Vegetative Parts Research Articles

Effect of pharmaceutical micropollutants (Acetaminophen and Hydroxychloroquine) and its degradative products on soil nitrate

Pharmaceutical drugs and its degradative products have been reported in the environmental samples like soil, sediment, and water. Based on the limit of detection very few studies have been conducted on the effect of persistent, bio accumulative and toxic drugs on the environment. Considering the impact of nitrate on soil fertility and vegetables, current study was done to assess the impact of acetaminophen, hydroxychloroquine, acetaminophen biodegradative products (hydroquinone, 4 Aminophenol), and hydroxychloroquine biodegradative products (7 Chloroquinoline 4 amine, oxalic acid) on the soil nitrogen transformation. The test compounds (10 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) were added to soil samples, whereas untreated samples served as the control. Samples of treated and control soils were processed for nitrate estimate using the Mgo-Devarda's alloy technique for nitrate-N estimation after 0, 7, 14, and 28 days of incubation. Pollutants found to have significant effect on soil nitrate. At high concentration (1000 mg/kg), soil nitrate concentration was in the extremely high region suggesting possible impact on the soil fertility and accumulation in vegetable parts. Vegetable nitrate content is considered as important quality parameter for human health. This data is helpful for determination of the negative impact of the pharmaceuticals on human diet and subsequently suggesting for the environmental monitoring of drugs before discharge into the ecosystem. Keywords: Acetaminophen, 4-Aminophenol, Hydroquinone, Hydroxychloroquine, Nitrate, Soil

ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR FLUTTERING GRASS WITH A ROLLER FLUTTER

Hay is a common type of roughage, the quality of which largely depends on the duration of natural drying. In order to obtain high-quality fodder, it is necessary to minimize the stay of mown plants in field conditions. Nutrient losses during hay harvesting occur as a result of biochemical processes, leaching of nutrients by precipitation during adverse weather.In addition, harvesting hay is accompanied by mechanical losses due to the crushing of vegetative organs of plants (leaves, inflorescences) by the working bodies of hay harvesting machines. These losses not only reduce the collection of hay, but also significantly reduce the quality of fodder, since leaves and inflorescences contain 2-3 times more nutrients than stems, they are due to the unequal drying rate of vegetative organs of plants. Small vegetative organs of plants, due to the peculiarities of their anatomical structure, give off moisture more intensively than stems, and therefore they become fragile earlier and break off and are lost as a result of the action of working organs of machines. An effective method of accelerating and equalizing the drying rate of vegetative parts of plants is flattening of grass clippings. Thanks to this measure, uniform drying of the entire plant mass is ensured, and therefore, the loss of nutrients during hay harvesting is reduced. For flattening legumes, it is advisable to use mowers equipped with roller flatteners, because they act less harshly on the grass than dynamic flatteners, reducing the crushing of the most valuable parts of plants - leaves and inflorescences. The main operational indicator that allows you to estimate the energy consumption of the process of flattening grass is the power consumption for the drive of the flattening rollers. A method of determining the power required to drive the flattening rollers of mower-folders has been developed, which can be used for calculations in the design of roller flatteners.

Fossil Hyaenanche Pollen from the Eocene of Kenya: The Paleophytogeograpy and Paleoclimate of a Relict Plant Genus Endemic to the Cape Province, South Africa.

On the African continent, Picrodendraceae are represented by four genera. Their intracontinental paleophytogeographic histories and paleoecological aspects are obscured by the lack of pre-Miocene fossils. For this study, late Eocene sediments from Kenya were investigated. The sample was prepared in the laboratory, and its organic residue was screened for pollen. We extracted fossil Picrodendraceae pollen and investigated the grains using light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on the pollen morphology, the grains were assigned to Hyaenanche. This genus is currently confined to a small area within the Cape Province, South Africa. There, the plants grow as shrubs and small trees at an elevation between 60 and 800 m, on rocky substrate, as part of open fynbos vegetation, and under a dry climate with hot summers and limited precipitation. The sedimentary context and the associated palynoflora suggest that during the Eocene of Kenya, Hyaenanche was part of lowland coastal vegetation in Eastern Africa. There, the plants grew under fully humid to winter-dry tropical climates as part of landwards margins of mangroves, seasonally inundated floodplain forests, or coastal forests. Our study shows that when evaluating paleoecological aspects of relict monotypic plants, their extant closely related genera and their fossil records need to be considered.

