Perennial Research Articles

Dynamic Behavior of Systemic Insecticide Residues in Snapdragons

Pesticide application is used in horticulture to reduce plant damage from organisms such as insects and mites. Systemic insecticides are highly efficacious and readily taken up by plant tissues. However, pesticide-treated plants may impose risks to nontarget insects or other organisms within ecosystems. In this study, insecticide residues in nectar, leaves, and flower petals of the horticulturally significant herbaceous annual snapdragon, Antirrhinum majus (Lamiales: Plantaginaceae), were assessed at two locations over several weeks following foliar and drench treatment with five systemic insecticides. Concentrations of the insecticides were determined by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The independent effects Application Method, Application Rate, and Time were statistically significant among all active ingredients in the three matrices in both sites in California (CA) and New Jersey (NJ). The interaction effects were also generally statistically significant in the CA site but less consistently so in the NJ site, dependent on the active ingredient and matrix. Post hoc analyses found the highest residue concentrations in leaves and the lowest in nectar, a trend generally consistent over time regardless of active ingredient for both the CA and NJ sites. The results of this study are discussed in the context of conserving pollinators and other beneficial insects. It is recommended that similar studies should be implemented in different geographical regions and climates, along with multiyear studies for perennial ornamental plants.

Effects of Photoperiod Treatments on Stock Plants and Cutting Rooting of Three Cultivars of Ornamental Perennials

Many species of herbaceous perennials now have numerous cultivars, with growth habits and flower colors unique to each cultivar. Vegetative propagation is required so that resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. Although many cultivars are selected for precocious and vigorous flowering, it is often difficult to collect adequate vegetative cuttings from such cultivars for commercial production because juvenile (vegetative) growth is preferred for high-quality cuttings. Cuttings that are reproductive (with flower buds or flowers) can have reduced or delayed rooting and increased occurrences of fungal pathogens (especially Botrytis species), resulting in lack of crop uniformity. We sought to answer the question, can growing stock plants of herbaceous perennials under defined photoperiods extend the length of the vegetative period and enhance the rooting of cuttings harvested from these stock plants? In this study, stock plants of ‘P009S’ twinspur (Diascia integerrima), ‘Furman's Red’ sage (Salvia greggii), and ‘Wild Thing’ sage (Salvia greggii) were grown under ambient, 12-hour light, 10-hour light, and 8-hour light to determine if a particular photoperiod could be used to suppress reproductive growth by promoting vegetative growth, thereby enhancing cutting rooting success. Effects of photoperiod treatments varied among the plant cultivars studied. Plants grown under 8-hour photoperiod had longer duration of vegetative growth, smaller growth rates, and lower dry weights when compared with plants grown under 12-hour or 10-hour photoperiod. Plants grown under 12-hour photoperiod had shorter duration of vegetative growth, larger growth rates, and higher dry weights when compared with plants grown under 10-hour and 8-hour photoperiods. The probability of rooting of cuttings harvested from stock plants of ‘P009S’ twinspur, ‘Furman’s Red’ sage, and ‘Wild Thing’ sage grown under 12-hour and 10-hour photoperiods was greater when compared with cuttings harvested from stock plants grown under 8 h photoperiod.

Microsatellite marker-based analysis of the genetic diversity and population structure of three Arnebiae Radix in western China

