively impacted the EAB and GPC, but negatively affected the GE. Increasing the LE/ST ratio for both Mg and Ca resulted in a better formation of the yield components, which, consequently, led to a higher yield. This study clearly showed that nutritional control of WW during the CCW should focus on nutrients controlling N action.

Understanding the Feeding Behavior and Identifying the Plant Parts Preferences of Fall Armyworm on Peanut Seedlings

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, has posed a serious threat to global food security since its discovery in Africa in 2016. Intercropping peanuts with maize is a very common cultivation practice, which can result in a high possibility of peanut damage by FAW. Our study investigated the feeding behavior, plant part preferences, and damage symptoms of FAW larvae on peanuts throughout the larval period, considering changes in population densities and the passage of time over the number of investigations. The results indicated that FAW larvae frequently inhabited peanut leaves, particularly the undersides of the leaves. Larvae moved from the leaves to the soil in the seedling pot to complete development. Furthermore, FAW larvae tended to feed on peanut leaves rather than stems regardless of population densities. Based on the damage symptoms, the feeding preferences of FAW larvae tended to be heart leaves, followed by mature leaves and stems. The most frequent damage symptoms caused by FAW to peanuts were “window panes”, followed by “leafless”. This study provides a reference for the integrated management of FAW in peanut fields.

Unravelling the microbiome of wild flowering plants: a comparative study of leaves and flowers in alpine ecosystems

BackgroundWhile substantial research has explored rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbiomes, knowledge on flower microbiome, particularly in wild plants remains limited. This study explores into the diversity, abundance, and composition of bacterial and fungal communities on leaves and flowers of wild flowering plants in their natural alpine habitat, considering the influence of environmental factors.MethodsWe investigated 50 wild flowering plants representing 22 families across seven locations in Austria. Sampling sites encompassed varied soil types (carbonate/silicate) and altitudes (450–2760 m). Amplicon sequencing to characterize bacterial and fungal communities and quantitative PCR to assess microbial abundance was applied, and the influence of biotic and abiotic factors assessed.ResultsOur study revealed distinct bacterial and fungal communities on leaves and flowers, with higher diversity and richness on leaves (228 fungal and 91 bacterial ASVs) than on flowers (163 fungal and 55 bacterial ASVs). In addition, Gammaproteobacteria on flowers and Alphaproteobacteria on leaves suggests niche specialization for plant compartments. Location significantly shaped both community composition and fungal diversity on both plant parts. Notably, soil type influenced community composition but not diversity. Altitude was associated with increased fungal species diversity on leaves and flowers. Furthermore, significant effects of plant family identity emerged within a subset of seven families, impacting bacterial and fungal abundance, fungal Shannon diversity, and bacterial species richness, particularly on flowers.ConclusionThis study provides novel insights into the specific microbiome of wild flowering plants, highlighting adaptations to local environments and plant–microbe coevolution. The observed specificity indicates a potential role in plant health and resilience, which is crucial for predicting how microbiomes respond to changing environments, ultimately aiding in the conservation of natural ecosystems facing climate change pressures.