Heavy metal contamination of vegetables in China: status, causes, and impacts.

Exposure to heavy metals from vegetable consumption poses a serious health risk to the Chinese population. The lack of knowledge on the overall status of vegetable contamination at the national level hinders the development of national regulations on preventing heavy metal exposure. To address this issue, the study presents an overview of heavy metal contamination in vegetables across China based on 96 peer-reviewed studies published over the past 20years. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the edible parts of vegetables are 3.7 ± 12.9, 1.6 ± 4.0, 4.3 ± 10.3, 18.6 ± 27.6, 164 ± 281, 4.5 ± 5.5, 7.7 ± 23.7, and 105 ± 283mgkg-1 (dry weight), respectively. The associated daily exposures are 0.1-5.7, 0.1-1.7, 0.6-4.2, 4.1-20.5, 26-107, 0.7-3.0, 0.4-16.0, and 13-93μgkg-1 d-1, respectively. General linear models explained 80%, 44%, 83%, 79%, 64%, 81%, 65%, and 55% of the total variance in As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in vegetables, respectively, based on vegetable type and selected geological, meteorological, economic, and environmental factors. Agroforestry is the main source of heavy metal contamination, accounting for 3%-30% of the total variance in heavy metal concentrations in vegetables. Mining, smelting, refining, metalworking, and electrical equipment manufacturing are important source of As, Cr, Cu, Mn,Ni, and Pb, accounting for 7%-17% of the total variance.

Essential Oils as Alternative Green Broad-Spectrum Biocides.

Natural compounds from plants represent suitable options to replace synthetic biocides when employed against microorganisms in various applications. Essential oils (EOs) have attracted increased interest due to their biocompatible and rather innocuous nature, and complex biological activity (fungicide, biocide and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory action, etc.). EOs are complex mixtures of derived metabolites with high volatility obtained from various vegetal parts and employed to a great extent in different healthcare (natural cures, nutrition, phyto- and aromatherapy, spices) and cosmetics applications (perfumery, personal and beauty care), as well as in cleaning products, agriculture and pest control, food conservation and active packaging, or even for restauration and preservation of cultural artifacts. EOs can act in synergy with other compounds, organic and synthetic as well, when employed in different complex formulations. This review will illustrate the employment of EOs in different applications based on some of the most recent reports in a systematic and comprehensive, though not exhaustive, manner. Some critical assessments will also be included, as well as some perspectives in this regard.

Beyond Essential Oils: Diterpenes, Lignans, and Biflavonoids from Juniperus communis L. as a Source of Multi-Target Lead Compounds.

Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is a gymnosperm that stands out through its fleshy, spherical female cones, often termed simply "berries". The cone berries and various vegetative parts (leaves, twigs and even roots) are used in traditional phytotherapy, based on the beneficial effects exerted by a variety of secondary metabolites. While the volatile compounds of Juniperus communis are known for their aromatic properties and have been well-researched for their antimicrobial effects, this review shifts focus to non-volatile secondary metabolites-specifically diterpenes, lignans, and biflavonoids. These compounds are of significant biomedical interest due to their notable pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. The aim of this review is to offer an up-to-date account of chemical composition of Juniperus communis and related species, with a primary emphasis on the bioactivities of diterpenes, lignans, and biflavonoids. By examining recent preclinical and clinical data, this work assesses the therapeutic potential of these metabolites and their mechanisms of action, underscoring their value in developing new therapeutic options. Additionally, this review addresses the pharmacological efficacy and possible therapeutic applications of Juniperus communis in treating various human diseases, thus supporting its potential role in evidence-based phytotherapy.

EVALUATION OF DEPREDATION ACTIVITIES OF RODENT PEST ON MAIZE CULTIVATED IN SASA-AJIBODE FARM, IBADAN, SOUTHWEST, NIGERIA

Maize is a staple crop that is cultivated across different agro-ecologies in Nigeria. Maize adaptability and high yield potential, as well as its utility as a food, feed, and forage crop, clearly shows its significance. However, pests like rodent species remain an age-long challenge to its production by causing economic losses and low income for farmers. The study was carried out in Sasa – Ajibode farm. Systematic method of sampling was employed to observe and gather data in the study site. Quantitative data were collected by counting the number of damaged vegetative parts of the maize plant while qualitative data were collected by scoring observable damage signs on the maize. The result of the study revealed no observable signs of damage during the pre-flowering and post-flowering stages of maize cultivation in the study site during the dry and wet season in 2021. However, depredation activities of Ground squirrel (Xerus erythropus) by seed removal were observed during the sowing stage in the wet season. It can be concluded that rodent pest infestation is not the main threat to maize cultivation in the study site. However, environmentally-safe rodent management strategies should be adopted in the study area.