Arnebiae Radix is an important medicinal and perennial herb found in Western China, particularly in the Xinjiang region. However, the assessment, utilization and conservation of Arnebiae Radix resources are still unexplored. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of three Arnebiae Radix populations across 47 regions (Ae = 16, Ag = 16, Ad = 15) in Xinjiang, China, using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. In total, 48 alleles were amplified by six pairs of primers screened with ISSR markers. The average number of effective alleles (Ne) was 1.5770. The percentage of interspecific genetic polymorphisms in A. guttata (Ag = 89.58 %) was greater than that in A. euchroma. and A. decumbens (Ae = Ad = 87.50 %). Intraspecific genetic polymorphisms, Bo Le (BL) population of A. euchroma exhibited the highest percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB% =58.33 %, Na = 1.313, Ne = 1.467, I = 0.0.366, H = 0.255), which indicated high genetic diversity. In contrast, the Tuo Li (TL) population of A. guttata had the lowest values for these parameters (PPB% =0.00 %, Na = 0.313, Ne = 1,000, I = 0.000, H = 0.000). The Arnebiae Radix germplasms were classified into two major groups (I and II) based on UPGMA cluster analysis (Fig. 8a) and principal coordinate analysis (PCOA). In addition, A. decumbens is placed in a separate category due to its high differentiation coefficient. The AMOVA and genetic differentiation coefficient results indicated that the genetic variation in Arnebiae Radix was predominantly due to intrapopulation differences (78 %). Additionally, the gene flow index (Nm) between populations was 2.4128, which further indicated that the genetic diversity of Arnebiae Radix was greater at the intrapopulation level. The destruction of the ecological environment leads to the continuous reduction and degradation of the genetic diversity of Arnebiae Radix germplasm resources. In this study, we used ISSR molecular markers to analyze the genetic diversity and relatedness of Arnebiae Radix, which revealed the genetic relationship of Arnebiae Radix germplasm resources at the molecular level and provided a scientific basis for future research on selecting and breeding good varieties, evaluating the quality of Arnebiae Radix, and conserving and utilizing its resources.

Temporal beta diversity and plant metacommunity structure dynamics over a 43-year period in an inter-tropical mexican arid region

Understanding the dynamics of metacommunity structure and temporal beta diversity is vital for comprehending ecological dynamics at local and regional scales; it is essential to evaluate impacts of factors such as climate change, dispersal, and biotic interactions. We examined changes in the composition and abundance of 199 perennial plant species in the semiarid Zapotitlán Valley, Mexico, over a 43-year period. We studied three local community types, scrubland, cardonal, and tetechera, with surveys conducted in 1980, 2003, 2018, and 2023. Shifts in species composition and abundance over time were analysed using the Temporal Beta Diversity Index distinguishing between species gains or losses. We investigated the metacommunity structure elements—coherence, turnover, and boundary clumping—in each survey. We observed pronounced temporal changes in species’ composition and abundance across all community types. These temporal changes stem from the losses and gains in species and individuals. Notably, 2023 showed significant losses in species occurrence and abundance, potentially attributable to an extended drought likely exacerbated by climate change. Surprisingly, the metacommunity structure remained Clementsian throughout our study, emphasising the stability of the cardonal in maintaining distinctions between local community types. This suggests that the metacommunity spatial structure is resistant to changes in local community compositions.

Crop diversification in perennial plantation systems of Sri Lanka: Patterns, determinants and challenges

CONTEXTThe adoption of crop diversification in response to climate change in perennial cropping systems is poorly understood. OBJECTIVEThis study identifies the current level of diversification, determinants of and constraints to adopting crop diversification in tea plantations in Sri Lanka as an example of a perennial crop in a developing country context. METHODSWe use a Panel Tobit model to analyse the driving forces of crop diversification using 2004–2018 data collected from 49 tea estates. In addition, tea estates' managers were interviewed to investigate barriers to adopting crop diversification. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe study reveals that geo-climatic conditions, magnitude of increase in temperature, and higher revenue variability are the specific factors influencing managers' probability of adopting crop diversification. Constraints to crop diversification include technological lock-in hindering alternative crops and worker shortages, financial difficulties, lack of productive lands suitable for alternative crops, ineffective Government land-use policies and regional weather patterns such as prolonged rainfall and heavy winds. SIGNIFICANCEIdentified barriers provide important insights into how to assist plantations to adopt crop diversification. We propose three policy recommendations to enhance tea estate managers' adaptive capacity to various environmental and social changes through crop diversification. These are: (1) enable managers to acquire the technical know-how on cultivating alternative crops by conducting practical training programmes connecting with the Department of Agriculture or Agriculture Faculties of regional Universities.; (2) increase awareness of less labor-intensive crops for diversification along with strategies for mechanisation via programmes integrated with the Ministry of Plantation Agriculture and the Agriculture Modernization Project of the Department of Agriculture; and (3) enact a national policy to mandate crop diversification in marginal tea lands with financial assistance from the Government.

Embryo growth and seed germination requirements in underdeveloped embryos of Elwendia caroides and E. wolfii (Apiaceae)

Elwendia wolfii and E. caroides are two herbaceous perennials that were initially classified in the Bunium genus and later transferred to the Elwendia genus. They are a rich source of bioactive and antioxidant compounds and have the potential to become sources of oil-bearing crops. The aim of this study was to investigate requirements for embryo growth, dormancy break and seed germination in these two species. The effects of gibberellic acid (GA3) and dry storage were also examined to determine the type of dormancy. The pericarps and seed coats of both species were water-permeable, and the embryos were small and differentiated but underdeveloped, with initial embryo lengths of 0.28 mm in E. wolfii and 0.96 mm in E. caroides, respectively. These underdeveloped embryos were either di (>98%) or tricotyledonous (<2%) and required cold temperatures to grow, indicating that these seeds had morphological dormancy (MD). The critical length required for germination was 3.44 mm for E. wolfii and 4.17 mm for E. caroides. However, seeds of both species reached less than 50% final germination if subjected only to cold incubation. Higher final germination was possible if seeds were pre-treated with dry cold storage (-22 ºC) or exposed to GA3, indicating the existence of physiological dormancy (PD) in part of the seed population. Therefore, both species had non-deep complex morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). This study demonstrates that E. caroides and E. wolfii share the same germination requirements, suggesting a common ecological strategy in their seed germination process.

Formulation and Evaluation of Lip Balm using Tomato Extract to Select the Best Concentration of Base

Solanum lycopersicum, known as tomato, is a perennial plant with a weak body and can grow to a height of 1-3 m. It has a yellow flower that grows to be a tomato [1]. Tomato contains 93-95% water, and the remaining constituents include 5-7% inorganic compounds, sugars (glucose, sucrose, and fructose), organic acids (citric acid malic), solids insoluble in alcohol (proteins, pectin, cellulose, and polysaccharides), lipids and carotenoids[2]. Besides, phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, phlorotannins, and terpenoids were found in both aqueous and methanolic tomato extracts [3,4]. Tomato also contains antioxidants such as vitamins C and (, ȕ carotene, lycopene, lutein, and flavonoids [5].

Molecular Identification of Ascomycetes from American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) Grown in Plantation in Poland

The American cranberry is a perennial North American fruit plant that is grown successfully on commercial plantations in Poland. The purpose of this study was to recognize filamentous fungi that colonize roots, leaves, and fruits without visible disease symptoms. Pure fungal cultures were isolated from disinfected plant fragments in agar media and identified by sequencing common taxonomic DNA markers such as the ITS region, the TEF-1α, or RPB2 genes. Of the 141 isolates studied, 59% were identified as closely related to soil saprotrophs. They were classified primarily as showing the greatest similarity to type strains of Trichoderma amoenum, Trichoderma dorothopsis, Paraphaeosphaeria sporulosa, and Penicillium murcianum. Additionally, isolates that are most similar to strains of Penicillium crustosum, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus versicolor that produced mycotoxins were detected. The fungi identified as closest to Alternaria geophila, Alternaria senecionicola, Paraphoma radicina, Pestalotiopsis unicolor, Pestalotiopsis scoparia, and Neopestalotiopsis spp., whose hosts are plants other than American cranberry, represented 33.81% of the isolates tested. Only 7.2% of the isolates corresponded to the species of Physalospora vaccinia, Diaporthe vaccinii, and Diaporthe eres, known cranberry pathogens. The results of this study can be used to identify latent plant infection and potential disease risks.