Petalidium namibense (Acanthaceae), a new species from Namibia

Petalidium namibense, hitherto confused with P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and the widespread P. variabile, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the area to the southwest, west and northwest of Puros in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism, northwestern Namibia, where it grows at the base of rocky outcrops, on arid hillsides, and along ephemeral riverbeds and drainage lines. Diagnostic characters for P. namibense include the pale grey appearance of the plants, corky bark on older stems, vegetative parts with a dense white indumentum of relative long dendritic trichomes appearing lanate, flowers borne in short few-flowered dichasia, and bracteoles narrowly ovate. The flowers of P. namibense are distinctive in having the two upper corolla lobes discolorous, abaxially light brown, adaxially vermillion, without nectar guides, and connate towards the base for 25–40% of their length. The anterior lobe is adaxially magenta with two relative long, narrowly triangular yellow nectar guides. The two lateral lobes are adaxially vermillion, or distally magenta, grading to vermillion towards the throat, and lack conspicuous nectar guides. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing P. namibense from P. sesfonteinense, its closest relative in appearance, as well as from P. englerianum, P. rossmannianum, and P. variabile, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, a provisional conservation assessment of Vulnerable (VU) is recommended for the new species.

Screening for the Priority Crops in Over-standard Planting Region Based on the Difference in Arsenic and Cadmium Accumulated in Crops

Conducting the screening and replanting of crops with low accumulation of heavy metals can effectively reduce the risk of heavy metal accumulation in agricultural products. However, current research focuses more on the screening of crops with low accumulation of a single heavy metal. Target crops also focus more on single-type crops and varieties. Research on the accumulation differences in arsenic and cadmium in different crop types and the priority recommendation list for the planting of low-accumulation crops is limited. This study used a combination of literature data meta-analysis and field survey methods to conduct the relevant work. The results showed that the range of arsenic and cadmium content in rice grains was 0.11-0.624 mg·kg-1 and 0.01-1.935 mg·kg-1, respectively. Under the same pollution level, rice had a relatively higher risk of accumulating arsenic and cadmium than that in maize and leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, and root and tuber vegetables. Some leafy vegetables had significantly higher arsenic and cadmium levels, and the difference in arsenic and cadmium accumulation ability between varieties of leafy vegetables was greater than that of other types of crops. The risk of arsenic and cadmium accumulation in the edible parts of maize, fruit vegetables, and root and tuber vegetables after replacing rice cultivation was more significant. Based on the above results, a priority recommendation list for the planting of low-accumulation crops based on pollution level was constructed. Field survey results showed that the list was reasonable to a certain extent. The relevant results of this study can provide effective reference for the optimization of crop type or variety selection and safe production in arsenic and cadmium-polluted soils.

EFFECT OF VERMICOMPOST AND BIOFERTILIZATION ON THE AVAILABILITY OF SOME SOIL NUTRIENTS, GROWTH AND YIELD OF SQUASH (Cucurbita pepo L.)

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of four application methods of vermicompost tea (without application, ground application, foliar spray, combination of - ground application + foliar spray) , four types of biofertilization (without application, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Bacillus megaterium, the combination consisting of S. maltophilia + B. megagaterium), and two levels (0, 50%) of the fertilizer recommendation in the availability of some soil nutrients and on the growth and yield of squash using as randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that the triple interaction of the combination of application vermicompost tea with the combination of biofertilizer and 50% of mineral fertilizer was effect significantly and gave the highest values for some vegetative growth parameters. Which included the dry weight of the vegetative part, the length and weight of the root, and total yield which amounted 196.35 g plant-1, 65.33 cm, 60.31 g plant-1, 45.14 Mgha-1, respectively. the available of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in soil at the end of the experiment, which amounted 60.56, 38.20 and 191.38 mg kg-1soil in comparison with the treatment without addition, which gave the lowest rates.