A freshwater ecosystem once existed in the Rajasthan desert: evidence from a fossil of the aquatic herb Nelumbo

Nelumbonaceae encompasses aquatic plant lineages that represent major components in the modern tropical wetland ecosystems of India. The group is characterized by its distinctive reproductive receptacle incorporating in situ fruitlets and vegetative organs that are well-represented in the fossil record. Unusually, though, no Nelumbo reproductive fossils have yet been identified from the Cenozoic of India. Here, we report the first such fossil reproductive organ from the aquatic perennial herb Nelumbo, which was recovered in the lower Eocene Palana Formation at the Gurha lignite mine in Rajasthan, western India. The fossil preserves an aggregate fruit with 28 indehiscent, apocarpous and globose to oblong fruitlets embedded within an accrescent receptacle, and a single small central cavity or apical remains of a stigma in each fruitlet. Comparisons with extant and extinct Nelumbo species support attribution to Nelumbo sp. Our unexpected discovery of a fully aquatic plant in the Rajasthan Basin during the early Eocene indicates that a freshwater ecosystem existed there ca 55 ± 10 million years ago; this contrasts starkly with the arid climatic conditions predominant in Rajasthan today. Raman Patel† [ ramanpatel2142@gmail.com ], Department of Geology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India Ashif Ali† [ aashifli0011@gmail.com ], Palaeobotany, Palynology, and Plant Evolution Laboratory, Department of Botany, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Ranchi Road, Purulia-723104, India Rajendra Singh Rana [ rajendra.rana1@gmail.com ], Department of Geology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University, Srinagar, 246174 Uttarakhand, India Mahasin Ali Khan* [ khan.mahasinali@gmail.com ], Palaeobotany, Palynology, and Plant Evolution Laboratory, Department of Botany, Sidho-Kanho-Birsha University, Ranchi Road, Purulia-723104, India.

Genetic response of a perennial grass to warm and wet environments interacts and is associated with trait means as well as plasticity.

Potential for rapid evolution is an important mechanism allowing species to adapt to changing climatic conditions. Although such a potential has been largely studied in various short-lived organisms, to what extent we can observe similar patterns in long-lived plant species, which often dominate natural systems, is largely unexplored. We explored potential for rapid evolution in Festuca rubra, long-lived grass with extensive clonal growth dominating in alpine grasslands. We used field sowing experiment simulating expected climate change in our model region. Specifically, we exposed seeds from 5 independent seed sources to novel climatic conditions by shifting them along a natural climatic grid and explored genetic profiles of established seedling after 3 years. Data on genetic profiles of plants selected under different novel conditions indicate that different climate shifts select significantly different pools of genotypes from common seed pools. Increasing soil moisture was more important selective pressure than increasing temperature or interaction of the two climatic factors. This can indicate negative genetic interaction in response to the combined effects, or that the effects of different climates are interactive rather than additive. The selected alleles were found in genomic regions likely affecting function of specific genes or their expression. Many of these were also linked to morphological traits (mainly to trait plasticity) suggesting these changes may have a consequence for plant performance. Overall, these data indicate that even long-lived plant species may experience strong selection by climate, and their populations thus have the potential to rapidly adapt to these novel conditions.

A review on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Curculigo latifolia Dryand ex. W.Aiton

Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W. T. Aiton, from the genus Curculigo, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses such as fever, stomach aches, jaundice, wounds, and inflammation. C. latifolia is a perennial herb that is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Southern China, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Andaman Islands. This review collates the reported studies on the different aspects of C. latifolia from its plant description, nutritional value, phytochemistry, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. This review aims to identify gaps in the literature and provide useful references for future work on this plant. Previous studies have shown that C. latifolia contains high mineral contents of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential components of human health. Moreover, the plant is rich in phytochemicals, which play a prominent role in various pharmacological activities. The most common compounds identified included curculigoside, crassifoside I, nyasicoside, and curculigine. C. latifolia demonstrated high antioxidant activity through its ability to scavenge superoxide anions, 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino–bis(3–ethylbenzthiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, reducing ferric ions to ferrous complexes, iron chelation, and B-carotene bleaching. It was also shown that the roots, stems, and leaves of C. latifolia were effective in exerting antimicrobial activity against several microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Erwinia sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Candida albicans, Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the root, fruit, leaf, petiole, and rhizome extracts were found to improve glucose uptake and insulin secretion in diabetic rats, suggesting their antidiabetic potential. C. latifolia presents a wide range of medicinal properties that could make it a promising functional food or source of food supplements to prevent nutrition–related or chronic diseases.

The rhizosphere microbiome and its influence on the accumulation of metabolites in Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f

BackgroundBletilla striata (Thunb.) Reichb. f. (B. striata) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Orchidaceae family known for its diverse pharmacological activities, such as promoting wound healing, hemostasis, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, and immune regulation. Nevertheless, the microbe-plant-metabolite regulation patterns for B. striata remain largely undetermined, especially in the field of rhizosphere microbes. To elucidate the interrelationships between soil physics and chemistry and rhizosphere microbes and metabolites, a comprehensive approach combining metagenome analysis and targeted metabolomics was employed to investigate the rhizosphere soil and tubers from four provinces and eight production areas in China.ResultsOur study reveals that the core rhizosphere microbiome of B. striata is predominantly comprised of Paraburkholderia, Methylibium, Bradyrhizobium, Chitinophaga, and Mycobacterium. These microbial species are recognized as potentially beneficial for plants health. Comprehensive analysis revealed a significant association between the accumulation of metabolites, such as militarine and polysaccharides in B. striata and the composition of rhizosphere microbes at the genus level. Furthermore, we found that the soil environment indirectly influenced the metabolite profile of B. striata by affecting the composition of rhizosphere microbes. Notably, our research identifies soil organic carbon as a primary driving factor influencing metabolite accumulation in B. striata.ConclusionOur fndings contribute to an enhanced understanding of the comprehensive regulatory mechanism involving microbe-plant-metabolite interactions. This research provides a theoretical basis for the cultivation of high-quality traditional Chinese medicine B. striata.

Potassium silicate and vinasse enhance biometric characteristics of perennial sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) under greenhouse conditions

An effective strategy for enhancing fruit production continuity during extended sweet pepper season involves adopting innovative biostimulants such as potassium silicate (PS) and vinasse. Adjusting PS and vinasse concentrations are crucial for maintaining the balance between vegetative and fruit growth, particularly in sweet pepper with a shallow root system, to sustain fruiting over prolonged season. However, the interaction between PS and vinasse and the underlying physiological mechanisms that extend the sweet pepper season under greenhouse conditions remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PS and vinasse treatments on the yield and biochemical constituents of perennial pepper plants cultivated under greenhouse conditions. For two consecutive seasons [2018/2019 and 2019/2020], pepper plants were sprayed with PS (0, 0.5, and 1 g/l) and drenched with vinasse (0, 1, 2, and 3 l/m3). To estimate the impact of PS and vinasse on the growth, yield, and biochemical constituents of pepper plants, fresh and dry biomass, potential fruit yield, and some biochemical constituents were evaluated. Results revealed that PS (0.5 g/l) coupled with vinasse (3 l/m3) generated the most remarkable enhancement, in terms of plant biomass, total leaf area, total yield, and fruit weight during both growing seasons. The implementation of vinasse at 3 l/m3 with PS at 0.5 and 1 g/l demonstrated the most pronounced augmentation in leaf contents (chlorophyll index, nitrogen and potassium), alongside improved fruit quality, including total soluble solid and ascorbic acid contents, of extended sweet pepper season. By implementing the optimal combination of PS and vinasse, growers can significantly enhance the biomass production while maintaining a balance in fruiting, thereby maximizing the prolonged fruit production of superior sweet pepper under greenhouse conditions.