Cultivation and Potential for Biomass Production for Energy and Seed Purposes of Tall Wheatgrass (Agropyron elongatum (Host) Beauv.) Under Sandy Soil and Temperate Climate Conditions

An experiment was conducted to analyse the potential for obtaining biomass for energy purposes and tall wheatgrass (TWG) seeds grown under conditions of varying pre-sowing fertilisation with compost and mineral fertilisation with nitrogen on sandy soils. Field trials were conducted between 2012 and 2015. The study factors were compost from municipal green areas with I-doses of 0, 10 and 20 Mg∙ha−1 added before sowing and nitrogen II-doses of 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg∙ha−1 added each year in the form of ammonium nitrate. During the experiment conducted on sandy soils, a favourable effect of fertilisation on the morphological parameters of above-ground vegetative and generative parts was found. The experiment resulted in high dry matter yields (DMYs) in the range of 9.08–31.38 Mg∙ha−1 and high seed yields (SYs) (635 kg∙ha−1 to as much as 2397 kg∙ha−1), which depended on the applied fertilisation variant. The applied levels of compost fertilisation had a positive effect on the obtained dry matter yields (DMYs) and SY. Analysing the effect of the applied doses of mineral nitrogen fertilisation (40, 80 and 120 kg∙ha−1) on the dry matter yield of TWG under sandy soil conditions, it should be noted that this factor significantly increased the DMY and SY in all years of the study. At the same time, the response of plants to this factor of the study over the years varied and depended on weather conditions. The high energy yield (192.50 GJ∙ha−1–408.93 GJ∙ha−1) closely related to the high DMY indicates the high suitability of TWG as a new grass species under temperate climate conditions grown for biomass energy production and the possibility to harvest seeds when adequately cultivated.

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.

Role of Organic Fertilizer in the Transfer of Lead to Vegetables Produced in Tropical Mountain Agroecosystems.

Understanding the relationship between the aerobic transformation of organic matter (OM) and the bioavailability of lead to plants may allow the safe application of organic fertilizers (OF) in agriculture. The present study aimed to elucidate the relationship of different OM structures with Pb, revealing the action of OF (poultry litter) on Pb dynamics, presenting the effects of OM transformations on bioavailability and transfer to vegetables produced in tropical mountain agroecosystems (TMA). The association of Pb with hydrophilic structures (CAlk-O and CAlk-di-O) during the aerobic transformation of poultry litter (PL) contributes to the increase in the water-soluble form of this metal (3.17-15.30%). The structural changes promoted by the transformation of OM, in addition to reducing the adsorption capacity of Pb in PL (Kd reduction from 1135.50 to 87.49), favor the formation of outer-sphere complexes. PL that have a more labile structure, i.e., those that are less humified, have greater affinity for Pb. The greater affinity of Pb for labile structures that are preserved in PL during OM transformations contributed to its increase and transport to edible plant parts. Considering the edible parts of vegetables grown in TMA and fertilized with fresh PL, 100% of broccoli, 91.78% of cabbage, 80.00% of tomato, 65.96% of parsley, 49.19% of lettuce, and 32.88% of cauliflower showed Pb contamination that exceeded the permitted level. Therefore, OF contributes to lead contamination of food produced in TMA, representing a risk to human health. Studies are needed to propose additional treatments for this residue before its use.

Morphological variability of rosette leaves within Sempervivum ciliosum and S. ruthenicum complexes (Crassulaceae): The geometric morphometrics approach

The yellow-flowered Sempervivum species from the Balkan Peninsula, tentatively divided into Sempervivum ciliosum (S. ciliosum, S. galicicum, S. jakucsii, S. klepa, S. octopodes) and S. ruthenicum complexes (S. kindingeri, S. leucanthum, S. ruthenicum, S. zeleborii), are well known for their pronounced phenotypic plasticity, especially in the vegetative parts, resulting in exceedingly complicate infrageneric taxonomy. Extensive studies dealing with the variability of qualitative and quantitative traits, such as the shape and size of the rosette leaves, were not conducted in the past. This study aimed to analyse the extent of morphological variability of the rosette leaves regarding their shape and size and evaluate their potential to resolve taxonomic doubts. For this purpose, geometric morphometrics, as a tool for analysing minute shape variability, was used to discriminate mentioned species. The variability of the rosette leaves was statistically analysed within 15 populations using univariate (ANOVA) and multivariate statistical analysis (MANOVA, PCA, DA). Obtained results indicated highly statistically significant differences in rosette leaf shape and size between analysed complexes and species.