Clearfield upland rice intercropped with Urochloa ruziziensis for grain, increased revenue and environmental preservation

AbstractIntercropping perennial forage grasses into cereal crops is an alternative to recover degraded pastures. However, the intercrop of forage grasses, such as Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C. M. Evard) Crins (Congo grass), can lead to losses in cereal yield. Therefore, it is necessary to develop management strategies that allow forage grass establishment without major losses in cereal yield in intercropping. The objective was to study the agronomic and economic impacts of intercropping U. ruziziensis into a Clearfield upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in two growing seasons. Treatments included forage grass seeds sowing method (broadcast or incorporation to the soil) and sowing times (at rice sowing, 20 days after emergence [DAE], and 45 DAE of rice). Also, imazapyr + imazapic herbicide was applied to restrict the competitive effect on rice yield. Monocropping control plots were also evaluated. Grain yield was measured on rice. Forage grass dry matter yield was measured at 30, 60, and 90 days after harvesting (DAH) of rice. Crude protein content was analyzed at 90 DAH. Profitability was calculated for each cropping system relative to rice monocropping. Intercropping of rice and U. ruziziensis sowed at 45 DAE provided the highest grain yield relative to other assessed intercropping treatments as well as rice monocropping. Concurrent sowing of rice and incorporated U. ruziziensis seeding provided the greatest economic return. This reformed cropping system improved land and pasture output, which can reduce the pressure to convert more land to agricultural use.

Ananas comosus (Pineapple): A Comprehensive Review of Its Medicinal Properties, Phytochemical Composition, and Pharmacological Activities

Herbal medicine, also known as phytomedicine, utilizes various plant parts like leaves, fruits, roots, bark, or flowers for their health benefits, standing as an alternative healthcare approach to conventional medicine. Traditional herbal remedies, integral to medical systems worldwide, notably in China and India, are gaining global recognition for their efficacy and fewer side effects. Approximately 80% of the world's population relies on traditional herbal medicine for primary healthcare, as per the World Health Organization. Ananas comosus (L.) Merril, commonly known as pineapple, belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, encompassing about 50 genera and 200 species. Pineapple, a perennial herbaceous plant, exhibits unique physical attributes, with its main parts including the stem, leaves, peduncle, multiple fruit, crown, shoots, and roots. Pineapple contains various amino acids, including tyrosine and tryptophan, along with bromelain, an enzyme aiding digestion by breaking down proteins. This review outlines previous research on the phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of Ananas comosus, highlighting its diverse medicinal properties. From antimicrobial and anticancer activities to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects, pineapple demonstrates significant therapeutic potential across multiple health domains. Additionally, its nutritional value and traditional uses further underscore its importance as a versatile herbal remedy. Keywords: Ananas comosus, pineapple, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, medicinal properties, bromelain.

Determination of nutritional composition, enzyme inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of pretreated, dehydrated <em style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amaranthus viridis</em> L. Leaves

Amaranthus viridis L., belongs to the family Amaranthaceae is a perennial edible plant, and traditionally used for medicinal treatments in South Asia. Despite the significant uses of the plant, availability of scientific data on plant's biological efficiency is lacking in the scientific domain. There is a higher potential and demand for dehydrated value-added products from the local and international market. Hence, the objective of the research was to determine the impact of pretreatments and dehydration on nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibitory activity of A.viridis leaves. Magnesium oxide 0.1% (w/v), sodium bicarbonate 0.1% (w/v) and potassium metabisulphite 0.5% (w/v) were selected as the best pretreatment based on the experiments. The pretreated leaves were steam blanched (5 min), followed by dehydration at 60 ± 1°C for 12 hours. Protein (21.90 ± 1.01%db), fat (3.70 ± 0.02%db), fiber (5.90 ± 0.05%db), ash (11.30 ± 0.12%db) and carbohydrate (49.24 ± 0.08%db) were determined. Data was statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test at a 95% confidence level (p < 0.05). A qualitative phytochemical analysis was conducted. The total phenolic content, 5.89 ± 0.30 mg in Gallic acid equivalents per 1g was determined in pretreated, dehydrated powder. FRAP, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ferrous ion chelating activity of the methanolic extract were 20.22 ± 0.45 mg Trolox equivalents, 1.68 ± 0.07 mg in Trolox equivalents and 3.83 ± 0.06 mg EDTA equivalents per 1g of pretreated dehydrated leaf powder, respectively. Methanolic extract (500 μg/mL) showed inhibitory activity of 25.30 ± 0.60% on 5-lipoxygenase, 30.80 ± 0.50% on alpha-amylase and 25.60 ± 0.40% on alpha-glucosidase. Inhibitory activity was not detected against lipase, acetylcholine esterase and butyrylcholinesterase enzymes. In conclusion, pretreated, dehydrated, A. viridis leaves are recommended as a health beneficial food ingredient.

Comparative morpho-anatomy of two sedges (<i>Cyperus cyperoides</i>(L.) Kuntze and <i>Cyperus rotundus</i. L.)

The research investigated the comparative morpho-anatomy of two sedges (Cyperus cyperoides (L.) Kuntze and Cyperus rotundus L.), members of the family Cyperaceae. They are perennial herbs and the former commonly known as commonflat sedge and the latter nut sedge or purple nutsedge. The epidermal peels were obtained by standard methods. The samples were fixed in formaldehyde, glacial acetic acid, 70% alcohol in the ratio of 1:1:18, dehydrated in alcohol solutions of 50%, 70%, 90%, absolute and sectioned, stained in 2% aqueous solution of Safranin O, counter stained in Alcian blue, mounted in glycerine.The result on epidermal studies showcased both kidney and dumbbell-shaped guard cells, graminaceous stomata which is amphistomatic for both species. The anatomical studies revealed scattered vascular bundies in ground tissues of stems, bulliform cells at adaxial foliar organs. The pith sections have large pith and a single row of barrel shaped endodermis prominently pronounced. The research findings here would assist in improving upon already existing knowledge about C. cyperoides and C rotundus.

A review of grass species yields and growth rates in Northland, New Zealand

ABSTRACT Pastoral farming is a major land use in New Zealand's Northland region, with 3,171 farm holdings and a total area of 637,500 hectares in 2022. The region's pasture grasses include temperate (C3) and subtropical and tropical (C4) grasses which support dairy, and sheep and beef production from grazing. In lowland areas, C3 and some annual C4 grasses are prevalent where cultivation occurs, while perennial C4 grasses dominate areas with low soil fertility and summer dry conditions. Grass-based pasture growth rates (kg dry matter/ha/day) from published and unpublished sources were assembled into the AgYields database. Among the resident and sown grasses tested in Kaitaia, Kaikohe, Whangarei and Dargaville, perennial ryegrass represented ∼60% of the total data points. Dominant kikuyu pastures represented 23% and the remaining species represented 17%. Rates of growth ranged from 5 to 120 kg DM/ha/day, being lowest in late autumn-winter and highest in early summer. Data were compared and agronomic traits (i.e. drought tolerance, biomass production and tillering) are discussed to assess species suitability for the Northland environment. The medium-term prospect suggests an urgent need to improve research into management of cocksfoot and tall fescue-based pastures to provide viable alternatives to overcome the decreasing persistence of perennial ryegrass.

Seed germination demonstrates inter-annual variations in alkaline tolerance: a case study in perennial Leymus chinensis

Background and aimsThe escalating issue of soil saline-alkalization poses a growing global challenge. Leymus chinensis is a perennial grass species commonly used in the establishment and renewal of artificial grasslands that is relatively tolerant of saline, alkaline, and drought conditions. Nonetheless, reduced seed setting rates limit its propagation, especially on alkali-degraded grassland. Inter-annual variations have an important effect on seed yield and germination under abiotic stress, and we therefore examined the effect of planting year on seed yield components of L. chinensis.MethodsWe grew transplanted L. chinensis seedlings in pots for two (Y2), three (Y3), or four (Y4) years and collected spikes for measurement of seed yield components, including spike length, seed setting rate, grain number per spike, and thousand seed weight. We then collected seeds produced by plants from different planting years and subjected them to alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) for measurement of germination percentage and seedling growth.ResultsThe seed setting rate of L. chinensis decreased with an increasing number of years in pot cultivation, but seed weight increased. Y2 plants had a higher seed setting rate and more grains per spike, whereas Y4 plants had a higher thousand seed weight. The effects of alkaline stress (25 mM Na2CO3) on seed germination were less pronounced for the heavier seeds produced by Y4 plants. Na2CO3 caused a 9.2% reduction in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y4 seeds but a 22.3% increase in shoot length for seedlings derived from Y3 seeds.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate significant differences in seed yield components among three planting years of L. chinensis under pot cultivation in a finite space. Inter-annual variation in seed set may provide advantages to plants. Increased alkalinity tolerance of seed germination was observed for seeds produced in successive planting years.