Ambophily and evidence of hydrophily as a new pollination strategy in Eleocharis (l.) Roem. & Schult (Cyperaceae)

ABSTRACT Background Aquatic plants can reproduce through abiotic or biotic pollination. In Cyperaceae anemophily is plesiomorphic, but studies have registered floral visitors in some genera, including Eleocharis. Wind and insects, therefore, can act together in the pollination, characterising ambophily. However, so far there has been no evidence that water could also be a pollen vector in this family. Aims Expand understanding of the pollination mechanisms in Cyperaceae. Methods We analysed the floral biology, pollen to ovule ratio, floral visitors, performed pollen vector exclusion experiments, characterised the floral colour in the models of insect vision and analysed the chemical composition of floral scent of Eleocharis geniculata and E. mutata. Results Both species have anemophilous attributes. In Eleocharis mutata, wind was an effective pollen vector, increasing the fruit set. Individuals of E. geniculata exposed to water were more likely to produce fruits (p < 0.01). Eight species of insects were recorded as floral visitors of E. mutata, among which an Ephydroidea fly acting as the main pollinator. Flowers of both species had the same scent as the vegetative parts, and were shown to be visible and distinguishable from the background in both Hymenoptera and Diptera vision models. Conclusion Our results suggest a new pollination strategy (hydrophily in E. geniculata), and another case of ambophily in Cyperaceae.

A A new species of Graffenrieda (Melastomataceae) from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and a key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers

Background and Aims: Graffenrieda is a Neotropical genus with more than 70 species, mainly distributed in the Guiana Shield and the Andes. This work describes a new species of Graffenrieda and provides a key to identify all species with calyptrate flowers in the genus.Methods: The description of this new species was made from collections deposited in the Colombian herbaria JBB and COAH. Measurements of vegetative parts and inflorescence were made from dried material, while floral structures and fruits were measured from fresh material preserved in alcohol. Their conservation status was assessed according to IUCN guidelines. A key for the recognition of all species of the genus with calyptrate flowers, including the new species and Centronia species to be transferred to Graffenrieda is also provided here, for which lists of species in Neotropical countries, collection databases, and literature on both genera were consulted.Key results: Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. is endemic to the southern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and is characterized by its indumentum of irregular lepidote trichomes on the vegetative parts, leaves with incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as the flower buds, 5-merous flowers, calyptrate calyx and 2-locular ovary. It is categorized as Endangered in view of its endemicity and habitat specificity. A key is provided for 30 species of the genus Graffenrieda that share the character of calyptrate flowers.Conclusions: This species is named in honor of the Colombian botanist Dairon Cárdenas López, a great collector and connoisseur of the Colombian Amazonian flora. It is so far known only from the type localities. The key to the species with calyptrate flowers included in this article allows 43% of the species in the genus Graffenrieda to be recognized, including four Centronia species.

Runoff and erosion reduction benefits of vegetation during natural succession on fallow grassland slopes

Vegetation restoration is an effective and important measure for controlling soil erosion in arid and -arid regions. Both its aboveground and underground parts play a crucial role in controlling surface runoff and soil detachment on slopes. But how much the parts of vegetation contribute to the runoff and sediment reducing benefits of rill erosion on slopes is unclear. We used grassland slopes at four successional stages for simulated scouring experiments to observe how successional vegetation community structures, root characteristics, and soil structures contribute to erosion and sand production. Initial flow production time increased, and total runoff decreased. Under the scour intensities, the 11-year slope had the lowest flood peak and volume and the greatest runoff reduction benefit. The 25-year slope had the lowest sand peak and volume and the greatest sediment reduction benefit. As scour intensity increased, runoff reduction effect of vegetation at the successional stages decreased; the sediment reduction benefit remained high. PLS-PM analysis showed that the indirect effects of the aboveground and underground parts of vegetation on sand production were −0.364 and −0.439, respectively. Aboveground parts mainly embodied the regulation of runoff, in which stem count, humus mass, and biomass were the main factors affecting runoff and sand production. Underground parts mainly reflected their soil structure improvement, in which root volume density, root surface area density, and root mass density are the main explanatory variables. The direct effects of runoff and soil structure on slope rill erosion were 0.330 and −0.616, respectively, suggesting the stability of soil structure is the primary factor affecting the sand production, not erosion energy. The results provide a reference for scientific assessment of the key role of natural vegetation restoration in regional soil erosion control and the development of biological measures for soil and water conservation on the slopes of the Loess Plateau.

Determination of proximate analysis of individual and combined samples of &lt;i&gt;Dioscorea alata&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;Musa parasidiaca&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Xanthosoma sagittifolium&lt;/i&gt; peels

This study investigates the proximate composition of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) plant wastes, with a focus on evaluating the impact of the individual and combined plant wastes. Tubers of yam (Dioscorea alata), cocoyam (Musa parasidiaca) and plantain (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) used in this study were obtained from Obibi in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. Yams are tubers, plantains are fruits, whereas cocoyam is derived from corms, underground stems, and swollen hypocotyls. All these crops can be propagated by vegetative parts and these include tubers (yams), sucker (Plantain) and side shoots, stolons, or corm heads (cocoyam). Peels from the yam tubers were obtained by using a kitchen knife to carefully remove the peels. The peels were then immediately oven dried at 45oC for 24 hours. The dried peels were then ground through a 40-mesh screen using a Wiley. Analyses conducted isproximate determination using AOAC method. The results highlight the high ash content of Yam and Cocoyam Peel, which contributes to mineral enrichment; the enhanced moisture content of Plantain Peel, which has implications for water retention; and the low fat and oil content of Cocoyam Peel, which suggests that it is appropriate for use as a low-fat organic material. Yam Peel has a high crude fiber level, which indicates that it has the capacity to improve the structure of the soil. On the other hand, Yam and Cocoyam Peel stand out because it has largest protein content, which is essential for the development of plants. Plantain and cocoyam peel have the largest carbohydrate content, making it an excellent source of energy for the bacteria and plants that live in the soil below it. These findings have practical implications for sustainable agriculture by optimizing crop yields in diverse agro ecosystems.

Functional characterization of a small gene family coding for putrescine hydroxycinnamoyltransferases, involved in phenolamide accumulation, in tomato

Phenolamides are specialized metabolites widely distributed in the plant kingdom. Their structure is composed by the association of hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives to mono-/poly-amine through an amination catalyzed by N-hydroxycinnamoyltransferases enzymes. Tomato plants accumulate putrescine-derived phenolamides in their vegetative parts. Recently, two first genes coding for putrescine-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (PHT, Solyc11g071470 and Solyc11g071480) were identified in tomato and demonstrated to control the leaf accumulation of caffeoylputrescine in response to leafminer infestation. In this study, two additional genes (Solyc06g074710 and Solyc11g066640) were functionally characterized as new tomato PHT. The substrate specificity and the expression pattern in planta were determined for the four tomato PHT. Taken together the results give a comprehensive view of the control of the putrescine-derived phenolamide accumulation in tomato plant through the biochemical specificity and the spatial expression of this small family of PHT.

PROXIMATE AND MINERAL CONTENTS OF SOME VEGETABLE PARTS USED IN FEEDING RUMINANT ANIMALS

The study was conducted to determine the proximate and mineral constituents present in the residues of some vegetables used in feeding ruminant animals. Four samples were used for the study namely; amaranth stem (Amaranthus viridis), fluted pumpkin stem (Telfaria occidentalis), carrot tops (Platysace linearifolia) and melon fruit (Cucumis melo). The samples were collected and shade dried after which they were ground and sieved with a 2 mm sieve before taken to laboratories for analyses. Collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance and results for all parameters revealed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences. Results of proximate constituents showed ash content ranges from 8.00–13.75% with amaranth stem having the least and melon fruits have the highest. Crude fibre contents were between the range of 13.33 - 44.99 % for melon fruit and fluted pumpkin stem respectively. Results for crude protein ranged from 4.57–12.63 % with carrot tops having the least and amaranth stem have the highest. In terms of their mineral profile, potassium ranged from 13618.69– 48854.43 mg/kg with carrot tops having the least and amaranth stem having the highest. Phosphorus content ranged from 1208 – 2793 mg/kg for carrot tops and fluted pumpkin stem respectively. The values for nitrogen were in the range of 1.49–4.99 mg/kg where melon fruit had the least and carrot tops revealed the highest content. In conclusion, the vegetable part residues evaluated have the potential as feed supplement in ruminant animals and thus it is recommended that feeding trials be conducted in ruminant animals to establish their utilization by these species of livestock.