First Report of Agroathelia rolfsii Causing Southern Blight on Lippia (Phyla canescens) in Guangzhou, China.

Lippia (Phyla canescens) is a fast-growing, mat-forming, and prostrate perennial plant well adapted to infertile, high-saline, and drought environments (Leigh, et al. 2004). It arrived in China from Japan as a flowering ground cover in 2001 (Cai, et al. 2004). In June 2022, southern blight appeared in our nursery of the Floriculture Research Institute of Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences. High temperature and damp environment are major factors for this disease. The symptoms of top-layer plants were not easily detected, but they were slightly yellowed. A yellowish-brown water-soak lesion appeared on the stems and lowest leaves exposed to soil. White mycelium appeared in the middle stage. Finally, the surface plants showed water-soak decay, and a mass of beige to black-brown rapeseed-shaped sclerotia appeared on the residue and surrounding soil; these plants died. Sclerotia and mycelia were collected from disease tissue, and after surface sterilization, sclerotia was cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 28±2°C in an incubator without light. Eight fungal isolates with similar colony morphologies were consistently isolated by purifying from different sampling areas. The isolates exhibited obvious septa and a clamp connection structure within the white mycelium. The average growth rate was 26.86±0.06 mm/day. Numerous white granular sclerotia were produced on the mycelium 6 days later. The sclerotia with a diameter of 1.24±0.07mm (n=189) gradually changed from diage to yellow to brown. A typical strain B1 was selected for further identification, targeting its 18S rRNA and LSU rRNA sequences (Yang, et al. 2011; Xue, et al. 2019). Its 18S rRNA sequence (GenBank Accession No. OR517233, 1626 bp) is 99.63% and 99.57% identical to Athelia rolfsii (AY665774, 1179bp; KC670714, 1775bp; JF819726, 1781bp). Its LSU rRNA sequence (OR539570, 757 bp) is 99.87% identical to Agroathelia rolfsii (OR526537, 904 bp). For Athelia rolfsii, a synonym of Agroathelia rolfsii, by combining the morphological characteristics and molecular identification, the isolate pathogen B1 was confirmed to be Agroathelia rolfsii (the teleomorph of Sclerotium rolfsii). To fullfill Koch's postulates, we inoculated the mycelial plugs to healthy lippia stems and leaves which has grown for one year, with PDA plugs free of mycelium as the control. All the plants were kept in a greenhouse at 28±2°C with a 14-h photoperiod and 80% relative humidity. Each treatment was repeated thrice and vaccinated with 6 points. At 7 d following inoculation, all plants inoculated with B1 showed typical symptoms, but the control group was asymptomatic, and sclerotia appeared 17d after inoculation. Using the same protocol mentioned above, pathogenic fungal was reisolated only from treated groups, but not from the control group. Chose three of the pathogens for 18S rRNA and LSU rRNA sequencing, the results showed 100% identity to B1, the same as its microstructure. There are few reports about the disease on P. canescens. Sosa (2007) investigated the pathogens on P. canescens in Argentina, 16 fungi were found but no A. rolfsii. Sclerotium rolfsii were identified on P. nodiflora or P. lanceolata (Michaux) Greene in America (Farr, et al. 1989). To our knowledge, this is the first report in China. Because this pathogen has wide-ranging hosts and causes serious damage, the results from this study will offer guidance for the prevention and treatment of this disease.